Eternal Melody

MAMORU

That's his line. Mamoru shakes his head. If he agrees with her, she will end up crying again. He can't cling to life, even if he has been given a second chance. This second chance is short because he cheated death. He should have died. He deserves this. Mamoru wiped her tears with his sleeve and helped her stand up.

"Ki." Mamoru said softly. "It's okay already, I'm fine that I got to see you and the little one."

Getting to know Huan the past two months has brought him so much joy. He never thought he would get along with a child so well. At first, he felt awkward. But, it's not just Huan's appearance that resembles his but his personality too.

"You're being selfish Ru."

"I am?"

"Yes! You're only taking your feelings into account. What about me? Don't you owe me after pulling this fake death student twice?" Sumire exclaimed.

Mamoru's eyes widened hearing her words. "I mean, I just thought-"

"No your clearly not thinking, because if you truly were? Why would you pull this shit on me twice! Do you know how bad it was this time? And what was this about you being suspicious of Hijiri but actually using the car he gave you? Are you insane?"

His sweat dropped. It seems Toh told her about that. Mamoru takes a deep breath as he stared at the fuming girl in front of him. Truthfully, he can't say anything now to defend himself because he has no excuse at all.

Sumire looked livid at his silence and Mamoru coughed.

"I didn't think it through. After all I was only suspicious of him, there was no actual evidence yet. I wanted to talk to you about it after the concert. Carelessly accusing the only family member you truly have would have been cruel of me."

That's why he kept quiet. Hijiri didn't show any signs of strange behaviour. The only reason he suspected him was after he heard how hostile Hijiri was regarding Yuhi. It surprised him. Mamoru didn't know Hijiri had a grudge against Yuhi. 'I didn't expect them to be the best of friends since it's clear that Hijiri's feelings for Ki were strange.' Thinking it through now, that should have been enough evidence.

Hijiri's feelings towards Ki weren't ones cousins should have. Hijiri likes Ki romantically. So, it would certainly explain why he held such a grudge against Yuhi. The words he used when he was insulting Yuhi, they were the same ones that were on those anonymous letters that were always sent to Yuhi. The same words Yuhi's mother said on her deathbed.

It could have been a coincidence, but Mamoru got a bad feeling. If Hiriji's grudge is that strong, then he would certainly be a suspect to Yuhi's issue. How did that relate to Ki? Simple, if Hijiri truly has a side like that. Who is to say he won't harm those close to him?

'Eyes of madness, I have seen them before on individuals in the underworld who have become corrupted. When Hijiri spoke about Yuhi, he had those eyes.' It was a vague theory, and he only started to truly become suspicious. When he realized Hijiri often frequently visited back alleys and slums.

"Are you even listening to me?"

Mamoru blinked and realized how close Sumire was standing. Her face was a mere inches away from his. Memory felt his cheeks heat up and he immediately backed away.

Sumire stared at him puzzled and then suddenly burst into laughter. "Oh, it's hard getting mad at you when you react this way. I clung to?you on purpose earlier."

Mamoru looked at her horrified. "Ki, since when did you tease people so much?"

Sumire giggled. "My dear says that's a part of me that he likes. Oh, but he also said I shouldn't do this with other men." Sumire takes her phone out and quickly sends a message. "It's better to confess my sins early."

Mamoru watched her, truly watched her. She certainly looks much better than before. It seems Lucifer truly didn't harm her. Moreover, her feelings for Yuhi haven't been affected.

Sumire's face suddenly turns scarlet and she covers her mouth with her sleeve and laughs. "I need to stop underestimating Yuhi-san, he really is good at flirting. I wonder how he comes up with all these cheesy lines."

She will be fine. If she has Yuhi. If she reunites with Yuhi, then everything will be okay. He strongly believed this, and he repeated it frequently in his head, just to stop himself from rushing to her side.

"Ru." Sumire said softly. "You, you always wanted me to go find Yuhi-san, right? You knew he would make me happy."

Mamoru looked at her surprised. The last time they had this conversation, she was very upset that he was underestimating his place in her heart. She must have spoken to Toh, only he has the power to influence her this much. But, it must be hard on Toh advising her on such matters now.

'Toh's feelings for Ki are certainly stronger than the ones I have for her.' In the past, he would have said one cannot measure another person's heart. But, after watching Toh, he has changed his mind.

"I did."

Toh's feelings, are they stronger than Yuhi's? 'I am too scared to find out, because Ki seems to be genuinely happy with Yuhi.'

Sumire was watching him carefully. "But, you also think Toh can make me happy right?"

Mamoru laughed awkwardly. "You really are sharp Ki."

"Mm, but it's more like. You're not the only one who thinks this way." Sumire looked up at the sky. "I will only tell you this Ru, regarding Toh, I think. No there must be something there. During my time with Lucifer. I recognized Toh, and only Toh. I saw Hino but he only felt familiar, and I didn't even remember San."

"Ki-"

"Life really is unfair. Even though I already have such a perfectly good man by my side, even though I already have a family with him. My heart is restless, I know Yuhi-san makes me happy. But, that person. Toh is- I know he can do the same."

Mamoru clenched his fist. He never wanted her to feel conflicted like this. That's why even though he gave the guys who like her advice, he never truly encouraged it. He wanted to encourage and fully support Ki's feelings for Yuhi. But, Mashima Toh has changed everything.

"Ki-"

"Don't." Sumire was sobbing again. "Don't say anything Ru. I'm already being so selfish. I can't have you say comforting words now. I am being selfish, I have to accept that."

Mamoru didn't say anything but he closed the distance between them and hugged her.

"I really don't want anyone else to know about this. Please, please don't tell Toh."

"I won't."

"-and Yuhi-san, neither of them can know. Because if they do? I know they won't get angry at me. They would let me get away with this, and that wouldn't be right."

Love really is cruel. Why won't fate leave this poor girl alone already? Hasn't she experienced enough?