Once again much appreciation to angelg0722, Xrucious, Red Enchantress, vivvy09 and Lura Elsworth for reviewing! I was really glad to know your feedbacks (: I'm so hardworking ain't I? I spent two days out of my four days holiday working on HTTW –grins- Quick, tell me you love me!
So I was thinking about HTTW, about just what exactly do I want the story to convey and I concluded that there are three main things I want to achieve with this story. To begin with, I want to craft a Rikkai Dai that's quite different from what the series had shown, I want to pen a Rikkai Dai which cares about grooming real talents more than clinching the gold. Along with that, I'd also like to develop friendship and team spirit in the school.
Next, I want to tell the story of a girl who wasn't loved but didn't grow up bitter and instead held herself together and her own journey in tennis in which she matured and grew to become a girl who makes a congenial pair with Yukimura.
Lastly, I want to portray a boy who despite being weighed down by others' expectations of him was perfect but hollow, and how he was nearly defeated by himself but in the end he picked himself up and kept going strong. I think that sums up what I'd like HTTW to bring across. (: Why am I saying this is because I do not trust my writing to bring out some of these LOL so I'd rather explicitly state this out, even though it's not something a writer should do.
Bite-size information about Tsugi: she likes sweets. This is shown in C3 –grins-
*this chapter contains lots and lots of spoilers*
Higher than the Wind
Of Akaya and Music
"I'll meet all of you outside the courts later then," Tsugi bade goodbye to the three boys with a small smile. They were meeting up for dinner that night to celebrate their advancement to second year. All of them have been successfully promoted and this year, Tsugi was still allocated to the same class as Yukimura – as were Sanada, Renji and Geishi. But not all of them shared the same subject combination, and it happened that Geishi had a different lesson during the last period from the rest of them. Now that they were classmates, it was a good thing Tsugi had somewhat overcome her fear of Sanada during the winter camp or at least, it wasn't explicitly shown anymore.
"See you later, Tsugi," Renji nodded to her.
"Good bye, Yanagi," Yukimura gave a small wave, while Sanada once again graced her with his equivocal and pluripotent monosyllable reply – the almighty "Hn."
Tsugi shook her head and quickly exited. After a while, one would simply get used to Sanada's apathy towards too many subjects.
"We should get changed and head to the courts too," Renji proposed. They were already late. Nevertheless, given their status within the club, nobody would dare to breathe a word. They had an interesting freshman to receive today.
"Shall we go?" Yukimura smiled, his pearly-whites shone a little brighter if it was possible when he recalled the impressive stunt they had witnessed earlier that day. That must be the first time a freshman had dared to jump onto the school gates in Rikkai Dai's history.
"Tarundoru," Sanada muttered, frowning upon his own tardiness.
Beep.
Beep.
Renji and Yukimura's mobile phones went off simultaneously. The two of them exchanged a brief look before glancing down at their phones.
I passed by the boys' courts and I saw that first year from this morning. He's mopping the floor with your regulars' faces.
From: Yanagi Asaitsugi
They both received an identical message from Tsugi (Sanada didn't, since Tsugi didn't have his number). Yukimura was the first to react, his smile enlarged and Renji knew; that rash freshman wasn't going to have an easy time later on.
"It seems that there's a magnificent show on our courts. Let us proceed to the courts now."
"We should have done that a long time ago," Sanada responded grouchily, folding his arms across his chest.
"I foresee an entertaining show."
"If it's your prediction, Renji, I believe that it'd be reality."
Renji and Yukimura exchanged a cryptic smile, while Sanada raised a brow at them in suspicion. He had an inkling that there was something going on that he wasn't privy to.
The three of them changed out of their school uniform and put on their tennis attire as well as their regular jersey – an article which was both a symbol of their status and an accolade awarded in recognition of their ability.
Their jerseys were their pride, and they would not stand for anyone who dared to put down their dignity as regulars of Rikkai Dai.
When the three neared the courts, they caught sight of the restless crowd which was gathered in a single court. There wasn't order of any sort, Sanada noted as a current of ire built up within him. Trust them to slacken off just because they were late for once –
"What's all this commotion?" Yukimura raised an eyebrow and he called out as he stepped into the courts with his two fellow demons.
He strutted in like a king visiting his subjects. A wind picked up at the moment and lightly blew his ocean-blue hair about his face, accentuating his delicate facial features. Even though he had grown in height, his face remained gentle as before.
