I am right here
I am right here
"Standing on the dome of a tall building.
I feel the wind is blowing-"
Sumire's gaze brightened, hearing him sing. Is that another new song? Although she is nanairo feathers' official composer, it doesn't mean that the others can't write their own songs. Masaru-senpai acts frivolously, but he is very talented and holds a high position in the entertainment industry.
"A singer just dropped out of the program from Blubbery entertainment, so they got Masaru to replace her," Masato said.
Sumire blinks. "Could it be-"
"Right, Kita Sachiko. She threw a tantrum and said she didn't want to be on the same program as a low-level singer. Coincidentally Masaru was here to visit, and the program director begged him."
Her sweat fell. She doubts it is a coincidence. The other members of nanairofeather have individually been coming over to watch her practices.
"Mashima-san seems cheerful. What did you do to him?"
Sumire glanced over at Toh, who was speaking with some people he knew.
"He asked me to be his girlfriend," Sumire said truthfully.
Masato is quiet for a moment. "I see, so what did you say?"
"I said I'd give him a reply after the program is over."
"If you have thought it through, then there is nothing more I can say. A while ago, I was still cautious. But I have seen how he treats you. Perhaps it will truly be good for you to be in a new relationship now."
Sumire immediately understood what he was trying to say. A new relationship may be good for her mental state. Her break-up with Sano caused her a lot of emotional damage.
'All the guys in nanairofeather like you.'
Asahi's words flashed through her mind, and she looked at Masato. There has been plenty of occasions where she thought so, too, at least with this person. Masato isn't the type to hide his feelings, and how could she possibly miss how he looks at her with such a tender gaze in his eyes?
'I truly am thankful, even though this must hurt him. He supports my decision. One day, when I am free from the darkness in my heart. Perhaps I will be able to express these emotions more clearly.'
"Ibuki-san, we are ready for you."
Sumire felt her knees go weak, and her body started trembling. However, amid this, she felt Toh's gaze on her. Even though others surrounded him, he was still paying attention to her. It's okay. She can do this. She will be fine.
She has to respond to Yuhi's feelings to get her own message across to those who have supported and waited for her this entire time. Sumire bravely walked up to the stage.
How many times has she stood here already? She has stood on this stage so many times already. She practiced here from dawn to dusk. The only difference now is the number of people watching her now. There are so many people. So many are judging her, but even amongst this flood of individuals. Toh stood out to her. If Toh is here, she will be okay. Sumire clenched the mic tightly and briefly shut her eyes.
'There is no need to be afraid. I am right here.' She could almost hear Toh whispering those words in her ear.
"A star falls down in front of me before dawn.
That's because I miss you.
At the moment when I'm not hesitant anymore
The words blurt out.
Though I'm not sure,
they express what I am really thinking." Sumire sang.
..
The rehearsal went better than she thought it would. Many people surrounded her afterward to congratulate her. However, her attention was still on Toh, who was looking at her with a warm smile. She truly doesn't want to lose this person.
She has spent this past month getting to know him, and even though they haven't known each other that long. A month is more than enough time for her to determine what type of person he is. He could still potentially hurt her in the future, and she is still learning more about him. However, for now, she will believe in what she sees.
It wasn't easy escaping from the crowd of people. It's during times like that when she sometimes wishes she had a manager. However, recalling her manager in her last company made her shudder. She would rather deal with this grief on her own than have another manager who behaves like that.
She finds herself in the spot where she was with Toh before the rehearsal. Toh disappeared somewhere. He seems busy. It's only during times like this when she remembers how popular Toh is. She has gotten so used to Toh being by her side.
Her phone starts ringing, and Sumire sighs when she sees the caller ID.
"Hey Riri, how is rehearsal?" Aki asked.
"I just finished, but they will probably ask me to do another run later, just in case."
The station staff must be aware of her situation. So she is going to have another rehearsal later.
"I see, then care to do a little job for me?"
Sumire sighs. "Dear boss, my performance is tomorrow, and there is a lot of media everywhere, and you want me to do underworld work? What if I get caught?"
Aki chuckled. "It's just a small job. There is a skirmish between another group again. I want you to stop it for me. If you don't, it could very well affect your program since it is happening nearby."
Is it happening near here? Sumire frowns, and Aki suddenly sends her a location. The minute she sees it, her eyes widen, horrified. "You should have just said so from the beginning."
"You didn't ask."
"I will go now. Make sure to send the cleaners over when I give the signal."
"Alright, do a good job," Aki said with a low chuckle.
"Is there anything else?"
"There is. You can start dating since the enemy seems to be quiet right now."
"I never needed your permission." Sumire hung up before she could hear any more of his nonsense.
But, Aki's words lingered in her mind even after she ended the call. If the enemy is being quiet, perhaps she can work on her relationship with Toh.