Eternal Melody

Chapter 904 My Beautiful Monster Part 5

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SUMIRE

After dropping off the pile of books Grace lent her to read in hers and Lucifer's chambers. She proceeded to take her usual walk around the lake pavilion. She has developed her own routine being here for three weeks, but despite that she is feeling restless. Like there ought to be something more that she needs to be doing. 

On more than one occasion she has offered to assist Lucifer with his work. But, he refuses. At first she thought it's because she lacked the knowledge to help him. However when she joined him in his office, and caught a glimpse of his papers. She has helped him out. So, why doesn't he let her help him permanently? He listens to her opinions during those moments in his office. But as for permanently assisting him? He won't do it and that frustrates her.

It's not like she wants to help him simply because she is bored. If she is the lady of this manor, she is his equal and ought to be helping him. Sumire sighed deeply. Perhaps she ought to turn back today, and lock herself in the room and do more reading instead.

She doesn't want to spoil the walk with her sour mood. Sumire turned to leave when she felt wrap around her from the back. A familiar sensation on her neck. She didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Lucifer? Your home already?"

It's still daylight, and he gave her instructions this morning to be careful when it gets late. So, she assumed that he wouldn't be returning until late.

"I have a bit of a break." Lucifer explained. 

"and you came back?" Sumire said, puzzled.

"It's time for your walk around the lake pavilion. I thought I'd join you."

Her gaze softened at those words. He really is good to her. It's hard to see him as a bad guy. She turned around to face him.

Sumire laughed softly. "You always find a way to join me."

She has no memories of falling in love with him. But, he is good to her. Very good, almost too good to be true. Sumire linked her arm with his as they walked down the pathway.

"The garden is looking beautiful. You're doing a good job."

"Really? I was worried you wouldn't like it."

"Nonsense. I like everything you do."

Sumire felt butterflies in her stomach hearing Lucifer's words. Every time he compliments her, she feels so happy. Indeed, there must have been something between them before. She doubts she would feel such joy with a random friend complimenting her. 

Her thoughts break off when he cupped her cheeks.

She closed her eyes preparing for him to kiss her again. But to his surprise he simply removed something from her hair.

"There was a leaf."

"R-right."

How embarrassing. She thought he was going to kiss her.

Lucifer's gaze softened knowingly. He had yet to let go of her face. "Do you wish for me to kiss you?"

Does she? Does she want to be kissed by him again? How many kisses does this make now?

She slowly nodded her head and Lucifer chuckled as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.

 _____________________________

MAMORU

Tokyo.

"We need to tell Yuhi. We still haven't found her, and it's almost been a month."

A good three weeks have passed since Sumire and Narasaki Hino were attacked. Had they arrived sooner, perhaps they would have been able to help. It was Huan, who ran out of the apartment that day and alerted them.

'Mom, something is wrong with mom.' 

If the words had come from any normal child, it would be easy to dismiss 

Toh shakes his head. "If Terashima finds out. He will drop everything and come here, and nothing Takeyama says will convince him to return."

"But Narasaki was taken too. He already finds it weird how we are taking Narasaki's calls and stuff. We can't keep this up for long."

'Moreover. I am worried about what Lucifer is doing to her. How far will he poison her mind?'

"Eli said he has almost narrowed down potential locations and Nagawa's been questioning his sister. We just have to be patient."

"I am surprised you're being so calm." Mamoru commented.

"I'm not." Toh exhaled deeply. "I am a mess. After the stalker incident, we doubled the security around her. How did Lucifer suddenly get to her? No, why did he suddenly kidnap her?"

"Didn't you say he was acting oddly after what happened?"

"I did. But, he always has such moments." Toh shakes his head. "I can't believe he would do this. Why now? He has never done anything like this before."

"Toh."

"Damn it." Toh exclaimed angrily as he broke yet another vase.

'His mood has been getting worse recently. I understand how he feels, it's hard to remain calm when the woman you love is in the hands of a dangerous murderous psychopath.' 

If Toh is reacting like this, Mamoru could only imagine what Sano's current state is. He ought to check on him later. Mamoru came by to take Huan away. Kyoko and Saotomi temporarily moved in with the guys in akagumi awhile ago. When it became clear that Toh could no longer look after them in his state.

From the very start Toh was never interested in the kids, he only put up with them for Sumire's sake. Now she isn't here, it makes sense that he doesn't care for them. Huan insisted on staying to help Toh out. But, it's become clear that Toh will become a threat if Huan stays here any longer.

Mamoru spots Huan peeking from the front door. "Go outside. Your uncle Nao and the others are there."

The best place for Huan to stay is with the guys in Nanairofeather. Even if Atushi offered to take Huan too, right now it's better to split off the kids. If they are all in one place. It would be easy for the media to target them.

"Sumire, she's going to hate me for this." Toh mumbled.

"She will understand.. You never cared for the kids so she-"

Toh shakes his head. "I do care, I have grown attached to them too. But, I can't think straight right now Mamoru. I don't understand how I could have let this happen. What was the point in me staying by Lucifer's side, if he was going to take her anyway?"

*Unedited*