Kazusa wasn't just talking; after leaving the dessert shop, she followed Chisato onto the same train, even though he had already returned her backpack.
"My workplace is noisy and filled with adults drinking alcohol, so it's very smelly. You probably won't like it there."
It was around six in the evening, and the train was crowded with people getting off work.
Chisato managed to grab a good spot near the corner and pulled Kazusa over, letting her lean against the wall while he used his arms to create a small space around them, preventing anyone from intruding.
"I'm not going there because I like it; I just want to visit your workplace as a customer to repay you for the humiliation you gave me."
"But you've already had three of my milk puddings, and you cut my ring cake in half."
Kazusa's face reddened slightly, but she quickly shot a glare back at him.
"A person who says they're treating you but doesn't pay has no right to complain."
"…"
Rich lady, the reason I didn't pay is that you put down a 5,000 yen bill at the checkout and told the cashier to keep the change. I felt so awkward that I didn't even try to get the money back.
You're so generous; why not keep it for yourself?
These thoughts remained unspoken in Chisato's mind.
Still, Kazusa looked pretty cool when she paid. It was almost too impressive.
Forget it. Focus on making money and becoming as cool as her someday.
Chisato changed the subject,
"About what I mentioned at the shop, you should think it over."
Kazusa turned her head,
"Forget it. I won't consider it."
"It's something that would benefit both of us. Please think about it seriously. We can talk during lunch breaks or after school."
"I hate men who talk to themselves. You're like an old man with stiff fingers. Why should I teach you piano?"
"I said it's mutual help. You help me, and I'll help you get rid of that bottom-of-the-class reputation."
"I don't have that reputation."
"I just said you do now."
"…You're so childish!"
Kazusa grabbed Chisato's face, pinching it as he struggled to keep his hands in place to resist the pressure from the crowd behind them.
Looking at Chisato's face being pinched and unable to fight back, Kazusa's frustration from waiting so long had disappeared, though she still put on a facade of annoyance.
"You have limited talent and a poor music foundation. You're seventeen this year, and if no miracle happens, you won't achieve much in piano."
As they walked out of the station and along the side of Chisato, Kazusa suddenly started speaking seriously after a long silence.
She had been reflecting on what Chisato had said at the restaurant—
"I also want to play piano as well as Kazusa, and I'd like you to teach me."
As for his offer to help with her studies and improve her grades, she didn't see it as that important.
What mattered to her was the earnest and passionate look in his eyes when he asked for help.
He had helped her several times, so it didn't make sense for her to refuse when he needed her help.
Plus, even without those reasons, she didn't want to say no to him.
If she could teach him piano, she'd get to spend time with him every day as his guide.
But even so, some things were clear. Although she only saw him touch the keys for a few seconds, she could still assess his level and the reality of his situation.
If possible, Kazusa didn't want to crush his enthusiasm with discouraging words.
She just wanted to give him a heads-up and avoid seeing him disappointed after putting in a lot of effort without getting the results he hoped for.
But Kazusa's concerns seemed to be unnecessary.
"I'm not aiming for professional level or to make a living from piano. I just want to learn to play well enough to entertain myself and my family. That's all."
His words suddenly made Kazusa very angry.
"If you're just messing around, you could buy a book at the bookstore and practice on your own. Why bother asking me?"
"It's not just messing around! Since I've asked, I absolutely will not give up!"
The subject was deliberately omitted.
"And why ask you, Kazusa? It's because in my inexperienced eyes, your piano skills are the best in the world. Why wouldn't I want the best person to guide me?"
"…"
Even though she knew he was exaggerating to make her happy, Kazusa's mood brightened remarkably.
In his eyes, my rusty piano skills are considered the best in the world?
After walking side by side for a while, Chisato pointed to a set of stairs as they rounded a corner.
"…Starry."
Kazusa glanced up but quickly lost interest, forgetting the original reason for coming along.
"I'm going back."
"Are you mocking me?"
"Yes, mission accomplished, so I'll head back and rest."
Kazusa, with a satisfied smile, turned and walked away.
"Since you've decided to leave, don't wander around here. Shimokitazawa has a lot of bad people and host clubs. Don't follow anyone who invites or hits on you, and don't easily eat any candy offered by strangers."
Chisato's advice didn't annoy Kazusa, but she still looked back after walking a bit, giving Chisato a disdainful smile.
"Idiot!"
Chisato read her lips.
That night, as his shift was ending, Chisato received a message from Kazusa.
[Are your academic skills really that impressive?]
He replied cheerfully.
[Yes, I'm top of the class in the upcoming monthly exam.]
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