The afternoon sunlight filtered through the blinds of the music classroom, slicing the dark brown wooden floor with alternating bands of light and shadow.
The air was permeated with the unique scent of old piano lacquer, yellowed sheet music, and dust dancing in the beams of light.
Michiya Gōshin and Asakura Toru each wore a single white Bluetooth earphone, sharing the same niche song.
Although a polite social distance was maintained between them, that invisible audio connection acted like a subtle bridge, temporarily linking their auditory nerves within the same private musical world.
The wire of the earphones swayed gently between them, occasionally reflecting fragmented glimmers of light.
Michiya Gōshin had his eyes closed, his slender fingers unconsciously tapping out a complex rhythm on his knee.
Since deciding to learn songwriting, he now listened to music with the mindset of an analyst. He was fully focused on dissecting the song's arrangement structure, turning every listening experience into an opportunity to improve his musical literacy.
[Production Queue 1: Arrangement Mastery (Green)]
[Experience: 71/100]
[Production Queue 2: Lyric Writing]
[Experience: 22/100]
"The string arrangement in the interlude of this song is very special, Asakura."
Michiya Gōshin opened his eyes and looked at the girl beside him. "It seems to be imitating the rhythm of a heartbeat, but it adds irregular variations, reminding one of the impermanence of fate."
Asakura Toru turned her head slightly, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashing in her beautiful cyan eyes. She hadn't expected Michiya Gōshin to listen so intently.
This work by an indie band indeed used special techniques in the interlude, making the string section simulate the pulsation of a heartbeat while expressing the accidents and turns of life through subtle irregular variations.
"Mn."
The girl responded softly, her voice as clear and transparent as a mountain stream. "Their producer said in an interview that this was the most dedicated part of the whole song, intending to express those encounters in life that seem accidental but are inevitable."
"Encounters, huh..."
Michiya Gōshin closed his eyes again, carefully feeling the beauty of the song.
The next moment, Asakura Toru's gaze inadvertently grazed Michiya Gōshin's focused profile. When his eyes were closed, that handsome, angular face lost some of its usual sense of alienation, revealing instead a purity immersed in thought.
Even in such a relaxed state, he still exuded a charm that was hard to ignore, always attracting her gaze.
Recalling the scenes from when they participated in Love is a Life Mandatory Course, a ripple that was hard to detect rose in Asakura Toru's eyes.
Although the show eventually ended with the 'Happy Ending' of the [Werewolf Great Reversal], and the six guests had maintained friendly contact, the distance between her and Michiya Gōshin had always remained just right—neither deliberately distant nor overly intimate.
Like two parallel lines running on their own tracks, maintaining a constant distance.
Friends?
Perhaps it could only go that far.
Just then, the classroom door was pushed open, and other students arrived one after another.
A girl wearing thick-framed glasses looked curiously at the two sharing earphones. Her gaze lingered on Michiya Gōshin for a moment longer before she found a seat by the window and sat down.
Asakura Toru calmly shifted her gaze away from Michiya Gōshin and turned to look at the azure sky outside the window, as if the stare just now had never happened.
***
The instructor walked into the classroom on time. He was about forty years old, with flaxen hair styled like an artist, and immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"Today, we are going to explore the emotional expression of chord progressions in depth."
The teacher wrote several complex chord combinations on the whiteboard, the chalk making a crisp sound against the surface. "Especially how to use jazz chords in pop music to increase the layering of the work, allowing simple melodies to possess a richer emotional dimension."
Michiya Gōshin immediately entered learning mode.
He opened a brand-new notebook, his fountain pen moving fluidly across the paper, recording every key point.
Learning music theory and arrangement was a very important matter; he had to create a perfect theme song for Your Name, which was crucial to Suo Hayato's future.
Thinking of the importance of this movie, Michiya Gōshin's eyes became even more focused, as if he wanted to carve every word the teacher said into his mind.
[Production Queue 1: Arrangement Mastery (Green)]
[Experience: 71/100]
[Experience: 72/100]
[Experience: 73/100]
Suo Hayato, his most important ally in Nenshi Agency, was in a critical period fighting for the position of President.
