Time flew by, and soon it was Wednesday. Yuu Hoshimiya drove his car to the entrance of the Domoto Academy of Music.
When one is busy, time always passes quickly.
After taking down both police flowers and achieving a "double kill" in one day, he accompanied Miwako the next day to officially send Shuji Kano to prison, and the two officially formed a contract that night.
After that, he went to Inspector Megure's house for his appointment, thoroughly comforting Midori Megure and filling her with satisfaction, before it was time for his meeting with Reiko Akiba.
A graceful figure was waiting at the academy's main gate—it was Reiko Akiba, holding a shopping bag.
She wore black trousers that accentuated her shapely legs and a white top that revealed her full upper bust. Her waist-length, curly black hair was tied back with a yellow ribbon.
Even in casual clothes, her entire aura was incredibly noble and elegant. Students coming and going couldn't help but cast sideways glances at her.
Reiko checked the time on her phone, looking somewhat anxious.
Just then, seeing a black Lexus stop and Yuu step out of the driver's seat, a smile bloomed on her exquisite face, and she went to meet him.
After getting out, Yuu said, "Miss Akiba, sorry to keep you waiting."
Reiko's scarlet eyes looked at Yuu as she smiled. "Making a girl wait this long isn't very gentlemanly..."
"Then I apologize for my rudeness." Yuu chuckled.
"Just joking. Yuu-kun has always been a gentleman in my eyes. This is the jacket you lent me last time. I've washed it for you, and now I'm returning it to its rightful owner."
Yuu took the bag, put it in the car, and then followed Reiko into the Domoto Academy of Music.
The onlookers around them, seeing their goddess walking with a handsome man, went mad with jealousy.
Some also recognized Yuu, the renowned special consultant of Tokyo, and excitedly pulled out their phones to secretly take pictures.
A rising star in the police force and a famous singer—both were prominent figures, naturally drawing a lot of attention.
However, once inside the Domoto Academy of Music, these situations decreased significantly.
As soon as Yuu walked in, he felt his eyes light up.
This music academy was established by the internationally renowned musician Kazuki Domoto. The entire architectural style of the academy was European, looking very elegant.
The academy was permeated with a musical atmosphere. On the green lawns, one could occasionally see small bands playing various instruments and singing various songs.
Although Yuu didn't have much feeling for so-called art, being in such a place really put one in a good mood.
Yuu walked through the music academy with Reiko. "Actually, I'm quite curious about one thing. Miss Reiko shouldn't have had to get involved in the messy waters of the Domoto Academy."
"Including Soko Kawabe, who was knocked unconscious by the bomb last time, and the other two cases, a total of four students from the Domoto Academy of Music have died. Miss Reiko is so smart, you should also know it's extremely dangerous here. Why agree to come and sing?"
Reiko smiled. "Perhaps it's because there will be many international masters coming to appreciate the inauguration ceremony of the concert hall this time. It's a rare opportunity, so I agreed!"
Yuu knew Reiko wasn't telling the truth. With her fame, she was an internationally renowned soprano singer; participating in such a concert wouldn't add anything to her reputation.
The two soon arrived at the practice room.
The practice room was empty but filled with a lot of clutter. In the center, there were two pianos placed facing each other.
Reiko sat on a piano bench. "Because of the explosion in the Building A practice room two weeks ago, the things from there were moved here. It's a bit messy, so just make do with a seat, Yuu-kun."
Reiko began to play.
As soon as the piano sounded, Yuu was somewhat surprised.
He had no interest in art, but his powerful senses gave him an innate, incredibly strong appreciation ability.
Reiko's piano skills were on par with many so-called international masters.
He knew Reiko played the piano well, but for her, whose main profession was a soprano, to have this level of skill was truly astonishing.
The entire piece was exceptionally powerful and fluid, and Yuu, sitting nearby, gradually became engrossed in the music.
But suddenly, he frowned. There was a barely audible mistake in one part.
Seeing Yuu frown, Reiko, who had been observing his expression, showed a smile on her face, and then stopped playing.
"Yuu-kun, I guessed right. You also have perfect pitch. Only someone like that could instantly hear that I dropped that note by a half-step."
At this moment, Reiko's smile became exceptionally bright.
Perfect pitch is the ability to know the name of a sound the moment you hear it, and to accurately identify its source and direction.
Not many people have this ability, but it's not extremely rare either—at least there are more of them than people with Rh-null blood.
But those who can fully utilize it and achieve success in music are very, very few.
Perfect pitch is actually an auditory talent and has no inevitable connection with musical art.
For example, Conan is tone-deaf but still has perfect pitch.
Of course, a person with perfect pitch who pursues music naturally has an advantage over others.
Reiko clearly looked very happy.
"To be honest, I have very few friends. Many people understand music, but few have perfect pitch, so there are really very few friends I can chat with."
