Of Cats and Crows (Sugawara Koushi)

The Almost Dropout

Dr. Ito walked into the piano studio to begin Masterclass. All 15 of his piano majors were gathered together. Mitsumi was the only one admitted into the program this semester. Which caused her more grief than happiness. Ever since coming home from the tournament, she had been forced to work overtime to prepare for her various semester performances. And this time, it was her turn to perform for the devil's spawn of a teacher. Did Ito care for his students? Yes. But his expectations were as high as the sky and they were expected to achieve them. But thankfully. that week off from volleyball allowed her to have plenty of time to play catch up. 

Suga had also been watching over her like a hawk to her annoyance. The first couple days were spent fighting about what she could and couldn't do. Although it was completely pointless in the end. He at least made sure she didn't sneak into places she wasn't supposed to be.

The professor pushed his glasses up as he took a pen out of his shirt pockets. He took down some notes before class started. "Okay, Mitsumi and Oyami. I believe it's your week to play for everyone." He said as he left the two students to decide who would perform first.

Oyami was Ito's top student. Although his personality said otherwise. The pink-haired male was quiet and reserved. And barely ever spoke. And thankfully, he wanted to go last. Nothing was worse than butchering a performance after the star student plays. 

Mitsumi sighed and stood up from her bench. She walked over to the grand piano and handed her music to the head professor. She hated how much pressure she felt anytime he was in the room. "So, today I will be playing Chopin's Etude Opus 25 No.11. Winter Wind." It was a bold piece for a first-semester student. But, Mitsumi wanted to prove that she could survive Ito's insane program. She had already somewhat proven her point. But, she wasn't satisfied yet.

She took a deep breath and began the piece. The slow opening bars burst into a rapid flurry of notes. Mitsumi needed to start her college music career strong. And the last time she played, Ito basically gave her a free pass for epically murdering Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 Number 14.

It didn't seem to matter how good of a performance she gave, Ito found something to tear her apart. Dr. Ito's pen was scribbling on his notes paper. The sound of his pen cut through the music. It was Mitsumi's least favorite noise in the world. The piece ended and she gritted her teeth waiting for the criticism. Her classmates were luckily forgiving and complimented her playing style and such.

And then the pin was pulled on the grenade. Dr. Ito looked at the music. "You need to work on voicing the left hand. Have you been practicing the jumps? They looked super sloppy. And the right-hand needs to be made clearer. Make sure you are playing with your whole arm." His comments were endless.

This is why I can't be proud of anything. Mitsumi thought to herself as she went back to her seat. Ito tore everyone apart like that. Especially if they weren't taking private lessons directly from him. Gosh, you really can't satisfy this guy. The looks of pity from her classmates weren't exactly helping her mood as well. At least they were kind enough to tell her the things she did well. Even if it seemed like they were running in circles a little bit. 

Mitsumi stood outside the office after class and checked her phone. It was time to go to work. Hopefully, Dr. Tanaguchi was in so she could spill all of the tea. One of her classmates caught up to her. It was Mei.

"Mitsumi, you really got a beating today. I'm sorry." Mei walked down the sidewalk with her classmate. "Your sound is really coming together though. Ito will be blown away by the end of the semester."

"Thanks for the encouragement, Mei." Mitsumi thanked her upperclassmen. "I heard you are doing a collaborative recital with Kendo. When is it again?" She had already met her concert attendance requirement but wanted to support her classmates.