YOUR LIE IN APRIL

The Invitation

CHAPTER-4

Buoyed by his tentative return to playing the piano, Kousei found himself increasingly drawn to the familiar yet elusive world of music. Each day brought a new rhythm, a new melody that echoed through his thoughts, reminding him of the joy and solace he once found in music.

One afternoon, while browsing through his favorite music store, Kousei received an unexpected invitation slipped under his apartment door. It was a flyer for an upcoming chamber music recital at a prestigious venue in the city—an event that promised to showcase talented young musicians from across the region.

*Kousei:* (Reading the flyer, intrigued) "A chamber music recital... Maybe I should go."

The thought of attending such an event stirred a mix of excitement and apprehension within Kousei. It had been so long since he immersed himself in the world of live music, surrounded by fellow performers and enthusiasts.

Later that evening, over dinner with Tsubaki and Ryouta, Kousei mentioned the invitation he had received.

*Ryouta:* (Grinning) "Dude, you should totally go! It's about time you got out of that room and back into the world."

*Tsubaki:* (Nodding enthusiastically) "I agree! It could be just what you need to get inspired again."

Their words of encouragement resonated with Kousei, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose. Perhaps attending the recital would provide the inspiration he sought—a chance to witness firsthand the passion and dedication of young musicians following their dreams.On the day of the recital, Kousei found himself standing outside the elegant concert hall, nerves fluttering in his stomach. The grandeur of the venue, with its polished marble floors and sparkling chandeliers, reminded him of the prestigious competitions he had once participated in.

Inside, the atmosphere hummed with anticipation as the audience settled into their seats. The stage was adorned with a grand piano and several chairs arranged in a semi-circle—a clear invitation for the performers to take their places.As the lights dimmed and the recital began, Kousei found himself captivated by each performance—a string quartet that moved with grace and precision, a pianist whose fingers danced effortlessly across the keys, and a cellist whose haunting melodies evoked a sense of longing.

But it was the final performance of the evening that left Kousei breathless. Stepping onto the stage with an air of confidence and grace was Kaori Miyazono, the violinist whose music had ignited something deep within him at the park.

*Kaori:* (Addressing the audience with a bright smile) "Good evening, everyone! I'm delighted to share with you a piece that holds a special place in my heart."

As Kaori began to play, her violin sang with an intensity that seemed to defy the confines of the concert hall. The music soared and whispered, weaving a narrative of passion, sorrow, and hope. Kousei closed his eyes, allowing himself to be swept away by the emotions conveyed through each note.When the final chord faded into silence, the audience erupted into thunderous applause. Kousei joined in, his heart pounding with admiration and awe for Kaori's talent and artistry.After the recital, as the audience mingled and exchanged enthusiastic praises for the performers, Kousei found himself standing near the stage, unsure of what to do next.

*Kaori:* (Approaching him with a playful grin) "Well, well, if it isn't the mystery admirer from the park. You enjoyed the recital?"

Kousei looked up, surprised to find Kaori standing before him. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity, as if she knew something about him that he didn't even know himself.

*Kousei:* (Nods, finding his voice) "Your performance was incredible. It's like your music... speaks directly to the heart."

*Kaori:* (Laughs lightly) "Thank you! Music is my language, my way of expressing emotions that words alone cannot convey. What about you, Kousei? Do you play an instrument?"

Kousei hesitated, unsure how much to reveal about his past. But something in Kaori's presence encouraged him to open up, to share a glimpse of his journey.

*Kousei:* (Quietly) "I used to play the piano... a long time ago. But I haven't played since..."

*Kaori:* (Gently) "Since?"

*Kousei:* (Looking down, then meeting her gaze) "Since my mother passed away. She was... my everything."

Kaori listened attentively, her expression softening with empathy and understanding.

*Kaori:* (Softly) "I'm sorry for your loss, Kousei. Losing someone dear changes everything. But music... it has a way of healing wounds, of bringing us closer to those we've lost."

Kousei nodded, touched by Kaori's words. In that moment, he sensed a shared understanding between them—a connection forged through music and the universal language of emotions.

*Kaori:* (Smiling warmly) "If you ever feel ready to play again, I'd love to hear you. Until then, remember that music is always waiting for you, ready to welcome you back whenever you're ready."

As Kaori turned to leave, leaving Kousei with a lingering sense of hope and possibility, he watched her disappear into the crowd. The echo of her words lingered in his mind, planting seeds of courage and determination.

*Kousei:* (Whispering to himself) "Maybe... maybe it's time."

And with those words, Kousei took his first steps toward embracing music once more—a journey of rediscovery and healing, guided by the unexpected muse who had entered his life.