Eternal Melody

Her gaze fell on Yuhi, no, to be exact, the exposed part of his bathrobe that showed his muscles. She stared at them absentmindedly. How does he get them to be like that? Sweat clung to the back of his neck, and she blinked.

Maybe he is nervous? Maybe she isn't the only one feeling self-conscious about this situation.

Sumire took a deep breath. She needs to calm down.

"What strange thoughts are you having now?"

Hey! Why is he insulting her? Sumire pouted. She wanted to scold him, but if they fought, nothing would happen.

'I only went along with his whims earlier because I also desired something happening.'

"It isn't strange! You're the one being strange. I just want you to join me inside. I will help you wash up." Sumire blurted out.

She could no longer take it. Ever since he came inside, she has been preparing herself for something to happen. But her patience is wearing thin!

For a moment, there is silence, and Yuhi's expression hardens.

Uh-oh, did she do something wrong?

"I wondered why you were so distracted. That's the reason why?"

"Um, yes, you're not following the script. So I decided to do it for you."

"Hah, do you think I am made out of stone? I told you previously what happens every time I get a brief glimpse of your skin." Yuhi grabbed hold of her hand and placed it on his lower body. "Do you understand?"

Sumire felt her entire face reden. D-did-did he have to show what he meant? He could have just said it! She immediately pulled her hand away.

"I told you before, but you didn't seem to get the hint."

"Uh so-"

So is that why he concentrated on his task rather than looking at her?

Her thoughts broke off when he suddenly entered the tub from the other side. But it did not take long before he was right beside her. Sumire immediately covered her face with her hands and heard Yuhi laugh.

"Normally, people would cover their body; why are you hiding your face?" Yuhi questioned.

"B-because I am embarrassed." Sumire stammered.

"Your embarrassed now? You were the one who wanted something to happen." Yuhi moved, so he was sitting behind her.

Now that he says it, it's a bit embarrassing for Yuhi to see her. Sumire moved her hands from her face to her body. But it was already far too late.

"Is it that embarrassing, though? We've been dating for almost a year, and I have seen you naked so many times. Recently you're a lot bolder too..?" Yuhi seemed genuinely confused.

"That's not the point here." Sumire stammered.

S-she probably wouldn't be so embarrassed if he didn't make her touch him like that just now. Just thinking about how casually he did that-

This is embarrassing but being close with him like this makes her beat faster.

"You might find this strange, but I like seeing you embarrassed. So, I don't mind this situation. I'm sorry for being so unreasonable. I just wanted to make it up to you for acting on my emotions just now."

He was indeed behaving strangely. But she isn't the type to judge him. After all, how many times has she done the same thing with him?

"Out of all the things I could have done to make it up to you. I ended up choosing this. But you know, out of all the other options, I think this is me being lenient."

T-this is lenient? He almost gave her a heart attack.

Yuhi bent down and nibbled on her ear. "Do you want to hear the other options after all? It's not fair that I just chose one."

No, no, no. Yuhi is most likely telling the truth. This is lenient for him, so she dares imagine the other options. Sumire shakes her head. Yuhi puts his arms around her.

"You know, it's been a while since we could last relax like this. I thought you'd enjoy it."

"I would if you weren't horny."

"That's your fault, my wife."

Sumire pouted. "It's because you weren't following the script."

"Then, should I start following it again?"

"It's too late."

Yuhi kissed her eyelids softly. "Alright, stop messing around. You know it's bad for the children if we do it too much."

"Mm, I know. But I have gotten used to you touching me. It just feels weird when you don't."

"Don't worry, after the little ones are born. I won't give you time to rest."

She sighed. "Don't forget we are responsible for taking care of them as their parents. We can't fool around too much."

"This is why we set a time frame of maybe a few times a week."

This feels like de-ja-vu. He mentioned something like this when we first started dating.

"Almost a year," Sumire mumbled.

Yuhi grabbed hold of her hands and kissed her fingers slowly. "Yeah, it's hard to believe, huh? After you turned me down, I truly felt like my life was a living hell. Granted, I knew why you turned me away, and I did know you had feelings for me. So it wasn't all too bad."

"You're going to keep bringing that up, aren't you? I said I am sorry already."

"Well, you have done more than enough to make it up to me." Yuhi trailed off. "About your song for the last day, did you decide?"

"Mm, there is a lot to choose from. But it should be a completely different song from my usual style. A ballad would be good, but it should have an upbeat tune too."

"What about that song, 'only one?'"

Sumire was about to agree when she realized something. "I have never shown you that song before."

"Hino sends me video clips of your practices. He tells me that since you're working hard, don't come over and distract you."

Sumire giggled. "But does he not realize I will work harder if I see you, my dear?"

"I doubt that he is right. You'd focus on assaulting me with kisses."

"Hey, it's cruel to call it an assault. I prefer the word attack."

"This is why you're not trustworthy." Yuhi flicked her forehead. "Stop thinking about fooling around and focus on your performance."

"I know. If I'm singing only one, I'd probably have to wear a simple, modest-looking outfit. That itself would invite critics. I can already see people saying that I am trying to pretend to be a nice person."

"Then, instead of only one. What about love chronicle? But if you sing a love song, you will get critics too. You could sing that one you wrote about dreams-"

Sumire looked at him, speechless. Why does this person have such vast knowledge regarding her songs? Love chronicle, huh?

"Why? I've completely forgotten how to love

meetings will come someday with the beginning of parting

somehow, I have decided upon that idea

you tied the loose shoelaces of my dirty sneakers

your shy smile suddenly shone in the sunlight

it's not that I love for want of love

you gave me the courage to love straight-forward

the two swear to the journey from now

that no matter what occurs, the two hands will never part."