Sanada's face was void of emotions; he didn't spare the onyx-haired freshman as much as a glance. He frowned at the third year senior who lied utterly defeated on the ground, and he gave the senior a piercing, accusatory stare which made the third year senior flinch. The third year knew that he wasn't going to be let off the hook easily, not when he disgraced himself and the regulars.
Renji's expression was calm, but little did they know of the calculation going on in his mind. If they were to recruit Kirihara Akaya into the team… with a bit of grooming, this year's national championship would be secured as well.
"Yukimura, Sanada, Yanagi…" The third year managed to address them before his voice was caught in his throat. It was shameful enough that he lost to this unknown freshman, but to have the three demons of Rikkai witness himself like this was the worst nightmare ever.
"I see you got beaten, senpai," A quaint smile tugged at Yukimura's lips as he looked down –both literally and figuratively– at his senior.
"You over there… what have you been doing?" Sanada glanced over at the source of all this mayhem and realization hit him. No wonder. It was that brat from earlier on.
"What have I been doing? I'm sure you can tell by looking," Kirihara grinned proudly, obviously relishing the fact that he caused this ruckus, "I just became this club's number one!"
Sanada's frown deepened.
"What's that?" His voice had a sharper edge to it now. If he was just looking to teach Kirihara a lesson before, he was adamant about putting this first year into place now. Annoying brats like him should learn what they can say and do.
Kirihara's next words only ticked Sanada off even more.
"But really, national champions aren't a big deal! I thought they'd be stronger than this," Kirihara scratched his head and stated bluntly, completely unaware of the repercussions of his words.
"Kisama," Sanada was patient and listened to the end of Kirihara's idiotic rant, but his palms were twitching and he was at the verge of tearing that impudent kid apart.
"Looks like he needs some discipline." Any person sufficiently familiar with the Rikkai tennis club knew that the fifteen degree up-curling of Yukimura's lips was the most frightening sight in Rikkai tennis club and that smile, once heard of only in myths and legends… was live now.
Yukimura was smiling, but everyone knew that Kirihara was in for troubles.
"Why do I have to play with you second years?" Kirihara complained when he was forced onto the court once more. He had already become number one! Shouldn't they fall on their knees in awe of his tennis? These second years were just wasting his time.
"Shut up," Sanada cut him off curtly, "keep your nonsense for after you've won the match."
"Huh?" Kirihara glared at Sanada. How dare he berate him in such a patronizing manner! He was the super rookie of Rikkai Dai Fuzoku tennis club! Whatever, he was going to teach him what it meant to play tennis!
"One game," Sanada stated, face bereft of all emotions, "we'll play just one game because any more would be redundant. I'll let you serve first, because you'll never get a chance to touch the ball otherwise." Sanada's steely black orbs glanced over Kirihara in a lofty fashion, irking the younger male.
"I'll make you eat your words!" Kirihara glowered at Sanada. He'd definitely defeat this guy and embarrass him in front of everyone. How dare he treat him like that!
But Kirihara lost, and it was an utter defeat. All the points scored were return aces, and Sanada didn't look like he really tried at all. Kirihara was completely drenched in his own sweat, while Sanada's shirt was as dry and pristine as when he entered the courts. That must have been a fluke! Kirihara decided, he'd prove himself against his next opponent!
The next person Kirihara went up against was Renji, who allowed him to serve as well, and just like Sanada, it was return ace after return ace. Kirihara couldn't even catch a single ball, and it was another ugly loss.
"There must be some witchcraft at work!" Kirihara declared with incredulity, it was simply impossible for him to lose this badly! He glared at the last person he was supposed to play, "you serve first!"
This fair-skinned second year looked so frail; he must be the weakest of the lot. Kirihara regained his confidence when he saw the delicate blunette. The rest of the club simply stared down at Kirihara in sympathy, yet another poor unsuspecting soul swindled by Yukimura's appearance. Yukimura was going to teach him a lesson or two about judging a book by its cover.
"If so you wish," Yukimura nodded with a faint smile to his face. It wouldn't make a difference either way. So Yukimura served and the ball was so fast that Kirihara couldn't even see the path at all.
Thump.
"… Eh?" A bead of cold sweat trickled down the side of Kirihara's head. He turned around and gawked at the neon green ball which totally eluded him. How did it happen? "Again!" He demanded, he must've let his guard down yes, it was only because he underestimated his opponent…
Yukimura complied and served again, but despite Kirihara's best effort, it was another invisible no-touch ace.
