Dear Reader,
I was inspired to write this by the third short story, "That Girl is a prodigy" from "The Secret Story of Kitauji High School's Concert Band". I really felt for Aoi and it made Asuka an even more compelling character to write.
My work runs parallel to Kumiko's second year covered in the Second Movement light novels/the Oath's Finale Movie. The continuity is based primarily on what was shown in the anime, but there is a fair bit of information integrated from the novels.
The novel starts directly after the fourth short story in "True Stories from the Kitauji High School Concert Band", though with some very minor changes. While it is not necessary to read it, I would highly recommend it since it is the last point in the source material where we see Aoi and an excellent jumping off point for her own story. There is a fan translation of the short story and the Second Movement light novels by Team Oumae on wordpress which I cannot recommend enough.
There are quite a few music pieces referenced throughout this work that might be unfamiliar to some readers. To avoid disrupting the prose, I will have end notes in each chapter containing links to where they can be listened to. I do think that at least hearing the music once gives the reader a better idea of what is happening. There are also other titbits such as what the school names are a reference to, particular performances that inspired the choice of music, etc, that will be included in the end notes for anyone interested.
While this is not the standard fanfiction that follows the main characters, nor is it primarily concerned with romance, I hope you will still enjoy it as a story in the spirit of the source material.
Regards,
Horace
12/03/2023
Chapter 1: Chance Encounters
Falling pink and white Sakura petals blanked Kyoto University's Yoshida Campus. The crisp spring air and the scent of the blooming flowers were almost intoxicating for Saito Aoi. Standing in front of the iconic clock tower was almost like being transported back to the Taisho era in all its glory. But even experiencing the history and prestige of her new school could not make what was happening just a few meters away any less jarring.
On a temporary stage in front of the clock tower, the Kyoto University Concert Band had thrown together a performance right after the matriculation ceremony. Shuffling out of the Centennial Hall, Aoi and the rest of the incoming cohort looked almost identical in their black blazers and pencil skirts. The momentous occasion for Aoi, the product of three years of toil, sacrifice and disappointment, was met by her new seniors with mediocre renditions of pop songs.
The high notes of a trumpet resounded from the stage but failed to carry far. Occasionally, one of their trombonists would miss a note, though no one in the growing crowd seemed to notice as they clapped along. The least they could have done was to dress in something befitting the occasion. Clad in a mixture of sweatshirts and varsity jackets, without the stage, there would have been no indication the performance had been planned in advance.
"They are quite something… aren't they?" Ogasawara Haruka whispered into her ear.
It was strangely bold of Haruka to come to a different university alone, and on their matriculation day, no less. Willing to stick out of the crowd, dressed in her usual pastel hoodie and plaid skirt. But at least no one mistook her for an incoming student and attempted to recruit her into any clubs or circles.
It was hard to imagine the Haruka she had known for most of high school doing something like this by herself. But there were things important enough for even someone as bashful as her to endure such a socially daunting event. Apparently, aside from her school's standing, continuing with a band was the most important thing for Haruka now. Even though Doshisha University performed well in the local rankings and had a generous endowment as a private school, they were too small to have a concert band circle.
Though it was hard for Aoi to be sure of anything after last year. Maybe Haruka's time as president had made a big impact on her. But Aoi had given up her chance to be a part of that. Only the feeling of an insurmountable distance remained after she decided to leave the bad. It was painful, being reduced to only fleeting interactions with friends and having to watch their unimaginable success from afar. But it was necessary. Necessary for her to be here, a part of such a storied institution. Even if it made her jealous of what her batch accomplished in their final hour at Kitauji. When she first joined three years ago, going to nationals was inconceivable. After Kitauji's fairytale rise through the competition as a dark horse, it was hard for Aoi not to wish she could have somehow had it both ways.
Uneasy tingling spread through Aoi's gut as the silence between them lingered. Even after everything, the band, nationals, their university entrance exams, it just was not the same talking to Haruka as before. Not after such a momentous year for her while Aoi was sequestered away in cram schools.
"They seem… fun?" Aoi said with a polite smile.
The other girl nodded along, seemingly unsure of what to say as well. While it was a clumsy way to have a conversation, Aoi was certain that she was at least being candid. The band members' elated expressions and energetic movements had a strange kind of allure. It was reminiscent of the Rikka High School marching band's performances but much less organised.
Though their music left something to be desired. The Kyodai band's rendition of the Radetzky March had spirit. But it was hard to overlook the occasional missed notes and the disjointedness of some of their sections. Especially not when the raspy and nasally whine of the brass instruments was a constant assault on her ears. But having quit as a mediocre player, Aoi wondered if it was right to judge them so harshly.
