Eternal Melody

Yuhi didn't hesitate to kiss her deeply and intertwined their hands. He briefly drew back.

"You smell like flowers."

"M-my gift." Sumire pointed to the box.

So she got him flowers?

"I-I didn't want to overdo it. So I got you something small; you can display it at home." The girl could barely get any words out because his lips were on her neck.

He only intended to leave a few marks but seeing her reaction made him do more.

"Regardless, it always feels like I am eating a flower."

"I-I'm not your meal."

Yuhi chuckled. Is she still trying to act brave when they are in this situation? He continued kissing, sucking on her tender flesh, and felt her wrap her arms around his neck. The mood was very good. However, he knew it wouldn't last; it didn't surprise him when she suddenly kicked him in the stomach.

"I-I'm at my limit!" Sumire exclaimed.

"I should have known," Yuhi mumbled as he rubbed his stomach. Her kicks pack more of a punch than her punches.

"S-sorry, but t-that's not what I came here for."

"You came here for something?"

"T-to give you the flowers, and I need to recharge."

Seeing her voice waver, Yuhi frowned. "Did you see them?"

"Mmm."

Before he could say anything, his phone beeped.

From: Asuka

Thank you so much for the fantastic display that is rated R18; you completely forgot my existence.

Captain is also watching today, and Sora is here as well as some other members of HYOU4. We aren't in duty, but after seeing those cars, I'm sure the Captain will order everyone to keep an eye out.

Do your job, and protect her.

"Ah-Asuka?" Sumire must have realized that the girl was gone, and Yuhi held up his phone. Sumire read the contents of the message. "I will have to apologize later."

He grabbed hold of her hand. "Let's take a walk, Sumire."

He felt a slight tremor when he grabbed hold of her fingers. She must have been visibly shaken seeing all those cars filled with people who disliked her. It's obvious what they are trying to do; unfortunately, it's already working.

For the next few minutes, neither of them spoke. Since it was still early, there were no members of the public. Just staff and artists, but mainly staff members. The only artists who would come this early are first-timers hyped for the event, professionals, and those who care enough to work hard. Then there is the group who have been in the industry for long enough and think they don't need to come to rehearsals.

That group consists of those jeering at Sumire the other day.

"Y-Yuhi, I-I'm a bit frightened."

Yuhi squeezed her hands. "You don't have to be. I will be right next to you the entire time. You're only singing two songs out of the four on the last part. Do you know why?"

"Um..?"

"I moved my solo performance and the second group slot they gave us. So you will perform first, followed by me and the guys, the interval, my stage, and then yours."

'Initially, Cassie was set to perform right before Sumire and a member of D entertainment in that group slot.' They clearly intend to wear her down emotionally, so he decided to abuse his power for once.

"Ah so-"

Yuhi nodded. "I will be with you, so take a deep breath and just focus on singing."

Normally he would not abuse his power. Even when he rose to the top, he still strived to do everything fairly. However, Sumire is pregnant. It is too dangerous for her. If she hyperventilates on stage and is left vulnerable before he reaches her, the audience could attack her this time. Just thinking about it made his stomach churn.

He can't risk anything from happening. Hino will be around, but his position as a manager means some methods can be used to lure him away.

"Then, my dear, I will have plenty of chances to attack you."

At those words, he blinked and saw the girl nodding to herself. "I see. This is good for me."

Wasn't she just scared moments ago? What is she talking about now?

"If I can attack you anytime I want today; all my uneasy will vanish."

This wording seems familiar- Yuhi paused and flicked her forehead. "You want to get back at me for the past few days, don't you?"

"No!" Sumire exclaimed. "B-believe it or not, I was happy."

"Then why did you run away again?"

"One, I was making this dress. It would be difficult to make it in front of you. Second, I heard something happened to Asuka recently."

"Something happened?"

"Somebody sent a gift to the HYOU4 quarters to thank the members there for their patrol. Asuka felt uneasy, so she offered to open the box, there were some fireworks there, and it exploded."

Yuhi's gaze dimmed at those words. What type of sick and twisted prank is that?

"Upon closer inspection, it seems this gift wasn't for the Hyou4 government office but was intended to be delivered to a certain entertainment company."

His eyes widened hearing her words. "Was it meant for Hino?"

"Yes."

In other words, the real target is Sumire. Somebody is going around attacking people she is close with. If the media catches hold of that news, they will certainly blame her.

"Asuka always acts strong and indifferent. But even a case like this must have shocked her. I wanted to be by her side and support her mentally." She trailed off. "The reason the members of HYou4 are in the festival today is because I wanted them to stay with Asuka. I didn't want to leave her alone."

"Did you suggest her stay at home? If D entertainment is here, there might be a fight."

Sumire shakes her head. "She seems very restless when she is alone. When I showed up on her doorstep, she was holding a knife and almost attacked me. She was that cautious."

"She might need a professional."

"Indeed, I'll have to ask San if he knows anybody. For now, those who care for her need to stick by her. So I am sorry, Yuhi-san, I might have to neglect you for a while." Sumire clapped her hands. "Asuka transferred to the Hyou4 Tokyo branch for my sake after all. The reason she got caught up in this incident is because of me. I have to make sure she is okay."

Yuhi didn't reply right away. 'So much for getting closer with her.'

"I don't mind, but are we still up for the meteor shower? The guys are looking forward to it. I am sure they won't mind Asuka joining too."

"Mm! It's okay if she comes?"

"Yeah, she is also my friend."

'But if she is coming, I probably won't have time alone with Sumire.' Sometimes it is hard being the nice guy.