Chapter 13: Crescendo

Before Aoi could notice it through the flurry of practices, November was over. As the autumn deepened and the first inklings of winter arrived in Kyoto, the faithful day for the band came. There were no winners or losers at a band festival. At least not in any conventional sense. Only the ultra-competitive might look at the order of appearance on the program sheet as a sign of victory. But even discarding that, it felt like they had a lot to lose.

"Nervous?" Aoi asked as their group approached the entrance to the Kyoto Concert Hall.

Asuka shrugged. "First time in my life."

"Not even during the university entrance exam?"

"Wasn't a big deal."

Aoi shook her head. "You were that sure you were going to get in?"

"Kind of. And if I didn't, I was hoping my mother would let me go to Tohoku."

All families were complicated. But Asuka's was particularly convoluted. "Your mother lets you stay away from home in Kyoto. But won't let you go to university in Sendai."

"Her idea of being close by is… unique. It's probably the fallout from whatever happened with my father. But it's not like she'll ever tell me the details."

Kaori giggled. "You'd go across the country and leave me all alone?"

With her free hand, Asuka clasped Kaori's and intertwined their fingers. "We would have worked something out."

Aoi groaned. "This is proof that all couples are insufferable."

"Let's just enjoy the walk," How Haruka could say that while lugging around her baritone sax was beyond Aoi. "Look at how beautiful the leaves are."

The entrance to the concert hall was down a promenade off the main street. During the walk in, the tree line of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens came into view. Mid-December was past the peak of autumn, but the trees still showed vestiges of their amber glory before winter fully set in.

"Wouldn't it be nice to play a concert there?" Haruka said. "Like at the rose garden."

"Now?" Aoi said. "It's almost freezing."

"And you'll melt out there in summer," Asuka said.

Haruka puffed out her cheeks. "I liked it better when you guys weren't talking to each other."

"I think our kouhais played there recently," Kaori said.

"They're coming today, aren't they?" Haruka asked.

"I gave two guest tickets to Kumiko," Aoi said. "She and the vice president should be coming."

"I don't want to be around for that," Asuka said.

"Why?"

The only response Aoi got was a wave for her to follow them into the hall.

Most of the band was already assembled and awaiting them in the main foyer. Compared to their previous performance in colourful yukatas, they were now a dull sea of black. The real pain was carrying all their instruments down in heels, long dresses, and coats. But it was a necessary sacrifice for them to squeeze in one last practice the day before.

Leaving their instruments backstage, the band made the long climb to the third-floor gallery where they were seated. At least they were not headed back down any time soon.

It was a small consolation for being placed almost dead last in the program lineup. Neither good enough for the main showcase nor the grand finale, it was a way to cause minimal disruption to the quality of the concert. While disappointing, it was hardly surprising with less than a week of practice before they sent in their recording of the second piece. At least their position would allow them to be present for most of the performances, most importantly the piece by Asuka's father.

It was a blow for her to learn that Ryukoku were the one selected to play the accompaniment, but everything going well afterwards could still make up for that.

"You really didn't tell him about this beforehand?" Aoi asked.

"How?" Asuka shook her head. "Besides, it's better this way."

"What if you don't manage to find him after the performances are over?"

"I will." The force in Asuka's gaze matched her tone.

There was a chance that her father had already realised she was participating in the festival. He had managed to recognise her at Nagoya last year and presumably watched all the recordings they submitted. Though it still seemed like leaving too much up to chance. But when it came to matters of the heart, sometimes doing things that felt right was more important than what was the most effective. Apparently, Asuka was just as human as the rest of them.

A quirk of the Kyoto Concert Hall was that some of the seating was behind the stage on a raised circle and gallery. While it felt strange to be watching from this angle, it still made perfect sense for a music venue. After all, you could hear a performance from anywhere in the room.

The public audience broke out in applause as the first band made their way onto the stage. Dressed in their usual school uniforms, it delayed Aoi's recognition of them. But what gave it away and connected the dots was the powder-blue blazers they wore.

"Even the normal uniform is the same colour…." Aoi mumbled.

"I never liked it," Mirai said from the row behind, forcing Aoi to crane her neck around. "Makes us stand out compared to everyone else in black, white and navy."

"At least it wasn't brown like Kitauji's…."

Mirai shrugged. "I could only tolerate it because it was at least a blazer. The seifuku made you guys look a bit childish."

"I know someone who chose our school because of the uniform…."

A hush came over the hall as Rikka got in position, some of their members even standing in the aisle.

"One of my kouhais from the trombone section made the piece selection. She said there was a special song for her friends in the audience."

