I’ll Keep My Promise

(I wonder if things are getting excited over there... by now.)

At the backstage of the auditorium, Masachika indulged in thoughts

of Alisa and the others performing on the stage in the schoolyard.

"This is ridiculous... Can't you hold it back with these requests,

Kuze?"

"Indeed. I have a performance after this, you know? Thanks to those

troublemakers, I didn't have rehearsal time......"

"I'm sorry, both of you."

Masachika, approached by the fatigued stage manager and the

disgruntled Sumire, bowed his head sincerely. He was aware that he made

a quite unreasonable request, so apologizing was the only appropriate

response.

Originally, the stage performances planned for the schoolyard and

the gymnasium were temporarily suspended due to the incident.

Fortunately, there were no disturbances in the auditorium, so they

reinforced the security through increasing the number of faculty and security

guards present, and continued according to the schedule. However, after

the announcement of a thirty-minute extension to the closing time of the

school festival, there was an excess of thirty minutes for the auditorium's

stage performance. That's when Masachika managed to squeeze in his

match with Yusho.

Ideally, it would have been an easier adjustment if they slotted in the

time of the match in the last thirty minutes. However, that time was reserved

for the girls' kendo club performance in the gymnasium, so they had no

choice but to find an alternative. As a result, the schedule adjustment

became quite unreasonable. Nevertheless, they were able to make it work,

perhaps because Masachika, as one of the organizers of the auditorium's

stage performance, had built a relationship of trust with the other staff

members.

"Well, if our Yusho-san is involved, there's nothing we can do... But

what do you mean by a piano competition? Although there have been nondebate showdowns in previous events, having a showdown between the

candidates for Student Council President and an opposing Vice President,

and not with their respective pairs... that's unheard of."

Sumire raised an eyebrow as she looked at Yusho, who stood in the

back with a disgruntled expression. She took a few steps closer, placing her

right hand on the imitation sword at her waist. Even so, Yusho continued to

avert his gaze, prompting Sumire to click her tongue.

"Yusho-san... Since when did you start ignoring me like this?"

"...I'm just focused. Leave me alone, Sumire-neesan."

Sumire frowned at Yusho's curt attitude.... then she sighed lightly and

turned to Masachika, asking,

"So, what about it? In any case, since it's a showdown, there should

be something at stake. What are you guys betting on?"

For example, a debate is a battle of arguments to assert one's own

opinions. Regardless of the specific content of the confrontation, it was a

fundamental premise that the winner could make some demands. However,

in this case, Masachika couldn't answer that question.

"I'm sorry, Sumire-senpai. I can't tell you what the stakes are until

there's a resolution has been reached"

"Oh? ...But then, how will the bet be carried out? For example, in a

debate, it's customary for both parties to publicly state their demands before

the match and have the entire audience serve as witnesses, isn't it?"

"We won't make the stakes public this time. Here, both Kiryuin and I

have written down the demands in case we win. We'll have you open the

envelope of the winner, Sumire-senpai, and you'll be the witness for these

demands."

Although Yusho's envelope would be empty if he were to win. Sumire

raised her eyebrows as she received the two envelopes Masachika handed

her.

"...Well, fine. So, am I the host as well?"

"No, even though it's in the form of an exhibition match, it's still

technically treated like a debate... So, I've asked a student council

member for that."

Just as Masachika said that, the door at the back of the stage,

leading to the outside, opened.

"Excuse me~"

Entering while speaking softly, was Maria, the moderator for the

debate whom Masachika had called.

"Sorry for the short notice, Masha-san."

"Nah~, it's totally fine. Things have calmed down quite a bit, so it's

okay, right~?"

As soon as she saw Masachika, Maria shook her head from side to

side with a loose smile. Masachika couldn't help but return a wry smile in

response to her smile that easily took away his tension.

"Well, since you say so... We're short on time, so let me start

explaining right away, okay?"

"Sure thing~"

Maria noded, and as Masachika was about to explain to her...

Sumire, who had been covering her face, suddenly raised her head and

spoke.

"That's unfair! I want to stand out too, since I've come this far!"

"...Huh?"

In response to her straightforward request that felt refreshingly

honest, Masachika turned his head with his cheek twitching. And then,

looking at the dissatisfied face Sumire made, he felt somewhat deflated.

