Eternal Melody

For the next few days, both Toh and Ru spoiled her to the point of boredom. Sumire never thought that those two becoming close friends would lead to such disastrous results for her. She exhales deeply as she walks down the lobby of the apartment complex. She wore a mask on her face since she still had a slight cough.

The two naggers insisted she took today off too, but she has already missed many lessons. Unlike high school, catching up on university classes is more difficult. No matter how 'talented' she is. Missing so many days in a row isn't good for her.

Her thoughts break off, spotting purple-colored hair leaning against the lamp post in front of the apartment complex. Her eyes brightened as she approached Hino.

"Chiwassu!" Sumire said happily.

"You're here," Hino said, surprised.

Sumire laughed softly. "Of course, you're taking me to the university, right?"

"I thought you would go with Mashima," Hino admitted.

"It would be bad if me and Toh were seen together."

"So that's why?"

"Or maybe I just like having you walk me..which do you think it is?"

Hino felt his cheeks turn red, and he coughed. "Stop fooling around. Let's go."

"But I wasn't!"Sumire pouted.

She truly does enjoy her walks with Hino. Her thoughts broke off when she felt Hino's gaze briefly linger on her before he tapped her forehead and grabbed her bag.

Neither of them said anything for the next few minutes, but eventually, Hino broke the silence. 

"So, I've been meaning to ask you. But regarding your activities when you return to Star town. Are you going to resume your activities as Angel?"

At those words, Sumire freezes. "H-how do you know about-"

Hino sighed. "I don't even know why you are bothering to hide it. It's not like it is anything to be ashamed about."

"I know, but." Sumire trailed off and looked down at the ground. "When I debuted in Angel, it was before I debuted as an idol, and I did so under the name Ria."

"So you're not thinking of resuming activities? The leader is your other childhood friend Tokumori Takano isn't it?"

Sumire nodded. "Takano hasn't said anything, probably because he has been busy going back and forth abroad. But I know he will return to Japan around the time I finish my university studies."

 Hino raised his eyebrow. "From what you just told me there, it seems like he is returning to resume the band activities."

She frowned and sighed deeply. "I realized that too. But I am not sure if I am ready for the world to know I am angel's 'Ria.' Unlike my normal identity, Ria was actually loved, and the only media gossip around her was her being half English and half Japanese."

"So, you are worried about causing problems for the band?"

Sumire bit her lip. "When we created the band. Takano had one policy, and that was to keep away from gossip. He wanted the fans and the media to only see Angel for their music. He didn't want our private lives to disrupt his perfect image."

"That is bullshit."

Sumire shrugged. "He actually made it possible. There are some rumors here and there about our personal lives, but the rumors are very small."

"So, you don't want to disrupt that vision?"

"His actual vision is 'I will make Ria shine the most,' but yes, I do trust his skills as a musician."

Hino looked her up and down suspiciously, and Sumire exclaimed. "He isn't in love with me!"

"Are you sure? It wouldn't surprise me if you have another person in your harem."

Sumire frantically shakes her head. "Definitely not! He has always treated me like a little sister."

At those words, Hino laughed, and Sumire pouted. "You're teasing me."

"Revenge for earlier."

But she wasn't teasing him! She was serious. 

"Tokumori aside. There is someone in that group who is in love with you."

"I haven't seen Ren since he left. We didn't really keep in touch." Sumire mumbled.

It's more like she did want to contact him. But so much happened afterward, and she felt like she would be disturbing him.

"So, he is still in love with you," Hino concluded.

"I don't know about that. In the first place, when we started dating. If you could even call that dating, he was the one who just decided it. I didn't exactly verbally agree."

"But did you deny it?"

"It was shortly after Toh left, so I was still feeling heartbroken and not in a good state. I didn't refuse or agree, but I spent much time with him."

Hino sighed. "Your love life is too complicated. Surprised Yuhi isn't actively fighting off these rivals."

Sumire rolled her eyes. "My dear isn't a petty person. He is kind, understanding, and very, very handsome." Sumire emphasized the last line.

"You turn any conversation into one about Yuhi's looks." Hino sighed.

"It's not my fault that Yuhi is one hundred percent my type and a work of art."

Hino just looked at her in disbelief and shook his head. "Anyhow, to get back to what we were discussing. I asked because there will be loads of important band events coming up in the next year or so. People are already signing up now just to get spots."

"I'll have to call Takano and ask. But, the band events aren't my concern now." Sumire paused. "The duo and trio tournaments. I am interested."

"Is this because you heard the rumor about Nase Siena being in Tokyo?"

Sumire nodded. "If it's her, eventually she will come to me herself, and when she does. I know she will ask."

"I don't mind you joining a tournament. Actually, I think it will be good for you. Solo tournaments may be too much for you right now, but if you're performing with another person, you should be fine. I'll check on Nase's whereabouts, and you can prepare a song."

"Alright, you're the best!" Sumire said happily.

"The trio tournament?" Hino asked. "Do you already have team members in mind?"

Sumire winked. "I can start searching for members."