I am only one world away from Yukinoshita.

...............................................................

A few days later

Today is the day the contestant list is announced, a moment of judgment that will determine everything for all members for the next six months.

Standing in front of the podium, waiting for the verdict, there was a different kind of tension, anticipation and unease. A tremor ran through his body, and Kiyotaka put his clenched fists into the pocket of his pleated skirt, his nails digging lightly into his palms, leaving small crescent moons.

Matsumoto-sensei pushed open the door with the list in hand. Taki was not there, and Matsumoto-sensei, who always had a stern face, did not show any extra expression. He was like a boulder pressing on everyone's hearts.

She stood beside the piano, attracting everyone's attention.

"Now, let's announce the list of qualified candidates."

The crowd suddenly stirred, the sound of deep breathing became more pronounced, and everyone's face showed more or less anxiety and unease.

Ms. Matsumoto glanced at the crowd, and the rustling sounds instantly disappeared from the classroom.

"Students whose names are called, please respond."

"Yes!"

As if in training for their names to be called later, loud and uniform responses drifted out from the slightly open window.

"First, there's the percussion."

The members of the percussion ensemble all showed tense expressions.

“Tianbianminglai”.

"Yes!"

"Saki Kayama".

"Yes!"

"Takahisa Chieri."

"Yes!"

……

As the list of voice parts was announced one after another, some were selected and some were not. Since only those selected would have their names called, the members who were not selected would only find out the final result after their hopes and prayers were repeatedly dashed. Every name seemed to be an ordeal, with one side desperately wanting their name to be called and the other side still not having their name called.

Until the next name that didn't belong to their voice appeared, all hope turned into despair, and the hopeful eyes turned into tears of resentment. The crying came unexpectedly.

On the other hand, the students whose names were called did not outwardly show their joy at being chosen. Instead, they gave firm and resolute answers and composed and serious expressions. From this moment on, they were no longer simply playing for themselves. They represented the school, carried the hopes of the band, and bore the heavy expectations of those who were not selected.

There's no time to be happy for themselves, nor time to be sad for others; the members of Group A will embark on a one-way street from here.

"Next is the euphonium."

Matsumoto-sensei's voice remained completely still, as if the members' feelings had nothing to do with her.

"Tanaka Asuka."

"Yes."

"Kumiko Huangzen."

"Yes!"

"The two mentioned above."

Matsumoto-sensei didn't linger, but Huang Qian quickly glanced at Xia Ji beside him, whose expression remained unchanged, and then immediately turned his face away before the other person could look at him.

She recalled the day when Senior Xia Ji brought the heavy euphonium home, a complex smile on her face.

"Next up is the small one."

"Middle Ages Ancient Xiangori."

"Yes."

"Kasano Sana".

"Yes!"

"Junichi Takino".

"Yes."

"Yoshikawa Yuko".

"Yes!"

"Kosaka Rina."

"Yes."

Rena straightened her back; she was still waiting for another result.

“The above five,” Matsumoto-sensei looked away from the list and found Reina in the crowd, “the solo part will be performed by Reina Kousaka.”

"Yes!"

The resounding answer drew the attention of most people in the classroom, with Yoshikawa being particularly surprised. Meanwhile, Nakazeko, who had not been selected for the solo performance, remained focused on the front, not giving anyone time to be astonished.

"Next up is the oboe section, Mizore Yoroizuka."

"Yes."

"Tachibana Kiyori."

"Yes."

"The two above."

"The solo part will be performed by Kiyoyori Tachibana."

Kiyoshi loosened her fist, and her eyes, which had been lowered, met the gaze of the deputy advisor.

"Yes."

P.S.: This Matsumoto-sensei is not the Matsumoto-sensei from Volume 1. The result of this solo performance was pretty much a foregone conclusion, but someone in the group asked if "Liz and the Blue Bird" would be a solo performance by Kiyoyori and Nozomi. The answer is... it's subtly mentioned in next month's extra chapter, but that's not part of my outline, and it seems unlikely I'll be writing it now.

My gacha pulls were terrible again today! Why?! My main account, which I play seriously, got only 2 rainbow pulls in 70 pulls. I did get the Kyouka I wanted, but the Gundam didn't come. My casual alt account got 8 rainbow pulls in 51 pulls! Wait, what happened to the promised double reward for FES 2-star characters?! Why is my main account getting treated like this?!

Chapter 66 The Beginning of the Turmoil

The days after the selection didn't seem to change much from before, except for an increasingly tight schedule and endless practice. In order to prepare wholeheartedly for the upcoming competition, Kiyoyori specifically submitted an application to the Service Club to suspend club activities.

“Hiratsuka-sensei, this is my application.”

Kiyoyori handed the form to Hiratsuka Shizuka, who was tidying up her messy desk, while Yukinoshita had already signed her name elegantly in the club president's section.

"Okay, I received it. Now you can focus on practice."

Hiratsuka Shizuka was a reasonable teacher. She put the application form into the drawer and then extinguished the incense stick burning between her fingers.

“This year’s brass band is different from previous years,” Hiratsuka Shizuka said meaningfully. “I heard that your auditions were held on the weekend this time.”

"Yes."

"Anyway, it's a good start. Congratulations on qualifying for the solo performance."

"Thank you."

Kiyoyori frowned in confusion. Hiratsuka Shizuka seemed to want to tell her something, but was unwilling to say it explicitly.

"Hmm, don't overdo it. Although it's a good thing to represent the school in the competition, I'm more concerned about your physical and mental health. Don't do anything reckless."

His cheerful smile made Qinglai nod involuntarily.

"Then I'll excuse myself."

Qinglai bowed and left the teachers' office.

"that!"

A slightly familiar voice came from behind him, and Kiyoyori turned around.

It's Nozomi Kasaki.

"Kasaki-senpai."

Kiyoyori stood still, waiting for his senior's hurried footsteps.

"Ah, you still remember me," Umaki said shyly, scratching her cheek with her finger. A faint blush appeared on her face, probably because she had run over. "I haven't had a chance to ask your name yet."

"Tachibana Kiyoyori from Class J, Grade 1."

"Um, Tachibana-san, may I borrow a moment of your time?"

Kiyoshi glanced at his watch with a troubled expression. "I'm sorry, Kasaki-senpai, the midday practice is about to begin, and I'm afraid I don't have time right now."

"Then, is it okay after school? I can wait until your club activities are over."

Umaki's tone was somewhat urgent, her fingers stroking the old pink watch strap.

"May I ask what it is about first?"

Kiyoshi had a vague idea of ​​what was going on, but he couldn't be sure.

"It has something to do with Ying."

Umbrella Wood took half a step back, its eyelids lowered.

"I understand. I will send a message to Kasaki-senpai after the club activity is over."

"Thank you!"

Kiyoshi smiled politely and exchanged LINE contacts with the other party.

When we arrived at the music classroom, most of the members were already there.

The noon ensemble practice time is only for members of Group A. Members who are not selected in the competition are not without something to do. They will form Group B to participate in a small-scale competition. Although it is not as large-scale and formal as the Tokyo Metropolitan Competition, it is still a good opportunity to accumulate experience. So while Groups A and B practice separately, the members of Group B will practice their ensemble pieces in another classroom.

"Tachibana-san, please take a seat."

"terribly sorry."

Kiyoshi quickly walked to her seat, no longer at the very edge of the band, as she had switched seats with Mizore.