Eternal Melody

"No, the opposite. You were still like that, and yet I discovered many more pleasant sides to you. Back then, I had my worries and doubts about inheriting my household. Since I'm the only male heir, naturally, I take it, and yet I felt pressured under my elder sister's gazes. They wished to inherit the household, but only for the money and riches.

I could have easily given up my position to them; yet, had I done so, I knew we would have been in ruin by now. It's shameful to admit, but I also had issues with my family. Jealousy, envy, resentment. In the elite world, such feelings are not uncommon at all. But those with talent that surpasses their elder siblings tend to suffer the most. However, when I met you, all those thoughts disappeared in an instance like they were never there."

"I- didn't do anything. Back then, I still had so many doubts."

Tetsuo nodded. "That's right, you did. But so did we all. Your presence was enough to soothe us. Or rather should I say your rather strange habits, even though you were a princess, you were just like a normal girl. Saying things like, 'How is this book? Do you think I can read it? ' ' It's pretty complicated, you know?' 'What do you like to eat? ' ' I happen to do a bit of cooking myself.' Truthfully I always did think you were an odd one. Despite having such graceful looks, your actions clearly contradicted it."

"Umm, is this supposed to be praise?"

"In simpler terms. I am saying it is alright to do as you please now. You are already tied to that person, but that doesn't mean you can't care for someone just as much."

Sumire sighed. "I admit defeat; you're too smart for me to trick." She trailed off. "Hey, how did you find the song?"

"You have a bad personality as always. I knew you'd ask about this the next time we met. It's done. I finished writing the lyrics. I planned to unveil it at my next event."

"Hmm, then before then, maybe you can sing it for me."

Tetsuo looked at her, surprised. "You mean, right here?"

"That's right! Why do you think I lured you away, your so slow."

'She truly has a bad personality.' But he doesn't dislike it.

Tetsuo took a deep breath and sang.

"While under the influence called 'dreams,' from prison of frozen love,

I felt nothing born in the heat of this majestic love

The Aurora rains down, and the two of us will believe

In eternity… I'll kneel only to you in this majestic love

I'll teach you the tenderness of night, close your eyes…

A voice counts, one, two silently. You'd best be quiet.

Let's cast away words, this cold kiss…grows warmer

God, if you'll allow it, let time…ah, let it stop

Snow white purity, blooming in your stainless heart,

This feeling, this desire, this prayer, they're immersed in this majestic song

Shining, glistening in a single tear,

It's like these emotions pieced my heart, reviving in me…

As stars dance in the sky, my frozen hand

Still has yet to understand the warmth of 'bonds.'

Could you teach me…?" Tetsuo sang.

By the end of the song, he had kneeled down and had a blue rose in his hands.

Sumire blinked before she beamed happily and accepted it. "As I thought, a melody like this suits you better. Thank you for writing such beautiful lyrics."

Tetsuo removed the rose from her hands and slipped it onto her hair. "This is better."

"I see."

Before he could say anymore, Tetsuo spotted black hair.

"Hey, I came after all. I was worried-" Yuhi's sentence fell short when Sumire jumped on him and kissed him. "Crazy."

Sumire pouted. "If you dislike my greeting, you're not getting another!"

"Then I'll steal one." Yuhi kissed her lightly. "What do you think?"

Sumire clung to his arm. "I think we can go somewhere and do more."

Tetsuo walked away without saying a word to either of them.

__________

It seems like there is truly no need for him to worry about her anymore. Unlike the other three, he knew how fragile his connection with her was. Their meeting was a simple one. When he realized they attended the same school, he thought he would change that simple meeting.

But, his other companions got to her first. Tetsuo sighed deeply. What use is there having regrets about it now? Even if he has regrets, it's not like he can change the current situation.

The moment he entered the ballroom, there seemed to be a commotion.

"Hey, did you see that just now?"

"No way, no way. It can't be the same person-"

"Even if his face was hidden under a mask, but isn't that the flash?"

Tetsuo's eyes widened hearing that nickname; it can't be, can it? Although Sumire already confirmed and explained that Mamoru is alive. He still had his doubts. But that nickname, the flash, can only belong to one person.

He eavesdropped on a few more conversations and walked over to the second balcony on the second floor. The moment he did, the doors shut behind him.

"Few, I thought Ki would notice me. I am glad it's just you."

He froze on the spot hearing that voice and hesitantly turned around. There he saw a man wearing a silver-colored mask and a grey-colored cape. That brown hair and this voice-

"Mamoru?"

"Long time no see, Tetsuo."

Tetsuo looked at the man dumbfounded and sighed. "I heard some strange rumors that you're part of D entertainment, but is that true?"

Mamoru paused before shaking his head. "It's not what you're thinking, but it's true that I came here tonight with them."

"I see. So, I will ask now." Tetsuo recalled Sumire's state when they found her several months ago.

'Yuhi-san was mumbling that Mamoru was the one who caused those wounds.' Recalling what Jun said, Tetsuo frowned. This is definitely Mamoru, but there is something different about him. The aura around him seems a lot darker now.

"Are you her ally?"

"I always will be." Mamoru walked over to the balcony. "I came here to meet with Yuhi, but it seems like he sent you instead."

"He sent Sumire and me. Sumire is here."

At those words, Mamoru froze, and panic flashed through his eyes. "I-I should have known.."

"Are you not going to stay then?"

"I can't have Ki find me. I wanted to discuss this in person, but it will have to wait." Mamoru passed him an envelope. "Give this ro Yuhi for me."

"Mamoru-san, I think Sumire would want to see you."

With those words, Mamoru turned around briefly with a weak smile. "I do too." Before disappearing into a pool of light.

Tetsuo sighed as he gazed at the folder in his hands and recalled Sumire's expression. What she was talking about had nothing to do with Ichinose Arashi; surely, when she spoke about somebody else she cares for, she meant Mamoru-san.

Even now, he doesn't understand why she has to live such a fate.

*Disclaimer: I do not own the song*