Eternal Melody

Sumire has changed a lot in the past year, that much he can see. She is more confident and smiles more than she did before. But, the happier she becomes, it feels like the more she sinks into darkness. A deep darkness that nobody will ever be able to reach. He has observed the situation the past few days and can conclude.

Terashima Yuhi makes her happy, but the more happiness Terashima gives her, the more she feels like she doesn't deserve it.

"Do you really like her?" Hino asked.

"Don't you know the answer to that already?" Toh questioned.

What use is there in asking stupid questions when his actions speak louder than words?

"I'm happy to know that you're keeping your end of the bargain, but you should maintain your distance. Sumire is taken." Hino said sternly.

Toh raised his eyebrow at Hino's righteous-sounding words.

"I notice you tend to repeat that a lot, that Sumire is dating Terashima."

"It's the truth."

Toh nodded. "That may be the case. But, it feels like you are trying to convince yourself."

At those words, Hino sighs deeply. "This is the only way. I care about both Sumire and Yuhi. I won't do anything that will hurt them."

"Mamoru is similar, but even that guy ended up being selfish and asking her out. What makes you different, Narasaki Hino?" Toh questioned. "How much longer can you hold out?"

It seems his words are truly getting to Narasaki since he suddenly stands up and grabs his briefcase.

"Tell Sumire I have an urgent meeting, but if she needs me, she can call me anytime."

Before Toh could even say another word, the man immediately rushed off, and he sighed deeply. Maybe he shouldn't have phrased it that way, but he is genuinely curious. Why does Narasaki think he can suppress his feelings for Sumire?

He stands up and begins to clear up the plates when he feels somebody bury their face in his back.

"That was cruel of you," Sumire muttered.

"I wasn't trying to be cruel to your friend."

"I know, you're not a bad guy Toh. But please don't ask Hino about his feelings for me."

"How come?" Toh wondered.

It's not just Narasaki who is acting weird about this situation but Sumire too. He wonders if Sumire notices that she acts weird around Narasaki. From an outsider's perspective, they may assume Sumire is behaving oddly because she likes Narasaki. Certainly, when he first heard the rumors about them, he thought it wasn't impossible. But, now that he has seen them interact, he can dismiss the possibility of the two dating.

Sumire doesn't say anything, and he sighs. "Did the kids fall asleep?" He swiftly changes the topic, understanding that pressing the issue would only upset her.

"Yes, Huan really likes his room. I am afraid he will be eating his meals up there for a while."

"That's good for me since it means we can have a meal together."

Sumire laughs softly. "I see. Oh, that's right. I wanted to discuss some assignments with you. I enrolled in the fashion design classes, but I am struggling with some assignments. Can you help me?"

"Sure. Let's sit down."

Toh returns to the couch, and Sumire rummages through the drawers and pulls out some papers. Instead of seeing a bunch of writing, he is greeted with various designs.

"I'm not very good at technical terms, so I decided to just visualize the assignments as designs. What do you think?" Sumire asked.

'I decided to just visualize-' Does she not realize that normally people cannot do that? Toh's gaze fell on the designs carefully; she must have practiced. She has gotten better.

"This part." Toh pointed to the back image of one of the dresses. "Don't you think a butterfly crisscross section would look nicer?"

"Hmmm." Sumire leaned forward. "I see what you mean, this is an evening dress. So that style would look more sophisticated."

"Yeah, and-" Toh pauses when he realizes how close she is.

She may have changed, but this part of her remains the same. She doesn't know the meaning of personal space. The memory of the first time he got so close to her resurfaced in his mind, and he cursed. Ever since he first met her, it feels like he hasn't been able to control himself.

'I have become just like an average guy.'

In the past, romance was something foreign to him. But, ever since he met Sumire. He has begun to feel emotions that he has never felt before. He wants to touch the one he loves and get closer to her. His thoughts broke off, seeing that Sumire was looking at him, not the designs.

"You've changed, Toh," Sumire commented.

"How so?"

"Hmmm, for one, I can read your emotions better. You are thinking about me, aren't you?" Sumire muttered.

If she knows that, then maybe she ought to move away.

"Why do you still like me, Toh?" Sumire asked.

Toh sighs, hearing her question, and he places her hand on her forehead only to feel heat transmit onto her skin. He thought she was acting weird, so she is sick? He pulls the girl onto the couch and makes her rest on his lap.

Sumire laughs weakly. "I'm okay."

"You need to rest."

"I don't think you should be in love with me anymore," Sumire mumbled.

"I can't love you, Narasaki cant. But, Terashima Yuhi can?"

For a few minutes, Sumire is quiet before mumbling. "Yuhi shouldn't love me either."

That single sentence confirmed his suspicions. So Sumire still doesn't think she deserves love. While he was getting to know her, he heard her mumble in her sleep about how she didn't deserve happiness and love. Eventually, she opened up to him and told him that herself.

He thought she would have gotten a lot better after dating Mamoru and then Terashima Yuhi. But, it truly seems like the more love she receives, the more withdrawn she will become.

Toh caresses her hair, and Sumire laughs again. "You're so silly, Toh. Do you truly think you can help me? You tried before, and I am still the same way a year later."

"I won't give up on you, Sumire," Toh said determinedly.

How could he possibly give up on her? He has seen many clients before, but Sumire's case indeed falls under one of the more serious cases. If she keeps this up, it wouldn't surprise him if one day she just gets up one day and leaves everything behind.

Now that she is a mother with children, her situation should have changed. As a mother, she should know better than to do that. But, if it's the current her who is breaking even more than before. She could leave any day now.

This was one of the main reasons why he made sure she slept beside him. He needs to keep watch of her, just in case. Narasaki must have noticed this too; otherwise, he doubts that guy would have agreed to these living arrangements.