The Monday at the end of the month that I look forward to the most has arrived.
It’s not strictly set, but the new whole cake tasting for the next month is usually held on the Monday closest to the end of the month.
It’s a day off for me and Ai-chan from our club activities, and it’s usually a slow day at MAHO-do. Hazuki-chan doesn’t have any lessons scheduled, and Onpu-chan tries not to schedule work on this day. Of course, our schedules can change depending on competition dates and test periods, which vary for each high school.
MAHO-do’s calendar shows everyone’s schedules in colorful markers, and it looks very colorful. Momo-chan’s schedule takes top priority, but there are times when the store is left alone with just Hana-chan and Momo-chan.
Of course we can rely on Dodo and the others now more than ever, but we can’t have them appear in front of customers. There are times when it would be bad for them to transform into us.
During this time when there are no official soccer games, I’m also working hard at MAHO-do, but Momo-chan travels back and forth between school and MAHO-do every day, and on her rare days off, she goes on food tours to various stores and patisseries.
Momo-chan has clear goals and is working hard towards them, but I sometimes think that it’s okay for her to have hobbies and ways to unwind that aren’t related to sweets. She’s always full of energy, but I always worry that she might push herself too hard.
Despite being so busy, Momo-chan comes up with and makes new sweets every month, which is amazing. And everyone is really looking forward to it. Fufu
After finishing the club meeting and meeting up with Ai-chan, we arrived at MAHO-do where Hazuki-chan and Momo-chan were already working.
“Oh, Hazuki-chan. How was the concert at the university hospital?”
Hazuki-chan smiled shyly but happily and replied,
“It was really good. More people than I expected came, not just patients and their families, and I got a little nervous. But when we played the theme song of a movie or the most famous phrase in classical music, everyone started to get excited and even clapped to the beat towards the end.”
Hazuki-chan spoke quickly and had a really happy expression on her face. It had been a while since Hazuki-chan had smiled like that.
“It was worth participating. I’m glad I stopped by during my run.”
Ai-chan, the only one who went to see the performance, said.
“If it had been on a weekday, I would’ve gone too. I’m so disappointed. I had no idea it was such a fun concert!” Momo-chan said.
“Hana too, Hana too! I didn’t know it was such a fun concert. Plus, I’ve only ever heard Hazuki play classical violin music!”
Even Hana-chan, who was working inside the store, ran over and expressed her disappointment one after the other, overwhelming Hazuki-chan.
“Fufu. I’m happy to hear that. It was really a good experience.”
I heard that the concert was held in the lobby where the general outpatient reception and the accounting department of the university hospital are located. It was on a Saturday afternoon, so there was a practice match for the club activities, and I couldn’t go, but it seems that many patients and general people came to watch.
“There are many people who have been hospitalized for a long time and have had a hard time, but they applauded with all their might, and I was impressed. I wondered why I didn’t participate last year.”
“You’ll have many chances in the future, Hazuki-chan.”
Hazuki-chan said that the other day too. Classical music might have been a hit song back then. Even though I used to play the piano myself when I was a child, I never thought to try playing different genres. When I told Mom and Dad about it, they were impressed. It’s not a bad thing to listen to and play various genres of music.
“If Hazuki-chan had fun, that’s justice.”
When I said that,
“Justice…? Doremi-chan, you say funny things. But it’s true. Riko-chan also helped me this time. I’m glad we succeeded.”
Hazuki-chan is used to playing on stage, but this time, she was at the same eye level as the audience in the lobby. Moreover, because it was a small group, it had a more intimate feel.
“Now, it’s time for the MC. Even with classical music, you have to get some laughs occasionally.”
Ai-chan, who had been quietly nodding in agreement, abruptly cut into the conversation between us.
“Is that so, Aiko?”
Ai-chan turned to Hana-chan and placed her hand on her shoulder,
“It’s natural. From now on, just being good at playing won’t be enough to get by in the world. Success lies in being able to respond to all sorts of societal needs.”
Hey, wait a minute, Ai-chan. Hana-chan couldn’t understand that either.
“Um… would it be alright if I practice a little bit while everyone’s here?”
Hazuki-chan asked hesitantly with a wry smile,
“Well, Hazuki has been helping out at MAHO-do for a while now, so I don’t see why not. You can use the second floor until Onpu arrives.”
Majorika looked at us. We agreed, of course. We all returned to our respective positions, and urged Hazuki-chan to start practicing.
“Let me know when Onpu-chan arrives.”
Hazuki-chan headed up to the second floor of MAHO-do. We could hear the sound of her footsteps bouncing along happily. The concert at the university hospital was a really great experience for Hazuki-chan.
Soon, we could hear the beautiful sound of the violin coming from the second floor. It was classical music, Bach’s… what was the name of the piece again? Oh no, this wasn’t the time to listen carefully.
I could hardly hear it once I got out of the store, but it might be one of the pieces for the upcoming practical exam. I’m also looking forward to the joint concert with the university department at Karen Girls’ Academy. I believe she’ll be chosen as the top performer.
Upon arriving at MAHO-do, Onpu-chan heard the violin playing from the second floor,
“Oh? This song… Hazuki-chan, wasn’t the hospital concert over?”
She asked us. The store was already closed and we were preparing for tomorrow.
“It was last Saturday. It seems like it was a lot of fun,” Ai-chan said.
“This is the first time I’ve heard this song. It’s not classical, is it?” Momo-chan asked.
Everyone listened attentively to Hazuki-chan’s violin, which could be faintly heard from the second floor. The hospital concert songs should be known by Momo-chan and Hana-chan, who are here every day. It sounded different from the song she played immediately upon going upstairs.
