Eternal Melody

Indeed it was blood and a lot of it. Sumire genuinely did not know what to do about this situation. To think those people hurt Sano. She thought if she behaved ambiguously towards Sano, then they would think he is doing his job, but it seems that is not the case here.

Her thoughts broke off when Yuhi slung his arms across Sanos shoulders. "Alright, let us take him inside."

So he was awake?

This person tolerates her behaviour way too much. Even though she is a terrible person, he will forgive her for everything and shower her with affection at the end of the day.

Yuhi laid Sano down on the couch. "Give him basic first aid, and I will call Atsuro."

"Okay."

Sumire didn't know what to say.

She felt awkward having Sano around when Yuhi is here. Her thoughts broke off when Yuhi placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Eh, what? Before she could react, he replaced the kiss with his thumb and flicked her head lightly.

"Don't make that face, and you didn't do anything to be ashamed about. Lift your chin up and walk confidently. That suits you better."

He really is such a good guy, way too good for her. But this part of him has not changed. Whenever she got depressed about failing her jobs and not getting along with others, he offered her a lot of advice. To walk with pride, huh? He said something similar before, and she wonders if he remembers that.

Sumire managed to nod as Yuhi walked out of the doors. She could hear him sit down on the steps by the door. It would be bad for Sano if they both took care of him at the same time.

She glanced over at Sano, and she clenched her fist.

"Does it hurt?"

Sano looked at her with a pained smile. "Yeah, but I managed to get away, so-" He trailed off. "Don't make that type of face."

What type of face is she pulling right now? She doesn't know. But she doesn't want him to think she cares.

"I will fetch you some clothes."

Sumire turned away, but Sano grabbed her wrist. She immediately felt his hand trembled, and she bit her lip. This is a first for her to see him so frightened; what exactly did they tell him? Why is he like this now?

"It's okay, and I am safe here."

"Can you stay within sight?"

"There is a video surveillance there; you can check on me," Sumire explained as she pointed to the computer in the corner of the room. He still wouldn't let go of her, and she sighed deeply. Well, she supposes it can't be helped; he did just go through something traumatic.

She turned to him. "Let me wipe the blood off, and you shouldn't stay that way."

He slowly nodded his head, but Sumire noted that his gaze seemed frightened still. She pulled up a chair and picked up some clothes, and soaked it in the basin of water. Thankfully they have this out.

She should prioritize getting the blood off him. She extended her hands out. "I will remove the buttons, okay?"

It was awkward for her to do something like this. But now was not the time to feel this way. She slowly undid the first few buttons, unknowingly getting closer.

What long eyelashes, how strange she didn't notice these things before. Perhaps he was right after all. Back when they dated, she did not like him as much as he liked her. After all, everybody was Yuhis substitute, and she used Sano to fill the gap Yuhi left.

"Sumire, won't you leave Tokyo?"

"You know I cant." She said firmly as she undid the last button.

The amount of blood on his body shocked her, and she felt a rush of anger; why? Why did they do this? Sumire figured out that a long time ago, while Sano was not directly involved, he must have somehow helped.

After all, she observed his actions closely. Based on what he told her, he does the background work like for illegal arms dealing, Sano would find safe ports for them to land in. So maybe in this instance to, perhaps it was Sano who tampered with the car.

"Isn't Terashima taking a while?" Sano suddenly asked.

"Mm, I think he is calling Atsuro. I heard Emma has a busy schedule today."

Her thoughts broke off when he extended her hand out and cupped her cheeks. "Then can I touch you like this for a bit longer?"

At that comment, she sighed. "Why are you like this? Then again, I am skillful at my work, and you're not the first person I tricked like this."

Aki-san hesitated to give her such jobs before, but she was good at the art of deception, so they had no choice.

"Sumire, do you have some time tomorrow?"

"I have a concert."

"Afterwards?"

Afterward, she planned to have a date with Yuhi; more like that was the main reason why she invited him in the first place. Almost like Sano understood what she thought, he suddenly mumbled.

"I will wait."

But then after, won't she and Yuhi naturally head back together. Why would Sano suggest something like that when he knows what the outcome will be? She did not respond to that and changed the subject.

"You ought to focus on recovering first."

They cant send him to a hospital; it wouldn't be safe. Hino is working overtime in the company a lot, so he isn't an option. Atushi is busy with things back home in Star town. Jae and the other guys have their own homes, so they do not have to come here. She supposes this is the best place for him, but she needs to discuss

Her thoughts broke off when Sano pulled her into his arms. She tried to pry away, but instead, she hears the sound of his beating heart. This is the first time she has heard this from Sano.

So he likes her this much? To the point, he would risk her life for her? She doesn't understand that logic. After everything that has happened between them, why would he like her this much?

"You need to change too."

It took her a moment to realize he was right. She also went out in the rain. "You take a bath. I wiped the blood, but you might still have some.." She trailed off in places where she cant see. But adding that will make him start.

"You won't come with me?"

Sumire sighed deeply. "No." She said firmly. "I will help you get inside, but you can manage on your own."

Actually, it might be difficult with his wounds, but helping him is overdoing it. Ah, she wonders why Yuhi is taking so long. Sumire paused in mid-thought. If Sano came all this way, then his pursuers should still be around. She sighed again, realizing where he went.

That fool, always doing reckless things.

But is she not the same type as him? They both do such careless things and make each other worry.