"...Alright then, then can I leave it to the both of you?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Sure thing~!"

With Sumire proudly puffing her chest and Maria responding with a

gentle smile, Masachika couldn't help but deepen his wry smile as their

enthusiasm waned in different directions. He then proceeded to explain.

◇

"Ayano-san, are you sure you don't need to be by Yuki-san's side?

There seems to have been some trouble......"

Speaking in a low voice to Ayano, who was sitting in the neighboring

seat, was Yumi Suou, the mother of Masachika and Yuki. Yumi, who had

planned to watch only her daughter's performance to then only head home

after, was somehow led to the auditorium by Ayano, who had come to pick

her up at the school gate, and was left feeling perplexed.

"The problem has been resolved, madam. There was a slight issue,

but thanks to the efforts of the student council, it has been mostly resolved.

However, Yuki-sama still needs a little more assistance, so if you could wait

here for a while..."

"Well... but why the auditorium? If there's time, then..."

Yumi's words trailed off as she gazed around with uncertainty. Ayano

understood what Yumi was about to say. But because she understood...

no, precisely because she understood, Ayano spoke up.

"I have made the decision to bring you here, madam."

"Huh? What do you mean...?"

Just as Yumi voiced her question, the wind ensemble's performance

had ended, and Yumi and Ayano applauded. Then, as the students with

their instruments exited the stage, two beautiful female students appeared.

"Huh? Kujou-senpai and Kiryuuin-senpai?"

"Why are the Student Council Secretary and Vice-Disciplinary

committee chair here?"

"Wait, wasn't the next performance supposed to be a reading play by

the literature club?"

Yumi didn't understand, but the surrounding students raised voices of

surprise and confusion at the appearance of the two. Some worriedly

wondered if something had happened, some tried to leave their seats but

then sat back down, and others sensed something and started contacting

their friends on their smartphones. Under the mixed gaze of anxiety and

anticipation from the audience, Maria spoke up.

"To all of you here in the venue, are you enjoying the performances?

First, let me start with introductions. I am Maria Kujou, the Student Council

Secretary. On behalf of the student festival organizing committee, I would

like to apologize for the inconvenience and concern we have caused you.

And as a member of the Student Council as well, I would like to take this

opportunity to offer my apologies on their behalf. I sincerely apologize."

Without betraying her usual fluffy atmosphere, Maria bowed her head

with a sincere attitude. And as not to let the atmosphere in the venue

become too dark, she lifted her head before it got too gloomy and continued

in a slightly brighter tone.

"Therefore, as part of our apology, we would like to hold a surprise

event here, even though it's sudden."

When Maria shifted her gaze to the side, Sumire stepped forward

with a microphone in hand.

"I am Sumire Kiryuin, Vice-Disciplinary Committee chair, and I will be

the host for this surprise event. What will take place here is a tradition of our

Seirei Gakuen, a direct confrontation between candidates in the election,

staking their pride."

At that moment, the voices of the students who had already guessed

what was happening began to stir. Amidst the spread of surprise and

anticipation, Sumire laughed powerfully and made her announcement.

"We will hold a special format debate here!"

The murmurs exploded into cheers. Active students and alumni

expressed their surprise and joy at the unexpected surprise, while those

who were not familiar with the situation around them became excited and

started to question their friends on their phones. Gradually, the excitement

settled, and the focus shifted to the questions of "Who will be competing and

on what topic?" and "What does the special format entail?" The audience

was now filled with curiosity.

To answer that, Maria provided an explanation.

"Since we have guests from outside this time, we will not have a

debate but a different format for the confrontation. The two competing are

these two!"

As Maria gestured towards the side of the stage, two male students

appeared on the stage.

"Student Council's General Affairs officer, Masachika Kuze-kun."

"And the President of the Piano club, Yusho Kiryuin."

With the introductions from Maria and Sumire, the venue was once

again enveloped in excitement.

"Kyaaah! It's the prince!"

"Yusho-sama!"

"Huh, Kiryuin!? Is he running for something!?"

"Kiryuin here!? Seriously!?"

"I see, so that's what Kiryuin-senpai meant..."

Most of the voices could be heard directed towards Yusho.

