Eternal Melody

An hour later, Sumire stares at Yuhi, who is fast asleep. He ended up falling asleep before her. Well, she supposed it was fine; he seemed worn out and tired.

'Yuhi, your past must be painful - although I do not know much. Hino has been telling me bits and pieces. The day we first met in Star town, he was being chased down. I recall those wounds and markings on his body, they weren't normal.'

She secretly investigated it, and bit by bit, the story came to place. But even so, she feels her cheeks flush red; exactly how many times does this make it now? Who would have thought that there would be such a drastic change in their relationship?

No, no, it isn't a huge change or anything. It was going to happen, and considering their age, it's normal, isn't it? Besides, for the longest time, she knew that he was holding back. He did make it clear to her back when they first dated that he desired her. But she has gotten used to him holding himself back.

He's always been very kind. He's been holding himself back after the first time. Previously she said to others that before but even for her, it's not that simple. It should be normal; that is what she said to herself when Toh and Ren touched her. Yet, unlike those guys, unlike the past, Sumire felt that it was different with Yuhi. She wants to treasure him. She doesn't want to take anything for granted anymore.

Sumire reaches over and brushes her hand on his black locks, only to see him in pain.

Now that she thought about it, Atushi mentioned something before heading to Star town, 'Sumire, please do not act oblivious to it anymore. The black kings level you of all people can sense it.'

She hesitated but lifted her watch up in the air only to have Yuhi grab hold of her arm.

"Yuhi, let me check."

"No. I'm alright, don't worry about it." Yuhi tried to assure her.

Even if he says that she can sense something's wrong with him, what will she do if she loses him?

Yuhi reached over and wiped her tears, "Don't cry. It does hurt, yes, but the pain is bearable with you beside me. "

"But-" Sumire hesitated. Maybe she ought to talk to Atsuro about this? If something happens to Yuhi, she will probably end her own life too. A life without Terashima Yuhi isn't a life to her.

"Sumire, all you have to do is be beside me."

Ah, what is he saying at a time like this?

"Besides, I'm not the only one who is in pain. You are."

He noticed it.

Yuhi shifts about until he is on top of her again. It's somewhat embarrassing he's looking at her again.

"Don't stare so much." Sumire tilted her head to the side so he wouldn't look.

But that back-fired as nibbles on her earlobe. "I am going to study you for as long as I can. Because you are the most beautiful thing in the world."

"Y-you hooligan, you tricked me, didn't you?"

"This was indeed a trap to have you fall into my hands. Do you like my methods, wife?"

H-he really tricked her! How dare he pretend to be weak and take advantage of her like this?

To her surprise, however, he suddenly pulls away. "I'm joking; rest."

Sumire waited for a few minutes, but Yuhi didn't continue. Instead, she watched him pull out a cigarette and start smoking by the balcony.

'He must be trying to be considerate of me.'

But, 'I miss his touch already.' Sumire slipped on his shirt and walked over to the balcony.

"You'll catch a cold."

"So will you."

But she does like what she is seeing; maybe she can get a better look now.

Yuhi chuckled. "You only ever want to look after we finish doing it."

Sumire pouted. "That's because right now, you're not doing anything embarrassing."

"Then shall I?"

She makes the first move and hugs him from the back. "My dear, don't tease me so much. My heart is weak and fragile."

"I know, but I wasn't teasing you. I meant what I said, every word."

"I know that too, you big dummy."

Yuhi squeezed her hands. "It's been a while since you gave me a back hug; let's stay like this for a little while."

Even without seeing his face, she can tell what type of expression he is making. Yuhi is very honest; he has never lied to her. However, that honesty has led to him subconsciously concealing what is important.

'I wonder if he even realizes that he deliberately leaves out matters regarding himself.'

"You don't have to worry about me, Sumire; you have a lot going on."

Sumire sighed, hearing those words. "It's true I have a lot of problems. However, that doesn't mean I can't listen to yours. My dear, what's wrong? Won't you talk to me?"

"It seems that man is alive."

Her eyes widened hearing Yuhi's words. So that's why he has been behaving oddly recently. That makes sense.

"He is with the Black Alice organization?"

"Yes."

Sumire had to stop herself from frowning. Out of all the places, Akaishima joins, why does it have to be that place? No, it's only natural. That man has returned to take revenge. It's only normal that he would join forces with their biggest enemies.

He suddenly turned around and pulled her tightly in his arms. It took her a moment to realize how badly he was trembling.

"My dear, let's go back inside; it's cold, and your--"

'Not wearing a shirt, as attractive as that is. I can't let him become sick.'

"-terrified-" Yuhi mumbled.

Eh? What did he just say to her now? She couldn't quite hear him.

"I'm terrified of losing you," Yuhi repeated, this time more clearly.

Her gaze softened, hearing his words. He is far too kind. He is more worried about what will happen to her than what will happen to him.

Sumire raised her face and stared at him for a moment. Even when he is sad, miserable, and in pain, he looks handsome. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. But it wasn't a simple kiss.

Yuhi grumbled. "Stop messing around."

"Mmmm, but I want to."

"Sumire--"

"You don't want me?"

To her surprise, Yuhi suddenly crouched down and placed his face towards her stomach.

"Your mother is being naughty. What do you two think? Should I let her be naughty?"

Sumire felt her cheeks color. 'I didn't think he would do that.' It has increasingly become difficult for her to tease him.

"I'm going to take a bath."

She immediately stormed off with flushed cheeks. She has to cool down, or else something will happen again. She was indeed seducing him just now, but aahhhhh- she screamed in her head, recalling his expression.

Whenever he makes that type of face, it becomes difficult for her. Yuhi-san, exactly what is he trying to do to her? The days where she teased him have long passed. How can she tease him when he looks at her like that?