Eternal Melody

The ability to understand others just by touching exists. There might not be any reason to be afraid of touching and being touched by others or hugging and being hugged by others.

During the entire meal, Sumire felt very tense. She tried to avoid eye contact with Yuhi. So she quickly finished and hurried over to the kitchen area to wash her plates.

But that didn't last long when she felt a familiar presence behind her. It seemed that Yuhi followed her right after her. 

"So hey," Yuhi mumbled against her ear. "That was good, thank you, Sumire."

T--too close, way too close! What on earth is he doing standing so close? 

"Thank you so much." He repeated.

The way Yuhi seemed to draw out each syllable made her heartbeat even more. He must be doing this deliberately! 

"So it's not just my imagination after all. I noticed it on the way back. Don't you smell kind of good today? Kind of like a flower fragrance?"

She almost forgot about making him notice her. She thought she would tease him a little along the way, but now that he noticed, she felt nervous.

Sumire casually responds, though, "R--I don't know?"

'It's prohibited to overdo it'. Her best friend back in her hometown was the complete opposite her. She was the typical average teenage girl who likes gossip and, in her words, was a romance expert. That friend of hers told her many things about how to tease a guy. But now that she has tried it, Sumire realized that she might have overdone this.

He has a sensitive nose. Sumire only put a little on herself, and yet he noticed right away. Then again, he was rather close to her earlier. "It's just you isn't it? It's weird. If your that curious, check it out yourself." Sumire tried to act coy about this. 

But she didn't think he would immediately take action.

He suddenly grabbed hold of her arm and bent down; her eyes widened.

When it comes to teasing, men can easily do it. Yuhi-san always lets her tease him, but she did not think much of it. But now? Now that the situation has been reserved, she finally understood. He could easily get back at her if he wanted. 

"Perfume, eh?"

She felt her cheeks color more. "I see, so you know what the right amount is?"

Wh--what is he talking about? She used it randomly.

"Girls should smell like this, and you know that pretty well, huh?"

At those words, she felt her entire face redden. That sly smirk on his face and his voice.

Uwaa... what's with that sly smile?

Sumire feels her knees go weak, and she slumps to the ground. "That's sexual harassment! Don't mess around !!" She exclaimed.

"Hm? What's wrong? Have your feet gone all wobbly?"

"Y--your fault!" Sumire exclaimed.

"Heh." Yuhi chuckled. "You're so cute today. You even cooked for my sake?"

"T-that-" She can't deny those words. Sumire could no longer hide her embarrassment and buried her face in his arms.

He is so unfair, and this is no good. She keeps falling more in love with this person. 

"You're acting very cute today. What is it? If you want to do it, we need to go upstairs."

She immediately understood what he was saying, causing her face to heat up more. Why is he saying it like this? She can't lecture him like usual for teasing her.

Yuhi lifted her face. "You want to that much? You know staying silent is bad for you. If you don't say no, I will-" His sentence fell short when they heard the sound of the door followed by the cry of a child.

Her eyes brightened, and she immediately left Yuhi's arms and rushed out of the room. In the center of the bar was Atsuro speaking with Atushi, a familiar bundle in Atushis arms.

Atushi called her over and passed the child. "Atsuro thought you wouldn't be here since there are many elite gatherings recently."

Sumire rolled her eyes. "Why do I have to attend such things?"

"I am sure your fiance is crying right about now."

"Soujiro said he would handle it." She did suggest that she would attend too. But he seemed reluctant for some reason.

"Ah, my cute huan." Sumire rubbed her face against the little child, who beamed happily.

Such an adorable little bun, ahh, is he related? Sumire doubted it whenever she saw the child.

"Is there nothing wrong?" Yuhi asked Atsuro.

"Not that I can see. But, still, be careful if you intend to walk around with the child. Not only is it bad for your images, but his powers are unstable."

"That's okay, I won't take him out," Sumire spoke up. "I understand it's a sensitive time. This isn't good for the child, keeping him cooped up inside. But I don't want to ruin his peaceful life." 

She does not want the child to see how ugly this world can be. He will learn that in the future, but for now, she wants to shield him from the darkness. 

That's right, and this is for the best. 

Atsuro sighed deeply. "Well, if you think that, then fine. But there are other options, you know."

"Other options?"

"Send the child abroad. The reporters won't be able to find the child there."

Indeed he makes a point there. If she keeps this up, then they will eventually find her.

Yuhi shook his head. "There is no need. I will protect them both. As long as I am here, nothing will happen." 

At that comment, he squeezed their hands tightly. 

Not using words, but rather using methods.

They can communicate distinctly like this.

Communication, through touch and somehow even without words, they can get the message across. She unconsciously leaned forward and rested her head on his chest. 

This warmth, it seems she does not want to lose it. No matter how selfish she became. 

Atsuro clicked his tongue, annoyed. "Are you two going to flirt in front of me?"

Sumire nodded. "Yes."

Yuhi laughed. "So adorable."

A dark gaze appeared on Atsuro's face, but Sumire looked away. She no longer has any use for him. It may be cruel of her, but she never held such feelings for him. The only one she needs is Terashima Yuhi.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt the child in her arms stir. "Ma!"

No, that's wrong. What she needs right now are these two, Yuhi and this child. 

The ability to understand through touch and not words, huh? This child's hands are so small. Far smaller than her own, and yet it holds onto her so very tightly.

'If, if he could see this sight, would he be happy for her?' She wonders why she is even having such thoughts. That person is no longer around. A hollow feeling appeared in her heart and her gaze dimmed.

That's right, and she doesn't deserve this. How selfish of her. How can she smile like this? 'How can I smile without you?' 

This is wrong.