"Kosei's return to the stage as Kaori's accompanist was a complete disaster. He couldn't hear the music, he lost track of the tempo, and they stopped and restarted the piece. But it did accomplish one thing: It reminded him the trill of playing for an eager audience. Now Kaori's demandling Kosei enter a piano competition solo, but he's terrified that, alone on the bench, the ghost of his abusive mother will paralyze him yet again ..."--Page 4 of cover....

"The music competition is in full swing, with both of Kosei's old rivals, the genius Takeshi Aiza and unstable prodigy Emi Igawa, energized by his return. When it's finally Kosei's turn, he lives up to his reputation, playing precisely and flawlessly at first. But before too long, the phantom of his mother reappears, casting him back in the dark, uncertain abyss"--Page 4 of cover.

With Kaori nowhere to be seen at the gala concert, Kosei is forced to perform alone. As he plays, he confronts painful memories and finds a link connecting him t the audience, his late mother, and even himself. Meanwhile, Tsubaki struggles to find truth within her complicated feelings for Kosei is he like a little brother to her, a childhood friend, or something more...?" -- From back cover.

"Spirits are still high after the Maiho Music Competition when Kaori receives a letter in the mail: There's going to be a gala concert to celebrate the winners, and even though Kaori and Kosei didn't advance, they're invited to perform! Conficent they can leave a lasting impression, Kaori seizes the chance to order Kosei back onto the stage with her. The ultimate duo that moved an entire audience's hearts will perform once more, and people are buzzing...

"'Want to commit double suicide with me?' Kaori's words echo in Kosei's mind. What can he do for her now, while she is still hospitalized? At the Aiza home, Nagi sees her brother Takeshi fall deeper and deeper into a slump and wonders how to cheer him up. Amid their worries, the teacher and student form a surprise duo for Kurumigaoka Middle School's festival. What will happen with two pianists on one piano?"--Page 4 of cover.