Eternal Melody

She just wants to sing and let people hear her voice, to the galaxy's end. No far beyond it, what is beyond that bright star?

Hino's sweatdropped, "At least understand that much, especially with your standing."

"Eh, it sounds like a bother."

"Understand it! Or rather, what's with that lack of motivation? Didn't you say something grand about beating Takahashi Yumi?"

"Did I?" Sumire said, feigning ignorance.

"Sumire."

"I'm joking. Besides, I've decided to defeat Yumi-senpai and be someone other than a supporting role for my friends. I also wasn't to shape the idol world with my own hands." Sumire laughs softly, "Strangely. I'm thinking these things now. Judging from how irresponsible I've been regarding being an idol."

She has been very irresponsible towards her career. There is a reason why she has simply allowed those slanderous rumors regarding her to continue. It is not like she can deny it. She delayed her debut for so long, and after she debuted, she failed to perform during her first concert.

Her fans waited for her and never lost hope. But she let them down time and time again.

"I don't think you are irresponsible. You had a lot going on."

"Those are all excuses."

'I cannot use the accident as an excuse. Those people waited for me; they tried to understand me even though they had no obligationto.

Hino paused and sighed. "Why do you always blame yourself for everything?"

"It's not like that-" Sumire trailed off. "Anyhow, the media sent me a little gift earlier."

"A gift?"

"A box of photos of Yuhi and a girl."

At those words, Hino frowned. It seemed like he immediately understood. "You don't have to worry about this."

"Is that truly the case?" Sumire trailed off. "You can't trick me, Hino, every time I asked about the girl you liked before, you acted strangely. It's also odd that you don't resent Yuhi."

The girl Hino likes, likes Yuhi. She already confirmed that.

"You see Sumire, the thing is Yuhi and Cas--"

Sumire scanned his nervous expression and how he kept looking over at Yuhi. He lowered his voice, so it meant he did not want Yuhi to hear.

"They slept together?"

Hino flinched, and she sighed. "Other than this reason, I can't see why you would act so secretive."

"Yes, but it's something Yuhi doesn't remember. There was an accident related to evolved humans shortly after, and Yuhi lost a portion of his memories."

That explains Yuhi-san's behavior then. Even though she said, she trusted him. She still felt that there was something wrong. It was a good thing she asked.

"Are you angry at him?"

"Why? We weren't dating then."

'I have no right to get upset regarding what happened before we dated.' "Besides, if I were to get angry about every woman he slept with in the past, I would be angry all the time."

"True but your strangely calm."

Sumire sighed. "Before you came here, Hino, I was sulking a lot. Even if I know they are doing this to provoke me; it's upsetting."

"You don't have to worry. Even back then, Yuhi only slept with her because he was lonely-" Hino paused. "-because he missed you so much."

"When was this?"

"Before Yuhi came to star town. So it would be around three years ago."

"They haven't met since?"

"Not since Cas decided to go abroad. Her decision to go abroad was quote that she realized if she stayed longer, she would fall in love with Yuhi. But it was already far too late if you asked me."

So that confirms that this woman is different. She genuinely seems to care about Yuhi.

Her thoughts broke off when Yuhi brought a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket.

Sumire giggled. "I'm okay, Yuhi."

"The temperature dropped a little. It's cold."

He is so fussy towards her. She truly ends up worrying for no reason. Sumire rested her head on his shoulder and felt Yuhi caress her hair.

"Hino, don't overdo it. Sumire had a fever the other day; she is still recovering."

"If you spoil her too much, she won't be able to do anything without you."

"That's fine. I will always be with her."

O-h, Yuhi is way too good to her! She has decided, no matter how much the media tries to destroy their relationship, she will stand by Yuhi. He is so good to her and treasures her a lot; there is no chance that he will suddenly have a change of heart.

Yuhi was about to say something else when they heard his phone's sound. "Just going to take this call. Sumire, don't accept any unreasonable jobs, okay?"

"Mm, I understand."

After Yuhi left, Hino sighed. "The reason Yuhi does not remember, it wasn't me."

"Ah, did you think I would blame you? I won't do that."

"I just want to clarify regardless." Hino trailed off. "I will tell Cas to be careful when she meets with Yuhi. But the media will use any chance to create misleading rumors."

"Yuhi-san will let his guard down because he is around his childhood friend."

Hino rubbed the back of his neck and nodded. "But really, Sumire, you know how this industry works. Even if you do see such things on the news, please clarify things with Yuhi first. I know it sounds naive since he can easily deny it, but it's better than letting an outside party destroy your relationship."

"I know; you don't have to explain," Sumire mumbled.

Despite how stubborn she is acting on this situation, she does understand.

"Yuhi loves you; can't you just trust him?"

"I can't just do that because of your dear friend, no?"

Yes, she does not just put her faith in Yuhi-san completely due to what happened with Sano. "I thought I was getting over it, but whenever somebody better suited appears. I compare the situations."

Yuhi-san will do anything for her sake; he is so good to her and treats her very well, but at what cost?

She no longer wants to suffer due to love.