Eternal Melody

"So is Takahashi Yumi-san here already?" Kou asked.

"Ah, no, she's flying back from her European tour tomorrow. She should be back by the morning. I haven't seen her in two months, so I have not seen her in a while." Yuko fiddles with the straw of her drink. "It wasn't fair how Ultimate Five got to go with her..."

"Yuko-san yourself, didn't you have an Asian tour and gardening cup? You couldn't have possibly gone."

Yuko pouted. "It's still frustrating, though."

However, Ultimate Five is coming back, huh? My my, this timing isn't good. Especially when they just gained momentum. But then again, he supposed it was high time they returned the ranks to how it should be original.

They became number one because all the senior male idol groups went on to make their international debut. Now that they are all returning, the battle for the top will truly start.

"They still stick to Takahashi-san like glue, huh?"

"Right? You would think with her and Francis having dated for what two-three years now, the other members would focus on their girlfriends instead. But no, they still prioritize Yumi."

Kou chuckles. "Is someone bitter? You're dating that guy now, right. I heard about the engagement to congrats."

"Thanks. But it's still something that won't happen straight away. The two of us don't intend to get married just yet. We still have to spice up the idol world more. I mean, look at Yumi and Francis; they practically live together and aren't still married yet. There is still time, but getting married while we all still have this youth may be more sensible." Yuko smiled. "Kou-chan, what about you? How is your love life?"

At that comment, he scratched his hair. "Actually about that..." Kou didn't know how to phrase it. But he knew it would be better for him if he explained it to somebody.

After Kou explained the story, he half expected her to go into a serious discussion. But instead, he found the most uncommon expression from her.

The caramel-colored-haired girl stared at him with completely wide eyes. "Ehhhh? The girl you fell in love with is Sumire-chan? Seriously?"

Huh? First name basis. "Yuko-San, you know Mimi?"

"Well yeah. She used to drop by the flower shop all the time. She would always order red cosmos. Oh, and I heard she used to be Yumi's pupil."

At that comment, he spilled his coffee on the table. "Mimi is Takahashi-sans pupil?"

Yuko nodded." Right? Coincidences exist."

Rather he is starting to think that the world is much smaller than he thought it was. To think that Mimi is Takahashi Yumi's former pupil, if that is the case, then it explains it, the same growing aura around her and overwhelming presence.

"She stopped coming to the shop a few years back. I wondered why that was until I saw what happened to her family. It must have been awful for her, and I also have experience with that. But when I tried to call her, her number was no longer in rage. Rather I found her phone in the corner, and she purposely left it there though with a note' Sorry Y' from IS. I'm relieved to the extent that she thought about leaving a note for me even if it was an apology." Yuko trailed off. "Things like that can happen, you know? That's why you have to treasure your life and live every day with happiness."

Mimi, so you did something like that. Treasure your life huh,' I don't have anything, that's why...' Unknown to Mimi and Senbi that day, he passed by and heard every word of their conversation. She really is foolish.

"Yuko-san, somehow you've matured now."

Yuko grinned. I'm glad to see that you're finally acknowledging my adult existence."

From: Ibuki Sumire

Kou are you still free?

Save me from this situation.

His sweat fell when he saw the message. Did something happen at Jupiter records? Then again, Sumire and Atsuro are still not on speaking terms.

…

When Kou reached Jupiter records, many staff members were running around distressed. He awkwardly approached the reception area, and surprisingly there was only one receptionist there. She seemed frantic too and quite upset. "Is there a problem?"

"Ah, Maon..Kou?"

"I have a meeting with Sumire."

"Miss Ibuki and Kusaji-san are…"

Kou sweat fell when he saw her on the verge of tears. What on earth are those two doing? Kou asked for directions since the lady seemed like she was in a bad state and navigated through the hallways easily.

It did not take him long to reach the destined room. He knew it was the right place since he could hear a lot of noise. By the time he arrived, something had gone flying past him, and it was a chair.

The person who threw it was none other than the one who called him here.

"You crazy woman!" Atsuro exclaimed. "I am only saying this for your good."

"You're such a hypocrite."

Kou approached the purple-haired man in the corner who was sighing deeply. "So what happened here?"

"It was going well at the start. I managed to persuade Sumire to compose for our group too. But Atsuro went ahead and ruined it. He said something like, and I can sing your songs better than Nanairo feather."

Ah, ah, is this guy stupid? By saying those things, Atsuro is digging his own grave. Besides, Kou knew it was not Nanairo feather Atsuro was cautious about but Arashiyan. Indeed the songs Sumire wrote for Nanairo feather could only shine because that guy was in the center.

"So she started throwing things then?"

"No, he further made it worse by suggesting that he could beat Terashima Yuhi."

This guy is seriously asking for her never to forgive him. Kou speculated what happened between them, but he did not think Sumire would take it this far. So he assumed something else happened.

Kou watched the sight, half amused. Quite some time has passed since he last saw Sumire lose her composure like this. But that is no good for a musician, damaging her hands that much. Besides, isn't that blood?

However, before Kou could step forward, he watched as black hair rushed past him, and he stopped in his tracks.

The person who came rushing over was none other than Terashima. He immediately grabbed Sumire's hand before she could throw the vase.

"Yu-Yuhi?"

"Hey, there, love, what happened to canceling your plans and waiting at the park?" Though Terashima wore a smile on his face, there was a dark aura around him.

Sumire immediately became nervous and looked down. "Uh, well, I figured…"

"Work aside, what is this?" He points to the blood on her hands and the vase he just put down for her.

"Exercise?"

"Brat, you want to lie to me over something like this?"

"But Yuhi, he was insulting you! I can't let that happen."

Yuhi deeply sighed. "I can handle insults, Sumire. I don't want you to do anything like this unless somebody comes at you with murderous intent. Your hands are too precious for this."

Kou noticed that even when he grabbed her hand, he did so lightly. He watched as her face slowly colored.

"Your--only implying strange things."

"Think whatever you want. But please don't get hurt like this again." Yuhi turned to Yamaguchi. "Do you have a medical kit?"

The stunned Ryou nodded and walked over to the cabinet.

Just a few minutes ago, Mimi had a murderous aura around her. But now, there is no trace of it. It seems like he no longer has to worry over her as much as before. There is somebody reliable by her side.