Chapter 6

Hundreds of gazes focused on the same spot. The atmosphere was tinged with a swirling, feverish energy that brought a flush to the girls’ faces. Kumiko slowly exhaled, trying to steel herself against the contagious emotion. Her heartbeat hammered in her eardrums. Her fingernails pressed crescent-shaped marks into the sweat-sticky palms of her clenched fists. “Eeeek, I’m so excited!” cried Midori childishly next to her. To Midori’s other side was Hazuki, who looked about to burst into tears from nerves. ALL-KYOTO CONCERT BAND COMPETITION, read the simple, vertically lettered sign. Kumiko had seen the characters so many times she was starting to hate them. “This is it—” came the words from no one in particular. Men carrying a large sheet of paper slowly advanced to the front of the stage. All eyes were upon them. Kumiko felt like her heart was going to leap, flea-like, out of her chest. She was feverish and faint. She pressed her hands hard against her reddening cheeks and watched the paper intently. The men slowly unrolled the paper, revealing a list of middle schools’ names. Next to the names were written the characters for “gold,” “silver,” and “bronze.” Before she could even think of finding her own school’s name, something struck Kumiko from behind. “Kumiko!” She looked immediately back. Embracing her tightly from behind was Reina, eyes red and shedding great, glittering teardrops. “Wha—” The moment she saw Reina’s expression, Kumiko’s heart froze. Had they failed again? Had she let Reina cry again? Kumiko held her breath, unable to put any of this into words. Reina’s slender arms wrapped around Kumiko’s neck. “Kansai!” “Huh?” Kumiko replied in spite of herself at the unexpected word. Reina forcefully rubbed her eyes and wrapped Kumiko in another tight embrace. “Kansai! We’re going to Kansai!” Her words slowly penetrated Kumiko’s ears. It took some time for her brain to process them. Kumiko’s eyes slowly widened. Behind her, Hazuki’s voice rose in a shrill cry. “Whoa! Kansai!” The shouts spread infectiously. Kumiko reflexively looked back to Reina. Reina’s cheeks were red, and her usual composure was completely absent. “I can’t believe it! Kansai! Kansai! Kumiko!” “Yeah. It’s true.” “I’m so happy I could die! Seriously!” Reina said, a huge, shy smile on her face. The moment she saw that face, Kumiko felt the strength drain out of her legs. Reina’s eyes went saucer-wide. “Whoa—are you okay?” Her throat was hot. A feeling like being caught in a tight hug lingered there, and she had no words. Reina peered at her, concerned. Kumiko opened her mouth to try to speak, but all that emerged was a whisper of a breath. She felt dizzy. She’d lost all strength in her arms. Kumiko gave up trying to clasp the hands of the girl in front of her. The world blurred. Her eyes filled with something hot. “…I’m so glad. I’m so, so glad.” Kumiko finally managed. She wiped her eyes with her hands, leaving behind glittering droplets on her skin. “Reina, I’m so happy.” Reina nodded hugely. “Me too!” she cried, and caught Kumiko up in another embrace. The band’s happy buzzing did not subside for some time. Apparently unable to bear it any longer, Taki clapped his hands twice. The students all turned toward the director at the sound. Standing next to Taki as usual was Michie, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a tissue. Taki looked over the band members and smiled mischievously. “You all seem to think this is the story’s happy ending, but practice for the Kansai Regionals begins tomorrow. Our goal is the National Concert Band Competition. Let’s all do our very best to make sure that things don’t end here,” said Taki, his eyes merrily narrow. Just then, Kumiko realized that those same eyes were wet, too. She felt ticklish, restless. She wanted to play her instrument. The rising desire trembled in her chest. “Now then, I will see you all tomorrow at nine AM in the music room for practice. We have to win the next one, too!” Hearing this, Kumiko took a deep breath. “Yes, sir!” There under the blue summer sky, the students’ voices sounded out, high and strong.