Eternal Melody



HINO

Moreover, she has that natural charisma that attracts people's attention to her. Even if she isn't singing, she has a distinct aura that makes people flock to her.

"Do you share that thought too?" Hino asked.

"I believe in the outcome that prevents the less suffering. For example the news about me having Yuhi-san's kids. For normal idols, that kind of news would ruin their career. But for me? I spun the tale well, everyone knows about me being the sole survivor of the Ibuki family. I simply had to say I crave having a family because I have been alone for so long, and it worked,"

"Was it all an act then?"

"Hmm, I wouldn't call it an act. I mean I really did want to have a family. I chose to disclose the situation even though I could have hidden it. A lie on that scale is not worth it. Mine and Yuhi-san's fans have already been so accepting of us dating, the least we can do for their support is to be as truthful as we can."

"Even if it harms your careers?"

"Even so. I don't want to lie about the beautiful lives we created. I want the kids to experience freedom, to live their lives not in hiding." Sumire trailed off. "I don't have a favourite child. But, I do see the need to pamper Huan a bit more."

In other words for Sumire, the fans knowing about her children is the outcome that prevents less suffering. She may have spun the tale to gain some sympathy. But she genuinely chose that path, while considering everyone's best interest.

Eventually they arrived in front of the station, where three people were waiting for them. Seeing red, blue and black hair, he sighed in relief. Thank goodness they made it. If they didn't, the Tv station would have asked another group, most-likely from D entertainment, to join. 

"Mikaze-kun! Masato! Nao." Sumire said happily as she rushed over.

"Sumire-chan!" Alto Mikaze enthusiastically greeted her.

"Oh this is great. I was wondering who would be on the talk show with me. I started to freak out, wondering which group would torture me with strange questions."

"And you panicked, thus preventing you from getting any sleep." Masato said.

Sumire laughed. "Yes."

Senbi pinched her cheeks. "If anyone is going to torture you Princess, it should be me."

"Ouch, that hurts."

Hino's gaze softened at the sight. 'I knew this was a good idea.' Sumire doesn't admit it, but she is definitely homesick. She misses her hometown and her friends. Even though things were awkward after Tsueno's presumed death, Hino knew the girl never resented any of them. 

His thoughts break off spotting two people at the entrance. It was Nakara Shin and Shizune Miya.

"You gave me the shock of my life, you know. I heard that we would be having a newbie, but I didn't think it was you."

"Hey, what is that supposed to mean?" Miya exclaimed. 

"Then again if Sumire can become an idol, I suppose you can too."

'I did hear that Jupiter records had a new idol in training, but who would have thought it would be Shizune Miya?'

Sumire must have noticed since she glanced over, and immediately sprinted over. "Miya! It's good to see you here."

Miya nodded and returned the hug. "I came to shadow senior over here, who has spent the last few days listing reasons why me being an idol is wrong."

Sumire giggled. "It's okay Shin. Miya actually has a really nice voice. She used to be the head of the music club."

Shin looked between the two of them. "Double trouble."

Shizune takes out a wooden fan, and Sumire a paper one as they hit Nakara with it.

'Those two are actually quite similar.'

Hino recalled the conversation he had with Sumire about searching for team members. Perhaps Shizune can be one of those. If Sumire picks newbies for team members, then the media certainly can't criticize her for it. Sumire intends to form a unit with Nase Siena, but as a duo.

If Sumire wants to participate in the group of three competition he is holding, she would need to form a unit of three, not two. Quite some time has passed since he last approached the topic 

Sumire looked over at him and winked. "Since there is some time before the program starts, why don't we find a practice room and listen to Miya sing?"

.....

In the end, the guys in Nanirofeather also joined in. Nakara had to step out since he had a call to take. But the three guys from Nanairofeather seemed eager to show Sumire how much they improved. 

Hino sat silently in the corner observing Shizune as she sang. Sumire is right, she does have a good voice. It's not as powerful as Sumire's. But, it is definitely above average than most singers. 

"Miya is a really good singer, but I think she is a better dancer." Sumire said as she walked over to him.

"Did you want her to become a team mate?" Hino decided to just ask her.

It seems unusual that Shizune suddenly decided to debut when she has been here for some time already. 

Sumire laughed. "I'm glad you're so quick to catch on manager."

"I have yet to see her other skills. But, there is definitely a good harmony between you two. Were you also part of the music club?"

Sumire nodded. "It was back in elementary school. So back then people didn't take it seriously. Me and Miya were the only proper members, and we spent a lot of time singing together. When we first discussed the idea of team mates, I remembered those times."

"Does she know?"

Sumire shook her head. "Not yet, I want her to adjust to the industry for a while. There is a reason why even though Miya loved to sing and dance, why she never thought of debuting before."

"Have I ever said that the people around you are complicated?"

At those words Sumire laughed. "I guess that explains why they are all friends with me." Her gaze softened. "I didn't get a chance to say this. But I am truly thankful that you set up this tournament and brought the guys here."

"It was necessary, the board has been nagging at me to set up a contest."

Sumire giggled. "So, even you have people you're bad with huh?"

"Of course." Hino trailed off. "Well, it was good timing. I thought you could use an excuse to ask them to come here. You're very stubborn, so you would never have admitted that you wanted to see them."

"Ouch that burn hurts, but you're right. I have been wanting to see them for a long time now. Being stubborn aside, I wanted to consider Yuhi-san's feelings. You know how he feels about what happened, and I can't say I entirely disagree with his thoughts."

But even when Sumire agreed, he still felt the longing in her tone when she spoke about them.

*Unedited*