บท 78: I’ll Keep My Promise
(I wonder if things are getting excited over there... by now.)
At the backstage of the auditorium, Masachika indulged in thoughts
of Alisa and the others performing on the stage in the schoolyard.
"This is ridiculous... Can't you hold it back with these requests,
Kuze?"
"Indeed. I have a performance after this, you know? Thanks to those
troublemakers, I didn't have rehearsal time......"
"I'm sorry, both of you."
Masachika, approached by the fatigued stage manager and the
disgruntled Sumire, bowed his head sincerely. He was aware that he made
a quite unreasonable request, so apologizing was the only appropriate
response.
Originally, the stage performances planned for the schoolyard and
the gymnasium were temporarily suspended due to the incident.
Fortunately, there were no disturbances in the auditorium, so they
reinforced the security through increasing the number of faculty and security
guards present, and continued according to the schedule. However, after
the announcement of a thirty-minute extension to the closing time of the
school festival, there was an excess of thirty minutes for the auditorium's
stage performance. That's when Masachika managed to squeeze in his
match with Yusho.
Ideally, it would have been an easier adjustment if they slotted in the
time of the match in the last thirty minutes. However, that time was reserved
for the girls' kendo club performance in the gymnasium, so they had no
choice but to find an alternative. As a result, the schedule adjustment
became quite unreasonable. Nevertheless, they were able to make it work,
perhaps because Masachika, as one of the organizers of the auditorium's
stage performance, had built a relationship of trust with the other staff
members.
"Well, if our Yusho-san is involved, there's nothing we can do... But
what do you mean by a piano competition? Although there have been nondebate showdowns in previous events, having a showdown between the
candidates for Student Council President and an opposing Vice President,
and not with their respective pairs... that's unheard of."
Sumire raised an eyebrow as she looked at Yusho, who stood in the
back with a disgruntled expression. She took a few steps closer, placing her
right hand on the imitation sword at her waist. Even so, Yusho continued to
avert his gaze, prompting Sumire to click her tongue.
"Yusho-san... Since when did you start ignoring me like this?"
"...I'm just focused. Leave me alone, Sumire-neesan."
Sumire frowned at Yusho's curt attitude.... then she sighed lightly and
turned to Masachika, asking,
"So, what about it? In any case, since it's a showdown, there should
be something at stake. What are you guys betting on?"
For example, a debate is a battle of arguments to assert one's own
opinions. Regardless of the specific content of the confrontation, it was a
fundamental premise that the winner could make some demands. However,
in this case, Masachika couldn't answer that question.
"I'm sorry, Sumire-senpai. I can't tell you what the stakes are until
there's a resolution has been reached"
"Oh? ...But then, how will the bet be carried out? For example, in a
debate, it's customary for both parties to publicly state their demands before
the match and have the entire audience serve as witnesses, isn't it?"
"We won't make the stakes public this time. Here, both Kiryuin and I
have written down the demands in case we win. We'll have you open the
envelope of the winner, Sumire-senpai, and you'll be the witness for these
demands."
Although Yusho's envelope would be empty if he were to win. Sumire
raised her eyebrows as she received the two envelopes Masachika handed
her.
"...Well, fine. So, am I the host as well?"
"No, even though it's in the form of an exhibition match, it's still
technically treated like a debate... So, I've asked a student council
member for that."
Just as Masachika said that, the door at the back of the stage,
leading to the outside, opened.
"Excuse me~"
Entering while speaking softly, was Maria, the moderator for the
debate whom Masachika had called.
"Sorry for the short notice, Masha-san."
"Nah~, it's totally fine. Things have calmed down quite a bit, so it's
okay, right~?"
As soon as she saw Masachika, Maria shook her head from side to
side with a loose smile. Masachika couldn't help but return a wry smile in
response to her smile that easily took away his tension.
"Well, since you say so... We're short on time, so let me start
explaining right away, okay?"
"Sure thing~"
Maria noded, and as Masachika was about to explain to her...
Sumire, who had been covering her face, suddenly raised her head and
spoke.
"That's unfair! I want to stand out too, since I've come this far!"
"...Huh?"
In response to her straightforward request that felt refreshingly
honest, Masachika turned his head with his cheek twitching. And then,
looking at the dissatisfied face Sumire made, he felt somewhat deflated.
