What If I Told Tomori-san, The Girl Who's Cold Only Towards Me, That I Knew Her Secret Account? - V2 Chapter 8.1

Dance on the Keyboard 1

I wonder why I said such things.

It’s Prom day.

The gymnasium of Aisu Academy was decorated extravagantly, much like a party venue in a high-end hotel. I, dressed in a white party dress, was waiting backstage.

“Good evening, second-year students. Tonight is the long-awaited prom.”

The person currently giving a speech on the stage is Seira Hirowatari.

The second-year students, dressed in dresses and tuxedos, were filled with excitement at the Student Council President’s opening address.

It was a glamorous party atmosphere.

However, I just couldn’t get into the mood to fully enjoy the event.

My heart was filled with regret.

Back at Yomisaka Land, I said to Azusa that she looked down on me…

(That can’t be true.)

I was truly the worst on that day.

Now that I’ve cooled down, I can understand.

I saw Kagisaka, who was being affectionate with Azusa by the pool, like they were a couple in love. I felt jealous of him.

That’s why I ended up saying hurtful words to my best friend…

Of course, the next day at the academy, I tried to apologize to Azusa, but…

“…ugh.”

—What if Azusa doesn’t forgive me?

We might never be able to go back to being friends.

Just thinking about that made me hesitate, I was scared, and I couldn’t even bring myself to talk to her…

“Well then, it’s time for the party to begin. But before that, let’s have a splendid performance.”

I shivered at the Student Council President’s words.

After this, I have to play the piano. I absolutely cannot fail.

Azusa Tomori and Kazami Chifuyu had a fight.

Rumors like that seem to have spread throughout the academy.

If I make a mistake in my performance here, everyone might think it’s because of the fight with Azusa that I messed up my composure.

(I don’t mind being blamed for mistakes or laughed at myself…)

It’s fine if I get teased or bullied like I was when I was a kid, because it’s all my fault.

But Azusa will surely be bothered.

(…That’s something I can’t bear.)

I’ve already hurt her with hurtful words and haven’t even been able to apologize, so I can’t cause her more trouble!

That’s why I absolutely cannot fail tonight!

Senpai encouraged me earlier too…

“Huh—”

However, as I was about to walk towards the grand piano on the stage for the performance, I was taken aback. So were the students in the hall.

Emerging onto the stage from the opposite backstage from where I was, Kimitaka Kagisaka appeared in a tuxedo.

In his right hand, he held a violin.

“Originally, the performance was supposed to be just a piano, but he agreed to perform at the last minute.”

Explained the Student Council President with a microphone in hand, but the audience was clearly in a stir.

“Why Kagisaka?”

“Our school director was known to be a music enthusiast…”

“Who ever heard that he could play the violin?”

“Could he have used his family influence again?”

“Maybe he just wants to impress Tomori.”

With Kagisaka becoming Azusa’s partner, there are many students who have developed animosity towards him.

I also heard rumors that some of these students have been posting negative comments about him on an anonymous bulletin board.

(I haven’t done anything like that though.)

It’s true that I felt jealous of Kagisaka just like everyone else, however——

“!?”

The murmurs in the noisy venue came to a halt.

As soon as Kagisaka began playing the violin, the atmosphere changed as if under a spell.

(What is this?)

Echoing through the prom night is nothing but a beautiful melody.

The piece is Bach’s ‘Air on the G String.’

It’s a widely known masterpiece, but…

“…It’s beautiful.”

The performance is so fluent that anyone can’t help but marvel at it.

Kimitaka Kagisaka, playing the violin in a tuxedo.

Unlike his usual listless demeanor, he was simply shone on the stage.

He even rivaled the Student Council President, who had enchanted the students by wearing a black dress. It’s a top-tier performance.

You could tell from the audience’s reactions.

Even the students who were negative about Kagisaka just moments ago were now captivated by the melody he was playing.

Kagisaka’s performance was truly amazing.

(…Incredible!)

Though the instruments may differ, I’ve been playing the piano since I was a child. So, I understand.

This performance isn’t just about talent.

It couldn’t be achieved solely through imagination. It requires an unimaginable amount of practice.

Like cutting and polishing a rough diamond into a beautiful gemstone — quite literally, this is the culmination of effort.

“———”

As soon as the performance ended, a wave of applause and cheers erupted.

Kagisaka’s violin was so tremendous that everyone forgot that standing on stage was a troublemaker boy who had been the subject of so much antagonism.

“It was an outstanding performance.”

The Student Council President, standing beside Kagisaka, praised through the microphone.

“Truly wonderful——huh?”

Suddenly, as if interrupting my words, Kagisaka whispered something to the Student Council President.

For a moment, the Student Council President appeared surprised, then she said, ‘I understand,’ and handed the microphone to Kagisaka with a smile.

And then…

“Thank you for listening to my performance.”

The words of the troublemaker caused a buzz of astonishment throughout the venue…Is he joking?

That unsociable Kagisaka, who didn’t form connections with anyone except Azusa, thanked everyone?

“I stood here tonight, hoping to contribute even a little to livening up the prom and bringing joy to everyone’s hearts.”

In a very earnest tone, Kagisaka continued.

“At first, I had no intention of performing.

I am—exactly the person everyone here thinks I am. Introverted, lacking social skills, refuse to make connections with anyone, and keep a cold attitude towards those around me.

Undoubtedly, I’m a mess.

As long as I could study, as long as I could get into a good university for my future, that was enough. Other people didn’t matter to me. I only thought about selfish things like that.

I don’t need friends, and High school life is boring.

All my life, that’s what I thought…”

Speaking in a smooth, practiced tone as if rehearsed multiple times, Kagisaka’s words captivated the over 100 students in the venue, perhaps still under the effect of his previous performance.