On Friday, raindrops pattered against the window, the rhythmic sound making some feel drowsy.
However, Kazusa, resting her head on the desk, wasn't feeling sleepy at all.
She gazed at the cloudy sky outside, occasionally lit by flashes of lightning, silently counting down the minutes until lunchtime.
Normally, she wouldn't think about something like this, but today was different.
When the class bell rang, she stood up more quickly than usual, glanced at Chisato beside her, and hurriedly left the classroom through the back door.
Chisato understood. Last night, just before he went to sleep, he had received a short message from Kazusa:
[Come find me in the first music room at noon tomorrow.]
The meaning of that message was clear: Kazusa had agreed to his earlier suggestion.
A simple arrangement—she would teach him piano, and in return, he would help her with her studies.
A fair exchange of skills.
Much simpler than he expected.
Do you like me that much, Kazusa?
Chisato usually wore a smile, always gentle with everyone, but today, his smile was especially bright, even contagious.
Several girls in class had been so distracted by glancing at him that they were scolded by the teacher.
"You've been getting along well with Touma lately, huh? Are you going to see her now?"
Fubuki Satoshi turned around, curious, as Chisato finished packing up his lunchbox and prepared to leave.
"Yep."
With that, Chisato quickened his pace and exited through the back door, leaving Satoshi stunned at how openly he admitted it.
"He just admitted it so easily… I thought he'd at least try to hide it."
…
According to a survey on love, 80% of people say that their first feelings of admiration for someone of the opposite sex, the kind that makes their gaze unconsciously follow that person, tend to happen in a school setting.
The reasons for developing those feelings are often ridiculously simple.
Perhaps it was just a fleeting glance at someone at a corner, or being healed by a gentle smile. Or maybe it was a kind gesture during a moment of confusion or difficulty.
That pure spark of affection can profoundly influence one's thoughts. At first, you simply notice that person standing out from the crowd, becoming a special presence.
Gradually, you start paying more attention to them.
Observing their every move, wondering if the smile they gave to someone else held special meaning, or if the yawn they stifled in class meant they hadn't slept well.
By the time you realize it, your thoughts are filled with them.
You want to talk to them, be closer, longing for a more intimate connection.
Kazusa was no stranger to this feeling. Today, she could still taste that anxious, bittersweet emotion in her heart.
But as someone with a sweet tooth, she couldn't help but crave more of that sweetness.
"What's this?"
When Chisato arrived at the first music room, Kazusa handed him a small tote bag. He didn't open it right away but asked curiously.
"Piano beginner books from when I was a kid. Perfect for a beginner like you."
After handing him the bag, Kazusa turned toward the window, pretending to look outside. In reality, she was watching Chisato's reaction through the reflection in the glass.
"Wow, these are from when you were a kid?"
Great, he's happy.
Seeing the genuine excitement on his face, Kazusa couldn't help but let a small smile tug at her lips.
"Can I open it now?"
"Those are yours now."
Chisato smiled and opened the bag.
Inside were several piano books. The covers were worn, but they felt more precious to him than brand-new ones.
"Thank you. I'll study hard, Teacher Touma."
Chisato's formal gratitude made Kazusa a little uncomfortable.
She turned around, her face expressionless, and with a long sigh called him a "dummy" before sitting at the piano.
"Hurry up and finish your lunch. We'll start with some basics after that."
Despite her disdain for being called "teacher," the tone of her words carried a certain educator's authority, revealing that she was secretly enjoying it.
Chisato chuckled to himself.
"Won't take long. Haven't you eaten yet? Want some of mine?"
"No need, I already ate."
With that, Kazusa began playing the piano, filling the room with a beautiful melody.
That works, Chisato thought. Giving Kazusa the meal that Utaha had specially prepared for him would feel strange.
As he admired Kazusa's graceful piano playing, Chisato quickly finished his lunch.
"Sit here."
When Kazusa finished her piece, she scooted over on the piano bench and patted the spot next to her.
Chisato obediently sat down.
The extended piano bench had room for two, but even so, their legs pressed together, and their bodies were close.
Kazusa didn't show any particular reaction to this.
She tapped his back to make him straighten up, then took his left hand and placed it between her arms, positioning them for a four-hand piano session.
"This is your first lesson. I'm not going to teach you the basics just yet. I want you to get a feel for what it's like to be part of a real performance."
"Teacher Touma, I have a question."
"Go ahead."
"With my current skills, starting with something this complex… I feel like I'll just hold you back."
"I know you're a dummy, so I don't expect much. Just press down the keys your fingers are touching when you hear this note."
Kazusa played a short example and then signaled Chisato with her eyes. He gently pressed the two keys she had indicated.
"That's it. When the formal performance starts, you just need to focus on listening and press those two keys at the right time."
Kazusa cast a deliberately disdainful look, with a light and joyful smile.
"Chisato, you shouldn't be unable to do such a basic thing, right?"
This remark immediately made Chisato unhappy, and his damn competitive spirit surged.
"Don't underestimate me. Don't give me something so basic. Make it harder. Let me use my middle finger too. I want to press four keys!"
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