Chapter 5 — "Strings Attached"

The soft patter of rain tapped against the tall windows lining the quiet corridor.

Afternoon shadows stretched along the floor, pale and thin like threads pulling at Yuki’s steps as she walked, hands buried deep into the pockets of her cardigan.

The worn stick of a lollipop rested between her lips, shifting slightly as she chewed it without much thought.

Her footsteps echoed gently, the only sound besides the distant whisper of rain.

What a pain… she thought lazily, glancing sideways at the window, droplets racing each other down the glass.

But I guess it’s better than sitting around in that boring classroom…

As she reached the music club room, Yuki paused without touching the door.

From inside came a sound — soft, steady, familiar.

A violin’s song filled the space beyond the door, sweet and clear, weaving smoothly between the walls like thread through fabric.

Fiiiiiinnnn…

Her head tilted slightly. She knew that sound. Knew the perfect pull of the bow against the strings. Knew the quiet confidence wrapped in every note.

"...Still showing off, huh?" she muttered softly, the corner of her mouth twitching upward — not quite a smile, but something close.

With a quiet creak, she pushed the door open.

The music welcomed her like an old habit. The clubroom was empty of students, chairs tucked neatly under desks, the faint scent of wood and resin hanging in the air. At the center stood her — the 3rd-year Student Council President — dressed crisply as ever in her neat uniform, hair tucked behind one ear as her bow slid gracefully across the strings.

Her eyes were closed. Her body moved in gentle rhythm, the violin resting lovingly against her shoulder as if it belonged there.

Yuki leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, expression unreadable.

The melody wound itself to a slow, perfect end. With one last gentle breath, the President drew the bow away, lowering the violin from her chin. Her eyes opened, warm and knowing as they landed on Yuki.

A small smile touched her lips.

"What do you think?" she asked softly, voice carrying easily in the quiet room. "I practiced really hard... for you."

Yuki sighed, chewing the lollipop stick.

"Tch… still trying to impress me, huh?" she muttered, trying to sound bored — but the smallest flicker of amusement touched her eyes.

The President laughed softly — that familiar sound Yuki remembered too well — and stepped closer, the violin now resting loosely at her side.

"Maybe... but you came anyway. Even in this rain."

Yuki shifted her gaze away, pretending interest in the floor tiles. The faintest heat crept into her face, hidden by the way her hair fell slightly over her eyes.

"...I was bored. That’s all," she grumbled.

The President carefully set her violin on the chair beside her and leaned casually against the desk, arms crossing. Her gaze lingered on Yuki, playful but steady — holding something more serious beneath the surface.

"Still pretending you don’t care. Same old Yuki."

Yuki clicked her tongue, pushing off the door frame and crossing the room to perch lightly on the windowsill. She stared out at the wet glass, arms folded, back turned.

"...Why’d you call me here anyway?" she muttered.

The President didn’t answer immediately.

When Yuki glanced sideways, she saw that quiet, knowing smile again — the one that said the President always knew exactly how far she could pull the strings between them.

"Maybe I missed you," the girl said softly. "Is that such a crime?"

The rain continued to fall gently, whispering against the glass.

Yuki didn’t answer.

But she didn’t leave, either.

In that quiet space — filled with music and words left unspoken — the thin thread between them pulled a little tighter.

And neither of them broke it.

...---END OF CHAPTER 5---...

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