Eternal Melody

"This is really good, Ki, are you sure you\'re not going to change careers and become a chef?"

Sumire laughed. "You\'re so silly, Ru."

His gaze softened, seeing her smile. This suits her far better than being depressed. Truthfully, the talk with Toh wasn\'t the main reason why he decided to appear before her again. It\'s because he has been watching over her since Yuhi went to the US. She is slowly breaking without Yuhi by her side. Even though Narasaki has been spending time with her, it isn\'t enough. Speaking of Narasaki Hino.

"Is it okay for me to stay over? Isn\'t Narasaki Hino still here?"

"Ah, yes, he is in the guest room. But you don\'t have to worry about being caught, he won\'t go into my room." Sumire sighed. "He is way too safe. The other day he had no choice but to go into my room, and quote said he will only make an exception that day."

"Do you actually want him to do something to you?"

"Of course not!" Sumire said, startled. "It\'s just he is weird. He claims to have feelings for me. But he behaves that way."

"I think it\'s exactly because he likes you that he can do that."

Narasaki and him are slightly similar, they both prioritize Sumire\'s happiness. No, Narasaki isn\'t just doing it for Sumire\'s sake but for Yuhi too.

Sumire looks at him and sighs. "Actually, whenever I watch Hino like that. I think about you, Ru."

"I see." Mamoru wanted to change the topic quickly but saw how Sumire was looking at him. So he takes a deep breath. "Can I sit next to you?"

Sumire nodded, and he stood up before taking the seat next to her. He bravely grabbed hold of her hands again and gave them a gentle squeeze.

"I know you want to talk about our relationship. I got into that accident and supposedly died, so that meant you were free to date whomever you wanted. But now that I am alive. I am sure you\'re wondering if we are still together, correct?"

She slowly nodded. "I want to discuss this with you, but we just met again. So I don\'t want to ruin it."

"Truthfully, I haven\'t really given it much thought. Right now, you are dating Yuhi, and you are very happy with him. For me, that\'s enough."

He isn\'t just saying this to make her feel better, either.

"I-I see. Then is it okay if we just stay like this for now? I truly want to resolve everything between us, Ru. But, right now-"

"I know your career has just taken off again, and then there is all that stuff to deal with regarding the Black Alice organization. It\'s okay, Ki. I won\'t be going anywhere anymore. You can take your time and give me an answer when you are ready."

Sumire hesitantly wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. For a moment, he is surprised but laughs. "Were you holding that back?"

"I was. I wanted to keep my distance, but after hearing, you say that I have to do this. Ru, I\'m such a selfish person. I love Yuhi so much, but I still cry a lot when I think about you. We were happy, weren\'t we? I truly believed that if it was with you, I could find happiness and hope for the future. Even now, I think that way. But I can\'t leave Yuhi."

"Don\'t overthink it. For now, just focus on your dreams." Mamoru caressed her hair. He sees her eyelids close; it does not take long before the girl falls asleep.

She must have been holding her exhaustion back. Moreover, Mamoru placed his hand on her forehead, and heat transmitted to his palm. How careless of her. When he heard that Yuhi had gone to the US, he didn\'t know what to think.

\'A part of me was frustrated at his decision. But then I realized how Yuhi probably didn\'t want to go, and Sumire must have forced him to do this.\'

Mamoru carefully scooped her up in his arms and kissed her forehead softly. "Happy birthday, Sumire."

.....

Since the accident, he has never had a peaceful morning. But, last night, he slept peacefully.

Mamoru woke up startled when he saw Sumire in his arms and felt his cheeks flush. What on earth happened? Moreover, he thought this since seeing her yesterday, but she really has gotten much prettier. He hasn\'t seen her since what, September? A good half a year has already gone by since they last met. Why is she so pretty?

He caresses her cheeks. She looks much healthier now. Yuhi must have fed her a lot. That\'s good, she never had much of an appetite before, and whenever she did eat. He would find her throwing up half the contents in the sink. It truly feels like a dream to be by Sumire\'s side like this.

\'I don\'t want to go anywhere. I want to stay with her forever. But I can\'t do something that selfish now.\' He has to return to the company before Lucifer notices and does something unreasonable to retaliate.

He hesitantly bends down before kissing her forehead, eyelids, and lips. It was just a light kiss, but Yuhi\'s image came to mind immediately, and he drew back. Don\'t be a fool and behave like Sano. He can\'t do something like this without her consent.

"Good morning Dad." Huan suddenly said.

He glanced over and realized that Huan was sitting on the other end. For a minute, he panicked.

"Uh this-" Mamoru pointed to Sumire.

"I thought Mom would be more comfortable sleeping next to you. So I used my power and moved her into your arms."

Mamoru stared at the child, dumbfounded. Should he really be using his power for something like that?

"Mom hasn\'t been sleeping well, but last night she rested peacefully when she was with you."

Sensing the kid\'s tone, his gaze softened, and he reached over and patted his hair with his free hand. "I have to get going, but I will see you both again very soon."

"Dad, how will we contact you?"

Oh that\'s right. Mamoru looked around and saw a small notepad by the desk, ripped a sheet off, and scribbled down a number.

Huan was still looking at him. "Dad, please stay with Mom. Mom is very lonely, she is always crying, and it hurts seeing her like that. I am only a kid. I can\'t do anything for her."

This boy, is he truly their child? How can he be so kind and considerate? No, that part of him must resemble Sumire.

He extended his pinky out. "Then, shall we make a promise? Between men?"