Eternal Melody

Sumire extended her hand out and tugged on the edge of his sleeve.

"What?"

"T-thank you, Hino." Sumire stammered.

Hino reached over and patted her hair. "You're welcome. Do well."

"Mm, I will."

When she gets home, she will immediately start practicing. Sumire quickly put the document away and noticed Hino staring at the food.

"Sorry, can I have a bite too?" Hino asked.

"Ah, yes."

Hino picked a sandwich and immediately took a bite. "Your food tastes good as usual."

Sumire blinked, hearing those words. That's right, Hino was someone from her childhood. He must have eaten her cooking before. However, she is starting to recall bits and pieces regarding Yuhi. The memories regarding Hino are still very unclear.

Just now, when he was defending her, however, it felt very familiar.

"What?" Hino questioned her gaze, but Sumire didn't reply and continued to stare at him.

Hino is truly strange. Unlike the other guys who like her, she feels closer to him, perhaps because he prioritizes Yuhi over her and does not make any moves. Shin isn't either, but he tends to show his feelings for her. Hino is like a mask, a mask that she cannot crack.

"Hino." She breaks the silence.

"Yeah?"

"Did you love me when we were younger too?" Sumire asked.

It was an unusual question, but when he admitted his feelings for her. It felt like it wasn't the first time she had heard it.

"Yeah."

A one-word reply, and yet somehow-

"This is strange," Sumire muttered.

"You're the strange one for asking." Hino trailed off. "Or are you starting to remember something?"

"Recently, I remember more. After hearing Kou, Ran, Jun-kun, and Tetsuo's songs, I have dreams of the past. So, I can confirm that I did know them when I was in the facility. But you," Sumire paused. "-I don't remember anything about you."

"That's to be expected. You didn't remember anything about the other guys until they sang, after all."

"Then why don't you do it too?" Sumire suggested.

"I'm a manager, not a singer."

"But you can sing." She argued.

When she struggled during her lessons, Hino always sang the first few lines to get her going. He only ever sings the first few lines, and yet it is enough for her to determine how good his voice is.

"Still, I'd rather not sing in front of others."

"You're working very hard for me. Would you do this for any other artist?"

"I'd certainly put in effort but not this much. I'm only doing a lot because it's you."

Sumire could only stare at him, speechless. Now that she thought about it, 'we have become closer recently.' Indeed, now that he is her manager, they have more time to spend together.

He jokingly said he would take advantage of it, but he hasn't done anything. This is very complicated.

"Do you want to remember? About me?" Hino asked.

Sumire slowly nodded her head. "We have become close friends recently, so it would be nice."

Hino sighed, hearing her reply. "That's the only reason, huh?"

"Would there be another reason?"

"No, this reply is like you." Hino trailed off. "Well, I think you figured it out already, but I was the one who erased your memories. Meaning if you want to remember, I will have to return it to you. I actually don't mind doing that, Sumire."

Sumire blinked, hearing those words. Doesn't he? He has been acting defensive this entire time.

"At first, I had no intention of giving your memories back. I truly believe even now that these memories will do nothing but bring you harm. However, with the Black Alice organization making such obvious moves. I believe not having your memories will be harmful."

"Then-"

"I will set up a day. But I don't know whether it is better to wait until you safely give birth." Hino trailed off. "On that topic, what do you want to do about the press conference regarding your pregnancy? I managed to suppress the hospital news last time. But it won't be long before they find out. No, I think the sooner they know, the better."

"So, they won't harm me?" Sumire questioned.

"At the very least, they will keep themselves in check. Although being pregnant at this age invites criticism. Your still a pregnant woman; the public will sympathize."

"I see."

When everybody learns that she is pregnant with Yuhi-san's children, she wonders what they will say.

"I will keep you safe from harm but stick closely with me whenever you go out on jobs. Stay within sight."

Sumire's gaze fell on his sword. "Just now, you looked very cool, Hino, but is that real?"

"Of course it is. Just cool? You looked very impressed earlier. You shouldn't hold back your compliments."

She rolled her eyes and snatched the picnic basket away. "No more sandwiches for you."

Hino sighed. "Are you really doing that? Just now, you would have been in trouble."

That's true, and if Yuhi-san eats this many sandwiches, he will put on weight. Although she has never seen him gain weight before. Sumire extended the basket towards him, and Hino picked up another sandwich.

"Did you truly say those words in the trial?"

"What words?"

"About protecting me and cutting down anybody who speaks ill of me with or without evidence," Sumire mumbled.

Actually, repeating what Hino said made her feel embarrassed, so she vaguely phrased it.

"I did; there are even videos online. Do you want to watch?"

"N-no. I am fine." Sumire stammered.

Isn't he a bit too nonchalant about this? She has no doubt that the comments on those videos will be something like 'this almost sounds like a confession.' So that's why people have recently been giving her and Hino odd stares. Although she has kept it a secret that she is close with Hino this entire time to avoid rumors. In the end, he destroyed her efforts.

Sumire sighed.

"I know you've been hiding that you care for me more than the others-" Hino started, but she raised her hands, interrupting him.

Sumire felt her cheeks flush at those words. "H-hold on, that sounds misleading."

"Am I wrong?" Hino questioned.

"N-not exactly, but don't phrase it strangely." Sumire stammered.

"I already know that you don't like me that way, so don't worry."

"I don't hate you."

Hino laughed. "You don't have to try and explain Sumire."

"I feel bad, you know, and you- It's hard to read your thoughts." Sumire averted her gaze.

He is so nonchalant about his feelings for her. But, just now, when he was defending her, she sensed how strongly he felt for her.