“Hmm, I feel like I’ve heard it before, but I’m not sure.”
I said, and Ai-chan chimed in,
“Which one is it?”
“I’m sure it’s not classical.”
I couldn’t tell if the music had stopped or the song had ended, but it was quiet after that. Onpu-chan spoke up.
I was pretty sure I’d heard this song somewhere. I was curious. We waited for Hazuki-chan to come down. I think she saw Onpu-chan arrive in the manager’s car from the window on the second floor.
“I’m sorry. I’m coming down now.”
Hazuki-chan seemed to have known about Onpu-chan’s arrival and came down carrying her violin case.
“Don’t worry about it, Hazuki-chan. The store was quiet today, and we made good progress with the preparations for tomorrow,” Ai-chan said.
“Yeah, all we have to do now is wait for the new sweets to be finished,” Hana-chan said.
Hana-chan worked on crafting heart-shaped chocolates for decoration while keeping an eye on the oven. The kitchen was already filled with the fragrances of vanilla, fruit, and chocolate.
“Valentine’s Day is definitely in the air this time of year.”
“Of course!”
Momo-chan said confidently.
By the time Hazuki-chan arrived in the kitchen in her changed clothes, the topic had completely shifted to the new sweets.
“I’m looking forward to the whole cake, but the baked goods are cute too.”
I arranged the madeleines and cookies that I had taken out of the oven to cool. This year, MAHO-do focused on sweets for students and families, leaving the adult-oriented Valentine’s Day treats to chocolatier Ran-san at “Eugene”.
Therefore, we used sweet and milk chocolates instead of bitter ones, and we decorated each baked good individually and wrapped them up adorably.
It’s an easy, cute, and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Giving chocolates to friends among girls is also great, and it’s okay to buy them for yourself if you want to eat them.
Thanks to my friend Shidou Yuuna-chan from last year, we were able to make new molds. In addition to the different sized heart shapes, there’s also a cat shape for some reason. The cat-shaped cookies and madeleines will debut in chocolate flavor just in time for Valentine’s Day. The cute black cat design seems like something girls would love.
As I mentioned before, I think Momo-chan’s chocolate skills have improved. It’s thanks to Ran-san’s careful guidance. However, MAHO-do doesn’t have as much time, space, or budget as “Eugene” does. So for Valentine’s Day, we’re lowering the bar for our generation by using the strengths of each other’s stores. We’re not lowering the quality of the ingredients or the effort we put into it.
We’re going to be busy from now on. We silently finished decorating as Momo-chan instructed us while our hands were moving.
Momo-chan placed several thin paper-like chocolates cut into heart shapes, one on top of the other, for the final topping…
“Sorry to keep you waiting, here it is! This month’s whole cake!”
The sweet that appeared in the middle of the table was a Paris-Brest. It’s made by piping choux pastry into a large heart shape, baking it in the oven, slicing it horizontally after it’s baked, and filling it with whipped cream.
You often see them in stores. They’re like cream puffs with custard cream in the middle, but if you mix chocolate chips into whipped cream and sprinkle powdered sugar on top, then randomly scatter strawberries and white heart-shaped chocolate on top, it gives a poppy Valentine’s Day-like feel.
For the ones with whipped cream and strawberries, she added a regular chocolate heart on top for a little twist. By the way, it seems like she plans to make them in various sizes too. Tamaki seems like she’s going to buy a lot again.
“The other one is a simple chocolate tart. It has plenty of orange slices, so you can enjoy two different flavors and scents.”
Orange and chocolate go well together, so she has made it before. This time, the orange slices are hidden underneath the chocolate, so you can still enjoy them even when you cut into it.
With the tea that Lala brewed for us, the sweets were cut into equal portions, and the cookies and madeleines were arranged on a plate in front of us,
“Wow, just looking at them is making me happy.”
“Well, Doremi-chan is just here to look, right?”
“Wait, wait, Ai-chan!”
Ai-chan quickly moved the plate away from me, and I sounded like I was about to cry. Onpu-chan looked at me with a bewildered expression.
“Doremi-chan, you’re like this every month.”
With the signal of “Itadakimasu”, we ate the Valentine’s Day sweets.
“Oh──, I’m living for this moment──!”
“Doremi-chan, you’re starting to look like an old man drinking beer after a bath,” Ai-chan said.
“The taste and ingredients are basic. Making a cream puff is easy because it’s just a larger size. However, I tried to make the appearance more enjoyable.”
Well, I have an oven at home, but I’ve never been able to make the choux pastry for cream puffs properly. It always turns out flat.
“For girls, appearance is important. Momo-chan, you look cute again this time.”
“This heart-shaped decoration is delicate and cute, perfect for girls’ taste.”
Onpu-chan finished eating two types of whole cakes and learned how to make toppings from Hazuki-chan.
“Valentine’s Day is fun! Onpu, are you guys going to give chocolate to someone too? Who should Hana give it to?”
Hana-chan looked at us while picking cookies.
“It’s a problem of who to give it to? You should give it to someone you like or a good friend.”
When I said that,
“Doremi and Hazuki already have someone to give it to, so they’re fine. Hana wants someone like that too! I want to give chocolate!”
“Hana-chan is too used to the human world,” Ai-chan said.
“I’m giving it to all my classmates this year. Why don’t you do that, Hana-chan?”
“Momo-chan, how many couples do you think you indirectly caused to have relationship troubles last year with that kind of attitude?”
Are you planning to do it again this year? You are in the same class as Ai-chan this year.
