Eternal Melody

Sumire stares at his handsome face for a few minutes before extending her hands out and caressing his face.

"Black bags don't suit you."

"Ha. I know. Jun advised me to take sleeping pills. I shall buy some tomorrow."

"Why not today?"

"I think pharmacies are closed now."

"I suppose you're right." Sumire paused. "Hey, why don't you take some of mine? I still have some."

Although she normally dislikes taking them. The last time she visited the hospital, San gave her a bag of 'regular medicine.'

"Sure."

Silence loomed on them for a few minutes before she moved her hand from his cheek to his forehead.

"As I thought you were sweating."

"Sumire."

Sumire used her free hand to reach over for a small towel on the rack. She began to wipe his sweat off him.

"Even though you were the one lecturing me about taking care of myself. Aren't you the one that's exhausted right now? That's no good; you should be getting some proper rest."

"I'm sorry."

Sumire shakes her head. "I understand; you don't have to tell me now. But I trust you, Yuhi."

'Even if he doesn't tell me, I know how hard he is working, so the Black Alice organization members do not harm me.'

Not just Yuhi, but she recalled Hino's state earlier. These two aren't very good at hiding secrets. She didn't say anything earlier, but what Hino has been up to is clear.

"But, you should know one thing." She trailed off and smiled. "I like guys who work hard for their partners."

"It seems my score increased."

Before she could reply, she felt Yuhi massage her scalp. It took her a moment to remember that he was still washing her hair. Wait, he is still washing it?

"You don't know what you're doing, do you?" Sumire decided to just ask.

Right as she said those words, a panicked look flashed through Yuhi's eyes.

It never occurred to her that Yuhi wouldn't know how to wash her hair. Hasn't he already done this before? But, now that she thinks about it. She has never properly paid attention whenever he did this previously.

"I- well, I have never done this properly before." Yuhi stammered.

So what happened the previous times? Sumire shakes her head. There is no need for her to ask.

"Just apply the conditioner at the end and brush it gently with your finger," Sumire instructed.

After doing that for a few minutes, she feels Yuhi's fingers relax. Hearing him sigh a few times, she briefly turned around to see him frowning.

"Did I hurt you? I'm sorry if I did. I didn't know it would be this difficult. I think I have underestimated female hair."

Sumire laughed hearing those words. "You're truly clumsy at this."

But despite his clumsy fingers on her hair, she noticed how careful he was being. There is something sweet about this situation.

'I don't think I have ever experienced something like this before.' Even when she was still a rich family member, the servants never treated her like this. Perhaps her siblings experienced it?

Her thoughts break off when Yuhi brings a few strands of her hair to his lips.

Did they experience this too? Being loved and pampered by the person they love. He has been treating her with such kindness recently, which differs from what he showed her before.

But, there is still a voice in her head that tells her to be careful. It is easy for kindness to turn to violence. It's easy for that gentle expression to turn cold and disgust.

"By the way, Hino said he wants to take me somewhere."

"Sure," Yuhi replied immediately.

Sumire frowned, hearing his quick reply!

"My dearest, shouldn't you think about it more?"

"Since it's Hino, he probably found a nice place that you would like. An outing that is actually a date, but he won't say that because you definitely won't agree."

Sumire blinked, hearing those words. The anger she felt moments ago subsided. So, he knows that much?

"Honestly, I am reluctant to agree since I know his motives. However, I think it would be a good chance for you to spend some time with Hino. I know you care for him, but keep your distance."

She sighed, hearing that part. "Yuhi-san, you know too much."

Yuhi only laughed at those words.

"Hino's feelings for me are probably far stronger than the ones the other guys have for me. That's why he can choose you over me. Because he understands that you're the only one who can make me happy." Sumire mumbled.

But by doing this, he must be in a lot of pain. Yuhi must understand this too.

"So, hang out with him for a bit, okay?" Yuhi finished her hair. He seemed to examine it for a few seconds just to ensure.

Sumire nodded. "I understand; it's Hino. So, he won't do anything."

Yuhi looked troubled, and she tilted her head confused.

"I thought I was the only one you trusted, but you trust Hino quite a bit?"

"Well, at the very least, I know he won't behave like Sano."

"Speaking of that one, you should go to the hospital for a check-up."

"I don't want to." Sumire sighed. "I have no energy to deal with him."

"But if you're performing on the last day, he will surely be there."

Sumire raised her arm, and Yuhi grabbed her wrist as he began to rub it with a soap-coated sponge.

"Don't remind me. I don't understand why he shows up for all my performances and jobs. Doesn't he have his own work to do?"

"Since he is helping with D entertainment, it actually makes sense for him to be in those places."

"My dear, stop being nice to your romantic rivals. What if they take me away?"

"I think you know the answer to that, my wife. Nobody can steal you from me." He put the sponge down to one side and kissed her. "But if they do, I am confident I can steal you back."

Where was that confidence before? 'Why did you let me date other guys?' Sumire, however, knew better than to say those words. It would be cruel of her.

Sumire thought he would kiss her again but continued washing her arm. She could only stare at him, speechless. She thought he would stop at her hair and then join her, but he was truly not doing anything.

Is he truly okay? Maybe he is still tired? Otherwise, strangely, he isn't making a move on her.

A sudden thought struck her, and she paused. Hold on a minute; maybe he doesn't find her attractive? She indeed has more bruises on her body now because she has been going out more on small jobs, of course, with her dearest permission. But does it look that bad?