Ran apologized to her. This is not the first time this has happened. Whenever he ends up thinking of Sumire, it ends up this way.

Yuki chuckles. "But that's the expression of yours that I quite like."

So she still likes him. But unlike before, that crazy look in her eyes has vanished. Even though she hugged him like that earlier, Ran knew that she meant nothing by it. It seems this person is trying to move on.

"What brings you here today?" Ran changed the topic.

The girl's gaze darkened, and she placed a tape on the table. "I received something rather disturbing the other day and knew I should discuss it with you all as soon as possible."

Disturbing? Yuki could have come here anytime since he arrived, but she did not appear before him until now. The only thing that would bother him so much is if it is something to do with Sumire. Ran frowned before he called Wei over.

Wei took the tape from the table and placed it inside the recorder. Soon images floated onto the screen but not just any normal images, dozens of photos of Sumire. This was.... His eyes widened, horrified. It was not just one or two images but thousands. Some looked like still shots every minute.

"It seems like somebody is targetting her severely. Look closely at the footage."

Ran turned his attention to the screen indeed to see what the white-haired girl was concerned about. Even at the girl's home, and is that not the Iro Road dorms?

They give each student a room even if they live in a different accommodation. Ran knew that Sumire liked to stay there whenever she had time.

But it isn't just the Iro Road dorms but the ones from Tsukuhara high from last year? That can't be possible unless the one who took this footage is a student?

"Ran-sama, where was Ibuki-san the most last year?" Yuki questioned.

The most last ---- he thought back. It did not take him long before he reached an answer. Of course, he didn't need to think about it. It's a place he knew all too well because the same had been for him. "2S," Ran muttered.

Yuki nodded. "I arrived at the same conclusion."

His own classroom? But there is no way they wouldn't have noticed someone suspicious. It can't be -- he felt a bead of sweat falling from his cheeks when something came to mind.

One person, Sumire, spoke to quite a bit that wasn't him and the others. Only one other person since the others weren't brave enough to do that with all of them around.

"Yuki, do you think you can get a copy of the new student rooster this year?"

"It shouldn't be a problem if I call Mizue, she's in the student council this year. Ah, you could probably ask your kohai too, Senna-san."

He flinches upon hearing the mention of the pianist after what he read earlier. Even though he had yet to read anything concrete, it didn't stop him from feeling uncomfortable about it. How could the media come up with such crazy accusations?

The media are then targeting Nanairo feather because of Sumire, and they want to lure her out. Ran wondered if she knew the news yet, would she do something? That is a stupid question. Ran knew her quite well. When she hears of this, she will take action.

"That guy is probably busy. Just call your sister." He turned to the dark brunette. "Wei, you have nothing to do today, correct?"

Wei nodded. "I am. Should I find her and follow her around?"

He catches on quickly. "Yeah, do that."

Ran wanted nothing more than to be the person who follows her around but now is not the time for this. He cannot let his feelings get the better of him. He has to take other measures to make sure she is safe.

Yuki grabbed onto his arm. A serious look appeared on her face. "You aren't going to do anything dangerous, are you? Because even if it is for Ibuki-san, I won't let you."

Ran briefly closed his eyes before he opened them again. Dangerous huh? How many dangerous situations did Sumire get caught in last year? He saved her a lot then, too, but it never felt like it was enough. She did so much for his sake, and yet he could not repay her.

He reached over and flicked the girl's forehead. "Don't worry. Not even I am that foolish."

It was a lie, and they both knew it. But Yuki did not say anything else and quickly left the house. Ran did not bother chasing after her. He felt bad for her, but he does not want to give her false hope anymore. He is in love with somebody else now, in love with Ibuki Sumire.

"Ran-san, do you think Terashima Yuhi knows this?"

Ran sighed deeply. "If he knew, he would not leave her side even for a moment."

So this is something that escaped even Terashima's watchful eyes?

…

A few hours later, Ran decided to go on a walk and take a break instead.

He placed his hand on his forehead and sighed. Despite all that work he did, in the end, he couldn't narrow down the suspects at all. There is only one other person Sumire became close with during her time in 2S, and that was the vice class rep.

Yuki worked efficiently and must have called her sister immediately since he received the new rooster quickly.

Narrowing down who the guy is acquainted with a list of three thousand new students isn't easy. However, he managed to narrow it down to one thousand; in the end, it's still many people.

Moreover, Kou called at the wrong time. What is that guy doing accepting so many jobs for them again? However, Ran knew he ought to get his mind off things and decided to take a walk before going there. His thoughts broke off when he spotted a familiar girl.

Is that not Sumire?

A group of male students wearing the uniform of the Yankee school opposite had her surrounded. Oi oi, doing this thing so early in the morning is dangerous.

Ran examined his surroundings to see if anybody else was around. He scanned only for a second before he spotted an elderly couple nearby.

It would be dangerous if they get caught up in it.

Before he could step forward, though, a glimpse of dark brown went past him and was by Sumire's side.

"Sumire-San, you don't need to bother with these."

Sumire laughed. "There's no way I can pass up such a good source of entertainment. Besides, I need it right now; let me vent some of my frustration."

Despite being quite far away, Ran spotted the darkness that flashed through her eyes. Sumire put her bag down on the ground and turned to the guys. All of them were jeering and mocking her, but she did not flinch at all. When he first saw Ibuki Sumire fight, it amazed him. Her movements looked graceful, almost like she was dancing.

It was a first for him to see such a graceful way of fighting and having such a bloody ending. It was the same this time too, and the fight ended in seconds. There were so many people, and yet she dealt with it easily.