Horikita Route

Chapter 6 - V1

Calm.

That's the only word I could use to describe Ayanokouji-kun's presence. A very contrast of the aura he emitted when fighting my brother.

His face was relaxed, his arms slowly reaching out to the keys of the piano.

This guy... I've only known him for a day and yet... he's already helped me so much.

He became a friend, the first one I had. He also had a hand in helping me calm down while talking to Nii-san... literally... I don't know why I reached for his hand specifically, I just knew that I needed his presence there, and that I would panic if he left the room as he intended.

Honestly, I didn't mind him listening in to our conversation. It felt easy. It felt comfortable. it felt right.

His presence, much like the one he had on the room, exuded calmness to everyone around the piano. He hasn't even started yet, how come all the girls are swooning? Tch. Perverts.

With a sudden jolt, he began playing my requested Piece. My Requested Piece. Ha! Take that! Perverts!

While playing the song, I noticed that his eyes were closed, as if he already mastered the placement of every key. Wow! His mastery on the instrument is outstanding!

I can't help but stare as he perfectly played every single not, his performance akin to the ones you hear in the movies! His rough hands that was used to almost manhandle the martial expert was now moving gracefully across the piano, playing the most complicated part of the piece.

I look around, and saw that his performance was gathering quite a crowd. Students from different classes were now watching him as he played the fastest part of the Fur.

As he finished, he opened his eyes and it widened in surprise as he saw the group he acquired through his performance.

A loud clapping suddenly spread across the group. Tachibana, the secretary of my brother, was the first to start the clapping.

"Bravo! Bravo! You play quite well, Manabu's sister's friend!"

"Ahh! Freshie! Are you sure you don't want to join! I'll even give you points!"

His face changed from relaxed into a sheepish expression.

"Oh-oh... I'm really sorry... I got lost in thought there... Thanks for letting me play, senpai..."

"Don't worry, freshie! You could play anytime! Just visit the clubroom from time to time, dude! We'd be glad to hear from you!"

I could tell he was embarrassed, his face might not be that expressive, but his eyes definitely were. He was glancing left and right, as if trying to signal that he wanted a way to get out.

Sigh... since we're friends, I'd help just this once.

I stepped In front of the crowd and saw his eyes glean in recognition. With a few more steps, I grabbed his hand and dragged him away the auditorium. Jealous stares and angry eyes from different girls followed us. Tch.

Once we were out of the room, I continued dragging him towards a secluded bench.

As we sat, I tried starting out the conversation.

"What was that? How long have you been playing?"

"A few years by now. I love playing, Fur Elise is my mother's favorite, the first I've learned."