"Harmonies of the Heart"

Chapter 6 : Seeds of Doubt

Gumi tapped her fingers on the armrest, her gaze scanning the studio filled with scattered gear, tangled cords, and a faint hum of voices. It had taken careful planning to get her solo project off the ground, but that was just the beginning. For her vision to truly unfold, she needed to clear the path. Miku and Teto were in her way—too strong together, too admired as a duo. If Gumi was going to take the top, she had to break that bond.

She allowed herself a slight, calculating smile as she noticed Teto practicing alone in the corner.

Teto was mid-verse when Gumi approached her with a soft smile, voice low and sympathetic.

 "Hey, Teto. You sounded great, as always. I was actually meaning to talk to you—are you alright?"

Teto looked up, surprised. "Oh, thanks! Yeah, I'm fine. Just trying to work out a few things with this harmony."

Gumi leaned against the wall, her smile thoughtful. "You know... I heard some things that might be unsettling, and I figured I'd tell you, as a friend." She paused for effect, watching Teto's expression carefully.

Teto's brow furrowed. "What did you hear?"

 "It's probably nothing. But people are saying that Miku's been wanting to explore a solo career. You know how things are in this industry—fans are always looking for the next big thing." She shrugged, offering a sympathetic glance. "But I'm sure she wouldn't... you know, leave you out."

Teto blinked, a flash of uncertainty in her eyes. "Miku would tell me if she was thinking that... right?"

Gumi offered a gentle smile, carefully feigning concern. "Of course. Just wanted you to know that there are whispers about her expanding... and I know how much you value what you two have. But you deserve to be seen, Teto. You're incredible on your own."

Teto's smile was tight, her usual confidence tinged with doubt. "Thanks, Gumi. I appreciate you looking out for me."

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After leaving Teto, Gumi spotted Miku heading toward the studio, her usual bright smile lighting up the room. Gumi intercepted her with a grin.

"Miku! I caught part of your last performance with Teto—it was amazing, as always. You're so talented, you could easily shine all on your own." She watched for Miku's reaction, hoping to plant a seed of independence.

Miku laughed, brushing off the praise. "Thanks, but I wouldn't want to do it alone. Teto and I are stronger together."

Gumi tilted her head, feigning surprise. "Oh, I see. It's just... I thought Teto was feeling a little off about things lately. She's mentioned to a few people that she doesn't want to feel like your backup."

Miku's smile faded, replaced by a faint look of worry. "Teto's never said anything like that to me..."

Gumi gave a small, sympathetic shrug. "I'm probably overthinking it. But you might want to make sure she's really happy. Little misunderstandings can grow into bigger ones."

As Gumi walked away, she felt a surge of satisfaction. Both Miku and Teto would now have seeds of doubt to contend with—just enough to keep each one questioning.

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Rehearsal was tense. Miku couldn't shake Gumi's words, and Teto kept glancing at Miku, wondering if the rumors were true. Their usual easy rhythm felt off, replaced by hesitant steps and uncertain glances.

At the end of rehearsal, Miku finally spoke, her voice quiet.

"Teto, are you... happy with the way things are between us?"

Teto paused, caught off guard by the question. "Of course, Miku... But sometimes it's hard. People just see me as your backup. It's like no matter what I do, I'm always going to be in your shadow."

Miku's heart sank as Gumi's words echoed in her mind. "You're not my backup, Teto. You're... amazing, and I wouldn't want to do any of this without you."

Teto forced a smile, but her voice wavered. "Thanks, Miku. I just... sometimes I wonder if you'd be better off on your own."

Miku reached out, resting a hand on Teto's shoulder, trying to bridge the sudden distance. "No, Teto, that's not true. You mean so much to me. I want us to do this together."

But the silence that followed felt heavy, thick with doubts and unspoken fears, and each left rehearsal feeling as if something important had shifted.

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From a distance, Gumi watched Miku and Teto leave the studio, each looking distracted and burdened. She couldn't help but smirk at how well her plan was falling into place. Teto's insecurity, Miku's worry—all of it made her position stronger.

In her dressing room, Gumi whispered to herself, a look of triumph in her eyes. "Just a little more, and they'll unravel on their own."

With Miku and Teto's friendship crumbling, she was one step closer to becoming the undisputed star.