Eternal Melody

Chapter 681 Caution

　　It was finally time to return to school. Hino contacted her and Yuhi last night, saying it should be okay now.

　　'There may still be a few reporters lurking around. But they are not allowed to approach you.' 

　　Certainly, when Yuhi dropped her off this morning, she spotted the reporters. But even when Yuhi left her alone, they couldn't do anything. It was the first day back, but her dear had emergency work and had to leave.

　　He said he would be on time for the meeting later, but she was already missing his presence. Although it was only for a short amount of time, it reminded her of the time she spent with him during Christmas.

　　Being in her dearest embrace is the best, even though he kept teasing her. After changing her shoes, she quickly left the locker area and stopped at the end of the hallway back staircase. Shin was leaning against the stairs.

　　Sumire slumped on the bottom step.

　　"Your acting like your about to be eaten," Shin commented.

　　Sumire sighed deeply. "Sensei, do you have no idea what bullying feels like? It feels like everybody is being cautious with me. Some haven't dismissed the rumors."

　　"Well, they did take a good photo."

　　Right those photos.

　　"Did you ever find out who took them?"

　　"There is a suspect, somebody, your manager, scouted from this school. But the girl's parents are being very stubborn, saying their daughter would never do such a thing. They said they would take the matter to court if Narasaki kept asking for an apology."

　　So, in other words, this was another case of jealousy. Sumire sighed. "It's true Hino is paying a lot of attention to me. But that's because I had already debuted before, and my debut concert impressed him. Unlike the new ones he scouted, I have prior stage experience. Those girls will gain nothing getting jealous of me and acting malicious."

　　"The one with the voice acknowledged by Terashima Yuhi and defeated Takahashi Yumi not too long ago said that."

　　"The only reason I beat Yumi-senpai was because, at that moment, I sang with even stronger emotions than her. But in terms of who is more skilled, it's certainly Yumi-senpai."

　　It's because she wanted to engrave it right then, the stronger emotions Yuhi-san and everyone helped her gain. 

　　"I see, but well, for now, you have a victory over her. Even music critics have nothing bad to say about your performance then."

　　"But, truthfully. I don't think I can reach that level of performance again."

　　"Is that why you haven't accepted any music programs since you started your idol work again?"

　　"Well, the main reason is more to do with my personal feelings. I am not as frightened of people as I was before. I can go past a crowd without freezing up or being sick now."

　　She has made great improvements, unlike then.

　　"However, I can't help but think it was good that I wasn't here when they posted those pictures on the bullet board. If I was, I would have broken down in front of everybody. My legs would have frozen, and I would have had a panic attack." Sumire closed her eyes.

　　Just seeing them from Yuhi's phone caused her to have an irregular heartbeat.

　　"But that didn't happen."

　　"Instead, I received a hug from my dearest; it was quite a pleasant situation."

　　"You need to stop provoking Yuhi. One of these days, I am not going to see you for a month because Yuhi has captured you."

　　Sumire rolled her eyes at those words. 

　　"You're underestimating, my dear. If he wanted to keep me captive, he would do for at least half a year."

　　With her dearest skills, half a year would be the max. But she wonders if they would do it every day for six months. Sumire felt her cheeks redden at the thought. 

　　"You always have your head in the clouds when you think about him. I can see why Atsuro ends up getting annoyed."

　　"I don't care what he thinks. But oh, Aki sent me a message saying they received the guns. Did you and Atsuro send it over immediately?"

　　"More like we ransacked the ship that ended up coming and personally delivered it." Shin sighed. "We just got back yesterday, and my shoulders hurt. Those ships are uncomfortable to travel in."

　　"You're acting like an old man." Sumire chuckled. "But thank you."

　　"No, I should thank you. Even though it ended up like that, I got the opportunity to see you fight."

　　The opportunity to see her fight, huh? 

　　"Yuhi criticized me a little. He told me that I shouldn't show mercy to the new ones next time."

　　"I think the same."

　　Of course, Shin isn't going to disagree.

　　"You're off the same mindset, right? You understand that by showing mercy. You let your guard down when that guy came."

　　"I know."

　　Mirako's sudden appearance wouldn't have startled her if she had used normal bullets from the beginning. She would have had the mindset that everybody in the harbor were targets she ought to shoot down.

　　"Well, I understand what you were trying to do. But, you should be more mindful of your situation. Have you been going to the hospital for check-ups?"

　　"No, because of what happened. But I have an appointment this evening." Sumire trailed off. "Hey, Shin, I have something to ask you."

　　"What is it?"

　　"Do you think a human who participated in an evolved human experiment can surpass the strength of a regular evolved human?"

　　"Is this about Nagawa?"

　　"Yes. Sano himself admitted that he participated in the experiment. I talked about it with Yuhi-san, and both of us noticed that we couldn't break free of his grip. Me aside, Yuhi-san has known about his evolved human powers for a long time. But even he said that he felt overpowered for a brief moment."

　　At those words, Shin frowned. "That shouldn't be possible." He trailed off. "Unless they used drugs."

　　"Drugs?"

　　"Yes, it will stimulate the brain and temporarily give them strength. But it won't last long." Shin trailed off. "Unfortunately, this isn't my expertise. You should ask that researcher Eli; he has spent more time researching evolved humans; what's wrong?"

　　At the mention of Eli, her gaze dimmed.

　　"You don't understand how hard it is dealing with Eli. If you ask him something, he is the type to ask you to repay him on the spot." Sumire sighed. "That part of him reminds me of Aki. No wonder I find them both annoying."

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