Eternal Melody

HINO

"It has, rather it almost turned messy. But, Takahashi Yumi stepped up."

"It almost turned messy?" Hino said with a raised eyebrow.

Sano didn't mention that. But then again, his friend still doesn't understand how the entertainment industry works.

"Yes, during a best of music live show. Some other guests on the show bribed the staff to say some bad things about Ibuki-san. Miya almost lost her temper, but before this could happen. Takahashi Yumi appeared."

"Was she scheduled to show up?"

"No, she wasn't. It was shocking, and she performed a new song on the spot."

Takahashi Yumi's new song? She hasn't released a new song in years, since she has been focusing on shaping the entertainment industry. 

Cassie takes her phone out and shows him a video.

"Mothers and elder sisters and lovers... 

Wind and rain and shadows from the trees...

I can become anything for your sake.

To the sea, to the sky, to the galaxy...

The single light that flies from my heart is "love".

We are on a never-ending travel

To kick away the stencil that draws out our dreams for us.

So with a Que sera

It's fine, it's OK, you're fine the way you are. Just as long as you stay by my side...

There will be a happy lucky future. I will spread out both of my hands for you, no matter what kind of a person you are." Yumi sang.

By the end of the performance, Hino was frozen. What on earth was that? The song, her clothes and her aura. Everything was perfect.

"After a performance like this? Everyone was too focused on her, too talk badly about Ibuki-san again."

"I can imagine." Hino trailed off.

Takahashi didn't act like this when she performed with Sumire. Was she holding herself back? No, that's not it. 

'Idols evolve. I may have defeated Yumi-senpai on our last stage. But, that doesn't mean I have truly beaten her. Idols constantly evolve, the top position is fleeting and Yumi-senpai is a special type of idol. There is a reason why she has occupied the top spot for so many years. As an idol, I'm still a fledging. This win, is temporary.'

Sumire's words echoed in his head. That girl always seems to end up proving that she is right. Takahashi Yumi is already twenty five, in terms of being an idol. She is considered 'old' and not new anymore. For most idols, growing old is deadly to their careers. They don't get as many opportunities as before. When Takahashi started to fade into the background, others assumed it was because of this. However, that's not it at all.

Hino glanced over and saw Cassie wore a complicated expression on her face. "What is it?"

"Honestly, even now I'm amazed. Hino, you know I have always been a huge fan of Takahashi Yumi right?"

Hino nodded.

"She is the reason I wanted to become an idol and in recent years, I truly thought I was getting closer to her. However, it's no good. That level of brilliance? There is no way I can reach that."

At those words he frowns. "It's not like you to give up. I know it was a amazing show, but-"

Cassie shakes her head. "After seeing that, recently I have thought that what I have now is enough. My position in the entertainment industry is good."

"Are you going to give up challenging her as the Queen?"

"I'll continue participating in the Queen cup, since I went through all the trouble of gathering all those points. But, I'll let myself get eliminated or drop out before the finals."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I don't care what others say about me, Hino. I simply can't beat that. However," Cassie trailed off. "I'm sure she can."

At those words Hino glances over to see where Cassie was pointing at to see Sumire peeking her head through the pillar.

"I can't sleep without knowing you're getting your injuries looked at." 

"Yeah, I was planning to go after speaking with yuhi and I bumped into Cas."

"Mm, I was the one who asked her to come here." Sumire takes Cassie's phone and replays the video. Unlike Cassie, who was trembling while watching it. Sumire's eyes lit up.

"Yumi-senpai really is the best. However, she isn't undefeatable."

Cassie was shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm afraid I'll have to pass."

Sumire laughed. "I see, I don't blame you for it. What about her?"

"If it's that one, I can see you two standing in the semis together. She also didn't lose faith after seeing the show."

Despite the vague words between the two. Hino immediately understood who they were referring too. 

"I see, I suppose I have to confront her eventually and thank her. Yumi-senpai aside, I'm sure she also helped out with the rumors regarding me disappearing."

Cassie nodded. "Anya-san was furious. She said the media attitude towards you isn't fair."

Sumire laughs. "That's just how the industry works, but I'm truly thankful."

Seeing Sumire sway sideways, Hino was about to break her fall but Mashima quickly caught her. 

Toh sighs deeply. "This again beautiful?"

Sumire giggled. "I knew you'd come after me."

"You really need to rest, you've been through a lot and tomorrow you'll be busy with all kinds of tests."

"I know, I know." Sumire moved away from Mashima and walked towards him. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. 

Cassie's hug startled him but Sumire's? Sumire's made him freeze on the spot.

"Thank you so much Hino. Since Yuhi left, you have always kept me safe."

At those words he clenched his fist. "You've been hurt twice because of me. I don't think that's exactly keeping you safe."

Sumire shakes her head. "Because of you, not once did I feel alone. Although I missed Yuhi-san like crazy, because of you. I didn't feel lonely. I knew you were a single call away. Thank you Hino, for keeping me safe. For being there for me." She moved her face away from his shoulder and caressed his cheek. "Lucifer didn't lose control of his monster side when he was around me. I thought it was because of him feeding from me, but there is something else more efficient."