"Reminds you a bit of when we first played as an ensemble last year, right?" Haruka laughed.
Aoi raised her eyebrows. It was hard to interpret it as anything other than a jab at them. Or perhaps it was just Haruka's nostalgia spilling out again.
"I'm pretty sure they are much better than we were,".
There was a light flush as Haruka brought her hand to her mouth. "I didn't mean to be rude. I did say it was only a bit similar."
Aoi suppressed a small giggle at Haruka's bashfulness. At least that much would always remain the same about her. "I suppose they don't get that much time to practice either, with everyone having different schedules in university."
Kitauji's former band president laid one hand on her cheek, occasionally pushing back her right twin tail over her shoulder. "Is this what you were looking for? A chance to have fun while performing?"
Aoi hesitantly twirled her braids. That was precisely what she had wanted for Kitauji's band after their second year. But graduation brought on a new perspective. Earlier in the week, the freshmen's fair showed her the school's wide range of circles. While it reminded her of the vast number of possibilities, it was also impossible to participate in more than a few at once. And with the time she needed to study, Aoi was tempted to do none of them. But that was what last year had been like, and that was already unbearable despite the end being in sight.
"I'm not saying that they're bad," Haruka had taken her contemplative silence as a signal that she said something wrong. " Their spring break just ended. They're probably pretty good if they can play this well without much recent practice."
"Well, I guess not everyone can do twentyish hours of rehearsals a week like in high school," Aoi said. "They're probably lucky if they can get eight or more."
After their second repetition of Radetzky March, the Kyodai concert band changed to a brass rendition of I Want You Back by The Jackson 5. At least their music now matched their informal airs, though it was hard to notice a change in quality. It was still a struggle not to curl up her shoulders as the shrill alto saxophone notes leapt almost haphazardly through the air.
At least she was still better than that, even with a year's worth of deterioration. The impulse purchase of her own tenor saxophone after seeing Kitauji at nationals was still not a complete waste. But leaving it sitting in her room, aside from playing a few odd passages on a whim, made it impossible to justify the eye-watering amount she spent. It could have covered the cost of cram school for a month.
"They seem to have a really wide repertoire. We could only really manage a few pieces at a time." Haruka's gaze grew distant, looking straight through the band. "I wonder how they manage their practice between competition pieces and music their members want to play for fun."
There was an unconscious tilt of her head as Aoi watched Haruka deep in thought. Their accuracy and overall sound were the only things that she had focused on. How they had gotten to that point seemed unimportant until Haruka brought it up.
Aoi giggled. "It really is different from high school, isn't it?"
"Only the top university bands or those from music colleges normally have advisors. This band is probably like most other circles, entirely student-run with a bit of funding from the university."
Haruka had definitely been researching her options. While Kitauji was like most other high schools, their extracurricular clubs being student-led, they still very much relied on their teachers like Taki-sensei for music choice and direction. Now that they were ostensibly adults, they would have to manage on their own.
"I don't think Kyodai's band has an advisor," Aoi mumbled.
"You'd have to be deaf to think otherwise!" A familiar, boisterous voice said from behind.
A shiver reverberated through Aoi's body, goosebumps breaking out all over her arms and neck. Haruka was just as stunned. Her eyes locked passed Aoi. There was a flicker in her expression, her gaze transforming from an awed shock to an elated gleam.
"Asuka!" Haruka's arms darted in her direction before she managed to reel them back in with a contorted smile. Not that Asuka would have accepted her embrace, even if Haruka were unabashed enough to commit to it publicly.
"Yo! Long time no see, Haruka, Aoi." Tanaka Asuka said as she adjusted her red-rim glasses.
"Asuka …" It was supposed to be an uneventful matriculation. "You go to Kyodai too?"
Despite wearing the same generic business clothes as the rest of the first years, she looked stunning. "Of course." She said without turning away from the performance. Only Asuka could take going to Kyoto University for granted.
"I thought you were going to Tohoku?" Haruka's words only added to the confusion. Aside from Kaori, she should have been the first to know about Asuka's plans.
"I guess I did say that." Asuka laughed. "Changed my mind. I couldn't bear to be away from Kyoto," Her voice was laced with her usual extreme amounts of exaggerated energy. How could she talk about changing between top universities so casually?
"Why didn't you tell us on the ski trip? Are you still going to do economics? Have you told Kaori yet? Her school is nearby across the river too."
