Eternal Melody

"By the way, do you remember that time you kissed me during our first training session?"

Geh, it seems like he won't let her escape from talking about back then.

"I already apologized for that kiss."

"But I wasn't sorry."

Right he wasn't; he kissed her deeply after saying those words. Every single training session, there were a few accidental kisses. But even then, she didn't allow it to get to her head. The Holy Knights organization mainly had male members; there were seldom any females. At the time, she simply thought he was pent up staying with so many guys, and he released his stress on her.

"The first time you kissed me, I was worried you would hear the sound of my heartbeat," Sumire mumbled.

Back then, she wore a poker face expression all the time, and others called her heartless. But whenever she was around Yuhi, it was difficult for her to maintain that look. The man she loves is right there in front of her; how could she possibly remain cold? 

When he kissed her back, she thought she was going crazy. It was a good thing the training room lights were dim. 

Yuhi's gaze softened. "Well, I did hear something when we kissed."

Sumire wanted nothing more than to hide. It happened a long time ago already, but whenever she thought about it, her heart would race.

"The sound of my own heart, it was crazy."

Sumire was mentally screaming in her head. What on earth is with those perfect-sounding replies? This is cheating! Why does this person always know what to say? Why does he continue to love her so?

She stood up and brought her chair over to where Yuhi's was. But she didn't sit beside him. Sumire placed the chair behind Yuhi's and sat down.

"Back then, I told you my only objective was my survival."

"I remember. I thought you were very cool."

"Yuhi, I have been thinking. Is it truly okay for you to get involved?" She whispered.

Is it okay for him to continue getting hurt for her sake?

"You already put this life of bloodshed behind you. I know you gathered the guys in akagumi, so you can't say you completely escaped it. But I already talked to them all; you only created the group so they would have a place to belong. Terashima Yuhi, you worked hard to have a normal life."

"I see." Yuhi trailed off. "It is not like I don't understand what you are saying. Hino talked to me a lot too. I also thought if it was okay for me to throw everything away when I was at the top. But, I think I told you five years ago, Sumire. I was lonely for the longest time, and even when I became a star surrounded by people, I didn't enjoy myself. I loved to sing, but people decided everything for me."

"Yuhi."

"But after I met you, I decided I would change things. I was able to build such a grandstanding in the entertainment industry because of our meeting. I would remember that beautiful girl singing in a small karaoke place. No, it felt like you were singing outside surrounded in snow."

This person thinks way too highly of her.

"I still dislike myself. When you say things like that, it is a burden."

"I know, but I don't want to lie to myself. These are my natural feelings.

She already understands that much. This person is truly foolish. Back then, she noticed his feelings. No, she noticed how fond he was of her. He made it way too obvious, giving her those gentle gazes. However, he was harsh with her when it came to work. He only did that so she could learn from him and improve.

"I don't want you to get hurt. Yuhi, you say it is because of me that you broke through your shell. But even if you hadn't met me, your love for music would have won." Sumire trailed off. "The entertainment industry can be a frightening place. You saw how the media are treating me like some type of murderer? If they hear you are involved in the underworld, they will most likely do something."

'It surprises me that nobody knows about mine. Considering how the media practically stalk me, it is a real surprise that they haven't found out.' Then again, she knew that Aki would never allow them to find out; that person is very useful for things like this. 

"I know."

"Then-"

"But Sumire, I don't want to be apart from you anymore. I want to share all your burdens, all your fears. I want to share all your emotions. You're not alone. I am right here. I won't leave you anymore."

Her eyes widened when she heard those words. Sumire clenched her fist. This is so difficult; he won't even give her a chance to push him away.

"I think I understand what you are thinking, Sumire. There was also a time where I wanted to pull you away from the darkness of the underworld. A time where I wanted nothing more for you to enjoy living a normal life."

"Is that-"

"It was fairly recently where I had to settle my feelings on this. From the very start, I told you I would support you. But I have to apologize now. This entire time I was waiting for an opportunity to stop you."

Sumire couldn't believe what she was hearing. But even though she could not see his expression, she sensed his serious tone.

"Did you find one?" Sumire asks, despite knowing the answer already.

"Unfortunately no, in the end, I found myself swept up with the flow wanting to support this crazy girl with her careless ambitions." Yuhi trailed off. "I know it is hard for you. But didn't you say that you missed working alongside me?"

"I did, but Yuhi, your current life-" Her sentence fell short when he suddenly appeared in front of her. 

Yuhi kneeled on the ground and grabbed hold of one of her hands. "My life is all yours. It was from the start, and it will continue doing so."

"But what if you get hurt again? What if you get severely hurt when I am not with you?"

'What if he sustains a life-threatening injury and dies? What if I don't make it on time? What if-' Her thoughts broke off when Yuhi squeezed her hands.

"Look at me, Sumire; it will be okay."

Sumire shook her head. She felt the tears she was holding back this entire time fall from her eyes. Once she started to cry, she always found it hard to stop. Yuhi stopped kneeling on the ground and pulled her up, causing her to get up; she immediately landed in his arms.

"Sumire, it is okay. I am alive."

"You scared me."

"I know. I really am sorry." Yuhi caressed her hair. "Do you really think I will die and leave you all alone?"

"I-Ru." 

"I am not him. I won't do that."

Right, Yuhi and Mamoru are vastly different from one another. But sometimes, when she sees how dedicated Yuhi is to her, it frightens her. It would remind her of Ru; Ru was so dedicated and devoted, and look how that ended up.