Yukimura's unfaltering smile finally terrorized Kirihara. This frail-looking senior… He was the real demon! Even though he couldn't return the shots of the previous two, at the very least he could see the balls when they were heading towards his side of the court!
Kirihara fell to his knees. Wasn't he the best? How did he lose to three second years? No, no, how could this be… Kirihara's mind was in a state of perturbation as he exhaled in pants.
"Go home for today," Yukimura's voice was cool like a refreshing breeze and it drew Kirihara back to reality. He looked up and saw the onyx-haired senior walking towards the blue-haired senior. Yukimura's sharp blue eyes were fixated on him. "You stand no chance of winning even if we continue."
Yukimura then turned and left, not bothering to hear Kirihara's response. His jersey, as always, billowed out in the wind; and the sunray from the sunset cast a soft glow about him.
This was the 'Child of God', true ruler of Rikkai tennis club and the boy who was at the top of his game. This was the boy who has taken the responsibilities of the club upon his own shoulders and this was Yukimura Seiichi, their source of faith and spine of the club.
His words though subtle, could burn a person more than the worst hornet sting – and that was precisely what Kirihara was feeling at the moment. He could feel frustration building up within him and threatening to escape through his eyes. No, how could he cry? He was Kirihara Akaya, the super rookie of Rikkai tennis club! Kirihara bit his tongue so hard that he almost thought it'd draw blood.
"Hey, are you alright?" Marui and Jackal ran up to him, concern evident in their eyes. They knew he must've taken a harsh blow to his ego. But that was the three demons of Rikkai… It was an honor to be able to play against all three of them.
"Shut up!" Kirihara snapped crassly and thrust his racquet towards Marui who backed off in surprise. That was dangerous! Marui was about to lecture Kirihara, but the first year took to his heels.
"Hey!" Marui shouted after him but Kirihara paid no heeds. He trudged up the stairs without turning back, leaving the courts behind. "Oh my, he left." Marui sighed. What if that freshman lost all faith in his tennis and quit for good? That'd be such a waste of his talent!
"Idiot," Sanada muttered and left to look for Yukimura.
~x~
That night, when they sat down to dine together, the 'Big Three' was discussing about Kirihara while Tsugi listened in.
"He's certainly a potential talent," Yukimura acknowledged, "but he needs to be put in place first."
"He's just a brat," Sanada made a scornful face, but he didn't disagree.
"I've gathered his data from the three games we've played… If we stretch him a little, he'd be a very good addition to the team," Renji reported on his findings.
"Are we boring you with our conversation, Yanagi? I do apologize," Yukimura noticed that Tsugi was silently eating her meal, so he steered the conversation towards her.
"No, not at all. So his name is Kirihara Akaya, hmm? He's certainly fascinating. When I first saw him, I only thought of him to be a cute freshman… but when I saw him play, he completely reconstructed his image. Even though I saw him defeat some of your regulars with my own eyes, I didn't think that he could earn the recognition of the three demons of Rikkai. He must be really good," Tsugi was surprised when Yukimura threw the question at her, but she replied smoothly with a playful edge, making a reference to the nickname that the three boys had earned for themselves. From a more personal perspective, she didn't like his kind of tennis, but in tennis, you couldn't be blamed for doing everything in your power to win – it was a natural thing.
"As of now, I wouldn't exactly say that we've accepted him… but in time to come, I'm pretty certain you'll see him on the team. That is, if he remains in the sport," Yukimura nodded his head. Sanada and he had talked over Kirihara prior to dinner already, and they have greater plans for that impulsive freshman.
"If he quits tennis for good just because there's a challenge he failed to surmount, he's not worthy of holding a racquet – much less to be a regular on Rikkai Dai's team," Sanada criticized harshly.
"Don't be worried, Genichirou. Kirihara doesn't seem like the kind to be put off by challenges. He will certainly return to challenge us again in future," Renji assured Sanada who, upon having his thoughts exposed, turned away from Renji and dug into his food.
Tsugi smiled at Sanada's subtle awkwardness. The more she hung out with Sanada, the more she found her previous fear of Sanada perplexing. How was it possible that she was frightened by Sanada who was such a closet softie?
When Yukimura noticed Tsugi beaming at Sanada, even though he knew that it was impossible for the two to develop any sort of romantic relationship (they have yet to even get past the first hurdle of forming a 'friendship')… the green monster got to him.