Haruka's barrage of questions was stemmed by Asuka with a playful smile and flick of her wrist. Even her closest friends seemed utterly unaware of her change in plans. And it was impossible to say if that should have been expected of an enigma like her.
At least Aoi still had some familiarity with Haruka. And that was just through their time in the band. Asuka had been her classmate for three years, but it was still hard for Aoi to decipher her at the best of times. From the day they met, Asuka always carried an air of perfection and mystery, bordering on blatantly artificial at times. The only glimpses of imperfection were either wild rumours or the tiniest chinks in her armour.
A cheer erupted from the crowd, drawing their attention back to the stage. The Kyodai band launched into a brass rendition of Thriller by Michael Jackson. They really did love their western music. Or at least someone in a leadership role was.
"Awful, aren't they?" Asuka's beaming eyes completely contradicted her words. Only the slow shaking of her head made her disdain coherent.
"Asuka!" Haruka protested, placing her index finger on her lips.
"It'll be fine. They can't hear us. Besides, look at how engrossed everyone is."
Aoi winced again as one of their trumpeters made a slightly botched attempt at a high note.
"Going to nationals really drove your standards too high," Haruka said with a slight pout.
"Are either of you going to join them?" Asuka asked.
Aoi shuffled in place as her gaze wandered back to the Sakura trees. Any response would make an insult from Asuka almost too easy.
"We're thinking about it," Haruka replied on Aoi's behalf. "Doshisha doesn't have a band circle, so I had to look for an inkare one."
Asuka's eyes narrowed, and her usual sly, teasing smile came across her face. "You really want to continue, huh? Going out of your way to look for an intercollegiate band. Want to be president again?"
Haruka jumped, squeaking out a reply. "No—no! I just want to play the sax."
"Well, I guess we don't really have a choice," Asuka said, going against all her criticism. "The Kyodai orchestra is the one with most of the funding and serious musicians. I suppose everyone else had to go somewhere."
"Eh? Not even you managed to join?"
"They only needed one euphonium, and a senior already filled that slot." She replied with a shrug. "And that was them being generous. They said they really wanted another tuba instead. Oh, and they don't have any saxes in their ensemble."
"So we really don't have a choice then," Haruka mumbled.
"You can always check out other universities. I heard Ritsumeikan has a pretty decent concert band."
"Don't you want to play together again?"
"If you want to," Asuka said, shrugging again. "I don't want to be responsible for any rash acts of love."
How Haruka could just sigh at such grandiose words was another puzzle to Aoi. Perhaps she was too amicable for her own good. Or too used to Asuka's antics after last year.
"Haruka, does that mean you've decided on joining?" Aoi said.
"Probably, if they'll let me. Do you think they have auditions?"
"I doubt it," Asuka said. "If you can play an instrument, it'll probably be enough."
"Really?" Aoi said. It was hard to tell if Asuka's continued energetic tone was meant to be a sarcastic contrast to her words or if it was to motivate Haruka. "The march they played earlier was pretty good."
Asuka shook her head, her expression becoming serious. "Maybe compared to a rushed performance for a high school band. They're probably decent musicians, but their mistakes make it obvious they don't practice much. Especially since Radetzky March is an easy piece."
"Isn't it supposed to be more difficult than the Marine's Hymn we played?" Aoi responded.
Of course, Asuka responded with a satisfied smirk. " The Radetzky March is just a straightforward melody. And they aren't playing it that fast. Sure, it sounds impressive, but if you've got enough loud brass instruments, you can make any march sound impressive. The arrangement of the Marine's Hymn we played had a call-and-answer section with different instruments. It's much harder to do that smoothly."
It seemed that very little had changed since Aoi had quit the band. Asuka was still the most well-read on music theory. Though her bias was evident. The more complex the piece was, the better it was to her. Not that Aoi was in any position to comment or had any desire to stroke Asuka's ego by mentioning that. But Asuka was right that just playing a straightforward melody only scratched the surface of what a band could do.
"Doesn't that make all marches easy?" Haruka said.
"Kind of… The feelings you're trying to convey are simple. Makes it hard to overlook their mistakes. It's not like they need to give it any flair, so there are really no excuses." Asuka's arms were now folded, her expression finally matching her almost dismissive attitude. "The hardest part of most marches is probably playing a good countermelody. That, and a good baseline."
It was no surprise she would add that last part as a euphonium player. "So, what's a difficult march then?" Aoi asked.
Asuka rubbed her chin, pondering the question. "Not counting just having a really fast tempo? If I had to choose one by a Japanese composer, then it's probably Spring Breath March. It's got a distinct countermelody that really highlights the euphonium."
