Eternal Melody

"You said you weren't close with your family, right? So why-"

"Why do I want to investigate such an old case? I don't know. Maybe it's because the police's reaction to it was suspicious. A fire breaking out in large manors isn't unusual, but all the servants being killed alongside the family shows there is more to it. But the police simply reported it as a robbery case and moved on."

She was wandering around the forest for a while, so it was only after Aki took her in did she realize something was amiss.

"So you-"

"It has nothing to do with taking revenge for my family. Even if I do that, it's not like it will bridge the gap between us. What's the point of getting closer after death? It is meaningless. Besides, I do not think they will care for me to investigate the case. Both my mother and father would want me to continue moving on with my life rather than mourn their death."

"That sounds like they care, right?"

"Mm. The thing is, with my family, I am sure they did care for me. No, they certainly did. There were moments when I certainly felt their love for me. Whenever I got sick, they said harsh things, but they never tossed me aside." Sumire laughed. "Though hearing such cruel words when your sick wasn't pleasant. I thought it was good that they hadn't abandoned me."

"You shouldn't be happy over something so small."

"Most parents think it is enough to give their daughters/son a roof, shelter to live under, and food. They believe that is enough to raise them. But what they don't realize is the vital thing they need to do as parents are to show love and affection to their children. My parents were certainly lacking in that department; they did not know how to communicate with their children."

It wasn't their fault; she was also bad at expressing her feelings. By the time she finally learned how or at least put in the effort to try, it was already too late.

Whenever they listened to her talk, they would have a dissatisfied look on their face and brush aside her words. Sumire already understood the reason for it.

'They are disappointed in me.' They stopped having expectations of her a long time ago. Whenever they go out or attend social gatherings, they only ever bring up her sister; they do not mention her at all.

"On the surface, we looked like a normal, harmonious family. Both my parents had good jobs and spent more time at home than hanging out with their friends. It looked like they both cared for their family a lot since they made sure to come home no matter how busy they became."

But whenever they were at home, they seldom spoke to her. Whenever she greeted her father or asked him how his day went, there was nothing but silence. At some point, she stopped bothering and asking because she felt like an idiot whenever she talked, and he did not reply. It is not like he could not hear her since she said it directly in front of his face.

"I see. I think I can relate a bit since the relationship between my father and me weren't the best. But I didn't have to suffer as much as you. I quickly became independent and left." Hino trailed off. "Did you not think of leaving too?"

"I repeatedly did. I knew that was the only solution, but a part of me could not go. I didn't want to be alone. I knew I could never live by myself. With my current mental state, if I was left alone, I would go crazy; that was why I wanted to surround myself with people even if they only said poisonous words."

The other reason is that part of her probably still held delusions about living like a normal family.

"No matter how bad things were, I don't think they deserve to die like that." Her gaze turned cold as she recalled the bloody sight. "No matter what the reason. I will find the truth, not because I am the last remaining member of the Ibuki family or to even shrink the gap. I want to search for the truth because that is what I want."

As Sumire, there is something she can do.

"Sumire, you know you-" Hino's sentence fell short when they heard the door chime sound. "The timing is perfect as usual. Hey Sumire, I think your husband is stalking you."

"Like hell. I just wanted to get my guitar fixed-" Yuhi's gaze darted towards her. "What happened to going home?"

Sumire laughed. "I wanted to do some shopping. I need new clothes."

"Uh." Yuhi awkwardly scratched his face. "Maybe I should stop tearing your clothes."

"Right, your the guilty culprit." Sumire left the counter and ran to his arms. "As punishment, mister, you have to go shopping with me. Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of good bouquets in this area."

"I have that knowledge?"

"You do due to all your affairs and many women."

Yuhi leaned forward and kissed her. "Do I still need to have an affair when I have you?"

"Hooligan," Sumire mumbled. Why did he kiss her out of nowhere like that? He is a kissing monster.

"Let's go shopping and then go home together."

"Mm okay."

___

At the airport, a woman with caramel-colored hair and silver-colored eyes was dragging her luggage around. She scanned the area and sighed. 'It seems like he didn't come after all.' Then again, her flight was scheduled earlier than it should be. This also explains why there are no fans in the area. The fans and reporters think she is arriving a few days later.

Now then, before people realize she is here. She can relax for a while.

'When you get back to Japan, have a doctor look at your condition.'

Cassie placed her hand on her throat. Right, she ought to visit the hospital.