"Oh?" Aoi took a closer look at her copy of the program. Being so caught up in their own practice, she had not paid any attention to what the other bands were performing.

"It's… different from the usual Rikka standards." Mirai smiled faintly. "But I suppose this event isn't meant to be as energetic as a parade."

That did not stop Rikka from opening with their signature Sing Sing Sing. It was strange watching them perform in their regular uniforms, yet still doing their usual choreography, jumping around and waving flags. It was almost overwhelming in such a confined space, some of them even prancing around right in front of seats.

It was not quite in line with the festival's theme, but Aoi supposed that was one of the benefits of being a famous band. They were probably told to play their most iconic piece as a crowd-pleaser to kick things off. All on top of the normal time each band was allotted.

"Are the next pieces part of your usual sets?"

"Some of the Disney ones." Mirai tapped on her program. "But the last one is specially for this."

"Where do you guys find the time to prepare so much music?"

"Honestly, I never thought what Hashimoto suggested was too difficult. But Rikka is super intense."

"You guys perform so often. I thought you would just reuse most of your sets. It would explain why the pieces don't quite match the theme now."

"They do." As Mamoru spoke, clattering filled the hall as chairs and music stands were brought out for the start of the main concert. "No one said that we had to take Basho literally."

"Why didn't you say something earlier…" As the theme from The Little Mermaid played, Aoi finally realised how blinded they had been.

"At first, Asuka was deciding everything. Then you guys were having a… moment."

"Quiet, I'm trying to size up the competition," Asuka said before winking back at them.

It seemed so simple now that someone had pointed it out, making Aoi flush with embarrassment and frustration. So much of their agonising was attempting to match the theme literally. There was no shortage of pieces composed about places around the world, but it created the expectation that something more 'serious' was expected.

And yet here they were, listening to a medley of famous songs from children's movies.

Aoi turned to Asuka on her right. "Are we snobs?"

"Apparently. But anything with Rikka's quality sounds good."

"So, you just didn't have any confidence in us."

"It's hard when you remember what the band was like just two years ago."

"Would choosing something more popular have a chance at impressing your dad?"

Asuka shook her head. "I wish I knew. I only know him by his reputation. Based on that, it doesn't seem like it."

With the conclusion of the medley, Rikka prepared to start their finale. Moving from a fictional place in the world of Disney, Ai Wo Mitsuketa Basho was a piece about a metaphorical place. Though it was also confusingly literal since the title was 'a place where we found love'. Like most pop songs adapted for a concert band, the central melody was dressed up to be more complex and a harmony was added. Yet it still retained its identity as a love song, having a duet between a trumpet and trombone.

And it was stunning with the usual Rikka polish. Mirai's junior had to be the one on the trombone with how warm the tone was. And with how she played, it was possible to believe the piece was meant for a euphonium instead.

The bands that followed were varied, ranging from junior high schools to even professionals from the Self-Defence Forces. It became clear that pop songs and well-known pieces dominated the sets. Ultimately, this festival was more of a public performance. The judges present were there to give feedback instead of declaring a winner. And the invited professionals were probably there just for the sake of performing.

As the representatives for Kyoto at the national competition this year, the Ryuusei band was invited to perform. It was a pity that the festival was not held every year, leaving Kitauji absent yet again. Though Aoi's batch would have missed out anyway with how late in the year it was held, being forced to retire from club activities for their exams by then.

Aoi's seat shook as someone's knee smashed into its back. "No way," Mamoru's seat groaned as he leaned forward.

"Sit down." Mirai sighed, grabbing him by the sleeve of his blazer.

"Gen-chan-sensei is still conducting?"

"Why not? He's their advisor."

"They aren't playing any of their competition pieces."

"You make that sound so astounding."

Mamoru settled back into his seat. "He's letting them play video game music. He was already way better than our last advisor, but this makes him cooler too."

"They did make it to nationals," Aoi said. "I guess he's letting them have some fun."

Assuming he would be against performing popular music all because he was a famed advisor was quite prejudicial. In fact, Aoi realised she knew better from her own studies of all things. Shakespeare, a titan of English literature, wrote his plays for mass consumption. Even revered Japanese classics like the Tale of Genji were seen as nothing more than frivolous entertainment for courtiers in their own time. And if Aoi's experience this semester was anything to go by, something origins had no bearing on how simple it was.

The opening horn fanfare resounded through the hall as the Ryuusei band started the Dragon Quest Overture. While Aoi could not appreciate it fully, there was no denying how grand the piece was when it hit its crescendo. If Mamoru's reaction was anything to go by, this was probably a dream of theirs, playing a medley of all the video game music they loved at a level that did it justice. Even from on high in the gallery, it was easy to see the smile on their director's face and the energy of the students.