"I don't think Rikka would agree with you on marches being easy," Haruka said, grinning. "When did you become such an open critic?"
"I was always like this." She said with a wink.
Clambering off the stage after finishing their set, the Kyodai band began their information session to get interested first years on board. Though they seemed quite relaxed, Aoi knew from the freshmen fair how pushy things could get if she showed too much interest. But before she could settle on an approach, a blond-haired girl began to wave at her enthusiastically. As Aoi choked on her breath, the girl dropped her conversation and turned right for her.
"Is she a delinquent?" Asuka asked.
"A-su-ka!" Haruka chided. "You shouldn't just judge someone like that."
"I know… but short blond hair and three piercings in each ear?" Asuka continued as the girl waded through the crowd. "Aoi-chan, do you know her?"
"Kind of…" Aoi would have agreed with Asuka's assessment if she had not encountered her by chance earlier. "She's also studying literature. But I only met her half an hour ago."
"Aoi-chan!" The girl yelled. Her dyed hair was still a little gaudy, but it took on a beautiful gold gleam in the spring sunlight.
"Kyouko-chan…" Aoi said as the girl finally broke through the edge of the crowd.
"Come meet my senpai! She's the trumpeter that played just now. They're looking for tons of new members." Itou Kyouko's energy was almost overwhelming, turning Aoi's cheeks red.
"I guess that means you're definitely going to join?" Aoi asked, trying to calm her down by lowering her own voice.
"Of course!" She continued. "Are these your friends? Are they from the Kitauji band too?"
Haruka nodded politely while Asuka gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up.
"Fantastic! You guys must be excellent, getting to nationals last year instead of Shudai-Affiliated High." Kyouko swiftly pivoted on the balls of her feet and led them towards the outdoor stage.
Haruka drew closer to the other two as they filtered through the thinning crowd. "Don't mention that I used to be the president."
"Of course," Aoi replied with a warm smile, hoping to assuage some of her anxiety.
"Why? You think they will feel too threatened to let you in?" Asuka added playfully, making Haruka puff up her cheeks in protest. "I assume she is from Shudai-Affiliated then?" She continued as they neared the stage.
Aoi silently nodded. She was unsure how hung up Kyouko was about their failure at last year's Kansai competition. Though she tried to be amicable around Aoi, meeting their band's president could complicate it. For once, Asuka gave a reassuring sign, miming zipping her lips shut with her fingers.
"Chiyomi-Senpai," Kyouko said, waving down a girl with medium-length chestnut hair. "I've got three more people who want to join. They're really strong musicians."
It was a little overzealous to say they were intent on joining or adept at their instruments. Except for Asuka, who practised ruthlessly, honing her natural skill, she and Haruka were probably above average at best. The senior trumpet player paused her conversation with other prospective members and moved over to them. Her casual blue dress swayed in the breeze as she kept her trumpet clutched tightly in her left hand.
"A second-year student?" She said, looking at Haruka in her pastel blue hoodie. "I'm Anzai Chiyomi, but you can just use my first name."
"I'm actually a first-year student," Haruka said bashfully.
"Oh…?" There was a visible confusion on her face as she tried to process why Haruka was not in formal wear.
"Anzai-san," Aoi cut in. "Does the band already have a lot of new members?"
"Close to a dozen," Chiyomi said, looking up in thought. "There are three of them over there." She pointed back towards the new students she had been talking with. Picking up on the hesitance in Aoi's tone, she gave a more energetic follow-up. "That boy and the girl with glasses have been playing the tuba since junior high; the taller girl is a trombonist from Rikka."
Her words were a blatant attempt to entice them into joining by promising they would be playing with other experienced musicians. Though it was only partially successful, with the other members awkwardness infecting Aoi quickly.
The girl with glasses was somehow even shorter than Aoi, looking on with an almost blank expression as the other two attempted a conversation. The girl from Rikka was tall, beating even Asuka by a few centimetres. Her black, medium-length hair swayed in the breeze while maintaining a deadly serious expression. Aoi could only see the boy's back, but his stiff posture made it clear he was not having the best time.
"Aoi, are you paying attention?" Asuka asked, tapping on her shoulder.
Aoi shook her head and made a shallow bow in apology, returning her attention to Chiyomi.
"Don't worry," Their senior said with a cheery smile. "I was just telling Tanaka-san that we have openings for most instruments. What do you play?"
"Tenor Sax," Aoi replied.
"Ooo," She replied excitedly, "A tenor and baritone sax, and a euphonium as well. The band is going to be really well rounded out this year."
