Wait for me

The next day, she was a bundle of nerves as she waited back stage with the other artists. No matter how many times she tried to tell herself that she would be okay. Sumire could not calm her heart down. She wanted to call Ru, knowing that just hearing his voice would reassure her. But, she has been trying to call his phone this entire morning and he hasn't replied.

'It's so strange. No matter how busy he is, he never takes this long to reply to me.'

Could something have happened?

Sumire hesitated but goes to the block session on her phone. She looked at the number that she blocked not too long ago, and almost clicked it. Almost, but then the image of his words the last time they saw each other flashed through her mind. She shakes her head.

Don't do something stupid. If she makes the first move to contact him, then he will continue to bother her. But Ru's condition worried her, on the video chat the other day his complexion looked very well.

She thought his hospital stay was supposed to help him get better. But, why does he look worse than he did before? For a long time now she already suspected that there was something wrong with Ru's health.

But she pushed those concerns to the back of her mind, hoping she was wrong. However now it has gotten to a point that is difficult for her to ignore.

After the program, she will rush to the hospital straight away. She will have no choice but to call Sano, because they definitely wouldnt let her inside otherwise. But she has to do this. Besides, Sano is the reason why Ru managed to get hospitalised in the first place.

If that is the case, then maybe there is still a trace of humanity left in that person.

Her thoughts break off when somebody calls out to her cheerfully. Sumire glanced over and spotted pink hair and ruby coloured eyes. Futaba is running over and hugging her before long.

"Succhan! I came."

Sumire's gaze softened. "Thank you for coming. What about your work?"

"No problem, I got everything done first." Futaba looked around. "But this really is a good selection of people. Just seeing this many high quality artists, oh it quels the fan girl in me to get everyones autographs."

Sumire rolled her eyes. "If you do that, you will attract attention." She looked past Futaba. "Did the others not come?"

"I made Mikaze-kun and the rest go to the audience seats. They will attract too much attention here. Rather Nao-kun looked like he wanted to lecture you, so I had to send him away."

Her sweat fell. She was thankful, but she has only temporary evaded the chaos. Quite some time has passed since Masaru sent that message informing Nao. But, it seems Nao has been quite busy recently so she hasn't seen him once since the message was sent.

"Futaba, I'm sorry to ask you of this. But, can you check on Ru for me?"

She knew her friend wanted to see her perform, but she was too worried about Ru.

At those words Futaba seemed startled and then awkwardly averts her gaze. Sumire grabs hold of her shoulders. "Did something happen?"

All sorts of scenarios appeared in her mind.

"This morning, there was a fax sent over to the Holy knights headquarters saying that Suro-kun fainted and they needed someone to go over as a representative to sign papers for a small surgery. The others seemed very reluctant to go to the hospital. Aki-san also said 'nobody has seen your face before.' So, I had to go."

He fainted?

Is it that bad?

No, that is a stupid question. He looked so pale in that video chat. She should have gone over to see him. Sumire turned towards the direction of the exit but Futaba grabbed her arm.

"Succhan, you can't leave now. You have to perform soon."

"That isn't important right now. I have to make sure Ru is okay."

"But, he wouldn't want you to sacrifice your dream for him. Succhan it's okay, I peaked on Suro-kun earlier. He was pale, but he was breathing. He is still alive. Please sing, you know he will blame himself if you don't sing tonight."

Sumire wanted to hold back her tears but she couldn't do so anymore. It didn't take long before she felt herself in somebody's embrace. It was Masaru-senpai.

"Masaru-senpai, Ru-Ru is-" Sumire couldn't get any words out.

What is happening with Ru? How come she doesn't know what he is sick with? Why didn't she think to ask?

"I came here to say that I cancelled my performance slot, and Iwa-senpai will be covering for me. I will go to the hospital okay? Just stay here and perform."

"But I-"

"Lady, don't forget what your dream is. Do not forget what you have to do."

Of course her dream is important. Of course she wants to respond to the emotions of the fans who have waited for her this entire time. But, just the thought of Ru collapsing and having to go into surgery made her sick. How could she leave him now? She needs to be by his side.

However, she knew that her friends were correct. Ru would want her to sing.

"I will go to." Futaba said. She slipped a piece of paper on her palm. "Earlier when I checked on him, he was awake briefly and left a message for you."

Sumire quickly opened the note.

Good luck with your show.

I know you can do it.

I'll be back on my feet soon.

Don't worry.

Don't forget to smile, wait for me.

It was written in shaky writing, and the words were hard to read. There was even the faint scent of blood on the note. But, it was Ru's writing. She needs to calm down, Ru wants her to sing. She recalled how excited he was when he found out.

She has to do this.

After exchanging a few more words, she sent the two away and Masato appeared behind her.

"Are you okay?"

Sumire nodded and laughed weakly. "It's truly like Ru, to be so reckless. Even though he said he would watch today."

"Sumire-"

"It's alright Masato. Ru is stronger than most. What I have to do now, is to get my feelings across."

She won't let anybody stand in the way.

*Unedited*