Four-handed piano playing is a performance form where two people cooperate on the same piano.
As Kazusa said, this form can cultivate good musical expression through mutual learning and cooperation.
Beginners can also experience the joy of playing under the guidance of an instructor.
But for Chisato now, he didn't experience any joy in playing because he was only responsible for four keys from beginning to end.
What occupied most of his attention was the close proximity between him and Kazusa.
Four-handed piano playing is a rather intimate performance method.
Not only do the two sit on the same piano bench with their bodies close together, but their arms also cross in front of each other.
As a result, Chisato's arm, which was extended in front of Kazusa, often touched her chest.
This made Chisato quite restless throughout the performance.
He tried to restrain himself from having too many of these heart-pounding interactions, but Kazusa seemed unaware of this.
She was extremely focused during the performance, her body slightly swaying with the movement of her fingers.
This instead made Chisato feel a slight sense of guilt.
Teacher Touma is so serious about teaching you to play the piano, but all your attention is not on the piano but on the person teaching you. How can you live up to her?
This guilty feeling persisted until such words appeared in front of Chisato.
[Kazusa feels happy. Favorability +10.]
It's understandable for a performer immersed in the piano to feel this way.
[Kazusa feels excited. Favorability +20.]
Chisato: "?"
[Kazusa feels embarrassed. Favorability +20.]
"!!!"
Just playing the piano, excitement can barely be explained, but embarrassment is definitely not right! What are you thinking, Teacher Touma!
Chisato suddenly turned his head to look at Kazusa.
It was at this moment that he noticed some small details he hadn't noticed before.
It was early summer, the beginning of summer, and the weather was already showing signs of heat.
But today was a rainy day, and the rain had lowered the temperature both indoors and outdoors.
But even in such cool weather, the unnatural flush on Kazusa's neck and cheeks, stained with a blush like the sunset at the edge of the sky, was clearly visible.
This kind of reaction didn't seem to be caused by mere heat.
"Focus!"
Kazusa noticed Chisato's gaze and gave him a quick chop with her hand.
Her expression was as cold as usual, if you ignored her unnatural face and breathing.
Chisato obediently listened and refocused his gaze, but his attention was not on the piano but on Kazusa's pair of white hands blessed by the piano god.
He once thought he was a leg and foot enthusiast, but now he realized he was wrong. He simply liked beautiful girls and all the qualities they embodied.
He originally had no feelings for large chests, but after meeting Kazusa, he changed his mind and believed that a slender figure with ample curves was the most stunning existence.
The saying "enjoy life to the fullest" really made sense, and he couldn't deny the wisdom of the great poet Li.
"Too bad."
After the four-handed piano playing ended, Kazusa closed her eyes to adjust her mood and then opened her mouth with such a merciless evaluation.
What she meant by "too bad" was not the degree and intensity of their physical contact during the latter half of the performance but specifically the ensemble itself.
"You couldn't keep up with my rhythm even when you were only responsible for four keys, and this was when I deliberately slowed down the tempo."
"Your level can't even be described as a beginner but rather a complete outsider, even comparable to a preschooler."
You didn't think the reason for my poor performance was all on you, Teacher Touma, who tests students with such methods in the first lesson.
Chisato didn't argue back. He was afraid that if he did, the angry Teacher Touma would no longer conduct similar lessons in the future.
So he meekly accepted her words.
"Yes, I also think it's very bad."
Chisato's honest attitude surprised Kazusa. She thought he would argue back, but his next words quickly made her expression subtle again.
"Shall we continue?"
Chisato extended his hands in a piano-playing gesture, his eyes full of curiosity, looking like a diligent student, at least in Kazusa's eyes.
"Let's call it a day. Rest for a while. I need to rethink how to teach you."
"Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Touma."
"I told you not to call me teacher."
But you clearly enjoy it.
"I have nowhere to go during lunch break, so I'll stay here for a while."
"Suit yourself."
Chisato smiled, got up, and sat on a bench nearby.
He yawned, looking at the rain outside the window, feeling his body relax.
"It's so quiet here. If there were a place to lie down, it would be great. I could rest comfortably."
"The first music room is not a place for you to sleep."
"Touma, who sleeps in class all day, has no right to say that to me. By the way, Touma, are you free this weekend?"
"What's up?"
"Don't forget I also need to teach you to study."
"There's no need for that."
"Then I can't accept your teaching with a clear conscience. There has to be some return. Oh, by the way, here's the money I borrowed from you."
Chisato took out his wallet and handed over some bills.
Since their relationship had become closer, the borrower and lender relationship could naturally end.
Kazusa didn't want to take the money, but seeing Chisato insist, she reluctantly accepted it.
"I'll teach you on Sunday. How about we find a family restaurant outside?"
"I don't want to go out."
"Then let's do it at your place. Is there any inconvenience if I come over?"
"…"
Kazusa didn't answer.
"Then it's settled."
Just as Chisato arranged the Sunday schedule, his phone rang.
It was Utaha calling, probably knowing he was on lunch break.
Chisato glanced at Kazusa, got up, and walked to the window to answer the call.
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