Chapter 33. Unfinished Melody

"Alright, everyone! It's finally time to announce the winning group!" The host's voice rang out across the crowded venue, crackling with excitement.

"Remember, your performances were broadcast live, and people have been casting their votes online! The results are in!"

A wave of anticipation swept through the contestants as they huddled together in their respective groups, whispering nervously.

"Do you think we even stand a chance?" Shota asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course!" Takeshi grinned, clutching his beloved guitar to his chest as though it were a precious treasure.

"Josie practically carried our group!" He stroked the instrument affectionately, his expression full of pride.

Shota and Akami exchanged amused glances, both struggling to contain their laughter.

Takeshi's attachment to his guitar was legendary—he treated it with more tenderness than most people treated their significant others.

But amidst the excitement, Ayaka stood apart, her thoughts adrift. A distant look shadowed her face, her mind elsewhere.

Takeshi, ever observant, noticed her distraction and opened his mouth to say something—

Before he could, the host's voice boomed again.

"AND THE WINNER IS... DREAMCATCHER'S MELODY! CONGRATULATIONS! COME ON UP HERE!"

The venue erupted into cheers and applause, the sound reverberating through the space. Ayaka, Takeshi, Akami, and Shota stood frozen, their eyes widening in disbelief.

"No way!" Shota murmured.

Takeshi blinked, processing the moment before letting out a triumphant laugh.

"Looks like the fans loved Ayaka's out of tune voice." he teased as they pushed through the throng of people, heading toward the stage.

Ayaka rolled her eyes at his sarcasm but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips.

As they reached the stage, the facilitator approached, microphone in hand. "How do you all feel right now?" he asked, turning to Ayaka first.

"I… uh—" Ayaka stammered, momentarily lost in thought.

Takeshi, ever the quick-thinker, swooped in and grabbed the mic. "Every single practice was worth it. We might not be professional musicians, but we put in the effort, and that's what matters." His voice rang with sincerity as he handed the mic back.

"THANK YOU FOR THAT! NOW I KNOW YOU'RE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" The host cheered, and the music blasted through the speakers.

The crowd roared in excitement as they flooded the dance floor, bodies swaying to the rhythm. Among them, a familiar voice called out.

"Ayaka!"

Ayaka barely had time to turn before Yuriko pulled her into a tight embrace. "I saw your performance! They uploaded a few hours ago! You were amazing!" she gushed.

A small chuckle escaped Ayaka's lips as she let out a breath of relief. "T-thank you... I had a strict mentor."

Yuriko beamed. "Well, it's all over now, so you can finally relax!" She grabbed Ayaka's hand. "Come to the dance floor with me!"

"I'll join in a bit. I just need to sit down for a while. I'm a little exhausted..." Ayaka admitted with a sheepish smile.

Yuriko's expression softened with concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Ayaka?"

"Yep! Just tired, that's all. Go have fun!" Ayaka reassured her.

"Alright, but if you need me, just call, okay?" Yuriko said before disappearing into the crowd.

As soon as Ayaka settled into a seat at the far end of the room, she reached for a glass and poured herself some deep red grape wine.

She took a slow sip, watching the waves of dancers move in unison under the dim, golden glow of the lights.

Then, the music shifted.

A slow melody filled the air, and the once-hyped crowd mellowed down, pairing off into couples swaying gently to the beat.

Ayaka sighed, resting her chin in her palm as she watched from afar.

"He didn't even watch me…" she murmured under her breath, a tinge of disappointment curling in her chest.

A chuckle suddenly sounded beside her.

"I was going to ask you for a dance, but if I remember correctly, Ms. Midnight is a terrible dancer." a familiar voice teased.

Ayaka turned her head sharply, only to find Takeshi standing there, holding a wine glass in one hand and a smug smirk on his lips.

"Did you seriously come all the way over here just to make fun of me?" she huffed.

"Nope..." he replied smoothly, plopping down next to her. "I'm just taking a break… and keeping you company. You look a little lonely."

"I'm not lonely." Ayaka shot back, taking another sip of her wine. "Go dance with your guitar or whatever."

Takeshi gasped dramatically. "Hey! My Josie is the reason we won, okay?" he said, patting the guitar case by his side. Then, shifting his gaze, he nodded toward the dance floor. "Look over there."

Following his line of sight, Ayaka's eyes landed on Akami and Shota. The two of them were dancing together, lost in their own little world.

"I knew she liked him for a while." Takeshi mused, a small smile playing on his lips. "Glad it worked out for them."

Ayaka, however, seemed uninterested. She simply poured herself another glass of wine.

Takeshi glanced at her, tilting his head slightly. "Where's that guy from the marketing team? The one always hanging around you?"

Ayaka shrugged. "I don't think he came to the after party. Not that it matters—I turned him down."

