Takeyama sighed at the memory. Even after that day, that pink-haired woman deliberately appeared in front of him so many other times. Before he knew it, he started to hold a grudge against Ibuki even though a part of him was skeptical about judging her before meeting. Since that woman and Katakura Leona were being annoying, before long, he started to blame Ibuki for everything.

His thoughts break off when he hears singing. Isn’t this the art building? But that’s a nice voice; it’s warm and filled with light. Ibuki is also a student here, isn’t she?

He has secretly been watching her concerts for the past few months since the FNS J festival. Even if he does hold a grudge, he cannot deny that her voice is still the best.

It’s a pity, however, that no matter how talented she is, with such a terrible personality, she won’t make it very far. It’s not common knowledge, but the most humble individuals are the ones who making it very far. Although being too kind can be a weakness too.

Her music is so pure and beautiful. Music never lies, and yet why did she keep rejecting him? Why are there so many terrible rumors about her? At first, he didn’t pay much attention, but it increased and became difficult to ignore. Considering how irritated he was after returning abroad, he believed every word of it.

But when he saw her singing on the FNS J festival stage for the first time, he started to think that something was wrong.

‘I will only get a little look, and then I will hold back.’ Takeyama followed the direction of the voice, and sure enough, he spotted Ibuki in an empty classroom. She was painting on an easel by the window and singing.

“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.” Sumire sang.

‘Too good; she is far too skilled. Didn’t she go on a long break after what happened with her boyfriend?’ Most singers who go on breaks tend to get lazy and stop practicing. So when they return, their voices aren’t like what it used to be. Even missing a single day of training can be fatal. Could it be that even in her condition, she still continued to sing?

Now that he thought about it, during that meeting. That manager did slip up and said that Sumire practices late. Even though she covered it up with the morning session excuse, he could tell that she was lying. If she is this diligent with practice, surely she isn’t bad.

This song is different than her usual style; it’s not powerful as her other songs. But he wouldn’t consider it a ballad either.

His thoughts break off when their eyes meet.

“You sing well. Is that a song you will be releasing soon?”

“Ah-y-yes, it’s for an album.” Sumire seemed startled, but she quickly replied.

Takeyama stood at the door for a few minutes before deciding to come inside. He walked over to the easel, the girl had been drawing the scenery outside, or so he thought.

“Your drawing Yuhi?”

At those words, her cheeks turned red. “Ah-huh, it’s a bit embarrassing to draw him when he is in the room. So, I usually stay behind and do this.”

She truly is a diligent person. But then why did she turn him down? Why did she pass him on the street with a cold expression before? Being turned down aside, there was a time when he coincidentally saw her on the street and chased after her. But she looked at him coldly and slapped his hand away.

Takeyama takes one glance at the easel. He doesn’t know much about art, but even an outsider like him can tell how warm this drawing is. No, that’s not all. It’s so realistic; it’s a painting, but how can it be so vivid?

“Did you come to see Yuhi?”

“I did.”

“Yuhi is practicing with the other guys right now. If you like, I can take you to him. But ah,” Sumire quickly rummaged through the cabinet and pulled out a pamphlet. “This is a map of the school. Yuhi and the others will be over here.” She marks a spot on the map.

Could it be that she is being considerate, knowing he doesn’t like her? It’s very strange. Even though he has been saying hostile comments about her this entire time, a part of him is starting to think there is something wrong. The image of her in his mind and the real her is too different.

“It truly is a shame,” Takeyama muttered.

“A shame?”

“There are times when I think your a good person, but how is that possible?”

“I see. Since we are on this subject, can I ask why you are so hostile toward me?”

Takeyama looked at her with wide eyes. For a moment, he is stunned before frowning. Here he was, giving her the benefit of the doubt just now, but she completely destroyed it. How can she be so shameless and pretend not to know the reason?

This is stupid; since he already knows where Yuhi is, he ought to leave quickly. Takeyama turned to walk away but then saw the look in her eyes. A strong and determined gaze that wanted answers. Is she truly unaware? He indeed suspected something was wrong with how her manager treated her. But even then, he pushed that thought out of his mind.

,m He took a deep breath and sighed. “If you must know, it’s because you turned down my offer.”

Sumire looks at him, confused, and he even becomes even more agitated. This is frustrating because all her expressions so far seem genuine. If she was lying, she would exhibit some signs in her body language, but she isn’t.

“What are you talking about? Explain it to me properly.”

“My offer for you to join my team in America.”

“Eh? Your team-” Sumire suddenly exclaimed loudly. “Wait, as in, you were scouting me? When?”

Takayama looked at her with wide eyes. The frustration he felt was replaced by confusion. This reaction, she seemed excited at the idea of being able to debut abroad. But then why? Was the bad feeling he had back then correct?

“Sorry for interrupting. But I found that book Sumire and I graded your paper too. I have some time, so if you want to go through the answers with me.”

Sumire’s eyes lit up. “Then I have loads of questions for you, sensei.” Sumire briefly turned to him and whispered. “–street-“

Is that an address? That’s right, Ibuki and Terashima made that announcement a month ago. It seems like their new accommodation is unknown to the media. Is it truly okay for him to know that? Then again, they didn’t finish their conversation. It seems like she had no idea; then, was it Katakura Leona who tricked him?

‘I did doubt it. I never met Ibuki face to face. I never heard her response directly. But Katakura Leona really knew how to push me on edge.’

It seems like he will have to investigate directly.

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