The master of ceremonies announced that the Ryukoku University band was taking to the stage, signalling that the performance they were all awaiting was coming soon. And that their own turn was fast approaching.

Ryukoku's choice of pieces raised the bar, starting with an abridged version of Nigel Hess' East Coast Pictures. From her peripheral vision, Aoi could see the others tense up. Asuka's eyes even narrowed as she leaned forward towards the railing. Being compared to them by both the audience and the professional panel was going to be difficult.

With nearly a hundred members, the stage of the Kyoto Concert Hall could barely fit them. But even with so many of them, the band was still playing in perfect harmony. The numbers only lending to the impact of the music.

What Aoi heard scared her. Moving fluidly from the second picture of the Catskill Mountains, Ryukoku started on the Jupiter movement of Holst's The Planets. In some other circumstance, it might have been funny to imagine going from New York to outer space in a single movement. Now it only ratcheted up the pressure. These were supposed to be their peers, yet they had access to so much more. Two timpanis, four contrabasses, and even a harpist. Asuka's connections might have finally got them somewhere they were not meant to be and had no hope of reaching.

As the audience applauded, Haruka leaned over, resting her head on Aoi's shoulder. "Can that piece really match up to this?"

"I don't know… But we have to try, right?"

Haruka faintly smiled. "I never thought you would put in so much effort for Asuka."

"Like Mirai said, we're invested. And for us, we're neck deep after so many years."

"She never talked to you, right?"

"I never brought it up either. We were all too busy practising last month anyway. I forgot about it most of the time."

After dealing with Asuka for years, Aoi knew there was no hope of any frank discussion until this was over. But given how things were now more than cordial, even friendly again, it was as good a sign as any of Asuka's tacit apology.

"Yeah, we forgot a lot of stuff in October and November to focus on this."

Aoi twitched as a memory sparked. "Oh… the end of October. Your birthday."

"I knew it. You spent the whole day with me without realising it." Haruka giggled. "I guess it's still sweet since you did it without any special reason."

"I did promise you… but I should have remembered too."

Haruka smiled. "There'll always be next year,"

The clapping from below signalled the arrival of the star guest of the festival. Dressed in a tuxedo, Shindou Masakazu took the stage. The bright spotlight made his salt-and-pepper hair gleam silver like his euphonium, an exact copy of the one Asuka had. It was difficult to get a good look at the rest of his features from so far away, but Asuka seemed to take after her mother more than him. The only apparent similarity between them was the presence of glasses.

It was the longest piece of the concert, but Marcel Kentsubitsch's Euphonium Concerto "The Emperor" was engrossing the entire way through. Not just in the composition of the music but also in the way Asuka's father performed. His playing proved that the euphonium deserved its name, his tone expressive yet immaculate throughout. And his skill in the rapid sections of the piece made the Carnival of Venice look like child's play.

Talent was not necessarily inherited. But it was clear where Asuka got her's from. And it seemed like she was just scratching the surface despite how good she already was.

With the concerto's conclusion, Asuka's father set down his euphonium and stepped onto the conductor's podium to speak.

"It is always a strange feeling to be back in Kyoto. I grew up here, and many important moments in my life happened here. But there is always this bittersweet feeling whenever I return. Too many memories can do that, I suppose.

"While Kentsubitsch's Euphonium Concerto is dear to me as a reminder of my time in Germany, another piece has a special place in my heart for Kyoto.

"A long time ago, when I was a much younger man, I made a euphonium arrangement of this song but never published it in any of my books or collections. Many people have done adaptations of this famous enka ballad, but they never had the same impact on me. The lyrics of Kawa No Nagare No Youni were supposed to be inspired by New York's East River. But to me, the flow of the river I will always imagine is in my hometown of Uji.

"The students from Ryukoku have been kind enough to indulge me and perform this. Even though they were expecting something more technically challenging to really show how talented they are.

"Lastly, although playing this piece of music is its own special experience, there is a quality only being in the audience, being the recipient of the song, can capture.

"I hope you all will enjoy it."

Kawa No Nagre No Youni was perfect for the euphonium. The nostalgic song about the journey of life matched the warm baritone sound the instrument produced. Like Asuka's father said, it was plain to see it was far from the most technically complex song to play. But that did not stop the performance from being beautiful with how much emotion was poured into it.

"My mother listens to that song a lot," Asuka mumbled.

"Then…"

"She played that record until it broke."

"He knows you're here."

Asuka made a shallow nod. "So, this is how everyone feels before a big exam."

"Tightness in your stomach? And feeling like the world could end at any moment?"

"How do you live like this?"

