Eternal Melody

Meanwhile back at the Akagaumi bar, Yuhi laid on the couch pondering on the dream he had. A dream of the past.

Yuhi understood it a long time ago, even though it was something he couldn't accept. Just because he understood something doesn't mean he would accept it. That's right, for him, it had always been that way. Even though he understood what the consequences were, it didn't mean he accepted it.

All of his master's teachings, he understood what he meant. The distinction between nobility and regular individuals is why he kept his distance; he tried to remain far, far away from someone who belonged in that world.

Yuhi thought he did well and that he could maintain that. But before long, he realized that he constantly thought of her. It became even worse when he started to send her those books; he already sealed their fates together again then.

It was because of that, because of that factor alone, that he knew better than to get his hopes up whenever it concerns her.

Even so, because she keeps saying strange things like Yuhi's color is pretty.'

Or, 'It is the warmest beside you. It's the only warm place'.

How on earth was he supposed to react when she says things like that? She's pretty bold, too, always snuggling up to his arm. Does she not have any self-awareness at all?

No, no, he saw how the girl was around the guys who like her. Despite how calm and playful the girl's personality is, even she should become conscious around the opposite sex.

She's surrounded by them every day, so it's normal she's calm. But even so, her actions really do leave him troubled.

Sumire is far too calm; that's what bothers him the most.

She's indeed found her color now. But even so, she should understand how dire the situation is.

After all, did she not recently admit something to him?

'Don't. Don't say anything. I get it already; I already knew. Back then, I noticed it too. Yuhi, you were someone who was always by my side then. I respected you a lot, the way you conducted your work and investigations. But I can't be with you, Yuhi, and I can't be with you. Everyone's going to get hurt. Asahi isn't going to be the only one. .. that's why.....'

'I can't be with you,' huh?

He had yet to actually say anything then. He never even got it across before.

His thoughts broke off when he felt a pair of gaze on him. "Again, don't you guys have anything better to do than loiter around here?"

The ones he was talking to were none other than the two members of the newly formed trio.

"According to my data, this is a bar, so we have every right to be here as customers," Jun commented.

The first person who spoke up is Kira Jun, one of the members of his new group.

The man beside him is a man with long curly blonde hair wearing an auburn-colored suit Ookoyama Kirishima, a member of the group Emma. It seems like all the members of that group was gradually returning to Japan. Atsuro, soon he will have to confront that person.

Kirishima smiles. "Now, we were not always here. It's just that Shin and Iwa use the studio we often use in Jupiter records. Hamano-san offered us a place to use here, so we're making use of it."

Yuhi sighed again. The person who invited them is not said person isn't even here today.

"You made an error, Terashima. Were not all here today, so it would hardly count."

Yuhi sends the teal-colored-haired boy a' as if I care look'. These guys are ruining his nap time. Well, Kira does make a point. It is quiet without the ginger hair one around.

Kira can remain his usual calm and collected self if the other one isn't around. There is a sense of peace, he supposed. Even so, it's strange that these two actually hang out with each other—such an odd combination. Well, as long as they're not at each other's throats, then it should be okay.

Even so, it really is too quiet today. He stares at the spot that Sumire normally salt in. She's usually just there and watching him for some reason he will never understand.

"Speaking of which. Terashima, should you really be skipping today? I heard you are painting the sign for the mid-November fest?"

"It's fine. I paint it every year and always get it done even if I skip."

Besides, they are still in September, and there is still a good two months left.

"Hmm? What's this festival in November?"

"Artistic schools appear to have different traditions. I was surprised too. The music's students appear to have to perform too - meaning I'll be double-booked for performances then." Jun explained.

Yuhi yawned. "I doubt they'll make you perform if you're busy. Don't you have the tri competition and solo performances that week?"

"Several magazine interviews and meetings with the idol corporations too. But it would be quite disgraceful for me to decline a performance. We're only in Tokyo for a limited time, after all. So we make use of every opportunity we receive."

He guessed that was a logical enough explanation. Besides, it would probably be okay for Kira. In the short time since they started to hang out, Yuhi has not seen the guy break a sweat.

"Though." Jun glances in Kirishima's direction. "I suppose working with the rival works also."

Kirishima smiled. Now now. That last interview worked well, didn't it?"

"I suppose I'll commend you on that."

Rival huh?

A flash of blonde appears on his head. That guy's expression was still something fixed in his mind. He had watched the exchange between the two then carefully and heard the words she said to him,' I won't hate you for that. But I can't thank you either.

It was difficult to interpret that guy's expression, even though he normally acts high and mighty. Yes, the person he thought about was none other than the third prince of the Makoto family.

He heard that Sumire had gone to see him today, which explains her absence. He wonders if they'll sort it out. That guy was already quite difficult to deal with before, and now he got involved in this.