"Kuze... that guy who helped defeat Taniyama in the debate last

semester?"

"The Vice President candidate who works in the shadows.... Huh,

what about Princess Alya?"

"It's rare to see him come out alone."

Some calm individuals sent curious glances towards Masachika.

"Masachika Kuze-kun will be paired with Alisa Kujou, the Student

Council's Treasurer."

"And Yusho Kiryuin will be paired with me."

"The two of them will compete... over there!"

Maria pointed with her hand, and there, in front of the stage, was a

grand piano left behind even after the brass band had left. It was being

brought to the center of the stage by the staff.

"Yes, the piano. The two of them will take turns playing the piano,

and you, the audience, will choose which performance you liked better."

At that moment, the atmosphere in the venue changed completely to

bewilderment.

"Huh, the piano...? Kiryuin has the clear upper hand here."

"What's this? How is this even a competition?"

"Wait, Kuze? Can he even play the piano?"

"Well... I was in the same class as him during our first and third

year of junior high school, but there wasn't anything extraordinary from him,

you know...?"

As the unexpected competition unfolded, the atmosphere naturally

began to dampen. Especially among the current students, most of them had

already turned their gazes cold, thinking, "Ah, this is just a sideshow."

Anticipating this reaction, Maria and Sumire quickly moved on to the

confrontation, cutting short their role as emcees.

"Now, let's move on to the competition right away."

"First, we'll start with Yusho Kiryuin's performance."

The other three individuals retreated backstage, and Yusho began

his preparations. During that time, bewildered conversations filled the

audience.

"Huh, they're seriously competing with the piano?"

"Wait, what happens when one of them wins? Did they miss

explaining the stakes?"

"Oh? Come to think of it..."

Suspicious whispers filled the air, and Yumi, while gazing blankly at

the stage, muttered to herself.

"That child... has been playing the piano?"

And then, almost unconsciously, she sent her gaze to Ayano sitting

next to her. Sensing the unspoken question behind that gaze, Ayano calmly

answered.

"No, Masachika-sama hasn't played the piano since that day, as far

as I know."

Upon hearing Ayano's words, Yumi's expression clouded. Without

looking in her direction, Ayano quietly said.

"I thought you might want to see him perform."

"......"

A silent struggle lasting for a dozen seconds. Even though Ayano

was facing forward, the intense conflict was clearly transmitted to her.

"......"

Finally, Yumi settled back into her chair. Sensing this change in her

demeanor, Ayano contemplated.

(But still... for whom will Masachika-sama be playing this time?)

Whenever Masachika played the piano, it was always for someone.

Not for the general audience, but for a specific person─sometimes it was for

Yumi, sometimes for Yuki, and occasionally for Ayano. But with Yuki nor

Alisa not present in this situation, and Masachika unaware of Yumi and

Ayano's presence.... then...

(Masachika-sama.... Who exactly are you playing the piano for?)

Ignoring Ayano's question, misguided speculation spread among the

surrounding students.

"Oh... so this is like an exhibition match prepared by the festival

organizing committee?"

"I see. Now that you mention it, I've never heard of Kiryuin-san

running for any position before."

"Ah, I get it. It must have been difficult to have Suou-san and Kujousan suddenly face off again, so they hurriedly found opponents to go

against each other."

"Besides, it's strange for a Presidential candidate and a VicePresidential candidate to fight one-on-one."

They reached their own conclusions, and a slight sense of

disappointment filled the air. But just as the atmosphere was about to

dissipate, Yusho's performance began, blowing away the somber mood.

◇

The live performance was even more exciting than the five of them

had anticipated.

Perhaps it was because Alisa had been working tirelessly on stage to

calm the chaos, which had raised the level of attention. The audience seats

had been packed since the start of the live performance, and there were

also a considerable number of standing spectators. Now, after finishing the

performances of two cover songs, it was safe to say that the venue was

completely full and thriving. However, Masachika's figure was still nowhere

to be found.

(Masachika-kun......)

The person Alisa wanted to see the most was absent no matter how

much she searched; he was nowhere to be found and it casted a shadow of

worry in Alisa's heart. But...

"Alya-san."

At this moment, she was not alone. There were comrades who cared

for her, understanding her emotional state.

(It'll be alright.)

