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

It wasn’t just ‘Für Elise’ for the long-awaited piano performance for Mitsuki.

From Chopin’s ‘Fantaisie-Impromptu’ to Bach’s ‘Aria on the G String’ and Mozart’s ‘Turkish March.’

I played all of them for the first time in a long while.

These were once pieces she disliked so much, but now, everything felt pleasant to her.

“Um, C, G… where is this?”

Mitsuki touched the piano with great interest.

However, for someone like Mitsuki, who hadn’t played the piano much before, even moving her fingers seemed difficult.

“Try passing your fingers through here. How about adding some dynamics here?”

“It’s difficult… um, is it supposed to feel dance-like?”

Giving up on playing, Mitsuki suddenly stood up and began to dance lightly.

For Mitsuki, dancing seemed to be the most suitable form of expression for music.

She looked more radiant than when she played the piano.

Her lively and energetic dance, which made the leisurely music seem incongruous, was a delight to watch.

It was a different expression from the boundless smile she showed me, more like the cool and composed Mitsuki on TV.

“Haha, maybe something like that. But you look even more beautiful when compared to seeing you on TV.”

“Wha—!? Why are you suddenly saying such things, Kazu-kun!?”

“The intensity is on a different level, and it feels special to watch the dance of a top idol from a front-row seat.”

“…It’s about the dance, huh?”

Mitsuki stopped abruptly, as if protesting. Her cheeks puffed up in annoyance, but unfortunately, the enjoyable time came to an end.

Though we played the piano diligently for a little over two hours, there was a rule in this apartment.

“So, after 7:30 PM, playing the piano is prohibited. That’s the rule huh.”

“Muu!, if only I had bought this apartment a little earlier…!”

“That’s not the issue here.”

I gently patted Mitsuki’s head and her face broke into a satisfied smile.

She always takes things to such a grand scale.

“Ahaha, but I’m glad. Listening to Kazu-kun’s piano makes me feel more energized. Hey, if I come here again, will you play for me?”

Seated beside me, my childhood friend leaned in closer, making the chair creak. She had a straightforward and carefree smile.

This time, it was a glimpse of the real Mitsuki that only I could see, not the national idol.

Although she had become a nationally known idol, she hadn’t truly become the number one idol yet.

Mitsuki said that, but I couldn’t help but think that if she showed this expression, she could easily become the best idol in Japan.

“I’ll play as much as you want. Thanks to you, I have accumulated quite a few pieces over the years… Although I wish the piano itself could be improved somehow.”

Before covering the piano keys, I pressed them once.

“What’s that for?”

“I thought I wouldn’t play seriously again after entering university, so I got a used electric piano. Thanks to that, I can’t add any dynamics, and the sound is rattling. It has become a makeshift instrument that’s only usable if I can play something.”

It had been three years since I bought it, and it was a miracle that it could be played decently despite the wear and tear.

“Should I buy a regular piano? Maybe then I can practice more?”

“In this apartment, the floor might collapse with just its weight. The apartment across the street is a soundproof studio for music students, and they even have a grand piano. But we can’t afford such luxury.”

The apartment across the street from us was a relatively new soundproof building, built two years ago.

It was said that a few well-off music students lived there.

That apartment allowed the residents to use the piano and had been built with sturdy walls and floors.

—And while I was contemplating on what to do, Mitsuki started making a call somewhere.

“Thank you for your hard work, Shirai-san. Please consider purchasing a grand piano and the apartment I am living in”

“I told you we don’t need that! Of course, there’s no need for Mitsuki to do everything.”

“Muu! You saw through it. Even though I’d throw away all my assets for your sake, Kazu-kun.”

After careful talks, she asked Shirai-san, her manager, to cancel the purchase.

That’s precisely why it’s troubling.

Mitsuki won’t accept any compensation.

And the amount is substantial.

Even though we’re childhood friends, it’s not right to burden others with my personal issues.

If I really wanted to, I could kneel in front of my parents or do whatever it takes to have a piano arranged for me.

But I’d rather not get involved with those parents anymore.

I’ve lived my life solely to escape their curse and rebel against them.

All of this is just the consequence of not making an effort since I entered university.

“Anyway, I’ll take care of the piano somehow, so you won’t have to worry. When Mitsuki comes next time, I promise to play something even more amazing. Trust me.”

I feel like I’m saying something ridiculous, but…

“Okay, I understand. If Kazu-kun says so, I’ll believe you. Then, in return, I have a condition!”

Mitsuki replied without hesitation. But it seems there’s a condition.

“Because you played so many piano pieces for me today, I’ll tell you a place where you can rent a piano and a studio at a reasonable price. I think you’ll pass with your level.”

“…I doubt there’s a place that would lend such things to an ordinary college student?”

“It’s gooood! Let’s go check it out this Saturday. Or… do you not want to go with me?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to!”

When she looked up at me with those half-lidded eyes, there was no way I could refuse.

I’ve always been weak to Mitsuki’s upturned gaze.

In fact, she’s become even cuter, and it’s even harder to say no now.

“Hehe~, good boy for being honest, Kazu-kun. Then, this Saturday. I’ll let you know the place, let’s visit it later on!”

Mitsuki laughed playfully and said those words cheerfully.

I don’t know what kind of place it is, but if Mitsuki says so, it can’t be bad.

It’s just that I feel like I’m being completely taken in by Mitsuki’s excitement… Oh well it can’t be helped.

Moreover, does this means…

“Are we going on a… date?”