It was really just a very, very tiny dab of it, but Yukimura felt it. It was the same emotion he felt when he saw adults in real tennis courts before he joined the local tennis club; the elusive emotion frequently represented by the color green – jealousy. How queer that he would feel such an emotion when he had yet to even form a crush. Yukimura was pretty certain that even if Tsugi was to confess to him now, he'd have rejected her because it didn't feel right – no, he was attracted to her, but there was still something missing that made him ambivalent about delving into a relationship with her… but he felt possessive. Ah, yes, the word was possessive. He wouldn't date her now, but he wouldn't want to see her dating anyone either.
It was something akin to a man's pride, Yukimura supposed. After all, he was in puberty no?
(Ah, but Yukimura, have you noticed that you're becoming more and more like a human?)
~x~
Tsugi certainly wasn't expecting to chance upon a certain fair-skinned first year who, as she had heard from Renji, had disappeared from the club for three days when she passed by the alley. She paused upon catching sight of Kirihara who was practicing by himself, and began to observe the onyx-haired teen's workout.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Quick, successive collisions of neon green balls against the brick-red wall produced a rapid string of sound which resembled bullets being fired from a gun.
Tsugi noted that he was very serious in his practice – sweat covered every inch of his body and tennis balls were scattered all over the place. She waited until he paused momentarily, deciding that it was the right opportunity to intervene.
"You should stop swinging your wrist when you smash the ball, you know. It's a minor bad habit, but you'll get injured if you aren't careful," Tsugi interrupted his practice.
"Huh? Who are you? Don't bug me when I'm busy," Kirihara glared defiantly at the mysterious girl who just appeared from nowhere, hot pants still escaping from his mouth. When did she get here and why hadn't he noticed her? Oh, she was wearing the Rikkai Dai uniform. Well whatever. He haughtily crossed his arms over his chest as he eyed Tsugi critically. "What do you know about tennis anyway?"
Tsugi frowned. It was exactly like what Renji said; this kid was in dire need of discipline. How did she find him adorable when she first saw him again?
"Honestly, Kirihara. You have to learn to take in your seniors' suggestions if you're thinking about defeating Rikkai's 'Big Three'. You won't be able to defeat them just by building up your stamina, power and speed. It takes more than that. Yukimura is capable of ending the match in a flash. Sanada can return even the most powerful shots. Renji is able to predict where your shots are going to. I'm not saying that stamina, power and speed training is useless, but you need more than that. How can you dream about defeating them just by repeating the same training over and over again? You have talent, but don't you know that it takes more than elusive things like talents to climb to the top in Rikkai Dai Fuzoku? I've said what I should, think over it yourself," After giving Kirihara a piece of her mind, Tsugi turned and left.
If he wasn't going to take her advice, she'd save her breath. Honestly, if not for the fact her cousin, Yukimura and Sanada had great anticipation for this boy; she wouldn't have bothered to correct his form. Insolent kids should be taught a lesson, and she was sure Sanada would be happy to take on the job.
"Hey wait up! How did you know my name? Oei you, woman, damn it look at me when I'm talking to you!" Kirihara swore aloud. If Kirihara registered her words in his mind, he'd have noticed that she referred to one of the three demons of Rikkai by his first name which suggested that she was very familiar with him – and he probably shouldn't get into her bad book, ever. But he didn't.
So he only had himself and God to blame because their conversation was overheard by the 'Big Three'. The three had been on their way to the shopping district, and this alley was a shortcut which few people knew about. They saw Tsugi confronting Kirihara, and they didn't intervene because they were curious what she'd do.
Tsugi certainly didn't disappoint them. All that she said was true.
However, it would seem that reality hasn't sunk into Kirihara, so Renji and Yukimura exchanged a faint smile; it was easy to tell that they weren't very pleased by Kirihara's impertinence towards Tsugi. They'd have to teach him another lesson about respecting his seniors. Sanada was indifferent about it, but that didn't mean that he approved of the onyx-haired first year's attitude. He was a strict advocate of respecting one's elders which unfortunately, Kirihara hadn't displayed.
~x~
One week later, Kirihara appeared in their classroom to pass his official challenge letter to the 'Big Three'.
Yukimura and Renji were gathered around Sanada's table.
"Come down to the tennis court today at 3pm! Don't run away," Kirihara shifted uncomfortably upon realizing that he was becoming the center of attention, and he gave the three demons one last glance over his shoulder before he escaped from the classroom.
