Eternal Melody

"But what are you going to do about Ran-chan? You do understand that he won't give up with just that."

At those words, Sumire sighed. "I'll have to discuss it with Yuhi-san. It doesn't feel right for me to handle this alone anymore." She paused, seeing Kou chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"I was just thinking how much you have changed now, Mimi."

"I've changed?"

"For one, you are not as ruthless as before." Kou trailed off. "A lot must have happened since you came to Tokyo. But all those events have contributed to your happiness."

Her gaze softened at those words. "It's because of Yuhi-san's diligent efforts. He only makes an effort when it comes to me. With stuff like studying and being motivated to write songs, he can be lazy."

"Doesn't that mean for Yu-Yu you are more important than studying and his career?"

"As a fan, hearing that last part is upsetting. What is he doing prioritizing women over his career?"

Kou laughed. "It sounds like you are bragging about your boyfriend."

Sumire averted her gaze, embarrassed. "Don't tease me; lately, it's difficult for me to control my urges around him."

"If it's Yu-yu, I don't think he will mind if you just pounce on him."

"Ah, I want to." Sumire nodded, agreeing. "But recently, I have been feeling nauseous. So whenever I think of just going for it, I end up stopping."

Kou placed his hand on her forehead. "You do look a bit pale. Maybe you should rest in the infirmary for a bit?"

For a moment, her eyes widened when she realized how casually he touched her forehead. If it's Kou, he has no bad intentions. But he can do this because of the relationship they shared before.

"I'm okay. I've changed, but you are still the same Kou."

He must have realized and removed his hand quickly. Kou immediately looked around and sighed in relief. "If Yu-Yu saw that, he would kill me."

Sumire laughed when she saw his cautious behavior. "Is that why you have been avoiding getting close to me? Relax, Yuhi-san isn't that unreasonable."

"There is that, but I also wanted to respect your decision. It's a bit late to say this, but I have to apologize on behalf of the others too. We abruptly decided to follow you to Tokyo even though we knew you wanted to be alone."

Ah, so that's the reason why. Even though they came here because of her, they seldom spent time with her. In fact, it seems like they have spent more time with Yuhi. It makes sense; they did come here around the time the idol association board wanted Quatro light to find another member.

"You don't have to apologize. Despite what I said, I am glad somebody followed me. Even though we haven't been interacting much, I know how hard the four of you have been working to protect me."

That's right, how can she not know.

"I'll be counting on you all even more from now."

Now that she has returned, the entertainment industry will have enemies lurking in every corner. Having powerful allies is important.

"You don't even have to ask." Kou trailed off. "But your manager is truly amazing. He even managed to get you a slot in best of music."

At those words, Sumire froze. "He-he what?"

Kou blinked. "He hasn't told you yet?"

He hasn't! Geez, that demon manager mode of his. Previously, Yuhi warned her that Hino had never managed a female artist or a complete newbie before.

'He will elevate your stats in less than three months.'

Barely a month has passed since she returned to the entertainment industry. Sumire hesitantly took her phone out of her pocket and typed it into the search bar.

She felt like coughing up blood when she confirmed Kou's words.

List of Participants in Best of Music 20xx

Opening: M5

Ending: Ibuki Sumire

What's with this setup! The opening and ending performances are the most important performances in music shows. So that explains why M5.

She immediately called Hino, who surprisingly answered after the first ring.

"Hello?"

"I'm appearing in best of music?" Sumire repeated slowly. She wanted to scream but didn't want to attract too much attention. It might be the middle of class, but there were still people walking by.

"Oh you found out."

"Why are you so casual?"

"Didn't you say you had to appear in a few music shows to regain the public's attention?"

"Well, yes, but best of music?"

"For your first one, it should be grand. Relax, this is the only major one; the other ones aren't as prestigious."

'I have this bad feeling that his idea of normal will kill me.'

Sumire sighed deeply. "But is it truly okay? If I appear on the same show as Yuhi-san now, won't people talk?"

"I considered that too. But Sumire, do you not realize that regardless of what you do, people will talk about you?"

"You're being very blunt."

"But I have to say it; you understand right?"

"I'm aware."

In the past, she thought if she took a step back, people would stop talking about her and be less hostile. But no matter what she does, the situation doesn't change. Actually, holding back has led to worsening the situation.

"I know you think I am a careless manager who assigns you work beyond your ability."

"Oh, how did you know?"

"I am going to ignore that." Hino sighed. "I gave this some careful thought Sumire. You have improved at handling crowds since your concert with Takahashi Yumi. But there is still that risk."

Indeed she can't say for sure that she won't break down and need Yuhi. The performance order considers that too. If she is at the end, she will have time to settle into the atmosphere.

"Yuhi will give you more details. Try to relax, okay, Sumire? I'm going to hang up. I have a meeting."

"Alright." She mumbled. The moment the call ended, she felt Kou ruffle her hair. "You'll make it messy. I want Yuhi-san to call me pretty again."

Kou only laughed. "It's been a while since we have had work together. Let's enjoy ourselves, okay?"

He truly hasn't changed. Ever since he first learned of her unstable mental condition, Kou has been very considerate of her. She has friends by her side now. She won't be alone.

It's okay. Sumire briefly shut her eyes as she took a deep breath.

"Right, let's go back and check on Jun-kun. I wonder if he is awake yet."

'Jun aside, I wonder if Yuhi-san is starting to feel better. If he still has a fever, maybe it would be better for him to rest in the infirmary.'

Kou suddenly pushed her in the opposite direction of the atler.

"Eh-?"

"Yu-yu went to the library; he said he could rest better there."

He probably did that to avoid Ran. In the library, if it's this time, there should be no other students. "Call me if anything happens with Jun-kun." Sumire quickly rushed off in the direction of the library.

She wants to spend a bit more time with Yuhi. She doesn't want to be apart from him. These feelings continue growing stronger.