Responding with a gaze to Hikaru, who had called out to her, Alisa

scanned the audience. And then, aiming to reach even Masachika, who was

invisible, she raised her voice.

"Now, it's time for the final song. Please listen... 'Yumegen'."

◇

"Amazing! I've never seen a student grasp things so quickly, Sensei!"

"He is undoubtedly a genius. There's no doubt he will become a

pianist representing Japan in the future."

Stop it. Stop giving such transparent flattery.

"The performance was so captivating no matter how many times I

heard it... Truly fitting for the Piano Prince."

"Indeed... 'Prodigy' is a label befitting for Yusho-san."

Shut up. Don't spout shallow praises.

What do you know about geniuses? What do you know about

prodigies? You can say such things because you don't know the real deal.

You don't know the melodies that sent chills down your spine. The talent

that can engulf a venue with a single note. You don't know, and you

probably couldn't even imagine, how those superficial praises make me

miserable.

"Oh, isn't that the person over there who was introduced on TV the

other day?"

"Yeah, that's right. It's Kiryuin Yusho-kun, who won the gold medal at

a competition once.... He's really cool, huh?"

"Oh? But isn't he not the one performing as the finale this time?"

"Well, you know, it's because he has a good-looking face... That's

how TV works, right? By the way, the finale is performed by the one who

won the Best Performance Award."

"Oh, I see. So Yusho was the runner up, huh?"

"Heh."

"Haha, he can probably hear you, you know?"

Those words spoken by my peers at a certain recital had been vividly

engraved in my young ears and mind. Runner-up. Losing. Only being

praised for having a good-looking face. It was a tremendous humiliation.

My lungs trembled, and through the clenched gap of my teeth, it was

clear that rough breaths were escaping.

(Don't screw with me...! You worthless piece of garbage who is far

inferior to second place!)

I had the impulse to grab them by the collar right then and there, but I

couldn't. Deep down in my heart, I knew that those words were true.

I could never win against him. I was always, always second best. A

genuine genius. A true prodigy. Suou, Masachika.

"Kiryuin-kun, please get ready."

Called by the staff, as soon as I stepped onto the stage, cheers and

applause erupted. After finishing my performance, it transformed into a

resounding voice that filled the venue. But... the moment he started playing,

the atmosphere in the venue instantly changed. The audience, who had

been casually making noise just seconds ago, now didn't utter a single

sound. The tension was reminiscent of being suddenly transported from a

children's concert to a professional orchestra venue.

"Suou-kun, that was amazing!"

"Thank you."

But... even after delivering such a breathtaking performance, he...

seemed completely uninterested. He swiftly returned to the dressing room,

ignoring the praise from the teacher who greeted him, the audience who

belatedly started applauding, and the other performers who looked at him

with awe. He didn't even spare a glance at me, who stared at him

resentfully.

He was an eyesore. The existence called Suou Masachika was truly

cursed. Because of him, any praise I received felt empty and meaningless.

Praises from those who knew him seemed like mere flattery, and

praises from those who didn't know him appeared to be the delusions of

ignorant people.

To break free from that curse, I devoted myself recklessly. Every day,

my fingertips bled, and I pounded the keys until I couldn't hold chopsticks. I

grew to hate the piano, which I used to love dearly. Yet, I couldn't quit. Only

with the single determination of defeating him, I continued playing the piano.

And yet... he suddenly disappeared one day, as if he had said, "I'm

not interested in the piano anymore." He left me cursed. He didn't show up

at any recitals, competitions—nowhere. As I sat there dumbfounded,

awards and trophies rolled in prematurely.

"What is this?"

The title I had always wanted, first place, seemed like trash. The

praises directed at me still felt empty. The word "runner-up" stuck to my

head and wouldn't go away.

"How absurd......"

Why did I work hard for something like this? Why did I take it so

seriously? From the beginning, and even before... Suou, why was it like

this?

"Lastly, I'd like to ask about your future dream. Is it still to become a

professional pianist?"

The interviewer handed me the microphone, and I plastered a smile

on my face to answer.

"No, it's to inherit my father's company and lead it magnificently.

Playing the piano is just a hobby to me."

It was foolish to take the piano seriously, wasn't it? Right, Suou?

◇

(That curse... will be broken today.)