"...Alright then, then can I leave it to the both of you?"
"Yes, of course!"
"Sure thing~!"
With Sumire proudly puffing her chest and Maria responding with a
gentle smile, Masachika couldn't help but deepen his wry smile as their
enthusiasm waned in different directions. He then proceeded to explain.
◇
"Ayano-san, are you sure you don't need to be by Yuki-san's side?
There seems to have been some trouble......"
Speaking in a low voice to Ayano, who was sitting in the neighboring
seat, was Yumi Suou, the mother of Masachika and Yuki. Yumi, who had
planned to watch only her daughter's performance to then only head home
after, was somehow led to the auditorium by Ayano, who had come to pick
her up at the school gate, and was left feeling perplexed.
"The problem has been resolved, madam. There was a slight issue,
but thanks to the efforts of the student council, it has been mostly resolved.
However, Yuki-sama still needs a little more assistance, so if you could wait
here for a while..."
"Well... but why the auditorium? If there's time, then..."
Yumi's words trailed off as she gazed around with uncertainty. Ayano
understood what Yumi was about to say. But because she understood...
no, precisely because she understood, Ayano spoke up.
"I have made the decision to bring you here, madam."
"Huh? What do you mean...?"
Just as Yumi voiced her question, the wind ensemble's performance
had ended, and Yumi and Ayano applauded. Then, as the students with
their instruments exited the stage, two beautiful female students appeared.
"Huh? Kujou-senpai and Kiryuuin-senpai?"
"Why are the Student Council Secretary and Vice-Disciplinary
committee chair here?"
"Wait, wasn't the next performance supposed to be a reading play by
the literature club?"
Yumi didn't understand, but the surrounding students raised voices of
surprise and confusion at the appearance of the two. Some worriedly
wondered if something had happened, some tried to leave their seats but
then sat back down, and others sensed something and started contacting
their friends on their smartphones. Under the mixed gaze of anxiety and
anticipation from the audience, Maria spoke up.
"To all of you here in the venue, are you enjoying the performances?
First, let me start with introductions. I am Maria Kujou, the Student Council
Secretary. On behalf of the student festival organizing committee, I would
like to apologize for the inconvenience and concern we have caused you.
And as a member of the Student Council as well, I would like to take this
opportunity to offer my apologies on their behalf. I sincerely apologize."
Without betraying her usual fluffy atmosphere, Maria bowed her head
with a sincere attitude. And as not to let the atmosphere in the venue
become too dark, she lifted her head before it got too gloomy and continued
in a slightly brighter tone.
"Therefore, as part of our apology, we would like to hold a surprise
event here, even though it's sudden."
When Maria shifted her gaze to the side, Sumire stepped forward
with a microphone in hand.
"I am Sumire Kiryuin, Vice-Disciplinary Committee chair, and I will be
the host for this surprise event. What will take place here is a tradition of our
Seirei Gakuen, a direct confrontation between candidates in the election,
staking their pride."
At that moment, the voices of the students who had already guessed
what was happening began to stir. Amidst the spread of surprise and
anticipation, Sumire laughed powerfully and made her announcement.
"We will hold a special format debate here!"
The murmurs exploded into cheers. Active students and alumni
expressed their surprise and joy at the unexpected surprise, while those
who were not familiar with the situation around them became excited and
started to question their friends on their phones. Gradually, the excitement
settled, and the focus shifted to the questions of "Who will be competing and
on what topic?" and "What does the special format entail?" The audience
was now filled with curiosity.
To answer that, Maria provided an explanation.
"Since we have guests from outside this time, we will not have a
debate but a different format for the confrontation. The two competing are
these two!"
As Maria gestured towards the side of the stage, two male students
appeared on the stage.
"Student Council's General Affairs officer, Masachika Kuze-kun."
"And the President of the Piano club, Yusho Kiryuin."
With the introductions from Maria and Sumire, the venue was once
again enveloped in excitement.
"Kyaaah! It's the prince!"
"Yusho-sama!"
"Huh, Kiryuin!? Is he running for something!?"
"Kiryuin here!? Seriously!?"
"I see, so that's what Kiryuin-senpai meant..."
Most of the voices could be heard directed towards Yusho.
