Soretomo laid on her back in the music room of Fuuhoka Academy. At her left hand was a cello, in her right hand her bow. She inhaled, taking in the soothing smell of rosin and old wood.

The sky was turning orange. She stood, picked up the cello and set it in a chair so the upper bout rest against her chest. Slowly, she pulled the bow across the C string letting the low tone fill the room. Then she played Star of the County Down.

When the song ended there was soft clapping from behind. Soretomo turned to see a girl with unruly, short red hair.

“Nicely done,” said the girl. “I was expecting you to play classical music, but… Star of the County Down was an unusual choice.”

“Thank you,” said Soretomo.

The girl smiled a bright and inviting smile. “Can I listen to you play again sometime?”

“Me,” asked Soretomo, “I’m not that good, really.”

“True,” said the girl, “But you’re terribly cute.”

The girl walked away. Soretomo adjusted her glasses as a blush started to form on her cheeks.

“She knew the song…”