“Momo-chan, if you’re going to distribute them to everyone, why don’t you just make regular chocolate cookies?”
“Yeah, that’s true. Even though everyone in the class knows that Momo-chan makes sweets, it looks like honmei choco1 to someone who doesn’t know.”
Being told by Onpu-chan and Hazuki-chan,
“Ugh, they should just rip the bag open right there and eat it. Why don’t Japanese people open their presents right away?”
To Momo-chan, she thought that the recipient would eat it right away, or it was natural for them to do so. In America, it’s normal to open the wrapping paper right away in front of the person who gave you the present. There are many different customs.
“That’s true. If you do that, you can immediately give your thoughts, and you won’t have to explain to anyone else who might see it, and there won’t be any evidence left behind,” Ai-chan added.
She seems unsatisfied that even after going through the effort of varying the decorations, the recipients just say thanks and then put it away in their bag. Onpu-chan comforted Momo-chan,
“It’s a shame to quickly throw away such cute packaging. It can’t be helped because of the difference in customs. Let’s try to keep it simple this year.”
Momo-chan also nodded sadly.
“Oh, but wait, Hazuki-chan’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day! Even though there’s an event with Yada-kun, let’s make a special version of Momoko’s Paris-Brest for Hazuki-chan!”
Right. Hazuki-chan’s birthday. I completely forgot. Last year was hectic, and this year has been busy too, so we only gave sweets from Momo-chan and a small gift or two for everyone’s birthdays.
“We see each other all the time. There’s no need to do anything special.”
“Well, that’s true. Hazuki-chan always has the Valentine’s Day event, after all.”
Hazuki-chan didn’t argue back and just stayed quiet when Ai-chan looked at her with a grin. Her slightly blushing face tells a story. That’s right, Yada-kun is officially hers.
As for this month’s sweets, we decided to change the heart toppings into a different shape after Valentine’s Day ended.
“I thought it was better to differentiate clearly this year. This is the right answer.”
“That’s right. Even if we compete with high-quality chocolate, we’ll only lose our regular customers. It’s better to rely on Dela for our supplies as usual.”
Lala and Majorika didn’t have any specific requests. The existence of “Eugene” is still significant. However, since it is an adult sweets store that is completely different from MAHO-do, the direction of the store is different.
After finishing the conversation, we decided to take the remaining cookies as souvenirs and head back home. It’ll be busy around Valentine’s Day soon.
In February, Hazuki-chan’s practical exam was getting closer. Momo-chan kept glancing at her.
“…Hazuki-chan, are you okay?” She asked.
Hazuki-chan, who was mixing the madeleine dough, lifted her face.
“You come to work every day. Do you have exams coming up? Don’t push yourself too hard,” Momo-chan continued.
“That’s right, Hazuki. Valentine’s Day is still far away, and it’s not a busy time for any of us. Your exams should come first.”
Hana-chan spoke like an older sister, and Hazuki-chan chuckled. Of course, we were all curious about it.
“Thank you for worrying about me. I’m fine. I’ve been practicing every morning lately.”
“Morning practice? It’s like a sports team before a game.”
As I’ve said before, she can’t practice violin in her apartment, so I’m surprised to hear Hazuki-chan talk about morning practice.
Last year, there was Ai-chan’s injury, and we were all pretty busy. Ai-chan also wants to send Hazuki-chan off in perfect condition this year. Even so, Hazuki-chan was still at the top. As expected of Hazuki-chan.
“The performance piece this time is Bach’s unaccompanied violin sonata. There are several practice rooms on campus, but you have to reserve them in advance during this time, or you won’t be able to practice.”
Hmm, I can’t imagine morning practice at Karen Girls’ Academy.
“Morning practice… Hazuki-chan, you seem to have gotten stronger.”
When I said that, Hazuki-chan gave a gentle smile.
“When I walk past the practice room and hear someone playing the same piece, it makes me feel like I can’t lose. Morning practice really motivates that competitive spirit.”
“Wow, Hazuki-chan, your character has changed, hasn’t it?” Ai-chan praised her.
Her father’s movie premiere was canceled, and he went bankrupt. At one point, she even thought about giving up playing the violin. We couldn’t do much to help,
“Seeing Mama work hard to bring back Baaya made Papa and I change our mindset. Papa has received offers from various acquaintances even from overseas, and he’s thrilled about it.”
“That’s because his previous work as a director was fantastic. I also hope to receive a casting request from Hazuki-chan’s father someday. I need to work harder.”
When Onpu-chan said that, Hazuki-chan asked,
“Onpu-chan, I think you’re working hard enough… Did you get a difficult role this time too?”
Although Onpu-chan’s face seemed to cloud up slightly, she immediately denied it.
“Since I have to play someone different from myself, any role is difficult. But it’s okay. If something troubles me, I’ll consult with you again.”
It didn’t seem like she was trying to dodge the question. The script has just arrived, and they are going to start filming intensively from mid-month to spring break. The fact that she was given a difficult role means they believe Onpu-chan is capable of handling it.
“This time it’s a period piece. That’s the biggest problem so far. I have to study more.”
“Ah, the way of speaking and clothes will be different too,” Ai-chan said.
“It’s a period drama? That’s cool, Onpu. You’ll get to wear a kimono, right?”
Hana-chan raised both hands and spun around. I could tell from her gesture what kind of period drama she was imagining. Was she waiting for a reaction?
A period drama, huh? It sounds really challenging, but I’m looking forward to it a little. It seems like it will be a busy spring again this year, Onpu-chan.
While working, Momo-chan, who had been listening to our conversation the whole time, asked Hazuki-chan with a curious look on her face.
