Eternal Melody



Suppose the media did hear what happened. Shin could already imagine what the headlines would be. There would be numerous headlines blaming Sumire.

It's not exactly wrong because Sumire was there somebody attacked the company. However, it's strange. Why would they attack Sumire in such a public location? 

Atsuro told him the other day that when Sumire woke up, she was frantic and called Yuhi immediately.

'It seems this wasn't a direct attack on her. They just wanted to get to people who are close to Yuhi.'

In other words, the reason why they went to Jupiter records was to target him. It's common knowledge that Yuhi and him are friends. Sumire just happened to be there too, and they figured targeting her would have a larger impact.

Shin looked at the two girls, who still had worried expressions. 

Shin sighs. "Well, it makes sense why you're worried. As her friends, though, I'm sure you know what kind of girl she is. Something like this won't stop her, and you'll see her in school before long----" His sentence fell short when the doors burst open, revealing one of his colleagues. "What is it? We're having a discussion here."

"Get out there. That girl who's always with Ibuki found out and is not exactly happy."

The girl that's- It only takes Shin a moment to understand who he was talking about.

Shin made his way over to the window, indeed to a girl with caramel-colored hair by the gate, wearing a brown leather jacket with a flame symbol on the back. Shin sighed. Out of all the people who have to find out, it just has to be that one. 

In the end, they all went outside.

Nase Siena turned to him. "Nakura," Siena said coldly.

"Nase, you know you shouldn't be making such a fuss in front of the University," Shin said calmly.

But he was the very opposite of calm. Aside from Sumire, another person in the underworld has a similar reputation.

"Sumire collapsed. Is that true?" Siena asked.

'Sumire collapsed because she used that sword made out of her blood. Of course, she would faint.'

Shin heard of that sword before, but it was his first time seeing somebody use it for that long. A sword that uses a person's blood can be a double-edged sword. It was certainly powerful, but the downside is since their own blood is being used. They become anemic.

Sumire probably used that sword, however, knowing that they were there. Even if she fainted, she wouldn't be alone. At the end, Shin noticed that she seemed to stagger over to Atsuro.

"Yeah. She's with Atsuro now." Shin explained.

Siena suddenly grabbed hold of his collar and looked at him with a dangerous look in her eyes.

"I think you know exactly what I'm thinking here. But if you guys can't handle it. I'd send her straight back to Aki, and you guys won't see her anymore. The guys in M5 and Nanairofeather and you guys, I'm fully aware she has no intention of leaving you guys. But the signs are becoming rather clear every single day. Honestly speaking, I've tried to stop her already. But it seems as though she's worried about ----- " Siena suddenly paused.

It was then when Shin realized who she was looking at. Shizune and Kurata.

"Aren't those two?" Recognition filled Siena's eyes.

Just when he thought this situation couldn't get any worse. What is with this bad timing? 

Siena suddenly lets go of him and sighs. "So that's it. Such a reckless girl. Considering this situation, there's only one thing left to do."

Shin could only blink before Siena punched him. For only a single punch, it hurt more than it should have. Clearly, that wasn't enough for her. Of course, it wouldn't. If she had been satisfied with just a punch, then she wouldn't have come all this way. Besides, he probably does deserve it. 

After all, two months and a half ago before they went on tour. He told her he reminded her of the dark fate she has to bear. He supposed this was his punishment for this.

"Nase-san! Please stop!"

That frantic voice cry was none other than a petite ginger hair. "Hayami?"

"You're mad because Sensei told her, right? But that's because....Sumire-chan has desperately wanted to forget. Because...it's been painful for her since then."

Out of all the girls Sumire made friends with when she joined Iro Road. Hayami Momo is probably the only normal one. A quiet and regular girl, and yet in a moment like this. She is the only one who understands what Sumire is going through. Not Aika or Asami, who have spent the most time with her but Hayami.

"I know that. We all know that, and that's exactly why we will do anything to help her.'' Siena begins to walk off. "I don't dislike you guys in EMMA. At least you're all doing far better of a job than Nanairo feather. However, you have to be careful."

With those words said, Nase left.

Just now, when she mentioned nanairo feather, Shin managed to catch a glimpse of the expression on her face. Then, she seems lonely. That look in her eyes, that empty gaze. Ah, so that's how it is. Even now, those girls are carrying their own burdens.

'I know Sumire still isn't on speaking terms with Momoi Futaba too.'

'Everybody always circled around Ru. They all gathered around him. I envied him for being so carefree and being able to attract others. He could do what I couldn't do so easily.'

Shin recalled something Sumire had told him not too long ago and sighed. 

..... 

At the Infirmary.

Although many students had gathered around and seen what happened, the only one who helped him up to the infirmary was Shizune Miya. He sat on one of the stools, and Shizune was applying ointment on his face.

"Sensei, I didn't pin you to be a coward."

"All I have is good looks. I'm no good in a brawl." Shin lied.

'I was a Yankee before I became an idol. I only became a member of the entertainment industry because I needed to change my life. I was in a bad position before, and if I continued a life of only violence,, I would have lost my future long ago.'

"Hmm, I see," Miya said, unconvinced.

He couldn't blame her. He was the one who informed Shizune about Sumire and the delinquent world. It was only natural to assume that he would be involved too. But that's the least of his concerns right now.