"It isn't easy, but it's never permanent." Aoi stood up. "I guess that means it's our turn."

The band reassembled in a holding room, standing in a semi-circle around their presidents and Asuka. It might have been reassuring for them, awaiting a final speech after tuning for that last burst of determination. But Aoi only remembered this as a prelude to disaster from all the previous competitions. Maybe this time would change her gut response to being put on this spot.

"Asuka?" Aoi nudged her forward.

"We're all here for different reasons," Asuka glanced back to the presidents. "For our friends, to make music, or maybe because of something we discovered in ourselves last year. I won't pretend that this is just fun and games to me.

"I still think it would have been too intense to work through if I told everyone what I wanted to do from the start and why. But you guys still decided to give me your support even after all the fighting and pressure. And maybe… that's more than I deserve. So how can anyone ask for more?

"Let's go out there and let everyone hear who we are. That's the most important thing. Not pretending to be something we're not. Everyone from Kitauji has heard me say that before. But now my reasons are all out there.

Asuka took a deep breath. "I mean it now. I really do. I want us to love our performance."

There was no applause or cheers. But the gentle smiles and nods meant so much more.

Now focused on the task ahead instead of the past, the band's eyes turned to Aoi. Apparently, as the mastermind behind their final choice of pieces, they also felt the need for her to say something.

"Ryukoku's performance is hard to follow. But too much of high school was spent worrying about being compared to other bands. Shackelford Banks is great, and our second piece is personal for all of us.

"We've grown up with mountains all around us in Uji."

"Hey!" Kyouko waved her hands. "Are you forgetting some of us?"

Noriko placed her hands on her hips. "They're mountains on Kyushu too."

Mamoru laughed. "Actually, I stay near downtown around Nijo."

Even with the pressure, Aoi could not help but smile. "Okay. We've seen how beautiful the mountains around Kyoto are. In the golden hours at dawn and dusk. The blooms in spring and in the deep autumn. In the light after a storm ends. There's no one else better for this."

She could only wish that she was as confident as she sounded.

With a cheer, the band prepared to take the stage, gathering their instruments and sheet music. In the final shuffle of people and hushed conversations, Aoi went to fetch her own instrument. Even after slinging it around her neck, she lingered, staring at her saxophone.

It had been heavily used these past eight months. While they were almost invisible, the lacquer had plenty of tiny scratches, and the keys had a slight tarnish to them. Maybe it could have all been prevented if she had been more diligent. If there had been less drama to distract from things.

Haruka came up to her and held her hand before giving it a squeeze. "I know it's not nationals or even the Kansai competition. But I'm glad I finally get to experience something like this with you."

"There were the Kyoto competitions. But it's not like there was any tension there. That was all a forgone conclusion."

"I know you're still worried. It'll be different this time." With her own saxophone slung around her neck, Haruka led Aoi in hand towards the stage.

It had been years since she had been on a stage like this. The lights were almost blinding, yet not quite bright enough to completely obscure the audience. Their performance at Tanataba might have been for a similar number of people. Back then, it felt much less overwhelming with them coming and going so often.

Mirai took to the podium, standing tall as she readied her sheet music. Instead of wearing a dress like most of the band, she had opted for a sharp pantsuit, giving her an aura of authority and confidence. Looking at Aoi and then Asuka, she gave them both a nod before she raised her baton.

The opening flute solo was just a taste of what Himegami was capable of. Backed by Asuka's euphonium accompaniment, there was no better way to start than by showing off some of the band's best musicians. Though it still left Aoi worried about their second piece with how heavily it relied on the flute section.

The first refrain of Shackelford Banks began with the trombones carrying the melody. It was hard to remember that Hideri and Mei were highly proficient musicians when they were constantly compared to Mirai. While they might not have been up to her personal standards as a trombonist, it was more than enough for a good performance.

The percussionists were run ragged through the performance, the three forced to switch between a multitude of instruments in short succession. Some compromises had to be made, like using the kick drum from Knuckle's kit instead of a proper concert bass drum. But in a piece with such a strong percussion identity, they refused to cut back on the instruments that were called for.

With Shackelford Banks concluded, the make-or-break moment had arrived. Aoi should have been the one conducting the piece, but switching conductors at an event like this was inappropriate. Maybe in some future performance, she would. In any case, Mirai was probably the only one of them that could have conducted Shackelford Banks and brought out its full potential while still managing the second piece.

All that was left was A Song of a Beautiful Mountain Range.

Aoi had chosen the piece in her second year as a way to change things when their batch took over. It all had Nozomi in mind as the principal flautist and soloist. As skilled as her batchmates were, it was impossible for them to match their junior's sheer talent. While it would be upsetting, placing skill above seniority was the change Kitauji needed. Both to make up for what was happening at the time and for the band's benefit in the long run. Aoi was even prepared to tell Himegami and her section that there was always another chance in university.

