My Childhood Friend, who became a National Idol, moved next door to my Run-down Apartment [Dropped] - Chapter 3 - Reunion...

“Ugh! My head is a mess!”

Sena raised both hands in surrender, as if to express exactly what she said.

The time was already past 7 PM.

Considering Sena’s academic performance, this was probably her limit for today. She had put in quite a good effort so far.

It had been about three hours since Sena came up to my room.

After enjoying Sena’s special dish, we dedicated ourselves to studying.

Fortunately, there were no luxurious distractions like games or manga here.

Only the bare essentials were present – some reference books and an old electronic piano, along with minimal furniture.

Well, the piano had turned into a makeshift storage area, more or less.

“I managed to cram in the basics of English and standard math, so that should be enough. I hope I can at least show some gratitude during dinner.”

“If it weren’t for you, Senpai, I would have failed twice and repeated a year… From now on, please, I beg you…”

Sena lowered her head in a comical way, always with a grin on her face, now countering me.

“Senpai, have you finished the assignment?”

As I started looking for the remote control to turn on the TV, Sena asked me from behind.

She was probably referring to the composition assignment for our seminar.

Tonight, there was a behind-the-scenes program about Turmila’s live performance, starting at 7 PM.

While still searching for the remote control, I replied, “More or less. While you were solving it, I wrote down whatever I could. If it’s somewhat decent, the professor should be satisfied.”

When Sena saw my sheet music, written on an A4 page with just one staff, she was visibly astonished.

“Wow… It’s really good… Without any piano or humming, you managed to incorporate the tempo and harmony perfectly. Senpai, you’re just amazing… With this, the professor will probably give it a passing grade, at the very least.”

“I can’t tell if you’re complimenting me or mocking me.”

At that moment, I noticed the remote control under the desk.

Also at the same time, I saw Sena clenching her fist on her knee.

“Well, what do you think, Kagari? Senpai’s ability is beyond just this, right?”

Her voice was rising albeit slowly.

Sena continued, “Hey, Senpai.”

When I heard her voice, my hand, which was reaching for the remote, paused mid-way.

“Looks like you’re not playing the piano after all.”

Following Sena’s gaze, I saw the electronic piano sitting in the corner of the room as a mere decorative piece.

It was covered by souvenirs from trips and bags that were no longer in use.

Without delay, I picked up the remote and turned on the TV. There, on the behind-the-scenes program, was Mitsuki dancing energetically in the center.

Mitsuki, hidden away in the depths of the television, seemed unapproachable at first glance.

In Japan, the phrase “cool beauty type,” which hasn’t been seen in a while, fits her perfectly.

But now, she shines brightly both in popularity and talent.

Mitsuki, with her cool demeanor and always lively singing and dancing, has become an absolutely unreachable existence.

As if remembering, I answered Sena’s question.

“…I’ve been playing it so much in college, you know.”

The electronic piano, which I brought with me to my solitary living place, has become an essential part of the interior.

“Isn’t Senpai just playing superficial and temporary performances at the university?”

Sena mumbled something under her breath, but quickly regained her usual characteristic smile.

“…Yeah, you’re right. Even though I say that myself, if I keep playing the piano at home and on campus, I feel like I’ll go crazy! It’s like Kagari’s basic training or something!”

“If it becomes like that, it’s discouraging…? But you haven’t failed any courses, have you…?”

A little disappointed, Sena once again smiled cheerfully and stood up.

“I’ve been in your care for a long time, but today, Kagari is gonna call it a day! Call me anytime if you want to eat something delicious. I’ll make it for you as my home tutor fee!”

“That’s right. I’ll walk you to the station.”

“You don’t have to treat me like a kid to let me go home, you know!?”

I’m not treating her like a kid. To me, Sena is like a little sister.

If something happened to her on the way home, I couldn’t bear it.

“Well then… Be careful, okay?”

Waving at least in front of the entrance, Sena had lost the subtle expression she had earlier.

“Yeah! See you tomorrow at the university!”

Waving energetically, Sena descended the stairs lightly with a cheerful trot.

Now then…

“…Jii…” [SFX for staring]

I noticed a prickling gaze on my back and when I turned to the source, I saw that the neighbor’s entrance was open.

…. And there she was peeking through the gaps and staring intently at me.

“Kazu-kun, you brought a girl home. You’re being a naughty boy in my absence.”

She appeared strangely regressed, like a child.

The girl then clapped her cheeks as if she hadn’t seen anything.

Her behavior seemed to erase all the memories she had seen until now, somehow very relaxed.

Her speech was stammered and she seemed strangely stiff.

…Wait, did she say “Kazu-kun”?

My thoughts came to a sudden halt.

From the television’s audio coming from behind me, an extended interview with Mitsuki Toujou was playing.

“I believe there are no limits to being an idol. I want to keep moving forward with my true self and show everyone the figure of our group!”

And there’s only one person who calls me “Kazu-kun.”

Yes, that’s right. I remember clearly now…

“Kazu-kun, we’re neighbors again, just like old times. So take care of me~”

It was my easygoing childhood friend, Mitsuki Toujou, who had that usual gentle and fluffy smile on her beautiful face.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

As Kagari Sena took her leave from Kazuki Fujieda’s home, she let out a small sigh.

“Haah… I decided to enter the Imperial Music University after watching Senpai at the Imperial Cup.”

The Imperial Music University Piano Competition, commonly known as the “Imperial Cup,” was a special entrance exam where piano performers gathered and showcased their talents to the public.

At that time, the sound Kazuki produced in the concert hall was still etched in Kagari’s mind.

It was intense, sorrowful, solemn, and yet, so light…

It resembled the undulating waves of the sea, producing a beautiful sound that seemed to go on forever.

What was even more astonishing was that the piece Kazuki played at that time was entirely original, something no one had ever heard before.

With his original composition, Kazuki completely dominated the entire hall by himself.

With that awe-inspiring performance of every emotion one could imagine, he secured the first place and gained admission to the Imperial Music University.

“Senpai was Kagari’s idol. Back then, Kagari was lethargic, empty, and devoid of any purpose,” she recalled.

Her musical grades after enrollment were honestly crawling on the ground.

Still, Kagari couldn’t forget Kazuki’s performance that took complete control of the stage.

“Someday, I’ll ask my beloved Senpai, Kazuki, to compose music for the scorching lyrics I’ve written, and he’ll play it miraculously for me…!”

Kagari Sena would never forget the person who reignited the flame in her heart. The person she owed her gratitude to.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120