Two days went by, but that talk with Ichinose in the garden remained firm in his mind. He did a little bit more digging around and learned more about Sumire's reputation. Indeed it does appear as though she is stronger than the average person.

But Sano recalled her medical records. Her body is breaking down a lot. Perhaps it is due to the unfamiliar nature of her abilities, but her body cannot handle those powers. Even if she is strong, if her body cannot handle that strength, she is the same as a powerless person.

Sano sighed deeply. He can't concentrate like this. His gaze fell on the stack of paperwork, and he shook his head. He can save this stuff for another time.

He packed his stuff and quickly left his office. It should surprise her if he comes home early.

Sano paused in the middle of the hallway, though when he spotted somebody familiar. It was his friend Hino, but the man was not alone. There standing opposite him was a man with dark hair, wearing a dark suit and white lab coat.

Huh? Isn't this guy--? The one Sumire was with when that incident happened?

A furious look was on Hino's face; it was the first time he saw such raw emotion on his friend's face.

"Do you truly think what you are doing is for the best?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I thought it was strange Terashima Yuhi asked Nagawa Sano something so ridiculous. Terashima isn't stupid; even if it is safe with Nagawa, he also knows how dangerous it is. He will not do anything that will bring her harm."

"Are you saying I did something?"

"You're the only person who has the power and influence over Terashima Yuhi, the only one other than her that can change his words."

Sano's eyes widened when he heard that. Even before Hino responded, he already knew that the other man was right. Why didn't he think about this before? There is no way Terashima, who is normally so hostile towards him, would allow Sumire to stay with him, no matter what the situation is.

But for the stubborn Terashima to change his mind, only one other person other than Sumire can convince him. But why would Hino do something like that? Hino always insists that he stays away from Sumire.

Hino sighed. "Since you figured that out, then why are you not doing anything? If you tell Sumire, she will leave right away."

Eli laughed. "Nonsense, how can I persuade the Queen?"

At that comment, Hino slammed his fist against the wall. "Why did you return to Japan? No, what were you doing with Sumire?"

"What you say? I was following her orders and updating her on the situation."

"So it is your fault that she saved Nakara Shin that time and attracted their attention. I warned you to stay away from her!"

"You're acting so overprotective, but it seems she does not remember who you are."

"That's--"

"Noblesse oblige. Those with great responsibility should give back to those who are less fortunate. But here you are hiding your identity from her and committing a great sin."

Sano could not believe what he just heard. Hino--Hino knew Sumire? Since when? From the conversation just now, it seems like they have known each other for a long time. Sano didn't understand what was going on. But he knew it would be bad for him to remain and listen any longer.

…...

When he returned to his apartment, Sano searched for her immediately since she did not greet him.

Where is she? She didn't go out, right? Before he could panic, however, he hears a familiar voice.

"San? Is that you?"

"Yeah." Sano walked towards the kitchen. "Are you cooking again?

"Mmm, I found some good books in your library. Do you mind? I made a bit of a mess."

"It's fine. You can use it as you-" Sano paused for a moment when he saw what she was wearing. "Is this new?"

"I used your card, and you don't mind, right? I didn't bring much with me. If I use my own money, the media will notice."

"I don't." Sano appeared behind her. "Use everything here as you please, even me."

Sumire nodded, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. He slid his hands around her waist and tugged on her skirt.

"Stop."

"You don't want to still?"

Sumire turned around and bit her lip. "I warned you, San, if you do anything, I will leave."

"Hah, you're not giving me a break." His gaze darkened. "You do realize that the moment you leave here, they will throw you in jail."

"If I go to jail, maybe I will see Yuhi."

"Like they would put you together."

"You never know."

"Stop, let's not do this." Sano ran his hands through his hair. "Terashima's trial date is soon; the verdict is inncoent since he didn't do anything wrong. Just be patient."

He suddenly felt her tug on his shirt. "I think I'm a bit tired."

Sano picked her up and didn't say a word for the next few minutes until they reached the room. He carefully places her on the bed.

"If you have a fever, you need to stay in bed."

'It's because she willingly drank that thing the other day.' Ever since then, Sano has not given it to her openly and has reduced the dosage. Now that she knew it would be difficult for him to give it to her without further damaging his consciousness.

"Are you returning to work?"

"Not that I have to. I can work from home for a bit." Sano recalled the stack of paperwork he left behind. Maybe he should have brought that stuff with him.

"I will be okay. You should go."

Sano shook his head. He doesn't know if those two are still there, but Hino is a sharp person. His friend most likely realized he would be there. Hino wanted him to know.

He loosened his tie slightly, and Sumire panicked.

"Uh--Uh--!"

"What?"

"If you're going to get changed, please do so in another room."

Is she serious? Sano scanned her expression for a moment and saw the panic and fear in her eyes.

"I always loosen my tie. You don't need to freak out."

"…"

Sano sighed deeply. "Is living with me that hard?"

"I don't know when you will attack."

"Then why did you stay here?"

"Yuhi told me too."

"So if Terashima tells you to die, would you?" Sano countered back. It was a harsh thing to say, but she makes it sound like she will do anything Terashima asks her to.

"Mmm, right."

'Damn it; she isn't supposed to say yes.' Sano walked over to the bed and climbed on. He felt drained from working all day and then overhearing that conversation too. Maybe if he goes to sleep, he will wake up refreshed, and all the pieces will come to place.

"I'm also going to sleep."

"Right, then, goodnight."

It took Sano only a few seconds to realize that the girl closed her eyes already and had no intention of leaving.

Is she seriously going to sleep beside him? Since she decided to stay with him in the past two weeks, not once has Sumire slept beside him. Initially, he tried to trick her into that by lying about the other rooms, but she saw right through him.

"Hey, didn't you say you were afraid?"

"I am."

"You're very pretty. I think you understand, right? I can easily do what I want with you."

"Is that so?"

In the next second, she was on top of him. "I think you forget San, but I am stronger than you."