Eternal Melody

Sumire sighed deeply when she got into the tub. 'Hino is way too safe. How does he plan to woo a girl in that state?' Or maybe she just likes honest and direct people. Either way, her gaze softened when she thought of how Hino had encouraged her to sing earlier. He really is a supportive manager.

When she transferred agencies, she requested not to have a manager, and the President agreed, knowing she had a bad experience before. It was difficult, but she was strangely good at promoting, and she could manage. If there was anything she needed help with, Ru would assist.

Her thoughts break off when she hears the sound of her phone. This ringtone- Sumire takes her phone from the side and, sure enough, confirms her suspicions.

The words 'my dearest' appeared on her screen, and she quickly answered.

"Hey, my lov-" Yuhi froze, and she laughed softly, seeing his expression. "Are you taking a bath?"

"Mm, it rained so-"

"Hey, can you lift your camera?"

She felt her cheeks redden at his 'request.' If he was right beside her, it would be difficult for her to agree, but because he isn't, she slowly raised it, revealing more of her body.

"Damn." Yuhi cursed. "I leave you alone for less than two weeks, and you get even prettier?"

"Aha."

"This isn't funny at all, I can't touch you, and it's killing me knowing other guys can see you-"

"N-not like this," Sumire said, startled at his words. "I-I won't cheat!"

Yuhi laughed, and she pouted, knowing that he had tricked her.

"I saw the surprise live; that new song is great."

Sumire's eyes brightened upon hearing his words. "You liked it?"

"Mm, have you recorded it yet?"

"The recording finished a week ago, and the CDS just finished printing. I'll be doing promotions for it properly soon."

"As expected of Hino, he works fast."

Sumire's gaze fell on his surroundings. Japan and the US have a thirteen-hour time difference. Right now, it's five pm here, so over there, it will be six am. He is awake too early, has he not been sleeping?

Rather, she tilted her head. "You're outside?"

"Mm, I'm on the terrace. The party just ended, and everyone is leaving."

A party it makes sense that Yuhi and the others have to hold events like that since they are trying to promote themselves. But she feels a bit unsettled.

"Were there any pretty girls?"

"Nobody prettier than you," Yuhi replied immediately.

She stares at him suspiciously, and Yuhi suddenly unbuttons his shirt, and she almost drops her phone on the water.

"W-what are you doing?" Sumire said, startled.

"I don't want you to get any crazy ideas in your head. Yes, girls at this party were trying to throw themselves at the guys and me. But nothing happened. When they try to get near, Takeyama kicks them out; that guy is very overprotective."

"O-oh, but why do you have to strip?" Sumire stammered.

Yuhi's lips curve to a smile. "So you can see everything and confirm for yourself."

"Y-you don't have to, besides your outside. What if somebody sees?"

"True. I should go to the bedroom and then seduce you there."

"Yuhi!" Sumire exclaimed, mortified.

What happened to the sweet words he spouted when they first dated? Ever since he went to the US, it feels like that mouth of his is getting dirtier. When she complained about this to Hino, he told her that Yuhi had always been like that, so she shouldn't be surprised.

Yuhi chuckled. "Sorry, I'm a bit tipsy. But if you really do want to see it later, just let me know."

"N-no, you should be getting some sleep." Sumire immediately refused.

As tempting as the offer is, she would die of embarrassment if Yuhi seduces her. Moreover, since they are far apart, she can't touch him.

"It's alright. I wanted to talk to you." Yuhi trailed off. "How are the children? Are you managing?"

"Giving birth exactly five days after you leave was quite surprising." Sumire sighed. "I didn't even know I was due."

"I am so glad that Hino was with you then. Had you been walking alone somewhere, it would have been a disaster."

Hino was there, but there was also somebody else. She happened to overhear a conversation between Hino and the childhood friend.

'Did you truly love me?' When she heard those words from Cassie, Sumire understood why Hino's feelings were never returned and why the girl fell for Yuhi. Hino must have done something that leads to that misunderstanding. Or maybe it's Cassie's fault. Either way, she didn't want to get involved, and that's why she turned to leave.

But that led to her suddenly feeling sick, and before she knew it, she was on the ground clutching her stomach in pain.

"Sumire, how are you feeling?"

Sensing Yuhi's tone, her gaze softened. "It's alright, I haven't had many nightmares recently, and Hino is following your instructions. He doesn't leave until I have fallen asleep."

"Honestly, asking him to just live with you is tempting."

The nightmares they are discussing are the ones she has had since she gave birth to the twins. The delivery was indeed painful, but the nightmares that followed during the first night hurt even more. Rather than nightmares, it felt more like visions of what was to come. It frightened her since every scene she saw was covered in blood.

Sumire shakes her head. "I have no doubt that he would agree if you asked. However, it would be cruel of you to ask him that favor."

Hino was already doing so much for her; she knew the more time they spent together. The harder it is for Hino to control his feelings. During those accidental moments when they would get close to one another, it felt like he would kiss her at any moment.

It's already hard for him; if they lived together, Hino would suffer even more.

"I don't care how cruel it is. I am worried those nightmares are a sign that Lucifer will come for you." Yuh's gaze darkened. "Why don't you at least try-"

Sumire shakes her head. "If you continue, I will get angry."

Yuhi bit his lip. She knew she was being cruel saying this, but Yuhi's suggestion was even crueler.

"My dear," Sumire said shyly as her cheeks turned red. "What you just suggested a few minutes ago, I don't mind, so can you return to your room?"

It may seem like she was trying to change the subject, but she also wanted to get a good look at him.