I Love You... Right?

Chapter 1, Part 6: Clicking Keys

"The quality of these pianos is awful," Emiko notes as he inspects the piano. "Or maybe I'm just spoiled. I have a much better one at my place."

"Ooh, do you have one of those grand pianos? At least, I think that's what they're called..." Suki asks, looking at her piano in wonder. She obviously couldn't tell the difference between a quality and a cheap piano; she was just shocked that there was one in front of her in the first place.

"That is what they're called, yes. I can show it to you one day if you want? Or is that a bad idea since you'll realize how trashy the ones here are?" They both laugh. However, a familiar voice cuts off their laughter.

"Hey, hey, hey! Look who we got here! What's up Emiko?" Taiyo slaps Emiko's back.

Emiko turns around. "Oh, what's up, Taiyo? We were just insulting these cheap pianos. What are you doing taking piano class? You always said you hated playing it at my place."

Taiyo shrugs. "Everyone starts somewhere. Also, I assumed you would take the class, so I took the opportunity." He admits. "Anyways, anyways, looks like Suki is here too. Awesome! Let's all sit together!" He sits down next to them.

"You sure you're even gonna be able to pass this class? Your fingers aren't exactly 'piano fingers,' unlike Emiko's." Suki points out.

"What's that supposed to mean, HUH?! Nah, I'm just joking. You caught me in a good mood!" Taiyo smiles widely. He seems happy that those two are in the same class as him; he took a gamble while choosing this class. "I bet I'll even outskill both of you! Watch!" Taiyo starts blasting nonsense on his piano, creating an awful sound. "See? I bet you can't do that, Emiko." Taiyo crosses his arms.

"Hmph. You seem to have forgotten about my incomparable photographic memory." Emiko plays what Taiyo had just played, note by note. When he finishes, he looks back at Taiyo.

"What the... what kind of sorcery was that?" Taiyo widens his eyes, completely surprised.

"Yeah, what? How is that possible?" Suki leans in.

Emiko sits back up in his chair. "You'd understand if you were as talented as me." He says jokingly.

"Alright, alright, get off your little high horse. It wasn't that impressive." Taiyo pouts. Emiko rolls his eyes as the bell rings.

"Alright, class, stop touching your pianos." The teacher announces. No one listens. "I SAID, STOP IT!" She screams. The class instantaneously lifts their hands off their pianos as if the keys were snakes. The teacher continues, "I don't take kindly to annoyances. Teaching music has given me enough tinnitus. Anyway, welcome to my class. My name is Mrs. Scalper. I am and will always be the greatest pianist you have ever laid eyes upon. Observe." Scalper stretches her fingers, cracking each one about three times each, then begins an intense melody. Her hands swivel across the keyboard faster than even eyes could see. The classroom shakes from the sound waves of each keypress; every student can feel each note purse through their bodies.

"Dude, what?! She's insane!" Suki whispers to Emiko with widened eyes. He nods.

"I don't doubt what she just said at all," Emiko replies. Mrs. Scalper ends her song on a beautiful chord, her long, golden, curly hair flowing throughout the atmosphere.

"Haha, look at this!" Taiyo pulls up his shirt. The squishy skin on his belly had waves rippling throughout. Emiko and Suki laugh. The chord rings inside the classroom before Scalper releases her fingers from the keys.

"And that is the song you students will learn by the end of the year," Scalper announces proudly. The class gasps.

"No way!" A student cries in complete shock.