Eternal Melody

Ru, like herself, often had a bad habit of using old brand items. It was more convenient for the two of them to use old items with less value than new items that would work faster. It was the same with these old pair of headphones they found at a second-hand store. 

Ru fell in love with them at first glance. Back then, he was frugal and tried to save money as much as possible, so he didn't get them right away. But after they passed by that store so many times, Sumire noticed that he was always looking at it, so she bought it for him.

Sumire recalled how happy he was when she first bought it and how he hugged her. They were not dating then; during her first year of middle school, she was not in a relationship. But Sumire had such strange thoughts.

Why does this person hug her like she is somebody precious? Why is his being in his arms so warm? It makes her feel so safe and so secure. It was a peculiar feeling.

Eli already told her that there is evidence that Ru is alive.

"Is he injured?"

She wanted to bombard the boy with questions, but she had a hard time processing the current situation.

Yuhi must have understood since he is the one who asked the question.

Kaito nodded. "He was badly injured. It looked like he couldn't use his legs without crutches, and even then, he struggled."

"Where was he living?"

"There is a place nearby here. When I was running away, I initially went there, but Mamoru-san was no longer there. The place was still there, but I couldn't get inside since everything was blocked off."

Yuhi pulled her into his embrace then, and Sumire held onto him tightly. She felt her entire body tremble. Ru is alive, he is alive, but he is so hurt to the point that he cannot move properly without support. She thought it would be okay as long as he is alive and living well somewhere. Even though she longed to see him, it was okay this way.

But now that she has learned that he is alive and hurt.

She needs to find him; she needs to do so quickly.

How could he have left this mountain region all alone in his state? How badly is he suffering now? All sorts of questions appeared in her head.

Kaito suddenly went on his knees. "My phone, if I had that, maybe I could call him for you, but my father took it away. He was the one who found me staying with Mamoru-san for a while and took me away."

"This isn't the first time you ran away?" Yuhi asked.

"Yes."

After a few more questions, Yuhi sent the other two away and turned back to her.

"Yuhi-- Ru-"

Yuhi continued to caress her hair and pat her back. "I will find him, okay? Sumire, you have to go back to Nagawa, stay there for a while until I pick you up."

She shook her head. "How can I when he--"

Yuhi interjected. "You know he isn't that type of guy. At the very least, I can trust him with your safety; he will keep you safe. So please, just for a while. Once I have news, I will pick you up immediately."

But how can she go back when she is in this state? It feels like she would have a breakdown at any moment. Yuhi cupped her cheeks again.

"Not immediately; let us stay for a few days. I have a few more questions for that young boy too. So calm your nerves until then, Sumire. No matter what happens, I will respect whatever decision you make."

Despite her odd state, she immediately understood the meaning behind his words. Sumire wrapped her arms around his neck. "I am not going to leave you, Yuhi."

Yuhis gaze softened. "Alright, I know already-"

"No, you're going to let me go to him once you confirm he is alive. Yuhi, I do miss Ru," Sumire admitted. "But I no longer want to be with him that way."

"But your--"

Sumire took a deep breath. She was still having a hard time learning he was alive, but she immediately noticed something. The reason she can calm down and not immediately have a breakdown is because of Yuhi. 

She brushed her lips against his and gave him a light kiss. "I like you, Yuhi. I love you so much."

Yuhis cheeks colored, and she laughed softly. "I know I have never said this properly before, and this timing may seem unusual, but--" Her sentence fell short when he kissed her back.

"Now you are underestimating how much I like you. Look me in the eyes directly. Do you still think I will give you away?"

Sumire looked at him directly in the eyes, and she saw something she never saw before. 

"You're not going to give me away?"

"Silly girl, how can I do that after everything that has happened."

"So if those things hadn't happened-"

Yuhi sighed and pinched her cheeks. "Brat, do you want me to get rid of you that badly?"

"No!" Sumire exclaimed. "But I know what you're thinking, Yuhi-san. I know you know that I miss Ru a lot. However, I am serious about this relationship!"

Besides, even though she was upset and shocked just now, Sumire never thought of returning Ru that way. Indeed she has to find him, but she does not want Yuhi to think that she will leave him when she has found Ru. Sumire took a deep breath.

"Ru is alive, so we have to find him together."

At those words, she watched as his eyes widen. "There is no winning against you, huh?"

"Right."

Yuhi held up the case files. "In that case, shall we do this together too, partner?"

Sumire beamed happily when she heard those words. "Yes."

….

The next few days went far too quickly for her before Sumire knew she was in front of Nagawa Sano's apartment doorstep again. She came early morning, not wanting anybody to spot her. She thought she could just casually sneak in, but her gaze fell on the error message when she typed in the code.

It seems he changed it. Well, she more or less expected for him to do that. What does she do call him? But if she does that, then it won't be a surprise.

Her thoughts broke off when she heard the door open. There stood a woman with long, vibrant red-colored hair and beautiful silver-colored eyes. The girl frowned when she saw her.

"You--"

"Is Nagawa Sano home?" Sumire kept her voice low and head down. She still wore her hat, so it was not like the other person could see her clearly.

At those words, her gaze dimmed, and she folded her arms across her chest. "I think we should talk."

"Talk? But we just met," Sumire already felt like she knew where this was coming from. There was something familiar about the girl.

"I don't know where you have been the last few days. But I think you haven't heard yet, let me introduce myself. I am Penelope, Sanos' fiance."