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

Late May.

The time for mid-term exams has finally come at Teito Music University.

Three days have passed since Mitsuki’s sudden visit.

As if that incident were nothing but a lie, Mitsuki hadn’t shown up next door since then.

I guess being a top idol must bring an entirely different level of busyness.

As for me, I found myself right in the middle of exams like any other university student.

I don’t know what possessed me, but the exam coordinator decided to divide the exams, which used to be once per semester, into quarterly exams like in high school.

However, for these mid-term exams, the performance test is given more weight than the written exams.

‘Senpai, fight! You can do it!’

In the main hall of Teito Music University, five professors were acting as examiners.

And Sena was seated all alone at the back of the hall, while she was waving a handmade flag inconspicuously.

Yesterday evening, I thought she was making something random in the seminar room, but to think it turned out to be that…

“Exam candidate number 17. It’s Kazuki Fujieda, a third-year in the Composition Department’s seminar.”

It seems that the key to scoring is to deliver a performance that satisfies these professors to some extent.

If I can manage to perform at a level to pass the course, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

One of the professors confirmed and asked, “Your free-choice piece is Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne No. 9 in B major, Op. 69-1, commonly known as ‘Farewell Waltz.’ Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Huh!? S-Senpai, until the day before yesterday, you were looking at the score for ‘Puppy Waltz,’ right!?”

Sena unintentionally stood up from her seat, but as soon as all five professors turned around, she hastily sat back down while apologizing repeatedly

“I’m really s-sorry…”

Her current situation is like she is a frog being stared down by a snake.

After finishing my bow before the performance, I quickly took my seat on the grand piano.

The spotlight shined on me and the piano felt unusually hot.

The outside breeze was also starting to get warm. On days like this, it’s best to hurry home and rush inside of the futon.

Taking a nap on a soft futon must definitely feel incredibly nice.

Then….. Gently placing my ten fingers on the keys of the Piano.

The sensation felt surreal, perhaps it’s because I haven’t touched the piano for a while.

The sensation in my fingertips was a bit tender.

However, I haven’t been trained to the point where I can’t play just because of that.

I suppose I should be grateful to the Fujieda family for that.

—Ding!

As I played a single note, a clear sound resonated through the quiet hall.

Once this is over, maybe I’ll have some noodles to refresh myself.

My mind was filled with a lot of distractions.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

“Didn’t I tell you not to ask me anything, Senpai!”

“Whoa… You’re still as energetic as ever.”

In the corridor after leaving the main hall, Sena was waiting, diligently as always. Sena’s response to whether we should go eat at the cafeteria was a cheerful “Yes, sir!” It was clear that she still had that strong underclassman spirit.

“Until two days ago, you were practicing ‘Puppy Waltz,’ right? When did you change your performance piece?”

Puppy Waltz’ is actually a composition that expresses the busy scene of a puppy, once owned by Chopin’s lover, chasing its own tail in circles. It’s lively and fast-paced 2/4 music with rapid finger movements and clear dynamics, making it a suitable piece for exams…

“I changed it the day before yesterday. Just felt like doing it.”

“Just felt like it…?! Changing the performance piece two days before the midterm exam and flawlessly playing it, only Senpai could do something like that, right…?!”

“What about the ‘Farewell Waltz’? It’s a nice piece, isn’t it? Suddenly, I felt like playing it.”

“Isn’t that the piece Chopin composed for his lover or something?”

“Most of Chopin’s pieces are like that, though?” Sena managed to swallow those words for the time being.

“To put it simply, he composed it when he met his childhood friend after a long time and she had become incredibly beautiful. He made an intense approach and they ended up being together, and he was extremely happy, so he wrote this piece.”

“I see… Chopin is quite a romantic guy, huh?”

“Hahaha. Are you surprised that I played it without any mistakes?”

“Senpai, flawlessly playing a piece with such romantic sentiments… You’re seriously amazing.”

I was a little taken aback by Sena’s rare moment of fear. It was somewhat refreshing to see this side of hers.

While walking along the long corridor of the hall, more and more people gathered every passing minute. Among the lively noise, the voices of the next examinees could be heard.

“Isn’t it Mao Osera’s turn next?”

“We have to go as soon as the hall opens, or we won’t get a seat!”

“It’s more like a concert than an exam. Hurry up, faster!!”

“I want to hear the best performance in the university up close!”

Countless students hurriedly passed by us.

Hundreds of people came here to listen to Mao Osera’s performance.

Sena seemed slightly annoyed by the sight.

“Why don’t you go too, Sena? It’s the ‘Imperial Star’ exam, right?”

“I’m not interested! Hmph! Let’s hurry to the cafeteria!”

Sena opened the door leading outside, looking quite grumpy.

I wonder why Sena is in such a bad mood…

“You’re still here, Kazuki Fujieda.”

As I reached for the door following Sena, a voice called out from behind.

When I turned around, there was a girl dressed in a red and black dress as if she were going to a solo concert.

“Oh, Mao. You’re still fired up today. Well, good luck with the exam.”

The girl’s name is Mao Osera. She is my classmate and probably has the best musical achievements in our University.

Her short haircut and strong cat-like eyes gave her a somewhat flashy appearance. The fact that she could get away with wearing such a dress to an exam was a testament to her talent.

Her presence in our current University is quite remarkable.

But right now, I don’t have the energy to listen to someone else’s performance.

When Mao plays the piano, the auditorium is usually filled up, so it’s great that the cafeteria will be less crowded.

“Huh… hey! At least come and listen to my perfect performance! Why are you trying to leave like that?”

“Hmm… When Mao plays, it’s like a bonus time to eat without waiting in line at the cafeteria, you know?”

“Just what do you think of my performance!?”

With my neck gripped firmly, I was dragged back into the hall by Mao!

Hold on…!!! Wait… Her strength! She’s really strong!

With her eyes glaring sharply, she made it clear that if I resisted, she’d kill me. There was no escape route for me!

“Just come for today! I’ll prepare a special seat for you!! You idiot! You big idiot!!”

Mao’s uncharacteristic noise echoed through the corridor of the hall as she shouted at me in anger.

☆☆☆☆☆☆