Today was another peaceful day.
Touma checked the performance of his novel.
It was still steadily gaining popularity.
At this rate, even without the system, he would probably have done just fine.
After that, he downloaded the same composition software Sakiko used.
Opening the program, Touma sat in front of the computer and thought for a long time.
In the end, he made up his mind.
He would borrow “Gunjou.” (Artist: YOASOBI) The song perfectly captured the youthful, bright, and uplifting atmosphere.
It fit the current stage of most girl bands and was, in his opinion, an ideal choice.
Silently thanking YOASOBI from his previous life for creating such a wonderful song, Touma got to work.
He first copied the lyrics from memory, word for word.
Then he slowly began inputting the main melody into the composition software.
Since he still wasn’t familiar with the program, his progress was rather slow.
No rush.
He could take his time.
After all, Sakiko still had two more songs to finish on her side.
Thinking about tomorrow’s appointment, Touma went to bed early.
The next day, he arrived at the agreed meeting place, in front of the music store, half an hour ahead of schedule.
Since the other two hadn’t arrived yet, he went inside.
Under the unwavering gaze of the store owner, he sat down at one of the pianos.
It wasn’t that the owner was stingy.
The truth was that Touma had been coming every day lately to play the store’s pianos, which wasn’t exactly good for business.
It’s fine.
Touma already had a plan.
Once he saved up enough money, he’d move into a large villa, fill it with ten pianos, and rotate between them every day.
The moment his fingers touched the keys, the melody of “Gunjou” naturally surfaced in his mind.
It was the perfect opportunity to experiment with the piano arrangement.
He couldn’t play any other instruments.
But when it came to the piano, he was already quite proficient.
Soon, the lively and energetic melody of “Gunjou” echoed throughout the music store.
It overflowed with the feeling of youth.
Even the stern-faced owner gradually softened after hearing the song.
When the performance ended, Touma had gained a much clearer understanding of both his piano skills and the piano arrangement for “Gunjou.” Just then, he felt someone lightly tap his shoulder.
Turning around, he found two girls wearing hats and sunglasses.
One had dark brown hair.
It was obviously Sumita Mana.
The other had shoulder-length blonde hair.
Her hands were clasped in front of her chest, and even through her sunglasses, Touma could feel the careful, appraising gaze directed at him.
Without a doubt, she was Misumi Hatsune.
The moment he saw her, an image of a blond golden retriever crawling around ominously popped into his head.
It could only be described as an incredibly twisted meme.
“It’s been a while, Asai-kun.
Um…
is it okay if I call you that?” Sumita Mana greeted him.
“Mm.
It’s been a while, Sumita-san.
And this must be Misumi-san.
I’m Touma.
Nice to meet you.” Touma greeted them both.
“Nice to meet you as well, Asai-san.” Misumi Hatsune returned the greeting.
“By the way, what was the song you were just playing?
It sounded really good.” After leaving the music store, Sumita Mana asked curiously.
“It’s an original.” After thinking for a moment, Touma answered.
“Eh?
An original?
That’s amazing!” Sumita Mana praised him sincerely.
She had only stood there listening for a short while, yet the main melody had completely captivated her.
It was definitely an excellent song.
Beside her, Misumi Hatsune was equally surprised.
That wonderful song had actually been an original?
He seemed…
kind of impressive.
No, no.
She had come here to help Mana-chan evaluate him and see whether this man was approaching Mana with ulterior motives.
Misumi Hatsune tried her best to remain objective.
“Oh, right.
Asai-kun, you were definitely lying to me before, weren’t you?
You said you were just a beginner, but your piano playing was so skilled just now!” Sumita Mana suddenly remembered.
Touma replied with complete composure.
“I really was a beginner before.
I just spent more time practicing these past few days, so I’ve become more proficient.” “Eh?” Sumita Mana was stunned again.
“You went from a complete beginner to playing like that after practicing for only a few days?” “More or less.
I’m still nowhere near the level of a pianist.
I’ve only mastered the fundamentals.” Touma nodded.
“Asai-kun’s talent…
is terrifying!” Sumita Mana covered her mask as she spoke.
She continued asking curiously, “By the way, how old are you now?
Are you already in college?” “No.
I’m only a first-year high school student.” “I see.
You’re much younger than I imagined.” She smiled brightly.
“But from a student’s perspective, that means Asai-kun is still a senpai to both Ui-chan and me.” Beside her, Misumi Hatsune sighed inwardly.
She had never seen Mana treat a boy with this much enthusiasm before.
Not even while working.
This was far beyond normal friendliness.
After chatting all the way there, Sumita Mana suddenly pointed toward a nearby shop.
“Ui-chan, Asai-kun, look!
Donuts!
They look so delicious!” Turning back toward them, her eyes sparkled.
“Do you want some donuts?” “I don’t mind.” Touma answered.
“Um…
I’ll pass.” Misumi Hatsune waved her hand.
Even so, Sumita Mana came back carrying six donuts, giving each of them two.
“We’re eating donuts before the contest even starts?” Touma looked speechlessly at the brown-haired girl, who had already eaten half a donut in a single bite.
“Will you still be able to place well later?” “Aren’t you eating one too, Asai-kun?” Sumita Mana shot back.
“I’m not entering the competition.” “Eh?
You’re not entering?” Sumita Mana removed her sunglasses, clasped her hands in front of her chest, and looked at him with pitiful, pleading eyes.
Honestly, seeing the real girl make that expression was far more devastating than any sticker.
Even so, Touma remained completely unfazed.
“Of course not…” “The top three all get pretty generous prize money.” Sumita Mana leaned closer and whispered.
“And I have a little insider secret.
Including you and Ui-chan, there are actually only four contestants.” “I’m entering too?” Misumi Hatsune pointed at herself in surprise.
Hearing that there was a substantial cash prize, Touma suddenly felt that entering the contest might not be such a bad idea after all.
“Can I still sign up?” “Of course!” Sumita Mana nodded enthusiastically.
Some time later, the three of them were seated at a long table with the donut shop hosting the competition directly behind them.
Before long, the fourth contestant finally arrived.
She was an ordinary-looking middle-aged woman.