Yuu instantly understood. "So because Miss Soko Kawabe, who also has perfect pitch, highly recommended you to participate in the concert, you accepted her invitation."
"Not entirely. I also graduated from the Domoto Academy of Music. Now that the academy is in trouble, it's only right for me to come back and help."
"It's not surprising that my pitch is accurate, but it really is eye-opening that Miss Reiko, a soprano singer, can play the piano so well."
"Is it strange? Although not as amazing as Mr. Domoto, playing and singing by myself in my free time is quite an enjoyable experience. Yuu-kun, do you want to give it a try?"
Yuu smiled and politely declined.
Reiko's scarlet eyes looked at Yuu as she provoked him, "I heard Consultant Hoshimiya is multi-talented. Is it actually fake? Can you not even play the piano?"
Hearing this, Yuu immediately couldn't stand for it.
He truly had no interest in music, painting, or other arts, nor had he specifically studied them. But with his current strength, such ordinary human things could be learned with a single glance.
Just like when he played tennis with Jodie. Even though he had never touched a racket, he quickly picked it up and beat Jodie, who was at a top amateur level, leaving her defenseless.
Playing the piano requires more technique and is more delicate in many ways than sports that focus on physical fitness, but for Yuu, it was still not a problem.
The only problem for him right now was probably that he couldn't read sheet music and needed to spend some time learning the relevant knowledge.
But this was easy too; at worst, he could just memorize it by rote.
With his photographic memory and Noah's constant assistance, he could instantly play any piano piece.
It's just that the playing would probably lack a soul, possessing only machine-like precision.
Yuu stood up, walked to the other piano, sat down, and began continuously absorbing the piano-related content Noah had gathered and organized in his mind.
Seeing Yuu sit opposite her, Reiko lowered her head, her slender hands resting on the black and white keys.
She didn't provoke Yuu out of boredom, but because she wanted to know him better, or rather, hoped he shared her hobbies.
Of course, if Yuu said he couldn't play the piano, she wouldn't force him, but she would inevitably be disappointed.
Women are like this...
No, it should be said that people are like this; they hope the person of the opposite sex they favor is perfect, can understand their hobbies, and ideally, do the things they love together.
After thinking for a moment, Reiko thought of a piano piece.
It was Chopin's Black Key Etude.
People like Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach had also existed in this world; the deviation in various songs and musical pieces only occurred in modern times.
This time, Reiko played with extreme precision, without a single mistake, but she only chose the most difficult section.
After playing, a smile appeared on her face, her scarlet eyes seemingly holding a hint of mischief.
Reiko raised her head rather proudly, revealing her snow-white neck, and with a wave of her fair hand, signaled Yuu to start playing as well.
Is this a piano duel?
Yuu smiled, placed his hands on the keys, and began to play.
Every note was exactly the same as Reiko's, but the tempo was slightly faster. Yuu soon finished playing.
Reiko looked unconvinced, and her fair hands began to play again.
The difficulty of this piece skyrocketed instantly; it was Chopin's Waltz in C-sharp minor.
Yuu watched the earnestly playing Reiko, her entire body seemingly radiating a unique charm.
However, not being a professional pianist, this piece was already somewhat strenuous for her, but she ultimately managed to finish it smoothly.
Reiko raised her head again. She had originally thought that even if Yuu could play, his level wouldn't be too high, and she wanted to show that she could outdo him in music.
She hadn't expected Yuu to be so proficient at the piano, almost causing her to capsize in a small gutter.
At this moment, Reiko wore a confident smile. But Yuu didn't mind at all. He placed his hands on the keys, his fingertips incredibly nimble, dancing continuously over the black and white keys.
This style of playing was easier for him than playing it himself; the tempo of the music kept increasing.
In terms of hand speed and reaction time, how could Reiko possibly be his match?
Soon, the Chopin piece Reiko had played was finished, replicated exactly as if copied and pasted.
But Yuu's hands didn't stop.
This was Flight of the Bumblebee!!!
This piece was quite famous. In his past life, when Yuu was bored and playing rhythm games, he had been tormented by this piece quite a bit.
But now...
So easy!
Flight of the Bumblebee is all about extreme speed, and it also has to be precise. Even master pianists find it very strenuous to play.
But for Yuu, it was exactly the opposite.
Not needing to control the rhythm—extreme speed and precision—was precisely what was easiest for him.
Even though he was a piano layman, with this piece, he was confident he could take on any famous pianist.
Reiko instantly sensed the speed of Yuu's running fingertips and the passion bursting from his body and mind; it seemed every pulse of his had a strange rhythmic feel.
Even Reiko couldn't play such a fast piece. Watching Yuu's focused face, she couldn't help but be entranced.
She shook her head, finally admitting defeat, and then stood up, her small mouth instantly opening wide.
She saw the Yuu opposite her playing this extremely fast Flight of the Bumblebee with only one hand.
His left hand flew over the keys like a phantom, creating countless afterimages.