“But Hazuki-chan, are you practicing a few songs on the second floor of MAHO-do?”
“Yeah, I was curious about that too. Is there another volunteer event happening?”
At this point, my knowledge of classical music is limited to the pieces in textbooks and piano songs. My head is probably occupied by my knowledge of soccer. However, the songs that Hazuki-chan sometimes plays at MAHO-do don’t sound like classical music to me.
Fufufu, Hazuki-chan gave a secretive smile.
“A jazz band that provided the music for a movie Papa directed performed a secret live show here last week. The members of the band were concerned about Papa and wanted to show their support, so they rushed over to Japan.”
The venue was “Five Pennies”, and of course GB, or Gabriel Baker-san, his wife and the members of the band also supported the event by playing together.
“Five Pennies” is a jazz club located near the center of Yokohama. Gabriel Baker-san, usually referred to as GB-san, and his wife are the main performers at the club. The saxophonist of the famous jazz band from America, Alex-san, who is also a close friend of GB-san, was in charge of the music for the movie.
Speaking of “Five Pennies”, there were some issues with Yada-kun in the past, but now he’s working part-time there on weekends with the school’s permission.
At “Bird”, where he works part-time on weekdays, he sometimes play the trumpet, but “Five Pennies” is at such a high level that it feels like he’s working there not for the performance but for study. Yada-kun has probably improved quite a bit.
Since Yada-kun doesn’t talk much at school, I get most of my information from Hazuki-chan.
“Hey, Hazuki. What’s a secret live?”
Ai-chan approached Hana-chan quietly and said,
“Well, Hana-chan… it’s a secret…”
Her tone sounded suspicious,
“It’s a live performance that isn’t widely advertised, right Hazuki-chan?”
So I quickly intervened and looked at Hazuki-chan as I spoke.
“Exactly. Since Alex-san is famous and not all the band members were there, it became a private live event that only invited acquaintances.”
It was quite a luxurious story. I don’t know much about the jazz world, but it’s amazing that Hazuki-chan’s father has such a famous person to encourage him.
“I’ve also recently started working seriously and learned that Director Fujiwara’s films are more highly regarded overseas,” Onpu-chan said.
“Wow, really?”
There are amazing people around me. They have a fortunate environment and talent, but they all work hard in their own way. It makes me want to do my best too.
“So, how did it go? How was the secret live?” I asked.
“That’s right! How does it relate to the song Hazuki’s practicing now?” Hana-chan asked.
“Yes, yes, that’s what I wanted to ask. Questions number one and two,” Momo-chan chimed in.
Girls talk always seems to flow in different directions. Inside MAHO-do, we take turns working in the store or making sweets in the kitchen, so it feels like we’re constantly changing places. That’s why the conversation gets more and more scattered. Finally, when the sweets in the store were sold out and the preparations for tomorrow were finished, we were able to get to the main topic.
Because of all the digressions, Momo-chan and Hana-chan seemed to have accumulated some frustration. Yeah, that’s right. They were the only ones listening to Hazuki-chan’s practice piece every day, and while they understood that she was going to perform Bach’s unaccompanied sonata, there were also many other pieces.
“They are doing a Valentine’s Day show at ‘Five Pennies’. So I was invited to perform with them and practicing for it.”
“Really? So, the song you were practicing at MAHO-do was that one?”
Hazuki-chan nodded shyly.
“GB-san had invited me to perform together once before. I had never thought of playing jazz on the violin before and had refused at that time. However, I enjoyed performing at the university hospital, so I decided to participate this time.”
“What kind of song is it?”
When I asked,
“It’s a song called ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’…”
Then Hazuki-chan brought out her violin case,
“I’ll play a little bit of it.”
Swiftly picking up the violin, she began to play smoothly. Right from the beginning,
“I know it, I think. What is it, a commercial maybe?”
“I think I’ve heard the song before, but the tempo seems different from what I know.”
Following me and Onpu-chan, everyone started to say they knew the song one after another.
“That’s right. It’s originally a famous pop song that has been covered by various artists. I sometimes sing the song with a different rhythm and tempo. GB-san played the piano improvisationally on the spot, and his wife started singing. Since he looked at me with eyes that said, ‘try playing along with the violin’, I immediately took it out of its case and started playing.”
GB-san matched Hazuki-chan’s violin with the piano, and his wife sang, and it was perfect as if they had practiced together.
“He asked me to perform during Alex-san’s live concert, but the rehearsal time was too short, and it didn’t seem possible to rehearse before the practical exam, so I declined. Besides, I felt bad playing in front of professionals.”
“Aww, that’s a shame, Hazuki.”
“Right, you should push yourself to take such a rare opportunity.”
“That’s right. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
Hana-chan, Ai-chan, and Momo-chan said one after another, but Hazuki-chan replied,
“Instead, I’m practicing to perform it with GB-san’s band at the Valentine’s Day live concert. It’s a way to express my gratitude for encouraging Papa at the secret live. Everyone, please come to the concert then.”
“Yaaay!”
I’m really looking forward to it.
The concert is on Valentine’s Day, Saturday evening, and it’s about an hour long. They made it at a time that’s okay for us high schoolers to attend.
“Yada-kun will perform together, right?”
When Momo-chan asked,
“I think he’ll come because it’s his part-time job…”
Hazuki-chan answered vaguely.
“It’s a Valentine’s Day live after all.”
Upon Onpu-chan’s smiling remark,
“…I’ve talked to Yada-kun too because I don’t want to worry just GB-san and the others. He said he’d come because it’s his work day.”
