Chapter 277

"..."

After lunch, the group dispersed, and Ogura Asahi changed locations and clothes before heading to Haneoka.

The advantage of the three schools being close together is that the car arrived at the destination just as he finished changing his clothes. Therefore, changing locations was very convenient.

I have a feeling that today is a lucky day, and I must make the most of it.

In the quiet campus, where only the stadium echoed with enthusiastic cheers, in a corner of the atrium, he took out his Trumpet and began his performance.

The metallic surface gleamed in the light, clearly indicating that it hadn't been used much.

Or perhaps, it's just that it's been well-maintained.

Even knowing it's not real gold, the gleaming paint makes you wonder if it's actually plated with real gold.

What should I brag about today...?

After thinking for a while, he began to play the "Mikazuki no Mai" (Moonlight Dance).

Since they've brought this out, they can't not praise it, right?

After a while, the melodious, ethereal, and emotionally concentrated sound of the Trumpet began to spread in all directions.

A performance involving only a single instrument is monotonous, but it highlights the loneliness and deep emotion, especially in the vast and peaceful campus.

The elegant sound of the Trumpet not only cleansed his own soul, but also gradually captivated the students of Haneoka.

"The mysterious lady from this afternoon has started playing again?"

"Is this Trumpet today...? You're so talented!"

"How can one produce such a beautiful sound? What is she thinking when she plays?"

Some people say it's Ghost playing music, what do you think?

"Sitting in the classroom watching... I really want to find an excuse to ask for leave and go out to see the world."

"But why has she been playing like this lately? Is she heartbroken?"

"..."

Ogura Asahi didn't care much about what the curious people thought; he was simply killing time.

The music room isn't always available, so he probably has to perform outside, right?

Or, maybe we could see if there are any empty classrooms next time? But that would disturb the people in the next room and attract their attention.

When performed outdoors, the sound spreads out and gradually fades away; it's not particularly loud.

However, unlike his plan to play for a while and then move on to another place until school was over, his performance today was discovered before half an hour had passed.

A teacher in uniform spotted him from afar and called out, "Hey! You third-year student over there! Don't Wind Instrument Music during class!"

"Which class are you in? What's your name?!"

Ogura Asahi felt a chill, hugged his arms and shivered, stopping his playing.

What a powerful statement! It instantly stirred up long-forgotten memories.

While observing the distance between himself and the other person, he leisurely put the Trumpet into its case and slung his backpack over his shoulder.

Being discovered wasn't a big deal; he'd anticipated it from the very first day of his infiltration, and he already had a plan—

You should change your route and get some gas (it's time to run)!

"Hey! Don't run away! Stop!"

Seeing him run off into the distance without turning his head, the teacher behind him hurriedly chased after him.

"Which class are you in? Who is your homeroom teacher?"

"I'm Udagawa Ban from Third-Year Class A!"

Ogura Asahi turned his head and called out.

"I see, they're playing music, and their heights are indeed about the same... Hey! What nonsense are you talking about! Udagawa-kun has red hair! And he's a drummer!"

"You know that too?"

Ogura Asahi was slightly surprised. It seemed that the other party was more famous than he had imagined. No wonder she was Afterglow.

"Actually... I dyed my hair last week, and this color looks pretty good, doesn't it?"

"It really is beautiful... Wait! If you really are Udagawa-kun, then stop right there!"

"I suddenly remembered I have something important to do. See you later, teacher!"

"Hey! You... you run really fast..."

"..."

The sound faded into the distance until it disappeared completely after turning several corners.

He leaned against the wall of the club building, took a few moments to catch his breath, and didn't even break a sweat.

Hmph~ You're not some monster that can fly alongside a crow, you think you can catch up with him? Dream on!

Besides, he's been to this school so many times that the terrain here is no different from his home.

In such an open space, if he wanted to leave, who in this school could stop him? Unless you call those two idiots next door over (Tsurumaki Kokoro and Kitazawa Ikumi).

However, since we've already been chased, let's just let it go for today and find a quiet place to wait for school to end.

After turning a corner, he headed towards the shoe lockers, intending to change his shoes before entering the teaching building.

The school bell rang, and after finding the music room empty, he slipped in, waiting to meet his target for the afternoon.

Not long after, as expected, Toyokawa Shoko arrived here.

Seeing her was both surprising and not entirely unexpected.