"Kuze... that guy who helped defeat Taniyama in the debate last
semester?"
"The Vice President candidate who works in the shadows.... Huh,
what about Princess Alya?"
"It's rare to see him come out alone."
Some calm individuals sent curious glances towards Masachika.
"Masachika Kuze-kun will be paired with Alisa Kujou, the Student
Council's Treasurer."
"And Yusho Kiryuin will be paired with me."
"The two of them will compete... over there!"
Maria pointed with her hand, and there, in front of the stage, was a
grand piano left behind even after the brass band had left. It was being
brought to the center of the stage by the staff.
"Yes, the piano. The two of them will take turns playing the piano,
and you, the audience, will choose which performance you liked better."
At that moment, the atmosphere in the venue changed completely to
bewilderment.
"Huh, the piano...? Kiryuin has the clear upper hand here."
"What's this? How is this even a competition?"
"Wait, Kuze? Can he even play the piano?"
"Well... I was in the same class as him during our first and third
year of junior high school, but there wasn't anything extraordinary from him,
you know...?"
As the unexpected competition unfolded, the atmosphere naturally
began to dampen. Especially among the current students, most of them had
already turned their gazes cold, thinking, "Ah, this is just a sideshow."
Anticipating this reaction, Maria and Sumire quickly moved on to the
confrontation, cutting short their role as emcees.
"Now, let's move on to the competition right away."
"First, we'll start with Yusho Kiryuin's performance."
The other three individuals retreated backstage, and Yusho began
his preparations. During that time, bewildered conversations filled the
audience.
"Huh, they're seriously competing with the piano?"
"Wait, what happens when one of them wins? Did they miss
explaining the stakes?"
"Oh? Come to think of it..."
Suspicious whispers filled the air, and Yumi, while gazing blankly at
the stage, muttered to herself.
"That child... has been playing the piano?"
And then, almost unconsciously, she sent her gaze to Ayano sitting
next to her. Sensing the unspoken question behind that gaze, Ayano calmly
answered.
"No, Masachika-sama hasn't played the piano since that day, as far
as I know."
Upon hearing Ayano's words, Yumi's expression clouded. Without
looking in her direction, Ayano quietly said.
"I thought you might want to see him perform."
"......"
A silent struggle lasting for a dozen seconds. Even though Ayano
was facing forward, the intense conflict was clearly transmitted to her.
"......"
Finally, Yumi settled back into her chair. Sensing this change in her
demeanor, Ayano contemplated.
(But still... for whom will Masachika-sama be playing this time?)
Whenever Masachika played the piano, it was always for someone.
Not for the general audience, but for a specific person─sometimes it was for
Yumi, sometimes for Yuki, and occasionally for Ayano. But with Yuki nor
Alisa not present in this situation, and Masachika unaware of Yumi and
Ayano's presence.... then...
(Masachika-sama.... Who exactly are you playing the piano for?)
Ignoring Ayano's question, misguided speculation spread among the
surrounding students.
"Oh... so this is like an exhibition match prepared by the festival
organizing committee?"
"I see. Now that you mention it, I've never heard of Kiryuin-san
running for any position before."
"Ah, I get it. It must have been difficult to have Suou-san and Kujousan suddenly face off again, so they hurriedly found opponents to go
against each other."
"Besides, it's strange for a Presidential candidate and a VicePresidential candidate to fight one-on-one."
They reached their own conclusions, and a slight sense of
disappointment filled the air. But just as the atmosphere was about to
dissipate, Yusho's performance began, blowing away the somber mood.
◇
The live performance was even more exciting than the five of them
had anticipated.
Perhaps it was because Alisa had been working tirelessly on stage to
calm the chaos, which had raised the level of attention. The audience seats
had been packed since the start of the live performance, and there were
also a considerable number of standing spectators. Now, after finishing the
performances of two cover songs, it was safe to say that the venue was
completely full and thriving. However, Masachika's figure was still nowhere
to be found.
(Masachika-kun......)
The person Alisa wanted to see the most was absent no matter how
much she searched; he was nowhere to be found and it casted a shadow of
worry in Alisa's heart. But...
"Alya-san."
At this moment, she was not alone. There were comrades who cared
for her, understanding her emotional state.
(It'll be alright.)