The commercial performance of the movie Your Name would be one of the most important bargaining chips in his and Suo Hayato's hands. He had to ensure nothing went wrong; this not only concerned the other party's future but also related to his own layout in the entertainment industry.
Michiya Gōshin knew very well that in this seemingly glamorous industry, every opportunity was hard-won, and every success required careful planning and all-out effort.
Moreover, he carried many hopes on his shoulders, so he had to do everything to perfection.
"Teacher."
Michiya Gōshin raised his hand to ask a question, his slender fingers tracing an elegant arc in the air. "If I want to create a sense of destiny in the chorus, what kind of chord progression would you recommend? Especially to express that kind of encounter and parting that spans across time and space."
The teacher nodded approvingly and drew a complex chord chart on the whiteboard.
"A very good question. You can consider using a flat-six secondary dominant chord, combined with a delayed resolution technique, plus some chromatic transitions..."
Asakura Toru sat quietly to the side. Her gaze sometimes fell on the tip of Michiya Gōshin's rapidly writing pen, and sometimes looked toward the complex notes on the whiteboard.
All these subtle movements were taken in by her eyes.
The two-hour course passed quickly amidst the intensive instilling of knowledge.
When the bell rang for the end of class, Michiya Gōshin finally snapped out of his focused state.
He rubbed his right wrist, which was a bit sore, and looked at the dense notes in his notebook, breathing a sigh of satisfaction.
Glancing at the system panel, hard work paid off.
[Production Queue 1: Arrangement Mastery (Green)]
[Experience: 78/100]
"Uehara-sensei's chord theory is very interesting."
Michiya Gōshin said to Asakura Toru while organizing his notes, his voice carrying the satisfaction of harvest. "Especially for the creation of film scores, it should be very helpful in enhancing the emotional appeal of the visuals."
Asakura Toru nodded gently, her short purple hair swaying slightly with her movements, glowing with a soft luster under the sunlight.
"Indeed, film music really needs richer emotional layers to express infinite feelings within limited notes."
Just as they packed up their things and were about to leave the classroom, a voice full of vitality came from the door, breaking the final tranquility of the room.
"Toru-chan! So you were here! Ara, Michiya-kun is here too!"
MEM-cho rushed into the classroom like a whirlwind. Today she was wearing a bright yellow dress paired with white short boots and a hairband of the same color scheme, looking as dazzling as a little sun.
She affectionately linked arms with Asakura Toru, but her gaze swirled around Michiya Gōshin, her eyes twinkling with the light of pleasant surprise.
"MEM-cho?"
Asakura Toru's tone remained flat, but those familiar with her could hear a trace of subtle surprise. She remembered having an appointment with MEM-cho today, but she hadn't expected the other party to come directly to the music classroom to find her.
"Didn't we agree to go visit that newly opened concept store today?"
MEM-cho blinked her large eyes, her long eyelashes flapping like butterfly wings, then turned to Michiya Gōshin, revealing a brilliant smile.
"Michiya-kun is really a big celebrity now. I watched the news; you have so many fans over in Xia Country too, truly amazing!"
Michiya Gōshin was long accustomed to MEM-cho's enthusiasm and responded with a smile.
"MEM-cho, your account hasn't updated for several days, yet you're still thinking about playing?"
"It's precisely because preparing new videos is too hard that I need to relax appropriately!" MEM-cho winked playfully, then seemingly thought of something suddenly and leaned closer to Michiya Gōshin to ask.
"By the way, does Michiya-kun have any plans for the rest of the day?"
Michiya Gōshin glanced at the watch on his wrist—the one Sakurajima Mai had given him before. The dial reflected a low-key light under the sun.
"This afternoon I plan to read a script... What are you going to do?"
"Hehehe, scripts can be read anytime. Doesn't this mean you, the busy man, are free today?"
MEM-cho clapped her hands excitedly, the exquisite nail art on her fingers sparkling under the lights. She shot a quick glance at Asakura Toru, her eyes conveying a message only they understood.
"Then do you want to go shopping and watch a movie with us later? You haven't gathered with us old friends for a long time!"
Michiya Gōshin turned his gaze to Asakura Toru, carrying an inquiring meaning.
"Asakura, don't you need to rehearse today?"