Despite Chiyomi's welcoming words, there was a flicker in Asuka's expression, barely long enough for Aoi to catch. "Is the band's composition normally imbalanced?"
"Some years. It's hard to find players for less popular instruments who want to continue at university."
"What about teaching new students who are interested in joining?" Asuka continued.
"We don't really get that many," Chiyomi said, clasping the nape of her neck. "There's always a big crowd, but most of them are interested in the performance instead of joining."
"So, how do you teach beginners?" Asuka asked.
Aoi could see Haruka make a sight twitch. It was clear she knew as well that Asuka was veering close to an insult with where she was intentionally leading the conversation.
"They mostly learn on their own or ask one of the seniors for help. They've got almost four years to do it, after all."
Even if Asuka's approach was potentially inflammatory, it did give Aoi some important information. Though she was not one for pushing people along with insane expectations, the Kyodai band's laissez-faire attitude seemed too far in the other direction. Of course, this would be different from high school with everyone's newfound independence. But it was a wonder anything got done with how irresponsible some people could definitely get. Perhaps it was a simple matter in casual circles that were entirely recreational. But Aoi could hardly imagine how that would work for a band. Though it somehow did since they could perform coherently in public today.
"How does that affect competitions?" Asuka's words caused Aoi and Haruka to hold their breaths.
"We don't really go for competitions." Chiyomi gave them a sheepish smile. "If we think we're up for it, we'll try. But we never get past the Kyoto preliminaries."
Aoi forced her jaw to remain shut as she watched Asuka continue to nod along with a cordial expression. Asuka's many masks were insufferable, but it was hard not to be impressed with how convincing they were. Even after three years, there was still a twinge of doubt at times if Asuka was being deceptive or genuine. But a concerned glance from Haruka was all the confirmation Aoi needed for now.
"I see," Asuka replied. "As long as we get the chance to play our instruments, right?"
Chiyomi nodded along enthusiastically, seeing a new recruit in the bag. Why Asuka, of all people, wanted to join such an uncompetitive band was impossible to grasp. Though that assumed Taki-sensei's influence would have made everyone in Kitauji highly competitive. And Asuka did seem indifferent to competitions until last year.
But the pull of Taki-sensei's leadership was too strong to just dismiss. It even affected Aoi from a distance as she watched them compete. It was why she was contemplating joining a band again at all. Could Asuka still be the same after all that? Just content with a place to play her euphonium and brutally ignore the drama and people when it suited her?
"Aoi-chan," Asuka said, interrupting her train of thought. "You're joining too, right? Since this band is just for fun. You'll make lots of good memories."
Pursing her lips, Aoi managed to turn the grinding of her teeth into an awkward smile. Asuka was growing particularly insufferable, but Aoi chalked it up to a combination of the façade she was putting on without dialling back any exaggeration. Maybe it was even an attempt to subtly vent her displeasure without giving anything away.
Aoi gave Chiyomi a polite smile and nod to confirm her intent to join. There was always the option of quitting again. And the second time was bound to be easier, especially during the one-month trial period when she would know no one. Although, playing the saxophone alone as her only hobby felt distinctly undesirable.
"Umm," Haruka said as the attention turned to her. "can students from outside Kyodai join? As an intercollegiate member?"
"Ah…" Chiyomi eye's widened before flickering to an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. The student union can only fund us if all our members are from our university. Charging high member fees isn't ideal."
No matter how many times or how often Aoi saw it, Haruka's beady eyes and sombre smile were infectious.
"I understand," Haruka said, her voice straining to keep an even tone. "It's not a problem." She turned to Aoi and Asuka, forcing a smile. "You guys go on without me. It was a long shot, after all."
Aoi felt another twinge of familiar melancholy, watching Chiyomi bow politely to Haruka as she briskly walked off. It was the first time it dawned on Aoi how painful it was to watch someone she cared about walk away. Perhaps even more painful than the one leaving. At least she had the luxury of believing that quitting the band was a necessity.
End Note
Most universities, even in Japan, are known either by just the first part of their name or through a metonym. That was how Tohoku University and Ritsumeikan University were mentioned in this chapter. But given Kyoto is not a strong metonym for the university, unlike famous western examples such as Oxford, Cambridge, or Harvard, it was necessary to refer to it as Kyodai.
I chose to shorten its name to Kyodai instead of KyotoU or Kyoto Uni since it felt more authentic and functional. As the Japanese shortening of Kyoto Daigaku, it was snappier to have in dialogue since it was two syllables but still conceivable to use in an English sentence.