Hazuki-chan blushed as she said this.
“What about Karen Girls’ Academy? MAHO-do’s part-time job seems to be okay.”
When Ai-chan said that, we all got startled. We could make excuses for the MAHO-do’s part-time job, like “we know Majorika since elementary school” or “we work there together”. Tamaki Reika said she had a part-time job too, and it was at her father’s affiliated company.
“So, I’d like to ask you a favor, Doremi-chan.”
Hazuki-chan had big eyes and leaned in closer to me.
“The other day, Ai-chan transformed into an OL-like appearance. I thought Niwa-san’s makeup was really good. I want to have a different atmosphere like that too.”
During Onpu-chan’s stalking incident, Ai-chan had put on a hairstyle and makeup that made her look like an office lady and acted together with Onpu-chan. Even Chinami-chan, the junior manager, didn’t realize it was Ai-chan at that time.
“If I’m going to do a weekly live performance, I’d have to explain the situation to the academy and ask for permission to work a part-time job, but I don’t think it’s possible… However, since this time it was decided suddenly and it’s only for one time, it should be okay.”
As students majoring in classical piano or violin, and as students of Karen Girls’ Academy, it’s not appropriate to perform at a jazz club that’s open until late at night. Even if it’s just a part-time job preparing food backstage, it’s just not feasible considering the location and the image. And especially when it comes to performing.
“I need to make some changes compared to the way I used to perform.”
“I’ve never heard of mixing jazz with violin before. And I really like GB-san’s wife’s voice. I want to go too.”
Onpu-chan is an expert in disguises, but I tried to imagine how Hazuki-chan would change. Ai-chan and the others seemed to be excited about it too. We were all thinking the same thing. And if it became a problem,
“Eh, you have Hana here. Let’s transform quickly with magic. Do you want to be a blonde with a nice body?”
“That’s not it!”
As expected of Ai-chan. Thanks for the quick comeback.
“If Hana-chan’s magic is used, the impression will completely change. Hazuki-chan is thinking that it will be useful to have a reference if she understands the transformation process, right?”
“That’s right. I wonder if I can create a completely different impression with hairstyles, makeup, and clothing. I feel like I can have more freedom in choosing the competition pieces.”
Onpu-chan was watching from a different perspective. Onpu-chan also transforms into various roles, but she has her makeup and hairstyle done by professionals because she’s not good at it herself. So maybe she’s interested in it.
I remembered how troublesome it was last year when the media came to Hazuki-chan’s house. Since she was a minor, they didn’t reveal all the details on TV, but Hazuki-chan, who had a track record of coming in second place in a competition, already had her name publicly known.
“Indeed, Hazuki-chan has a soft image.”
When I said that, Hazuki-chan shook her head like Momo-chan.
“Onpu-chan changes her image depending on the role, right? I also want to play various songs in the future and play in various places. It’s not like I’m hiding my playing skills. But I feel like music and acting are closely related…”
As a Japanese high school girl, Hazuki-chan is of normal height and (probably) weight. We’re neither remarkably tall nor short. Our looks and personalities haven’t drastically changed since elementary school. However, since we’ve been close friends for a long time, I think we’ve both noticed the gradual changes in each other that we didn’t notice when we were kids.
“It might be a good opportunity to change your image.”
“Doremi-chan, I want to see Hazuki-chan’s transformation too! Hey, hey, everyone wants to see it too!”
Momo-chan sent a passionate gaze seeking agreement from Majorika and Lala. Dodo and the others would undoubtedly enjoy it.
“Of course, we can go see it too, right?”
Majorika cleared her throat and said.
“Hot springs are great, but I also want to see Hazuki-chan’s jazz performance, which we rarely get to see.”
Lala, who usually doesn’t show much interest in topics other than beauty treatments and hot spring trips, became more proactive this time.
“We don’t have tickets, but I want to do a live performance to thank everyone who was concerned about our family and encouraged us. So, it should be almost like a private performance. I want to make it a fun show.”
Yeah, we also just want to enjoy the live performance. If that’s the case,
“I understand, Hazuki-chan. I’ll email Niwa-san later. It’s on the Saturday of the week after next, right?”
“Thank you. Please, Doremi-chan. I hope Niwa-san is available.”
Onpu-chan’s manager came to pick her up, and we realized that we were running late. We went home separately, and that night I emailed my classmate Niwa Hinako-san.
Niwa-san immediately replied with an OK. Her email emojis were bouncing, so I felt like she must enjoy this kind of thing. When I told Hazuki-chan right away, she said,
“Thank you, Doremi-chan. Now I can practice for the exam with peace of mind.”
“That’s right. Do your best in the practical exam before the live performance.”
Hazuki-chan’s voice on the phone was very cheerful. Even though there was little time left until the exam, she was determined to show the results of her morning practice. I gave her Niwa-san’s email address and hung up.
After that, it was a hectic time until Valentine’s Day. It was lucky that it wasn’t a busy time for club activities. However, the third-year students were not even coming to school, let alone club activities, because they had entrance exams. It’s the end of the school year, the end of the semester exams are approaching, and there’s a lot to do.
Although I’ve chosen a path of private humanities, after reuniting with my old friends, I’m really wavering about my future. It’s not that I’m not thinking about anything, but I haven’t made any decisions yet.
Besides my best friends, my other close friends have clear goals, and although there are probably many people like me who haven’t decided clearly, I still feel anxious. Even if I search vaguely, there are more universities and vocational schools in my reachable range than I thought, and I’m getting anxious again.
