They are really too low!

“No,” Hoshino said seriously, “because I can’t play.”

"Huh?" The girl thought she had misheard. She had brought a guitar with her when she went out, but then said she couldn't play it. How strange!

"No one says a guitarist has to play the guitar, right?" Hoshino shrugged. "Even if I'm carrying a guitar, what if I'm a bassist?"

"What's the difference between a guitar and a bass?" The girl didn't quite understand; in her opinion, they were pretty much the same.

"It's different. A band can do without a bass, but it must have a guitar, which is why I brought my guitar with me." Hoshino started talking nonsense.

"That seems to make sense," the girl nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Are you a bassist?

"No."

"..."

The girl fell silent; she realized she had been tricked.

"Today is my first time learning guitar." Hoshino smiled. "I can only play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' for now, but you can listen if you want."

The girl shook her head; she didn't want to listen, it sounded so unreliable.

However, she noticed Hoshino's previous statement.

Do you have your own band?

Upon seeing Hoshino's denial, the girl displayed a complex expression.

Hoshino noticed her expression, but considering that she wouldn't even say her name, he quickly changed the subject.

Were you picking up flower petals just now?

"Yes, a lot of cherry blossoms died today." The girl nodded, her eyes looking at the petals drifting in the wind not far away, revealing a hint of sadness. "So beautiful, yet they can only exist for a moment."

Hoshino blinked. So there's such a poetic way to describe blooming flowers?

The girl didn't notice Hoshino's gaze. She silently put the stone into her pocket, intending to say goodbye.

"The cherry blossom season is indeed very short, but even though so many have died today, they will continue to bloom next year. If you want, you can see this moment for a lifetime."

Hoshino had already stood up. He looked at the cherry blossom trees around him, gently stretched out his hand, and a petal quietly fell into his palm.

"This is for you." Hoshino placed the cherry blossom on the girl's head, looking quite pleased. "Next time you can try something simpler; not all petals will fly away."

The girl stared blankly at him, but Hoshino simply smiled slightly and then turned and left.

By the time the girl finally realized what was happening and removed the petals from her head, Hoshino was already gone, leaving only the lingering fragrance of the flowers on her fingers.

Hoshino Mi, a student of Toyonosaki?

The girl pursed her lips; it seemed she had forgotten to tell Hoshino what her name was.

……

Hoshino was squatting under the overpass.

Damn it, why didn't I call him back?

When he uttered such a poetic line, shouldn't the other person be deeply moved, stop him in his tracks, and say their name with great emotion?

Why did I just watch him leave the whole time?

Hoshino felt a little depressed, so he could only pretend not to care. Even if the other person was a target for his pursuit, he didn't need another one.

Since things had come to this, Hoshino continued to take a detour to the convenience store, bought the pudding they had agreed on beforehand, and also brought back a lot of Kasugano Sora's favorite snacks.

Hoshino returned to her familiar home and saw her younger sister lying on the sofa, her two fair and tender legs draped over the armrests. She was barefoot, her bare feet swaying occasionally as she played games.

"I'm back," Hoshino reminded him.

"Yes, you're back." Kasugano Sora's voice was calm, her eyes fixed on the game screen.

“Here’s your pudding and snacks.” Hoshino deliberately shook the bag.

Kasugano Sora finally turned her gaze to him, first noticing that he was carrying a bag full of snacks. Although she didn't say anything, she gave a soft hum, which was a reluctant acceptance of his apology.

However, she soon noticed that Hoshino was carrying a guitar bag and immediately looked at her with suspicion.

"What did you bring back?" Kasugano Sora immediately sat up straight. She was wearing a dress today, the hem of which touched her knees. Her two slender and shapely legs were so white and tender that it was hard to look away. The young girl's body, which was just beginning to develop, always had a delicate and charming softness.

"The guitar was a gift from a friend," Hoshino said softly. He didn't know what he was guilty about, but he just felt guilty.

"Who sent it?" Kasugano Sora raised her voice slightly, then curled her lips as if she didn't care. "Whatever, it's none of my business. It's always the same."

This younger sister is being difficult; she's always been the queen of jealousy.

Hoshino placed the snacks on the table next to her, walked up to Kasugano Sora, gently hugged her, and stroked her head.

"Are you angry?" Hoshino hugged the girl's slender waist. Her waist was light and graceful, and she was like a soft and cuddly little bunny. She had grown into such a cute girl, but she would get angry and jealous at her brother's every move.

Kasugano Sora pressed against his chest without saying a word, but let out a muffled groan through her nose to express her dissatisfaction. Of course she was angry; he had such a cute little sister, yet he went out and flirted with girls every day.

