Eternal Melody



Afterwards, he said.

'Understanding Terashima means seeing things like Terashima does and doing things in the same mindset as him. But if you do that, you'll be shrouded in darkness. If you do that, then there's a chance - no, you won't be able to see the light ever again. I tried to bring him back to the light, but it was already too late then. I couldn't stop him from making that decision, what about you? Will you be drawn in, or can you stop him? Ojou-chan, want to place a bet?'

Sumire dodged the attack and briefly shut her eyes. Old Man Nobucha had said that to her because he already knew. He knew her fate and Yuhi's would connect no matter what happened. 

Moments ago when those people attacked her and Shohei. The words that escaped the opposition's lips were, 'This is one of the targets. It's her Terashima Yuhi's partner'. 

When she heard those words, she knew the opposite group's identity. The only ones dumb enough to attack both her and Yuhi would be the Black Alice organization. It really doesn't seem as though they can escape from it. Fate.

'I should check on Yuhi after this. Even if he is abroad, it doesn't mean he is safe from these attacks. He may even be more vulnerable.'

"Ibuki, watch out," Shohei shouted. "Above."

Before she could block the attack, someone had scooped her into their arms and dodged them both. A gust of wind lifted them both onto the top of a nearby lamp post. Her eyes widened upon seeing who it was. 

Oh, it's Shin. Of course.

Shin has always silently watched over her. He truly is a good person. But she isn't in love with him. She has never had those feelings towards him.

The discussion they had earlier, she has been meaning to have that talk with him for a very long time. It was something she spoke about with Yuhi. But, with all the recent events that have happened, she has not had the chance to tell him.

"Exactly how are we going to get down?"Sumire asked.

"That's a good question, but I remember having this conversation with you before as well.."

Sumire recalled that time in the past. "Uhh...jump down?"

"Yeah. So excuse me."

"Ah."

When they landed on the ground, Atsuro came rushing over. "Are you hurt?"

Sumire sighed. "Don't nag. I'm fine."

"Don't go off by yourself again. You should have at least called for me." Atsuro said, shaking his head. 

"I'm fine on my own."

"You're not. You're always so reckless." Atsuro lectured.

"What an overreaction. This is why I didn't tell you." Sumire sighed.

Atsuro is a good guy, but he really does nag too much. She would have easily blocked that attack even if Shin didn't save her. 

She already knew that someone was following from the second she left the house. How could she possibly not realize, when the enemy didn't think to conceal their blood lust?

It seemed Toh noticed it, too, and warned her to be careful since he couldn't attend university today. This isn't the first time she has been attacked. Ever since Yuhi-san left, the attacks have become more frequent. 

"Ah, sorry to interrupt you guys. But Ibuki, there's still quite a few of them, "Shohei called out. 

As Shohei said, more people emerged from the corners.

"Everyone stay back," Sumire instructed.

"But Ibuki-san," Ryou said, concerned.

"There isn't a need to involve you guys in this. These people are small fry."

"Are you saying our assistance will only hinder you?" Shin spoke up.

Sumire smiles. "Quick on the update, I see."

 "Somebody has to with these lot."

Atsuro looked like he wanted to interject again, but he didn't get that chance when the enemies got up and surrounded her. All of them with weapons, blades in their hands. Guns and katana, huh?

Sumire sighed deeply. If these people are going to attack her, they should at least research who they are attacking.

Her marksmanship aside, she has always been very good with a blade. Her fascination with swords probably started when she was in the facility, or maybe when she first laid her eyes on her grandfather's antique sword collection. 

Learning fencing was the only way for her to get near swords without drawing suspicioning. It took a while to persuade her parents, but when she could finally pick up a sword, even if it was wooden, shee felt great.

It felt like lifting a weight from her shoulders. Whenever she holds a sword, she feels free. Sumire sighed again when their attacks became more vicious. 

These people must think they will catch her off guard since they are using two completely different weapons to attack her. However, they had to choose those weapons. Sumire pulled out a gun and a small dagger. She sliced her hand with the dagger, causing blood to fall.

"Oh shit-" One of the members realized and tried to back away. But it was already too late.

On her right hand, a blood-colored sword appeared. A sword made from her blood. Even without a mirror, Sumire knew her eye color was the same shade of red as her sword. 

It's too late. 

____

Two days later, University.

Having others invade his personal sancutary was the last thing he needed. But it was an unavoidable situation Shin was relieved that despite the noise they've been making and fuss over the matter, the whole student body doesn't know about it. 

Shin sighed as he heard the approaching footsteps. Here it comes. Indeed the doors burst open, revealing Sumire's friends. He recognized them immediately since most were his Iro road students.

"You shouldn't run in the hallway," Shin commented.

Aika sighs. "Sensei, don't joke around now. Is Sumire okay?"

"That's right. Even though I tried to contact her yesterday, she didn't answer." Asami exclaimed.

Yeah, of course, she wouldn't answer. Atsuro was there with her, and god knows what he has been doing. Thinking about it now would only make him worried. 

Shin shakes his head. Sumire ended up getting hurt. Of course, it was only natural for her to go with Atsuro. But, perhaps he should have been more persistent.

"You guys don't have to worry about it. However, I can understand why you'd fret. She's just overworked. She's been on TV more a lot lately. Sumire is naturally frail, so of course, the stress got to her. Despite what you've heard about our center, he's a reliable guy. He can take care of her just fine." Shin managed to say.

'I can't exactly tell them the truth. The president already did his best to make sure the news wasn't leaked out to the media.'