Mom and Dad say there’s no need to hurry, but they strictly demand me to pass the university entrance exam. I guess that’s where I should start. But what should I major in? That’s the feeling I have at school. I’m just feeling restless.
“Doremi-senpai, aren’t you tired?”
Huh! Was I sleeping?
“What’s wrong? Chinami-chan.”
I was checking the uniforms and bibs, but I realized that I didn’t remember anything from the middle of it,
“The club activities are fine. Today’s focus is on basic physical training.”
Our job for today was to clean up the club room and organize and replenish the equipment. The soccer team’s clubroom is the second largest after the baseball team’s. There are many members, so there isn’t enough space for everyone to change clothes at the same time.
“Sorry, Chinami-chan. I’ll do it properly.”
So we work in the clubroom when the members are not there. The clubroom is used for conveying schedules and announcements, as well as meetings for the regular members, captain, and vice captain, but it’s very small when everyone is there.
Furthermore, there are many small pieces of equipment, so if we don’t clean up occasionally, the room becomes extremely dirty.
“The club has a coach and a potential first-year manager, and I need to do my best to follow the schedule.”
Chinami-chan nodded obediently, but I said it to remind myself. Even Hazuki-chan is doing morning practice, but I’m not.
I was trying to organize the practice bibs when I said,
“These are quite worn out. It’s time to get new ones.”
The bibs are made of thin material and look like colorful vests. They’re worn over the shirt to distinguish between enemies and allies when dividing into two teams for practice. So there are a lot of bright colors, but the repair marks are noticeable.
“Yes. I hope we’ll have a lot of budget from spring.”
The uniform for games that Chinami-chan is holding is also quite worn out.
“I didn’t notice it at all because we haven’t had any games for a while.”
“If only there were only amazing dribblers who never got touched and knocked down, the uniform wouldn’t be so worn out.”
I thought of the famous European soccer players. Chinami-chan seemed to be thinking the same thing,
“If we had only those players, we would have won the national tournament a long time ago.”
“That’s right.”
We smiled at each other.
“I’ll take it to Leon later. I’ll tell him we want to get new uniforms with next year’s budget.”
Different clubs have different financial burdens, but families have to bear the brunt of the costs. Practice uniforms and shoes quickly become worn out, and I think this applies to clubs in the humanities as well. Not everyone gets to participate in games or win competitions, but being part of a club creates good memories. The members try their best, but they also receive help from their families. It’s really appreciated.
I’m a manager, but this is the most effort I’ve put in since my childhood piano lessons. Is this what “youth” feels like?
“Let’s gain a lot of game experience next year and become the prefectural representative.”
Chinami-chan nodded when I said that.
“We’ll look shabby if we wear worn-out uniforms at the National Stadium.”
“That’s a good point. Let’s tell Leon.”
Even if it was just two of us, girls can have lively conversations. Once we started talking, I was completely awake.
After finishing my work and saying goodbye to Chinami-chan, I headed towards the staff room with the worn-out uniform and bibs in my hand.
“Huh?”
I noticed that Yamaki-sensei, also known as Leon, was not there. It suddenly dawned on me, and I headed up to the rooftop.
“Oh, oh… Harukaze. You found this place well.”
“It’s pretty obvious.”
Leon twisted his cigarette into the portable ashtray and looked at me as if trying to hide something. Ai-chan said something like “A delinquent!” before.
“Yamaki-sensei, smoking is prohibited on the campus.”
Leon looked embarrassed. What a child.
I showed him the uniform and explained. Leon and the coach both seemed concerned, so he took the uniform from me and said,
“I see. It’s not good to stand on the National Stadium like this. Let’s try to negotiate something.”
I was relieved to hear that, so I’d tell Chinami-chan tomorrow.
“Oh, by the way, my wife said she’s going to the ‘Five Pennies’ live.”
“Eh, Minako-san?”
“Yeah, she heard it from Niwa. Are you guys planning something?”
He glared at me suspiciously, even though I wasn’t doing anything wrong, so I looked ahead, towards the day after tomorrow.
“But why from Niwa-san?”
“I asked my wife to get Niwa into the same modeling agency as her. Niwa started to become popular recently.”
He said it bluntly, but I was impressed that he was paying attention.
Hazuki-chan invited Niwa Hinako-san, who will be doing the hair, makeup, and styling on the day of the live, to the live as well. The story reached Minako-san, so,
“Well, it’s a Valentine’s Day live show, so I hope you’ll come as a couple…”
“No way I can go if Tachibana Shouko’s attending too!”
He seemed embarrassed, but he also seemed scared. Oh, Tachibana Shouko-san is Minako-san’s cousin and a Karen Girls’ Academy graduate. She used to be a model and now she’s an esthetician, and she’s incidentally the mother of Tamaki Reika’s boyfriend. Both of them are tall and have an imposing beauty. Of course, Seki-sensei will be there too. They’re all Karen Girls’ Academy graduates. Seki-sensei is also an imposing figure. Ah, maybe only a man with courage can blend in with them.
“It starts in the evening, only about an hour, and we’ll be going together, so it’ll be fine, right?”
Leon nodded reluctantly and took out a cigarette and a portable ashtray from his pocket, gesturing for me to go away. Since my main business was over, I bowed my head and went down the stairs.
Valentine’s Day is approaching. This year, I’m going to make sweets at home following Momo-chan’s recipe, just like I did last year. There will be cookies for the club members from Chinami-chan and me, and I will bring freshly made sweets for Kotake on the morning of Valentine’s Day. I feel a little embarrassed.
And the day of the live performance is also getting closer.
