A moment later, she looked away. Nodding to the side, she brought the microphone to her lips. The light changed colour, focusing on her.

‘Now for my first song, Singing without Rain.’ Her beautiful voice filled the auditorium, the audience standing in complete awe. Some of them stared straight at her; others closed their eyes, listening intently to the music. Every note played in perfect harmony, enthralling them in its magic.

The hour went by in a flash.

‘Thank you for listening!’ Most of them blinked rapidly as if awakening from a dream. Opening my eyes, I saw that she had left the stage. I looked at Jason. His eyes remained closed, an idiotic smile on his face. Sighing, I shook his shoulder.

‘It’s over, let’s go.’

‘What–oh, yeah.’ We joined the flow of bodies, walking under the darkening sky.

‘Aren’t you glad we came?’ Jason said dreamily, ‘her voice is so great.’

‘Sure,’ I replied. Honestly, I preferred listening to her recordings. It was far less awkward. As we left the school, I felt a weird presence on me. Turning, I met Minami’s gaze as she stared at me from afar.

Her eyes were full of hatred.