Facing the piano, Yusho felt conflicting emotions of anger and joy

swirling in his heart.

The anger towards wretched memories and the sense of humiliation

still lingered in his mind, and the dark joy of finally being able to redeem

himself from the torment he had suffered for years. Despite his efforts to

suppress these emotions, a smile escaped from Yusho's lips uncontrollably.

In front of this audience, he could defeat Masachika Suou. He could

prove he was deserving of first place and break free from the curse... That

would be the moment when he could finally face the piano he once loved

and the praise directed towards him.

With that in mind, nothing else seemed to matter. He had put in a lot

of effort, time, and money to prepare for an upcoming concert, but now,

even that seemed insignificant. The only thing that mattered was being able

to compete with Masachika Suou once again on the piano. As long as he

had this opportunity, it was enough.

(To win perfectly without a shred of doubt)

For that reason, he deliberately requested the same performance

order as before. To defeat him, who would be performing last. And

moreover... with his best piece.

With a smile on his lips, Yusho placed his fingers on the keys and

began to play.

Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 9.

◇

A beautiful and enchanting melody resounded throughout the venue.

It captured the attention of the audience, who had been feeling a sense of

anticlimax, and naturally made them straighten their posture.

"Wow, that was amazing! He's really skilled," whispered Maria from

the wings of the stage, clearly impressed.

"Yes," Masachika agreed, also in a low voice.

"But is it okay to be impressed? Considering they're our opponents in

the upcoming battle," Maria asked suspiciously, her eyes filled with doubt.

Masachika shrugged his shoulders slightly and casually replied, "Well, I

never thought I could win from the beginning."

"Huh?"

Masachika knew very well that he couldn't win. The five-year hiatus

had been significant. Even if his body remembered the music, his fingers

probably wouldn't move as he intended. He didn't underestimate the piano

nor Yusho, who had been constantly practicing during that time, to the point

where he believed he could defeat him.

(Well, as long as I can play without being laughed at, it should be

fine.)

But there was no problem. Masachika had already achieved his goal

when Yusho accepted this challenge. His objective from the start was to

prevent Yusho's contact with the Raikokai and to convince them to bury the

truth of this incident in darkness, as well as give their approval based on the

justification that it was just part of the election campaign. To achieve that

objective, Masachika had used violence to make them submit, provoking

Yusho to lose his composure and accept this unfair contest.

Yes, this contest was unfair. The content of the match heavily

favored Yusho, but Masachika didn't have much at stake even if he lost.

Judging by the audience's reactions earlier, they considered this an unusual

contest, where the rules weren't disclosed and there was no mention of the

stakes, as mere entertainment prepared by the Student Council to apologize

for the whole commotion. In reality, there were stakes involved, but the

compensation for Masachika losing was simply "not doing anything about

Yusho's suspicions." Since nothing would be done, it was practically as if he

didn't exist for the audience. Even if Masachika lost in such a match, which

was full of unfair elements and lacking in stakes, his honor wouldn't be

significantly damaged. Even if Yusho complained later, he could simply play

dumb and say, "Huh? Wasn't that just for entertainment? We didn't bet

anything." Since he couldn't obtain the approval of the Raikokai, it was

Yusho who would be troubled by mentioning the stakes.

(I never thought he would swallow my proposal so readily... I

wonder if he had such a trauma from not being able to defeat me in the

past? And why did they go out of their way to challenge me with a piece I

used to play a lot back then....)

This piece was the first piece by Chopin that Masachika had learnt to

play. Since his mother loved Chopin, he often chose to play this piece at

concerts where no specific pieces were assigned.

(But it's amazing how it can give a completely different impression

when played by someone else.

Masachika's mother and piano teacher used to say that Chopin's

music could become an entirely different piece depending on the person

playing it, and it was true.

Yusho's performance was flawless and skillful, but to Masachika's

ears, it sounded a little too forward-leaning.

(He's displaying too much competitiveness against me, isn't he?

Well, it does have a captivating power....)

Thinking that way, Masachika self-derisively wondered if he was in a

position to evaluate him so arrogantly. Then, to reassure Maria, who was

looking at him with a worried gaze, he said, "It's really okay. Even if I lose, it

won't be much of a problem."

"....You mean, in terms of the election campaign?" Maria asked

"Huh?"

