Eternal Melody

SUMIRE

She doesn't agree with that logic at all, but if this is what Toh wants, she can't argue. Toh is the loyal type after all, once he has pledged his loyalty, it's not easy to change it. Those in her circle have figured that out too and that's why they advise her not to trust Toh with matters regarding the underworld.

'I understand it, I do, even if I don't like it.'

Sumire sighs. This really is complicated, not seeing Toh as an enemy was already causing problems for her, now it's not just Toh but the leader of the enemy organisation.

Lucifer can be cruel, even without Toh's story. She saw with her own eyes how he treated others who weren't her. There is a reason why he is so feared. The darkness in this life time has certainly gotten stronger, and from what Toh said. Lucifer has accepted the darkness. He isn't actively pushing it away like before, so what is to stop him from willingly letting his monster side take over?

From the brief conversation she just had with him, it seems like Lucifer is aware how far she will go to protect everyone. He also didn't say that he wouldn't harm her friends.

Toh reached over and caressed her cheek and a content sigh escaped her lips. All her troubled thoughts from a few seconds ago, vanished just like that. Toh really does have a way to calm her down.

She lay on his chest and played with her phone while Toh switched the TV on. She was scrolling through the news. 'There really hasn't been many bad rumors about me recently, it's weird. Is it because Yumi-senpai interfered during her time with Lucifer?' But even then, for the media to suddenly stop like this is odd.

They aren't picking on someone else around her are they? Even the artists who are normally hostile towards her have been treating her strangely well.

"Is everything okay with your work?" Toh suddenly asked.

"Mm, everything's been going smoothly."

Far too smoothly, she doesn't remember the last time things went this smoothly in her life. Especially the events the last few months. This feels like the calm before another storm. If there is going to be peaceful time before the storm, she would like it to be with her dearest.

'I should have just asked him directly when he was coming back.'

Her sentence fell short when Toh leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Toh?"

"Yes beautiful?"

"Uh, so the day after the concert--"

"Do you have work? I was thinking I could take you for a stroll around the park, and a meal."

Sumire blinked, hearing his plans for them.

"I don't have any jobs, but--"

"Then, can I take you out?"

"You may."

'I can't say no when he looks at me like that.'

Sumire watched as a gentle expression appeared on his face. Thump. He really does look at her differently now.

'Can you do me a favour Ki? Make sure to spend as much time with Toh, before Yuhi returns.'

Even if Ru didn't want anything, she would have. Even after Yuhi-san returns, she won't push Toh away. Although, she will have to check on her dearest situation first.

Moreover, even if Toh didn't ask her. She would have asked him. Since returning, Toh has remained by her side during her hospitalization. This person has spent so many days taking care of her, from day to night Toh has been by her side. He must be exhausted, he definitely needs a break.

'Just for now, when Yuhi returns. When he returns I will-'

If she knew this would be the last day they would spend time together before the storm, then perhaps she would have been more honest with him.

________________________

YUHI

Yuhi stared at the large crowd bellow and whistled. "Is this your doing Hino?"

Hino exhales deeply. "I can't believe you come waltzing in here without a care in the world, and half way through the concert too."

Yuhi laughed. "Well, my flight ended up delayed. I was really worried that I'd miss all of it, so I'm glad I made it."

"And don't you owe me for getting you here so fast?" A exhausted looking Shin walked over. "I managed to park the car."

"Yeah, thank you. Your SF privileges certainly came in handy."

Shin sighed deeply. "Can you believe this guy? He suddenly messaged me saying 'Come get me, it's an emergency.'" He shakes his head. "I really thought you were in trouble."

Hino kept shaking his head. "You've been back for less than an hour, and you're already causing this many issues? I've already had a tiring morning taking care of your wife's mess."

Yuhi frowned. "Did something happen?"

"She got into a fight with members of the black alice organisation on the way to the venue. Thankfully the media have been good recently, and nobody has been following her. But some people still saw. So, I had no choice."

Yuhi immediately understood what Hino meant. Hino never used his powers as much before, because he disliked them. But, it seems he did so with no hesitation just to protect Sumire.

"Thank you."

Hino shakes his head. "This is the least I can do after failing her twice." He trails off. "I thought you'd punch me."

Yuhi looked at Hino, really looked at his friend. Although Hino looked like he usually did visually. Yuhi could see he was deliberately covering up his arms, and neck. His movements also seemed to be slower than usual. He glanced over at Shin who nodded.

"There is no need. If it wasn't for you, she would have suffered more."

Mashima's presence certainly helped Sumire but she would have long broken down if Hino wasn't there for her. He turned his attention back onto the stage, where Sumire and Nase stepped onto the stage as they announced this would be their final song.

The words 'This is me' appeared on the board on the stage, and strange letters appeared on the ground too.

Yuhi's lips curve to a smile when he realized the words were

all the insults that had been thrown at her.

'My wife really is amazing.'

He paused in mid-thought, his wife huh? Ever since he left to go to the US, he has avoided calling her that, even in his mind. After all he knew what his absence in her life would do. It would lead to paving a path for any of the other guys who like her.

Sumire: I'm not a stranger to the dark

hide away they say, because we don't want your broken parts

Siena: I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars. Run away they say no one will love you as you are.

Sumire: But I won't let them break me down to dust. I know that there's a place for us.

both: for we are glorious

But the truth is, the truth is he has never wanted to stop calling her that. His wife who has always found a way to brighten up his dark world. She continues to shine brightly, no matter what obstacle is thrown her way.

When the sharpest words want to cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood and drown them out

I am brave

Siena:?I am brave

Sumire: I am bruised.

---

Both: I am who I am meant to be

Sumire: This is me

Look out because here I come

and I'm marching onto the beat I drum

I am not scared to be seen

both: I make no apologies

This is me

oh oh oh oh oh oh

Siena: Another round of bullets hits my skin

Sumire: Well fire away because today I won't let the shame sink in

Both: We are bursting through the barricade

Siena: and reach above the sun

Sumire: we are warriors

yeah that's what well become

I won't let them break me down to dust

Siena: I know that there's a place for us

for we are glorious

Both: When the sharpest words want to cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood and drown them out

For a moment the stadium was silent before the stadium burst into cheers. Even from his seat he could see the looks of admiration in the eyes of the young people, and the stuck up music critics? Some were discussing offers, and some looked like they would rush to the stage to poach Sumire right this second.

'Don't you see love? The power you and your music have over people.' If there was anyone thinking of challenging or insulting her in the crowd, they certainly can't do that now.

She is shining so brightly, but what about him?