I took a cab back to the Music hall. There is no way in hell I’m walking back. The sun might literally melt my face off. Like seriously; don’t underestimate the heat. The ride was quiet and quick, unlike most of this day. The cab stopped at the entrance of the Hall and I paid him accordingly. It wasn't cheap but it's better than getting my face melted off. 

"Thanks for the ride," I said to the driver.

"My pleasure," he said as he took off.

Well, i guess it's time. Better find that son of a bitch.  Once i had entered the Hall, i pulled out my phone and called him. After some time passed, he finally decided to pick up.

"It's rare for you to call me. What do you want?" He asked 

"Always straight to the point, huh?" I muttered. "Anyways, where are you at? I need to talk to you about something,"

"Well, I'm currently still at one of the lounges here. I believe it's next to the main hall. The food here is quite de-,"

Now knowing his location, i quickly hang-up. While walking to the lounge, I bumped into someone i didn't really want to bump into. Urahara Daisuke, Fellow semifinalist of the competition, and someone I’ve been always slightly behind in terms of skills for a long time. 

"If it isn't Miyazaki-san, your performance was quite something, hmm? But of course, I'm still ahead of you,"

"Urahara-san, I think you're mistaken. My performance was better and I will advance to the finals,"

"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait for the results. But, you know, the last time you had beaten me was years ago,"

"Is that so? Then i guess today will be the day I finally caught up to you, huh?"

"Haha, Man, have you always been this funny? Anyways, I'm going to this restaurant to celebrate my advancement to the finals. Wanna come celebrate?" He asked, showing a sly grin

"I'm afraid that I can't. I have an interview in a couple of minutes. It would be rude of me to be late, hmm? Sorry Urahara-san," I said and walked passed him.

"Always so busy, huh? No fun at all. Anyways, don't forget to praise me in your interview, haha," he left my presence

Talking to him is always so tiring. Whenever I'm in his presence, there's always this huge aura of pure arrogance he carries. But if I were put in his shoes, maybe I'd also be that arrogant. I mean, who wouldn't? Hailed as the Top prodigy of a new era, the next Chopin, once in a hundred years prodigy, with all those exaggerated titles, who wouldn't be so arrogant? 

I now stood in front of the lounge my father is in. Well, here goes nothing, then. With a deep breath, I entered the lounge. Dozens of people are chatting about as they enjoy the many delicacies served. For a simply lounge, it is quite extravagant. You'd expect nothing else from the VIP lounge of the world renowned Towa Music Hall. I scanned the room and saw my father chatting with a man of similar age to him, both of them with greying hair and wearing black suits. The only huge difference is their height, the other man with a noticeable taller build.

I quickly approached them. My father, who noticed my presence, quickly decided to start a conversation.

"So you finally decided to come, son. I was just catching up with my old friend from university, Wasuda-san," he said in his usual calm demeanor

"It's always pleasure to meet such a talented, young musician," He greeted and pulled out his hands.

'Likewise, Wasuda-san. It's a pleasure to meet an old friend of my father," I shook his hands.

"Haha, such good manners!  So unlike my own son. What's your secret, Hayato?"

"Haha, I wonder myself what I did to have such a great son," My father replied

Their laughter grew louder and louder and more annoying in my ears. The food that was served were indeed very appetizing but my stomach was already filled with gourmet food and ice creams. It's a damn shame that my stomach could only handle a little bit of food, because I’m really tempted at eating the food here. After a while of small-talks, and catching up, I got to the point of my visitation.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Anyways, Father. I need to talk to you about something,"

"Oh, sounds like something serious, i better butt out then," Wasuda said as he left and mingled with the other VIP'S

"What is it?" he asked.

"Outside, more privately," I simply said

"Fine. Show the way then," He replied nonchalantly

I led him to a more deserted place in the hall, and stopped.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" His demeanor became colder. Fake bastard.

"Tell me honestly, Old man. Is my playing good enough? Scratch that, Do you think it's up to par to your standards?"

A chillingly long pause took place as I waited for his answer. I put my everything into that performance. It was perfect. If this bastard dare try to mock my playing again, then I’m killing him myself.

"And here I thought you had joined the yakuza with that hardened face of yours," He sighs in a exaggerated manor.

