Eternal Melody

ST Hospital.

"Thanks for settling everything."

Sumire laughed. "It's okay, and it was rare to see you panic and grab him before anybody else could say anything." She trailed off. "But not even bringing his stuff with his health insurance card and ID."

"Sorry."

"You're lucky I am familiar with the hospital."

At that comment, he frowned. 'Why did it have to be a hospital-owned by the Nagawa family?' Then again, the Nagawa's own nearly all the hospitals in this area. A deep sigh escaped his lips. He only just stopped trembling a few minutes ago. To think Jun would suddenly collapse like that.

'It's okay! He is still breathing, and he is alive.' But even though he knew that for a moment, he panicked. His gaze fell on Sumire, who was beside him. If she hadn't been there and said those things while holding his hand, it would be a worse situation.

Ever since he met her, he has more control of his temper. But he cannot erase it. He almost lost control there; it was dangerous.

A man with black hair and ruby-colored eyes approached them.

"Razel." Sumire called out.

"Are you worried?"

"A little. Is he alright?"

"I heard from Hino-san that he has not picked up his phone the last few days.

"..."

"Did something happen with you two again?"

Sumire deeply sighed. "Nothing happened, but I've been busy. Lately, he is probably upset." A dark aura wrapped around her. "If I see him now, he will surely sulk."

"Then you should at least message him and see his mood."

"Well, that's true. Mm, I got it. If he does drop by, inform me."

"You will see him?"

"I'm not that unreasonable. Besides, I owe him."

'She owes him?' What does she owe Nagawa Sano of all people? Ran felt very uncomfortable, but he knew he couldn't get mad now. After a few more words with the black-haired man, he walked away, leaving him with Sumire.

Ran walked over to the vending machines and picked a drink. "Are you tired?"

The moment the other guy left, Sumire sat down on the benches. "Mmm, lately, I am working a lot more."

Indeed whenever he read the news, he saw a lot of topics on Sumire. Many people were interested in her comeback. However, she isn't taking on major singing jobs yet. It seems the fans and the public have noticed but are waiting to see what will happen.

At least nobody is harassing her. Even though there are dissatisfied voices, nobody is hurting her like before.

Ran understood the reason why. She is now Terashima Yuhi's girlfriend. Even if they dislike her, they will not harm her like before. Ran hates to admit it, but that man is useful.

"So where is he? You're boyfriend."

Sumire sighed and pointed to the TV that hung on the wall not too far from where they were. Footage of Terashima singing, and then another showing him doing several other jobs.

"He is catching up on all the work he missed while he took care of me. Yuhi made a deal with his company to watch over me until I gave birth."

'No wonder he could stay by her.'

"Don't you two get work together?"

Sumire shook her head. "I'm not on his level at all…" She looked over at him. "Ran-chan, you've seen him, right?"

"Oh yeah, the other day."

A dark aura wrapped around the girl as she exclaimed. "It's not fair at all. How come you can see him, and I can't?"

Ran awkwardly scratched his hair; he did not know what to say. "If you're bothered by it. Why don't you come with me to the next job? You're still officially our composer, so you can tag along as you did before."

Her eyes brightened, and she beamed happily. "I can really go with you?" She suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Uh yeah."

"Alright!! I will have a lot of fun from now on."

....

It was a bad idea.

Ran didn't even know why he suggested it. But when he saw that expression on her face, he couldn't say no.

So he brought her to the studio with him the next day. It was a gamble since it was a coincidence that he kept bumping into Terashima. But when they arrived, sure enough, Terashima was there.

"My dearest darling!" Sumire flung her arms around Terashima's neck.

Yuhi looked baffled but laughed. "I see, so you came?"

"I missed you."

"Mmm." Yuhi kissed her lips lightly. "Sorry, but I was going to come home in a few days."

"I can't wait anymore."

'These two have no shame whatsoever.' Ran awkwardly averted his gaze as the two kissed rather passionately.

"Yuhi! Sumire you two--!" A voice bellowed.

"Che Hino. Can't you leave us alone for a second?"

"No! Sumire, what are you doing here? You have work elsewhere--"

A dark aura wrapped around Sumire."So it was you! I wondered why I couldn't see Yuhi at all."

Right, Ran thought it was strange when she mentioned it. Even new singers have a chance to bump into popular singers.

Sumire isn't exactly a newbie. Her singing ability is the real deal. Even if she is starting over, nobody will give her low-level jobs.

'This man is Terashima's company president.'

"Uh, look, Sumire, that's not it. It's just." Hino scratched his hair. "Aaah damn, why do I have to take the blame?"

"I got it, and it was him, right?!!" Sumire exclaimed.

"I'm going to give him a piece of my mind--"

"And leave me?"

Sumire looked down, and Yuhi flicked her forehead. "Since you're here anyway, stay and be impressed."

At that, Ran watched as he walked over to the center. This was a photo shoot, but there was a mic in the center. Is it a prop? No, it's a real one.

"Today comes to an end..

Before we know it

Our hearts are left behind.

Cloudy day.

Words we gave up on.

Words that we spun.

Disappear into the sky.

What should we do?

I want my voice to ride on a song.

It'll come true someday.

Shining through the clouds, it goes on forever." Yuhi sang.

Ran's eyes widened. Huh?

What--what is this? How come…. How come this guy can sing like this?

'I already heard Terashima sing live before. So why do I feel like this?' Ran felt goosebumps appear in his arms as he trembled all over. His heartbeat increased.

A year ago, there was somebody else's singing which made him feel this way.

"We pick up the pieces of a dream.

Changing loneliness into hope.

A whisper guides me.

To take the next step forward.

The beginning of our story."

The moment Terashima finished singing, Sumire immediately rushed over. She beamed happily. "Yuhi, that was amazing! As expected, stronger rivals are better."

"Are you kidding me?" Yuhi sighed. "I was singing for you stupid. What is that rival statement for?"

"But you're very good."

Just good? Ran couldn't get rid of the goosebumps in his arm. 'So this is the ability of a number one idol? It's not like he and the other guys are too far behind Terashima in the rankings. Their unit ranks two after Terashima, so Ran thought their abilities were equal.

Sure enough, he didn't think the guy was special when he saw Terashima before not too long ago. Actually, there were rumors that he was reaching his limit, so Ran went to see his live. It disappointed him.