What Grade?
18: Chapter 18: Do You Have a Piano Certificate?
What Grade?
At this point, Sakiko had no choice but to accept the fact that her second personality was an absolute piano prodigy.
With that kind of talent, combined with all the effort he was putting in, he would probably surpass her within a few weeks.
“You’ve improved a lot these past few days, but you’re still far from my level.
Keep working hard.” Although Sakiko spoke stubbornly, she was genuinely happy for Touma.
Touma did not respond.
Instead, he reminded her, “If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be here every night around 10:30 for the next two weeks.
Just be ready.” “I understand,” Sakiko replied.
Right then, the clock struck midnight, and Touma was forcibly removed from her body.
After regaining control, Sakiko found it strange.
So Touma always fell asleep at midnight?
He didn’t stay for the full twelve hours?
She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but after thinking about it for a while without reaching any conclusion, she gave up dwelling on it.
Over the next two days, Touma stayed home almost the entire time, arranging music and writing his novel.
There was nothing much to say about the novel.
It continued to gain momentum, and he would soon be receiving his royalties.
As for the arrangement and lyrics of “Gunjou,” he had already finished them.
The only thing left was for Sakiko to compose the music.
However, he planned to wait until she finished her two songs before handing it over.
That way, it would look like he had been working hard during this period as well.
Come to think of it, the school still hadn’t contacted him at all.
It was almost as if they’d forgotten he existed.
That suited him just fine.
He had absolutely no interest in going to school.
He spent all of his spare time studying composition and arrangement instead.
Around noon, Touma tidied up his appearance before heading out to a live house near Universal Studios Osaka.
After arriving, he took out his phone and let the staff scan the electronic ticket Hatsune had sent him, successfully gaining entry.
This was probably the largest live house in the area, with a capacity of over two thousand people.
Even though he had arrived early, the venue was already packed to capacity, a clear sign of just how popular sumimi had become recently.
Fortunately, his ticket was for a reserved seat on the second floor.
Some time later, Sumita Mana and Misumi Hatsune stepped onto the stage.
Maybe it was just his imagination, but Touma felt as though Mana glanced toward his seat a few times.
Soon, sumimi’s performance began.
Most of the songs carried a distinctly anime-style sound, and they were all quite enjoyable.
Watching the girls sing and dance on stage, Touma couldn’t help sighing inwardly.
They’re really full of energy.
The concert lasted nearly three hours, with the two of them performing the entire time.
Their professionalism was beyond question.
After the performance ended, Touma followed the directions on his phone to the backstage area, where Hatsune led him into the dressing room.
“Is it really okay for me to be in here?” Touma asked the two girls.
“It’s fine.
Come have a seat, Asai-kun,” Sumita Mana said as she caught her breath in small, gentle gasps.
Hatsune, however, gave him no chance to sit.
She suddenly bowed a full ninety degrees.
“I’m truly sorry, Asai-kun.
I spoke like that the other day before I understood the situation.
I’m really, truly sorry!” Her tone was completely sincere.
“Um, are you free this afternoon?
I know a really good yakiniku restaurant nearby.
My treat.” “Oh, and from now on, I’ll always save one complimentary ticket for sumimi’s performances for you.” Touma immediately waved his hands.
“There’s no need.
It was just a misunderstanding, and I wasn’t upset.” Then he added teasingly, “As long as Miss Misumi doesn’t keep staring at me from now on.” Hearing that, Misumi Hatsune’s face instantly flushed bright red with embarrassment.
“Um…
I still think…” she tried to insist, but Sumita Mana interrupted her.
“Alright, alright.
Why don’t you two have some donuts first?
I brought three different flavors.
Which one do you want?” The brown-haired girl took out a bag of donuts and asked.
Touma accepted one without any hesitation.
“Thanks.” After the three of them had taken a few bites, Sumita Mana looked at the boy sitting across from her.
“So, Asai-kun, what did you think of today’s sumimi performance?” “It was great,” Touma answered.
“Then…
does that mean you’ve become a sumimi fan now?” Sumita Mana asked curiously.
After asking it like that, how am I supposed to say no?
Just as Touma was about to answer, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the room.
A middle-aged woman in formal business attire pushed open the door.
The moment she saw Touma, she frowned.
At the same time, Sumita Mana and Misumi Hatsune both stood up.
“Nice to meet you.
I’m Masaki Saori, the manager in charge of sumimi.” Adjusting her glasses, the manager politely greeted Touma.
“Nice to meet you.
I’m Touma.” After the introductions, the manager asked, “This is the backstage area.
Why are you here?” She then turned toward Sumita Mana and Misumi Hatsune.
“Did the two of you invite him in?” Hearing the manager’s aggressive tone, Touma immediately realized the two idols were in trouble.
It was understandable.
With idols as popular as they were, the agency would never allow rumors of a scandal to spread.
At this moment, Misumi Hatsune’s mind had completely frozen, and even Sumita Mana couldn’t think of a good explanation.
Seeing this, Touma sighed inwardly and stepped in.
“Actually, I came to ask Miss Sumita for a favor.
I’m looking for a job related to piano.” “A favor?
Piano?” The manager looked puzzled.
Sumita Mana quickly seized the opportunity.
“Yes!
Asai…
Mr.
Asai is a friend I’ve known for a while.
He came today to ask if I could help him find a piano-related job.” Heh, trying to use connections through my idols now?
The manager turned back to Touma.
“Do you have a piano certificate?
What grade are you?” “Not at the moment.” Touma shook his head.
The manager immediately lost interest and was about to ask him to leave.
At that moment, however, Sumita Mana spoke up.
“Um, Ms.
Saori, Mr.
Asai is really amazing at the piano!
Both Hatsune and I have heard him play!” Beside her, Misumi Hatsune hurriedly nodded.
“Yes!” The manager looked doubtful, but out of consideration for the two idols, she decided to let Touma demonstrate.
A few minutes later, Touma sat down in front of the piano.