"And to answer your questions, although it’s good enough for your age, it’s still far below my standards. Hell, even that Cheeky Urahara brat is better than you. He will probably proceed to the finals with Minami, or whatever her name was," He said with a tone that implies he couldn't care less. "I'm off then. I have to catch a plane by 5pm. Take care, son."

As he was about to leave, I grabbed him by the shoulders, squeezing it tightly. My blood at this point is boiling with pure anger. "Is that all you have to fucking say?! You've always been like this, so vague and cold. If I’m too below your standards then tell me what I'm lacking! i put my all into that performance, and you dismissed it so fucking easily!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, ignoring the staring passerby’s. I let go of his now wrinkled suit and stared at him with eyes that hopefully convey my convictions to this cold man.

He stared at me for a while before speaking."Shesh, with that foul mouth of yours, I wouldn't be surprised if you actually had join the Yakuza. You take after your mother so much, huh?" He paused and stared at me, as if reminiscing on the long, distant past. I was about to cut in but he soon spoke again. “Why isn't your skill up to par, you ask? Even a blind man could know by just hearing you’re playing. Too rigid, sometimes the tempo is just off, you should make the piece your own but you sound too much like a boring imitator. Should I list more flaws? You won't advance to the finals with your current skill level," 

"Dammit, you'll fucking see! I'm gonna' win this whole competition!" I said and took off, not wanting to make a larger fuss and I couldn't last another second without punching that bastard in the face.

Only an hour left before the announcement on who passes to the finals of the competition. I'm going to prove him wrong. I will come out on top of this competition! I sat myself down near the announcement area and closed my eyes. I tried cooling down my immense anger but it seems like it won't budge even a bit. Now I'm certain that the only way this anger of mine will fade is when my name is announced to advance to the finals. So i waited in silence, not really in the mood to do anything at all. Two people came by as I waited in silence, and I know who they were. Fellow semifinalist Minami Kaede and Osamu Shinohara.

"Hello, Miyazaki-san. Are you waiting for the announcement too?" Minami asked

"Haha, Of course I am. Wouldn't want to miss it, Huh?"

"You seem really tense. Take it easy, man. No point in getting too stressed out," Osamu said.

"Easy for you to say, Osamu-san. You're definitely going to pass to the finals with that fantastic performance of yours,"

"Heh. At the very least I've beaten Kaede over there," he chuckled.

"Like hell you did!"

"Don't mind her, Miyazaki-san. She bet five thousand yen that I'll lose, so she's still in denial,"

"You're such an asshole,"

"Hahaha, How'd you figure that out?"  Osamu mocked

"You don't mind us sitting next to you, Miyazaki-san?" Minami gave up on retorting.

"Sure, sit down." I chuckled. You know, they remind me of a certain pair that's always arguing all the time.

An hour that passed felt like a century, but now it’s time. Time to rise above and topple the world! Dozens of reporters gather around and in the center was Me, Urahara Daisuke, Minami Kaede, Osamu Shinohara. The four semifinalist waited eagerly for our names to be called. The silence was tense and terrifying. Our career as musicians are on the line here. We don't need words to convey how we feel, everyone could see it in our eyes. As we waited for the announcement, we only have one thought; WE WANT TO WIN!

Finally, the representative of the judge came with the announcement.

"Good evening, everyone," He said with a deep voice. “This has been a long day for all of us, and I know you're all eager to hear who we thought deserves to pass on to the finals. Now without further ado, Here are the names of the finalist! First, the one who displayed such raw, pure talent, Urahara Daisuke!" I could see Urahara's face elate as his name was announced, and the face of the other semifinalist grew more desperate and so do I

Come on, come on, Please Just call my name! 

"Second, the one who displayed such skillful command over the piano, Minami Kaede!"

What?...I didn't pass? That old bastard was right? What the hell? What the hell? I expected to win but now I’m so pissed off that i might burn this whole hall down. WHY AM I ALWAYS NOT GOOD ENOUGH?!

"Congratulations on your victory, Minami-san. You deserved it,"  I said mindlessly

"Thanks you and sorry for your loss, MIyazaki-san. Better luck next time," 

"It's fine,"

Miyazaki-san...I hate that name. I feel suffocated here. Thank god the reporters only care about the finalist. I rushed out of the Hall with this feeling of complete hopelessness. What am I supposed to do now? I don't know. For the first time in a while, I'm completely fucking lost. So, I ran. I ran, and ran and ran. Until I arrive at a location where I feel...safe.