Joshua frowned deeply

"I do not approve."

Rhyme giggled "Well, I'm sorry but you have to, because Mister H. said you have appearances to keep. If you were to suddenly be ok after what you went through, then people would get suspicious. Besides it won't be for very long, just a few days!"

The Composer crossed his arms "Raimu, my reach does not extend to Odaiba Beach. In fact, I myself cannot travel to areas too far from Shibuya except on the rare occasion when the Composers hold a manual in-person meeting outside of Shinjuku. If you find yourself accosted by unsavory individuals...I will be unable to rescue you."

Rhyme blushed heavily. She understood, then, Joshua's reluctance in seeing her go off with the rest of the students to the school beach trip. He wanted her close so he could literaly be her guardian angel. As sweet as that concept was…

"I don't deserve that kind of attention from you. I'm not important...not in your world."

The Composer frowned and reached out a hand "Not important? Wherever did you hear such meaningless words? Raimu, I had hoped that you and I had reached a form of understanding by now, a familiarity. I hold you above other mortals, surely you understand that at least. You were kind to me, and I simply wish to connect with you in a way I never thought I could. You, Raimu Bito, are indeed very important to me."

He sighed "For this reason, I suppose I must allow fate to take a hand in this situation. Do have fun, but remember...be careful. I understand dear Neku is also attending, so do stick by him and Shiki. For my sake. If you agree to do so, then I in turn will agree to not worry myself into erasure about your well-being."

Rhyme giggled and nodded "Deal!"

The Composer relaxed and sighed, laying back and lifting a hand to his guest "Then by all means, enjoy the trip, dear Raimu. I shall remain here and keep up appearances, though I will find it less enjoyable than dipping my toes in Ginroto's waters. She doesn't like me much anyway." The bitter tone was amplified as Joshua snorted "None of them do really. Speaking of which, I better get in on today's meeting before everyone hangs up."

Rhyme grinned and, after a slight bow, exited the room as Joshua took out his phone and began dialing. Once the girl had closed the door, the ash-blond turned to his Conductor and said lowly,

"Make sure she doesn't come to any harm."

Kariya sighed but left stealthily, unease welling up in his gut as he tailed the girl.

TWEWYTWEWYTWEWY

"He actually was ok with letting you come without him." Neku stated as they rode the bus with the other students.

Rhyme nodded with a grin "He really can be reasoned with, Neku. I think it's sweet, really. He doesn't have to worry about me."

"I'm not sure it is worry, Rhyme." Shiki said softly.

Mina giggled and thumped her on the back, "Shiki, sweety, that's not a thing to worry about! It's not creepy, it's sweet and sensitive."

"Isn't it dreamy? I'd love to have a guy care about me that much!" Mana gushed.

"Oh please, that's not romantic, that's pity party! Rhyme is so beneath him, Yoshiya has to protect her or the sharks will tear her up and spit her out!" Sakura said snidely, glaring at the young Bito pointedly.

Neku cringed and grit his teeth, looking at the young Bito for her reaction. Rhyme had gone pale, a far off look in her eyes. Shiki gently put her arms around the younger girl, and whispered to Neku "She's shaking!" to which he responded by frowning hard at Sakura until she turned with a huff, muttering something about 'trashy emo nonentity.' and sniffed the air in a huff.

Rhyme huddled against her two friends, suddenly wishing that the Composer had come after all...