Eternal Melody

SANO

Now there was his best friend, Narasaki Hino. Although Sumire and Hino were getting close, Sano didn't see Sumire developing any romantic feelings for Hino. Though it does bother him that Hino can be close to her like that.

Nakura Shin was friendzoned a long time ago and Eli? Eli is nothing too. All the others who like the girl have backed away and surrendered, so he didn't have to worry.

The only issue is Terashima, at least that's what it was supposed to be. Mashima Toh shouldn't be in the picture. Didn't Mashima break her heart too? Why is he treated so differently? Why does Sumire still like him?

"Why is it Mashima?"

Sumire laughed weakly. "Why indeed."

"Sumire, choose me instead. Mashima isn't good for you."

"Me and Toh aren't dating, San."

Sano scoffed. "You could have fooled me. He touches you far too easily, and weren't you two sharing the same bed when you were living with him?"

There is no way nothing happened between the two. Mashima isn't a saint, he definitely touched her inappropriately. As for Sumire? He knows her very well. When she is lonely she seeks comfort and warmth.

"I won't be breaking up with Yuhi-san."

"But him occupying even just a fraction of your heart bothers me." Sano grumbled.

Sumire exhales deeply as she reaches over and caresses her cheek. "San, isn't this enough? I don't hate you anymore, and we get a long much better than before. Can't you be satisfied with this?"

'I can't, I really can't. Every single time she ghosts me, I end up wanting her even more than before.'

Sano grabbed hold of her wrist and pinned it back as he bent down. This time he didn't go for her neck but her lips. Unfortunately he isn't kissing her for long before someone yanks him away harshly.

It was Terashima.

He took one look at him before punching him hard. Sano landed on the ground with a thud. Although his face hurt, he is thankful he didn't get thrown across the wall this time.

"Are you okay?" Yuhi asked Sumire.

Sumire nodded. "My dear, I thought-"

"I know, but something felt off about him." Yuhi shakes his head. "I really did want to trust him with you but-"

"Mm, I get it my dear." Sumire nodded.

Yuhi turned back to him furiously. "You really don't learn your lesson don't you? I took pity on you when I visited Sumire in hospital before but you keep-"

"Wait." Sumire looked at Yuhi with pleading eyes.

"San." Sumire said softly. "Did you drink enough?"

Hearing Sumire's gentle tone, and seeing her stop Terashima made him feel terrible. She ought to resent him for acting like this, and yet that gentle look in her eyes hasn't changed. She did say she would try harder to understand him after that time he lost control of his abilities in front of her. But, Sano hadn't realized the truth behind her words.

"My dear, can you return to the hall for a moment? I'll be right there."

Terashima sighs deeply but nodded, he leaned down and whispered something in Sumire's ear before quickly exiting. The moment Terashima left, Sano pulled Sumire back into his arms.

She fits so well in his arms, so how can she belong to someone else now? The gods are truly unfair.

"San are you okay?"

"--sorry."

He is sorry it has to be like this between them. Even though he wants to be able to court her properly like before. Before their relationship became complicated, they had good moments together. Moments where they were truly happy.

"Mm, I know. It's okay, I'm not angry."

She really should be. Why does she still put up with him?

_________________________

SUMIRE

It wasn't easy calming San down, and she only managed to leave him alone when she saw Akane-chan.

'I'll stay with my brother.'

San's condition truly doesn't look good. She ought to talk to Toh later and see how the counselling is going on. Moreover, her gaze fell on the small bruise on her arm. When he gripped onto her it left marks. He's gotten stronger again. Has Lex been experimenting on him again? Surely not.

Instead of returning to the hall, Sumire headed in the direction of hers and Yuhi-san's room. Since they will be on this ship for a few days, it's only natural they have a room here. The moment she entered the room, she spotted her evening meal on the bed. He was strumming some chords.

Sumire climbed onto the bed and Yuhi turned to her. "All done?"

"Mmm, he fell asleep and Akane-chan is watching over him now."

"If there is a next time, he's dead."

Sumire blinked. "You know my dear, I find you strangely more attractive when you're threatening people."

Yuhi sighs. "You really do have odd fetishes." He put the guitar on the ground and pulled her into his arms.

"My dear, how did you know?"

"Hino. Hino saw you two leave."

Oh of course. Since Hino is always watching over her.

"Sorry, I should have--"

Sumire shakes her head and hugs him tightly. "It's okay my dear."

Yuhi kissed her forehead softly, and then paused at her lips. "Can I?"

"Of course."

Seeing him hesitate, her heart hurt. Oh her precious love, even now he thinks he doesn't deserve to touch her. Sumire wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She poured all her love and her desire into that kiss.

After she pulled away she traced Yuhi's lips sensually with her fingers.

"Brat." Yuhi mumbled and his lips curved to a smirk. "But, since you know how to kiss now."

Her eyes widened when Yuhi kissed her. But this kiss? This kiss was different.

Wh--what is this? Yuhi has never kissed her like this before. Yuhi-san's kisses have always been either sweet or beast like. But, now there is a mixture of both. Just like what she did earlier, he is pouring all his love and his desires. His desires, desires that he has always held back.

A kiss that reminds her of something. A memory of the first time he kissed her in their seventh life flashed through her head, and she became emotional. Oh, that's right. This is how he used to kiss her. It hasn't changed, even after all this time.