Kasumi's eyes flashed with anger, her hands clenching into fists. "Fumiko, that's enough!" she hissed, her voice trembling with fury. "Jack is nothing like that! He's kind, and respectful, and— and he cares about Haruna! If you say one more word against him, I swear—!"
Fumiko grinned triumphantly, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "There it is." She pointed at Kasumi, her voice soft but firm.
"That's how I know, Kasumi. You're defending him. Fiercely." She paused, her gaze sharp. "A mother doesn't get this angry unless she cares. And you, my dear friend… You care a lot. You love him, don't you?"
Kasumi froze, her breath catching in her throat. "W-What are you talking about?!" she stammered, but her voice lacked conviction, her cheeks still flushed with anger and something deeper.
Fumiko smiled, her voice gentle but unyielding. "Kasumi, listen to me." She reached out, her hand pressing against Kasumi's knee.
