Eternal Melody

YUHI

'Back then, I really didn't have anything to lose.'

But, the situation is different now. Even though there is a chance Sumire will choose Lucifer. He doesn't want to give up without a fight. But he will give her a choice. Even if Renna didn't say that, he intended to have a proper conversation with Sumire when he returned from the US anyway. It's true they have better control of the dream space now. However, there are some discussions that are better off having face to face.

Takeyama finishes buttoning his shirt and points to the couch. "Sit down, you look like you have something you want to tell me."

Yuhi nodded and took a seat on the couch. Takeyama returned with a large bottle of red wine and he raised his eyebrow. "I thought you didn't like us drinking when we have a job in the morning."

"Something tells me you won't be going to the job this afternoon and tomorrow morning."

Yuhi paused. "I was thinking of taking a short break, until we have to go back to Tokyo."

"Can I ask the reason?"

"There is something I have to investigate and I can't do so when I'm busy. But, even more than that. I can't bring myself to sing right now. It hurts whenever I try,"

Takeyama is silent for a few moments. Each minute that went by left him feeling Yuhi never wanted to show this vulnerable side to anyone but Sumire and Hino. But, neither of the two are around right now. Takeyama is a strict manager but he is good person. After Takeyama learned the truth about Sumire, he genuinely apologized.

"This is a sensitive issue, so I have never talked to you about this. But when I officially became your producer/manager, Narasaki gave me your files and told me. 'There is a reason why they're broken pieces fit so well together.' That was already a hint, but I didn't understand until I properly read your file." Takeyama trailed off. "Yuhi, tell me. Mentally, how are you feeling?"

Yuhi closed his eyes and finally uttered the words he had been holding back this entire time. "Bad."

It was just a single word, but it was enough for Takeyama to understand. Takeyama rubbed his forehead and Yuhi apologized.

"I'm sorry, it has taken this long for me to talk about this."

Takeyama shakes his head. "No, I understand. I also have to apologize. It's true M5 is at the peek of their career now, but you guys could have easily have participated in the next festival. It wouldn't have made much difference. I shouldn't have separated you from the one person that makes you feel okay."

Yuhi laughed weakly. "I don't know whether it's a good thing for two broken people to be together."

"You don't really mean that. You and Sumire-chan are perfect together. Even though I was saying all those insults the first few weeks. It was all a lie, even with my so called hate towards her then. I could see that you two are good for each other. You two work so well together as a team, and I saw with my own eyes how you watched each others backs so casually." Takeyama bows. "I'm sorry."

"Takeyama-"

Takeyama places some keys on his hands. "I have a place that is more on the outskirts that I haven't used in a long time. I dropped by recently and cleaned the place up, I suppose I felt this would happen since Sumire-chan was taken."

Yuhi's eyes widened and Takeyama rolled his eyes. "What sudden vacation trip? Was that the best lie you could all come up with."

"Unlike Sumire, I'm not very good with lies and asking Mamoru to come up with an excuse wasn't a good idea."

Takeyama sighs again. "You should have spoken up. I can't believe you have been dealing with this on your own."

"Ran knew, and that's why we sent Renna away."

"The other three aren't stupid either, I am sure they figured it out." Takeyama trails off. "I will approve of your leave. The others can cover for you just fine, don't underestimate your team members."

Yuhi laughed. "If I actually did that, there is no doubt I would end up getting beat up."

Takeyama stands up and bows. "Again I apologize. I shall strive to do better as your producer from now on, if you'd still allow me."

It takes Yuhi a moment to understand what Takeyama is trying to say. In otherwards it will be his decision whether he ends up staying or leaving.

Yuhi shakes his head. "If your thinking of quitting, talk to our leader Kou. I for one am thankful for everything you have done for me." He quickly exits the room before Takeyama could say anymore and headed back to his room.

By his room, he meant the room that was assigned. To him it never felt like his room. He can't detect a single sound of movement in the house. The others must have gone on jobs. So, the whole 'you have no more till this afternoon.' must have been a lie.' 

It seems like everyone has noticed his growing exhaustion. He doesn't even remember how he sang in the last job, 

It didn't take long before he reached the room. The moment he stepped into the room, the open suit case on his bed caught his attention first. Right, even though he has been here for a few months. He never bothered unpacking his stuff and simply kept everything in his suitcases. Yuhi picked up the items scattered on the desk, placed them in a mini bag before dumping them in the suitcase.

Just a short break, and then he will return. Ever since he came to the US he has been working non stop. Whether it is entertainment industry or the underworld, he hasn't taken a break even for a moment. He was afraid that if he rested even for a second, the emotions he felt since leaving Sumire would come spilling out.

In the end, it seems his efforts to suppress everything has only lead to the current situation. 'Right now, I can't sing with my feelings like this.'

He is very similar to Sumire when it concerns singing. If his emotions are a mess, his songs end up reflecting those messy emotions. But right now? Right now, he feels empty. Without her by his side, there is nothing left.