"Wow… Ms. Midnight is ruthless..." Takeshi joked. Then, with a knowing look, he added, "Though, I figured as much. After all, you like that surgeon guy."

Ayaka nearly choked on her wine.

She quickly looked away, but the silence that followed spoke volumes.

Takeshi's eyes widened. "NO WAY! I KNEW IT!" He leaned in closer. "And I bet you're upset because he didn't come to watch you perform!"

Ayaka's face burned crimson. "CAN YOU LOWER YOUR VOICE?!" she hissed, slapping a hand over his mouth.

Takeshi pried her hand away, still grinning. "Listen, I get why you're upset, but you do realize he's a healthcare worker, right? There's a good chance he was stuck handling an emergency. If you ever start dating him, you should be prepared for things like that. It won't always be convenient."

Ayaka's eyes flickered downward. "D-date?!" she sputtered. "I-I haven't even confessed yet! Besides… Akihiko and I have a business agreement. Our conversations and—" she hesitated "—our friendship will pretty much end after the contract."

Takeshi fell silent for a moment, recalling the way Akihiko had looked at her before. He wasn't convinced.

Just then, the music changed again, shifting back to an upbeat rhythm. Cheers erupted as people rushed back to the dance floor, the energy in the room soaring once more.

Takeshi stood up, stretching. "All I'm gonna say is… good luck, Ms. Midnight. We might not have started on the best terms, but I'm rooting for you!" He shot her a thumbs-up before turning toward the dance floor. "Now stop sulking and go join Yuriko!"

Ayaka watched him disappear into the crowd, his words lingering in her mind. Maybe… maybe Akihiko really had been busy. Maybe he'd explain once he was free.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

Without hesitation, she ran toward the dance floor, searching for Yuriko.

The night carried on with laughter, dancing, and celebration—a perfect memory before everyone returned to their busy lives.

------

By the time the party wound down and the last song faded into the night, exhaustion had settled over Ayaka like a warm, heavy blanket.

It was past 1 AM, and the once-lively venue had emptied, leaving only distant laughter and the occasional clatter of cleanup in the background.

Yuriko, ever the responsible one, refused to let Ayaka go home alone at such a late hour.

"No way am I letting you take a cab when I can drive you home myself." she had said, practically dragging Ayaka toward her car.

The ride back was quiet, the city outside the windows bathed in soft golden streetlights.

The occasional neon sign flickered past, reflecting off the windshield like fleeting memories of the night's excitement.

Ayaka rested her head against the window, watching the world blur by, her thoughts tangled between the evening's events and the lingering feelings she couldn't quite shake.

"You seem lost in thought..." Yuriko observed, glancing at her as they pulled up to Ayaka's apartment building.

"Hm?" Ayaka blinked, snapping out of her daze. "Yeah, just… a lot happened tonight."

"Good things, I hope?" Yuriko teased as she parked the car.

Ayaka chuckled softly. "Mostly."

Yuriko didn't press further, sensing there was more left unsaid.

Instead, she hopped out of the car and moved to the trunk, grabbing Ayaka's belongings. "Come on, let's get you inside."

Together, they rode the elevator up to Ayaka's apartment, the air between them filled with a comfortable silence.

When they finally reached the doorstep, Ayaka turned to her friend, a warm, tired smile curving her lips.

"Thanks for taking me home..." she said, pulling Yuriko into a tight hug. The scent of lingering perfume and a faint trace of wine filled the space between them. "And for everything else, really. I'll miss you."

Yuriko laughed, squeezing her back just as tightly. "I'll miss you too! But hey, this isn't goodbye forever. You still owe me that coffee, remember?"

Ayaka pulled back, rolling her eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah. I'll treat you when you're back in Japan. You better not forget."

Yuriko grinned, stepping back toward the elevator. "Like I'd ever forget free coffee."

She gave one final wave before the doors slid shut, leaving Ayaka alone in the quiet hallway.

With a small sigh, Ayaka turned the key in the lock and stepped inside her apartment.

The familiar scent of home greeted her—a mix of lavender-scented candles and the faint traces of coffee from that morning.

She kicked off her shoes, setting her belongings down before leaning against the closed door.

For a moment, she just stood there, taking in the silence.

The night had been a whirlwind—victory, celebration, conversations she wasn't ready to unpack just yet. But as she exhaled deeply, she realized something.

She felt lighter.

Maybe it was Takeshi's words finally sinking in. Maybe it was Yuriko's unwavering support.

Or maybe, just maybe, it was the quiet acceptance that whatever came next—whatever happened with Akihiko, with music, with everything—she'd be ready to face it.

With a small, tired smile, Ayaka pushed off the door and made her way toward the kitchen, pouring herself a final glass of water before heading to bed.

Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, its own uncertainties.

But for now, just for tonight, she allowed herself a moment of peace.