“I guess that’s about it.”
“Phew, even just keeping up is a struggle…”
At the conclusion of the performance, Kenji let out a breath toward the ceiling.
Kenji expressed his gratitude to Kasahori.
“Thank you, Kasahori-san, for teaching me so much.”
“No problem.
You learn fast, Hyodo-kun, so it was fun.”
It was great that they decided to start a band, but unlike the other members, Kenji’s playing was not at a level that could be listened to, to put it mildly.
So, he had Yoriko Kasahori, who could also play bass, teach him various things, and somehow it began to take shape.
(It also helped that the soundproofing in the new house is perfect.
Thanks to that, I can practice at home without hesitation…
and thanks to Kyoji-san for lending me the bass.)
He still wasn’t used to that large house, but while feeling guilty for only being grateful when it was convenient for him, he was happy that the songs were taking shape.
“Kasahori-san, you’re good at both singing and playing.
Did you study somewhere?”
“My mom works in the music industry.
Her job is creating songs and music for things like anime.
So, she taught me various things from a young age as a trial.”
“Heh.
So, are you planning to work in that field in the future, Kasahori-san?”
“I haven’t seriously thought about the future yet.”
At her wry smile and answer, Yosuke laughed, saying that made sense.
In the middle school Kenji attended, equipment from a light music club that had already been disbanded remained.
Since one or two groups of students usually appeared to perform at events like the cultural festival, the school, which originally had few clubs, kept the equipment and the club room.
Besides Kenji’s group, there was one other band of third-year members, and they took turns using it.
“So, like I said, we’re not doing anything shady, right?
Quit it with that glaring look already, Natsunaka.”
“I get it…”
Hitomi Natsunaka had been looking this way with a displeased face for a while.
When Yoriko Kasahori decided to do the band, she followed along out of worry and was monitoring them to see if they would do anything weird.
Mainly monitoring Kenji Hyodo.
However, the blunt Hitomi Natsunaka also expressed her impressions upon hearing the performance, and since she had a good ear, she would accurately point out where they made mistakes, which led to an improvement in Kenji and his friends’ playing ability. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
“Well then, let’s go once more from start to finish────”
As Yosuke was about to say that, the club room door opened.
“I’m sorry.
It’s almost time to leave school, but…”
“Lucifuge-sensei!”
Entering apologetically was Lucifuge-sensei, the English teacher who had become the homeroom teacher for Kenji’s class starting from the second term.
The previous homeroom teacher had resigned during the summer vacation due to family reasons, and she was the new teacher who had arrived.
She was a beautiful woman with short silver hair and silver eyes, with a style so good it was obvious through her clothes, and because of her friendly personality, she was liked by students and teachers alike within the school.
Even in Kenji’s classroom, there was no shortage of topics about the new homeroom teacher during break time.
“It’s not even 5 o’clock yet; could you please allow us just a little longer?”
Tomoya pleaded since they were getting into the rhythm, but Lucifuge-sensei made an ‘X’ with her fingers.
“Since the beginning of this school year, many gruesome incidents have occurred in this town.
We’ve been told to send students home as early as possible in groups.
It would be terrible if something happened, so I’m sorry.”
Since the start of the year, incidents like murders and disappearances had occurred, and the school, viewing this seriously, made sure to send students home early after school.
Kenji and the others understood this, so they immediately began tidying up.
In the middle of that, Lucifuge-sensei called out to him.
“Hyodo-kun.
Could I have a bit of your time?
I think it will only take about ten minutes.”
“Eh?
Me?”
Did I do something?
Kenji’s expression stiffened, and the new homeroom teacher waved her hand and gave a wry smile.
“It’s not a bad story.
I just have something I want to ask.”
“We’ll be waiting at the school gate, so why don’t you go?”
Told so by Tomoya, Kenji followed her quietly.
He sat in the chair in the student guidance room he was led to.
“The talk is, before I was assigned here, did something happen?”
As Kenji tilted his head, not understanding the intent of the question, the new homeroom teacher explained.
“When I was appointed as the homeroom teacher for that class, I was told by other teachers to be careful of Hyodo-kun.
But, seeing you in person, you don’t seem like the kind of student who would be spoken of that way.
So, I thought maybe something happened before.”
To Lucifuge-sensei, who said she had been wondering all along, Kenji explained with a grim face.
“Um, it seems my brother, who graduated a few years ago, was causing quite a lot of trouble with his friends, and so…” The source of this chapter is g.com.
When he explained fragments of what his brother had done, Lucifuge-sensei nodded.
“I see…
your brother.
But, the teachers are also gradually correcting those prejudices.
Your scores on the recent midterm exams were good as well.
If you spend your time seriously—no, normally—until you advance a grade, those voices should disappear.
You’re performing with Kasugayama-kun and the others at the cultural festival, right?
That might be a catalyst as well.”
“Yes.
Thank you very much.”
The homeroom teacher said the talk was over.
Before leaving the room, he asked a question he was curious about.
“Teacher, do you have sisters?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Ah, no.
Among the work associates of the older brother of someone I’m indebted to, there’s a silver-haired woman with the same surname.
I felt like your facial features were similar too.”
“Is that so?
But, I don’t have any sisters.”
“Is that…
so?”
“Yes.
You’re keeping your friends waiting, aren’t you?
Go on quickly.”
“Y-Yes!
Excuse me!”
As Kenji left in a hurry, Lucifuge-sensei took out her phone.
Her expression had completely changed from the cheerful face of a moment ago to a mask-like expressionlessness.
“There is no abnormality in the state of the target of surveillance.
Yes.
Yes.
If there are any changes, I will report even the most trivial matters──── Rizevim-sama.”