Eternal Melody

The voice in her heart is similar to the one she speaks out loud.

She has a bright aura, as an idol that is normal. But there is something different, something beyond that, it's like it has repeatedly been violently muddied and frozen.

Fighting and continuing to flow.

And at the end of it all, it once again flows clearly.

A deep clear.

---

June 22nd, Artista University, Tokyo

Time passes by whether or not we like it or not.

And even if things are so hectic, it seems like one can't keep up.

It will never stop.

Because there is something that will always bind them together.

With time the nostalgia for the usual day's increases, and before one realizes it, they become memories engraved in one's heart.

Ten days have gone by since Yuhi, and the rest of M5 left to go to the US.

In those ten days, her life has changed drastically. She underestimated how 'popular' she was. With Yuhi and the others gone, the entertainment industry is like a pack of wolves trying to climb to the top while their alpha is absent. All the opportunities that would go to Yuhi and the others were surprisingly falling into her lap. At first, she thought people were pitying her for the canceled wedding, but it wasn't like that.

'People recognize you for your talent.'

Sumire's gaze fell back onto the teacher explaining their next assignment. In the end, the university she chose to go to was the one that Yuhi-san suggested, even though she was offered a place at the most prestigious art university. She sensed something amiss when they spoke to her.

'I stayed behind to help Ru, but I have made no progress in actually meeting up with him.' Both Eli and San have done their best to ambush Ru, but there has been no success. Maybe he doesn't want to see her? If Ru really wanted to meet up with her, he would appear before her himself. So, the fact that she hasn't found him despite searching for almost two weeks.

He doesn't want to meet with her. Of course, he doesn't; he didn't even want her to know that he was alive, and yet she can still clearly recall it. How he stayed beside her and made sure she was asleep, how he would comb her hair and kiss her on the forehead, telling her goodnight. Ru may have been experimented on, but there are parts of him that still remain the same.

He still cares for her the most, and that is why she doesn't want to abandon him. Back then, she didn't notice how much he was suffering. If she had realized it sooner, she would have swallowed her pride and met with Sano to make sure Ru received treatment.

She has so many regrets, and that's why this time, she wants to help Ru.

After class, she had to drag herself out. She had no energy today. Today was one of the first days she had gone to the university. Her schedule has been far too busy recently, and Hino is too happy, so he ends up accepting everything. For Mr golden manager, of course, he is delighted that his artist is doing very well. But he is taking it too far.

Her thoughts break off when someone clings to her arm; it is Asami.

"Sumire-chan, save me. I can't walk a single step more." Asami whined.

Sumire pats her hair. "There, there."

"Don't spoil her. Asami was too busy flirting with her boyfriend, so the teacher reprimanded her." Aika appeared from behind her.

Asami's boyfriend was a man with low intelligence and looked stupid whenever he opened his mouth. He was also one of the people who were against her before, but since he dated Asami, that guy has apologized to her for his previous actions.

Asami pouted. "Since we can't attend the same university, of course, I have to call him."

"Yes, yes." Aika turned to her. "You look worn out. Is Hino working you that hard?"

"That slavedriver, he never let me rest." Sumire sighed.

"-and Yuhi?"

Her lips curve to a smile. "Calls me every day; he is very dedicated."

"That's good, but you know. Long-distant relationships are hard; if you ever want to search for an alternative, nobody will blame you."

"Aika-chan! Don't be a bad influence."

"I'm not suggesting she cheats. But if she ever wants to break it off and find somebody new, nobody would blame her for it." Aika trailed off and looked towards the gate. "I mean, you'd have a good alternative."

Sumire follows her friend's gaze and finds Hino leaning against the gate.

"He is on time as usual."

Asami's eyes sparkled. "Are the rumors about you two true?"

"Now, who is the one encouraging her?" Aika shakes her head. "Hino is a good guy, however. So if Yuhi never returns from the US, you should consider him."

Sumire doesn't reply to those words. She understood why her friends were saying this. Even though Yuhi and her held a conference about their decision, people will still choose to believe what they wanted to. The media didn't waste any time saying that Yuhi was tired of her and would stay in the US to focus on his career.

Normally Aika and Asami would ignore those rumors, and curse the ones spreading it. But it seems like they were convinced this time too.

"I'll be off; see you two tomorrow." Sumire quickly dashes over to Hino. "Chiwassu."

Hino takes her bag off her. "Hey, ready to go?"

"Mmm."

For the next fifteen minutes, neither of them say a word. It truly is strange walking alongside Hino like this.

Is it because she is used to walking alongside Yuhi? But this scene of walking alongside Hino should have already become normal to her. Her thoughts broke off when Hino stopped walking.

"Are those street performers?" Hino mumbled.

Sumire follows his gaze and confirms Hino's words. There was a band performing, and they kept changing singers. Rather it looked like random members of the crowd would get a turn to sing.

"That looks like fun."

Some of the people singing were out of tune and didn't sing very well. However, they all wore smiles on their faces.

Hino shoves her forehead. "Perfect, you go next."

"H-hey-" Sumire looked at him, startled. Why does he always suggest such crazy stuff?

Did Yuhi also have to deal with his eccentric behavior? Sumire sighed deeply, seeing his expression. If she refuses, he will make her next job a living hell. Forget it, she feels a bit suffocated being in the classroom all day. It's hard to paint without her dearest around, and she lacks inspiration.

"You owe me," Sumire mumbled as she walked up to the musicians and tapped the guitarist's shoulder. "Excuse me, can I try to?"

"Sure, miss-" The guy stared at her, startled. "I-I-I-buki- Sumire?!"

"Did he just say Ibuki Sumire?"

"Where, where?"

In seconds there was a huge crowd, and her sweat fell. Uh, she did want to gather a crowd, but she wanted that to happen naturally. Well, no matter. A crowd is a crowd, and she will make sure her songs reach people.

"Can I borrow your guitar?" Sumire asked.

"Y-yes?"

Sumire thanked him and took his guitar. She shuts her eyes briefly before opening them again. Yuhi, it's still scary facing so many people. But she no longer wants to hold back. This is her dream, she won't let anybody take it from her.

[SUPERORBITAL ]

"Though we pretend not to notice.

We gaze at the faraway stairs.

Spread your wings and fly off.

Towards another world.

That now wants to cause a miracle.

No more hesitation." Sumire sang.

After gathering her courage and breaking out of her shell, at last, the world outside is far from a gentle one. Even now, she can spy disgusted gazes from the audience. These people are the ones who have not accepted her.

"Even if we are apart

I feel you, so I will carry on.

The sky that has begun to take shape, to dash forward, now sparkles.

Beyond the stars

That set out toward you." Sumire sang.