Eternal Melody

Ah, right, he did say that. Rather he emphasized it a lot after she returned from running away for two months.

"Geez, don't make me worry like that idiot."

Seeing him genuinely troubled like this makes her feel happy. To be loved this deeply by another person is a great blessing. It is a blessing she does not deserve.

Sumire slumped her face on his back and mumbled. "What did you say to her?"

"I didn't bother with words. I just showed her the painting we did together during Christmas to shut her up. She stared at the pictures for a long time before walking away."

"Touko-san's art is amazing. This is the first time I have felt so threatened."

"Sumire your art is-"

"I know, our styles are completely different. It is pointless to compare. Listen to me first." Sumire took a deep breath, and moments later, she felt Yuhi grab hold of her hands. "Such vibrant colors. It felt like I was looking at her soul, and that's why she is no good for you, Yuhi-san. You do not need somebody with darkness, no such a petty darkness by your side."

At those words, Yuhi turned her around and stretched her cheeks. "Are you only just noticing this now?"

"Eh?"

"You don't listen to me when I talk. I told you before when we were discussing Touko. This was one of the reasons why I felt like I was making no progress when I was dating her. Our paintings received much attention, and we got many awards for it. But something was clearly wrong. During our first international award ceremony, a critique pointed it out. 'You paint these paintings with great skill, but there is no emotion. I can see into your souls, and they are both very empty.'"

Ah that's-

Yuhi sighed. "Hearing that was a huge blow. Touko kicked up a fuss and said to ignore him. But how could I? It did not take long for me to go through the paintings I had done since I started dating Touko, and I realized how I had lost my original style. She was restricting me and shackling my art. So unconsciously, I started to distance myself from her."

So that's how it is; it makes more sense now.

"Is it different with me?"

At those words, Yuhi kissed her forehead gently. "You, my dear, are a gem filled with endless amounts of possibilities. When I am with you, not only do I feel myself growing as an artist, but I find painting fun."

She immediately covered his mouth and exclaimed. "N-no more compliments, Yuhi-san."

W-what is this? Even though she was the one who started this topic, why does she feel so embarrassed? Yuhi is- her thoughts broke off when she felt him lick her palm.

What is he doing now? Sumire tried to move her hands away, but it did no good.

"You know, it's dangerous for you when you make the first move."

"I wasn't trying to-"

"Really? Because since yesterday, it feels like you have been provoking me."

That's just him having strange thoughts. It is not like that; yesterday, she acted boldly because she felt sick and uneasy. Whenever she is ill, she is reduced to a docile state where she wants to rely on someone.

Moreover, after Asuka briefly mentioned Asahi, she felt all the rage she suppressed return. 'I have to make sure those people do not hurt Yuhi-san.' Her heart hurt when she thought about the previous incident where Yuhi had to run into the forest after getting hurt.

Yuhi-san is all she has right now; she cannot lose him.

Yuhi pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Ssh, deep breaths. I am sorry for teasing you too much, but I just wanted to relax your nerves."

"Stupid."

"Yeah, I really am. I can guess what you are thinking but relax; you cannot face them in your present condition."

"Mm."

"Also, that movie Hino signed you up for. The second female lead is Hori Fuko's relative."

So they are making their move already? But wait, she looked at him with wide eyes. "D-don't tell me I am the female lead?"

"Well yeah, with Hino's connections, how can he get you a lesser role?"

"Hino's methods are far too flashy. Shouldn't I lay low since I just returned?"

"No, his decision is correct. You need to show people you are back. If you take on small jobs and hide away, people will call you a coward. Of course, there will be those who criticize you for being shameless. However, you can shut them up using your abilities at the end of the day."

"I suppose that makes sense. But acting-"

"What's the problem? Didn't you perform in several musicals last year? I thought they were quite good."

At those words, her cheeks colored. "H-how did you know it was me?"

"Well, for the same reason why I just kissed you, it's because I love you. How can I not recognize the girl I love?"

Sumire just stared at him, speechless. Who is the one being shameless now? He keeps saying such ridiculous things, and yet.

"I feel so happy that I have become stupid."

At those words, Yuhi bent down and cupped her cheeks. "You are doing this deliberately. Ah geez-" Before Yuhi could kiss her, however, they hear the sound of somebody calling out.

"Yuhi, you were the one who wanted to have morning practice. Don't skip out."

They turned to the source of the voice and looked up. It was Ran.

'W-were they completely visible? Did other students see them too?' She still felt strange about public displays of affection. She has lived her entire life not knowing how to express herself very well after all. So this type of situation is still new to her.

Her thoughts broke off when Yuhi kissed her. It came so suddenly that she did not know how to react.

"I will continue this tonight, so calm your nerves before then."

Sumire dumbly nodded her head, and Yuhi laughed. "See you later."

Even after Yuhi left, she simply stood on that spot dumbfounded. She slumped to the ground and buried her face in her arms. What on earth is with him recently? He keeps acting strange! Then again, did Asuka not mention that Yuhi has been holding back this entire time?

She has truly unreleased some type of monster. But she recalled his red-stained ears when he walked away. It seems like she is not the only one who has become silly.

_