Eternal Melody

AKANE

Not here.

Akane had been looking for Toh for the past few minutes since he left the banquet hall, but she couldn't find him at all. Nobody truly understands what happened in the hall just then. Before the media could react to what Toh did, the guys in nanairofeather stepped forward to do a surprise performance joined with the guys in M5 minus Terashima.

She exhaled deeply. What is she even going to do if she finds him? Ever since Sumire returned, she has been doing her best to avoid him.

It's over after all, what happened between them. They could have gotten closer if he continued to watch over her in the hospital, but when Sumire came back, Toh's attention was on Sumire and Sumire alone.

'I have no right to get jealous. From the very beginning, the arrangement between us was temporary.' But, she underestimated her heart. How could she have caught feelings for him so easily? It's true they were spending a lot of time together. But Toh isn't the only one she spent that much time with.

He isn't the only one, so why did she fall for Toh?

"Were you looking for me Akane?" A familiar voice suddenly said.

Akane is startled to see Toh in front of her. When did he get here? She takes a deep breath. "I was just taking a break. Mashima-san, shouldn't you return to the banquet hall? The reporters are distracted now, but it won't be long before they make something up regarding what happened."

"And what exactly happened?"

"It looked like you rejected Sumire-san from getting a kiss from you."

Truthfully, no matter what Toh did, it would have caused a commotion. Him taking Sumire-san's first dance away from his boss already caused a commotion.

"If I kissed her there,I think Terashima would be quite upset."

"Of course."

"Because Sumire wouldn't have pulled away."

Akane blinked. So, he is aware of it. But, it seems like he doesn't want to say? She takes a deep breath.

"I think you should go and see her now Mashima, clear up the misunderstanding."

Before Narasaki covered Sumire-san with the cloak, Akane saw the look of despair in the girl's face.

Toh chuckled. "For the past few minutes you have been calling me Mashima. Last time I remember you calling me by my name."

"Last time was different." Akane said backing away. If she backed away any further however she would be in the ocean. She is already leaning against the railing.

"Indeed, last time I was between your legs."

Akane's cheeks coloured as images flashed through her head. Certainly the last time they met, something like that happened. But the circumstances have- Akane's thoughts break off when she felt Toh lift her skirt up. By instinct she rested her hands on his head and pulled him closer.

"Toh." Akane moaned. "We-I thought we would stop this when Sumire came back."

"I need you."

"Because you can't stand seeing her with Terashima?"

Toh's silence confirmed her words and she bit her lip. "Your so cruel."

He is so cruel, but she can't push him away. Akane looked him directly in his eyes and Toh stood up, as he leaned forward and kissed him. He gave her a passionate and loving kiss, the very same kiss he was supposed to give to another girl just a few minutes ago. Even though she knew that, she didn't push him away.

_________________________

The ship was very quiet, even though it was already nine. She supposes the party went on longer last night. Akane exhaled deeply as she thought of the events that happened last night. 'I shouldn't have let that happen.' What on earth was she thinking? It's Kanade's fault that she ended up drinking so much. When she woke up beside Toh, she was so tempted to stay there beside him but quickly made an exit.

She wasn't the only one in the breakfast longue, there were some reporters but what stood out to her was the person sitting in the deck seats. It was Sumire, with her twins on her lap.

"Hmm, I know it looks tasty Satomi. But you can't eat that yet."

The little boy Satomi frowned.

"Tell you what, Mom will make you something better later. For now, drink your milk."

The conversation she had with Toh regarding Sumire not understanding what a family was like resurfaced in her mind. She is doing a lot better. Indeed, even the reporters in the longue were quietly watching the scene with interest.

"Kyo-chan, don't cry. Your father is fast asleep, he will be here later."

"Want dada." Kyoko sobbed.

"Mom is hurt. You don't want me Kyo-chan?"

At those words the little girl clung to Sumire's arm and bit it. Sumire giggled. "Are you hungry or are you angry?"

"Want mama, love."

Sumire suddenly glances her away, and laughed. "Good morning Akane-chan, do you want to join us?"

Akane slowly nodded. She first went and got some food before sliding in the seat opposite Sumire and the twins.

"I heard the party only ended three hours ago."

Her sweat fell. That's way too long. Besides how could they continue the party without the star of the event?

"It's Siena's party too, and that girl can really party."

Indeed this launch event was due to the success of Sumire Siena's duo single 'This is me.'

"It's not often a japanese song breaks into the international market in such a short amount of time."

"This is just the beginning." Sumire declared.

Cassie told her a conversation that she had with Sumire not too long ago. Sumire really does intend to change the entertainment industry, and the scary thing is? She is doing it, not gradually but at a rapid pace. Even some of the artists in D entertainment have been focusing on improving their skills rather than their appearance.

"Akane-chan, you didn't stay after I left right?"

Akane lowered her head ashamed. Despite the vague question, she knew Sumire understood what happened between herself and Toh. This is really awkward. She has been meaning to speak to Sumire about this. But Sumire's schedule has been very busy, and since they belong to rival companies. It isn't easy for them to meet without drawing too much attention.

The conflict between her and Kanade is already the talk of the media. If she meets with Sumire openly like they are friends, it will only fuel the flames between Kanade and her.