Eternal Melody

'I am being silly. I already know the answer to that, don't I? Even if she learns about this side of me, she will accept it regardless. The same would go for me, no matter what I learned about her. I am sure I will still love her the same.'

His thoughts broke off, seeing a tender gaze in her eyes. Now it was his turn to blush. Whenever Sumire looks at him like this, he does not know what to do. One moment she is behaving childishly and cute, but the next, she is behaving maturely.

He loves both sides of her very much, but his heart beats even more when she is this way.

"My dear, thank you very much." Sumire suddenly said, breaking the silence.

Yuhi blinked, surprised. "For?"

"For everything you have done for me since I came to Tokyo. I have truly enjoyed myself. These days, I no longer feel sad and miserable. When I wake up, I am eager to start the day, and when the day ends, I am sad that it is ending. This is all because of you."

"I am not the only one who worked hard. However, I am half-tempted to take all the credit to myself. It's not bad hearing you praise me." Yuhi joked.

"You're so silly; if you want praise, I will give it to you anytime." Sumire brushed their forehead against one another. "It's nice being close to you; it always calms me down."

"If you're still having a hard time, we could cancel-"

Sumire shakes her head. "No, this is something I have to do. Now that I have returned to the industry, I want to put on more performances, perform on grander stages, and spread my voice to the ends of the galaxy. No, beyond it."

"That's a grand dream." Yuhi was dumbfounded.

Beyond the galaxy? So she wants to go even further than being an international star? Is there something beyond that?

"You know, I almost changed my mind. On my way here, I almost changed my ticket at the station. I thought if I didn't deserve you before I broke, why would I deserve you now? However, the TV was playing at the ticket counter while I was waiting in line. You were singing. I was dizzy, confused, and feeling unwell, but when I heard your voice, I cried. 'Ah, it's no use, no matter how broken I am. I still want to see Yuhi."

His eyes widened hearing her words, and he pulled her into her arms, hugging her tightly.

"Sorry, let me apologize over and over. I really have underestimated your feelings for me." Yuhi muttered.

"Mm, you have, your so silly, my dear. The one who fell in love first was definitely you. But the one who fell deeper in love was probably me. I love you so much, so please listen to me carefully."

"I will."

'If it's who fell in love first, wasn't it her too? Or was it the same time?'

Yuhi watched as she stepped onto the stage. He will be right here, just in case. However, if it's her, she will be just fine.

"Alarm bells are ringing; we're pinned down and surrounded

On the verge of checkmate-- man, that countdown sure sounds unpleasant

Even if you trample on me with your selfish desires

By my theory, the answer's "No! Are you kidding me?" Sumire sang.

What is this feeling? Yuhi felt an unusual sensation in his heart when she started to sing. This feeling, it's familiar.

"The memories engraved in me...

And the reality I've created with you--

Don't let them get stolen by some irregular!

Break Beat Bark! You know, this future I can't see yet isn't simple

It's like a dungeon-- I can't see...

However, keep your head up! It's right there!

"Never give up"-- that's all you need for a password

We can't cast aside our shared overly-pure ideals, can we? Heartbeat

Shout out with all your wish has to offer!" Sumire sang.

Sumire still doesn't remember it, does she? The day they truly met for the first time. It was during the time he had a throat tumor and needed an operation. The reason he was in the facility was because that was the only place that was willing to do it for him. 'The day I snuck out for the first time was when I met her, singing in the forest.'

Shortly after that meeting, she entered the facility, and he truly thought it was fate. Ever since they first met, he has always liked her singing, always liked her voice, and wished that one day their voices would join together as one.

The reason why he became a singer, it was her. She always talks about how much she admires and respects him as a singer. But the one who gave him this dream in the first place is her.

'I wonder what her reaction will be when she remembers. Will it make her smile more?'

His thoughts break off when somebody taps his shoulder. It was Hino. "Everything is under control for now."

"Good work."

Hino's gaze fell on stage. "She is more capable than you are."

"You're too blunt even if you are correct. Sumire's singing far surpasses mine. But she doesn't realize that. She isn't blinded by admiration. I think she does understand that she is skilled. But-"

Hino sighed deeply. "After hearing such negative comments and being in a toxic environment for a long time, it has hindered her ability."

"Mr manager, you have to do well; that voice is too good to leave alone."

"Right, she can spread her wings further. But it's the same for you." Hino trailed off. "There are still some famous music producers in attendance today; they are paying special attention to you."

"Correction, they should be, but will they after listening to Sumire?"

"They will. Sumire is doing well, and she is truly better than you. I am sure the professionals in the crowd can sense that. But nobody will approach her right now. She still needs to build up her status in the industry."

At those words, he frowned. "That's so silly; she is far better than me, who is the current number one. But it's still not enough?"

"Right, it's unfair. Unfortunately, that is how this industry works; this concert will be passed off as a successful newbie return to the industry."

Yuhi sighed, and a troubled look appeared on his face. "I want to stand on stage with her properly as soon as possible. You understand that right?"

"You will have your school festival in a few months, right? Wait until then."

"The festival is important, yes but what I want is-"

Hino flicked his forehead. "Don't be impatient. With her skills, she will climb the ranks in no time. I will have her get ready for the next Queen campaign. It seems this year they canceled due to the lack of capable participants, so she will have fierce competition for the next one. But that's better for her."

So even the entertainment board isn't stupid. Somebody must think the same: ' without Ibuki Sumire participating, it will not be a real tournament.' Takahashi Yumi most likely put in a word for her too.