Responding with a gaze to Hikaru, who had called out to her, Alisa
scanned the audience. And then, aiming to reach even Masachika, who was
invisible, she raised her voice.
"Now, it's time for the final song. Please listen... 'Yumegen'."
◇
"Amazing! I've never seen a student grasp things so quickly, Sensei!"
"He is undoubtedly a genius. There's no doubt he will become a
pianist representing Japan in the future."
Stop it. Stop giving such transparent flattery.
"The performance was so captivating no matter how many times I
heard it... Truly fitting for the Piano Prince."
"Indeed... 'Prodigy' is a label befitting for Yusho-san."
Shut up. Don't spout shallow praises.
What do you know about geniuses? What do you know about
prodigies? You can say such things because you don't know the real deal.
You don't know the melodies that sent chills down your spine. The talent
that can engulf a venue with a single note. You don't know, and you
probably couldn't even imagine, how those superficial praises make me
miserable.
"Oh, isn't that the person over there who was introduced on TV the
other day?"
"Yeah, that's right. It's Kiryuin Yusho-kun, who won the gold medal at
a competition once.... He's really cool, huh?"
"Oh? But isn't he not the one performing as the finale this time?"
"Well, you know, it's because he has a good-looking face... That's
how TV works, right? By the way, the finale is performed by the one who
won the Best Performance Award."
"Oh, I see. So Yusho was the runner up, huh?"
"Heh."
"Haha, he can probably hear you, you know?"
Those words spoken by my peers at a certain recital had been vividly
engraved in my young ears and mind. Runner-up. Losing. Only being
praised for having a good-looking face. It was a tremendous humiliation.
My lungs trembled, and through the clenched gap of my teeth, it was
clear that rough breaths were escaping.
(Don't screw with me...! You worthless piece of garbage who is far
inferior to second place!)
I had the impulse to grab them by the collar right then and there, but I
couldn't. Deep down in my heart, I knew that those words were true.
I could never win against him. I was always, always second best. A
genuine genius. A true prodigy. Suou, Masachika.
"Kiryuin-kun, please get ready."
Called by the staff, as soon as I stepped onto the stage, cheers and
applause erupted. After finishing my performance, it transformed into a
resounding voice that filled the venue. But... the moment he started playing,
the atmosphere in the venue instantly changed. The audience, who had
been casually making noise just seconds ago, now didn't utter a single
sound. The tension was reminiscent of being suddenly transported from a
children's concert to a professional orchestra venue.
"Suou-kun, that was amazing!"
"Thank you."
But... even after delivering such a breathtaking performance, he...
seemed completely uninterested. He swiftly returned to the dressing room,
ignoring the praise from the teacher who greeted him, the audience who
belatedly started applauding, and the other performers who looked at him
with awe. He didn't even spare a glance at me, who stared at him
resentfully.
He was an eyesore. The existence called Suou Masachika was truly
cursed. Because of him, any praise I received felt empty and meaningless.
Praises from those who knew him seemed like mere flattery, and
praises from those who didn't know him appeared to be the delusions of
ignorant people.
To break free from that curse, I devoted myself recklessly. Every day,
my fingertips bled, and I pounded the keys until I couldn't hold chopsticks. I
grew to hate the piano, which I used to love dearly. Yet, I couldn't quit. Only
with the single determination of defeating him, I continued playing the piano.
And yet... he suddenly disappeared one day, as if he had said, "I'm
not interested in the piano anymore." He left me cursed. He didn't show up
at any recitals, competitions—nowhere. As I sat there dumbfounded,
awards and trophies rolled in prematurely.
"What is this?"
The title I had always wanted, first place, seemed like trash. The
praises directed at me still felt empty. The word "runner-up" stuck to my
head and wouldn't go away.
"How absurd......"
Why did I work hard for something like this? Why did I take it so
seriously? From the beginning, and even before... Suou, why was it like
this?
"Lastly, I'd like to ask about your future dream. Is it still to become a
professional pianist?"
The interviewer handed me the microphone, and I plastered a smile
on my face to answer.
"No, it's to inherit my father's company and lead it magnificently.
Playing the piano is just a hobby to me."
It was foolish to take the piano seriously, wasn't it? Right, Suou?
◇
(That curse... will be broken today.)