She doesn't need Hoshino Mi to go out and find her a sister-in-law. If Hoshino Mi needs one, she can fulfill that request!

Chapter Thirty-One: After the Antics, They'll Be Cute Again

"Because I went out with other people and didn't bring my dearest little sister?"

Hoshino put his guitar aside and, seeing that Kasugano Sora was reluctant to come closer, simply moved closer and took the initiative to put his arm around her slender waist.

"Who is your dearest sister?" Kasugano Sora pushed the shameless guy away, her cheeks slightly flushed. "We're not blood-related siblings. Who you go out with is none of my business."

She seemed unable to push him away, and half-heartedly let Hoshino hold her in his arms.

“It’s a big deal. I don’t like seeing Sora looking angry, even though she’s cute when she’s angry.” Hoshino grabbed her wildly waving little hand and forcefully pressed it down, his face almost touching her neck.

"How disgusting, you smell of sweat." Kasugano Sora turned her pretty face to the other side, trying to get away from Hoshino Mi, her expression full of disgust.

"Okay, I'll disgust you to death." Hoshino hugged her tightly. The girl's body was small and soft, with a pleasant virgin fragrance, which made Hoshino unable to resist moving even closer.

The warm breath from his breath sprayed onto her fair and smooth neck, giving her skin a faint pinkish hue. Her chest heaved slightly; the man's scent was so intense that she could hardly bear it.

Kasugano Sora glared at him fiercely, but Hoshino Mi acted as if he didn't see it and continued to hug her slender waist.

“I saw early cherry blossoms on the street today,” Hoshino said. “By the time I start school, there should be cherry blossoms blooming near the school as well.”

Kasugano Sora snorted lightly. What did cherry blossoms have to do with her? There was a season like this every year; it wasn't like she hadn't seen them before.

“This guitar doesn’t belong to Toyokawa-kun; it was a gift from another friend. I’ll be learning to play the guitar from now on,” Hoshino Mi continued.

"Why would you want to learn guitar?" Kasugano Sora couldn't help but ask. "Didn't you say before that you wouldn't become an idol with Mana?"

"Idols can't date, so what's the point of being an idol?" Hoshino chuckled. "Can't I learn another skill?"

Kasugano Sora slowly turned her head, letting out a soft hum. If idols could date, he would become an idol, right?

"Are you a little pig? You always grunt and whine when you're angry." Hoshino found it a bit funny and reached out to press her nose.

"Don't touch me!" Kasugano Sora angrily slapped his hand away. This guy was really annoying. How could he compare a girl to a little pig? Did he mean she was stupid?

"Okay, I won't touch you." Hoshino paused, "But holding you is okay, right?"

Of course, that's not allowed either. Every time he speaks, his uniquely male breath blows onto Kasugano Sora's neck and cheeks, making them feel hot and itchy.

However, his embrace was so comfortable that Kasugano Sora didn't want to move. She couldn't help but want to get even closer to him, pressing her soft, cuddly little bunny against him, as if she could melt into his heart.

Kasugano Sora knew she shouldn't be like this; she should be angry. But Hoshino Mi was holding her like this not because she didn't want to struggle, nor because she was infatuated with Hoshino Mi, but simply because Hoshino Mi was too forceful and she couldn't break free.

Hoshino had already noticed that the girl's attitude had softened somewhat, and said softly, "It was wrong of me to bring Toyokawa-san home yesterday, and it was also wrong of me to go out with him today. I have deeply reflected on my actions. Can you forgive me?"

Kasugano Sora was still a little sullen. He thought he could make her happy with just a hug, but even with the snacks he had specially bought, it wouldn't be enough.

This spring break was supposed to be a time for her and Hoshino to be alone together. It was even rare that Eriri didn't come over. With such a good girl like her by her side, why would Hoshino go out?

However, Kasugano Sora felt embarrassed to continue being angry. She was just going out for a short while and she was already throwing a tantrum. Was there any girl in the world as troublesome as her?

What if Hoshino finds her too troublesome? Wouldn't that just mean Hoshino would have to spank her little bottom?

Kasugano Sora hesitated, wanting to back down as well, but then she heard Hoshino Mi continue speaking.

"However, I feel that Qiong also has some faults."

Kasugano Sora stared at him in disbelief, her face flushed with anger. She had finally decided to forgive him, but then she heard those words!

"What did I do wrong?" Kasugano Sora practically spat out each word. If he couldn't give a decent reason, someone would be dead tonight!

"I brought this huge guitar back, and now, Qiong hasn't even thought of listening to me play it once. Isn't that Qiong's fault?"

Hoshino pointed confidently at his guitar, while Kasugano Sora looked at him and then at his guitar.

