School Days

"Time to get up, today's music theory class is very important." She rubbed her sleepy eyes and saw that Yingzhi had already changed into her school uniform and was standing by the window preparing breakfast for her.

After washing up, Xinyu followed Yingzhi to the school cafeteria. The breakfasts there were always exquisite and plentiful; Yingzhi would carefully select foods suitable for Asian tastes. "Try this matcha latte, it's your favorite flavor," Yingzhi said, placing a steaming cup of beverage in front of Xinyu. The two sat by the window, enjoying their breakfast while discussing the day's class schedule.

The morning music theory class was one of Xinyu's most anticipated classes. Yingzhi, as the student council president, didn't teach directly, but often sat in and offered guidance. Today's class was on classical music history, and the teacher was explaining Bach's polyphonic music.

"Bach's works are as rigorous as mathematical formulas, yet at the same time, they are full of emotion," the teacher said. Xinyu diligently took notes in her notebook, occasionally glancing up at the sheet music displayed on the projector screen. After class, Yingzhi would stay behind to answer her questions: "Look at this fugue theme; it's like the starry sky we discussed in Hoshino—seemingly chaotic, but actually orderly."

The afternoon was piano lesson time. Xinyu walked into the music room and saw Yingzhi already there waiting for her. Today's practice piece was Chopin's "Nocturne," and Yingzhi had prepared detailed fingering instructions for her.

"You need to keep your wrist relaxed, like gently stroking a kitten," Yingzhi demonstrated the correct playing posture. Xinyu tried to play, but couldn't achieve the desired effect. Yingzhi didn't get impatient.

Vocal training was the most nerve-wracking part for Xinyu. Standing in front of the mirror, she was always worried that her performance wouldn't be good enough. Yingzhi would stand behind her, gently placing his hand on her shoulder to feel her breath and resonance.

"Imagine you're singing in a forest in Hoshino, let your voice flow naturally," Yingzhi encouraged. After some practice, Xinyu was finally able to confidently sing the entire song.

After school, Yingzhi would often take Xinyu to visit different corners of the school. They would go to the music archives in the library, which housed many precious scores and records.

"Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is just like the scene when we first met in the Starry Sky, tranquil and full of hope," Yingzhi said softly. Xinyu leaned against him, feeling the warmth brought by the music.

Yumenosaki Academy is always full of energy on weekends. Kokoro participates in the school choir, and although Eichi cannot participate due to health reasons, he will sit in the audience as the instructor.

"You've made great progress and are now able to integrate well into the group," Yingzhi said to Xinyu with a smile. The two would go to the school's rooftop garden together, which was filled with all kinds of flowers. Yingzhi would introduce the characteristics and symbolic meaning of each flower to Xinyu.

At the end of the semester, the school held a learning achievement showcase. Xinyu prepared a song she had rearranged herself, combining classical music with modern elements.

When Xinyu stepped onto the stage and saw Yingzhi's encouraging gaze, all her nervousness vanished. She delivered a flawless performance, earning thunderous applause from the audience. After the performance, Yingzhi went on stage and presented her with a bouquet of flowers: "You did it! You did even better than I expected."