"Eh? So that's the kid who dissed you? I must say that his looks spell 'brat'," Geishi latched an arm around Tsugi's shoulders and remarked.
"He's infuriating, but he does display talent in tennis," Tsugi sighed; her irritation had long died down.
"He sounded quite energetic," Yukimura noted with quaint humor. Renji nodded in agreement.
Sanada unfolded the challenge letter and instantly cringed at the sloppy handwriting. His veins twitched, but he controlled himself and skimped through the whole letter. When he finished, he exhaled deeply and stated, "This is full of kanji mistakes. Tarundoru!"
At 3pm, the entire boys tennis club gathered in the court to witness this extraordinary match. Some people rooted for Kirihara, but most people still put their faith in the 'Big Three'. Kirihara stood on one end of the court, impatiently waiting for his opponent to be decided.
"Allow me to take care of this," Sanada unzipped his jersey before either of his fellow comrades could say anything.
So it was him! The same guy who completely ridiculed him in front of the club… Kirihara gripped his racquet tightly. He'd definitely show him that he, Kirihara Akaya, was the number one player in school!
"Genichirou is such a nice person," Renji remarked lightly. Had he or Yukimura been the one to play against Kirihara, the onyx-haired first year would be crushed without a doubt.
"A reckless kid like him can be surprisingly likable," Yukimura responded with a quaint smile tugging at his lips. Sanada was subtle about it, but Yukimura knew that he was more concerned about Kirihara than any of them. He was serious about absorbing Kirihara into the club – and team.
"Tsugi is here," Renji saw a girl who had her blazer tied around her waist amongst the onlookers standing outside the court and instantly recognized her as Tsugi. The way Tsugi wore her blazer was a trademark of hers because she didn't take well to heat and cold; spring in Rikkai Dai certainly wasn't her ideal temperature because it was situated so near the sea.
Tsugi noticed that she was caught red-handed by the two and sheepishly walked over to them.
"I was just curious, you know… After seeing how much Kirihara practiced, I wanted to know if he improved," Tsugi smiled, feeling a little self-conscious.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Look, the match is about to begin," Yukimura shook his head and gestured to the court.
"Split step," Renji noted. He mastered that within a week and caught up to Sanada's 'Fuu'? "What a huge surprise." They were right to place high hopes on him.
"Not bad. He's keeping up a rally with Sanada," Yukimura commented with a small smile as he watched. But breaking through 'Fuu' wasn't enough to defeat Sanada.
"However Kirihara is only defending. He can't win at this rate," So Renji noticed as well.
"That's not all there is to Kirihara though," Tsugi watched closely. Out of all the boys tennis matches she had watched… This must be the most thrilling of it all. Renji, Sanada and Yukimura played fantastically in the Nationals finals, but watching a one-sided match wasn't nearly as exciting as a close rally.
"Ah, there it is, the 'Rin' of 'FuRinKaZan'," Yukimura noted with approval. This technique which Sanada developed by himself had proved to be very useful.
Kirihara, by the sheer force of determination received the ball, but unfortunately Sanada had one last trick up his sleeves.
"The finishing stroke!" Sanada leapt into the air and announced, and he secured the point with a dunk smash. The force of the impact flung Kirihara off the ground and he let out a painful howl as he crashed onto the ground once more.
"That looks painful…" Tsugi cast a worried look at the freshman. Even though he had been rude to her, Tsugi knew that he was just frustrated and needed to let out the steam. It was partly her fault that she provoked him by saying that he couldn't defeat the 'Big Three' too.
Sanada landed with a masculine kind of grace, and he waited for Kirihara to pick himself up. Much to his disappointment, the latter didn't.
"It seems the match has been decided," Sanada asserted coolly and he turned to leave the court.
"Wait," Kirihara called out, his voice sounding sinister, "Don't run away."
With some irritation and relief (though he'd never admit to the latter), Sanada glanced at Kirihara over his shoulder.
"Ah? What happened to him?" Tsugi's breath was caught in her throat. His eyes were completely bloodshot and to be honest, he looked scary.
The relaxed smile fell from Yukimura's face and he studied Kirihara intently.
"Kirihara was known as the 'Devil' when he was in grade school. I suppose, this is his alleged 'Devil Mode'," Always expect Renji to have the answer.
"The 'Devil', huh?" Tsugi repeated the words softly to herself.
