These days she plays with the idea of Ru being alive.

If he were still alive, he would support her with the child without a doubt. He would be very happy. Whenever her morning sickness happened, he would hold her in his arms. Sumire shook her head. What use is there thinking about this stuff now? Besides, it's not like Yuhi doesn't do that. Yuhi holds her so tightly these days like she is somebody precious. He treats her so kindly.

It's not like she isn't satisfied; she is very happy these days. But sometimes she can't help but think. How would Ru handle the current situation? Would he still rush and behave recklessly? Or would he stay by her side just like Yuhi?

"Say, Shin."

"What is it?"

"You told me before that you would protect me. You seem to have a strong conviction, why is that?" It was Something that piqued her curiosity from the very start.

Shin looked away. "Is the reason important?"

"Well, I appreciate that you want to keep me safe, and I find it sweet and all. But why?"

"You don't need a reason for it. Just know that if Something happens, I will be there for you."

Even now, he is saying such words with resolution and conviction. It doesn't seem like she will get any more answers from him. Yuhi is weird, so is Shin. Hino is acting strangely these days, and so is Sano. The guys around here are all up to Something.

She wonders if it were the same for that guy too. After that abrupt message conversation, he hasn't contacted her. He said three days, right? That means he should be here tomorrow. A part of her was not looking forward to this meeting.

"So, you came here with your team? What are they like?"

Shin sighs. "You're asking a lot of questions today."

"Well, it is rare that I get this chance." While they spoke a lot in school, it was always to do with physics.

She doesn't recall exactly how long she knew this person. But Sumire knew that her understanding of this person is small. She would like to get to know him better now that she has the chance. Sumire assumed that he was a typical book worm, but now that she thought about it, she heard some strange rumors before.

"Shin, you attended a Yankee school before you became a teacher, right?"

"Yes."

That's right; she first met him when he was still a student. It was before he started to pursue his career in physics seriously. Back then, she was frightened of him. After all, he had a scary look in his eyes and the rumors. "People used to say that you extorted money from women and children, was that true?"

A troubled look appeared on Shin's face. "Did you believe them?"

"Well.."

"Hey!"

Sumire laughed. "Could you blame me? I didn't know you very well back then." Not that she knows him any better now. But since she realized Ru trusted him, Sumire figured that he wasn't a bad guy. When he started to come over a lot during the time Ru was sick, she was very grateful.

"Well, the past is the past. The things that happened back then will stay in the past; right now, we should focus on the future."

Ah, just now, he looked quite cool. Sumire didn't know what it was. Maybe it was the gust of wind that suddenly blew just now. She wonders what kind of power Shin has; she hasn't seen it yet.

"Could I ask about your abilities?"

Hino has buzzer-beater.

That man's ability is earth.

Ru had sonic speed.

Shin blinked. "Are you interested?"

Sumire nodded, and he raised his hand. She watched as small droplets of water appeared from his fingertips. Her eyes widened. "Ah, water."

"Correct."

Water huh? It is a typical superpower, and yet she laughed softly. "It suits you."

"Suits me, huh?" Shin repeated.

An awkward silence appeared then, and her sweat fell. Should she not have asked him? But she was very curious. Recently she has been investigating a lot more. To think there are so many individuals with these unusual abilities. How come nobody has noticed before? They must have hidden it very well.

She often read the news and never saw things like this. But there were some bits and pieces before that she found strange—unusual accidents that happen all over the world, which can't be explained by science.

Sumire was about to break the silence when they heard Shin's phone ring. He immediately picked up the call. "Hello, Yuhi? Yeah, she is with me. Relax when we exit the dream, she will appear in the house. No, there won't be any interference. If you think so, you can make those preparations."

Yuhi? His phone works here? Then again, Shin said Something about them using their real bodies in this dream. She rummaged through her pocket and pulled out her phone but saw the black screen with the red battery symbol.

Sumire sighs. It is a good thing that Yuhi stopped her from going out. Imagine if she ended up being pulled into the dream outside, with a dead phone.

Shin tossed the phone to her.

"Yuhi?"

"Listen to shin, stick close to him, and I repeat, do not get involved."

Sumire sweat fell when she heard the long list of instructions that said the same thing. It seems like she can't do anything unless Shin says so.

"Uh Yuhi-san, you do realize that if we get into a brawl here, I can't just stand by and do nothing."

"Stupid girl, just wait for me."

Sumire wanted to say Something, but Yuhi quickly ended the call. So much for trying to bribe him with some sweet words. Then again, Yuhi is not the type of person who she could bribe during a serious situation. Sumire passes the phone back to Shin.

"It seems you're in charge of me, officer Shin."

"Well, Yuhi has the right to be concerned. If a fight does break out, you can fight but stick close to me."

Her eyes brightened at those words. "I can fight?"

"This girl is so eager to get into a brawl."

"But Yuhi is so overprotective. Just a trip to the convenient store two blocks away ends up with him fussing."

"Yuhi knows you can take care of yourself. He doesn't underestimate you. He knows if worse comes to worst, you will emerge the victor. But what he is worried about is the dirty tricks from the enemy."

"Shin, you understand Yuhi better than I do."

Shin sighs as he passed her a bottle of water from his bag. "It's not that I understand him. But after spending so long as his friend, I learned these things."

Forget knowing things about Shin. She still doesn't understand Yuhi very well. Sumire proceeded to open the cap when she saw the small straw attached to the top. Ah—? Could it be that Shin drinks his water like this?