Eternal Melody

It was a disappointment, so Ran even left the man a note saying, 'have you reached your limit?' In the time frame since then, what happened? How come his singing--no, why is he surprised? His gaze fell on Sumire, who Terashima was teasing. Indeed it's because of her again. The real amazing one is Ibuki Sumire. The ability she has to change people is amazing. Yet, Ran looked over at Terashima with interest.

'This guy might turn out to be something.'

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A few hours later, 23:00

Sumire woke up screaming in bed, pale face and sweating. She gripped the sheets tightly. She was panting heavily, and her heartbeat still pounding very loudly.

She walked over to the window and opened it to let the fresh air in. The night breeze caressed her skin, but it did not relax her as it would normally.

'This is so weird.' It was so relaxing around her, and yet she felt the opposite of relaxed. She has goosebumps all over her body. Unconsciously tears formed from the corner of her eyes.

She buried her head into her knees.

Why did this happen to her? It is only a nightmare. This isn't the first time this has happened. But the amount of nightmares the last few weeks is frightening.

She disliked these new nightmares. They aren't on the same level as before, and this is why she doesn't know what to do. Sumire felt a sudden chill as she recalls the images from the nightmare. The images and the voice it was so very frightening.

The voice terrified her, and she heard it so very loudly, almost like it was right beside her. There are so many things out of her control, many she has accepted. But this is something different.

A deep sigh escaped her lips. Even if she sits here and thinks about it, nothing will change. If she overthinks it, she will deprive herself of sleep and food again.

Sumire clutched the sheets tighter as she recalled what the reporters asked her the other day. It was something that briefly happened after a shoot. He did not threaten her directly, but that look in his eyes resembled something she saw before.

She knew the reporters who harassed her were in Tokyo now. After they heard that she was here, they all transferred over—such pointless dedication to her.

No matter how much she thought of it, nothing came to mind. Why is she like this recently? Her everyday life is normal and carefree, so what has caused the disturbing nightmares?

In the past, it made more sense since many things stressed her. But her life in Tokyo is a lot more carefree.

She couldn't think of a single thing, and yet maybe it was that. 'Because Yuhi isn't beside me all the time.' Indeed, she felt his absence a lot recently.

A deep sigh escaped her lips. Since when did she become so reliant on him? Even though she was the one who said that relying on another person is too frightening.

It means giving everything once again. She does not want to do that anymore. What if she ends up betrayed again? What if they leave her alone when they realize how helpless she is?

It is scary, and yet she gave everything to Yuhi. She trusts him, she believes in him, and believes in the words he said to her.

She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out a shawl as she wrapped it around her. 'This should do.' There is a park nearby, and she can spend time there. She knew it was futile for her to go back to sleep.

She walked around for a few minutes before she arrived at the nearby park.

Indeed the gardens were beautiful and gorgeous roses of all colors filled the place. What a nice place…

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted somebody standing in front of a pale lilac rose bush. Silver hair?

Sumire blinked. 'Ran-chan?'

She didn't waste her time rushing over, yet she didn't notice one of the pebbles and ended up almost falling. However, after a few seconds passed and she hadn't hit the ground, Sumire wondered why and opened her eyes.

She met a familiar pair of eyes. "Ra-Ran."

"Geez, you idiot." Ran scolded.

So close, she felt his breath trickling down on her skin. Sumire realized how close they were and drew back.

"S--sorry."

What on earth was that? Why did her heart beat then? Stupid stupid.

There was silence for a few moments before Ran spoke up. "Say….why did you come here?"

"Oh…uh….I was…taking a walk."

"It's almost midnight, you know?" Subaru said.

"Ah…well, I was asleep. But I woke up and couldn't sleep again." Sumire half lied.

That was the case, but it was because of the nightmares. However, she didn't want to admit that to him. After all, she hadn't even admitted to Yuhi yet. It wouldn't be right.

When she saw Yuhi a few days ago, she could have told him. 'I ended up focussing on kissing rather than talking…'

"I see ….---and I know a few days have passed. But you're pretty rude."

Oh right, she had her back turned from him. However, if she turned around now, there would be that weird sensation again.

He deeply sighed. "Forget it. But you are pretty brave."

Brave?

"Look at the moon."

Sumire glanced up at the dark skies to see the half-moon and realized what he was talking about. "Oh…that's…."

"You probably didn't think about it again." Ran shook his head.

That's right, even though she recalled the warning, she still ended up coming here. It was strange, and she felt like there was something that was pulling her to this place. But it really has been a while, huh, since she last spoke to Subaru properly like this.

When she was in Star Town, she saw him every day, and they became close in a sense. There was a strange relationship between them even though she couldn't understand what that was.

She suddenly she felt him wrap something around her and noticed that it was his cloak.

Sumire blinked and stared at the piece of black cloth. A confused look appears on her face at his kind gesture.

"I--m giving that to you idiot. It's cold out here, and you will freeze." Ran said as he looked away.

Oh…. That's right, and he is this kind of person.

Sumire chuckles and yet smiles at him. She wrapped it tightly around her body. "Thank you."

"So why are you out here this late?" Sumire wondered.

"I just returned from a job." Ran sighed. "That damned Kou."

Sumire laughed. "Well, you know how he gets when he is serious."

"Why is he suddenly serious?"

"Isn't it the same for you? After watching Yuhi sing."

Ran flinched when he heard those words and sighed. "Well, anybody would be impressed after hearing that."

"That?" Sumire said threateningly.

"You're way too scary when it comes to him."

"I have to be. Don't you see how many pests go after him?"

Yuhi's popularity bothers her a lot, but she doesn't want to be petty. She no longer wants to lose another person ever again or stumble upon that sight. A deep sigh escaped her lips. She needs to get over her past relationship with Sano already, and this is enough.

Her thoughts broke off when Ran hugged her.

"Ran, what are you…?"

"Do you remember already?" Ran said. He trailed off. "Who made such a promise too?"

Sumire froze, but she knew there was no use hiding it anymore. "How long have you known?"

"Honestly, in the beginning, I didn't get it. You know, before I saved you from your fight, I was watching you for a while. Watching and hoping something would come to me. But nothing like that happened. However, after I spoke with you, that night something triggered, and after we left the mansion that was when I remembered everything." Ran said. "Shit, it wasn't long either, was it? But I feel possessive."

Sumire chuckled. "Well, maybe you're just addicted."

"Tsk, what an annoying addiction."

"Now, now, shouldn't you be more honest about that?"

"Honesty isn't me, Princessa." Ran said.

That's right, and this person is stubborn like this. Though he is stubborn, Sumire knew he was a gentle person by nature.

"Nobody has called me that in a while."

"Well, it is my nickname for you."

"You know…maybe you ought to let go. Though no one goes to this area, people are awake, you know.." Ran said.

However, that wasn't what was bothering her, and she was more worried about Yuhi finding out she remembered. If he knew, would he hate her?

"Whatever. Were hardly doing anything, you know? Worried about your boyfriend?"

"Although I am sure he would be happy to hear you say that, Ran." She thought for a moment, then altered her words. "Actually, no, he would probably say he couldn't give a dam. Thank you."

"Will you tell me what's changed?" he muttered. "One day?"

Sumire laughed as she drew back. "One day or maybe now?"

Ran sighed. "I don't think you have an answer yet."

"That is true, but I am certain of one thing. I need Yuhi, and he needs me."

For her, that is enough right now. It is more than enough.