Eternal Melody

"Without darkness, there can be no light, and the same goes vice versa. Yuhi-san, what you are aiming for will be very hard to achieve, even if you succeed. The resentment and pain some people have experienced already will never go away. But even with that, you still say this is your goal?"

"Why are you making it sound like it's just me who wants this? I know you are thinking the same too."

Sumire nodded. "But you know I feel like I have too many dreams. Aiming to be an excellent artist, good designer, a great writer, and number one in the entertainment industry is a bit too much."

Yuhi's sweat fell. "You do have a lot there, but for you, which emotion is the strongest?"

"Hmmm." Sumire trailed off, and her gaze fell on the sky. Despite it being dark out, she could see the stars clearly. Her gaze softened. "Right now, the current me has my head filled with singing. I want to sing again on stage. I want to release these emotions I have suppressed this entire time."

"Only singing, huh?"

Her sweat fell when she saw the dark and gloomy aura around him. Sumire buried her face in his arms and hugged him tightly. "Don't be so silly; you know for me, love and my dreams are the most important."

"Hah, what about all the dangerous stuff happening?"

"That is important too, but my dearest happiness and my dreams take priority. I know we have to deal with all of that stuff happening. We cannot ignore those people for long. But I do not want to trade away this second chance at living a normal life. I want to succeed in both love and dreams."

"You haven't succeeded in love yet?" Yuhi caressed her hair. "I find that insulting."

"Well, Yuhi-san, we are not married yet, so it is hard for me to say this is a success."

"Then let's go get married now. I am sure the office is still open."

Sumire stepped on his foot, causing him to let go of her. "Ouch, my wife, why are you always so hasty?"

"It is because you keep saying foolish things."

Yuhi sighed deeply. "Foolish, she says. You know I am serious. I don't necessarily have to wait till graduation to marry you. But I am only doing so to respect your wishes."

At that comment, her lips curve to a smile, and she turned to Yuhi with a bright smile on her face. "That is what I love about you."

She watched as his face color slowly turned red, and he sunk to the ground with a defeated expression. "Don't look at my face for a few minutes."

It took her a moment to realize why and she laughed again. This person is truly foolish, but he loves her so much.

…

The following morning, Sumire reluctantly headed to the TV station for rehearsal. She wanted to remain in Yuhi-san's arms for much longer, but it would be bad if she were late. It looked like the TV station staff didn't expect her to come early, but they still greeted her politely. It seemed she had arrived a bit too early since they were still setting up the stage. Sumire had found a quiet spot in the corner and read the script.

It seems straightforward enough, and she won't have much to do during the first half. But the dance with the most popular male member. 'I wonder if Yuhi-san is okay with me dancing with other guys. He didn't say anything when I mentioned the details of the program.' But then again, he isn't the petty type.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt somebody presses a cold drink against her cheek. Sumire looked at the source, and her eyes widened, spotting Hino.

"Eh, uh- what are you doing here?"

"Acting as your manager." Hino casually pulled up the spare chair and sat beside her.

Sumire blinked, startled at his words. "Manager? Oh." So rather than openly display his jealousy, Yuhi-san sent Hino to watch over her?

"I think I can guess what you are thinking, but that isn't it. You need a manager Sumire. I know Star agency let you free because of what happened in your last place. But it will be hard for you to manage your schedule and sing at the same time."

So Hino knows about that; then again, he did investigate her.

"I understand, but is it okay for a big shot president like yourself to become my manager?"

Hino chuckled. "I used to follow Yuhi around all the time; relax, I know what to do."

Now that she thought about it, Yuhi-san doesn't have a manager. But supposedly, there was somebody who managed all his schedule and work. It seems that person is Hino.

"I see, but I wonder, Hino, is this an excuse for you to spend more time with me? I mean, you like me, right?"

At those words, Hino sighed deeply. "You are as blunt as ever. But unlike Sano, I won't use such methods." He trailed off. "Speaking of which, it has only been like a day since you last talked to him, but he is already going crazy. You're not replying to his messages, right?"

Sumire nodded. "Ah-huh, but that fast, huh? I thought he would last longer."

A pained expression appeared on Hino's face, which she couldn't miss, and Sumire looked away. "I apologize. I said that without thinking."

At the end of the day, Hino is still Sano's best friend. It must be hard for him when she says stuff like this.

Hino shook his head. "No, I think I am starting to understand what you are trying to do. Previously I was too harsh, but later on, I realized that this is the only way to settle your feelings without directly taking revenge. If you wanted to do the latter, you could do so easily, and he would lose everything. But a part of you still holds onto the hope that he will return to how he was before, correct?"

"Indeed, even though I know it is foolish of me to have such thoughts. That person must have experienced a lot for him to change so much. I know little about his matters, but I already experienced how cruel his family can be. So I understand what it might have done to him."

"For me, it seems like you still care for him."

"I do."