A Faint Melody

The afternoon sun spills through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across your desk. The teacher’s voice fades into background noise—you’re not really listening anyway. School has felt dull for a while now, ever since you stopped playing the piano.

Once, music was your whole world. Now, it’s just a distant echo.

The final bell rings.

Tsubaki: "Alright, park time. No excuses."

You sigh, closing your notebook.

You: "Did I even get a say?"

Tsubaki: "Nope!" She grins, grabbing your sleeve and pulling you toward the door.

Beside you, Ryota Watari stretches, hands behind his head as he walks.

Ryota: "Man, I’m just here for the vibes. Maybe meet a cute girl or two."

Tsubaki: "You’re actually hopeless."

Ryota: "And yet, I’m thriving." He smirks, dodging the playful shove Tsubaki throws his way.

The park is buzzing with life, kids running across the grass, couples walking under the trees. Tsubaki suddenly stops, eyes lighting up.

Tsubaki: "Oh! There she is!"

You follow her gaze to a girl standing near the playground, a violin case at her feet. She doesn’t notice you—she’s too busy adjusting her instrument. Then, without warning, she lifts it, drawing the bow across the strings.

The first note rings out, wild and untamed. It doesn’t follow rules, doesn’t need to. It swirls through the air, full of color, full of life—so different from the rigid, structured music you once knew.

The melody fades, and she turns, golden hair catching the light. Her bright eyes ,land on Tsubaki, and a wide smile spreads across her face.*

???:"Tsubaki!"

She waves enthusiastically before her gaze flickers to you. A small, knowing grin tugs at her lips.

And just like that, something shifts inside you.