My Childhood Friend, who became a National Idol, moved next door to my Run-down Apartment [Dropped]

Unlike my performance a little while ago, the hall was packed with people.

As Osera bowed in front of the large audience, the bustling noise gradually subsided.

The practical exam at Teito Music University is also an open concert for the spectators.

It is certainly a valuable opportunity to listen to live performances by pianists of the same generation as ours.

Well… when I was the one playing, there were only a few spectators like Sena, so the way the seats were filled for this event was incredible in its own ways.

That is the reason why it was the perfect chance for the cafeteria meal…

For some reason, thanks to Osera’s arrangements, I was occupying a premium seat backstage.

It’s a genuine premium seat where I can carefully watch Osera playing from behind.

Even if they hadn’t prepared such a place for me, it would have been fine to stand at the back of the hall and listen like others.

The fact that so many people gather for just one piece of music lasting 4 to 5 minutes is precisely the charm of the pianist Mao Osera.

“Examinee number 18. Majoring in Instrumental Studies, Piano Department, Mao Osera.”

“The free performance piece is Franz Liszt’s transcendental etude No. 4, ‘Mazeppa.’ Is that correct?”

“That’s correct.”

After the professor’s confirmation, Osera responded firmly, and the hall buzzed again. And rightfully so.

The transcendental etudes are among the most difficult pieces for anyone playing the piano.

Extensive and rapid finger movements across the keyboard, continuous octave jumps, dynamic variations.

Each aspect is challenging to master and express fully with perfection.

Not only are there very few pianists who can perform this piece, but it also demands endurance for an 8-minute performance.

As Osera took her seat, the surroundings fell into complete silence.

Liszt’s musical depiction of the “Hero,” based on Victor Hugo’s narrative poem, suited Osera’s fundamentally bold and always challenging nature perfectly.

“She’s chosen an impressive piece, incredible as always.”

“I heard her play here and there during the entrance exam classes, but she’s unbelievably skilled. Truly a force to be reckoned with.”

“That’s not what I meant. She must have deliberately chosen it, fully aware she was the top scorer in the entrance exam.”

“What’s the point of dwelling on the entrance exam results now? Looking at the audience size just now and comparing it to yours… Wait, why are you even here? What happened to the cafeteria?”

“When I looked back, there were no top scorers, so I decided to come back, obviously! There’s no way I’ll let that woman steal the spotlight from me!”

Suddenly, Sena sat down next to me on a nearby pipe chair.

She shook her chestnut-brown semi-long hair and stared menacingly at Osera on stage, like a little Chihuahua growling at its arch-nemesis.

Asking her why she was casually sitting in a premium seat now would probably be in poor taste.

“You seem to hate Osera so much…”

“Grrr…” Sena quietly growled, paying no attention to my comment. Then, the hall lights suddenly dimmed.

When the spotlight illuminated on Osera alone, her presence reverberated throughout the entire hall as if everyone had been waiting for this moment.

With a powerful melody and expressive use of her entire body, each note merged like individual grains, leaving even Sena, who had regarded Osera as her enemy just a while ago, breathless.

“Playing the piano to win, and being able to continue playing this far, is amazing, isn’t it?”

Mao Osera’s music is one that makes her apart from other competitors, she is in a league of her own.

She won the trophy at the All-Japan Music Competition two years ago.

And then, she advanced through the Eurasia International Music Competition’s preliminary round last year.

As a result, she has decided to take a short-term study abroad in Austria this fall.

Every year, she participates in various competitions, practicing her thorough “winning music.”

It is proof that she steadily climbs the stairs toward her goal, which she has been pursuing since she was one year old, to become “the world’s greatest pianist.”

I used to have those ambitions as well, but it’s all in the past.

I aimed for top placements in competitions, seeking to perform better than others, but the more I pursued it, the more my heart drifted away from the piano.

“It’s probably because I’ve been playing with the motivation to win. It’s enjoyable to win, to defeat others, and to prove to the world that I’m better than anyone else. That kind of motivation makes practicing easy, and playing on such grand stages, watched by a large audience, also feels good. It’s strong music, I suppose.”

“I see… So, it’s completely different from Kagari, who gets excited when she thinks of catchy lyrics.”

“Well, that’s one type of motivation too.”

“Then, how would you describe Senpai’s type?”

Sena’s question was innocent and kinda predictable.

“Come to think of it, that’s right.”

Until high school, I was always forced into “winning music.”

But when I think about it carefully…

“Hey, Kazu-kun! Doesn’t this sound kind of dance-like?!”

I recall the sight of her frowning with curiosity and contorting her body when playing dissonant notes.

“That sound there, I really like it! It’s like saying, ‘Hey, everyone, look at me!'”

I remember the figure of my childhood friend, who used to play while striking poses as if she had an audience in front of her, appealing to everyone with a cheer.

“I might have been the type who played to make my childhood friend, who danced with a big smile while I touched the keys, which made both of us even happier.”

Suddenly, Mutsuki’s face crossed my mind.

If I hadn’t met her again recently, this memory might have remained sealed forever.

In response to my answer, Sena widened her eyes in surprise.

“Memories of when playing the piano was fun, huh?”

As I listened to Mao Osera’s outstanding performance.

And as I received Sena’s pure and curiosity filled gaze.

I felt an inexplicable longing to meet Mitsuki, the origin of my music.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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