Eternal Melody

Sumire half expected a simple tray of food, but various dishes were spread out on the large table. There was even candlelight in the center and vases of roses. How long has he been in the room? It isn't easy to set something like this up.

"A surprise date, but I'm not dressed up!" Sumire exclaimed, mortified. She wants to look pretty if they are having a nice meal like this.

"Really? I think you're fine dressed this way."

"As if! Give me five minutes." Sumire immediately breaks free from his arms and rushes to her room.

Although she has her own room right next door, she actually doesn't use it much. After all, it's better to fall asleep in Yuhi's arms than being alone. Sumire rummages through her closet and sighs deeply after a few minutes. Aah, why do all these clothes have something to do with Toh? His clothes indeed look good on her, but this almost makes it seem like she is still in love with him.

'I need to go shopping for new clothes.' Sumire was about to give up when she caught a glimpse of something from the corner of her eye.

A pure white off-shoulder dress. An image of a slightly younger Yuhi appeared in her head.

'I-I thought it would look good on you; that's why I bought it.'

This is the dress Yuhi-san gave her for her birthday. Back then, it was a bit big for her, so she couldn't wear it without a belt, but maybe now it's okay.

Sumire slipped on the garment and took one glance at the mirror. It fits now; the last time she wore this, it was very loose. That dummy, it's almost like he knew that the right time to wear this dress would be a few years after he gave it to her.

She picked up the curling iron and quickly curled the ends of her hair. Her hair is wavy now and not as straight as before, so it was easier for her to curl. Makeup, it should be okay to put a little.

Toh always said that she looks natural, but a little bit of makeup enhances her features more.

'Your naturally pretty, so you don't need a lot.'

Say, Toh, when you said those words to her, she felt very happy. For the first time, she could look at herself without disgust. 'You taught me what real beauty is.' That's why now she will use what she learned to dress up and look beautiful for the one she loves.

Sumire quickly finished putting on the makeup and picked up her phone. He deserves a picture, at least.

To: Toh

From: Sumire

Technique to make my husband like me more.

(Attached Image)

She quickly turned her phone off and rushed to the next room. Sumire slid open the door and looked around cautiously. The entire room seemed to have transformed in the time she spent getting ready. But what stood out to her was the rose trail to the table and the vases of roses placed in different areas of the room.

Yuhi was leaning against the wall, wearing a suit, and smoking.

She quickly turned her phone back on and snapped a picture. Ah, a new photo to add to my collection!

His gaze met hers, and he chuckled. "Come here already; we can take pictures together."

Sumire rushed over and immediately landed in his arms.

"I didn't think you'd really dress up, and now you are prettier than before. How can I not eat you right away?"

She laughed softly. "Don't be silly; all this food will end up wasted."

"I know, but you-" Yuhi paused. "Isn't that the dress I bought for you?"

"Still lying to me, mister, I know you made this dress."

But she only noticed that after Toh started to teach her about fashion design.

Yuhi averted his gaze. "Truthfully, I wanted to buy you a dress. But I was a bit tight on cash then, so instead, I tried to recreate a dress I saw. That failed too, so instead, I just thought about what looks best on you, and that's when I succeeded. But as expected, if a professional sees it, they will see how clumsy the stitching is." He trailed off. "You didn't have to wear it-"

"How can I not? It fits perfectly now." Sumire briefly leaves his arms and spins around. "Doesn't it look good on me, Yuhi?"

__

Yuhi had to stop himself from attacking her on the spot. Damn her, is she trying to get back at him from earlier? He somehow manages to say a compliment before leading her to the table.

Sumire laughed. "This is the first time you are doing something like this for me."

"It's in my manual of things I want to do with you. Being romantic isn't my strong forte."

"This doesn't seem like an idea you would come up with."

She is far too sharp for her own good sometimes. Well, it would be wrong of him to take credit for this.

"It was Hino's idea."

Sumire sighed. "Honestly, you need to learn some pointers. What are you going to do if my outing with him turns out to be successful?"

She was joking with him, and he could sense that, but he was still troubled. Sumire laughed, seeing his expression.

"I am kidding; you're the only one I love, Yuhi."

The only one she loves, huh? She will be quite upset if he tells her he suggests she sings love chronicle because she can use that song for Mamoru too.

Yuhi took a seat opposite her, and they started to eat. Truthfully, he doesn't know what to do about Mamoru. Back when Mamoru was still 'dead,' he felt guilty. But now that he knows Mamoru is alive, those feelings of guilt have vanished. There was a brief time he entertained the idea of returning Sumire to him, even more, when Sumire disappeared.

But she came back to him, she returned. That was probably when he became selfish and decided that it didn't matter if Mamoru was alive.

'I will never let her go.'

Yuhi glanced over and saw Sumire pick up the ketchup as she focused on writing words on the omelet. Is she going to write 'I love you?'

He watches her for a few minutes. She really is cute, although she has that 'cold beauty image.' When she is with him, he sees her childish and innocent side. That smile is refreshing, exactly like the sun. She can shine brightly like the sun and shine like the moon too.

Yuhi puts his hand in his pocket. 'Should I give this to her now? Or should I wait until the mood is better?' Being romantic is difficult, Hino.

'You want to make her smile, don't you? She has been very stressed since returning to the entertainment industry; you should do something for her.'

With their schedules, it's difficult to go out on a proper date. So, Hino's suggestion about bringing that date inside was a good one. She seems happy.