Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 54

Für Elise

As the previous performer stepped down, Kurosawa took his place at the piano.

With his seating, his presence instantly became remarkably strong.

Before this moment, no one had heard him play the piano.

Before this moment, no one had seen him.

However, for some unknown reason, in the eyes of the people, he exuded a strong aura, as if a pianist was about to begin a performance.

It was an evident charisma. Seated at the piano, he seemed to transform into the center of attention, capturing everyone’s gaze.

As people realized he was going to play the piano, the atmosphere became lively.

“Is he a Neon star?”

“I don’t know, haven’t seen him before.”

Foreigners didn’t recognize him, but they felt he had a good physique, good looks, and, most importantly, charisma.

“His fingers are so long.”

“He looks really handsome.”

Some Neon women were also expressing their admiration.

Coming to a fine dining restaurant like this usually involves adults.

With the permanent entry-level singing ability, I’ve done well with karaoke. I wonder how the entry-level piano skills will be?

Seated at the piano, Kurosawa didn’t immediately start playing; instead, he was preparing.

To be honest, he felt a bit nervous.

Because this wasn’t a private gathering; it was a stage in a restaurant, and many strangers were watching him.

Nevertheless, Kurosawa didn’t delay for too long. He lifted his hands and gently placed them above the piano.

As this movement occurred, the restaurant gradually quieted down. Many people looked towards the stage, eagerly awaiting his performance.

Under the gaze of many, Kurosawa cast a glance at Ninomiya in the distance. His fingers finally descended, initiating his performance.

The melodious and charming piano notes filled the air. In just an instant, it shook people’s spirits, as if there was an electric current flowing into their bodies with the sound entering their ears.

For anyone who loved music, right from the beginning, they could identify the piece.

It was Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” a famous piano composition.

This piece, with its graceful and delightful melody, short and exquisite structure, was simple and easy for anyone who had learned the piano, even beginners, to play.

However, while it was easy to learn, mastering it was challenging.

Its high artistic value and expressiveness make it a favorite piece for many musicians to perform.

The beautiful piano sounds echoed in the restaurant, distinct from the previous performer’s rendition of “Castle in the Sky,” which was too restrained and petty, serving merely as background music.

As this piece, “Für Elise,” began, it instantly became the focal point of the entire room, attracting the gaze and attention of most people.

Moreover, as the composition progressed, gradually impassioned piano notes emerged, causing everyone to pause their conversations and turn their attention to the performer on stage.

No one spoke, although waiters were still moving around, everyone instinctively controlled their actions to avoid making noise.

Everyone was listening to this piano piece, watching the person on stage, as if a musician were performing.

People were immersed in listening, and from the moment Kurosawa’s hands touched the piano, he was already immersed and couldn’t pull away.

He felt the piano keys in his hands, extremely familiar, as if by muscle memory, engraved into his body.

As he plucked and touched, the piano produced beautiful sounds, interacting and blending with him.

Due to his foundational music theory knowledge from learning the piano, he felt the charm of this piece more directly than anyone else.

Unconsciously, Kurosawa’s movements gradually slowed down, pressing the final piano key, and the beautiful and melodious piano sound lingered in the air.

Inside the restaurant, it remained silent.

This is a piano?

Kurosawa withdrew his hands, looking at the exquisite instrument before him, experiencing a profound sense of wonder.

Before this moment, he never imagined that he would play the piano one day, let alone experience the charm of the instrument.

In reality, compared to piano music, he preferred rock and pop music because it better suited modern sensory enjoyment.

However, at this moment, he thoroughly felt the aesthetic beauty of classical music and the astonishing skill of the composer. 

“Clap, clap, clap, clap.”

Just then, applause rang out like a sudden surge of waves.

In an instant, loud and intense applause echoed in the restaurant, resounding like thunder, vibrant and enthusiastic.

Faced with such acknowledgment, Kurosawa was a bit stunned. He promptly stood up, bowed to the seated guests, and then stepped down from the stage.

“Your skills could be of a professional’s. How come I’ve never heard of you?”

The previous performer waiting below the stage couldn’t help commenting.

There was a mix of envy and hard-to-hide discouragement in his eyes.

This young man not only had good looks but also talent. Someone like him couldn’t possibly be unknown.

“When you play the piano, be more confident. You have the skill, but it’s too restrained. Keep it up.”

Kurosawa didn’t explain, just patted his shoulder and gave a reminder before leaving.

“Thank you for your guidance.”

Although Kurosawa was clearly younger in age, the performer, upon hearing these words, felt a shock and bowed to express gratitude.

There was a significant gap in piano skills between him and this young man.

Most importantly, the young man hit the nail on the head, pinpointing his issues.

For many years, playing the piano hadn’t brought him much achievement. He had been playing regularly in places like restaurants, which had dulled his edges.

Soon, under the gaze of the customers, Kurosawa returned to his seat.

“Now I understand why you said the ‘Castle in the Sky’ was too restrictive,” commented Ninomiya as she handed him the earphones upon his return.

“You call this entry-level? ‘A bit?’” Itsuragi felt very speechless and frustrated.

In fact, she had been worried before this, wondering if it was right or wrong to help Kurosawa create an opportunity to perform on stage, just because this guy said he had the skills of a beginner in the morning.

“The entry level skills of a professional,” Kurosawa shrugged in the face of her complaints and laughed.

The system indeed rated his ability as entry level, and he couldn’t do anything about it. He had no idea about his actual level.

However, the words of the performer just now made him aware of his level.

As they sat down, people in the restaurant also noticed this table.

“What a pity, does he have a partner?”

“Tsk.”

Some women, seeing the interaction between Kurosawa and Ninomiya, felt regretful and dissatisfied.

Many others looked at Ninomiya with envy and jealousy.

The piano piece “Für Elise” could also be understood as a love song dedicated to a beloved person.

Undoubtedly, Kurosawa’s performance just now was a gift to the blue-haired woman with frameless glasses, an elegant temperament, and exquisite beauty.

Tall, handsome, able to play the piano, and so romantic; it seemed that all the good men were taken.

“…”

As a teacher, Ninomiya was accustomed to being watched and naturally noticed the whispers and the envious glances of the girls.

But unlike in the classroom, the feeling of being in the spotlight at this moment gave her an incredibly strong sense of superiority and satisfaction.

This unprecedented experience unintentionally brought a faint but proud smile to her cool and calm face.