But everything fell apart before any of that could happen.

Maybe it was a poetic way for things to come full circle. But it did little to assuage the fear that they were simply not good enough to execute the piece. Not without someone talented like Nozomi. Not without their juniors to bolster their numbers. And not without the guidance of someone like Taki-sensei.

At this point, being anxious and terrified while trying anyway seemed to be Aoi's speciality.

Opening with a euphonium solo followed by the flutes, they were off to as strong a start as they could muster. Without the harp the piece called for, they were forced to substitute the clarinets for the accompaniment. Aoi only hoped her impression of it from all their practice was accurate. She envisioned the sun rising over the mountains, the euphonium embodying its warmth, and the flutes signalling the birds waking and the forest coming to life.

The piece featured the flutes heavily, using frequent trills to give the music a light fluttery air to contrast the warm timbre of the brass melody. Despite Yoriko being the designated piccolo and Himegami being the principal flute, it was Tsune that played the best in this piece. It must have been her memories of sunrise on the tea plantations carved into the Uji mountainside that pushed her performance to new heights.

The trumpets soared above the other instruments, carrying the melody as the song grew grander, the piece ascending the mountain. The first crescendo calmed to a gentle woodwind section as they reached the summit, arriving in a tranquil world bathed in brilliant sunlight. Tori-chan played her clarinet solo flawlessly as the concert mistress, carrying the piece in through its blissful romp above the clouds.

The brass returned to the melody, growing it to a fortissimo once again before the music abruptly changed, descending into darker, turbulent tones. Like every symphonic poem, the piece told a story. And now a storm had come to this peaceful mountain. It was a whirlwind of sounds, the percussion section being pushed to the limit again, the symbols and timpani mimicking the crash of thunder.

Silenced reigned in the aftermath of the tempest as peace returned, focusing back on the woodwinds and a second solo from Torizuka. With the final refrain, energy surged into Aoi as a weight lifted off her. It was as if she was on the breeze, able to float on that mountaintop forever. The band rose to a triple forte for the closing crescendo, ending the piece in spectacular fashion.

Aoi smiled at the applause, her cheeks flushed and nose bridge moist with sweat. Maybe it was not the perfect performance, and they might receive unfavourable feedback. But it was something they could finally be proud of. Something they did on their own, drawing together despite their problems and creating a performance that was uniquely theirs.

Once they were backstage, Haruka almost leapt at her, engulfing Aoi in a hug.

"We did it!"

Aoi smiled. "Yeah. Together."

The foyer was packed with participants from every band in the post-concert reception. Huddled together with Haruka, Aoi followed behind Asuka and Kaori as they made their way to the all-important meeting.

The feedback they received was positive. At least relative to the expectations the judges had for them. They were the only band on the program that was not professional or an award winner of some kind. There was still plenty of work to be done on their technique, and some even thought their second piece was above their skill level. But the judges agreed there was a spark to it, even if it was still rough by their standards.

The most crucial compliment they got was, of course, to do with Asuka. Even with only two short solos and mainly playing as part of the harmony, Shindou Masakazu was quick to single her out for praise as an exceptional musician. Even with the possible bias since this was not a formal competition, it still meant the world to Asuka.

If it had been Aoi's father complimenting her on her work, it would have felt smothering. Seeing her friend moved by something so mundane, or at times even insincere to her, made Aoi both confused and jealous all at once. But knowing what Asuka's mother was like, this was the only parental figure she could receive approval from. Of course, the offer to meet during the reception was not going to be wasted.

"Should we really be going along?" Haruka asked.

"Asuka seems to want us there," Aoi said. "At least for the first part, I guess. Maybe she just feels awkward."

"We are her friends. But this is the first time she's meeting her father."

"Too late now."

Thankfully, Asuka took after her father in another important way. Both of them had the will to overcome the awkwardness of a difficult first meeting without anyone else's intervention. Politely exiting his previous conversation, Asuka's father turned to them and smiled.

"I can't believe how much you look like Akemi. But I wish you hadn't inherited my eyesight."

"She doesn't know I'm here."

"Of course not. If she did, I would be getting an earful.

"I thought…"

"She may have stopped you from seeing me. But that doesn't mean she wasn't obligated to update me about you. I just wish the court didn't have to force her. You're still my daughter, after all. I'm very proud you got to Kyoto University."

"I… had to. She threatened to throw away my euphonium if my grades ever slipped."

