At Arista University, Tokyo.
Ever since Yuhi left, Narasaki has watched over Sumire and made sure she is safe. However, not even Narasaki could constantly be with her. He was probably reaching his limit, so he was relieved when Mashima returned. But, it just so happens that Mashima wasn't available today too.
Leaving Sumire alone is too dangerous. Lucifer will undoubtedly try to appear before her if she is by herself. Based on his background research, Lucifer wants to make Sumire his bride. So, he understood why she always needed somebody with her.
Narasaki, and Mashima being busy aside. Normally Nagawa would be around. But not even him?
"I can't believe I'm stuck babysitting," Shin mumbled as he continued to sign some documents.
"Hey!" Sumire exclaimed.
"I know you need protecting, but must it be me? We all know you're stronger than me."
Sumire laughed. "If it comes down to it, I can use you as a human shield!"
Shin flicked her forehead. "Be serious."
"I am! You'd make a good shield. You can distract them with your good looks."
At those words, Shin felt his cheeks turn red. 'It's been a while since I last spent time with her. I forgot how bold she was.'
With Narasaki busy at the company.
Mashima aside, Tsueno and Nagawa must have been summoned by Lucifer too.
The only one left is him.
'At least Atsuro gave me a few days off. I wouldn't want him to intervene...'
"Shin, Shin. Are these new books?" Sumire pointed to his shelf.
Shin nodded. Sumire beamed happily as she took some out and dumped them on the couch.
"Did you hear from Mashima?" Shin asked.
Sumire paused and nodded. "He told me not to worry and that he will come home tonight."
"I'm sure that hasn't stopped you from worrying."
She bit her lip and nodded. "Don't you think this timing is a bit too much of a coincidence?"
Indeed it was. However, if Lucifer was truly planning on attacking Sumire at this time, he would have made sure they were all distracted. 'Atsuro is, and Makoto Soujiro hasn't been around for a while.'
Rather than Sumire being the target here, this almost seems like a plan to lure him out. Lucifer must know that he will be the only one left. Ever since the arrest of the corrupt SF leader, he has become one of the leading commanders.
Shin's gaze flickered toward his phone. He quickly stood up and exited the hall to reply to the messages. He quickly returned to the room, however, fearing that someone might enter through the window.
"My dear!" Sumire suddenly exclaimed happily.
Oh, Yuhi must have called.
Sumire giggled. "Mmm! But I'm fine. Shin is with me." She stood up and walked over to his desk with her phone. "Shin, Yuhi wants to make sure I'm not lying."
"Although she has a reputation for lying, I am actually here," Shin said.
Yuhi nodded. "I wanted to make sure."
Sumire pouted. "You two are so cruel! There is nothing to gain from lying about this."
So, if there was something to gain from this, she would lie? Shin exhaled deeply.
"You have to call her more, though. She gets annoying when you don't."
"Hey!" Sumire exclaimed.
Yuhi chuckled. "I know, but if I call her too much. My imagination goes a bit wild."
At those words, Shin coughed awkwardly. "Please spare me the details."
He really doesn't need to know what they are like around each other.
Sumire blushed and laughed. "Um, my dear. Don't you have a concert?"
"I do, but I wanted to hear your voice. Now that I have, I feel like I have the strength of a hundred men."
Shin sighed deeply. Yuhi really is shameless. He waves Sumire away, and she returns to the couch. After chatting for a few minutes, Sumire pulled out her guitar from the corner.
"One day, in the sound of the rainfall, I can still hear that voice
The voice that called out to me
Through all the thick and thin, you're always by my side
So I can look forward and walk again
At that time, while standing on the stage that I had always dreamed
What will appear in my thoughts,
Indeed, it's the face of you
This song, and this voice, they're all connected to my precious feelings
Everyone was cheering for me before I even realized
I wish for this song and this voice will reach high and far throughout the world
Little by little, carrying that warm feeling
Your thoughts will become my hope
Following my dream, with only one yell
Someday, when the seasons passed
It changed little by little,
and made the future that you and I talked about under that night sky so different
There's something certain inside my heart.
I'll tell you without hesitation.
All about this gentle warmth
Those memories have become my precious treasures
Those days we passed while holding hands
I can now spread my wings, flying so high and so far
With a strong faith in the irreplaceable light
I'll continue toward the tomorrow we imagined together
Following my dream, with only one yell." Sumire sang.
Shin was dumbstruck hearing her sing. Why does it seem like her voice gets better every time he hears Sumire sing? She truly has a voice that sounds like an angel.
A voice that far surpasses anybody in her generation, no. Shin recalled her performance against Takahashi Yumi. That performance only ended up as a tie because it was her first proper stage since returning to the industry.
That tie would never have happened if Sumire had never had that gap in her career. Experts have been analyzing her progress and voice since that stage, and the majority agree that Sumire is a force to be reckoned with. Those with subjective views are the only ones who don't agree with that.
Sumire laughed softly. "Am I distracting you? Sorry, I just started singing out of nowhere."
"It's alright. I like listening to you sing." Shin paused. "How has your return to the industry been? From what I have seen, your career has been progressing very smoothly."
"Mmm, it's going very well. Hino is a good manager."
"Then, are you planning on entering the Queen Cup again? Some of those jobs Narasaki has been making you do have a large points that contribute to the Queen Cup."
At those words, Sumire paused and sighed. "I have been thinking about it, but there are all sorts of news about Hasegawa-san being a strong candidate right now."
So, she doesn't want conflict with Yuhi's childhood friend?
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