Eternal Melody

It's far from a gentle one. Without Yuhi by her side, she has nobody she can turn to when she wants to break down. At least that is what she thought. Despite the growing crowd, Hino remained in sight.

"Outstretched palms, holding up.

The color of the stars.

Towards a tomorrow

Where our paths have overlapped."

But nobody can stop her now. Nobody can stop her from seeking out light in the undiscovered lands of this world.

"I miss you! Our hearts are joined.

We look up, beyond the shining rainbow.

Miracles are brimming, shining.

Toward a world like that.

I clasp your hand and fly off."

"Let's go straight forward.

Because I feel your heart.

Lets charge forth.

The sky toward which we flew off now sparkles."

"You and I turn our backs to it, faster than a light.

To the ends of the sky.

We stared at it, hand in hand.

Close your eyes, and let our hearts now overlap."

After the concert however, the guitarist whose name was Namura kept following her around. She was trying to reunite with Hino but due to the crowd it was difficult. Moreover Namura went from complimenting her guitar skills to professing his love for her in just a few minutes.

Sumire rolled her eyes when Hino walked over.

"Am I getting paid for overtime?"

"Questioning your manager. That's pretty brave of you. Should I fix this mouth of yours hmm?" Hino said, pinching her cheeks.

Her brave front only lasted five minutes. Her cheeks are delicate!

"Ah that hurts. I give, I give."

Clearly this closeness didn't sit too well with Namura, since he finally spoke up. "D--- D0n't tell me when you said two guys you love, you mean't one of them was Narasaki Hino?"

His voice really is loud, maybe even louder then herself. Sumire was getting ready to explain herself, when she felt the Hino wrap his arms tighter around herself. Aha, of course he's going to do this.

'I know he isn't serious. But, Hino said rather than there being rumors about her and a strange guy it's better if he is the guy.'

Indeed, when the rumors first started Yuhi called her and said that 'Hino is protecting you well.' It seemed Yuhi was fully aware that the media would use this chance to set her up with other guys, so their relationship would fall apart.

Sumire sighed, those people truly have nothing better to do.

"Well, maybe it's like that.

Sumire glanced over at Hino who looked back at her, leading Namura to fall on the ground. what-with those secret looks.why are you two so close?" He suddenly stands up."I --I won't lose to you."

With those words said Namura rushed away.

She only just met this guy today but he is acting like they have known each other for a long time.

"You have quite the persistent stalker, you'll have a problem with that one."

"Don't worry I'll be fine. I'm strong."

If worst comes to worst, she could just beat him up. Nobody would blame her since she could claim it is an act of self-defence.

She suddenly recalled the food in her bag."Ah that's right. When I was baking earlier I ended up making too much. Please take some to the others."

After she gave Hino the bag she turned her attention to the crosswalk. If she returns home now, she should make it on time. She only turned to walk, but ended up losing her footing. Hino scooped her in his arms immediately.

Sumire laughs lightly seeing his expression."When was I caught?"

Hino sighed. Backstage whenever I watch you, I have noticed that your complexion looks pale."

"Oh, as expected from you gold star manager." Sumire said playfully.

Instead of refuting however, Sumire only saw a troubled and worried look flash through Hino's eyes.

Sumire immediately stopped her joking tone. Shereached over and placed her hand on his face."ou always seem to worry too much. You've already done enough for me and yet you still do more. Even now I know you're working hard for my sake. That's why it's alright isn't it?"

'I don't have to confront him directly about it, he will understand.'

Ever since Yuhi went to the US, Hino has remained by her side. Whenever they aren't together, he would make sure to call and message her. Sumire knew all too well how much this person has been working hard for her sake and that's why it's alright already.

Her thoughts break off when she hears the sound of a shutter and sighed deeply. Hino placed her down on the ground but grabbed hold of her wrist. "On the count of one, two-"

The moment Hino said the next number she was already sprinting, Hino following closely behind her.

She has already lost count how many times she has run from the reporters like this. Now that she has successfully returned to the entertainment industry, she has become a public figure again. In other words, the reporters had every right to chase and post news about her.

If they go overboard however, there is Hino's restraining order. After running for a few minutes, they eventually lose the reporter.

Hino sighed. "Those people, are getting better at chasing recently."

Sumire laughed. "I wonder what the next headline will be. A loving princess carry? The affair continues."

At those words Hino tapped her forehead. "Stop causing problems."

"You're the one who carried me." Sumire pouted. "Besides-" She trailed off seeing Hino point to the shops and she laughed again.

"What would you like for dinner today? You must be hungry."

"Yakisoba."

"Then let's get going."

It did not take long before they went to the shopping market district and bought everything they needed. The vendor at the vegetable store even offered them a discount for always buying. This market is close to the house Yuhi and her bought, and the most important part is it's close to the sea. After shopping successfully for dinner, she and Hino headed over.

This has become a daily routine now, and yet she doesn't get tired. Hino picks her up from the university, shopping for groceries, spending time on the beach and having dinner together. He makes sure she isn't alone, and if he isn't with her, he makes sure there is somebody else.

Hino really is far too kind, why does he do so much for her when he can't return her feelings?

Even now it surprises her, when she was saying goodbye to Yuhi in the airport that day. She didn't see Hino, and just assumed he was already in the plane. But when Yuhi left and she fell to the ground crying, the person who helped her stand up was Hino.

*Unedited*