"I can imagine. Akemi always focused too much on those kinds of things." Asuka's father shook his head. "It seems very little has changed. When I sent the euphonium to you, I was worried that you might have moved or she would take it away. Seeing you with it last year was a relief. Years of worrying were finally gone."

"You knew I was there?"

"I had a hunch when I saw your high school qualified last year. Of course, your mother never told me if you decided to learn music or if you were in a band. And she always refused to send me any pictures of you. But I knew it was you once I saw you with your euphonium."

"She would never tell me… How did it get this bad?"

Asuka's father sighed. "It was a long time ago. You're a smart girl. I'm sure you pieced some of it together from the concert."

"Germany?"

He nodded. "This was before I had a stable career as a musician. And before your mother had made a path to upper management at work. A lot of it was about money, but Akemi also refused to have you grow up in a strange faraway place."

"But your time there made your career."

His smile looked just like Asuka's, his glasses rising slightly as his eyes narrowed. "It seems you know more about me than I do about you. It was impossible to know that at the time. In some ways, your mother turned out to be right. It seems you did benefit from growing up in Uji." He gestured to Kaori, Haruka and Aoi, who had all been watching quietly.

"We didn't mean to intrude," Haruka said.

"No, it's alright. If Asuka asked you to accompany her, I'm sure she would like all of you to know more about her family. I'm glad my daughter has found such close friends."

Aoi was tempted to say something, but all she did was smile politely. He did not know the half of it.

"I know your ensemble is quite new. But I'm sure you girls plan on continuing, right?"

As their president, Haruka instinctively nodded. "Of course."

"My schedule is still quite busy, but I've been thinking about returning to Kyoto more." He turned to Asuka. "I know it will make things difficult with your mother, and you're already very proficient, but I could teach you."

It had been a long time since Aoi had seen Asuka smile without reservation. It might even have been the first time her mask had completely fallen away. The Asuka underneath was still as confident and eccentric as ever. But even on the surface, she was so much warmer.

"I just wasn't going to tell her. I stay with my friend in Kyoto anyway."

He shook his head. "You really do take after Akemi. Well, you're an adult now, so this is your choice. I'm sure that's why you decided to meet me now."

She could only respond with a brazen grin before turning to her friends. "Could I spend some time with my dad? Our kouhais are waiting for you guys downstairs anyway."

"Don't you want to see her too?"

"I'll see Oumae-chan eventually." Asuka smiled. "Besides, I don't want to be around for that…"

Before Aoi could ask more questions, Haruka tugged on her arm and started leading her away. It was plain to see that Kaori was not going anywhere, giving both of them a small wave as they left. Being around for that part of the conversation was going to be uncomfortable.

Descending down the spiral incline in the entrance hall, Cafe Concerto came into view on the first floor. Seated by the window overlooking the outdoor pond was Kumiko with a dark-haired girl. Aoi recognised her as someone from the Kitauji band. Someone notable. But she could not quite match a name with her appearance.

"Aoi…-senpai?"

"It's okay." Aoi waved her off. "You don't need to call me that anymore."

"But President Ogasawara is around."

Haruka smiled. "I'm not the president anymore."

"Not for Kitauji, at least." Aoi turned to Kumiko's friend. "I'm sorry I should remember your name, but I wasn't in the band for very long with you. Congratulations on becoming the vice president."

"Oh…" She looked to Kumiko with raised eyebrows before turning back. "It's not your fault, senpai. I'm Kousaka Reina. Actually, I'm the band drum major this year. Not the vice president."

Both Aoi and Haruka cocked their heads to the side.

"Isn't that just for SunFest?" Haruka asked.

"It was mainly Nozomi-senpai's idea," Kumiko said. "She thought it would help if there was someone whose role was mainly to organise the band's training. Drum major was the best name we could think of."

Haruka nodded. "It would be weird for someone like the treasurer to be leading practices."

"Kasaki-senpai did do that sometimes anyway," Kousaka said.

"Still, congratulations Kousaka-san." Aoi said. "Though, I only gave Kumiko two tickets. How come she brought you instead of the vice president?"

A flush came to Kousaka's face as she turned away, looking out at the pond. "I had my own ticket. He just went to talk to Noguchi-senpai for a while."

"He?" And he went to talk to the trombone section. Aoi covered her mouth. Looking right at Kumiko, she had to resist the urge to smirk. "The previous vice-president, Nakagawa-san, is in the bass section, right? So, she knows you quite well."

"Yes…" Kumiko sighed. "I swear she was serious about her choice. I didn't ask for it!"

Haruka looked at Aoi in confusion but only got a wink in response. Seeing how flustered Kumiko was, Haruka still decided to intervene for her benefit.

