Eternal Melody

Since she was a child she discovered that she liked words more than numbers. A world of knowledge. 'I want to know more.' 'There is a hidden meaning.' She never took people's words at face value and analyzed everything.

That's right long before she even met Yuhi, she already found herself to be attracted by books that contained knowledge of this world. Originally it was only a means of escape, escape from all the shouting.

Her parents often fought. Indeed, her family life wasn't exactly as peaceful as what the general public thought it was.

Everybody saw the Ibuki family as a perfect rich family. Every family member is privileged, and they all got along well.

Nobody would have thought that the perfect family is an illusion. That family long fell apart, so perhaps what happened then was atonement.

It was atonement for what happened before. In that sense, there really is no meaningless misfortune.

When she first stumbled upon Shakespeare's works she learned the meaning in more depth. What a true tragedy is. Her form of escape were those books. In order to block out the sound, she listened to music and escaped into the world of stories. But that is a delusion. She cannot remain that way forever.

A person cannot escape from a reality that is there. She discovered many things. So then how is she an outsider of society supposed to fit in? The answer is simple.

She just has to live the same as everyone else. Another is that most humans won't accept something as a fact. If it is outside what they consider common sense.

When she realized these things she realized though, that even if she did that it wouldn't change anything. It won't make her world any less dark than it already was.

Individuals with a purpose?

Those with strong goals and motivation, she didn't understand them either.

'It's alive with glamour and culture. Take a stroll around the city and you will get caught up in the city's allure. A feeling of lightness. But light cannot exist without darkness and there is a delicate balance worth protecting. It's the darkness I carry inside me. It's the reason for my strength and the point of my existence.'

Mamoru's words echoed in her head. One of his many teachings and beliefs. He said those words when they fought too. Even when they fought, Ru could say such wise sounding things.

She instantly thought. 'Ah, this person can say that easily because he doesn't understand.'

'I thought that way for so long until I saw his pain.' After she saw it up close and in front of her. Sumire realized that the world is even more complex than she imagined.

Sumire looked at her surroundings and took a deep breath. It should be okay out here. While she is gradually returning to the entertainment industry, it is still difficult to sing.

"My cheeks are wet, are wet with my loneliness

But I'll be quietly filled with signs of dawn

and they invite me to the sky

Hope is waiting beyond here, that's right— So let's go

Even while I'm lost, I go on a journey to find you

My hands felt how our senses differ

I'll catch you and hold you tight

The way our hearts seek one another is the proof of my dream.."

A song of sadness, loneliness, and hope, and longing.

Currently, she was on top of a hill that overlooked the island. This place really is completely different. Unlike Tokyo, there are not many people here, and yet the people are busy.

It's always busy with people no matter the time of day. It's completely different from that place where she first met Yuhi.

Her thought broke off when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her.

"You will catch a cold Princess.."

Sumire closed her eyes and allowed a cool wind blow against her cheek."It's summer anyway so it's alright. But really Princess? That's quite cold of you Yuhi-san."

Yuhi sighed, She watched as a troubled look appeared on his face. "At times like this, it is best to remind you of your title".

Her title huh? It's not like they are living in the old days so why do people use such old-fashioned terms for rich people? Is it because she comes from a traditional family?

She chuckles. "I see." Sumire trailed off. "In other words you're concerned aren't you?"

"Do not put it so bluntly Sumire."

Sumire reached her hands back until she felt the familiar warmth of his hands. "Yuhi, you remember now don't you?"

"Yeah. I will apologize for forgetting. But you won't accept that will you?"

"I won't."

That's right. She won't accept his apology. But she will selfishly keep him by her side like this. This was one of the reasons why she accepted his confession.

Sumire spoke up her voice gently."It's okay for me to be selfish isn't it?"

"It is."

What a liar.

At times like this, he should just say what he is thinking.

'In front of me, you don't have to pretend Yuhi.' Sumire wanted to tell him these words but nothing escaped her lips. Even though they are so close, why does she still feel so distant from him?

Maybe it's because she understands something. No matter how close they are there is still darkness in Yuhi's heart that he does not share with her.

Her thoughts broke off when Yuhi suddenly halted. He turned around and pulled her into his arms.

"Yuhi-san? What's wrong?" Sumire asked.

"Nothing, just cold."

'But…' Sumire's gaze fell on his hands wrapped tightly around her waist. There must be something. One day will he be able to share those things with her? Does she have to wait? She wants to ask him now.

"Sorry," Yuhi mumbled. "You want to ask right?"

"You won't tell me?"

"Not that. I just need some time, you trust me don't you Sumire?"

Of course, she does. He is the only one she trusts right now.

"I do, but don't leave me waiting for too long."

Yuhi laughed. "I can sense your impatience."

Oops, that came out naturally. She shouldn't say things like that. Sumire tried to raise her face but he wouldn't let her.

"You know since you came here I have been very restless."

"Because I cause you trouble?"

"Not quite. More like, I can't stop writing songs about you."

"Why is that a pro—" Sumire paused when she realized something. "Wait, how many songs are we talking about exactly?"

"I wrote a few every day since you came here."

A few every day? This guy is too shameless! But he is so forward at expressing his feelings for her.