"I have some rules."

"Rules?"

​​

"We can't be alone, but we can't be in public either."

She doesn't want the media to get hold of anything. Moreover, the first thing is key. If she is alone with him, he will do something to her again. 'I can no longer allow him to do whatever he wants.'

The kiss from earlier still lingered on her lips, and she sighed.

It does seem like Sano is on her side now but at what cost? Won't it be more problematic in the future?

Her thoughts broke off when Sano put his book down. "Go sleep; tomorrow, you will get discharged."

Eh, tomorrow? But aren't there two days left? What is the sudden news?

"Tomorrow, the Lord-sama will be admitted here. So you should stay away from the hospital for a while."

"Admitted?"

Sano nodded. "Yeah, it seems he has a terminal illness. It's slowed down due to his evolved genetics, but recently it has flared up. This is the best hospital in town. Moreover, I'm in charge, so he more or less has control."

It surprised her how much Sano was telling her. Then again, this is what she wanted from him, no? This is the reason why she went through all of that.

Sumire recalled what happened recently and looked at him concerned. "So, will you be okay?"

"It's fine; I doubt we will cross paths."

Oh right, Sano said before that he has never met him. But this isn't the first time he is coming to the hospital? How does that work?

Sano caressed her cheeks. "Get some sleep; we can talk more the next day."

Right. Sumire wanted to text Yuhi but realized that Sano wouldn't leave until she fell asleep. It would be better to leave it for tonight.

…

The following day, she woke up and took a quick shower before getting changed. Sumire looked at her reflection in the mirror for a few minutes before sighing deeply. 'I look so pale because I have been cooped up here for so long.' Her gaze fell towards her leg.

The injury healed up a while ago, but she remained here to gather information. She received more than she should have.

The last piece of news being larger news than she thought, so she needs to discuss this new development with Eli. The supposed leader of the Black Alice organization has an illness severe enough for him to end up in hospital.

They could use this to their advantage to turn the situation in their favor. Right now, their side isn't necessarily losing, but it is not like they have much of a lead either.

This current stalemate won't last forever. Each side is waiting for the piece of information to turn the situation around.

Sumire quickly headed to Sano's office. She was in a rush and wanted to leave as soon as she could. Sano didn't look up right away when she came. It seemed he was too focused on whatever he was typing.

It was only when she leaned forward and called his name did he respond.

"I don't think you need a final examination; you should be fine now."

Of course, she doesn't need a final examination; she healed up a long time ago. Then again, there is no use discussing it now. Sumire wondered, though, since when did Sano realize she was pretending? Her thoughts broke off when he slid a transparent bag with several bottles inside in front of her.

"Take these with you."

Oh, it's the medicine he has been giving her this entire time. But does she have to continue taking this now that she is no longer pretending? Moreover, Sano admitted how dangerous this was.

Sumire looked at the bottles cautiously.

"This isn't harmful. I changed it, but the appearance looks the same to trick them."

Ah, so that's how it is.

Sumire accepts the package and their fingers brush against each other. She felt his gaze on her and quickly drew her hand back, only for him to grab her wrist.

"Uh."

"Will you come see me?"

"I thought you told me to stay away from the hospital."

"I have equipment in my place. We can do your checkups there."

'His place?' That wouldn't be appropriate. Sumire coughed. "I'll find somewhere else and contact you."

They can't go to his place. Besides, reporters will be tailing her the moment she steps out of here. Due to the strict guidelines of this hospital, reporters cannot go in easily, so nobody could get any information here.

Sumire would have left after that, but he had yet to let go of her wrist. Sano stood up and pulled her into his arms.

"I won't be able to see you for a while. So let me have this."

'Uh, since when could he do such sweet things?' Sumire reluctantly nodded. He was only hugging her and not doing anything else.

She doesn't owe him anything, but he did take care of her for a while.

"Sano."

"Hmm?"

"You have to promise me something."

Sano chuckled. "If you're asking for a favor, I should get a decent reward out of it."

"A reward, huh? I'll think about it, so listen to me."

Sano seemed surprised at her response and pulled away from her. "I don't want you to think badly of me again."

"I'm not; just you have to listen."

"If this is about the Lord, I already know what to do."

"You already disobeyed him the last time. It's not safe, San."

His lips curve to a smile, and Sumire looked away, understanding. "I am indeed worried about you, but only because you have already sacrificed so much. I don't want to owe you something--" her sentence fell short when he cupped her cheeks.

"Would you be sad if I died?"

'What crazy things is he saying now?' Then again, this is the part of him that has never changed. He has a bit of an eccentric personality at times.

"Of course, nobody deserves to die."

No matter how evil or corrupt they are. They all deserve a second chance.

Before she could say anything else, Sano was kissing her again. But unlike the other day, she managed to pull away rather quickly. Sumire raised her hand and slapped him.

"Why do you have to ruin it?"

"That's the type of person I am."

Sumire looked at him angrily. 'Why is he like this? It's so frustrating.' She didn't say anymore and walked out of the room quickly. It's so unfair for him to behave like this.

The moment she arrived at the lobby, she felt a familiar pair of hands pull her back. It was Sano; he had run after her.

"What now?"

Her thoughts broke off when Sano wrapped something around her wrist. "I'll see you around then."

Sumire stared at the bracelet dumbfounded. "Wait, is this for me?"

"It is."

'So odd, this doesn't look like a brand bracelet.' Sumire carefully examined the bracelet. Is this handmade? It does look like it; there are some clumsy-looking areas. But why would he give me a handmade bracelet somebody else made on his behalf?