Eternal Melody

SIENA

She craved for some normality in her hectic life. Becoming famous would attract too much attention, so at first she was reluctant. However, whenever she listened to Sumire speak about her dreams. She started to change her mind set. 'Me too, I want to be just like that.'

It started off as a simple thought, but listening to the girl sing for the first time.

'I want to, be able to stand by her side, on stage.'

Her thoughts break off when Mamoru speaks.

"Ki will be fine, even if Yuhi wasn't in Tokyo. I am sure she would have found her place." Mamoru trailed off. "Ki has the ability to draw others to her, and while she acknowledges this. She thinks she only brings about the worst in people."

"Ah." Siena said knowingly. "You don't think so?"

"I don't. I think she creates a balance that others don't know they were looking for. For example, no matter how worried the guys in nanairo feather were for her. None of them followed her because while they were worried, they also found something they wanted to protect. Ki understood that and that's why she didn't even leave a note and just left. She understood that while she missed them, the eight of them will have to lead separate lives for a while and the next time they meet, things will be different."

Indeed, Sumire isn't the only one who has changed. The three guys from nanairofeather who came here for the contest have mainly been focusing on their work. If it was before, they would have dropped everything to go to Sumire. But instead, when she questioned their actions.

The three of them had similar answers.

Mamoru continues. "When I saw her again for the first time after the accident, even though it was from afar. I could tell even though she was broken up after what happened to me. Her heart was healing. Yuhi, Hamano and the other guys in akagumi, as well as her new friends were helping her heal. At least, I convinced myself to think that way."

"Not anymore?" Siena guessed.

Mamoru nodded. "Toh called me out for being a fool. He told me to look closely, and I did. I did, and I wanted to be wrong. But, when she cried upon seeing me on her birthday. I knew how badly I hurt her."

Siena truly pitied him. Everyone in their circle of friends knew how much Mamoru liked Sumire. Mamoru's feelings were different from the guys in nanairofeather whose feelings stemmed from their admiration of Sumire's music. That, and Mamoru himself was a good person. It's probably the reason why the guys in nanairofeather initially made that pact not to confess to Sumire, because they also became friends with Mamoru.

Mamoru's feelings which have always seemed so pure and innocent in comparison. It was one of the main reasons why she initially encouraged Mamoru and Sumire to be together. She was on one of her trips abroad when Terashima came to star town. That's why she didn't see how close the two were.

If she knew much sooner, she wouldn't have bothered encouraging Mamoru.

"It's not your fault, after all Sumire is really is good at hiding her feelings. Even with all that went on in that year, she still remained strong. Even when she returned to Tokyo and saw Terashima, she put up a front. But, when she saw you again she just wanted to break down. I do not know the other guys who like her very well so I may be biased, however from what I've seen of her attitude towards you. Even now you remain important to her."

"Is that not supposed to be a bad thing?!"

"I don't think so. If Terashima truly loves her, he should understand that Sumire still needs you."

"I see, and yourself? You've changed somewhat."

Siena laughed. "It's the Sumire effect. I thought she was motivated before. But now? Her eyes literally sparkle when she speaks about music. Moreover she is more friendly and open."

Mamoru nodded. "Despite what others have said. Ki has always been a kind girl. Although it takes time for her to open her heart to you, when she does. She will treasure your friendship."

Siena's gaze softens. "I know."

"You know, Ki wants to see you. Maybe if I ask Toh for you-" Mamoru's sentence fell short when they hear raised voices, and the sound of something being slammed on the ground. Mamoru was already slipping an arm band on, when they hear something else. The sound of gunfire.

"Damn it, what are they thinking? Guns are illegal in Tokyo." Siena shook her head in disbelief.

Mamoru sighed. "It's not the first time this week. Sorry about this Siena, I'm leaving."

"Yeah, see you-" Siena sentence fell short when Mamoru disappeared.

Siena sighed deeply when she realized he took the umbrella with him. 'What happened to being a gentleman?' She glanced down at her soaked clothes that were clinging to he body and her teeth chattered.

Then, suddenly, the rain wasn't falling on her head and shoulders anymore. She looked up, half expecting it to be Mamoru again. But it wasn't, she was staring blankly into the boy's face for a moment.

"Tasuku."

Siena couldn't believe who she was seeing. This is Kogami Tasuku, he is a member of one of the leading squads in the Holy knights Kyoto branch. What on earth is he doing here in Tokyo?

"Gee, what are you doing Siena-san? Don't you have to perform today. Your going to catch a cold at this rate." Tasuku lectured.

Siena didn't say anything.

"I'm guessing your having a bad day.'

She resisted the urge to say, 'You have no idea,' Before she met up with Asuka, and before she met Mamoru. She was indeed having a bad morning. The entertainment industry has always been harsh. But, perhaps it was because everyone knew of Shizune Miya's connection with Sumire now. However the girl was getting bullied quite a bit.

Siena lost count how many times she had to sweep in to save her, which led to her being dragged into the bullying. Ever since she became a member of the underworld, nobody has dared to bully her. However, the other artists in the entertainment industry don't know anything.