[Creative] Helios Episode 8

Don't you think the young mistress favors Yamada too much?

The one who's her direct apprentice? Well, look at how he looks.

Seriously? We're working our butts off, this is just unfair.

Hearing such jealousy in the hallway, I couldn't help but let the floorboards creak as I walked, entered the practice room where the voices were coming from, and interrupted them.

Yamada-kun has been coming in for independent practice even on his days off for years now. Are you all just wasting time chatting instead of practicing on a scheduled practice day?

Seeing the students turn pale and start practicing, I let out a sigh without realizing it.

The YouTube channel was a huge success. There is no doubt that much of that benefit comes from Yusei-kun.

Passionate comments like these aimed at Yusei-kun started arriving every day.

I showed Yusei-kun the documents and asked him to join me as an MC for the regular concert.

I serve as the MC during concerts so that it's easy to understand and enjoyable for everyone listening.

You don't have to do that, young mistress.

When I first started, there were some critical voices from the older students, but I think it's fine for only the mainstream to sit on high and perform divinely. Especially for the younger generation, we have to sweat and bring in new customers.

Yusei-kun replied without looking at the document of compensation I had handed him.

It's an honor. I've always liked Nagi-sensei's MC work because it's easy to understand. I'd be very happy to do it with you.

Yusei-kun readily agreed. It's true that he has the talent, and there's no reason not to highlight Yusei-kun, who is the man of the hour, but I also feel a sense of guilt.

Yusei-kun, I'm sorry for using you as a poster boy. You must get some nasty comments, right?

That's not entirely untrue, but the things I gain are far greater. It's a good experience. Besides, I should just rise up without bringing others down.

I love this straightforward side of Yusei-kun. Even when he stumbled in his performance, he never lost heart, never ran away, and kept making persistent efforts to improve. I wonder how much I have been influenced by this attitude of his.

Honestly, after that confession, I felt reluctant to talk to Yusei-kun. But he is one of the important people who has kept helping me grow. I always want to face him sincerely.

Yusei-kun, I will think about that matter properly, so please wait a little while.

The day after he confessed, I told him at the practice studio, and he nodded softly with his usual expression.

"I love that sincere side of you too, Nagi-sensei. My feelings are real, so please don't forget that."

Koki-san called or messaged me every day. Little by little, I was getting to know him. Aside from music, his hobby is strength training. He says, "Muscles never betray you, right after a contract." When I teased him by asking if writing contracts was also a hobby, he said in all seriousness that he wanted to make that his job.

Every time a notification from Koki-san appeared on my phone, my heart would skip a beat. I wonder if it's because we've been intimate.

"Your YouTube channel is doing great."

I lay down on my bed, hugging a fluffy sea otter plushie, and took Koki-san's call.

"Hehehe, you're quite the villain yourself."

"...Sometimes, I really want to peek inside your head, Nagi, to see how you think."

Jokes aside, Koki-san's contribution to the promotion was significant. I thanked him again from the bottom of my heart.

"It's a fast-changing era. You should keep working hard, assuming that 80% of the customers who come from YouTube will leave right away."

His words made me snap to attention. I can't just get carried away. I have to keep moving forward, honing my skills, and riding the waves of change.

"Doesn't your hair get damaged?"

"It's fine for now. I'm getting treatments for it."

Yusei-kun dyes his hair back to its natural color before formal concerts. This time, he went back to black hair early because of the photo shoot for the August flyer.

The YouTube comment section is buzzing intensely again.

I know he also dyes his hair blue before casual concerts aimed at younger audiences. He must be doing it as part of his promotion. Yusei-kun is always thinking about the prosperity of the koto and the Kawasaki school.

For the June concert, Yusei-kun and I will be playing "Dragon Song" together, with him on the second koto. This dynamic, fast-paced piece is popular with young people and well-received by audiences, but it requires considerable technical skill. We have played it together several times before, but since this is the first time since we started our YouTube channel, I expect some first-time audience members will be coming as well. Considering that, it is a perfect choice of music.

We practice together at the studio for the first time in a while. There are usually many students watching when I play, but with Yusei-kun here, the number of women has increased even more.

The beginning. The opening scene where the dragon soars leisurely. The flashy and majestic appearance of the dragon. The roar of thunder. The hand movements are difficult, but with Yusei-kun and me, we are unbeatable.

The middle section. The dragon's sorrowful song. A fleeting moment of happiness glimpsed between loneliness and despair. The dragon's feelings set to a beautiful melody.

Suddenly, the sound of the second koto falters. It happens a few times. This rarely happens. No sooner do I think it's strange than the sound stops.

"Yusei-kun?"

When I turn around, he is staring at the embroidery of the dragon's head, not moving.

"What's wrong?"

"No, I'm sorry. I'm just going to go get some fresh air."

He doesn't even meet my eyes, and with the gallery watching, he walks out into the hallway with long strides. Looking around, the students nearby also have dazed expressions on their faces.

My direct student, Kanno-san, approaches me as if to lecture me.

"Sensei, your performance changed too much."

"Eh, me?"

"Yes. If you play with such sensuality, anyone would be affected. Especially Yamada-kun... Look at everyone's faces."

Before long, the students suddenly become excited and start talking to me one after another.

"Sensei, that was amazing! I almost cried."

"I got goosebumps."

"That's crazy, what was that sexiness?"

Me, sexy? That's a description I've never been given before. I thought I played the same way I always do. Regardless, if my performance changed and caused confusion, I have to apologize to Yusei-kun.

Yusei-kun is sitting on a bench in the garden, looking up at the dogwood flowers that have just begun to bloom. He looks so fragile, as if he might disappear if I touch him, that I hesitate to call out to him.

"Yusei-kun."

Noticing me, Yusei-kun tilts his head slightly and gives a self-deprecating smile.

"I'm sorry, Nagi-sensei. For interrupting the practice on my own."

"No, that's not it. They said it was because my performance changed. I'm sorry for confusing you."

Yusei shook his head slowly to clearly show his denial, then gestured for me to sit next to him.

I was jealous. Of that performance of yours, Sensei, and of the person who drew it out of you... It's no good, is it? Just when I thought I had finally managed to get close to your playing, Nagi-sensei, it immediately pulled away again.

You are not no good at all, Yusei! I've only ever done the koto since I was a child, but you have another job, don't you? And you didn't start playing the koto until you were older, right? You have real talent, and I know you've worked harder than anyone else!

To have come this far is phenomenal. If I were in his shoes, I'm sure I couldn't do it.

Yusei smiled like a crystal about to shatter, thanked me, and then turned to face me with an expression so fragile I knew I would never forget it.

The one who drew out that performance of yours, Nagi-sensei, was Shinonome-san, wasn't it? Have you fallen in love with Shinonome-san?

Continue here.

Previous episodes here.

Episode 1 here.