I've already said this isn't a life simulator!

He got up and opened the door, looking at the person who came in... the person he least wanted to see—Eden.

"Sorry to disturb your practice."

Eden's face showed a hint of apology, but his golden pupils also held a touch of smugness.

Sure enough, I finally caught you, didn't I? — That's probably what she was thinking.

"It's really not easy to find you... [Xi Wang] classmate~"

"...I'm more curious about how you found this place?"

"Just asking the teacher for help will be fine~ After all... I have some music theory questions I'd like to discuss with you, and the teachers are happy to do that, right?"

"……All right."

Xi Wang sighed. In the end, it was the teacher who "sold" her out... Oh well, this day was bound to come.

"Aren't you going to invite me in? Hmm... Don't worry, I just want to... talk to you a little."

"...It was my oversight. Please come in."

Xi Wang glanced down at the violin case Eden was carrying. Although he anticipated what might happen next, he still stepped aside to let Eden in out of politeness.

"So... Eden, what do you want to talk to me about? Logically speaking, you shouldn't have any problems with music theory, right? My talent is far inferior to yours, and you should ask your teacher or... um... your parents about this kind of question?"

After closing the door again to block out outside noise, Xi Wang pulled over a chair and sat down, keeping a suitable distance from Eden.

"There's no need to be so self-deprecating, Xiwang. Your talent is no less than mine... and in some aspects you are even better than me."

Sitting upright in his seat, Eden noticed the distance Xi Wang was keeping from him, and his opinion of him improved slightly. Then he shook his head, denying Xi Wang's words.

"Before we discuss anything else... I want to ask you why you keep avoiding me? Is there something I've done to you that you dislike? You don't even want to see me."

"...No, rather, you are very likable."

"Then why..."

"Because you are too dazzling, Eden."

"……Eh?"

This answer surprised Eden.

"You are even more dazzling than you imagined. Compared to you, I seem... somewhat presumptuous, like the stars in the night sky and the bright moon. No matter how many stars there are in the sky, they still cannot compare to the moon in terms of brilliance."

"People are so...envious of you, you know?"

After a moment's thought, Xi Wang asked again.

"Eden, what do you think of the school atmosphere?"

"Is...it's alright? Although we had some disagreements, they were all minor issues."

"So... what do you think of my reputation at school?"

"The teachers really like you, you know? As for your classmates... it's a little strange, isn't it? They both like and dislike you..."

"……what?"

This time, it was Xi Wang who was somewhat surprised.

"Didn't you know? In the private lists people make, you're ranked as the 'most desirable guy to date and be with'? You're also second on the 'easiest person to get along with' list... But people's attitudes towards you seem a little off..."

Eden was initially sharing some "good news" that Xiwang was unaware of, but after carefully recalling it, he realized that something was amiss.

"I see...that's pretty much it."

Xi Wang shook his head, not paying too much attention to these little "good news"... "Good reviews" and "dislike" are not mutually exclusive, especially when it comes to attitudes towards people. Besides, he didn't feel any friendliness commensurate with these "good news" at all.

"So... that's why, Eden."

Xi Wang didn't complain or get angry... Besides, it wouldn't do any good to lose your temper or complain in front of Eden. Eden couldn't solve the problem, and if she got too close to her, Xi Wang might face even more targeting.

More importantly, they are not that familiar with each other yet.

"Our shared experiences and encounters have made it difficult for us to understand each other's current situation."

Xi Wang said this.

No... perhaps I'm the only one who doesn't understand... — Eden looked at Xiwang's perfectly proper etiquette, a few thoughts flashing through his mind.

She realized that she might not really understand Xi Wang's current situation... He was so "similar" to her, doing similar things, and had the same talent to be proud of. So Eden naturally assumed that Xi Wang's experience should be similar to hers, and everything Xi Wang received should be similar to hers.

It was based on this logic that Eden wondered why Xiwang would restrain his emotions so much in his music, and even erase his own "color" from his music at one point.

But now it seems... that it's not what I expected.

More importantly, Xi Wang doesn't seem to want to tell me... Is it because telling him would have some impact on him? Or... is it simply because he doesn't want me to know?

"Do you have any other questions?"

Xi Wang's voice gently pulled Eden from her thoughts. Although it was a polite inquiry, Eden sensed a subtle hint that she wanted Xi Wang to leave.

"...Let's try a different way of communicating."

Eden bit his lip, deciding to use a more "direct" method for them.

"Perhaps we cannot understand each other's situation, perhaps we do not know each other well enough, but this is the only thing we both have in common."

"Take out the violin, pick up the bow," Eden said.

