I play the wind instrument in Hokkaido.

Page 367

Kuno Tachibana waved his hand and said with a smile:

"How could that be? I was just curious why Nagase-senpai, who always wore ordinary white socks, would wear these today."

The whispers that brushed past her ear made Nagase Tsukiyo lower her head, her eyes reflecting the slender ankles and slightly arched insteps outlined by white socks.

"I just think it might look better this way: what do you think, Kuno-senpai?"

Oh, I see.

Kuno Tachibana felt a little smug after a moment of pleasure. There was a subtle, unusual undertone in the girl's words: "I think Nagase-senpai's legs and feet are very beautiful. She looks good in any socks."

Nagase Tsukiyo's lips unconsciously curled upwards:

"Thank you."

Kuno Tachibana withdrew his gaze and began flipping through the sheet music on the music stand, eventually reaching the page for "Raise the Flag of Courage".

She realized that Nagase-senpai might be in love.

At this moment, Kitahara Hakuba's words brought them all back to their senses:

"Everyone, this morning I plan to give you guidance on the details first, and then we'll have ensemble practice this afternoon. Please give me any feedback you may have now."

No one spoke; they were already used to following Kitahara-sensei's instructions.

"Okay, it's settled then."

Kitahara Hakuba gently clapped his hands and said,

"Since we are number one and have limited time to perform, today is our last practice session. I think everyone knows why we are here, and I hope everyone can gain the benefits they deserve."

"Yes!" the members responded with high spirits.

Everyone wore a tense expression; they all knew perfectly well that they were about to reach the end of the year.

The morning practice was as intense as ever, but with the national tournament fast approaching, Kitahara Hakuba had already got a firm grasp on every detail, and the strongest editor, A, made absolutely no mistakes.

Thanks to this, the detailed instruction session ended faster than Kitahara Hakuba had imagined, and the ensemble practice, originally scheduled for the afternoon, was moved to the morning.

What used to be an inescapable nightmare of ten consecutive ensemble practice sessions is now commonplace for the Shin-Hsu Brass Band.

Although there is a five-minute break in between, getting used to it is one thing, but feeling helplessly tired is another.

Before we knew it, it was noon.

Every member was physically exhausted; the girls were panting slightly, and even Kitahara Hakuba had beads of sweat on his forehead.

Even so, he continued to practice relentlessly.

He had only one thought in his mind: to win the gold medal.

It's very effective, but it's tiring.

"Stop!" As Kitahara Hakuba closed his hands, the music in the concert hall abruptly ceased.

Everyone put down their instruments without prior arrangement. The percussionists and double bass players in the back row were so tired that they could barely stand. Taking advantage of the opportunity while Mr. Kitahara was speaking, they simply sat down to rest.

"I have already spoken with the hotel staff. You will have half an hour for lunch, then a one-hour break at noon, and we will resume at 1:30. Please be prepared."

Chapter 277, Section 276: The National Tournament! The Girls' Parade! (8K)

Time was stolen by the sounds of the instruments, and by the time practice ended, everything had slipped into the depths of night. (Hongte Xiaoshuo, first published)

As the last note slowly dissipated into the air, the sky outside the window gradually changed from pale blue to deep ink, and the notes on the musical score, under the warm light, did not appear as clear as they had during the day.

Everyone rubbed their slightly sore fingers, unsure whether they felt fulfilled or still wanted more.

But regardless, today's practice has come to an end.

The club members sat quietly in their seats, their instruments still warm from the heat, all gazing at Mr. Kitahara on the stage.

I used to practice two pieces until I was tired of them, but now I feel like I haven't practiced them enough and I want to continue practicing them.

But time doesn't allow it.

That's all for today. Get some rest. You need to get up early tomorrow morning.

Kitahara Hakuba's gaze swept over everyone, and he clasped his hands together as he spoke.

"I look forward to your performance tomorrow."

"Yes!"

The club members stood up one by one. Sakurako Yukawa, who was sitting in the front row, turned her head and looked at the departing members, unconsciously letting out a sigh.

Her three years of training in the Shenxu Wind Ensemble have finally come to an end.

"Why are you still sitting here? Your underwear is practically stuck to your butt." Sayaka Akamatsu walked over, put a hand on her shoulder and said with a smile.

