Eternal Melody



HINO

"By yourself would have been difficult. I'm glad you were sensible not to do that." Hino paused. It's actually surprising that she recruited her friends for this cause. After all, Sumire is the type of person who does everything herself.

Sumire laughed. "No, no. I wanted to do it alone. But my friends can be quite persuasive and just as stubborn." She trailed off. "Whether or not they wanted to become idols, I will never know. They are already too deeply integrated in this industry now. Even if they quit, the idol label will always stick now."

"Do you regret-"

"Perhaps. But, I am an idol Hino. No matter how tough life gets, when we get on stage, when we start singing. Or even off stage. We have to smile no matter what. That's what it means to be an idol. We have to sacrifice and numb our emotions even if something serious happens. It's difficult to change those ideals that have been wove and integrated so deeply into society. But, bit by bit. I want things to change."

"I think your already doing a good job."

Sumire laughed. "Your filled with praise today, what has gotten into you? Should I be worried?"

"Idiot, I don't do empty flattery."

He genuinely means it. She hasn't been in the entertainment industry for long, and yet she is already making so many changes. It would have been easy for Sumire to become a singer, she would have risen to the top much faster. She wouldn't receive as many criticisms or have to deal with much stress. Yet she chose to take on this challenge.

Others would call her foolishly brave and stupid. It's going to take more than just a group of four girls to change the entertainment industry. But, Sumire. If Sumire is the one leading, he can see that change happening far sooner than it should. In fact, it's already starting. 

Her performances are perfect, her smile is as bright as the sun. Her eyes draw a person in without her having to do anything. Ibuki Sumire was born for this industry.

It won't be long before she truly makes those dreams a reality, when that happens- his thoughts break off hearing approaching footsteps.

It was Yuhi. Sumire's eyes lit up and she rushed over. Yuhi chuckled and bent down to kiss her deeply. "Hey."

"You're early!"

"Mmm, thought we could take a bath together, and then sleep."

Sumire laughed. "What if I took a bath already?"

"Then, you can help me take mine." Yuhi said suggestively.

Hino sighed deeply. "Yuhi."

Yuhi turned to him and shrugged as he wrapped his arms around Sumire's waist. "We've been too busy recently. I haven't seen her much. Besides, Jun said he'd take over for me."

Sumire was playing with Yuhi's hair. "My dear, your talking too much. Let me help you with that bath you wanted."

Hino rolled his eyes. "Sumire, don't forget your working early tomorrow. Don't oversleep."

Sumire giggled. "Relax, my dear will be doing most of the work. I won't be doing much."

Yuhi raised his eyebrow. "I thought you said you would be helping me."

"Unfortunately I cant now. Didnt you hear what my manager just said."

Hino exhaled deeply. "Forget it, I can't control you two." He trailed off. "Do whatever you want, just show up on time tomorrow."

With those words, Hino watched as the two turned to leave. Yuhi's arms wrapped around Sumire's waist as she talked to him about her day. Hino didn't miss the brief dark gaze in Yuhi's eyes though.

'I wonder how long he was listening to our conversation. If I confront him about it, he will probably dodge the topic.'

....

Hino snapped back to reality when Cassie passed him an envelope. "This is a collaboration I am offering to do with several people. I was thinking that Ibuki-san could participate too."

He raised his eyebrow. "You want to help Sumire get work? You don't have to pity her. Despite all the hate towards her, she gets plenty of jobs."

Cassie shakes her head. "It's not like that." She trailed off. "Shimaka Annya, have you heard of her?"

"Was this her idea?" Hino asked.

Cassie nodded. "She approached me with the offer knowing that I'd want to challenge Siena-san again."

"So you're more focused on Nase than Sumire. Well, I suppose that's good. The media has been trying to force a rivalry on you two, a rivalry that just doesn't work."

"Truthfully they both interest me. But, it's true that I am more focused on Siena-san. That girl is a genius. Have you ever seen her perform before?"

"Just a little. Nase is the type who prefers street performance to being on stage. So, I haven't seen much aside from her practice sessions with Sumire."

"When you see her on stage for the first time, you will understand what I mean." Cassie turned to leave. But paused. "Pull Yuhi aside for a moment and tell him to address the media, unless he wants them to continue saying whatever they want?"

Hino exhaled deeply and nodded. "Right, I'll make sure he does that soon."

"And Hino? Even if you are her manager, and friend. You should get some rest too. I don't think she will like the idea of you harming your body for her sake."

With those words said he watched Cassie leave. 'Why did she really come here? I thought it was for Yuhi, but she would have entered the room if that was the case.' Hino recalled the words she just said, and the look in her eyes.

Stupid girl. This would have been a good opportunity for her to go to Yuhi's side, why did she waste her chance on him?

'Are you really sure it's Yuhi, Hasegawa-san is in love with?'

Sumire's words flickered in his head and he shook his head. That can't be possible. After all Cassie was always watching Yuhi. He knew this because he was always watching her. He can't be wrong on this. He can't be wrong, and yet 'I can't confidently say that anymore.'

*Unedited*