"Kousaka-san," Haruka said. "How did you get your own ticket? Was it through your father?"

"Yes." It was her turn to look confused. "I thought you would know I was here since he arranged for your ensemble to be on the festival program."

"What?" Kumiko said. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Kousaka shrugged. "It wasn't important to us. And Tanaka-senpai didn't want everyone to know."

"Ah…" Aoi said. So that was how Asuka did it. She really must have been desperate to approach a kouhai she barely knew for help. And it was a long shot at that. "Sorry, Asuka's not very good a communicating with us either."

"It was an odd request," Kousaka had recovered her serious demeanour. "I hope she got whatever opportunity she was looking for."

Aoi smiled. "She's talking with Shindou Masakazu now."

Kumiko's eyes widened. "He's… a famous euphonium player."

Aoi gave her a smile and a nod. "Yes, she's happy to finally get the chance to talk to him after so long. Though I think you won't meet her today because of that."

"So, Tanaka-senpai won't be here," Shuuichi said as he sat down. "Hideri-senpai said she did something that made things a bit difficult for a while."

"Something like that," Haruka mumbled.

"He didn't want to tell me more. I guess I shouldn't ask."

Aoi nodded. "So, how's working together."

Both Kumiko and Kousaka went red, looking away from their seniors while Shuuichi squirmed in his seat. The reactions of her childhood friends were expected, by why was Reina uncomfortable? She did not seem like the type to get worked up because someone else's relationship was brought up.

"Aoi…" Haruka said. "It's not nice to tease. You don't like it when Asuka does it to you."

That was enough for Kumiko to turn the tables. "Oh? You met someone at university?"

"No," Aoi sighed, dismissing it with a wave. "Nothing like that. Asuka just likes to believe other people think like her too much."

"I mean… the more I think about it. The two of you are kind of similar in some ways."

Aoi was about to groan when Shuuichi intervened. "President, don't you think we should ask them?"

"Huh?" Haruka said.

"Sorry, I meant President Oumae."

"What happened to just Kumiko?" Aoi asked.

Kumiko had done up her hair for the festival. But when Aoi took a closer look, despite tying it up with a ribbon and wearing some hairpins, none of them was of a sunflower.

"My role is to support her," Shuuichi said. "Our kouhais would think I didn't take her seriously if I kept using her first name."

"Shuuichi…" He really was committed to this even with only friends and seniors around. But he did have a point. Everyone calling Haruka by her first name had only made her lack of ability to project authority even worse. "I guess I can't blame you for putting Kumiko and the band ahead of your feelings."

Haruka's eyebrows rose in realisation. "That's actually quite sweet."

"Please, Ogasawara-senpai!" Kumiko blushed.

Kousaka cleared her throat. "Tsukamoto, you came up with the idea. You ask them."

"Didn't you have some reservations after watching the performance?"

"Our senior's standard isn't what you would expect of a university band. And they're quite far from those we should be trying to emulate, like Ryukoku. But I've thought about it more. Their performance shouldn't compromise our recruitment."

Aoi had heard the stories from everyone, but seeing Kousaka's directness first-hand finally drove it home. If it had been her instead of Nozomi-chan when they fought with their seniors, things would have gotten much uglier with how she approached things. Maybe it was a good thing her position in the band was more of a disciplinary figure like the drum major. Being this candid as a leader would eventually create more conflict.

"Reina," Kumiko said. "You didn't need to be so direct."

Haruka held her palms up in front of her. "No, it's alright. She did say anything that wasn't true."

"That didn't make it diplomatic. They've graduated, but they're still our senpais." Shuuichi sighed.

Kousaka flicked her hair back over her shoulder. "Someone had to be frank."

"Reina, Shuuichi." Kumiko sighed. "Sorry, senpai. It's not normally like this. Reina didn't mean to offend you. It was a concern before we heard you play since you said you didn't have an advisor. But there was always a better way to put it."

"Did we cause something?" Haruka asked.

"No… okay, maybe." Kumiko shook her head. "Anyway, senpai, we wanted to ask you to play at the Kitauji open house before the school year starts."

"Isn't that a little early to try and get club members?" Haruka asked. "I guess junior high students do come down to check out schools they're interested in for next year."

Kumiko nodded. "It probably sounds strange to you since it only started last year, but Taki-sensei actually got a lot of people asking him about joining the band when they entered high school."

"So, this is for the band after you graduate," Aoi said.

"The competitions, public performances and the cultural festival probably all do more for recruitment. But every bit helps our juniors next year."

Haruka looked at Aoi. "Should we ask Asuka?"

"You're the president." Aoi smiled. "And I'm the vice president. Maybe Kyouko and Mirai will act a little grouchy having to do something related to Kitauji again, but I don't think anyone in the band will have a problem."

