Eternal Melody

Chapter 660 On Your Mark Part 3

　　"If I did, he would worry."

　　"Even without the child, he worries about you a lot. Try to rely on him more, okay?"

　　Sumire nodded. "I understand."

　　After movie number five, or rather in the middle of movie number five, he saw Sumire struggling to stay awake. He told her to change her position, so she was lying down. The moment her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.

　　Kou glanced back over at the kid in the cradle and picked him up. He tucked the child in her arms, and a relaxed expression appeared on her face.

　　This child came unexpectedly, and Mimi hasn't had much time to spend with him. But, he is still her son. It's a natural instinct for a mother to feel calm with her child nearby.

　　His gaze fell on Sumire sleeping. When he sees her like this, it reminds him of back then. He had the privilege of looking at her sleeping face.

　　Now that he thought about it, how did their odd relationship start again?

　　..

　　At Tsukuhara High Dorms - 20xx- Star Town

　　It was an average day; he decided to pay a visit to his kohai Daiki and Mikaze. When he arrived at the room, Mikaze was practicing for the upcoming sports festival.

　　"Wouldn't it be easier to run outside?" Kou wondered.

　　"Then I will be giving my opponents a taste of my skills."

　　Daiki looked up from reading his book. "He talks all big, but just last week, he lost ten times in a row to-"

　　Mikaze quickly interjected. "Kou-senpai, do you have any tips?"

　　Kou's lips curved to a grin. "Now, now I want to hear this. Who did Mikazeyan lose to?"

　　"Me."

　　Right at that moment, the doors opened, revealing Sumire. "I knocked, but nobody answered." She turned to him. "Kou, you are very difficult to find."

　　Kou beamed. "Hey, Mimi, what about a little race?"

　　"What's in it for me?"

　　"Let's see; the loser has to kiss the winner."

　　Mikaze's face turned red. "K-kiss- but-"

　　"Sure."

　　It did not take long before both of them got into their positions. Daiki and Mikaze helped move some items away, so there was more space to run.

　　"Don't underestimate her, senpai!"

　　Kou didn't have a chance to underestimate the girl. Nobody told him that she was good runner. When she breezed past him when Daiki said go, he was shocked but quickly tried to catch up. He managed to catch up in the last leg of the race.

　　But just when he thought he would win, she whizzed past him.

　　"Damn," Kou said, dumbfounded.

　　It's not like he is particularly good at running. But he is still one of the fastest people in school. He has never had a problem before. Hold on, forget the fact that he lost. The consequences of losing are-

　　"Lighten up, senpai. It's just a kiss, right?" Daiki mocked.

　　Kou cursed in his head. Why on earth did he suggest something like that? No, no. Sumire-chan won, so she will probably ask for something else. 

　　"Do I still get one? I mean, if you don't want to then – "

　　His eyes widened when he heard those words. Wait, is she truly okay with this? Futaba did warn him before but is she truly like this?

　　Mikaze quickly interjected, "No! He lost, so he has to pay up! Ne, senpai?" 

　　"We're waiting." Daiki closed his book and glanced over.

　　'Damn, these two just want to see him be humiliated. If that's the case, then he can take advantage of this.'

　　Sumire tugged on his shirt, and he shuddered.

　　"Are we?"

　　"I- uh…" Kou was nervous. This is his first kiss, dammed it; those two clearly know that! To think he would be losing his first kiss over a game. However, his gaze fell on Sumire. The other party is very cute, so he ought to just go for it.

　　He summoned whatever courage he had as he leaned down and slid his lips over hers. When she opened her mouth, and his tongue slipped inside, he wanted to curse. 

　　Kou felt a mixture of strange flavors, his cigarettes, and her lip gloss, mixed with their saliva. 

　　It wasn't long before he dominated the kiss, wrapping his arms around the back of Sumires head and her waist. But before he could continue, he felt a pillow hit his head.

　　"What's wrong, Daikin? I thought you wanted to watch us?"

　　Mikaze, who was watching them, had a nosebleed at those words.

　　"You don't have to be so disgusting about it. An innocent kiss is fine, but that-" Daiki scowl deepened. "-take that elsewhere. I'm not interested in watching anymore."

　　Oh? So that's how it's going to be. Well it's fine. Kou scooped her up into his arms and stood up. 

　　"Where are we going?" 

　　Kou looked directly at Daiki and smirked. "Some place private."

　　...

　　Kou's thoughts break hearing the sound of somebody entering the room. It was Yuhi; he looked utterly exhausted.

　　"That bad?"

　　Yuhi sighed deeply. "You will hear about it tomorrow; they went so far as to chase us down."

　　Kou blinked, hearing those words. That sounds unusual. Normally the media wouldn't persist so much- it makes sense. Why was Jun all beat up? From those pictures, Sumire looks like she is the culprit who beat Jun.

　　It's a story the media would certainly like. But even then, normally, it's a topic that would invite much criticism. No matter how desperate they are to get a story, this is too much. 

　　His gaze fell on the sleeping girl and then back at the sheet music. 

　　"What measures are your company taking?"

　　"Hino said he has something planned for tomorrow."

　　"That's too late," Kou mumbled. They should strike now while they can. "Play this melody in the background with your guitar." He pointed to a spare copy of the scores.

　　Yuhi stared at the sheet and immediately understood. "Got it, don't let her down."

　　...…

　　In front of the largest news building, two hours later. There was a huge commotion. Kou had set up a makeshift stage and gathered a large crowd.

　　"Hey, isn't that Maon Kou?"

　　"No way, I'm a huge fan."

　　"But he is performing here?"

　　He doesn't know which media company is targeting Mimi; it might not be this one. But, no matter who it is, they will still see this. 

　　"Everyone, I'm Maon Kou! Today I will be revealing my new solo song, look forward to it."

　　Kou could see several people leaving the news building and some reporters coming out of their vans. His lips curved to a smile when he made eye contact with someone. Judging from the man's pale expression, Kou concluded that he had chosen the right place.

　　Mimi has changed a lot, and now she is going to have children with the man she loves. Now that she is living a normal life, he won't allow anybody to trample on her peace.

　　"On your mark!

　　You're loveholic, lazyholic

　　You're already a prisoner

　　You're loveholic, lazyholic

　　Let me remain married to you for life

　　(Shall I try to) Overreach myself and pout my lips?

　　Now I'll give a reward

　　Up to you!

　　If we throw everything off,

　　Let's become honest

　　With our naked hearts (Smilex2 face)

　　And expose ourselves (Smilex2 heart)

　　Even if you get lonely

　　And sink into the painful reality,

　　I'll take you to the sky where light is waiting

　　And show you a dream

　　I want you to see my way of life

　　For your sake,

　　I'll give you a shining and dizzy

　　Song kiss!" Kou sang.