Under Kazusa's sharp, indifferent gaze and her arms crossed in front of her chest, Hitori's entire body trembled like a leaf in the wind.
So, there really are people whose teeth chatter when they're nervous.
Kazusa silently thought to herself.
Seeing Hitori's reaction somewhat eased her original anger. Compared to that Kasumigaoka girl who had provoked her the other day, Hitori's response was far more submissive.
"S-Sorry! I'll leave right away!"
Once she snapped out of it, Hitori didn't even try to gauge Kazusa's reaction. She immediately bowed in apology and tried to turn around to flee.
Avoidance might be shameful, but it works—this was a belief she had lived by for many years.
"Wait, I need to talk to you."
Kazusa stopped her, then turned toward Chisato, signaling for him to step out so they could talk alone.
Chisato wasn't too pleased about this, but he understood that if he insisted on staying, it might only make things worse.
So, he nodded in response to Kazusa's request. As he turned to leave, he subtly gave Hitori a reassuring glance, silently telling her not to be overly anxious and to do her best.
Then, he closed the classroom door behind him.
He didn't intend to eavesdrop. He knew that even if Kazusa refused to tell him what they talked about, Hitori would probably spill everything to him anyway.
So, completely at ease, he leaned against the hallway window and gazed into the distance.
About ten minutes later, the sound of the piano filled the room. Soon after, the classroom door opened, and Hitori cautiously stepped out, walking up to Chisato.
She clutched the hem of her skirt, her expression a complicated mix of relief from surviving the ordeal and a lingering sense of confusion.
Chisato's curiosity grew even stronger.
"That was much faster than I expected. What did Kazusa say to you?"
"…Kazusa told me not to tell you."
"So, you're not going to tell me?"
Hitori shook her head rapidly.
But as she listened to the piano music still playing inside the classroom, she realized that as long as the sound continued, it meant Kazusa was still seated at the piano.
Feeling reassured, she spilled everything that had just happened between them.
"Kazusa asked me how I met you, Chisato-kun, and how our relationship developed step by step."
"And how did you answer?"
"I told her exactly what you told me before. I explained everything truthfully.
After listening, she didn't respond immediately. She was silent for a while, then said she couldn't forgive me for deceiving her all this time."
"And then?"
"She said she needed to do something to me as punishment—something to make her feel better and balance things out."
"So…?"
"She raised her hand. I was so scared that I shut my eyes. But instead of hitting me, she just pinched my cheek lightly, then playfully punched me in the chest.
After that, she muttered something like, 'I didn't expect this at all…' with a complicated expression. I don't really understand what she meant."
Chisato's gaze instinctively dropped to Hitori's chest.
Imagining himself in Kazusa's position, he could guess what she was thinking. He had also been surprised when he first found out.
The girl in front of him always wore loose sportswear, making her seem unremarkable, but in reality, she was hiding a lot of potential.
Some things, you only truly understand once you experience them firsthand.
"That's not important. What happened next?"
"She said she would let the whole thing go and told me not to dwell on it anymore.
She wants us to interact as usual from now on. Lastly, she warned me not to tell you what we talked about… and then told me to come get you."
After hearing Hitori's full account, Chisato was stunned.
That was it?
Kazusa's reaction was much smaller than he had expected.
Was it because she had been in an exceptionally good mood yesterday? Or was it because the necklace had really worked?
If so, did that mean he could buy her a few more gifts and gradually soften her attitude toward Eriri and Utaha?
…No, considering what Utaha had done to Kazusa before, that probably wasn't going to happen.
Back to reality—seeing Hitori still looking uneasy, Chisato reached out and patted her head.
"Isn't this a good thing? Kazusa already said not to dwell on it, which means she didn't take it to heart. She knows I'm the one to blame, so you don't have to worry anymore."
"I know, but I still feel like she's holding something back… It's unsettling."
Hitori hesitated before voicing her vague concern.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it."
Chisato wasn't too concerned and ended the conversation there.
When the two of them returned to the music room, Kazusa was still focused on playing the piano, never even glancing their way.
A piano competition in a month, huh?
Chisato hoped Kazusa would do well.
The two quietly began eating lunch, making sure not to disturb her performance.
Watching her concentrate so intensely, Chisato couldn't help but feel nostalgic.
It felt like it had been a long time since he last sat here, listening to her play.
…
That afternoon, Kazusa spent the entire class period sleeping on her desk.
On their way to the train station after school, she brought up something that caught Chisato's attention.
"My mom got a job offer. She's leaving in the next couple of days, so I'll be home alone again."
I'll be home alone again…
The important part of that sentence was in the second half.
But Kazusa didn't finish her thought. As Chisato looked at her with a thoughtful expression, she continued,
"It's such a hassle. I'll be busy preparing for the competition, and after getting home, I'll probably go straight to the practice room after my bath.
I'll be practicing until two or three in the morning every day. If I get hungry, I'll have to snack on chocolate or cake, but that's not exactly healthy.
Ohara-san is getting old, so it wouldn't be right to ask her to take care of me that late… She has her own family, after all."
She slowly turned her head, her gaze meeting Chisato's. Her ears were burning red.
"…What should I do?"
Chisato looked at her, waiting for his response. Then, he reached out and held her hand, asking hesitantly,
"Did Youko-san tell you to say that?"
"Guh!"
Kazusa instantly shook off his hand, turned her gaze forward, and tried to hide her embarrassment.
"What are you talking about? I was just complaining out loud! Don't overthink it!"
"Got it. My bad. Then let me know when Youko-san is leaving. I want to say goodbye to her. She's a famous pianist, after all—who knows when we'll see her again?"
Chisato responded casually.
Kazusa finally smiled in satisfaction.
"Alright, I'll let you know."
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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