Sano quickly paused when he realized what he just said. Even though he didn't say it out loud, it was a first for him to have thoughts like this. He recalled the exchange he had with the girl not too long ago and exhaled deeply. He hates to admit it, but she is indeed right. Both of them have changed now. The reason why they can't pull away from each other is because they had a bad breakup.

Sumire no doubt has feelings for Terashima. But it is hard for her to move forward since she has lingering regrets. Sumire recognized this earlier on; she realized it before they first met again after so long. But there was a part of her who held bitter feelings, a strong and powerful emotion. She acted on the latter instead and chose the more difficult route.

It seems whatever happened in the institute the last two months led to her changing her mind. He doesn't mind that outcome, but Sano clenched his fist.

The reason she changed her mind is most likely because of Tsueno Mamoru. Once again, it is because of another guy. Even though they had that talk, it wasn't easy for him to change his mindset.

Why does that girl act so differently around other guys?

Sano shook his head and opened the file in his hands; the moment he did, he dropped it because of the pictures. He felt his entire body shake, and the color slowly left his face.

He was horrified by the images. It was images of Sumire's suicide attempts.

The moment he saw the words on the file to confirm the images, he immediately felt sick.

It was this bad? Then again, he recalled Hino's warning gaze and tone when he first asked about the investigation results. Hino warned him to give up. It wasn't because Hino knew Sumire and Terashima from the past, nor was he warning him as a friend. It is because his friend understood him very well. He cannot handle something this heavy.

Just the mere thought of it was a burden to him. But he quickly shook that thought out of his head as he recalled her fierce gaze when she spoke to him.

Sumire understands that their current relationship is difficult, but she is still trying to make things work. He needs to do the same; otherwise, this time, he will really lose her.

"Is this why you're so overprotective of her?"

Sano knew that Kusaji silently interfered in the shadows whenever there were bad rumors about Sumire.

"Yeah."

"She told me the reason she avoided you is because of the sexual relationship you had with her."

At that comment, Atsuro sighed again. "While it is true I am used to touching her without asking; it is because I'm her doctor. How many times have I had to conduct examinations?"

"It isn't because of-"

"I will admit that is part of it. But honestly, those times were painful for me too. Even though I could touch her, it was the same as touching a doll; she didn't have any life in her. She was just an empty shell."

"Isn't it cruel to put it that way?"

Atsuro shook his head. "I can't deny the truth; that's how she was. Maybe it was because I love her so much, but it was very painful watching her that way, let alone touching her."

"So you're telling me she is avoiding you because you know her condition well?"

"That's right. Not many people who knew her know of her suicide attempts. After all, she always did it when she was alone. She would use a time where the people around her were very busy, so there was no risk of them finding out. The places she chose too were areas away from the town; it wouldn't have been easy."

"How did you find her?"

It seemed like the man was there every single time.

"I put a spell on her," Atsuro trailed off. "You know about people with evolved genetics, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"Mine is a bit more complicated. In ancient times people would use strange spells and curses to cure wounds and fend off evil spirits. I have abilities similar to that."

"So you put a tracking spell on her?" Sano said, dumbfounded. It all sounded like a story that would come out of a fairy tale, but there was no doubt that the man was telling the truth. Otherwise, it would be impossible to be there every single time.

"That's right, because of that, I knew where she was every single time."

Isn't that a bit dangerous? It almost sounds like he was stalking her. Then again, he was one to talk when it came to that. He has a bad habit of following her around and starts his day, ensuring he knows what she is doing for the day.

Sano picked up the photographs on the ground. It was hard to believe that something to this magnitude had happened to her. When they first met again, he behaved like an idiot. He couldn't see what was right in front of him. The pain in her eyes, that lonely demeanor - he dismissed everything for his agenda.

He was confident that the girl hadn't changed at all and that she would surely return to him after he provoked her a bit. But not only did she not return, she ended up messing with him to the point he became obsessed with her.

She played him good, and by the time he realized it, it was already too late to turn back. All he could do was criticize her behavior whenever he got the chance, but even that didn't make him feel any better.

"It was because of this that I decided I would watch over her far more than I already was. I know it may seem excessive, but if I don't do this and she is left alone again, I worry she will do it again."

Sano recalled something Sumire said before she left. "Terashima." It was just a single name, but it seemed Kusaji understood.

"To what extent that guy can help her, I do not know. But if she is still unable to return to stage, to her beloved music, don't you think it isn't that effective?"

Indeed but Sano saw for himself, how many times did he see how brightly she smiled when she was around Terashima Yuhi? Sumire may get better on her own even without Tearashima, but there is no doubt that Terashima is the only one who can help her.

Sano paused in mid-thought. The only one who can help her? Who decided that. He can still try, cant he?