Eternal Melody

AKANE

There is no future between them, but every time she thinks of Toh. She wants to get closer to him, she wants to stay by her side. These thoughts only continue to grow stronger the longer they are apart from each other. Last night proved that even if she actively avoids him, she won't stop thinking about him. Perhaps she ought to continue meeting with him?

She is only walking around with the twins for a few minutes before she spotted a man with black hair leaning against the railing smoking.

"Oh."

Terashima looked over at her and nodded. "Are they talking?"

Akane nodded. "I don't think you should go inside right now."

Even the reporters must have sensed the mood since they left, and the catering staff rushed back to the kitchens.

"I see."

Now that she thinks about it. Sumire basically admitted that Terashima's mental health isn't good now, and Toh confirmed that by mentioning the counselling. While she lacks knowledge on the subject. She does have a few friends with similar conditions, so she can empathize.

Upon seeing Yuhi, Kyoko struggled to get out of the stroller. Yuhi laughed and threw his cigarette away as he picked the girl up.

"Hi there."

"Dada, chu." Kyoko kept kissing Terashima's?cheek.

Terashima laughed. "Geez, you're exactly like your mom."

"Ma." Kyoko turned back to the hall and cried. "Ma, want. Kyoko fetch."

"No can do missy, your mom is busy."

'Terashima and Sumire make excellent parents. Just from briefly watching them, I can say that with confidence.'

"Do you know about-" Akane started. She didn't know how to word this without making it sound like she is intruding.

"Her feelings for Mashima? Yeah, I know." Yuhi nodded.

"Then why don't you-"

Yuhi shakes his head. "Even if we talk about it, it won't get very far. She would certainly cry, and I don't want to be the reason she is crying. I am sure Mashima's opinion is the same. No matter what shape or form they have the conversation, she will end up in tears and it's the same if she has it with me. Sumire is going through too much right now, it's surprising she isn't breaking down."

All the guys who like Sumire are truly good guys.

'I am envious, I wonder if the day will come when I have somebody who would sacrifice so much for me.'

Before Akane could say anymore she suddenly hears the sound of rushing footsteps.

"Did you hear just now?"

"Ibuki will be performing a snippet of her new song in the lounge."

Akane blinked surprised. Wasn't she talking to Toh? What's this about a new song-?

Yuhi laughed. "That girl, always finds a way to make everything about music. Shall we go too?"

Akane nodded and followed Terashima who was now pushing the stroller. It didn't take long before they reached the lounge. Terashima walked over to where Toh was standing on the side.

"Did you provoke her?" Yuhi asked.

Toh sighed and a troubled look flashed through his face. "I didn't do it on purpose."

Yuhi laughed. "It's hard to win arguments with her, I'd give it up if I were you."

"All of this is because she wants to stay over at my place." Toh shakes his head. "Don't you think it's ridicul-"

"I don't see anything wrong with that."

Toh looked at her. "Akane, please give a normal opinion since the couple clearly have issues."

"I don't see an issue with it either, you were living together not too long ago and nothing happened. Terashima knows you won't do anything and so does Sumire." Akane pointed out.

Toh was mumbling how this was unfair, but her gaze fell onto Sumire who was standing in the center of the room.

"Endlessly, looping every day.

Forgetting even to cry.

Stripped of every colour

Dreams were all you ever had."

Even before Sumire started singing, Akane could see the bright aura around her. She really is amazing. Akane glanced over at Toh and saw nothing but love and admiration. 'I can't compete even if I wanted to.'

___________________

YUHI

"Even if you're covered in bruises, it's all right.

Wearing your scars as a medal.

Live your life

like?you want to be free.

Can you hear me?

Let's face the raging, torrential downpours.

Being on the strong side is perfect.

Change the world

Yeah.

Beautiful dreamer

Perceive your very dreams

The wish you held so close was

To aim for the skies

Beautiful dreamer

There is nothing to lose

Regain your second wind

Just spread your wings and fly, as your own heart desires.

You are reborn again.

You're just like a butterfly." Sumire sang.

He has lost count how many times he has heard her sing. But each time he is filled with admiration. This girl, his girl, finds a way to shine no matter what. She doesn't need a grand stage.

____________________

Yuhi thought after that performance she would talk to Mashima again. But instead the silly girl dragged him back to their room, after leaving the children with Atushi and the others.

God..

She really--

Yuhi stared at the sleeping girl and sighed deeply. 'You did all that, and now you're sleeping peaceful? Brat.' He wasn't angry. How could he be angry at her for wanting him, for touching him? He doesn't understand how her moods work.

He extended his hand out, played with her hair before gently caressing her cheek. Amid this he sees Sumire opening her eyes.

"Sorry for waking you."

Sumire shakes her head. "Why aren't you joining me?"

'Why do those words sound so misleading to me?'

"Joining?"

"In bed."

Now that sounded wrong.

Sumire let out a soft giggle and Yuhi sighed. "Really, don't do this. I already can't control myself around you anymore."

"I know, but we talked about this. I'm okay with it."

This is even worse. How can she be okay with it?

"My dear, join me?"

Yuhi sees her eyeing his cigarette and he tosses it into the bin before joining the girl on the bed.

"I'm really okay with it Yuhi, since I have my own strange thoughts and desires."

Yes, he is aware of that.

"I know. But, I want to continue treating you preciously."

He doesn't want to lose control of himself like he did when he was dating Makino. He doesn't want to show her that disgusting side of himself.