“‘Explore’ means to explore, probe, or investigate…” The English teacher’s voice echoed steadily through the classroom in the early morning.
For Amaya Yuu, the first class of the morning, especially English class, was like being in a drowsy hell.
“Haa—” He couldn’t help but cover his mouth and quietly let out a long yawn.
He hadn’t slept well last night, and combined with the unique hypnotic atmosphere of the English class, he felt an irresistible drowsiness in class, which was rare for him.
Just as his eyelids were about to close, the guitar melody he had heard last night suddenly surfaced in his mind.
“Music really is quite moving…”
Amaya Yuu knew nothing about music and had absolutely no interest in it.
At least, that was what he thought until yesterday.
However, after looping “One More Time, One More Chance” for the umpteenth time last night, the simple and beautiful guitar sound had delivered quite an impact to him.
(Of course, perhaps most of that should be credited to the beautiful Uika.)
Coupled with Haneoka’s overly thick musical atmosphere, he, who didn’t play music, felt like he couldn’t even say two words to his classmates.
These various factors made Amaya Yuu start wanting to understand music, this magical language that could express inner feelings.
“Where should I start…” Amaya Yuu zoned out in English class, looking out the window.
Because he had studied English in both lives, his English grades were decent enough, so he allowed himself to do things unrelated to studying during English class.
“Guitar!
I’ll just start with the most popular one!” The thought process didn’t last long before Amaya Yuu made his decision.
Amaya Yuu suddenly realised an advantage: it seemed many of his classmates were in a band.
If he just wanted to learn some guitar basics, it shouldn’t be hard to find someone to guide him.
A few figures flashed through his mind:
Uika?
As the vocalist and guitarist for sumimi, her skill went without saying.
But she was probably incredibly busy, and it really wouldn’t be appropriate to bother her.
Togawa Sakiko?
Pass immediately; he hadn’t even had a normal conversation with her until now.
Thinking of this, Amaya Yuu looked up and noticed that the blue-haired beautiful girl sitting in front of him was actually doing the same thing he had been doing just now, staring blankly out the window with her head turned.
Takamatsu Tomori?
She didn’t look like the type who would play guitar…
Finally, his thoughts settled on a lively pink figure: Chihaya Anon, who had loudly proclaimed that she wanted to become a guitar vocalist.
“That’s her!” Amaya Yuu decided silently in his heart, “Come be my ‘Guitar Hero’, Chihaya-san!”
The moment he set this intention, he could feel the system issuing a new temporary mission.
After pulling up the mission panel, besides the four missions hanging there that looked impossible to complete in a short time, sure enough, a new mission had been added:
『Mission: The First Step to Dominating the Music Scene』
『Mission Content: Complete a guitar performance on the street or at a live house and attract over 100 live audience members.
』
『Mission Time: One Month』
『Mission Reward: 30,000 Points』
Amaya Yuu raised an eyebrow slightly.
It seemed this was no longer just a personal whim.
Since the system had issued a mission, he now had a reason to take it seriously.
“I haven’t been to a live house yet, and street performance sounds simple and direct.
But to perform on the street in Japan, it seems you have to apply for a permit first, right?
Otherwise, you’ll likely be chased away by the police.”
Amaya Yuu calculated while taking notes, “Looks like after school I have to check out a live house, then go to the police station to understand the details, and finally go to a music store to look at guitars…
Can’t go home early today either.”
“The most famous Live House nearby seems to be called R…
something G.
Never mind, I’ll ask a classmate after class.”
Except for English class, Amaya Yuu appeared very serious in all other classes.
Other than English class, where he could slightly zone out relying on his “old foundation”, Amaya Yuu listened with extra focus in other courses.
Since he had decided to do something, he would give it his all, whether it was the newly sprouted musical idea or his duty as a student.
“If I’m going to do it, I’ll do it to the limit of what ordinary people can reach and then try to break that limit and surpass the ordinary.
This is the true path of a ‘Superman’.”
“When I say I want to become a ‘Superman’, I’m not just saying it casually!”
The morning classes ended quickly.
As soon as the bell rang, a vibrant voice rang out in Amaya Yuu’s ears.
“Yo, Amaya!” Akashi Tetsuya patted his shoulder very familiarly.
“Let’s go, let’s go to the cafeteria and have a set meal together!
I heard there’s a pork cutlet set today!”
Standing beside him was Amamiya Ritsu, who was a head shorter than him and was nodding at Amaya Yuu with some embarrassment.
These two had taken the initiative to come over and talk to him during the break this morning when they saw Amaya Yuu about to fall asleep.
And Amaya Yuu generally didn’t turn down social interactions, so they had become familiar with each other in just a few breaks.
Akashi Tetsuya was that typical character found in every class: outgoing, cheerful, good at socialising, an out-and-out sunny type of boy.
His natural friendliness combined with a fresh appearance made him quite popular in the class and even in the grade.
Standing beside him, Amamiya Ritsu, who was a head shorter, was his “childhood friend” from a young age and also the opposite in personality and appearance.
Amamiya wore slightly long hair and thick black-rimmed glasses; he didn’t talk much usually and was introverted but had a more delicate mind.
“Sure.” Amaya Yuu closed his textbook, stood up, and followed the two out of the classroom.