Masachika didn't understand the meaning behind Maria's words, so

he blinked and turned to her. Maria, with a look of genuine concern,

grabbed the sleeve of Masachika's clothes.

"Even if it doesn't have a significant impact on the election

campaign.... If it means you'll get hurt, we can still stop it now, you know?"

"!"

Masachika was caught off guard by her words, and his expression

instantly relaxed.

"Thank you.... but I'm fine, really."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I don't care about the audience's eyes or their evaluation.

Besides...."

"What?"

He hesitated a little, feeling embarrassed when it came down to it.

But he couldn't lie in front of Maria, who only looked curious and worried.

Masachika averted his eyes slightly and spoke.

"Today.... I'm planning to play for Masha-san."

"Huh?"

"You know... we made a promise a long time ago. To let you listen

to me playing the piano...."

"Ah..."

It was a promise between Saa-kun and Maa-chan. He had promised

to invite Maa-chan to a recital to let her listen to his piano performance.

However, that promise had never been fulfilled because Maa-chan had

returned to Russia.

"This.... You remembered such an old promise."

"Well, I'm sorry. Honestly, I forgot only until recently."

"Hehe, I'm happy that you remembered it anyway."

"....Promises are important, after all."

Maria tightly squeezed Masachika's hand with her soft hand, making

him feel helpless and embarrassed. Then, just as they were having their

conversation in whispers, Sumire, with a slightly stern expression,

interrupted them.

"....I apologize for interrupting your secret conversation, but Yushosan's performance will be ending soon."

"Oh, sorry."

"....Well, it's fine. Haaaah... Yusho-san is such a pitiful person,"

Masachika sighed, feeling a sense of awkwardness as he saw Sumire's

figure overlapping with Nonoa's. At that moment, Yusho's performance

came to an end, and applause erupted throughout the venue.

"Yusho-samaaa!!"

"Princeeee!!"

The loudest cheers came from the female members of the piano

club. Responding to their raised hands, Yusho returned backstage.

"Well then, here I go."

"Yeah... Do your best."

Masachika returned a small smile in response to Maria's support,

then exchanged places with Yusho and stepped onto the stage. In that brief

moment of passing each other, the gaze Yusho cast at

Masachika was filled with the same competitive spirit as before.... It made

Masachika chuckle wryly.

(Even if he looks at me like that... Well, I have no intention of

competing with him, and it wouldn't even be a fair competition...)

No matter how he was glared at, Masachika had neither the will nor

the ability to respond. Moreover, there was no obligation for him to do so. To

Masachika, Yusho was just a bastard who tried to ruin the cultural festival.

He had no sympathy for Yusho, unlike with Nao. Whatever feelings or

circumstances Yusho had wasn't Masachika's concern.

(Well, scaring him earlier made me feel a bit relieved.... At this point, I

really don't care anymore.)

Rather than that, fulfilling the promise with Maria was more important

now.

(Now, what should I play?)

After bowing to the audience and taking a seat at the piano,

Masachika started to think, belatedly, about the appropriate piece to

dedicate to Maria. And then, he realized.

(No, it's not for Maria... It's for Maa-chan.)

The person Masachika made the promise with was Maria, but it

wasn't Maria herself. It was the innocent Maa-chan from that day. The Maachan from that day, whom he had parted ways with under a

misunderstanding.

At that moment, a conversation Masachika had with his piano

teacher resurfaced in his mind.

"Really, Suou-kun can play any piece, can't you? This piece has a

difficulty level of F, you know..."

"Is that so? I felt like 'Revolutionary Etude' was more difficult for

me..."

"That one is also an F, you know... Oh, by the way, do you know,

Suou-kun? The name 'Revolutionary Etude' wasn't given by Chopin

himself."[1]

"Huh, really?"

"Yes, many of Chopin's pieces have titles added by other people."

"In that case, could this piece also have one?"

"It does. The name by which this piece is widely known in Japan

is─"[2]

At that moment, Masachika chuckled softly and placed his fingers on

the piano.

(That's right... Right now, I won't be Kuze, but Suou.)

That was what his opponent intended. So... just for now, he could

play the part and become Suou again. And for the sake of that distant child

from long ago.... who he would dedicate his performance to.