Sakurako Yukawa, however, had no intention of joking with her; her face was full of reluctance and longing.

Sakurako felt a warm, itchy sensation in her chest; she knew she would never have the chance to experience something like this again.

A choked sob escaped from the girl with the three braids.

Akamatsu Sayaka looked on with a frustrated expression and said with a wry smile:

"Yo—!"

"I can do it myself!"

As the members left one by one, Kitahara Hakuba remained in the concert hall.

The score in front of him would give an ordinary person a headache if they just glanced at it, but he was extremely familiar with it.

Suddenly they told me not to watch it after tomorrow, and I don't know if I can get used to it.

Just as Kitahara Hakuba was feeling sentimental, someone gently tapped him on the shoulder.

He was startled and quickly turned his head to find Kanzaki Eri standing beside him. Her bow brooch was very beautiful, and her gray belt tied her waist perfectly.

The long dress concealed the lines of her legs, revealing only her slender ankles. Her white ankle socks matched those Nagase Tsukiyo wore today, featuring wavy lace.

No matter when, Eri Kanzaki's body always gave Hakuba Kitahara an overly delicate beauty.

"What's wrong? You'd better go and get some rest." He resumed his usual gentle smile.

Kanzaki Eri's eyes darted around, gazing at the densely packed score, and she pursed her lips, saying:

"nervous?"

"Well?"

Kitahara Hakuba paused for a moment, then closed the score, rested his hands on the conductor's podium, and said...

"This might be the last match, and I'm a little nervous, but Hyeri shouldn't tell anyone about this."

It must be kept secret.

Kanzaki Eri nodded, her movements stiff and rigid, standing perfectly straight as she suddenly began to sing:

"Though it is still faint now, the light has already been lit on the other side."

"The burning longing that echoes from afar, as if bound to you, takes flight and shines once more."

Kitahara Hakuba didn't understand, and just kept frowning and smiling.

Kanzaki Eri's fair cheeks were slightly flushed with a cherry blossom pink, and her fingers, hanging at her sides, gently touched her dress as she spoke:

"Does it sound good?"

Kitahara Hakuba took a deep breath. Eri's singing technique was unusually stiff, with an indescribable mechanical feel.

But then she came over and sang for him, and she was so cute, he couldn't bring himself to say, "Actually, your singing isn't very good."

"That sounds nice," Kitahara Hakuba said with a smile.

Upon hearing his words, Eri Kanzaki smiled serenely and said softly:

"Don't be nervous, I'm here."

Kitahara Hakuba paused for a moment, then looked at the doll-like girl before him with a look of tenderness on his face and said:

"Thank you, Eri."

Kanzaki Eri gently shook her head, the breath she exhaled from her throat sounding like a soft pant:

"I went to your floor last night."

"Huh?" Kitahara Hakuba didn't understand what she meant for a moment.

"It's past midnight, why is your room light still on?" Kanzaki Eri asked.

"My room light is still on?" Kitahara Hakuba was dumbfounded.

After returning from the room of the three-year-old girl last night, he started composing music again until a little after midnight.

"Is someone in your room? Or what?" Kanzaki Eri asked delicately, her lips drooping down, looking very aggrieved.

Kitahara Hakuba couldn't help but smile wryly:

"How could anyone be here? I was just working and lost track of time. Besides, what would you be doing here at that time?"

Hmm.

Kanzaki Eri didn't seem inclined to answer the question. Her eyes drooped slightly, then she raised her index fingers, interlaced them, and looked at him, saying...

"This is bad for your health. You need to get enough sleep. If you do too much, you will neglect your health and problems will arise in all aspects."

The girl's soft words touched Kitahara Hakuba, and a thought even welled up in his mind to hold her in his arms, let her sit on his lap, and cherish her fiercely.

"Thank you, I won't do it again next time," Kitahara Hakuba said with a relieved smile.

Seeing how obedient he was, Kanzaki Eri smiled and said:

"I will make sure you win the gold medal."

"Yes, I will also help you win the gold medal."

Listening to his words, Eri Kanzaki stared blankly at his face, then leaned down slightly.

Kitahara Hakuba didn't know what she was going to do, and even thought she was going to kiss him, so his body reacted instinctively by turning to the side.

"I can't live without you."

Her breathing was steady yet moist, causing Kitahara Hakuba's heart to tremble slightly with unease.