Second Arc: Thirteenth Chapter

The days slipped by before I knew it, and at last we were into the end-of-term exams.

The exam period ran a week. The first half covered the written subjects — history, literature and the like — and the second half the practical ones, music and dance.

I'll let you in on a secret: I'm good at the book subjects, so the first half was a breeze. When I was little, about all I could do was sit and read. Why? Because I was fat!

Dance and music, on the other hand — things I'd had almost nothing to do with in my past life — gave me real trouble. I'm hopelessly clumsy, so it took me more effort than everyone else just to reach average. And even now, when I think I've gotten there, I can't shake the sense that those two are my weak spots.

"Haah… I'm so nervous…"

Today was the day of the dance exam. I was up next. But as luck would have it, my partner was Georg.

I'd assumed the dance pairs were assigned starting from the top students, so I was startled when they were announced. Georg is top-class at dancing, and I'd figured he'd never be paired with someone middling like me.

"No need to be so nervous," said Georg. "Even if you slip up, I'll cover for you."

He gave my nervous hand a firm squeeze, and I felt a little better.

"Thank you. …But I'll do my best not to let it come to that."

Just as I smiled back at him, our turn came.

We stepped out to the middle of the hall, matched our breathing, and began to dance.

Georg's lead was as skilled as I'd expected. A natural athlete, maybe — his footwork was sure, his movements sharp. We'd danced together a few times in practice, so I felt at ease, and I got through it without a single mistake.

I'll be fine to the end at this rate… but my relief was short-lived.

"Looking good," said Georg. "All right — let's pick up the tempo a bit."

"What?! W-wait, wai—"

Getting carried away, he started adding flourishes to the steps. I scrambled to keep up in a panic, but he wouldn't stop. His steps only got faster.

Maybe caught up in it too, the teacher at the piano began embellishing as well.

Oh, oh-oh-ah, ohhhh-ahhhhhh!

Screaming on the inside, I worked my feet for all I was worth.

Led by Georg — a dazzling turn! Then more steps! The piano swelling! Georg spinning, for some reason! Wait — what am I supposed to do?! And then the stirring finale…!

As the wildly climbing piano crashed to its dramatic end, Georg prompted me into the final bow — and by then I was gasping for breath.

"Splendid! Simply splendid! I'm moved to tears!"

The dance teacher's voice brimmed over, and the students sent up a great round of applause for us. Wheezing away, I shot a glare at Georg beside me, who wore a satisfied look as he acknowledged the clapping.

Look what you've done! I thought I was going to die!

"Wha… t… the… cough, cough—"

I wanted to complain, but I was too winded to get the words out.

"What's that? Yeah — that was fun, huh!"

You're the only one—!!

I made up my mind then and there: no snack for Georg today.