My Childhood Friend, who became a National Idol, moved next door to my Run-down Apartment [Dropped] - Chapter 23 - Future Plans!

“Um, by the way, Mitsuki-san. What is the reason you invited Kazuki-san this time?”

As I sat across from Mitsuki in the dressing room, with Shirai-san next to me, I realized that Mitsuki’s perpetually gentle atmosphere never ceased.

I had intended to explain, but with a smile, Mitsuki spoke in my place.

“Fufu~, you see, Kazu-kun is incredibly skilled at playing the piano. When Kazu-kun plays the piano, I feel all fluffy and uplifted, like ‘whooaaa,’ and it’s so refreshing! So, I want everyone else to feel all fluffy too. I’d love to have a place where we can practice more. Please listen! Kazu-kun is truly, truly amazing!”

Mitsuki stretched her body wide as she spoke.

In my mind, I recalled Michiru-san’s words when I met Sena.

“That performance was so beautiful. It gave me this warm, fluffy feeling, and yet it was sharp and cool, and it was so cool,really amazing!”

Two top idols being so eccentric—just what is up with that?

But, well, Mitsuki had explained everything clearly.

I nodded along, but Shirai-san had a different reaction.

“I see. I completely don’t understand… Mitsuki-san, are you truly the sophisticated and intelligent Mitsuki-san…? Or does Kazuki-san, uh… understand what she’s saying?”

Suddenly, I glanced at Shirai-san, who had a plethora of question marks floating above her head.

What was she talking about? Mitsuki had explained everything so clearly, hadn’t she?

“…..”

“….?”

“….!!”

…Oh, right! It seems I was also completely carried away by Mitsuki and got caught up in her excitement!!

Shirai-san seemed puzzled by Mitsuki’s transformation and me getting along with her antics!

For Shirai-san, the current Mitsuki must look like an entirely different person.

“This is the elegant, academically excellent, cool beauty Mitsuki-san…? No way, she’s just a cute girl who’s completely immersed in love without any sophisticated vocabulary…”

But for me, this… was the real Mitsuki.

“By the way, what is Kazuki-san doing right now…?”

I couldn’t burden Shirai-san, who was covering her mouth and muttering to herself, any further.

I had to straighten myself out, at least for her sake!

“I’m currently attending the Teito Music University. At the moment, I only have a barely functioning piano at home… I came here after hearing that Mitsuki has a place where I can borrow a piano and a studio, but I never imagined that the place I will be coming to was a music agency.”

“Teito Music University! That’s where Misty Eyes’ Sasaoka-san graduated, right? It’s also a place that our company has been visiting for the past three years.”

Shirai-san clapped her hands.

Three years ago… that must have been the year I enrolled at the Teito Music University.

But wait, what do you mean by visiting…?

“Our company’s president suddenly took an interest in the Imperial Capital Music University, you know? ‘Keep an eye on the university. I can’t say much, but if we miss this opportunity, our idols won’t stay as idols…’ He said that. It’s not for me to say this in front of Kazuki-san, but even after three years of searching, aside from Osera-san, there doesn’t seem to be anyone else with as much charm…”

“What about Kazu-kun?”

“I’m already here though?”

Suddenly, the light vanished from Mitsuki’s eyes.

“Mi-Mitsuki-san…!?” Shirai-san’s voice trembled in fear.

“In this world, the most amazing and cool guy is named Kazu-kun, you know? Kazu-kun is the best at everything. His graceful finger movements, precise way of playing, musicality, in every aspect, Kazu-kun is the best. After all, Kazu-kun has always been…”

“I understand, okay, stop it, Mitsuki! It was my fault, alright?!”

Never before had I regretted not taking the piano seriously as much as today. I only went through the motions, and that’s why I’m here now. Shirai-san’s evaluation was expected, and in reality, Osera was an incredible person.

Shirai-san suddenly put her hand on her chest as if calming her heartbeat, then she straightened herself and continued, “Anyway, for example, the final concert at the school festival after the practical exam. Star Planet Music will also participate in that presentation.”

Wait, the final concert after the practical exam… Osera mentioned something like that too.

It seems that at the end of the first semester of the third year, the Teito Music University holds a practical exam, and depending on the results, some students get the opportunity to lead the main concert at the school festival hosted by the university. It mostly involves presenting the research and studies from each respective laboratory, but for the final concert, the top performers from the third year are given a special slot with a significant amount of time.

It’s a well-known music festival, and it attracts quite a crowd since it’s open to the public. By the time you’re in the fourth year, you’ll be busy with job hunting, so the third year is the best time to showcase yourself externally. Companies appreciate it because they can assess promising students from various fields.

…However, this year, Osera Mao’s dominance is so overwhelming that it seems everyone assumes she will be the main performer at the school festival.

“As for equipment rental, I think that’s the fastest way for you to prove yourself. If you sign contracts with a few companies in the future, you can have access to studios near the Imperial Music University that are available year-round. That way, Star Planet might approach you… um, I’m telling you this because you know Mitsuki-san, so keep it a secret, okay!?”

“Actually, I’m really grateful!”

“As for me, since Mitsuki-san has moved away, there are a few places nearby that I would like you to use for Mitsuki-san’s purposes. But the accounting department hasn’t given their approval…”

Just then, someone knocked on the dressing room door.

“Shirai-san, it’s Suzuki from accounting. We have some kids on a tour who want to see the office. Can you handle it?”

“Oh no, is it that time already!? Yes, right away! Ka-Kazuki-san, please take your time…! W-Well then, I’ll take my leave!!”

And… Shirai-san hurriedly left.

Come to think of it, Mitsuki didn’t plan on coming to the office today, right? I feel bad for causing her trouble.

“Ugh, Shirai-san told me not to… I thought I could be of help to you, Kazu-kun. I’m sorry.”

“No, there’s nowhere else to freely perform without applying at the university. Moreover, there’s no place right now that lends out just a solo piano. Most people who go to music school have their own pianos to begin with. It’s a real help just knowing that there’s a place available for year-round use near the music university through your connections, Mitsuki.”

“Really?”

I ruffled her hair and Mitsuki looked up at me with teary eyes.

When it comes to herself, she’s always so dedicated and earnest, but when it comes to small things like this, she gets overly discouraged. That’s just how Mitsuki has always been.

“Really, really. So, it means if I get the highest score in the next exam, that’s all it takes, right? Leave it to me. I won’t let this opportunity that you introduced me to slip away.”

As I caressed her slightly pink puffed cheeks, her face lit up with a radiant smile.

Honestly, if she made this face on TV, her popularity would skyrocket…

I couldn’t help but think that as I stared at my bag with the music sheet I had brought along.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120