After spending the entire night, Kazusa finally took out the awards and photos from her storage boxes and carefully arranged them in the once-empty display cabinet in her music room.
Not only that, she also moved each of her instruments back into the room, filling the previously vacant and cold space with life.
The goal, of course, was to see a certain someone's surprised reaction.
She wanted to impress him, to hear his compliments, to show him that she wasn't just some lazy girl who slept on her desk all day.
She wanted to completely change the way he saw her.
It was a childish act—like a kid, eager to show off, desperate for attention. But without a doubt, she succeeded.
All her hard work, day and night, paid off when she got the exact reaction she wanted from Chisato.
"No way, you're just a hopeless sweets addict…"
Chisato wandered around the room, but he didn't immediately sit at the piano.
He stopped in front of the saxophone. Behind it, the display case held a plaque reading "Saxophone—National Youth Competition Gold Medal."
In the photo next to it, a young Kazusa, no older than middle school age, was holding the saxophone and staring coldly at the camera.
This reaction was exactly what Kazusa had hoped for.
She didn't bother to refute his skepticism. Instead, with a lazy smile, she casually walked over, picked up the saxophone, and began to play.
Kazusa wasn't one to talk much; she preferred to show her abilities through action.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, placed the mouthpiece between her lips, and started playing.
The smooth melody flowed out, and just from the intro, Chisato felt himself getting swept away.
The spotlight overhead illuminated her face, her snow-white skin glowing with an almost ethereal radiance.
The confident, focused expression on her face transformed the entire atmosphere around her.
The impact of her saxophone performance hadn't even worn off when Kazusa calmly switched to the violin, her movements turning graceful in an instant.
Then came the guitar, the flute…
"Okay, that's enough," Chisato finally snapped out of his daze when she walked over to the drum set, stopping her.
It was as if the muse of music hadn't just kissed Kazusa's fingers but poured all her divine power into her. A true musical prodigy.
Jack of all instruments?
Chisato thought to himself. It almost felt like this woman had some kind of cheat system!
"You said I was lying, didn't you? Well, you heard it yourself. And I still have twelve more instruments I haven't shown you yet," Kazusa teased, twirling the drumsticks in her hands with ease.
She looked nothing like the frustrated girl from this morning's study session. Now, she was glowing, bright and dazzling.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Touma. I shouldn't have doubted you," Chisato apologized sincerely.
"As long as you understand," Kazusa said, putting the drumsticks back. To hide the excitement bubbling up inside her, she turned and walked over to the piano.
"But you're really incredible. You must've stood out so much in your special music program that it was hard to make friends, right? I mean, who wouldn't feel discouraged with someone like you—someone who's mastered every instrument?"
Chisato's words were genuine, overflowing with admiration.
"Enough with the flattery. Come sit down already. I want to see how much you remember from last time."
On the outside, Kazusa acted nonchalant, but only she knew how truly happy she was today.
Chisato sat beside her, placing his hands on the piano keys. Together, they played a familiar melody.
Her mother had once labeled her as a failure, abandoning her in this country. She had spent years living in loneliness, but that changed when this guy barged into her life.
Suddenly, her world was fuller, no longer empty.
Whether it was the schoolwork she hated, the delicious fried rice and hotpot they shared, or showing off her musical talents and seeing his amazed expressions and hearing his praises—every moment with him made her happy.
It reminded her of when she used to do similar things with her mom, moments that brought her joy.
But now, the person making her happy was different. It was this guy, who had unexpectedly helped her rediscover a treasure she had long forgotten about.
"You messed up again. That's the third time."
"Kazusa, this feels wrong. You're playing way faster than last time—I can't keep up!"
"Stop talking and focus on the rhythm. The second part's coming up."
"Wait, hold on…"
Kazusa's mind was elsewhere, but she continued to teach him in the same way her first music teacher—her mother, Touma Youko—had taught her.
For the first time, this rebellious girl genuinely wanted to help someone.
He had once told her that he wanted to become a cool guy in other people's eyes.
So she would teach him, sincerely and without half-hearted effort, to help him achieve that dream.
After all, she didn't have anything else to do, and… she was curious to see the look on his face when he finally managed to play a piece on his own, despite his lack of musical talent.
Chisato, you'll definitely be proud. You'll shine, too.
Imagining a future where that scene might come true, Kazusa shook away all other thoughts, focusing solely on the special person next to her.
You will definitely become that cool guy, because your teacher is Kazusa, and because you've earned her approval.
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