[ Kaede makes sure he's comfortable before she sits down on the piano bench and starts to play. She plays lightly, the notes soft and soothing. Even as she approaches the crescendos, her playing still remains dreamlike. ]
[He's surprised when the music starts- he did not know that Kaede could play so well! It's truly impressive! Ishida listens, practically entranced, as her fingers almost glide across the keys.
There's just something really soothing about the song as well. Ishida finds himself relaxing, letting his messenger bag fall to the ground. Even after she's stopped, it takes a moment for him to respond.
But once he snaps out of it, he begins to clap.]
T-that was splendid, Kaede! I didn't know that you could play the piano!
[Talent...? It takes him a moment, but recognition immediately crosses his face. S-so she figured it out...!]
Your Super High School Level title... the Pianist?! [If she didn't know how to play until earlier this month, it certainly seems to be the case! She's already playing on a professional level!]
T-that's great news! I'm so happy for you! That's a really neat talent to have!
[Ishida will one day figure out how to show support without yelling it.]
Studies show that it can not only help you with studying, but improve mental health! It's a great way to relieve stress! Your playing just now helped me to relax, hahaha!
I'm glad to hear that! I actually picked out a song that I thought would relax you since I know everything has been really tough. It relaxed me when I first played it so I thought it might do the same thing for you!
[The thought almost brings tears to his eyes. He has been rather stressed out lately and it looks like his classmate noticed. The thought would normally cause him even more stress, but he's learning to be open about certain things again, at least with a couple students here. Kaede is one of them.]
[As she starts playing a new song, Ishida rubs his eyes a couple more times, but he's starting to look better now at least. He's honestly entranced by the melody and how her hands are masterfully playing each key without any mistakes. So, is this truly what it means to be the SHSL of something...?
And he was a SHSL as well... so he could have a talent that's like this.
Even if he's still uncertain about the sort of person his past self was, it doesn't matter as long as he can use his talent for good. Maybe he'll have a talent that can make Kaede happy or inspire her, just like she's done for him.]
[Ishida, in turn, only smiles encouragingly at her.]
Even if you didn't play well, I'd still listen! [Because then he can help her out in some way! Maybe at least... nonetheless!] But I'm wondering... are you going to join any clubs or play at events now because of your talent?
Playing in a group builds bonds! Learning how to synchronize together so that the music sounds correct... it's difficult, but rewarding I imagine!
[He doesn't plan on playing an instrument, but Ishida can still appreciate all of the hard work that goes into performances.]
If you're nervous... would it help if I attended your performances? I might not be able to play an instrument, but I can still be there for you, Kaede!
[A small flush begins to cover his cheeks. He's still not fully used to his presence actually being wanted outside of school and volunteer work, even though he's been with Kaede plenty of times now. Not to mention, the other students that came from their world...
Ngh, don't start crying again, Ishida!!]
I-I'm glad my presence is one of comfort and not anxiety! I-I'll even bring a sign to cheer you on!!
A sign might be hard for me to see, but I appreciate it!
[ She'll probably be so focused on the piano, she might not even think about it. Still... knowing he would do all of that to make her feel better warms her heart. ]
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But he doesn't ask her again what's happening, figuring that Kaede will reveal the surprise soon.]
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There's just something really soothing about the song as well. Ishida finds himself relaxing, letting his messenger bag fall to the ground. Even after she's stopped, it takes a moment for him to respond.
But once he snaps out of it, he begins to clap.]
T-that was splendid, Kaede! I didn't know that you could play the piano!
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Thanks! I didn't know I could play so well until earlier this month, actually. I think this is my talent.
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Your Super High School Level title... the Pianist?! [If she didn't know how to play until earlier this month, it certainly seems to be the case! She's already playing on a professional level!]
T-that's great news! I'm so happy for you! That's a really neat talent to have!
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[ She smiles again. ]
I was a little disappointed at first, since I wanted something a little more helpful. I'm sure I can find ways to help others with this talent though.
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[Ishida will one day figure out how to show support without yelling it.]
Studies show that it can not only help you with studying, but improve mental health! It's a great way to relieve stress! Your playing just now helped me to relax, hahaha!
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I'm glad to hear that! I actually picked out a song that I thought would relax you since I know everything has been really tough. It relaxed me when I first played it so I thought it might do the same thing for you!
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R-really?! You picked out a song for my sake?!
[The thought almost brings tears to his eyes. He has been rather stressed out lately and it looks like his classmate noticed. The thought would normally cause him even more stress, but he's learning to be open about certain things again, at least with a couple students here. Kaede is one of them.]
You're truly kind, thank you...
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[ The moment she started playing it a couple of weeks ago she knew immediately it would suit him. ]
You don't have to thank me though. You're a good friend, after all! I want to do all I can to help out.
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[His eyes water and Ishida hastily wipes them, although it's obvious that he's crying a little.]
I-I want to! Y-you're a great friend, Kaede! [His voice probably rings through the room.] I'm really lucky...
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[ She smiles before glancing over at him and realizing he's crying. She stands up, walking over to him. ]
Ah, I didn't mean to make you cry!
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I-it's not your fault! Well, it is, but in a good way! Ngh, I'm sorry Kaede...
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[ She's not sure what to do though. ]
Should I play another song or something?
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If you want to! I'd be happy to hear another song from you!
[Even if her talent belonged to her past self, it's still amazing-- and so is Kaede.]
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[ And she moves into another song, a little more chaotic than the first one but still somewhat relaxing. ]
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And he was a SHSL as well... so he could have a talent that's like this.
Even if he's still uncertain about the sort of person his past self was, it doesn't matter as long as he can use his talent for good. Maybe he'll have a talent that can make Kaede happy or inspire her, just like she's done for him.]
T-that was amazing as well, Kaede!
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Thank you! I'm glad you liked my playing enough to want another song.
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Even if you didn't play well, I'd still listen! [Because then he can help her out in some way! Maybe at least... nonetheless!] But I'm wondering... are you going to join any clubs or play at events now because of your talent?
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I've thought about it. It'd be fun to play with other people, I think. But I'm a little nervous about performing... I've never done that before.
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[He doesn't plan on playing an instrument, but Ishida can still appreciate all of the hard work that goes into performances.]
If you're nervous... would it help if I attended your performances? I might not be able to play an instrument, but I can still be there for you, Kaede!
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I would like that a lot! I'll make sure to remind myself that you're there when I get nervous.
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Ngh, don't start crying again, Ishida!!]
I-I'm glad my presence is one of comfort and not anxiety! I-I'll even bring a sign to cheer you on!!
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[ She'll probably be so focused on the piano, she might not even think about it. Still... knowing he would do all of that to make her feel better warms her heart. ]
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[Maybe some flowers-- what is he thinking!! Would Kaede even want flowers from him? It's best if he brings something that would physically help!]
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