Facing the piano, Yusho felt conflicting emotions of anger and joy
swirling in his heart.
The anger towards wretched memories and the sense of humiliation
still lingered in his mind, and the dark joy of finally being able to redeem
himself from the torment he had suffered for years. Despite his efforts to
suppress these emotions, a smile escaped from Yusho's lips uncontrollably.
In front of this audience, he could defeat Masachika Suou. He could
prove he was deserving of first place and break free from the curse... That
would be the moment when he could finally face the piano he once loved
and the praise directed towards him.
With that in mind, nothing else seemed to matter. He had put in a lot
of effort, time, and money to prepare for an upcoming concert, but now,
even that seemed insignificant. The only thing that mattered was being able
to compete with Masachika Suou once again on the piano. As long as he
had this opportunity, it was enough.
(To win perfectly without a shred of doubt)
For that reason, he deliberately requested the same performance
order as before. To defeat him, who would be performing last. And
moreover... with his best piece.
With a smile on his lips, Yusho placed his fingers on the keys and
began to play.
Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 9.
◇
A beautiful and enchanting melody resounded throughout the venue.
It captured the attention of the audience, who had been feeling a sense of
anticlimax, and naturally made them straighten their posture.
"Wow, that was amazing! He's really skilled," whispered Maria from
the wings of the stage, clearly impressed.
"Yes," Masachika agreed, also in a low voice.
"But is it okay to be impressed? Considering they're our opponents in
the upcoming battle," Maria asked suspiciously, her eyes filled with doubt.
Masachika shrugged his shoulders slightly and casually replied, "Well, I
never thought I could win from the beginning."
"Huh?"
Masachika knew very well that he couldn't win. The five-year hiatus
had been significant. Even if his body remembered the music, his fingers
probably wouldn't move as he intended. He didn't underestimate the piano
nor Yusho, who had been constantly practicing during that time, to the point
where he believed he could defeat him.
(Well, as long as I can play without being laughed at, it should be
fine.)
But there was no problem. Masachika had already achieved his goal
when Yusho accepted this challenge. His objective from the start was to
prevent Yusho's contact with the Raikokai and to convince them to bury the
truth of this incident in darkness, as well as give their approval based on the
justification that it was just part of the election campaign. To achieve that
objective, Masachika had used violence to make them submit, provoking
Yusho to lose his composure and accept this unfair contest.
Yes, this contest was unfair. The content of the match heavily
favored Yusho, but Masachika didn't have much at stake even if he lost.
Judging by the audience's reactions earlier, they considered this an unusual
contest, where the rules weren't disclosed and there was no mention of the
stakes, as mere entertainment prepared by the Student Council to apologize
for the whole commotion. In reality, there were stakes involved, but the
compensation for Masachika losing was simply "not doing anything about
Yusho's suspicions." Since nothing would be done, it was practically as if he
didn't exist for the audience. Even if Masachika lost in such a match, which
was full of unfair elements and lacking in stakes, his honor wouldn't be
significantly damaged. Even if Yusho complained later, he could simply play
dumb and say, "Huh? Wasn't that just for entertainment? We didn't bet
anything." Since he couldn't obtain the approval of the Raikokai, it was
Yusho who would be troubled by mentioning the stakes.
(I never thought he would swallow my proposal so readily... I
wonder if he had such a trauma from not being able to defeat me in the
past? And why did they go out of their way to challenge me with a piece I
used to play a lot back then....)
This piece was the first piece by Chopin that Masachika had learnt to
play. Since his mother loved Chopin, he often chose to play this piece at
concerts where no specific pieces were assigned.
(But it's amazing how it can give a completely different impression
when played by someone else.
Masachika's mother and piano teacher used to say that Chopin's
music could become an entirely different piece depending on the person
playing it, and it was true.
Yusho's performance was flawless and skillful, but to Masachika's
ears, it sounded a little too forward-leaning.
(He's displaying too much competitiveness against me, isn't he?
Well, it does have a captivating power....)
Thinking that way, Masachika self-derisively wondered if he was in a
position to evaluate him so arrogantly. Then, to reassure Maria, who was
looking at him with a worried gaze, he said, "It's really okay. Even if I lose, it
won't be much of a problem."
"....You mean, in terms of the election campaign?" Maria asked
"Huh?"