"Music is our universal language, and it should also be a simpler and more direct way for us to communicate."

"...Can I take that as you wanting to monopolize my practice time?"

"I'll pay for it."

Eden said very seriously.

"I'll pay half for you... no, I'll pay the rent for you this time. As for now... just consider it an invitation for you to practice the ensemble in advance."

"...Okay, but you only need to give half, since there are two of you."

Saving money is always the best option, Xi Wang thought to herself.

And Eden is right, the school does have ensemble assessments after all, so practicing in advance is a good idea.

"However, I hope you can bring out your most original music."

Seeing Xiwang sit back down at the piano, Eden placed the violin around his neck as he spoke.

"The music I've heard, that music with color."

So that's why you came here... Xi Wang understood.

But the answer to this question... is the same as the previous one.

"Well... Eden, do you remember the circumstances under which that piece of music was played?"

"……Um?"

Eden was taken aback.

If you think back carefully, you'll notice that the piece of music appeared in an internal school assessment not long after you enrolled, and Xi Wang's score that time was the same as now, ranking second, just behind her... Hmm?

A detail flashed through Eden's mind.

The music she played back then also had a considerable degree of "personal touch," and if we were to compare them, her performance at that time should have been on par with Xi Wang's. Therefore, their achievements should have been similar, and even if there was a difference, it should have been a very slight one.

But in the end... Xi Wang widened the gap with her by two points. Although Xi Wang was still in second place, there must be something wrong with this judgment.

The performances were similar, but the final evaluations were completely different... Eden had a guess.

Just like playing a piece of music exactly according to the score, it can be described as "faithful to the original music" or "rigid".

Musical pieces that add "color" can naturally be divided into two categories: those that "add distinct personal interpretations" and those that "excessively emphasize personal subjective expression."

So that's why you changed your playing style? To erase your personal "color" and be completely "faithful to the original piece" in exchange for higher and more consistent evaluations and results...

Eden pursed her lips, feeling somewhat sorry for Xiwang, because it wasn't Xiwang's problem at all... but she soon had a new question.

Given your performance at the time, even with added "color," you could have done very well... So why...?

But Eden quickly put those thoughts aside... because Dawn's performance had already begun.

Upon hearing the music, which was slightly different from the original and clearly had a touch of "color," Eden's lips curled up slightly.

Xi Wang stopped using those overly "standard" pieces of music in front of her... Did that mean he was starting to accept her a little more? Or... was he simply trying to meet her expectations?

Regardless of which one it is, it means that Xi Wang has taken a small step closer to her, and their relationship has become slightly...closer.

In that case, she should take the initiative to respond to his approval and expectations, express her thoughts and doubts through music, and convey her emotions to him through the music.

I believe he... will eventually be willing to respond to me, right?

Eden lowered her eyelids slightly, her fingertips lightly pressed the strings, and then... slowly pulled the bow, letting her voice, along with her emotions and thoughts, slowly enter into the music of Dawn.

The melodious music echoed in the room, and the good soundproofing prevented outside noise from entering and also prevented the sound inside from escaping.

The two became immersed in this small world created by the music, communicating in their own unique way.

Occasionally, one can sense the doubt in the music, the detachment in the piano, and even the subtle emotions of restlessness and soothing in the music... But as time passes and one piece of music after another falls, only a little helplessness and... lightness remain in the music.

Perhaps moved by her persistence, or perhaps influenced by her brilliant talent, Xi Wang adjusted her mindset slightly and slowly began to accept her songs. She would even occasionally slow down her own music to complement Eden's part, and Eden gladly accepted it, showing herself as much as possible.

As mentioned before, Xi Wang doesn't reject Eden; he just envies her. He avoided her before because he didn't want to be overshadowed by Eden's "failure" and didn't want to be too discouraged.

After getting to know them, you'll find that... they are indeed very "similar".

Although they didn't exchange many words, it was as if they had already talked a lot. Although they didn't do anything extra, it was as if they were getting to know each other quickly... Their music gradually blended together and became harmonious, to the point that even the emotions expressed in their music began to resemble each other.

"........."

The two opened their eyes silently, their gazes drawn to the musical notes and rhythms. As if by telepathy, they looked at each other and smiled.

Indeed, for them, music is a simpler and more direct way to communicate.

Should we communicate with him/her more in the future? — This was the thought on both of their minds.

Then, with smiles on their faces, they continued with their own melody, letting the joy of their meeting and the ease of their mutual understanding resonate with the music.

…………

………………

"...I'm late."

Outside the music room, Elja looked through the small glass window in the door at the two people who were immersed in the music and murmured softly.