Eternal Melody

It makes sense for there to be lightning bolts between Yuhi and Sano. After all, Sano supposedly likes her. But why are there some around Kei too? Her gaze met his and his lips curved to a teasing grin. This person isn't serious at all, is he?

"Terashima, let's talk." Sano is the first to break the silence. "Alone." He quickly added.

Sumire stood protectively in front of Yuhi. "About what?"

Sano sighed at her reaction, almost like he expected it.

"It's about what we discussed just now. Unless you want me to say out here?"

Oh, that's right, Kei is here. Her thoughts broke off when she felt Yuhi's lips on her cheek.

"Stay here and behave; no messing around."

Ah her dearest knew! That annoying Kei, what did he tell him?

Sumire tugged on his sleeve. "I will mess around, but with you."

Yuhi's lips curved to a grin. "Then that's the plan after we get rid of the two intruders."

With those words said, Sumire watched as Yuhi and Sano walked to the other room.

'Hmmm, will it be alright to leave them alone? Sano's emotional state seems unusual.' No, it should be alright. Yuhi-san is stronger.

"Well, well. It seems Yuhi understands you far better than I thought."

At those words, Sumire sighed.

"Don't tell me you're one of those people who think our relationship is for show."

She thought those rumors had died down already, but it appears that is not the case.

"Initially, I did, but it's not like what the rumors say. Ibuki, you-" Kei suddenly appeared in front of her. She took a few steps back, but Kei grabbed hold of her arm.

Normally it would be easy for her to shrug him off, but she couldn't do so today. Huh? Was he always this strong? Moreover, just now, he used her last name.

"Well, you will find out later. When you do, I wonder if you can still smile."

Sumire blinked, startled, but before she could say anything, he was already putting his shoes on and exited.

That was unusual; what was with that expression on her face just now? Before she could ponder it anymore, her gaze fell on the TV reporting about Kou's abrupt concerts around every media building in the city.

They didn't broadcast it on the first day, so she only just found out recently. She figured Kou would take some drastic measures to protect her and help calm the rumors, but she didn't think he would go so far.

Sometimes she underestimates how important she is to them. Kou is the only one who has made a move so far, but it won't surprise her if the others do something.

'Ran should be cautious after that lecture I gave him, but the other two-'

Her thoughts broke off when she heard her phone ring. When she saw the caller ID, her sweat fell. Speak of the devil, so it's this one?

"Hello, Sumire-san?"

"Tetsuo."

"Would you like to go on a drive?"

Sumire blinked, surprised at his invitation. She thought he was calling asking whether he could come over. A drive, huh? She recalled the droplets of rain drops on Yuhi's clothes. It's raining outside; this is the perfect weather for a drive.

She quickly scribbled a note on the table and scanned the room. Spotting her composer book, she paused. She supposes this would be a good time to give it to him.

Tetsuo should have more sense than to do what Kou did.

_______________

"I believe this is the first time I have taken you on a drive since I got this car."

Sumire laughed nervously. "Uh, previously, you would use a chauffeur-"

She thought it was the same, but imagine her surprise when she only saw him in the car.

"Were you not the one who told me that it would be nice if I could take you myself next time?"

Uh, right, she did say something careless like that in her first year of high school. But that was before she knew who he was. It was a casual meeting in the library; they happened to want the same book. She fought hard and managed to get it, but it seemed like he was making fun of her.

Her thoughts break off hearing the sound of her phone.

From: Yuhi

Be careful. I'll fly to your rescue if anything happens.

It's from her dearest! But fly to her rescue.

From: Sumire

I just imagined you with wings, dearest; you will look cute.

The moment she typed out that message, she received a video call request from Yuhi. She immediately sees a half-naked Yuhi with a towel on his waist. Judging from his messy hair, it seems like he just took a bath.

"So, can you say that to my face?"

She felt her cheeks color as she unconsciously examined him. There was no trace of flab in his body, but he wasn't overly muscular. He has muscles, but there seems to be a right balance. How could she possibly imagine Yuhi as being cute? Just look at him.

Yuhi chuckled as he followed her gaze. "Are you going to take it back already?"

"Yes, it was my mistake."

"I see; how is it so far? The reporters haven't spotted you, correct?"

At those words, Tetsuo leaned over slightly. "I won't make such a mistake."

"Of course, you won't. But those reporters are sly like snakes."

"I am aware. I shall keep her safe. So, do me a favor and put on some clothing before she explodes."

Ah-! Sumire lightly hits Tetsuo's arm.

"But isn't her expression amusing? Even though she gets to see and touch whenever she wants."

"I'd rather not hear the details of your intimate life." Tetsuo turned to focus on driving.

"Did San leave?"

"He dropped off a bunch of medication too."

Yuhi will probably use this chance to sneak one to Atsuro. He is so silly being too obvious about wanting to obtain a sample. If it were his usual self, then it would be easy.

'Is being beside me making him weak?' That won't do; the Black Alice organization has been making drastic moves recently. The dark entertainment business aside, they are openly showing themselves in the underworld groups all across Japan.

At least this is what was in the message Aki left behind.

"Did Kei do anything weird?"

Sumire blinked, hearing his question. "Oh." So this is what he wanted to talk to her about. Recently he has had that strange look on his face whenever he comes home.

"Hmm, he has tried to make a move on me a few times. A few attempted kisses. But I stop him every time."

Yuhi seemed frustrated, and she chuckled. "It's true he is useful, but I won't let him do whatever he wants."

The only reason she did that with Sano was because she wanted to break him. If he thinks she is the same as before, if he believes that he still stood a chance. When she cruelly abandons him and crushes his hopes, what type of expression would he make?

Sumire frantically shook her head. 'No, I need to calm down. I can't have such dark and twisted thoughts anymore.'