Asakura Toru raised her eyes and answered calmly, "I don't need to go to rehearsal today."
The girl paused, then added, "Besides, there is a movie... I've always been looking forward to."
She didn't specify which movie, and her tone was as flat as ever, but saying this sentence at this moment appeared particularly well-timed.
MEM-cho immediately understood and quickly chimed in, her tone exaggerated and vivid.
"Right, right, right! There's a newly released art film recently, I heard it's especially good, with super high ratings! Michiya-kun, come along! Since you don't have work today anyway."
"Heh heh, chances to ask out a busy man like you are rare."
Michiya Gōshin looked at the two girls in front of him. MEM-cho was as outspoken as always, while Asakura Toru maintained her unique aura.
"Asakura, do you want to go too?" He asked just in case.
"Mn."
"Wu..."
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment. Kurokawa Akane was going to the theater troupe for rehearsal today and had left early in the morning; she probably wouldn't be home until very late.
Moreover, ever since Love is a Life Mandatory Course ended, everyone had been busy with their own affairs, and indeed, they hadn't gathered for a long time.
"Alright, then let me contact Kumano and Morimoto."
Michiya Gōshin finally nodded and took out his phone, preparing to send a message in the group chat.
"They aren't free today!"
MEM-cho immediately interrupted Michiya Gōshin's action, causing his expression to freeze slightly.
"Today, let's just make it a three-person squad to watch a movie."
"Are you sure they aren't free?" Michiya Gōshin's 'pressure' fell on MEM-cho, but she wasn't intimidated in the slightest. She nodded and muttered.
"If Michiya-kun doesn't believe it, you can send a message in the group to ask."
"...Forget it."
Michiya Gōshin didn't necessarily disbelieve MEM-cho, and it wasn't a big deal anyway, so let's just leave it at that.
"However, we..." Michiya Gōshin pointed at himself and Asakura Toru. As a currently red-hot actor and a cutting-edge idol, every public appearance they made could become material for gossip magazines.
"Can we go to a movie theater?"
"Hehehe, you don't need to worry about this."
MEM-cho patted her chest confidently. "I know an art cinema with a relatively quiet environment. There definitely won't be many people at this time! Plus, they pay special attention to customer privacy; it's the first choice for many entertainers!"
"Alright, lead the way then."
"Ok ok!"
Half an hour later, the three appeared in a secluded alley in Shibuya.
Asakura Toru wore a black baseball cap and a mask printed with a simple pattern, revealing only a pair of clear cyan eyes. Michiya Gōshin wore a black mask and a baseball cap of the same color scheme, covering that highly recognizable face tightly.
MEM-cho acted like a professional manager, proactively walking in front to scout the path, occasionally turning back to check on the two's situation.
"Ta-da! This is it!"
MEM-cho pointed to a building with quite an artistic feel. The exterior wall was white concrete, paired with a full wall of floor-to-ceiling glass.
This cinema was indeed very hidden. There wasn't even a conspicuous sign at the entrance, only a small metal projector logo embedded in the wall.
Walking into the cinema lobby, Michiya Gōshin was somewhat surprised.
Although the entrance of the movie theater was relatively ordinary, the environment inside was exquisite. Soft lighting and dark wood décor created a tranquil atmosphere, and the air wafted with the faint scent of aromatherapy.
The walls of the corridor were hung with posters of independent films, and the entire space exuded a literary and elegant aura.
MEM-cho had the two wait on the leather sofa in the lounge area while she walked quickly to the ticket office.
"I'd like three tickets."
MEM-cho said to the ticket seller, simultaneously observing the direction of the lounge area quietly.
When she confirmed that Michiya Gōshin and Asakura Toru were waiting quietly, she lowered her voice and added, "Trouble you to issue the middle ticket separately, and have the two on the sides connected together."
The ticket seller was a well-dressed, well-trained young woman. She immediately nodded in understanding, her fingers operating quickly on the ticketing machine.
"Understood. Do you need to arrange for more secluded seats?"
"The last row on the side would be best," MEM-cho whispered, a cunning smile appearing on her face.
The ticket seller quickly completed the procedures. MEM-cho took the movie tickets, the corners of her mouth rising in an arc of a successful plan.
