[TL/N: Read my new work - Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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At the film production company, the sky was gradually darkening.
"Goodbye, Shouko."
"See you tomorrow, Shouko."
"Bye-bye, Shouko."
Colleagues bid their farewells to Shouko, one after another. As a "halfway monk" in the industry, her efficiency at work was slower than her peers, often leaving her as the last to finish for the day.
Soon, the office was quiet, with only Shouko remaining. She sat at her desk, her head resting in her hands as she stared at the black screen of her computer, lost in thought.
"Has Miku left already?"
Sitting alone in her corner of the office, Shouko replayed the events of the previous day in her mind. If the memories weren't so vivid, she might have doubted that any of it had truly happened.
"There didn't seem to be any signs of a fight. She must have left on her own. I hope she's okay."
Shaking her thoughts away, Shouko began packing her things, preparing to leave for the night. However, as she approached the door of the recording studio, a melodious tune filled the air.
"Your voice is my guide,
Like a bird singing,
Searching beneath the nameless blue sky.
Riding on a cradle of tenderness,
Let us sail into tomorrow together."
The hauntingly beautiful melody stopped her in her tracks. Standing silently at the door, she listened, captivated.
"Hasn't Miss Chihara left yet? Her singing is always so enchanting," Shouko thought to herself.
As she listened, a small figure appeared behind her. Before she could react, she felt herself being lifted into the air.
"Ah?" she exclaimed, spinning around in surprise. But before she could protest further, she found herself floating into the recording studio.
"What is going on?" she murmured, her breath catching at the sight before her.
"The nameless flower quietly fell asleep,
The colorless wind is calling us."
The song continued to echo in her ears as Shouko took in the scene: ten beautiful girls, each dressed in elaborate costumes, were performing the song she loved.
But to her shock, the singer wasn't the familiar Miss Chihara. It was Miku.
"She's… amazing," Shouko thought as she listened. The purity of Miku's voice was captivating. It lacked the ethereal allure of a Spirit's power but was instead raw and genuine.
Miku was singing with her real, unaltered voice.
"Spread the wings you've been given and soar into the blue sky.
Let's promise to never give up.
I have only one wish: that you can be happy."
As the song reached its crescendo, feathers began falling from above, and a small angel descended gracefully from the heavens.
Shouko gasped, clasping her hands tightly in excitement. The little angel! Gabriel had been telling the truth!
Gabriel, looking somewhat exasperated, sighed. If it weren't for the promise of Blue Diamond Ice Cream, she would never have shown herself like this again. Her actions were already pushing the limits of heavenly rules.
At the song's final note, Miku walked toward Shouko, her face beaming with warmth. Tears glistened in Shouko's eyes as Miku spoke.
"Shouko, I kept my promise. That song was sung with my true voice."
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Shouko ran forward, arms outstretched. Miku smiled, opening her arms to embrace her. But to Miku's astonishment, Shouko ran straight past her and threw herself at Gabriel instead, wrapping her arms tightly around the angel.
"Thank you… thank you… thank you so much!" Shouko sobbed, clinging to Gabriel.
Miku stood frozen, her expression stiff. She slowly turned to see Shouko showering Gabriel with gratitude, tears streaming down her face.
"So… love really does fade, doesn't it?" Miku murmured, a bitter smile forming.
As she stood there, Alexander appeared out of thin air. Noticing Miku's sullen expression, he chuckled.
"Alright, don't pout," he teased.
Miku spun toward him and threw herself into his arms, her face full of grievances.
"Darling! That little angel stole the spotlight! This was supposed to be my surprise for Shouko!"
Alexander patted her head with a sigh. "You shouldn't be upset. You know how much Shouko has been through—she lost her voice when she was born to this world. Being saved by Gabriel is something she'll never forget. Look at her now—she's happier than ever. Isn't that what you wanted?"
Miku followed his gaze toward Shouko, who was radiating joy. Reluctantly, she nodded.
"You're right. As long as Shouko's happy, that's all that matters."
[Author's note: I originally considered using Miku's theme song here, but after much thought, this song felt more fitting. Its lyrics perfectly capture the sentiment of the moment. Thank you to all who continue to support this story.]