In an instant, Kasugano Sora realized that she shouldn't get angry with this kind of person; it would be too easy for her to get angry herself.

"Idiot." Kasugano Sora had intended to use a particularly cold tone, but after saying it, she found herself unable to suppress a smile, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. "It was my fault, okay? Now can you play for me?"

Hoshino immediately released Kasugano Sora, then took out his guitar, paused for a moment, and then solemnly began to play his "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".

Kasugano Sora's eyes sparkled, but her smile grew wider. She rested her hands on the sofa, turned her pretty face slightly to the side, her long hair falling to her chest, and looked at Hoshino Mi with her eyes crinkling.

Although Hoshino wanted to play it longer, the melody of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" was too simple, and it ended quickly.

"Is this all?" Kasugano Sora suppressed her laughter, her eyes full of teasing.

"I'm just starting out," Hoshino said, feeling a little embarrassed. "But if you want to hear other pieces, I can play a few now."

"No need, actually I think it sounds really good. You looked so cool playing just now, brother. You'll definitely be the best guitarist in the future." Kasugano Sora stretched out her hands and hugged Hoshino Mi's arm, as if coaxing a child eager to take credit, and looked at Hoshino Mi with a grin. "I'll be your biggest fangirl from now on, and I want to hear you play the guitar every day!"

The girl's soft bunny-like body pressed against him, and Hoshino found it hard to ignore the sensation, feeling a strange unease within him.

"Don't lie to me, you've been laughing the whole time." Hoshino noticed that the girl would hug him even tighter with the slightest movement, unlike when he had just put his arm around her slender waist. He could feel the softness in her arms.

"I'm not lying." Kasugano Sora was still smiling. "My brother is so lovable like this."

Hoshino took a deep breath and then flicked her forehead with her finger.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Just Practicing Guitar

Kasugano Sora covered her forehead, pouting slightly in dissatisfaction. "It's no big deal to make her smile. You're being too stingy."

"I've already bought the pudding I owed you yesterday," Hoshino said sternly. "Also, you're not allowed to stay up late playing on your phone while eating snacks."

Kasugano Sora loves junk food. If Hoshino Mi isn't home, she'll eat iced cola and potato chips for every meal.

In particular, Hoshino Mi had previously bought some spicy snacks online from a certain major Eastern country, and after Kasugano Sora tried them, she immediately added them to her diet.

"Mind your own business." Kasugano Sora blushed slightly; she wouldn't eat snacks when she stayed up late at night.

Girls have better things to eat at night. Kasugano Sora secretly glanced at Hoshino Mi's face, feeling a little smug. When she realized he really hadn't noticed, she felt a little annoyed and angry.

Hoshino took her guitar and went back to the study upstairs. The bedding had been put away, and there was no trace of Toyokawa Shoko's presence there the night before.

The music theory book and sheet music that I had deliberately placed here last night were still on the table. Hoshino sat down, picked up the guitar, and, recalling the fingering techniques I had seen Wakaba Mutsumi use today, tried playing a few notes.

There are many ways to play the guitar. In addition to the commonly known finger playing, there are also pick playing and mixed playing techniques.

A highly skilled guitarist might have learned special playing techniques, such as sliding a metal or glass tube over their fingers to play.

Because the two hands are different, the right hand and the left hand also have different playing techniques.

Of course, Hoshino doesn't need any special playing techniques right now.

Ruoye Muku told him that beginners should first learn how to hold the violin correctly, and not imitate her way of playing. Rather than imitating, they should first find a posture that suits them.

After learning the correct posture, the next step is to learn basic chords, followed by arpeggios and strumming.

Once Hoshino is familiar with finger playing, she will continue to teach her how to play with a pick, including techniques such as string pull-off, glissando, muting, and arpeggios.

Although this young teacher doesn't talk much, Hoshino felt that she had a clear understanding of the students' learning path. Could it be that she was just copying her previous learning methods?

Hoshino checked his phone; Wakaba Mutsu had sent him several tablature sheets, which were the pieces he would be practicing next.

Today's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is simply to familiarize Hoshino with the guitar. It's not difficult at all. Every beginner has learned a similar piece. It's like a baby bus.

Hoshino played the music for a while, and as she played, a very novel feeling flashed through her mind.

He had been exposed to music before, but never with such clarity. It was as if the sheet music, which had previously appeared as a mosaic in his eyes, was now revealing a blurry picture.

Although it's just a blurry image, it's far better than a pixelated one.

When he was imitating Wakaba Mutsu, Hoshino Mi had a vague idea.

The effect of "music theory" may not only be to provide basic music theory knowledge, but may also increase his musical talent and potential.

Regarding his "writing" back then, Hoshino now suspects that if he continues to improve, he might develop something like perfect pitch.