Before stepping into the club room, one question kept circling in Hirakawa Tetsuya's mind.
Last semester, even if he never showed up, no one cared.
Tsutsui Shiori included.
She had never once asked whether he came or not.
After all, he had already made it clear—he knew nothing about music. Any real instruction was handled by the professional advisor.
Which meant his absence had been perfectly justified.
And so, for months, he had enjoyed a peaceful, effortless life.
Aside from briefly showing up during competitions, he had practically been nonexistent as the club's "advisor."
Yet this semester—
Everything changed.
Tsutsui started monitoring him.
Not only that, she even accused him of slacking off.
Even if it was technically true, that was not something he could accept so easily.
Besides, it was not entirely laziness.
At least, that was what Hirakawa believed.
Even if he came, what could he actually contribute?
Most likely, he would just stand there uselessly, taking up space.
That outcome felt painfully realistic.
So then—
Why?
Why was Tsutsui going out of her way to drag him here?
She had even used his own request as leverage to force him into coming.
It made no sense.
Lost in thought, his steps unconsciously slowed.
Then—
"Hirakawa-sensei."
Her voice sounded again.
He looked up, slightly dazed.
Tsutsui was standing in front of him.
She had come back.
Her eyes scanned him up and down, filled with suspicion.
"Hm."
He voiced his confusion.
She finally spoke.
"Sensei, you are walking so slowly. Were you trying to slip away?"
So she came back just to keep an eye on him?
To prevent him from running?
Was that really how she saw him?
Hirakawa felt a complicated mix of emotions as she returned to his side.
And with that complicated feeling, he was escorted into the brass band club room.
The club room sat at the end of the fifth floor, occupying nearly half the entire level.
Calling it a "room" was almost inaccurate.
It was closer to a small concert hall.
As expected of an elite all-girls school, the funding was generous.
The moment the heavy doors opened, a spacious hall unfolded before him.
Several students were wiping down instruments he could not even name.
Others were practicing intently.
Some were chatting casually.
In total, there were over twenty students.
But the moment they saw the door open—
And realized a male teacher had entered—
Everything stopped.
Conversations halted.
Music faded.
All eyes turned toward him.
Some of the older students hesitated for a moment before recognition dawned.
They bowed politely.
"Hirakawa-sensei."
The younger students followed their lead, greeting him as well.
But once they finished, confusion quickly surfaced.
Their eyes shifted toward their seniors, silently asking for answers.
One first-year girl whispered softly.
"Senpai, who is that teacher?"
Even if you whisper, I can still hear you.
This place is way too quiet for secrets.
Hirakawa forced a complicated smile.
He was just about to say something—
But behind him, Tsutsui stepped in, closing the door.
She had clearly heard it too.
A faint laugh escaped her.
Even the smallest sound carried in this space.
"Hirakawa-sensei, this is your current level of fame in the brass band club."
Her tone carried unmistakable amusement.
She even emphasized the word "fame."
He did not need to see her face to imagine the expression.
That subtle, merciless smile.
What a terrible personality.
Seeing a teacher in this situation and treating it like entertainment.
Hirakawa sighed inwardly.
Still, he stepped forward and addressed the room.
"Good morning, everyone."
Then, deliberately, he looked at the girl who had asked the question.
"My name is Hirakawa Tetsuya. I am the advisor for the brass band club."
"Eh—"
The girl froze, eyes wide.
Her face turned bright red instantly.
She panicked, covering her mouth.
Then realized that only made things worse.
A few seconds later, she lowered her hand, flustered.
"S-sorry, Hi—Hi—"
"Hirakawa."
"Hirakawa-sensei! I am so sorry!"
Her embarrassment reached its peak.
Hirakawa chuckled lightly and let it go.
"Alright, alright. Just like Tsutsui said, this is my level of recognition here. I am well aware of it."
"It is fine if you do not recognize me. The reason lies with me."
"Let me introduce myself properly. I am Hirakawa Tetsuya, your advisor. Please take care of me from now on."
The girl kept her head lowered, too embarrassed to respond.
He smiled, then waved it off.
"Alright, everyone. No need to mind me. Please continue your practice."
Gradually, the room returned to life.
Music resumed.
Soft chatter blended into the background.
Ignoring it all, Hirakawa turned to Tsutsui.
"Tsutsui."
His tone shifted.
"You should explain now."
"Why did you insist on making me come here?"
There had to be a reason.
It could not be just to show his face.
No matter how he looked at it, a useless advisor like him brought no real value to the club.
So why?
Facing his question, Tsutsui did not answer immediately.
Instead, she took a step closer.
Closing the distance between them.
Then, within the cover of music—
She gave him an answer he had never expected.
Hirakawa fell silent.
That answer—
Was terrible.
Absolutely terrible.
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