"Well, it's for our juniors. So how can we say no."

"You don't need to perform anything fancy if that takes up too much of your term break," Shuuichi said. "We're probably playing Liz and the Blue Bird, but everything else will probably be pop music."

"Asuka will want to perform something difficult," Aoi said, turning to Haruka. "But I think she'll probably be more relaxed after this."

Kumiko smiled. "So, you'll do it?"

Haruka and Aoi nodded together.

"Great!" Kumiko clapped her hands. "We came up with the idea on our own, but I think Taki-sensei will be happy to hear it too. After all, you are his first batch of students to graduate."

Haruka smiled at Aoi. "Maybe he'll be happy we all decided to continue with music."

If only it were so clear-cut. Taki-sensei had seemed understanding when Aoi submitted her request to quit. After all, how could any teacher be angry that a student was quitting a club to focus on studying for their future? But there was always that disappointment she felt from him.

"Kumiko! Tsukamoto!" A girl in a Rikka uniform entered the café. "Oh, and Kousaka is here too."

Kumiko leaned over to get a clear look at her. "Azusa-chan?"

"My senpais told me that you were here with some of your seniors from their band— oh, sorry!"

"We've just finished our discussion anyway." Aoi smiled. "You should spend some time with your friend instead of having to discuss official business with your senpais. I guess you were all from Kitachu, right?"

Kousaka nodded but said nothing else.

"Aoi," Shuuichi said. "You're our friend too. Even if you're slightly older than us."

"Sorry, I'm the one who interrupted," Azusa made a small bow. "Mirai-senpai made it sound like it was just an exchange of greetings."

This must be Mirai's junior from the trombone section. "Mirai told me the second piece Rikka played was chosen specially for your friends."

"We played it at our band's graduation party. But I don't think we really did it justice. I guess it's a special song that connects all of us, even though we went to different schools." Although Kumiko and Shuuichi were smiling, Kousaka's mood seemed to have soured even more.

"You must want to talk to them too."

Azusa shook her head. "Oh… but I don't want to get in the way."

"It's fine." Haruka gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll be seeing them soon anyway."

Aoi stood up and smiled at Kumiko. "I'm sure you're already doing great as president. And you won't find a better supporter anywhere else." All three of her juniors had to briefly avert their eyes at the compliment, getting a short giggle from Haruka. "Talk to you guys soon. And I'll tell Asuka you said hi."

As Kumiko and Shuuichi shyly waved goodbye, Azusa was already animated, gesturing to the two of them. So, even in junior high, it was common knowledge among their friends that something was going on between them. Though Kousaka still bore a look of deadpan irritation. Maybe she was just exhausted by the constant focus on this topic. The only other explanation was some kind of love triangle. But it was beyond impossible to imagine Shuuichi being the centre of something like that.

Returning to the second-floor foyer, it was still crowded with the other participants. Mamoru, Mirai and Momo were all off talking to their juniors while the rest of the band had dispersed into smaller groups. Seeing Hideri and Knuckles raid the catering despite exasperated looks from Mei and Saki, Aoi decided that she had her fill of the reception.

"You want to go look at the botanical gardens?" Aoi asked.

"Huh? We can't just leave for so long." Haruka said. "Everyone, we'll have to carry our instruments back."

"It won't be long. I know a place."

Climbing up and down was starting to take its toll on both of them in their heels. The chatter of the reception faded as they made their way to the fourth floor of the concert hall building. It was only late afternoon, but the winter sun was already scraping the horizon, bathing this smaller foyer with golden light through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

On the lower floors, the trees blocked most of the sun and the view. But up here, it was just high enough for them to glimpse the garden grounds. It was not quite the same as being there, but at least they were warm here.

Though it did not stop Haruka from leaning right against her anyway.

"So, this is a happy ending for all of us, then?" Aoi said.

Haruka giggled. "We've still got another three years at least."

"Plenty of time for things to go wrong again, then."

"I hate it when you're such a cynic. I meant at least three years to enjoy being in the band together."

"It was just a joke." Aoi laughed. "But I do feel like something isn't complete."

"Maybe it's because we don't have any kouhais. It's fun with everyone in the same batch, but it doesn't feel like a real band yet."

Aoi sighed. "More stuff that we should start planning soon."

"We'll all do it together this time." Haruka placed her hand on Aoi's.

"Maybe going back to Kitauji with you guys will change things. Finally, close that chapter of our lives."

There was only a nod from Haruka, her hair and cheek brushing against Aoi's bare shoulder. Not even the thrill of performing could come close to the warm joy of spending time with someone close.