Eternal Melody

SUMIRE

"Even if they hadn't said anything, The entertainment industry is like this. It's built up on lies and malice.?It's built on people's greed. While there are those artists who support and encourage each other to strive and do better, they only make up a small portion. Moreover, the longer you are in the industry, the more malice you are exposed to. I'd like to say it's up to you whether or not you're influenced, but that would be another lie. The industry can corrupt even the purest of souls."

That's why, it's okay already. She doesn't blame anyone. Not even the ones who have physically harmed her due to jealousy.

"So you're saying, it would have happened anyway?" Siena wondered.

Sumire nodded. "Whether or not I was skilled at singing, people would have still found a way to pick fault with me. What my grandfather and Hijiri did was horrible, but they merely exposed what would have happened sooner or later. I suppose I ought to thank them for it, since it opened my eyes early."

"But, even if you knew. Those words, all those lies hurt you didn't it?"

Sumire smiled weakly. "Mm, it hurts. Each insult hurt deeper than any knife."

"Then-"

"But, in the end. I love singing more than anything. Even if their words hurt me, the love I have for singing will defeat that every time. As long as I have the courage to get back on my feet after each time someone pushes me down." Sumire extends her hands out towards the ceiling. "This is me, no matter what they say or do. I will not change myself for them. There will be people who resent me no matter what I do, and people who will love me. I'd rather focus on those who are willing to give this version of me a chance than the ones who will put me down regardless of what I am like."

Siena suddenly turned quiet and Sumire tilted her head. "Was that too weird?"

"No, I was thinking it's just like you."

Before Sumire could question her friend, Siena stands up and stretches her arms. "I think I can still go for another few hours. What about you?"

Sumire chuckled. "Should we make a bet?"

'Futaba, when we see each other again. I want to tell you, the answer I came up with after you persistently told me to love myself, and to love those around me who have always loved me. No matter what shape or form, there are those who have always accepted me.'

The main reason they fought didn't have anything to do with Ru's accident. Actually for a while things had been tense between them. When Ru was there he meditated the situation but after his accident, Futaba couldn't hold herself back anymore and neither could she.

'I have no right to be loved.'

'But you do! You do more than anybody else.'

Sumire closed her eyes. She really is sorry for taking this long to reach this conclusion. Futaba, you were right. There are so many who care for me. So many who love and are willing to do anything for her, to the extent they will follow her into her next life.

________________

FUTABA

In the Holy Knights headquarters in Star town. A woman with pink hair was pacing back and forth frantically trying to reach someone. For the past week or so she has been hearing rumors that Succhan had returned. But, she hasn't had the courage to call until now. She debated about who to call first. But figured that the one who would know Succhan's condition is that person.

"Hello Mashima? It's me."

"Momoi." Toh said surprised.

"Is she--"

"Safe now. I'm surprised it took you this long to call, did you two really fight?" Toh wondered.

Futaba exhaled deeply. "It's not like that."

"Whatever it is, you need to figure it out before she goes back. She's already going through a lot and she needs her best friend." Toh trailed off. "She mentioned you the other day."

"She did?"

"Yeah, something about finding yet another gift that would suit you." Toh sighs. "I don't think she is angry anymore, so why don't you come to her concert?"

Futaba exhaled deeply. "I would love to, I really would. But, there is something I have to take care of." She said vaguely.

Although Mashima Toh is on Succhan's side, he is still a member of the Black alice organisation. They ought to be vigilant around him. Moreover, recently Ryuuji has discovered that Lucifer has planted a chip inside each of his subordinates. A chip that enforces control if they ever disobey. Even if Mashima Toh acts like he is on their side, as long as he has that chip inside him, he is still the enemy.

Toh must have understood since he sighs again. "She really misses you, and she could use you by her side right now. I may be a psychologist, but even then there is a limit to what I can do. She needs her friend, her best friend."

Futaba felt each jab as he said those words. It's not like she doesn't want to go. But, with the current investigation, she can't abandon it. It's for Succhan's sake. If she completes this, then Succhan will be saved.

"I will see her soon."

Toh sighs again. "Alright, I'm sure whatever it is will help her."

They chatted for a few minutes as Mashima gave her an accurate report of Succhan's situation. Amid the conversation Futaba had to stop herself from crying. Even after Mashima ended the call, she still felt very emotional. She really does want to see Succhan, she misses her so much.

If what Mashima is saying is correct then Succhan has forgiven her. Maybe she finally has an answer? Futaba sighs. Even if she didn't, 'I was way too harsh with her. Suro-kun just passed away, I could have saved that conversation another time.' But, even before the accident Succhan was withering away.

Now that she thought about it, after Mashima left. Succhan had those moments where it felt like she was only there in spirit. She would get that look on her face, and occasionally Futaba would see her looking longingly at her shoulder.