"His speed and power increased noticeably," Yukimura briefly assessed when he saw the strings of Sanada's racquet split upon coming into contact with Kirihara's ball.
"Seriously? Sanada's overpowered!" Jackal felt that the match before him had been disjoined from reality. How could a freshman push the 'Emperor' into a corner?
"Why isn't he putting up the impregnable guard by activating the 'Zan' of his 'FuuRinKaZan'?" Marui asked in confusion. If Sanada had used the 'Zan', surely he wouldn't have his back forced to the wall.
"He activated it," Yukimura answered Marui's query. "It's been a while already." It seems that he'd have to reconsider his assessment of this quirky freshman. If Sanada wanted to end this quickly, he'd have to use his final technique…
Prior to this match, the only ones to have succeeded in making Sanada use his full 'FuuRinKaZan' had been Renji and himself. This freshman had accomplished an extraordinary feat.
There it was, the 'Ka' of Sanada's 'FuRinKaZan'. The sheer force of Sanada's shot forced Kirihara to relinquish his grip on his racquet, and Kirihara could only stare at Sanada in shock. It was time for him to intervene.
"Stop there!" Yukimura strode into the court, he glanced at Kirihara and said, "You've lost, Kirihara-kun."
"I do?" Kirihara appeared to be in a daze. How could he lose? He was the number one…
"Yes, you lose," Yukimura's voice was firm. "With your current skills, the outcome won't change no matter how many times you try."
"You can become a lot stronger," Renji interjected. They'd definitely have to take him in. It'd be a waste to let him go.
"Join the tennis club and aim for the top," Sanada glanced at him, discreet approval hidden within his tone. Although Kirihara's attitude was still an issue that had to be addressed, that wouldn't be a problem for Sanada who excelled at putting people into their places. "We'll take you on anytime."
With that, the 'Big Three' took their leave.
"It's you! Who are you and what are you doing in the boys' courts!?" Without the distraction from the 'Big Three', Kirihara instantly noticed the only girl in the court.
Ah, so redemption was still possible for their simple-minded freshman, it would seem. Marui and Jackal noted with some reassurance. But he was terribly foolish to point his finger at Renji's cousin, not to mention she was rather close to Yukimura too.
"If you want to know who I am, join the tennis club. I'm sure you'll find your answer then," Tsugi shook her head and left behind a very confused Kirihara.
Later that evening, Marui, Jackal, Renji, Yukimura and Sanada were about to leave school together when they saw Kirihara being tricked by Nio.
"He got tricked by Nio again," Jackal commented somewhat exasperatedly, while Marui burst into laughter.
"He's such an interesting guy," Marui grinned.
"Things are going to get exciting from now on," Yukimura smiled at Sanada who frowned.
"He's still a slacker," Sanada sneered, but Yukimura noticed that there wasn't the same distaste to his voice as when they saw Kirihara's stunt a week ago.
The ray from the sunset cast a soft glow on Kirihara who was doing his laps on the tracks, and the Rikkai tennis club shared the same anticipation for this year's tournament.
This year too, they'd emerge victorious for sure.
~x~
"—so as one of your graded assignments, you'll be required to do a duet next week. Have I made myself clear?" The eccentric music teacher stated out of the blue. Impromptu decisions seemed to be a common trait across all teachers who taught art-related subject.
Music was one subject which Tsugi didn't share with Geishi, but luckily, Renji, Yukimura and Sanada were all in the same class. Tsugi looked over at Renji who nodded at her, and the pairing was decided.
At least a duet would be fun, she supposed. She was rather curious what kind of performance Sanada and Yukimura would put on. It never occurred to her that Sanada was the musical type of person – she'd expected him to take up a foreign language or something, but Sanada opted for music. Then again, it was most probably because Yukimura was in the class.
"What instrument do you intend to play, Yanagi?" Yukimura inquired. He had been surprised to learn that she opted for music as one of her subjects as well but then again, her Art grade was rather… and they'd have to pick at least one out of the two subjects.
"The piano, it's the only instrument that I play decently," Tsugi answered. "What about you, Yukimura?"
"Piano as well," Yukimura nodded. "Perhaps we could practice together some time and give critique to each other."
"I'd love to. I'm sure Renji wouldn't mind," Tsugi smiled in response.
"Then it's decided. I'll confirm the date and time with you later."
"I'll be waiting."
Final chapter before December. Really not joking. (: Hope you've enjoyed this chapter!