Masachika didn't understand the meaning behind Maria's words, so
he blinked and turned to her. Maria, with a look of genuine concern,
grabbed the sleeve of Masachika's clothes.
"Even if it doesn't have a significant impact on the election
campaign.... If it means you'll get hurt, we can still stop it now, you know?"
"!"
Masachika was caught off guard by her words, and his expression
instantly relaxed.
"Thank you.... but I'm fine, really."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I don't care about the audience's eyes or their evaluation.
Besides...."
"What?"
He hesitated a little, feeling embarrassed when it came down to it.
But he couldn't lie in front of Maria, who only looked curious and worried.
Masachika averted his eyes slightly and spoke.
"Today.... I'm planning to play for Masha-san."
"Huh?"
"You know... we made a promise a long time ago. To let you listen
to me playing the piano...."
"Ah..."
It was a promise between Saa-kun and Maa-chan. He had promised
to invite Maa-chan to a recital to let her listen to his piano performance.
However, that promise had never been fulfilled because Maa-chan had
returned to Russia.
"This.... You remembered such an old promise."
"Well, I'm sorry. Honestly, I forgot only until recently."
"Hehe, I'm happy that you remembered it anyway."
"....Promises are important, after all."
Maria tightly squeezed Masachika's hand with her soft hand, making
him feel helpless and embarrassed. Then, just as they were having their
conversation in whispers, Sumire, with a slightly stern expression,
interrupted them.
"....I apologize for interrupting your secret conversation, but Yushosan's performance will be ending soon."
"Oh, sorry."
"....Well, it's fine. Haaaah... Yusho-san is such a pitiful person,"
Masachika sighed, feeling a sense of awkwardness as he saw Sumire's
figure overlapping with Nonoa's. At that moment, Yusho's performance
came to an end, and applause erupted throughout the venue.
"Yusho-samaaa!!"
"Princeeee!!"
The loudest cheers came from the female members of the piano
club. Responding to their raised hands, Yusho returned backstage.
"Well then, here I go."
"Yeah... Do your best."
Masachika returned a small smile in response to Maria's support,
then exchanged places with Yusho and stepped onto the stage. In that brief
moment of passing each other, the gaze Yusho cast at
Masachika was filled with the same competitive spirit as before.... It made
Masachika chuckle wryly.
(Even if he looks at me like that... Well, I have no intention of
competing with him, and it wouldn't even be a fair competition...)
No matter how he was glared at, Masachika had neither the will nor
the ability to respond. Moreover, there was no obligation for him to do so. To
Masachika, Yusho was just a bastard who tried to ruin the cultural festival.
He had no sympathy for Yusho, unlike with Nao. Whatever feelings or
circumstances Yusho had wasn't Masachika's concern.
(Well, scaring him earlier made me feel a bit relieved.... At this point, I
really don't care anymore.)
Rather than that, fulfilling the promise with Maria was more important
now.
(Now, what should I play?)
After bowing to the audience and taking a seat at the piano,
Masachika started to think, belatedly, about the appropriate piece to
dedicate to Maria. And then, he realized.
(No, it's not for Maria... It's for Maa-chan.)
The person Masachika made the promise with was Maria, but it
wasn't Maria herself. It was the innocent Maa-chan from that day. The Maachan from that day, whom he had parted ways with under a
misunderstanding.
At that moment, a conversation Masachika had with his piano
teacher resurfaced in his mind.
"Really, Suou-kun can play any piece, can't you? This piece has a
difficulty level of F, you know..."
"Is that so? I felt like 'Revolutionary Etude' was more difficult for
me..."
"That one is also an F, you know... Oh, by the way, do you know,
Suou-kun? The name 'Revolutionary Etude' wasn't given by Chopin
himself."[1]
"Huh, really?"
"Yes, many of Chopin's pieces have titles added by other people."
"In that case, could this piece also have one?"
"It does. The name by which this piece is widely known in Japan
is─"[2]
At that moment, Masachika chuckled softly and placed his fingers on
the piano.
(That's right... Right now, I won't be Kuze, but Suou.)
That was what his opponent intended. So... just for now, he could
play the part and become Suou again. And for the sake of that distant child
from long ago.... who he would dedicate his performance to.
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