Returning to the lounge area, MEM-cho distributed the seats naturally, her voice light and brisk.
"Michiya-kun sit in the middle, and Toru-chan and I will sit on the two sides."
Deliberately arranging Asakura Toru's seat next to Michiya Gōshin, while the seat next to her own was an aisle—when handing over the ticket, she quietly winked at Asakura Toru, signaling her to notice the seating arrangement.
When Asakura Toru accepted the movie ticket, a trace of understanding flashed in her eyes, but she said nothing, merely squeezing MEM-cho's small hand gently to express gratitude.
Although this subtle interaction was brief, it revealed the deep friendship forged between the two.
With ten minutes left before the movie started, the three sat down on the sofa in the lounge area. MEM-cho deliberately found an excuse to leave. "I'm going to buy popcorn and drinks; what do you guys want to drink?"
"Mineral water is fine," Michiya Gōshin said, his voice sounding somewhat low through the mask.
"Same for me."
Asakura Toru chimed in softly, her fingers unconsciously winding around her backpack strap.
After MEM-cho left, only the two of them remained in the lounge area.
Asakura Toru turned her head, her gaze looking toward Michiya Gōshin, her eyes carrying seriousness.
"Michiya-kun, have you been trying to write songs yourself recently?"
Michiya Gōshin was somewhat surprised she would bring up this topic at this time, but he answered truthfully.
"I have some inspiration, but I'm still in the groping stage. Especially trying to find that kind of melody expression that can move people's hearts without being too cliché."
His voice carried the persistence and thoughtfulness peculiar to a creator.
"Our group is preparing for this year's new album."
Asakura Toru's voice remained calm, but if one listened carefully, one could detect a trace of imperceptible anticipation. "Manager-san is soliciting songs widely. If Michiya-kun has works suitable for idols to sing, you can consider collaborating with us."
When she said this, her eyes sparkled with a professional and serious light.
Closing the distance with Michiya Gōshin through musical collaboration fit their common interests and wouldn't appear too deliberate.
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment and sized up Asakura Toru beside him again. He had met the other girls in their group last time; it was indeed an excellent idol group.
Moreover, if he could expand his influence in the entertainment industry through musical collaboration, it would also be of great benefit to his overall plan.
"If I really can write works worthy of your group, I will definitely prioritize considering collaborating with you."
Michiya Gōshin said sincerely. Wanting to open up the situation in the song field, collaborating with an idol group was also a very good opportunity.
"Good music needs suitable singers to interpret it. I feel the quality of your group's songs is indeed very good."
Just then, MEM-cho came back holding popcorn and drinks.
She keenly perceived the change in the atmosphere between the two and immediately teased with a smile.
"What are you two chatting about?"
Michiya Gōshin took the mineral water and smiled, the condensation beads on the bottle wetting his fingertips.
"Just discussing music creation. Asakura said their group is soliciting new songs and wants to find me for collaboration."
"This is a good thing! I'm really looking forward to a powerhouse collaboration between Michiya-kun and Toru-chan!"
MEM-cho did not know that Kurokawa Akane had already become Michiya Gōshin's girlfriend. After all, this matter had not been officially announced, and very few people knew.
She was very clear about Asakura Toru's feelings for Michiya Gōshin and supported this affection.
In this world of the entertainment industry where truth and falsehood mingled, meeting someone one truly liked was not easy. As a good friend, she wanted to do everything she could to help Asakura Toru create opportunities.
The movie was about to start, and the three walked into the screening hall following the sparse flow of people.
MEM-cho sat on the other side of the aisle according to the plan, while Asakura Toru naturally sat beside Michiya Gōshin.
The lights in the screening hall gradually dimmed, and the big screen began to play trailers.
Asakura Toru adjusted her sitting posture. Her peripheral vision could glimpse Michiya Gōshin's silhouette, which remained upright even in the darkness. She took a gentle breath, feeling this rare moment of close contact.
Although separated by masks, she seemed to be able to smell the faint, refreshing scent of cedar on Michiya Gōshin.
Meanwhile, MEM-cho, sitting on the other side, would occasionally secretly observe the interaction between the two, a gratified smile appearing on her face.
________________________________________
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