Eternal Melody

SIENA

If they did, they wouldn't have tried. Siena sighed deeply. The oldest trick in the book, putting thumb tacks on her shoes. But she fell for it, because she wasn't expecting them to shift their attention onto her. It caught her off guard, and now she is walking around in broken shoes. Because of course they went for her outdoor shoes. 

'I should be glad my dance shoes are safe, but I don't like this situation.' She has never dealt with bullying from fellow women in the entertainment industry. Unlike regular bullies, if she fought back against an artist it could lead to negative consequences for her. She doesn't care about being slandered, but she knew her actions would impact Sumire. After all, everyone knows they are planning on debuting as a unit.

She can't cause problems for Sumire. But, it wasn't just the shoes. There were several other 'pranks' during the day, when she ended up with a sprained ankle. Siena really wanted to fight back.

Siena wanted to open her mouth and vent, but she was afraid that she would end up crying. So she kept her mouth shut.

"How about I buy you a bowl of ramen and get you out of the rain?" he offered.

Siena proceeded to turn away. After all, she was on her way to the Holy Knights headquarters for business. With Mamoru dealing with those delinquents, nobody from their side is in headquarters right now. Although she has helped weed out the traitors, it's still best if one of their people is there.

"Wait." Tasuku grabbed hold of her sleeve and tugged her back beneath the shelter of his umbrella. "Look at yourself, if you stay out in the rain any longer, you'll end up in a hospital bed with hypothermia."

".."

"Listen, I am sure someone who cares about you wouldn't want you to be out in the rain like this, right?"

Perhaps it was because she was feeling very emotional. But Siena couldn't hold her tears back anymore. Indeed, there were others who would worry about her being out in this rain. Sumire especially, if she learned that her mind was distracted due to the being bullied situation that lead to her being sick. Sumire would never forgive herself.

Tasuku didn't make fun of her even though she was crying. 

"Alright, good," he murmured. "So, how about that ramen? Nice and hot. It'll warm you up—my treat."

Siena slowly nodded.

Tasuku didn't say anything else as he guided her half a block to a street into a small ramen stand. He closed the umbrella, shaking the stray droplets of before leaning it on the counter. 

"Welcome-" The elder man behind the counter smiled. "Ah, it's you. Kogami Tasuku."

Tasuku beamed. "I haven't been here in months, I'm surprised you still remember me."

The elder man laughed. "Now, now I've never seen anyone eat so much ramen in one sitting before."

Tasuku grinned. "I'm flattered."

"Moreover, you came here with the prettiest girl who stepped into this planet."

Siena raised her eyebrow at those words.

"I didn't realize she was the huge celebrity Ibuki Sumire until after you left, and I asked my other patrons why they were gossiping so much."

Siena blinked at those words. Tasuku came here with Sumire a few months ago? She didn't realize the two were so close. After all, other than Aki. Sumire never interacted with the people in the Holy knights. Her friend familiarized herself with all the members, but never got close.

 "So, what'll it be?"

Tasuku glanced over at her and Siena didn't hesitate at all to order.

"Salt noodles, extra firm, with extra back fat and topped with seasoned egg," she said almost on autopilot. 

Truth be told, food was the farthest thing from Siena's mind, but that was what she always ordered and the words just fell out of her mouth automatically. That and she had to save up her strength for the rest of the day.

Like Tasuku said she did have a concert later on.

"Well, the little lady definitely knows what she wants," he remarked.

Tasuku nodded. "She certainly does," he said. "Well, I'll have the same."

Then, he pulled out a stool for Siena and gestured for her to sit. She did. 

"The reason I'm in Tokyo is because Mamoru-san put out that notice saying the main branch needs help. Ryuuji-san selected me as a representative for the second squad and several others are on their way too."

"Is it because your friends with Sumire?" Siena wondered. "I didn't even know you two were friends."

Tasuku laughed. "Sumire-san is very low key, but there are a few members she does get along with. Most of the others who were picked are individuals who admire her or have been saved by her."

"So, which one are you?" Siena asked.

"I would fall under the later category. I owe her my life."

This news shouldn't surprise her at all. After all Sumire has always had this habit of saving strays.

It was loud. Very loud, with Tasuku doing much of the talking. He's being so very kind, not mentioning it at all. Not bringing up why she looked so spaced out. A kind person, like Mamoru and Sumire. There is no doubt that Mamoru also noticed something was off about her and that's why he started talking to her even though he was clearly busy. Siena never thought she would be envious over people—after all, she was now a successful idol. What could she possibly want that would be denied her? 

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

Tasuku sighs. "Because I can more or less guess what is going on. The entertainment industry isn't an easy place. I used to work as a stunt double remember?"

Right, she did hear about that.

'Why? Why?' Siena didn't know what frustrated her more, getting bullied again. Or, the fact that even if she fought back to defend herself she would cause Sumire harm. Sumire has already gone through so much.

'I can sacrifice my pride a bit, can't I? I can at least do this much for Sumire. I have never truly been able to help her after all.'