Eternal Melody

SUMIRE

So, her plan to sneak out of the hospital was actually very simple. All she had to do was bribe Sano, 'I had to flirt a little which I will apologize to my dear about later.' After the flirting act, she knocked Sano out, grabbed the keys to the backdoor that staff used and left. Due to the excessive security around her, it seemed the media had been staying far away. So, there was nobody who noticed her leave. It was the most peaceful escape plan.

"Wow, isn't that Mashima Toh."

The others in the room who had been silent and watching their companions face punishment suddenly reacted.

At the mention of Mashima Toh, Sumire turned around shocked. A tall man with silver coloured hair wearing a silver suit entered the room. Unlike the usual warm aura around him, Sumire felt nothing but coldness from the man. Her sweat fell knowing that she was the cause for his sudden coldness.

'I left him a note! It's not like I just left.' But, Sumire knew that excuse wouldn't cut it, especially considering how worried Toh has been. Ever since she returned from Lucifer's side he has been really protective.

The moment Toh got close, he wrapped his scarf around her neck and was inspecting her clothing. Frowning, she watched Toh take his jacket off and slipped it around her shoulders. He grabs hold of her hands and starts drawing circles.

"Uh." Sumire didn't know what to say.

She half expected a lecture. What is he doing acting all sweet, moreover grabbing hold of her hands in front of other people?

Just as she thought she hears scoffing.

"She really is a whore."

"Right? If she really is as pure as everyone says she is, then she why does she have so many men around her? I don't get it."

Sumire rolled her eyes. These voices were coming from people she hadn't tied up, not because they aren't harmful. But the harm they can do is limited to petty words. She turned around to face them and coldly stared at them causing the two girls to flinch.

Suddenly she hears screaming from behind her, and in front of her. The two girls who had been speaking ill of her moments ago had collapsed onto the ground. She didn't have to turn around to know it was the same for the people she tied up.

Sumire blinked and turned to Toh. "Did you just-"

"The rest of you, out." Toh said coldly.

Toh's tone was frigid and his aura would frighten anyone away.

She pleaded for Siena to stay but her friend shook her head as she mouthed the words 'call me later.' before swiftly exiting the room.

Tasuku dragged the bodies away and bowed. The others remaining in the room didn't see the need to stay. Although Sumire could tell they were curious since she heard them whispering amongst themselves.

Toh walked over to her.

"Strip."

Sumire sweat fell. "That's not very polite."

At those words Toh gave a low dark chuckle as he caressed her arm. "Then, should I remove your clothes for you? I'm sure you prefer it that way beautiful."

Sumire frantically shakes her head. She takes a deep breath understanding exactly what he wanted, as she reached over and pulled up her skirt so he could see up to her thighs. On each side, there were some freshly made scars.

Toh's gaze dimmed seeing the scars.

"And you see why I've been stuck to your side beautiful?"

"Um, wasn't that because you liked being with me?"

Toh raised his eyebrows. "Do you think being bold will get you out of this lecture?"

Sumire looked down. "I'm not trying to get out of it. I'm sorry for escaping. But, this had to be done. Whenever Ru has come over when he thinks I'm asleep. He looks exhausted."

A frustrated sigh escaped Toh's lips. "I understand how you feel beautiful. Mamoru is my friend too, and I don't like him overworking himself."

Oh.

Toh grabs her hands and leads her to the couch.

"Is there a first aid kit anywhere?"

Sumire points to a set of cabinets and Toh walks over. She watched him for a few minutes. He really is sharp, how did he notice? Then again, by now she understands that Toh has a way of understanding her even if she doesn't make it obvious. He returns with the first aid kit and she watched him treat her wounds.

"Toh, didn't you have work?" Sumire wondered.

"Yeah I did. But I had a short break, and wanted to see your face a bit. Imagine my surprise when I find Nagawa reprimanding the guards for losing you."

Her sweat fell. Those poor guards.

"You can't do this Sumire. I know you were going to be discharged anyway. But, do you have any idea how many threats to your life there are?"

"I-I do know." Sumire stammered.

"No, you clearly don't." Toh said sharply.

".."

She bit her bottom lip. He really is angry this time. There is nothing she says that will get her out of this situation.

Toh sighs. "I hate raising my voice at you beautiful. But, after everything that has happened-" He trails off. "I'm terrified of losing you again."

"I'm fine Toh, I came back in one piece."

"You had your heart ripped out Sumire."

Lucifer must have told him everything. Sumire takes a deep breath as she grabs hold of his hands.

"I know, and it was a terrifying experience. It's not like I forgot about it. You should know since you have been staying by my side every night since I got back. I was frightened."

It was the first time where she thought she may actually value her life.

"That's what I don't understand. If that is truly the case, then why did you do this to yourself?" Toh questioned.

"But, even if that's the case. My subconsciousness can't take the fact that I not only betrayed Yuhi but most-likely killed innocents due to my petty jealousy." Sumire trails off. "Those women in the harem, although they were cruel. They aren't evil. For the first time I stained my hands with innocent blood."