Before that, I want to report that Hazuki-chan’s violin exam is already perfect. I haven’t listened to it yet, but I can tell from her smile that she did well.
However, even if it’s the music department at Karen Girls’ Academy, there are still issues with career paths,
“The joint concert with the university department at Karen Girls’ Academy will feature me, Mukai Riko-chan, and two other people. The rest will be first-year students.”
Ai-chan turned to Hazuki-chan with a surprised face and asked,
“Huh? There are more first-year students selected?”
Come to think of it, Ai-chan was injured around this time last year. Onpu-chan said to Hazuki-chan,
“Perhaps the first-year students have potential…?”
Hazuki-chan nodded seriously as if to confirm.
“Year level doesn’t matter. We choose based on ability. But, we music students also have to start thinking about our career paths.”
When Hazuki-chan and her classmates first enrolled, they aimed to become professionals. Karen Girls’ Academy is one of the few middle schools with a music department, and students from all over the country who gather there are, of course, all talented.
However, even at the prefectural representative level, they realize that Karen Girls’ Academy is considered ordinary. Some students leave the music department when they enter university. Pop has already completed her first year of study. Piano classes are expected to increase next year.
And there are many rivals all over the world. If their grades are good, Karen Girls’ Academy students can enter university through an escalator system. Whether they will go to the music department or the regular department, or study abroad, they each have to make their own decision. Kotake and the others are also in the same situation, but the road to becoming a top-class professional in any field is tough.
“But, but, Hazuki’s violin is the real deal. Hana doesn’t really understand, it’s just that Hazuki’s violin always has a sparkling sound.”
“Right. Hazuki-chan’s violin saved me when I was injured.”
We all talked about how amazing Hazuki-chan’s violin is, and she replied politely,
“Thank you, everyone. I will definitely become a professional. That’s what I really believe right now. The sound of the exam was better than I expected, and I feel like I’ve improved compared to last year. But I still have a long way to go.”
She shrugged her shoulders a little.
“But, I’m thinking of being more aggressive in my next performance.”
Huh? Hazuki-chan looked kind of tough.
“What happened? Your eyes look like they’re burning.”
Momo-chan noticed it too.
“It’s a little embarrassing, but I want to make a change myself.”
“A change. So, why again?”
Ai-chan couldn’t resist asking.
Suddenly, Hazuki-chan blushed and said,
“Because, because, Niwa-san said it would suit me best.”
She showed us her phone screen almost in tears.
She had received a message from the hair and makeup artist Niwa-san, who wanted to meet with her. They talked about a lot of things, and then Niwa-san brought costumes and wigs to Hazuki-chan’s apartment. Niwa-san was really proactive.
Onpu-chan took Hazuki-chan’s phone away and looked at it intently,
“This is nice. Niwa-san has good taste.”
She showed us her phone as she passed it around.
“That’s so cool, Hazuki-chan! I want to try dressing up like that too!”
“Let me see, let me see! It’s true, Hazuki, it’s amazing!”
Momo-chan and Hana-chan got excited and showed each other the phone.
“I want to see it too!”
I looked at the screen together with Ai-chan.
“Oh, the glasses…!? This is amazing. Hazuki-chan doesn’t look like herself at all,” I said.
“Right. She looks like she’s from another country even though she’s Japanese,” Ai-chan said.
Onpu-chan looked at the screen once more and returned the phone to Hazuki-chan.
“But it doesn’t look vulgar at all, it’s cool. Hazuki-chan, be sure to play like this girl on the day of the performance. It’ll definitely get everyone excited,” Onpu-chan said.
Yeah, I thought the same thing. Almost everyone who comes to the live performance is a regular or someone related to the show, so many people will know that Hazuki-chan plays the violin. But she’ll look like a mysterious woman.
“Play with confidence, Hazuki-chan.”
The original purpose of this event was to express her gratitude to everyone who was concerned about her family in the form of a jazz violin. But we’ll also get to see the new Hazuki-chan, so it’ll be a double good Valentine’s Day.
I’m looking forward to the day of the performance, Hazuki-chan. Well, what your father, mother and Yada-kun will think is another matter.
It was so much fun.
Before I knew it, an hour had passed in no time.
The live concert started at 5 pm as scheduled. First, Gabriel Baker-san’s band played, and then his wife came out and introduced Hazuki-chan. Since her real name couldn’t be revealed, Niwa-san came up with the name “Luna”, inspired by the name “Tsuki” which means “moon” in Japanese.
I changed my fashion to match Luna, but I didn't put on too much makeup. Fujiwara-san has beautiful skin, so it's a waste to put on too much.
Niwa-san smiled mischievously again. Hmm, the image of a carnivorous woman is attached to her no matter how cute she is. It’s weird.
GB-san’s wife, whose stage name is Madoka-san, sang the song “You’d be so nice to come home to”, and Hazuki-chan’s violin blended well with her soulful singing, giving off an elegant and mature feel.
Hazuki-chan wore a long jacket that looked like a black coat over a long white shirt. She had taken off her glasses and wore contact lenses. Madoka-san’s voice echoed beautifully without a microphone. We listened to the music leisurely. We had heard the song before, but it seemed like the adults, from Dad’s generation to Seki-sensei’s generation, all knew it. It’s a famous song.
The next song was a piano-centered jazz standard without vocals. GB-san played coolly, and Hazuki-chan joined in. The next song was the one I heard before in the gymnasium at school, the one I found out about from a commercial.
Come to think of it, Yada-kun played the trumpet at that time, but we couldn’t see him, so we searched around, wondering where he was.
