Earlier that morning, Hirakawa had asked Shiori a simple question.
Why insist that he come to the wind ensemble?
Her answer had been merciless.
"Komaki-sensei is a qualified music instructor. But she is absolutely not a qualified advisor."
No hesitation. No softening.
Just a clean, surgical judgment.
And when he pressed further, she explained:
"Her musical skill is more than enough. Her conducting is also solid. But because of her personality, she has no authority in front of the students."
"Most of them don't actually follow her instructions. They're just… scattered."
Now, standing here and watching the current state of the club—
Watching Komaki still trying, softly and earnestly, to maintain order—
Hirakawa had to admit something.
Shiori wasn't wrong.
Still, it was too early to conclude everything.
He decided to observe.
He stood quietly before the students. Even after his introduction, a few girls continued whispering among themselves.
"Shiraishi-san, please be quiet."
Komaki had no choice but to call someone out by name.
The girl, Shiraishi, turned around with a playful grin and stuck out her tongue.
"Okay, Komaki-sensei."
No tension.
No fear.
No discipline.
"Also… Matsuura-san."
"Yes."
"Takao-san."
"Hehe."
"Please settle down, everyone."
"Okay."
It took multiple names being called before the room finally quieted.
Hirakawa watched silently.
Then turned to Komaki.
"Komaki-sensei."
"Yes? Hirakawa-sensei?"
"I'm only here to observe today. Please proceed as usual."
"Ah, I see. Understood."
She nodded obediently.
Almost like a student being told what to do.
Hirakawa stepped back and sat down beside the chair Shiori had prepared for him.
And began thinking.
If he were still a student,
He would absolutely love a teacher like Komaki.
Gentle. Kind. Soft-spoken. Never angry.
Easy to approach.
Easy to like.
The kind of teacher students naturally gather around.
But now,
He was no longer a student.
He was a teacher.
And he understood something fundamental.
Closeness was not always an advantage.
Sometimes, distance was necessary.
A teacher wasn't meant to be just a friend.
They had to be an authority.
A guide.
And Komaki
Simply couldn't become that.
Practice began.
"Everyone, stop here. Shiraishi-san, could you play measure six alone for me?"
"Eh, do I have to?"
"It's okay."
"But it's embarrassing."
Komaki hesitated.
Then smiled awkwardly.
"Just… do your best?"
"Oh wow, encouragement from Komaki-sensei. Now I'm motivated."
The girl laughed.
"Then I'll play."
She did.
"Stop here, Shiraishi-san. There's a small issue."
"Really?"
"Yes. Try relaxing your lips a bit more."
"Ah, I was probably too nervous."
"That's okay. Let's try again. Everyone else, remember this too."
Gentle.
Supportive.
Technically correct.
Then—
Another section.
"Everyone, stop. Measure fifteen. Trumpet section, could you play it for me?"
"Sure."
They played.
"Okay, stop. Matsuura-san—"
"Wait, don't tell me there's a problem?"
"There is."
"Ugh, no…"
Instant deflation.
"Come on, don't lose energy. Could you play it alone for me?"
"Only if I get encouragement too."
"Alright. Please do your best."
"Can you say it again?"
"Eh? Okay… please do your best."
"My ears are melting. Fine, I'll play."
Laughter.
Lightness.
No pressure.
No discipline.
Then—
"Good. That was better. Just increase your tonguing speed a bit."
"Too slow?"
"Yes."
"Got it."
Then—
"Komaki-sensei!"
"Yes, Takao-san?"
"I'm tired. Can we take a break?"
Komaki blinked.
"Are… others tired too?"
"Tired."
The response came in perfect unison.
"…Alright. Ten-minute break."
Cheers erupted.
Ten minutes later—
"Okay everyone, break time is over. Are you ready?"
"No."
Takao answered immediately.
"Ten minutes is too short. Can we have five more?"
Komaki hesitated.
"Everyone else thinks so too?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Five more minutes. But no more after that."
"Yes!"
"Komaki-sensei is the best!"
And just like that,
Five more minutes were granted.
Hirakawa watched the entire process without expression.
Then practice resumed.
Eventually—
"Komaki-sensei, it's already six."
"Oh… I see. Then we'll end practice here for today. Everyone, good work."
"Goodbye, sensei."
"Be careful on your way home."
"Yes."
The session ended.
Peaceful.
Relaxed.
Even enjoyable.
If this were an after-school hobby class—
Hirakawa would give it full marks.
A comfortable atmosphere.
A kind instructor.
Music taught with care.
Perfect for nurturing interest.
But—
This wasn't a hobby class.
This was the wind ensemble of a private elite girls' high school.
And the question was simple.
What exactly
Was this club aiming for?
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