Eternal Melody

SUMIRE

It feels strange hearing the admiration in their tones. To hear that there are those who aspire to be like her. The other day Toh brought over a load of fan letters that were sent to Hino's apartment during her time with Lucifer. When she read the words on the letters she teared up more than once. To think the day has come where she has become a source of inspiration and hope for others. 

'A person like you doesn't deserve anything nice, you deserve to rot.' Recalling her grandfather's words, she exhales deeply. From the very start, that person disliked her very strongly. Perhaps it was her grandfather's influence, but their other relatives picked up on his obvious dislike for her. 

"I really am routing for her! I was always a fan before but it was hard to speak up."

"I understand since I did the same but I regret it, I wish I spoke up. Even if I ended up dragged into the backlash. Sumire-sama has endured so much alone, from now on let's stand by her side."

Sumire made sure her hat was covering her face since she felt her eyes water. It's just a simple conversation, she already saw similar words written in 

'To think everyone wants to be like me, to think they like me-'

She truly is glad, that she didn't give up on her dream so soon. There were times, especially after Ru's accident where she thought it was hopeless, that she would never be able to stand on stage again. But, it's different now. Ever since she came to Tokyo, no since she returned to Yuhi-san's side. 

From: Sumire

Miracles have always happened since I met you again.

My dear, what kind of power do you have?

To her surprise she received an immediate reply. 

From: Yuhi

I don't know about that. But, if you're this thankful.

Maybe you can give me a reward.

From: Sumire

Is there something you want my dear?

From: Yuhi

You should know me very well by now. I don't care about material things.

Sumire felt her cheeks heat up, finally understanding. Oh this pervert! But, isn't he saying it because he understands that she doesn't mind? She thinks for a moment before typing out a reply.

From: Sumire

The next time you hold me my dear, it will be in real life not a dream. You gave me such a strong opportunity to think about what I want you to do to me.

Seeing the doors to the elevator open, she exited and quickly put her phone away. 

After walking for a few minutes, she eventually arrived nearby where Ru was. There were still many people gathered around him, but unlike before Ru didn't seem to panic. After all, she saw someone else there with him.

It's Hino.

Hino immediately saw her and said something to chase the crowd away. Sumire walks over and Ru's eyes brighten seeing her.

"I'll give you two twenty minutes, thirty max."

Mamoru laughed. "Narasaki-san, I don't need that long. Just ten minutes will do."

At those words she frowned, and then linked her arms with Ru. "Make it forty!" 

Hino sighed deeply. "You might as well be gone for an hour. I'll follow closely behind."

Sumire knew Ru was startled with her grabbing his arm, but she has no choice. What ten minutes? There is no way, they will be able to discuss everything in just ten minutes. She has had enough of him sneakily visiting her when he thinks she is asleep. 

'I will praise him for coming to me on his own, but not for the ten minutes part. They need to talk this time, talk and not argue.'

 _______________________

MAMORU

Was this a bad idea? The entire walk here he had been debating about it. But, those worries vanished when Sumire clung tighter to his arm, and he felt her breasts touch his chest. Mamoru's cheeks coloured. 'I wonder if she even realizes what she is doing.' This is Ki, after all. She has always been clumsy and clueless regarding acts of affection, even after she dated Toh, she remained innocent.

"So." Sumire trailed off, breaking the silence. "We haven't really talked properly since we saw each other again."

Mamoru looked down, ashamed. He has been too occupied with the stupid mission.

He shakes his head.

No, the mission is important. Without those people, he wouldn't be here with her again.

"But, you seem to have no problem sneaking in to see Huan when I am coincidentally not around."

Mamoru cringed.

"Ki--" Mamoru paused when he saw her eyes.

Her beautiful amethyst coloured eyes were covered in tears.

"Ki? Hey---"

Sumire sank to the ground. "You're so stupid Ru. I've missed you so much, and it's a miracle that we can see each other again. But all you do is avoid me."

It really is a miracle.

'I thought I was dead. I thought it was all over.' He knew his time with her was limited. After all those failed doctors visits, he knew he didn't have time. But still, he risked returning to Japan to get just a glimpse of her again. The doctors suggested that he stayed abroad to be hospitalized but he declined. He just wanted to get a single glance. Once he confirmed that she was okay, he would have found a place to die alone. 

"I-I know we argued. I know I did something stupid. But are you still angry at me?"

Mamoru frantically shakes his head and kneeled down. "I was never mad at you. I was angry at myself for pushing you too far." He reached over and brushed his fingers across her eyelids. "I know why you stayed with Lucifer, even if it was subconsciously. No, even if this incident didn't happen, you would have bargained with him wouldn't you?"

"Y-your illness, it's back isn't it?"

Mamoru laughed weakly. "That son of ours is clever, little Huan gave you those documents didn't he?"

Sumire sobbed more. "How come? Even though you have another chance. Why is fate so cruel?"