We were so engrossed in listening that we didn’t even have time to chat or look around. We were completely absorbed in the performance. Moreover, we didn’t expect Hazuki-chan’s violin to be mixed in such a way that we could hear it from the second floor of MAHO-do.
After a five-minute break, the lights suddenly brightened, and Madoka-san led Luna or Hazuki-chan by the hand towards the stage. When she wore a long black jacket, we couldn’t see her well, but her white shirt was sleeveless, and her red tank top was faintly visible. She wore brown leather-like shorts with black tights and red boots.
Oh right, her hair was jet black, and she wore a short wig in a boyish haircut style. This was the transformed Hazuki-chan that we greatly admired. If you wear it with confidence, it looks cool.
And Seki-sensei, Tamaki, and Riko-chan, who were not informed, seemed surprised. For those who didn’t know the original Hazuki-chan, like Minako-san and regular customers of the club, she looked like a woman in her 20s.
It’s a shame that I can’t show you the color. It was so cool. Niwa-san, good job again. Is it your personal collection?
The flashy song was “Lover come back to me”, and the first chorus was at a very fast tempo. Hazuki-chan, GB-san, and Madoka-san seemed to be competing with each other at lightning speed. We listened to the song as if we were fast-forwarding, using all our senses.
Finally, the last song was the one Hazuki-chan played at the hospital concert, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. When Hazuki-chan and GB-san started playing, Yada-kun suddenly joined in, playing the trumpet.
“What, have you been on standby all this time?”
“E-Eh! Yada-kun? So you are here after all.”
Ai-chan and I couldn’t help but interject. When Yada-kun played the trumpet and looked at Hazuki-chan, she smiled back at him, and they started playing together in sync. It was as if they had rehearsed it many times.
“It’s a present from GB-san and the others,” Momo-chan said.
“Fantastic. Hazuki-chan, it’s a really good live performance.”
Onpu-chan looked at them in a daze. It was such a fun and happy song that made us smile. I bet Yada-kun rehearsed with GB-san and the others secretly and gave it to Hazuki-chan as a gift.
Hana-chan excitedly patted my shoulder.
“That’s it, that’s it. It’s like the story The Gift of the Magi, Doremi!”
“You’re a bit off.”
“Hana-chan… Hazuki-chan didn’t cut her hair and sell it, and she didn’t give it as a present to Yada-kun.”
Ai-chan and I quickly interjected.
There was no encore, but the small stage was still filled with applause. I looked around and saw everyone clapping with smiles on their faces.
Hazuki-chan and Yada-kun seemed to be talking about something, still with smiles on their faces. It was a wonderful Valentine’s Day live. Kindness from everyone spread and it felt like a big flower bloomed. We had so much fun that we wanted to thank them even more.
We decided to save other conversations for another day and left Hazuki-chan’s family behind as we exited “Five Pennies”.
The adults were enjoying their meal and waiting for the next live, but we had a promise with Leon, so we decided to go home.
Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name and turned around to see Seki-sensei walking towards me.
“Harukaze, it’s been a while.”
“Oh, Seki-sensei. Long time no see!”
“I was surprised by Fujiwara’s transformation. People can change, huh?”
“Yeah! We were surprised when we first saw her too.”
“Oh, by the way, Harukaze, I heard from Yamaki-sensei that you haven’t decided on your future path yet.”
“Huh…”
Even after all this time, Seki-sensei is still concerned about me? Seki-sensei is always thinking about us? It was the same with Hazuki-chan. Teachers are like mothers or older sisters. I felt a mixture of happiness and ticklishness.
“I’m always here to listen if you need to talk. Come visit me anytime.”
After saying that, Seki-sensei winked and then went back over to where Minako-san and the others were.
When we left the club, Onpu-chan’s manager came to pick us up and take us back near our houses.
“Aww, I’m jealous.”
I never thought I would hear such a line from Onpu-chan.
“What’s wrong, Onpu-chan?”
Even Ai-chan seemed surprised.
Onpu-chan let out a soft sigh,
“I wish I could fall in love too.”
And she murmured.
We waited for Onpu-chan’s next words because she had a serious expression. Even the manager, who was driving, twitched his shoulders a little.
“Because in my next role, I have a one-sided love for an unrequited love. And it’s a bit complicated, set in a period drama…”
“Oh, I see.”
The way Onpu-chan was talking made it seem like she was competing over something with Hazuki-chan, who is in a romantic relationship. It was kind of strange.
“Why don’t you ask Hazuki-chan about it on Monday? It might be helpful.”
When Momo-chan suggested it,
“That’s right. I’m looking forward to Monday.”
Ai-chan said with a smile and Onpu-chan finally relaxed and leaned back against the seat. The manager driving also breathed a sigh of relief.
I also gave the Valentine’s Day sweets to Kotake in the morning, but I didn’t even tell anyone about it. Well, there was nothing special about it anyway.
I wanted to tell my friends about today’s live. I realized that jazz music is more free than I thought.
Is it the same for all music? After all, music is about enjoying sound. I rarely play the piano anymore, but I will continue to enjoy music in my own way.
Hazuki-chan practiced diligently until today’s live. She had never played anything other than classical music before, but she suddenly joined a professional jazz band.
The volunteer concert at the hospital opened a new door for Hazuki-chan. She will become a violinist someday. She will surely perform wonderful music all over the world, not just classical music.
I wonder if there’s a new door for me too? Like when I discovered soccer. Will I be able to find it properly? Will I find it by chance like Hazuki-chan did?
“…Alright.”
I sent a message to Hazuki-chan and closed my phone.
Thank you for the wonderful performance today. We can meet again tomorrow.