Eternal Melody

FUTABA

Hearing footsteps approach from behind her. Futaba wiped her remaining tears with her sleeve.

"Succhan is okay." Futaba reported.

The one who entered just now is Kain Ryuuji, the temporary head of the Holy Knights. 

Ryuuji sighs. "She better be. I'm really not cut out for this."

"You've managed just fine." Futaba pointed out.

She thought the place would fall apart more without Aki-san and Succhan. However, the organisation is still running smoothly.

"It's a huge pain being in charge." Ryuuji trailed off. "But, as one of the only sons in my family. I was taught how to lead."

"See, you're perfect for this."

Ryuuji shakes his head. "Not like those two. I don't have the charisma Aki and Sumire have to lead. Moreover, those two are crazily strong." He trailed off. "Anyhow regarding your mission, you should liaise with hamano, I'm sure he has more information-"

Futaba's gaze darkened. "You should do it Ryuuji-kun. Atushi-kun definitely won't speak to me."

Ryuuji exhales deeply. "This is why relationships in the underworld should be banned."

Futaba giggled. "You sound like a dictator."

But, he does make a point. It's exactly because of situations like this. Why are there seldom any couples in the underworld? Because when a break up happens, it causes conflict like this. 

"Take some time off to rest for a few days. You've been over doing it recently."

Futaba blinked. "But. if I do that-"

"I called for some reinforcements from the other branches. Rather, Mamoru picked out some good people for me."

If Suro-kun is the one who picked them, then Ryuuji-kun should be fine. He has always had the best judgement in others. Futaba nodded and picked up some files from the table.

"But, I will be looking into this issue. No arguments." Futaba exited the room without another word.

 _____________________

After working on stop for days, she felt restless actually taking a break. She tossed and turned on the bed. For the past hour she has been trying to get to sleep, but has been failing to do so. Just as she was about to go to sleep, she heard the sound of her phone. Recognizing the ring tone, Futaba immediately answers.

"Ran-chan?" Futaba mumbled.

"Sorry, are you sleeping?"

"It's fine, I'm up. What's up?"

"Uh, the thing is-" Ran said nervously.

"What's with the suspense? Did you get a girlfriend?"

"Like hell, I just wanted to ask. What is the best thing to do for a friend who is upset."

"By friend, is this about Terashima Yuhi?"

"Yeah. We are planning on heading back soon, but before then I thought I would do something for him."

"I thought you didnt like him." Futaba pointed out.

"He's a good guy Futaba. I can't deny that."

Futaba blinked when hearing those words. "Do my ears deceive me? Iwa Ran, changing his stubborn mind about someone."

Ran exhales deeply. "It took a long time to persuade me. But, Yuhi really is good. I think you would like him actually."

"Well, I guess I will have time to get to know him when you come back to star town." Futaba trails off. "Terashima agreed to come back here with Succhan, right?"

"Of course he did, do you really think he enjoys being separated from her?"

"I don't know him well enough to answer that,"

Ran sighs deeply. "I really hope you're not too harsh on him when you meet."

Ran-chan is being really friendly and sympathetic to Terashima, how odd. It felt like it wasn't too long ago where Ran-chan was actively complaining about him.

"I talked to Mashima about Succhan, it seems like she is okay."

As okay as someone who was kidnapped for two months.

"Sumire aside, what about you?"

Futaba blinked after hearing his question. "Me?"

"Yes you, unless there is another Momoi Futaba around."

Ran-chan can be really rude sometimes. But, this is rare. Shouldn't he be inquiring more details about Succhan's situation? Then again, this isn't the first time already. Since when, did he start inquiring more about her health and wellbeing over the woman he supposedly loves?

"Hey? Are you really okay? I've been hearing a lot of stuff even here abroad. You haven't been doing much modelling work, but considering how many times you're able to get on the phone. You're clearly doing something else. You've been assisting Kain Ryuuji a lot haven't you?"

How many times did he call her to get to that conclusion?

"Listen, I know you want to help Sumire. But, you have to think about your own health. Moreover you were the one who said you wanted to break free from the underworld, and the shackles of your fathers people. Then again you have always been stubbornly loyal. If you have to do this for Sumire, the very least you can do is take care of your health too."

Since when did he start caring more about her? No, that's wrong. Even when she learned that Iwa Ran, her childhood friend, was in love with her best friend Ibuki Sumire. Ran-chan has never treated her differently. But, something has certainly changed between them. He wasn't this attentive and caring before.

Futaba giggled. "I wondered what you wanted to say."

"Idiot, you should have spoken up."

"Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking that you've been worrying way too much about me recently."

"Whose fault is that? Tell me, you're actually going to rest and not go to another job right?"

"Mm, I'm on break. Ryuuji-kun gave me a few days off, and said I could really use it."

Ran sighed deeply. "If even a workaholic like him is saying that, you must be pushing it. Have you eaten yet?"

"I just want to sleep. But I feel restless."

"Don't cook then. Rather it should be arriving soon."

Before she could ask what he meant by that, she hears the sound of the doorbell. Futaba peeked from the window to see a delivery guy there. But she didn't order- Futaba turned her attention back to her phone.

"Did you get something for me?"

"Yeah, I'll get him to leave it at the door so come get it."

Futaba wrapped her shawl around her and exited her room as she headed down stairs. She waited for a few minutes, making sure the delivery guy had gone before taking the bag attached to the door. 

The moment the bag was in her hands, she smelled something familiar.

"Did you order me pork and rice soup?" Futaba said, placing the bag on the table.

"Yeah, knowing you. You haven't eaten a filling meal in days. Besides, it's still your favourite isn't it?"