*UNEDITED*
Narasaki Hino was his full name.
But the last time anybody called him that was seven years ago.
Even though she treated his wounds, Hino still felt sluggish and he limped as he walked. But Hino pretended to be okay since every single time he showed weakness. Ibuki Sumire would stop walking and insist on the hospital thing. Honestly, he has never met such a foolish and naive person before. When they left the alleyway, Hino asked the girl more questions. She answered every question honestly.
Does this girl not know what the concept of lying is?
How could she tell him everything like that without holding back? Or maybe it was because of his acquaintance with Yuhi? It was hard to tell. Hino could determine that the girl had genuine feelings for Yuhi but--there was still something wrong.
Hinos gaze fell on the skies, he did not realize how dark it was already.
"Sorry for making you wait." Sumire suddenly said as she exited the store with several bags in her hands.
Hino extended his hand out and took two bags away from the girl.
"Ah?"
"Let me carry it."
"But you're weak right now."
"It doesn't make a difference." Hino said as he turned to walk. "Let's get going."
Sumire nodded and followed after him. It felt strange to be walking side by side with someone. To think seven years ago, he was living his life on the run. Now he can walk under the black skies without having to fear the danger in front of him.
His thoughts broke off when he heard the girl humming.
"Your good."
Sumire laughed. "You can tell just from that?"
Of course he could tell, he isnt an executive music producer for show. Still he is interested. He was present during her debut live, that superstar song of tomorrow of hers was amazing. Hino never heard such a beautifully constructed song before. A song filled with hopes and dreams. What kind of person is Ibuki Sumire? Ever since he attended her concert, that question has remained on his mind.
"Do you like to sing?"
Sumire nodded. "Yes I do. I love it."
Hino blinked when he heard those words. This girl is a bit too straight forward. What kind of person uses the word love easily? It seems like there is something more to this girl than meets the eye. He wonders what that is, will he be able to find out? Does he want to? He was the one who warned both Yuhi and Sano. But look at him now, look at him asking so many questions.
"By the way, could we stop somewhere for a minute? There is still time right?"
"Ah yes."
He pointed to a shop across the street that read violin repair shop. It was a good thing he already sent it for repairs earlier, otherwise things would be bad. They crossed the street and entered the shop. "Old man, Im here."
"Dad went out. But you just want your violin right?" A female voice called out from the cupboard.
"Yeah."
Hino glanced over at Sumire and saw her observing the place curiously. "Have you never gone to these places before?" Hino asked.
"Ah-huh, its my first time."
I suppose she wouldn't have. She doesnt play a traditional instrument.
Hino watched as her gaze fell on the piano curiously. "Do you want to play?"
"Is that okay?"
"Yeah, but you can play the piano?"
She puffed her cheeks into a pout. "I can play of course. No matter what anybody says I am still a high class lady."
Right, the Ibuki family. Hino nodded and pulled out the stool. "Then let's see how good you are."
It seems like Ibuki Sumire has not abandoned music completely. She is okay with playing the piano but not singing on stage huh? When Hino read the reports due to the investigation Sano made him do, it interested him. Did she abandon music completely? There is a reason why Ibuki Sumire rose to fame so quickly. Why the location for her debut stage was large.
A voice like that deserves more than praise. She deserves more than empty flattery and fake smiles.
Hino remembered wanting to recruit her there but something stopped him from doing so. He overheard a conversation among her friends.
Sumire debuted but she will surely focus her attention on Mamoru.
A quick research was all it took for him to find out the truth. Hino glanced back at Sumire who started to play. The melody that left the piano was sweet and gentle. What soft notes… Hino peered over at her shoulder to see exactly what she was doing. Sumire did not play the piano in any special way, she used the same techniques as any average pianist. Yet there is no doubt that there is something different.
When he discovered the truth then, Hino decided to hold his offer back. He wanted her to spend the remaining time with her loved one. Yes, he knew about her boyfriend's illness. The information was tightly guarded, but he could get it easily due to his hacking skills.
"Hino-san, please come in here for a sec."
Hino looked over at Sumire. "Hey, I'm just going over there."
Sumire nodded. "Okay."
Hino felt stupid informing her where he was going. It is not like she is a child. But if his research is right then this girl is afraid of being left alone now.
He opened the door to the other room and kept it open.
As Hino examined his violin, he could still hear Sumire playing. She changed her song now. She was playing something familiar.
"Is that girl your girlfriend? Or a new artist? She plays very well."
"Yuhi's girlfriend."
A knowing ah crossed Hanabi's lips. "I can tell."
"This is fixed right." Hino commented and slid the money onto the counter. "Take it, I don't have my card on me now."
"Yes, yes mr customer who doesn't hesitate to use real cash."
Hino sighed. "Does it matter either way?" His gaze fell on the doorway. "Hey, nobody uses that piano of yours right?"
"Are you planning on buying it?"
Hino nodded. "Yeah, it's for her."
Yuhi has a piano in his place and the two are living together. But it wont do any harm having another one, she seems to like it a lot. "Send it to Yuhi's.
"I don't mind, but will Yuhi appreciate you giving his girlfriend a gift?"
At that comment he rolled his eyes. "Don't suggest something ridiculous, I am six years older than her."
"Since when was there an age requirement when it comes to love?"
An age requirement? There probably isn't one at all. But, "--she is a minor."
When Hino learned that the ex Sano wanted to meet was Ibuki Sumire, he could not hide his disgust. The girl is a minor, what on earth is he thinking? But Hino knew he would not be able to do anything.
"If Sano drops by here, don't say anything."
He can't let that guy know.