A Tentative Return

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CHAPTER-3


The decision to return to music lingered in Kousei's mind long after leaving the music festival. Each note from Kaori's violin had sparked memories, stirring emotions he had long suppressed. As he sat in his room later that evening, the grand piano stood silently in the corner, its presence both comforting and daunting.


*Kousei:* (Internal monologue) Can I really do this? Will I ever hear the music again, the way I used to?


Lost in his thoughts, Kousei was interrupted by the gentle chime of his phone. It was a message from Tsubaki.


*Tsubaki (message):* Hey Kousei! Great to see you enjoying the festival today. Let's hang out tomorrow!


The warmth of Tsubaki's friendship brought a small smile to Kousei's face. With her unwavering support, he felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could find his way back to music.The next day, Tsubaki arrived early to pick up Kousei. They decided to visit a nearby music store, hoping to explore different instruments and perhaps find something that would reignite Kousei's passion.


*Tsubaki:* (Excitedly browsing through sheet music) "Kousei, look at this! They have your favorite composer's latest pieces."


*Kousei:* (Nods, leafing through the pages) "Yeah, Chopin... Mom loved his music."*Tsubaki:* (Encouragingly) "I bet she'd want you to play again, you know. To find joy in music like you used to."


The words struck a chord with Kousei. He knew his mother had always pushed him to excel, to strive for perfection. But now, the weight of her expectations felt different—not as a burden, but as a guiding light urging him forward.


As they explored the store, Kousei's attention was drawn to a secluded corner where a digital piano stood. Unlike the grand piano at home, it seemed less intimidating, almost inviting.


*Tsubaki:* (Noticing Kousei's interest) "Why don't you give it a try, Kousei? Just to see how it feels."


With a mixture of apprehension and determination, Kousei sat down at the digital piano. He hesitated for a moment, his fingers hovering over the keys. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and began to play—a tentative melody, a whisper of the music he once knew.At first, the notes were hesitant, uncertain. But with each key he pressed, Kousei felt a flicker of familiarity, a faint echo of the passion that had driven him before. The music flowed hesitantly at first, then with growing confidence as Kousei allowed himself to lose in the rhythm.


*Tsubaki:* (Watching with a smile) "You're doing great, Kousei. Keep going."


For the first time in months, Kousei felt a sense of peace wash over him. The music, though different from before, carried a newfound depth—a reflection of his journey through grief and rediscovery.


As he played, Kousei sensed a presence behind him—a gentle presence that seemed to embrace him in its warmth. He turned to see Tsubaki standing there, her eyes filled with pride and encouragement.


*Tsubaki:* (Softly) "I knew you could do it, Kousei. You're finding your way back."


And in that moment, Kousei knew that his tentative return to music was not just a step forward—it was a promise of healing, of reclaiming the passion that had once defined him.

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