My Childhood Friend, who became a National Idol, moved next door to my Run-down Apartment [Dropped] - Chapter 11 - After the grandoise performance

“Looks like I’ve won.”

Despite being a midterm exam within the school, the hall was engulfed in applause and cheers as if it were a post-concert celebration. For a full eight minutes, Oseya flawlessly played an extremely challenging practice piece. The space she created on the stage was truly awe-inspiring to anyone who laid eyes on it.

Even Sena, who inexplicably disliked Oseya, found herself unable to look away from her performance on stage.

Amidst the continuous applause, Oseya returned to the backstage area and declared triumphantly, “I’m going to Vienna as the top student of this university. Any objections?”

Breathing heavily, a single bead of sweat trickled down her forehead. Oseya fanned herself with a bottle of water nearby and asked to confirm.

“There’s no doubt about it. Not in terms of the number of spectators or the quality of the performance. When someone plays an extraordinary virtuoso piece like that, there’s no competition.”

“Hmph. Of course. I’ve consistently received an S+ evaluation in practical exams since my first year at this university.”

At Teito Music University, practical exams were divided into six levels: S+, S, A, B, C, and D. A to C evaluation was roughly equivalent to 60 points, which marked the border for earning credits. On the other hand, an S+ evaluation was a rarity, with only a few students in each year receiving it.

While I hovered somewhere between C and B, Oseya always managed to secure the top spot with her continuous S+ evaluations. There was simply no basis for comparison.

“My final practical exam at this university will be like my last concert. Got it? Make sure to come and watch me then, alright?”

Oseya leaned in closer, her crimson hair that stuck to her cheeks due to sweat had an oddly radiant sheen.

“Yeah, I got it.”

Upon hearing my response, Oseya turned her back to us with a huff.

“Like I said, you’re such an idiot.”

She muttered disdainfully, tossing the empty water bottle into the trash.

As she left the hall with confident footsteps, many in the hall were still basking in the afterglow of her performance.

“Shall we head to the cafeteria, Sena?”

I called out to Sena, who was sitting on a pipe chair without moving.

But there was no response.

“Sena?”

“Ack!? Oh… Y-Yes! Let’s go to the cafeteria. Kagari might have some of that Tonkatsu Beefsteak set left, so it’s worth a shot! Senpai, let’s dash before they run out!”

Sena suddenly snapped back to reality, waving her hands in a flustered manner. Her round, animal-like eyes swayed left and right as she continued, “They say the Tonkatsu Beefsteak set is only 500 yen today, so it’s the perfect opportunity! Let’s hurry, Senpai!”

As Sena grabbed my hand, we dashed towards the exit of the hall. 

With every word of praise for Oseya Mao echoing in my ears as we left the hall, I could feel Sena’s grip on my hand growing stronger.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

The staircase of my rundown apartment building was extremely steep. Just climbing it while holding shopping bags felt like a kind of strength training. As the day gradually darkened, it became difficult to see the ground beneath our feet, so we had to be careful.

Sena, for once, didn’t ask in her usual playful manner, “What’s for dinner tonight?” and headed straight home. She said she had some inspiration and felt like writing good lyrics today.

It seemed like she was preparing for the upcoming practical exam. There was still some time before the written exams, so there was no need to rush.

Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Mitsuki recently either.

After listening to Oseya’s performance, I felt the urge to see her, but being a top idol must be extremely busy.

Today, I’ll follow Sena’s example and try making something other than cup noodles…

As we approached the stairs leading to the fourth floor, it happened.

“Aah… ouch… ouch…”

A girl wearing a black hat, sunglasses, and what appeared to be a mask to avoid being recognized, crouched on the middle landing of the staircase.

“M-Mitsuki!?”

The girl—Mitsuki Toujou—looked up at me in surprise as soon as she saw me.

I forgot about my shopping bags and rushed to her hurriedly.

Did she slip on the steep stairs? It wouldn’t be strange for her to break a bone if she hit her shins.

“Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital… or should I contact your manager?”

“W-Wait, no, that’s not it, Kazu-kun…”

Mitsuki blushed shyly as inspected her legs while looking for a possible injury.

I felt bad, but this was a big deal. I couldn’t ignore it so nonchalantly.

“Mitsuki, let’s get a bit further up first. Can you stand?”

“Oh, u-um, I can stand, but…”

She tried to stand on her own, but Mitsuki cried out with a groan as she failed to do so.

She seemed more exhausted than injured…

“I just have muscle soreness, that’s all. There’s no elevator in this building… Today, I had a lot of dance practice, so, haha it can’t be helped…”

Haah… we must add an elevator to this rundown apartment building.

Please do something about it, oh landlord…

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120