"Senior Ogura, it really is you."

"Really?"

"Hmm, the Trumpet this afternoon, was it also played by Ogura- senpai? Although she stopped halfway through."

"Ah, that... actually, a teacher saw us and stopped us, so we didn't continue."

"Hehe~ Of course, many students have been discussing who's playing the music lately. They can't even concentrate on their lessons when you're playing."

Toyokawa Shoko covered her mouth with the back of her hand and smiled faintly. She walked over and placed her schoolbag on a table.

"Is that including you?"

That is--

As soon as the words left her mouth, Toyokawa Shoko realized she had misspoke, and her face flushed slightly.

"Hmph~ Hmm~ No way~ If you don't pay attention in class..."

Ogura Asahi leaned closer, staring at her teasingly.

"... It's not up to you Ogura- senpai, to tell me that!"

She puffed out her cheeks slightly, arrogantly tossed it aside, and walked straight to the Piano.

"So, you got lectured by the teacher?"

"No, they ran away~"

He shrugged and gave a flippant smile.

"Ha... I should be more Kokoro next time, and it's best not to do that again, after all, Ogura- senpai's features are so obvious."

"I'll be careful."

He answered without any remorse, gazing out the window at the bustling campus.

"Oh, right, this is for you."

As he listened to Toyokawa Shoko begin to play the piano, he suddenly remembered something and took a few desserts from his bag and gave them to her.

"... Candy again?"

"Yes, these are my own handmade candies—not everyone can get to eat them."

"It is indeed delicious and high-quality, but—I understand, thank you."

Seeing his earnest gaze, she stopped refusing.

"Good Child, Good Child,"

He smiled as he looked at her shy and bashful face, and suddenly a thought struck him, "Oh, right, if you're too shy, let's exchange contact information!"

We've already swapped with so many people at noon, so one more shouldn't be a problem, right?

"Contact information...?"

Toyokawa Shoko hesitated, no, she was very hesitant, and her face showed difficulty.

If possible, she doesn't want to get too close to anyone right now.

"Is that not allowed?"

Ogura Asahi blinked his pitiful eyes, gazing at her with a sorrowful look.

To achieve your goal, you have to play the victim and act pitiful when necessary!

It must be said that his current attire, combined with his weak and pitiful expression, is indeed very lethal.

"... If you promise not to bother me as much as possible, since I'm quite busy with personal matters."

"Okay! Okay!"

Ogura Asahi was overjoyed; she had only been trying it out, but she never expected that the girl would actually give it to her.

So, guys, sometimes you just have to take the initiative. How will you know if you have a chance if you don't try? You agree, right?

Looking at Toyokawa Shoko's social media account on his phone, he suddenly thought of something.

That is, when Nagasaki Sōse sent her so many harassing messages, did she block her?

"Is it... okay now?"

Toyokawa Shoko shyly turned her gaze away and lowered her head.

"Okay, that's fine! I'll try not to bother you!"

Toyokawa Shoko coughed twice. "Then, I'll begin my practice."

The crisp piano notes rang out; although it was just ordinary pop music, one could still feel the smoothness and skill contained within it.

Ogura Asahi faintly detected a hint of relief and joy mixed in with his heavy fear.

Is the focus on the heavy fear or the joy and relaxation?

It's really hard to judge.

He silently walked to the back of the classroom, looked through the glass at the notice board at the entrance of the teaching building, and waited for the next guest to arrive.

His schedule looks like it's going to be packed today.

"Everyone's playing in bands, wouldn't it be a shame not to...?"

"If we're going to play together, it'd be better if the lead vocalist/guitarist was also a good fit. The rest of the members are..."

"So, this school only has Wind Ensemble Club? What should we do? Should we go over there and ask?"

At the club's notice board, Chihaya Aine frowned, undecided, as she looked at the various notices of different sizes on the board.

Suddenly, the soft sound of someone playing music clearly reached her ears through the glass window that someone had deliberately opened.

Ah, is that the sound of Piano?

She looked back at the building across the street, paused for a second or two, and then immediately ran back inside.

[Note: On the first day of the anime, she transferred to the class and saw many people playing in a band after school. On the second day, she started looking for band members, and on the third day, she followed Takamatsu Akari to the Astronomy Club...]

From the classroom in the distance, after seeing her run into the building, Ogura Asahi's lips curved slightly.