Eternal Melody

"Maybe that's an issue, too, because you spent a long time figuring it out. If you knew about it from the beginning, then those emotions would come through more naturally. I'd say just scrape the complicated thoughts."

"Uh, is it that easy?"

"It is. I think you have a bad habit of overthinking." Asami trailed off. "Even if you can't use your personal experiences, you can easily use references like watching a sweet film or reading a sweet story. Sumire-chan, you read a lot of books, right? Since you are always in the library."

"I do."

"Have you ever read romance stories?"

Romance stories, huh? She does read romance but tragic ones.

"A little?" Sumire didn't know how to reply to this.

"Hmm, I suppose I will just send you some reference videos and magazines. But the most important thing is harmony. If the two have harmony, then it makes it sweet-" Asami trailed off. "Actually, I think the best example is you and Yu-kun, after all."

"The best example?"

"Right, your relationship is so sweet that even the jealous girls can't intervene. Your harmony is perfect; you naturally get along, have a lot in common, and push each other to great heights. Your perfect partners."

Partners huh?

"Sumire-chan, you're looking a bit pale. Are you alright?"

'I managed to hold back since earlier, but if someone points it out. It is a bit difficult to do so.'

"I think it's just my nausea," Sumire mumbled weakly. "I will lay down. Sorry about this, but I have to send you away."

"It's alright; it's nice to see you after so long. Right now, there are all sorts of crazy rumors about you. But, I believe in what I have seen." Asami grabbed hold of her bandaged hands. "Sumire-chan, you are not the type of person who would fight for an evil purpose. You are the type to fight to protect your comrades."

"I-"

"You don't have to say anything. I understand."

With those words, Asami left, and Sumire slumped to the ground and sighed. While it's true that she fought that time to protect Jun-kun, but at the same time, 'I have fought for evil purposes too.' Perhaps deep down, Asami-san knows that, and that's why she didn't allow her to speak.

Sumire felt pain in her stomach, and she lays down on the ground. This pregnancy is taking more of her usual strength. Although there were complications with little Huan, her nausea wasn't this bad.

From: Aki

Cargo shipped.

Good work, Riri.

Her eyes twitched, annoyed when she read the message. What is with that 'good work' comment? Because of what happened, her hands are in this state where even lifting up her phone would be dangerous for her.

Sumire sighed deeply. Why does she subconsciously end up following Aki's orders? Back then, it made sense, she felt empty, and her life had no meaning. But, the situation presently, she has a lot of stuff to live for. Her life is no longer hanging on the very edge of a cliff.

'Maybe it's just a bad habit.' There is a saying that it's hard to break away from a habit that has been developed as a child. When she thinks about when they first met, it was certainly during a time when she would be easily influenced.

But, she has to stop listening to him. Her gaze fell on her stomach. "Mommy is sorry for putting you both in danger; it won't happen again."

When she thought back to it, she wondered what she was doing. But, after hearing the details from Aki, her first thought was. 'I have to do this.'

She didn't even think of the consequences afterward- Sumire sighed.

'I am too selfish; even now, that part of me doesn't change.'

"I don't see you doing much practice," Yuhi commented, returning to the room.

"I felt nauseous, so I told Asami-san to get back."

Yuhi picks her up. "I'll take you back to the room; that's enough practice for now."

"I wanted to sing for a bit longer, but saying that is selfish."

"Then I'll sing for you; you should get some rest."

Falling asleep to Yuhi's voice does sound nice. Sumire quickly agreed, and Yuhi brought her out of the training room. It felt nice being in Yuhi-san's arms.

"How was it? Did you learn how to be sweet?"

Sumire sighed. "I got some pointers, yes, but it's difficult." She trailed off. "Say Yuhi-san, who is your first love?"

"The girl asking me that very question."

He replied way too quickly, even though she suspected it as much.

"Is it that difficult? Imagining me as your first love and singing that song with me."

"I think I should clear up the misunderstanding before you get any more crazy ideas in your head. But you're my first love, Yuhi."

At those words, he almost dropped her, and she sighed.

"I knew you'd react this way."

"But, what about Mamoru?"

"There was a time when I thought that he was the first one I truly loved and the feelings I had for Toh and Ren were only to fill the void in my heart. When I was with Ru, I genuinely felt happy and immediately knew I liked him. However, just feeling happiness isn't enough. I realize I have to endure suffering and hardships too. That's why I can safely say you're my first love." Sumire concluded.

Yuhi's sweat fell. "Hey, why does it sound like I put you through a lot of pain-"

"Because you did." Sumire pouted. "You should have just swept me off my feet."

"I see that's another one of your desires; alright, I'll note that down." Yuhi trailed off. "So the reason you're struggling with the song is more to do with you being embarrassed, right?"

"Uh, if you put it that way, it makes it seem like my personal feelings are interfering with my profession."

"But well, if that's the case, then we should just practice being sweeter with each other."

P-practice? And dare should she ask, how are they going to practice that? It did not take long before they reached the room, and she was on the bed again.

After he put her down, Yuhi removed his shirt, and she panicked. "W-what are you doing?"

"Huh?"

"I-I know you said we should practice. But there is nothing sweet and innocent about you stripping-" Sumire exclaimed with flushed cheeks as she averted her gaze. But, occasionally, she would stare.

There is nothing innocent, and it makes her have crazy thoughts. He isn't planning on jumping on her when she is in this state, right?