Chapter 4: Shiyuna Maehara

Our band had been a success for four years so far. Because of this feeling, I headed for the studio with happiness, and released my first solo album, Begin. Begin includes my single true…, some covers of other Bemani game songs, Dive to the Night, and "Candy", a Bemani game song by me featured in DDR 6th Mix. It received high success, many adored it.

After the release of my album, I headed for the room BeForU normally works in. But when I looked in the window because the door was locked, Shiyuna was talking with Naoki! I was curious what she was talking about.

"I'm sorry Naoki, but, I think I'll leave BeForU to pursue other venues and focus on my studies," Shiyuna said.

"But Shiyuna dear, you can't leave now, you've been a good bandmate to the three girls and it's sad when one leaves," Naoki replied, persuading her not to leave.

"Naoki, it was fun to be with BeForU releasing songs, but my time has come and I'm sad to leave these girls and Yoma too."

"Shiyuna, you hadn't even released any solo songs unlike the Riyu, Noria, and Yoma. Can't you release at least one before leaving?"

"It's serious. I need to leave. Please understand and keep my action figure to remember me."

"No, dear, you should keep it to remember your band. Bye."

"Bye Naoki, it was fun to meet you."

When I saw them done talking, Shiyuna stood up, packed her things, and left for the door. Because of her action, I was shocked in horror by inferring that she's leaving the group permanently. When she opened the door to leave, I asked her why was she packing her stuff. She replied that she was leaving, thus leading me to crying.

"But Shiyuna, you can't leave us! We all loved your singing voice and I enjoyed being with you throughout BeForU! Please! Can't you stay a little longer?" I persuaded her while crying heavily.

"Listen, Riyu. I appreciate your persuading. And I do want to be with you guys too. But I need to focus more on my studies to remain as a smart person."

"Are you saying, you, didn't enjoy being a BeForU member?"

"No, Riyu. I liked it. You guys were amazing, and I just bought your CD this morning and listened to it. You really rocked out. Now bye, I must go."

She let go of her arms that were around me and started walking away. I started sobbing while waving. Meanwhile, I heard a voice, "Don't cry, Riyu."

I looked to my side, and saw Yoma who comforted me.

"I know, Riyu. I'm sad too, but, we'll have to start making music by ourselves," Noria added.

"Wait, you guys know about her departure?" I asked.

"Yeah, she told us while we were at the shop," Yoma answered.

Today was one of the saddest day of my life. Losing a bandmate felt like if a friend died to me. Although I'm a bright and cheerful person normally, I couldn't let go of my sadness. To cheer me up, Yoma and Noria asked if I would like to join them for ice cream. When I said yes, Noria bought one for me, not just for herself! I thanked her a lot, and said that it was too kind for her, and ate our ice creams.

At the ice cream shop, other people shouted, "It's BeForU! They're BeForU!" People started running towards us to sign their CDs. The majority headed for me because they didn't just have my CD, but also the BeForU's first album.

'Shiyuna, you should have stayed longer for this happy moment!' I thought.

It wasn't just autographing the CDs. They turned on the BeForU CD on the radio, so that the whole shop was going BeForU crazy.

After we finished signing the CDs, we walked around town, talking about our favorite solos. Yoma, obviously had only one, "Ever Snow". I said that my favorite one was either "true…" or "Candy". Noria likes "Love Love Sugar". Few more minutes of talking, and then we started walking individually.

I arrived at home with a sad face. Near the door, I found a mail delivered to me. It was from Shiyuna! I ran to my room impatiently. The letter read:

Dear Riyu,

It was very fun to be with you. I hope I can meet you again sometime in the future, though I will not know how to. In the car while driving, I usually listen to your album Begin or our first album, BeForU. I wish you good luck in BeForU and as a soloist. I am currently having a good time. I miss you.

Sincerely,

Shiyuna

"Shiyuna, good luck in the future…." I said after reading the letter.

Beep! Beep! I received a text. It was Yoma from the group chat. It read: Hey Riyu, did you receive Shiyuna's letter? She sent it to each of us. I replied, Yes I did.

Losing a friend from a band was one of my darkest days. I liked her voice when she sang with us. I planned on performing live and sending it to BeForU members. I hope new BeForU members will arrive and be my new best friends. I thought, 'Maybe even though I miss Shiyuna, I don't think I will once I make new best friends with the new BeForU members.'