When the piece ended, Yuu stopped, raised his head, looking calm and composed.
He immediately saw Reiko standing by his piano stand, those scarlet eyes staring intently at him.
"Wow! Yuu-kun, you really opened my eyes."
"I didn't expect you to not only be great at solving cases but also play top-tier piano. This feeling is the same as when I watched Mr. Domoto play the piano many years ago."
As she spoke, Reiko squeezed right next to Yuu, her thigh pressing against his without any avoidance, the sensation excellent.
"Yuu-kun, teach me how to play this Flight of the Bumblebee!"
Looking at this bold Reiko, those scarlet eyes exceptionally captivating, Yuu smiled and nodded.
Sure enough, catering to someone's interests was one of the best ways to win them over.
Reiko snuggling up to him meant his emergency "cramming" just now had received its due reward.
...
In the practice room, upbeat pieces flowed out one after another.
Music is magical; even without speaking, the two in the practice room could communicate through music alone.
Four hands danced on the black and white keys as they played a duet.
No matter what piece Reiko played, Yuu was able to keep up.
The pleasing sound of the piano poured out, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes joyful, sometimes quiet, sometimes uplifting...
Amidst the music, their emotions seemed to merge. They smiled at the same time, pouted at the same time, and even frowned simultaneously at an out-of-tune black key on the piano.
An unspeakable tacit understanding flowed between them.
Yuu turned his face and saw Reiko beside him also looking at him. A smile bloomed on both their faces at the same time.
Flight of the Bumblebee was played by Yuu's hands once again, but this time the bumblebee seemed much tamer, not as wild and swift as before.
The tempo of the piece slowed down, and Reiko followed suit, playing Flight of the Bumblebee as well.
It was as if one could see two bees chasing each other above the practice room, continuously spiraling.
But soon, only the sound of one bumblebee remained.
"Yuu-kun, if you hold my hand like this, I can't learn."
Reiko looked at Yuu, her eyes smiling.
"Perhaps we have more important things to do!"
Reiko's small hand was warm, soft, and slender, making Yuu reluctant to let go.
Looking at this exquisite face so close to him, those red lips seemed exceptionally tempting, and those scarlet eyes gazed back at him without retreating an inch.
Yuu's head slowly moved forward, while his left hand was still playing the music. The rhythm got faster and faster, the speed of the bumblebee's flight seemingly increasing, and Reiko's heartbeat also grew faster and faster.
With a kiss on those red lips, Yuu immediately launched his offensive.
At some point, the piano music changed to Castle in the Sky.
Listening to this fantastical, pure, and flawless music, Reiko seemed to have also fallen into a tranquil, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful sky.
Such wonderful music, such a romantic atmosphere, only a deep kiss could repay it.
Her reputation was well-deserved.
As a famous soprano, Reiko's oral skills were indeed impressive.
Even though it was her first kiss, she quickly adapted and responded passionately.
When the piece Castle in the Sky was finished, the two finally parted their lips, a crystal thread seemingly hanging in the air.
Reiko's eyes were full of mist, a blush hung on her exquisite oval face, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
She frowned slightly and asked, "Yuu-kun, how come I've never heard this piece before?"
With Reiko's musical literacy, she had heard the vast majority of classic musical pieces in this world. If such pure and beautiful music actually existed, she definitely would have heard it. But in reality, she had absolutely no impression of it.
Yuu was momentarily stunned. Is there no piano piece 'Castle in the Sky' in this world?
But he quickly realized that Noah had probably compiled it from his memories.
Like Flight of the Bumblebee, Castle in the Sky was also incredibly famous. In his past life, Yuu knew absolutely nothing about the piano, but he had heard this piece in various places.
Over time, he had subconsciously memorized it.
Now, through his extraordinary memory, combined with Noah's subjective initiative, this famous piece was recreated in the Conan world.
Since it didn't exist in this world, Yuu simply claimed it as his own.
But he didn't plan to use it to make money or boost his fame.
Instead... he'd use it to pick up girls!
Yuu buried his face in the back of Reiko's delicate, snow-white neck and whispered, "Do you like it? Then this piece is a gift for you."
A moving smile immediately appeared on Reiko's face, filling it with joy.
For her, the most touching words of love couldn't compare to the sincerity of a beautiful piece of music, especially since this piece was composed for her. She was overjoyed.
"I want to hear it again."
"Hear it again, then kiss me again."
Yuu teased, placing his left hand back on the piano and starting to play again.
Reiko's small face flushed slightly, but she actually acquiesced.
When Yuu kissed Reiko's small mouth again, Reiko's jade-like arms wrapped around Yuu's neck.
And Yuu's right hand wrapped around Reiko's soft waist.
Castle in the Sky played a few times in the practice room, and the two kissed on the piano bench a few times.
Finally, when Reiko's lips were kissed until they were a bit red and swollen, Yuu stopped the music.