Eternal Melody

TOH

When he realized what was happening, the vision he had for his brand slowly started to crumble away and he decided to take a break from designing. With the way he was, how could he call himself a designer? 

"So, I took a break to have time for myself. But after being busy for so long, I realized how much my career had taken over my life. I didn't have anything to do. I suppose that was the time where I truly became a player like your brother. I didn't care who I slept with, as long as I had a warm body by my side. I behaved carelessly."

"I'm surprised the media didn't catch you like that."

Toh laughed weakly. "I became careless with my appearance too. I don't think anybody would have recognized me then. I was breaking down without her."

"Then you heard about Tsueno Mamoru?"

Toh nodded. "I couldn't believe it. There is no way he would die and leave Sumire alone like that. I knew about the illness of course, but I also knew that your brother recommended him to a good doctor. A doctor known for prolonging illnesses, giving the patients more time. When I saw the details, I immediately called Lucifer who seemed distraught. 'One of the subordinates messed up.' It was my first time hearing the Lord like that so I knew something was wrong, and I went back. I'm thankful it was Kiragi Asuka watching over Sumire then. I don't think Hamano would have let me inside. 'Help her.' Seeing the usually cold hearted girl show some emotion like that made me realize how bad the situation was."

"But you didn't stay."

"I couldn't do anything for her. She may have shown some emotion seeing me. But the rest of the time she was truly like a doll. It hurt seeing her that way. Then one night she told me, 'You have to go back. You have to leave me here to wither away, because you still have your dream don't you?' It was the first time in days where she even said anything. So, I knew she was saying it subconsciously, but I clung to those words. Because she is right. The goal I set for myself as a designer, that goal was my dream." Toh strokes Akane's hair. "During my time with her, I saw how brightly she shone when she spoke about her dreams. I suppose she influenced me."

"It was the same for me." Akane muttered. "Even when her promotion and TV appearances were short. I saw that same brightness, and it made me want to be like her." She trails off. "Even in her state, she was worried about you."

"I suppose so."

Toh closes his eyes and remembers how even though Sumire's eyes looked lifeless, occasionally he would see that flicker of emotion. When she would wake up before him, and he would find her just staring or stroking his cheek. There were even times where he would feel a light peck on his lips. 

"Sumire-san, she still has feelings for you doesn't she?" Akane said softly.

"What makes you say so?"

"I have been thinking about this for a while now. Since we started seeing each other, I have learned a lot more about you. If she truly didn't have any feelings left for you, you would have given up already. You're not the persistent type like my brother. You know how to respect a girl's feelings."

Toh chuckles. "It seems your impression of me has changed now."

"I always thought you were kind, even before this." Akane muttered. She turned to him and caressed his face. "I'm not Sumire, but I think I understand why she can't let you go.."

Toh didn't say anything to that. Akane truly is different from the rest of her family. 'I started this entire situation with her based on my anger towards her brother. But, I'm thankful that she is by my side now.' He doesn't say a word, but pulls her closer and presses a soft kiss on her forehead.

For now, he can keep Akane by his side. But, when Sumire returns. He will let this girl go.

  ____________________________

NENE/SUMIRE

Year XX 6th Lifetime 

How did she find herself in this situation, with a man pushing her against the wall, with his hands darting to the slit on her dress?

'If you do not find him soon, the connection between you two will be severed.' Or so, the temple mage had told her. She never did trust the words of the temple mages. But, she ran out of options. She has been searching for Lex for so long, and hasn't come close to finding him at least once. 

After her frequent visits to the temple, one of the younger mage apprentices pulled her aside and told her about a rumor of two talented witch doctors who cast curses on people. 

'It's dark magic, and I would get in trouble recommending them but you've been coming here everyday for the past five years. This maybe your only hope.'

So, she sought one of them out. Considering how one was more active than the other, she intended to find that one first. But, instead she saw the more isolated one first. At first she observed him from afar to make sure it was him. 

Due to the heavy rain, she ended up slipping just as she was about to approach him. She almost fell on the other side of the bridge, but he caught her. The rain shower became worse, so Yi lead her to a place they could seek shelter. But, she didn't think- he would start stripping his cloak off the moment they got inside.

She didn't think he would suddenly kiss her. If it was just a simple kiss, she would have been able to push him away faster. But it wasn't a simple kiss. It was a battle of dominance, a battle she didn't think she ever wanted until now.

Lex has never treated her like this. Lex was always so careful with her. Even when he was passionate. He always treated her like she was something fragile that would break at any moment. This person is different. Is it because they don't know each other? No, it's not as though he is man handling her. He is still paying careful attention to her needs and her reaction.