Eternal Melody

His thoughts broke off when he felt her sharp gaze on him. "What's wrong?"

"I was just thinking, San, why do you like me?"

Sano blinked at her question. Why is she even asking him something like that? Now that he thought about it, he can't answer her question. He likes her a lot but the exact reason why he does not understand it very well.

Sumire must have understood since she stopped asking him.

"Why did you end up with work here?" Sano swiftly changed the topic. While the company does accommodate artists now, the progress is quite slow.

"Mmm, I received an invitation, and the venue happened to be here."

Now that is suspicious. Sumire was about to pull something out, but because she got so close, Sano kissed her again before the kiss could get too heated up; however, the doors slammed open.

"Oi!"

"Tsk. She is about to leave, can't you let me finish?"

"Like hell." Hino cursed. "Sumire, you're going to be late."

"Then I guess I have to go."

"Wait." Sano grabbed her wrist. "I'll walk down with you."

Sumire laughed softly. "You don't have to. Besides, I think Hino wants to speak to you about work."

"Can I message you?"

"Sure."

He kept watching her until he could no longer see her back. The moment he was sure she was gone, Sano looked at Hino angrily. "What now?"

"Did Sumire stay over?"

"The media got a picture?"

"Yes."

"If you can't handle it, I will."

"No need." Hino looked troubled. "Somebody else interfered. It wasn't Yuhi or Makoto Soujiro either."

Is it that man again?

"As long as the news is covered up."

Hino sighed. "I thought the same too, but their methods are a bit extreme. The reporters have lost their jobs."

"Fired?"

"More like they disappeared without a trace. Their company called me and asked if I knew anything. This is a bit troublesome."

"They think it was Terashima?"

Hino nodded. "Naturally, the first person, anybody, would consider as the culprit is the one in a relationship with her."

"I shall handle this, so relax."

Why does Hino care so much for Terashima Yuhi? Sano never understood why. Why is it Terashima Yuhi again? "I'll mail you the details later."

"Where are you going?"

"I want to see her."

Sano did not waste any time before he rushed down the hallway. He knew that she had work on the second floor since she whispered it earlier. His office was on the fourth floor, so it did not take him long before he reached his destination. But upon arrival, he noticed somebody else beside Sumire.

Terashima…

"Hey love, sorry I'm late."

"You're too slow, idiot."

"Mmmm, sorry. But I got you something." Yuhi extended his hand out.

Sumire peered at the bag, and her violet-colored eyes sparkled like a child.

"First edition copies of the series you mentioned?"

"Yeah, a new antique bookshop opened downtown. I saw these on the shelves and had to get them for you."

"Thank you, Yuhi!"

'She…can still make faces like that?' Now that he thought about it, Sumire liked books didn't she? She often read whenever they were alone together. He still has some books of hers. He should find the time to return it, her books and other stuff. For the last few years, Sano, however, couldn't do that. He kept everything the same in his apartment in Star town.

"San?"

Oh, she noticed him.

She laughed softly as she lightly tugged on his arm. "You didn't have to come down. You're busy, right?"

"I have time."

He felt uncomfortable since Terashima was watching them. But his gaze fell on her hand, still on his arm. What is with that hand? What is she trying to do to him?

"Then you'll listen to me sing?"

"I shall."

After he said those words, he watched as a bright smile appeared on her face.

Why does she look so happy?

"I'll sing one of my songs for you then."

Wait-huh? A song about him? At that comment, Terashima strolled over and pinched her cheeks.

"Brat, you can't change the song that easily."

"It's rare for San to listen up close. Can't you do something?"

Yuhi sighed deeply. "Alright then." 

Sano watched as Yuhi walked up to the person in charge. Terashima looked back and gave an okay sign. A single word is all it took for the change. Sano had to admit it was impressive. He knew the person in charge as a stubborn man. So Terashima has that charisma thing that attracts people's attention, huh? 

Sumire pulled away from him. "Then I will quickly go over there and sing San, watch me carefully, okay?"

"Yeah." He didn't say anything else as he watched her rush off.

That girl has no more feelings for him. She treats him the same as she would anybody. But he wants to take advantage of that. Unlike Hino, he could not be friends with her, and it would be too hard after the relationship they had. To a certain extent, Sumire must understand this too, which is why- his eyes widened when she started to sing.

"Hey, even if I disappear, will you search for me

I'm sure the reason why you can't send me texts is because you're so busy. 

When I'm lonely, I look to the night sky. 

I want you to look my way some more, just like you did back then. 

I honestly want to say that.

STAB STAB STAB, it hurts. 

BEAT BEAT BEAT, my heartbeat conveys to my body. 

If I step out, it seems like I'll lose it all, and I can't do it." Sumire sang.

An upbeat song matched with a powerful voice, and yet there was something else there. The lyrics to this song, so is this how she felt when they dated? No her feelings after their breakup.

"Hey, if I pretend to forget, will you meet me? 

I continue to hold on to this thought. I am a marionette. 

When I am separated from you, I can't dance anymore. 

See? The threads are coming loose. 

My heart seems as if it will break…

Maybe having a break-up talk with you will make me feel relieved altogether."

Just like she is using him now and treating him like a puppet, did he not do the same to her before? So it seems she did experience side effects after the breakup; he made sure that she became obsessed and relied on him. He mentally scarred her. 

What was he so afraid of? Why did he do something like that to hurt the woman he loves the most?

…

Sano leaned against the wall in the second-floor reception area. He arrived here a few minutes ago, as he went through another packet of cigarettes. Her performance from earlier remained firm in his mind. To think he drove her to a corner like that, and what for? In the end, those threats his family made were only empty?

His thoughts broke off when he spotted brunette hair sat down by the large double-glazed windows. She wore a spaced-out look on her face. Sano was about to call out to her when somebody appeared behind the girl with a cold drink in his hands. It was Terashima Yuhi again.

Terashima lightly tapped the drink against her head, earning her attention.

"Good work."

"But I held back. I still can't sing properly."

"Your singing, I like it a lot."

It was only a few words, but he could tell her mood had drastically improved.

Why can't I do anything like that? Why can't I give her the words she wants to hear?

Even if she keeps coming back to him, it is out of obligation and not love. His thoughts broke off when he heard the sound of his phone.

From: Sumire

I'll come there in a second, so don't move

From: Sano 

It's fine, go back with him.

From: Sumire

If I said no?

From: Sano

… what's for dinner?

Sano felt like a huge idiot when he typed that reply. 'What am I doing?' He slumped his back against the wall.

After a few minutes, he hears her footsteps.

"You still have a fever San."

"Sumire-"

"I'll go back with you." Her hands lingered on his cheeks, and he wanted nothing more than for her to keep doing this.

But at the back of his mind, he understood already. This girl no longer cares for him. She is only acting out the role he wants her to. That is fine with him, as long as she stays with him.