Eternal Melody

That does make sense. But he doesn't think she ought to sacrifice her dreams just to avoid conflict.

Sumire laughed weakly. "I would be lying to say I don't want to enter. Did you think I accumulated all those points last year for nothing?"

So she still wants to participate. Sumire is now able to sing on stage and do jobs. In the eyes of the general public, Sumire has fully recovered. But Shin knew that it wasn't that simple. Her fears and traumas cannot disappear that easily.

"I wish you would have the freedom to do whatever you want."

Before Sumire responded, however, the doors opened, revealing Mashima.

"Hi beautiful."

Sumire immediately rushed over to Mashima with a concerned look on her face. "Toh--you seem a bit-"

"I'm alright." Toh pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. "God, it's only been a few days, but I have missed you like crazy."

Mashima isn't okay; anybody can see that he is barely able to stand. However, Shin knew better than to intervene. He turned to Sumire and called out to her.

"See you tomorrow?"

Sumire nodded. "Thank you, Shin."

With those words, he watched the two walk off. Shin watched Mashima wrap his arms around her waist, and Sumire laughed as Mashima said something to her.

She seems happier than she has been in a while. Shin understood that Yuhi's absence would lead to some emotional damage. But seeing her waste away every day was hard. He met up with Narasaki numerous times to ensure he watched over Sumire properly.

'I am doing what I can. But neither you nor me can be a replacement for Yuhi.'

Right. He understood that. However, he can't help but think there is more they can do for Sumire.

Sumire has gotten so much better, and Mashima hasn't been here that long.

How did he do it? No, Shin sighed. 'Why is there nothing I can do for her?' Shin's gaze fell on the stack of books Sumire had been reading earlier. Sumire had been copying intently.

They were limited edition ones and very rare. It would be hard, but he is sure he can get her copies. Shin could already see her bright eyes.

....

Shin decided to visit her when he finished work at the university. But he wasn't the only one with that idea. Shizune Miya was ringing the doorbell. Ever since this girl transferred here, they have seen each other often.

It was the little boy Huan who answered the door.

"Mom and Uncle Toh are busy!"

Busy? For a minute, Shin panicked; all sorts of images appeared in his head, but Shizune shook her head.

"Last time I was here. He was nothing but a gentleman to her. I am sure they are fine."

Right, that's true. They follow the little boy into the living room. Shin scans the room and finds Sumire on the couch alongside Mashima.

"Uh." Sumire laughed. "As you can see, I'm a bit trapped here."

Mashima had his arms securely around Sumire and was fast asleep. There was something heartwarming about that scene.

"I can see that. Should I ask what happened?"

"Well, some stuff. The media is trying to play some tricks. I got a bit worked up, and Toh tried to calm me down."

"What is it about?"

"They said Yuhi's dear childhood friend chased after him abroad," Sumire sighed. "What do they want me to do? If I chased after Yuhi, they'd call me irresponsible and reckless and needy."

Miya frowned. "Is there a reason why they are so oddly fixated on you?"

"I have no idea. If I did, maybe I could do something but no. I have no leads."

Mashima suddenly stirs awake.

"Mmm, do we have guests, beautiful?" Toh asked.

"Shin and Miya came. Are you okay?" 𝘣𝘦𝑑𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝑙．𝑐𝑜𝘮

From that conversation, the one who got mad was Mashima. That's surprising. Ever since he met Mashima Toh, Shin has always gotten the impression that he was a calm person.

"Better. What about you?"

"Much better."

Toh leaned forward and kissed Sumire's forehead. "Going to make you something to eat; stay put."

"Okay, okay."

Shin couldn't miss how Sumire's gaze lingered on Mashima.

They really are getting along very well. That should be concerning. But Shin recalled Sumire's expression when she was talking to Yuhi. There is nothing to be concerned about. Sumire and Yuhi are still okay.

"He treats you well, doesn't he?" Miya spoke up.

"He always has." Sumire nodded. "It's comfortable being here. I have to admit; I was going a bit crazy living alone."

Shin looked concerned. "Are you still having nightmares?"

"It's not so bad now. Having someone around definitely helps."

"But you look troubled." Miya pointed out.

"I just wonder if it's okay for me to be so comfortable around Toh." Sumire trailed off. "I know we were dating before, so it explains why I'm okay around him. But, I just wonder if I should continue letting him be this close to me."

"I don't think you have to be concerned about that now. What matters is your health." Shin interjected.

Moreover, it doesn't seem like Mashima is the type to take advantage of her like Nagawa. Otherwise, he doubts Narasaki would have let them live together.

Sumire laughed softly. "Well, I'll admit that I do need his help."

It didn't take long before Mashima returned with a tray of several different dishes.

"Wah, takiyokai!" Sumire exclaimed.

"Just for you, beautiful."

"Thank you!"

Mashima turned to him. "Was there something you wanted to tell her?"

Shin nodded. "Sumire, I was wondering if you would like to visit Jupiter Records with me tomorrow."

"Ah."

"Your schedule has been very busy, so I haven't asked. But you seem to have some time now." Shin paused, choosing his words carefully.

He knew the girl had more time in her schedule because of her mental health. Mashima was the one who persuaded Narasaki to shift her jobs.