Kaai Yuki sits at her desk in an empty classroom, doodling rabbits on a sheet of lined paper as children play outside the window. They kick a ball between each other, laughing.
Hiyama Kiyoteru, Yuki's teacher, enters the classroom looking for a spare pen and spots her in the corner.
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
In here once again, Yuki-chan?
How are you doing this morning, hm?
KAAI YUKI
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Not in a talkative mood today?
You know, you've been a great help. Always keeping this room absolutely spotless whenever you leave! The other students could stand to learn from you.
KAAI YUKI
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
No pressure, of course! I only mean... You don't have to keep picking up everyone's mess.
KAAI YUKI
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
I best be off. Please go outside, Yuki-chan, I cannot supervise you right now, nor can I leave you alone in the classroom by yourself...
KAAI YUKI
Yuki picks up the paper and pencil, running out of the classroom, doubtless going off to find another secluded place.
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
MEIKO
Kii~! Did you get that pen?
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Sakine-san!! How long- Were you following me?!
MEIKO
Hehe, no. I was sent to check up on you when you didn't come back to the breakroom.
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Sorry, yes... I was simply... sorting something out.
MEIKO
Oh?
Is everything alright?
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Just sorting out a student of mine. She struggles a lot with interacting with the other children...
MEIKO
That wouldn't happen to be little Kaai Yuki in the fourth grade, would it?
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
MEIKO
I've had a similar problem, trying to get her out of her shell. She never gets picked for any team...
I have no idea what to do here. I feel so terrible for her!
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
No child deserves to be excluded, especially one with such a big heart.
MEIKO
You know, she sort of reminds me of how KAITO-san described your high-school self, Kii... Shy and unpopular, but a super sweet guy.
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
KAITO has been talking about me?!
MEIKO
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
MEIKO
So, what changed? How did YOU make friends and gain your confidence, Kii? Maybe you could offer her advice.
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Me? I... Well, partially, it was thanks to my best friend, Akito...
But, the thing that really helped me from becoming a recluse was my passion for music and my participation in my father's church.
MEIKO
Oh, that's right! You're a singer, aren't you?
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
MEIKO
Maybe try speaking to her about that.
After all, when you can't find the way to say something, sometimes what you can do is sing, hmm?
KAITO
Good morning, Sakine-san! Hello, Teru!
MEIKO
KAITO-san!! Hello, er- Have-
How's- You-
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
MEIKO
MEIKO
Oh my goodness, that was so rude!!
I have no idea what happened there.
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
I'll leave you to work that out, then...
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Meanwhile, thank you so much for your advice. I'll talk to Yuki about potentially joining the school's choir.
Teru had a talk with Yuki later that day, talking to her about the choir and suggesting that she join. Yuki agrees, not wanting to let down her favourite teacher. Besides, the idea of finding a new hobby and making friends was a very exciting one...
However, the first meeting got off to a rough start...
STUDENT A
(Jeez, why is that girl here...?)
STUDENT B
(She's so creepy. I heard she's secretly a ghost haunting the school.)
STUDENT A
KAAI YUKI
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Now, now, students... Let's be nice...
KAAI YUKI
KAAI YUKI
I'm sorry.
...
...Do I need to go?
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Yuki... No. Of course not.
I understand if you would like to go, but...
KAAI YUKI
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
I see!! Well, wait no longer!
Teru had requested to fill in for the choir director (the school's music teacher) for the day, but before he could teach the club, he had something he needed to do...
He ducked into a nearby changing room, grabbing the clothes he had prepared and changing into them. When he arrived back in the music hall, even his usual proper mannerisms were replaced with the look of a certified rock star!
ICE MOUNTAIN TERU
ARE YOU KIDS READY TO SING YOUR HEARTS OUT?
KAAI YUKI
ICE MOUNTAIN TERU
(... Sorry if my yelling startled any of you.)
STUDENT C
(Is that really Hiyama-Sensei...? He looks and sounds so different.)
ICE MOUNTAIN TERU
Usually, I'd have my glasses off, but I need them to read the sheet music, LOL.
ICE MOUNTAIN TERU
Now everyone get those boring, complicated sheets we provided you with today 'n' rip 'em into a hundred pieces! We're gonna be doing things MY way, alright?
We're gonna be singing nothing but peaceful, beginner-friendly ballads, y'hear?
STUDENTS
As the lesson went on, Yuki's voice rose as she sung along, her voice hauntingly beautiful. She had a real talent, a soft, spooky sound to her voice that gave her classmates shivers, but not in a bad way this time. Her eyes lit up, rocking back and forth on her heels as she swayed slightly to the music.
The next day, Yuki approached Kiyoteru during break.
KAAI YUKI
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
Hello there, Yuki-chan! Did you enjoy singing?
KAAI YUKI
KAAI YUKI
...I would like to sing with people again...
HIYAMA KIYOTERU
That's wonderful news.
I'm sure you'll find good friends through music, just like I did. You have a real talent, you know.
KAAI YUKI
Yuki walked out of the classroom, no doubt to go and practice with another girl from her choir.