Eternal Melody

For a moment, Cassie is startled, but she thought about Martha's concern when the bully increased.

"Maria has always been concerned about my well-being. She was the one who rushed to get me back here."

"Idiot, I was the one who asked your manager to bring you back."

Hino was? But doesn't Hino resent her due to what happened three years ago? 'I have always had guilty feelings towards him since his confession.' That was why whenever she visited, she only ever came to see Yuhi.

"The rumors came at a bad time, but I initially intended for you to return. I am sorry it took so long, though. Somebody was interfering abroad and intentionally making it difficult for you."

Intentionally? Who could it be? Did she anger anybody in particular?

Many people dislike her, but would somebody go so far as to sabotage her?

"I'll arrange a new manager for you eventually. But for now, tell me whenever she says anything."

"Okay." Cassie watched as he loosened his tie and noticed the beads of sweat from his neck. He probably ran here. Hino has not changed at all. He will still do anything for Yuhi's sake. "Ibuki is very pretty."

Even though the girl only wore a simple nightgown and her hair was messy, there was something beautiful about that.

"Yeah, she is."

Cassie could not help but stare at his warm-hearted expression. Hino truly does like Ibuki Sumire; it feels strange. But maybe this is why he can talk to her properly? No, even back then, she did not suspect his feelings for her because he acted so normal.

But the situation is different now. Whenever Hino mentions Ibuki, his expression is gentle. She wonders if others have noticed it too. It's strange; both Yuhi and Hino act so differently when it concerns Ibuki Sumire.

Their behavior change is because of their feelings?

"She can also be scary, so you have to watch out."

Cassie's sweat fell. "You don't have to worry. Even if I still like Yuhi-" She quickly covered her mouth, but it was already too late.

Hino did not seem surprised. "I figured it was like that. You didn't even complain to Yuhi once, even though he called you often."

Hino knows everything; he probably knows that there were times when she deliberately ignored Yuhi's call.

"But you should know, right? Sumire is the girl Yuhi has always liked. Sumire went through something bad, and it took Yuhi a lot of effort to convince her to start dating. Now that they can finally be happy, I don't want a third party to appear now."

That third party would be her. Hino can be very cruel when he wants to.

Something bad? Cassie recalled something her manager told me.

'The reason Ibuki has been on hiatus is due to that unfortunate accident that killed her boyfriend. They say she is the one who asked him to drive her there, and the police speculate that she did it deliberately. That type of woman will only destroy Terashima-san's hard work. I am so fortunate that he has good people like you around him, so he won't stray from the right path like her.'

The more Cassie thought about those words, the more she noticed something was wrong. Unfortunate accident? Stray from the right path? Those words, it's like Martha was mocking Ibuki. Oh, is this what Hino was trying to tell her?

There is probably more evidence if she retraces her conversation with her manager over the last few years. When she was abroad, she focused on her status there, and then the bullying happened. A lot was going on.

"I don't intend to interfere. But, I am interested in her singing."

For the first time since he barged inside, Hino smiled. "Yeah, anyone would. If you like, next time she has a performance, I will tell you. Oh, but keep yourself hidden since she really doesn't like you."

"The reason for that- does she know?"

"I intended to tell her, but she actually figured it all out on her own. That girl is too sharp, and she is obsessed with Yuhi, so-"

Cassie recalled the sight from a few minutes ago, and her cheeks colored. "A-are they always so affectionate in public?"

"Disgustingly so. Though Sumire is probably the one who attacked him today."

Her sweat fell. Is that supposed to be normal? "I think she is interesting. It would be nice to have a conversation with her, but I don't think that is possible right now."

Besides, the main reason why she finds Ibuki Sumire interesting is not because she is the girl Yuhi likes. The main reason is because of that person's words.

'If you go to Japan, you will meet her. That person is far more talented and skilled than I am.'

"By the way, you met Sano, right?"

His information network is so scary; he truly does know everything.

"I dis"

"Because the media intend to harass Sumire. Let me update you on a few things. Sano likes Sumire a lot, and the media will most likely use it for as long as possible."

"Are you implying they will ask me my opinion?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, it's not a question you can skip over. If you don't answer, people will think you are hiding something. If you answer directly, people will think you are taking advantage of Sano's feelings for Sumire to get with Yuhi."

Cassie sighed when she heard Hino's explanation. The entertainment industry truly gives her a headache as somebody who entered the industry because they love to sing and dance, she does not know how to deal with the drama.

Even though she entered the industry at a young age, she still couldn't adapt to this culture.

"I'll consult with you if they ask."

"You are still technically a member of the company even though you went off and joined our international sub-branch." Hino trailed off. "I am too busy managing Sumire, but just call me if you want advice on anything,."

"Ah your numb-"

"It hasn't changed, and yours hasn't either. Get some rest, Cassie."

With those words, she watched as Hino disappeared down the stairwell. Cassie retreated back inside her room and slumped on the couch where Yuhi was moments ago. Yuhi's scent still lingered in the air.

But the image of his smiling face when he talked about Ibuki and the kiss she just saw flashed through her mind. There was no room for her to intervene from the very beginning, so she needed to get rid of these feelings.