Eternal Melody

SUMIRE

"Feelings really are complicated. If you told the past me that I would end up in this situation, she would laugh and think it was a joke. But this isn't a joke, this is reality."

A very cruel reality, where she has to make a choice that will hurt someone she has grown to care for.

"I know you think you're being selfish, and I won't say whether you are. But, Yuhi and Toh won't rush you."

Sumire exhaled deeply. "I know. I suppose I can continue focusing on my entertainment industry takeover plan."

Mamoru sweat fell. "When you put it like that, it almost sounds like world domination."

"Isn't it similar?"

"I suppose that part of you hasn't changed."

"Ru." Sumire mumbled. "Will you really be here for me? You won't go anywhere ever again?"

"I won't, I'll be by your side for-" Mamoru paused and reached over to squeeze her hand. "I'll be here Ki."

Sumire knew what he was going to say. 'For as long as I live.' Right now, she doesn't want to discuss that with him. She doesn't want another reminder how cruel fate is to both of them. That's why she was thankful when he changed the topic earlier. Her heart feels heavy, this weight probably won't ever vanish.

 _______________________

After an hour had passed, Ru left her. She had to laugh at how punctual he was. The minute it turned an hour he stood up and told her he was leaving.

Hmmm, Sumire looked around, Hino said he would be following closely behind and she did see him earlier. Where did he go? 

'Maybe I should just head back myself-' Sumire paused in mid-thought and shook her head. No, she can't do that. 

'Promise me, even when you leave me. You will be more cautious about your surroundings.'

Recalling what the her with amnesia promised Lucifer, she sighs. If even Lucifer is warning her like that, then the target on her back must be larger than she thought. Sumire wrapped her arms around her body and she shuddered. If she doesn't find Hino soon, she will have to find somewhere to wait. 

She was only wandering around for a few minutes when she spotted silver coloured hair, heading her way. It didn't take long before Toh reached her.

"Hi."

Toh smirked. "Hello beautiful." He wraps his arms around her waist, drawing her close. The cold she felt just seconds ago seemed to fade in an instant. "Did you have fun?"

Sumire nodded.

"Wasn't Mamoru with you?"

"Oh, he left."

"I see, he's being considerate as ever."

She tilted her head confused and Toh simply chuckled as he wrapped his scarf around her neck.

"It's winter now beautiful."

"Mmm, I forgot."

After all, it was summer when she left. She is still having a hard time adapting. 'Getting kidnapped aside, there was that time last year where I disappeared and chased Ru to the facility. I keep losing so much time being in this beautiful city.' 

"You didnt have to come get me, I could have walked back."

"We are walking back, but I didn't want you walking alone."

Her heart fluttered at those words. He really is good at flattery. Sumire tugged on the scarf he gave her. "This is large enough, we should share it."

Sumire saw a brief flicker of shock in his eyes but before she could ask him. Toh's gaze softened. "Very well."

She regrets it a few seconds later, realizing that sharing a scarf meant the two of them were standing closer together. Thankfully, the route they took meant that there were seldom any people around. It wasn't a completely isolated route, there were people. But, nobody was looking their way.

"You suddenly turned quiet beautiful."

"Uh." Sumire laughed nervously. "Maybe you should take the scarf."

Toh smirked. "I'd rather not, it's nice being so close to you."

Damn it, that's why he looked surprised earlier. She really needs to stop doing things that will dig her own grave. It's good the reporters have been on their best behaviour. Otherwise she could already see what type of interesting article they will come up with.

"Did your talk with Mamoru go well?"

Sumire paused, the talk huh? In the end most of that talk was about Toh. But there is no way she will admit that. It's good that she managed to at least admit it to one person, however she truly doesn't want anybody else to know.

"Mm, I think he gets it and will stop being an idiot from now on. But since it's Ru, it's hard to tell how long that will last."

Toh sighs. "I hope you at least made him promise to continue his hospital visits. He is really good at hiding, thankfully I have adjusted to his ways and know where he will likely go."

"That's actually impressive, not many people can do that."

"As we have discussed before beautiful, I am a person of many talents. Though, I suppose only you know exactly how talented I am."

It takes her a moment to understand what he was saying. Her cheeks flushed and Toh laughed. 'If they weren't sharing this scarf, I would hit him.'

"If your so talented Toh, I'd like to see you enter the entertainment industry." Sumire swiftly changed the topic.

Toh blinked surprised. "I never thought you would suggest that."

"I mean, when we were dating you showed me that you could sing, dance and you even helped that starter idol group. It's not unusual."

Actually, she has been thinking about this for a while now. Especially ever since D entertainment showed up. She doesn't like the idea of Toh being on Lucifer's side since it would make them enemies. However, if Toh became an artist in D entertainment, it would certainly be helpful. But, even more than that, she likes listening to him sing.

"After all, you sing me to sleep sometimes don't you?"

A complicated look flashed through his face. "Did you learn how to be sneaky from Mamoru, beautiful?"

Sumire laughed. "Probably. But, why do you want to hide it? You have a good voice Toh."

She isn't just saying this either. It's not just his singing voice but his voice in general, listening to it has always calmed her down. It always made her feel at ease.

Sumire paused in midthought. Perhaps the reason she thinks this way is because of the lingering emotions in her heart?