"Hey Haruki. Come over here for a second."'
"What's up?"
Shu pulled Haruki over to his group. He wanted to introduce Haruki to his friends.
"Hey, guys. This is Haruki Takashi. Haruki, let me introduce you to everyone. This is Raku Ichijo. Next to him are Kosaki Onodera and Ruri Miyamoto."
"Nice to meet you Takashi-kun."
"Nice to meet you guys too."
Haruki found himself in an awkward position. He always hated introductions like this. Thankfully, Shu knew how to get the conversation going.
"By the way Haruki, where do you live? We were thinking of walking home together after school."
"I'd love to, but I have an extra lesson after school."
"Oh, what for?"
"Minagawa-sensei is assigning me a new piano piece to practice. She also offered to guide me through it."
"Minagawa-sensei? Do you mean the new pretty music teacher?"
"Yeah."
"Wow, lucky you. What I'd do to have a private lesson with- Oww!"
Shu received a kick in the shin from Ruri. Haruki found himself smiling at their antics.
"Hey Takashi-kun, what instrument do you play?"
"I play the piano."
"How long have you been playing for?"
"A couple of years now. I'm not actually sure. Maybe five years?"
Haruki was talking to Ruri. She was actually quite friendly, despite her lack of expression. Haruki found himself becoming a part of the group.
The bell soon rang, and it was time for everyone to head home or to their clubs.
'Maybe I'll check out the club after seeing Minagawa-sensei.'
"I'll see you guys tomorrow."
Haruki waved goodbye to his new friends as he left the class. He walked to the music room and saw that Akane was still talking to a student. He waited for them to finish their conversation.
"Oh Takashi-kun, I didn't know you were here. Take a seat. I'll get to you in a bit."
"Yes, Minagawa-sensei."
Haruki took a seat on the piano bench. He noticed that the arrangement for Nocturne No.2 was already on the piano.
Haruki read through the arrangement as he waited for Akane. She quickly finished her conversation as she approached him.
"I see that you're reading the arrangement. Is there anything you'd like to ask before we begin?"
"No sensei."
"Very well. Why don't you try playing it first, and then we'll discuss your performance?"
"Understood."
Haruki readied himself as he began playing. The classical longing tone of Nocturne No.2 echoed throughout the room.
Haruki's face deepened as he continued to play. This peace required a level of focus that he had never used for the piano at all.
Haruki carefully navigated the piano, attempting to bring the piece to life. He struggled during the more virtuosic passages despite his meticulous execution.
Haruki ended the piece as he let the last note linger. He released a breath as he finished playing.
"That was very good Haruki. Apart from a few mistakes, you actually performed beautifully."
"Thank you very much Minagawa-sensei."
"Let's play the piece together so you can see your progress."
"Together?"
"Yes together. Move over."
"Yes, sensei."
Haruki made room for Akane on the piano bench. He felt a little awkward sitting so close to her.
"Alright then. Let's begin."
Haruki and Akane began playing the piece together. She guided him through the more challenging passages while also correcting his mistakes.
"Why don't you try playing again?"
Haruki began playing again, displaying a greater range of dynamics and precision.
"You're doing great, but you're not capturing the essence very well. Let me play for a bit. Close your eyes and try to imagine what emotions you're trying to convey."
Akane leaned in, her voice a soft murmur. Haruki felt his heart racing. He felt a palpable tension between him and Akane.
It didn't help that his eyes were closed. He could feel Akane's gaze burrowing into him despite her playing.
"Do you understand? Music is a beautiful way of expressing your passion and desire. It can allow you to capture one's heart at a touch."
"I'll keep that in mind, Minagawa-sensei."
"I know you will. Now try to weave all of these elements together when you play."
While Haruki felt a little bit of uncertainty, he played the piece with all of Akane's guidance in mind. Haruki displayed a level of grace and elegance in his playing, while also trying to express Chopin's intentions.
"How beautiful. You progress very quickly. It's always a pleasure to teach a student as talented as yourself."
"Thank you, Minagawa-sensei. Your guidance is truly inspiring."
"Oh my. Flattery will get you everywhere."
Akane said this with a seductive smile, her fingers trailing along the piano's edge. A blush came onto Haruki's, causing him to turn away.
"I think we should end our lesson today."
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