Arriving at the cafeteria, the three each ordered a 450-yen pork cutlet set meal.
This was Amaya Yuu’s first time eating a set meal in the school cafeteria.
He hadn’t expected the portion to be so substantial: a large piece of golden-fried pork cutlet, drizzled with thick sauce, covered the rice completely, and it was served with a separate small dish of vegetables and miso soup.
Looking at the rice bowl completely covered by the pork cutlet in front of him, he was momentarily at a loss as to where to start.
Akashi Tetsuya didn’t have so many scruples; he picked up his spoon and shovelled it into his mouth, eating heartily.
While chewing, he asked vaguely: “Hey, Amaya, have you talked to the person sitting in front of you?”
“The person in front?
You mean Togawa-san?”
“Yeah, it seems no one has talked to her yet.” Akashi Tetsuya said, stuffing another mouthful of rice, “So her last name is Togawa.”
“Judging by her usual demeanor, she looks like a young lady from a wealthy family.” Amamiya Ritsu interjected softly from the side, his dining manner noticeably more refined.
“How is that possible?” Akashi Tetsuya immediately retorted, “If she really were a young lady, she would definitely go to Tsukinomori; why would she come to our Haneoka?”
“Tsukinomori?” Amaya Yuu showed a puzzled expression.
“Ah, you just transferred, so you might not know.” Akashi Tetsuya suddenly got interested, lowering his voice and saying mysteriously, “Tsukinomori is a famous school for daughters of the wealthy, and it’s very mysterious!
I heard every girl inside is beautiful, and their families are super rich.
If you could chase one, you’d be set for life!”
“Your remarks are really hopeless…” Amamiya Ritsu pushed up his glasses helplessly.
After the three were full and satisfied, Amaya Yuu only felt waves of sleepiness rising.
He decided not to return to the classroom yet and planned to go to the Astronomy Club activity room he had just joined to take a short nap.
“You guys go back first, I have something to do at the club.” He said to Akashi Tetsuya and Amamiya Ritsu.
“Eh?
Amaya, have you already joined a club?” Amamiya Ritsu blinked and asked, slightly surprised.
“Haven’t officially filled out the application form yet, just agreed verbally with the members first.”
“What a pity, I originally wanted to pull you into our Kendo Club.” Akashi Tetsuya spread his hands, his tone carrying regret.
“Then see you in the afternoon.” Amamiya Ritsu smiled and pulled Akashi Tetsuya away, waving at Amaya Yuu.
“Yeah, see you in the afternoon.”
Amaya Yuu nodded and watched them turn and walk towards the other side of the teaching building.
Arriving in front of the Astronomy Club activity room, Amaya Yuu pushed the door open gently.
He had thought there wouldn’t be anyone at this time but unexpectedly found Takamatsu Tomori sitting inside.
She was focused on wiping some small stones with a handkerchief and only looked up when she heard the door open, her face showing a hint of surprise: “G-good afternoon, Amaya-san!”
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were here.” Amaya Yuu stood at the doorway somewhat awkwardly.
“I originally wanted to rest here for a while…
Since you are using the activity room, I won’t disturb you.”
“No!” Takamatsu Tomori’s voice suddenly rose, then she realised she had been improper and added softly, “It’s not a disturbance at all…
As long as Amaya-san doesn’t find me being here a nuisance…”
“Then I won’t be polite!” After saying that, he lay down directly on the only bench in the activity room, arms crossed over his chest, and within a few seconds, his breathing became even and long, and he fell asleep in the blink of an eye.
“He fell asleep so fast…!” Takamatsu Tomori sat to the side, eyes wide with curiosity, and whispered in amazement, “So amazing…”
Don’t know how long passed, Amaya Yuu vaguely felt his shoulder being touched gently.
He opened his eyes and found Takamatsu Tomori crouching by the bench, carefully poking his shoulder with her fingertips.
“S-sorry!
Amaya-san!” Seeing him wake up, Takamatsu Tomori, although prepared, subconsciously shrank her body.
“Class is about to start…”
“It’s okay, I should be the one thanking the club president.” Amaya Yuu looked at her appearance like a startled little animal and couldn’t help but laugh.
“If you hadn’t woken me up, I don’t know how long I would have slept.”
He sat up and moved his somewhat numb shoulder: “Let’s go, it’s time to go to the classroom.”
“Mm.” Takamatsu Tomori also stood up.
On the way, neither of them spoke.
Amaya Yuu didn’t know what to say, and Takamatsu Tomori was looking down, not knowing what she was thinking.
When they were almost at the classroom door, she suddenly looked up and gently tugged on Amaya Yuu’s sleeve: “Um…
Amaya-san…
You can call me by my name directly!”
“Hmm?” Amaya Yuu looked at her in surprise.
“Tomori…
Tomori…”
“Tomorin!
I’ll call you Tomorin!” He blurted out.
Takamatsu Tomori didn’t answer, just buried her head lower, shrank her body, and ran into the classroom as if escaping, leaving Amaya Yuu standing in place.
“…Ran away again.” Amaya Yuu scratched his head.
“So cute.
I actually blurted out the nickname ‘Tomorin’ without being able to help myself…”