(Note: I do not own any of the music or videos that are provided for this chapter. All rights are owned by Insaneintherainmusic, the creator of all these wonderful videos. I suggest you check him out and support him)

It was finally the day, the day that the Tokyo Institute of Music will have their biggest show ever. Kazuya was backstage quietly setting things up with everyone else, putting music stands, microphones and chairs in the right places while also getting their sheet music ready. Everyone had dressed for the occasion even though they were playing music from video games. Since they were doing a live show, they had to look presentable at least.

"This is the moment" Kenji exclaimed.

"Yeah, I never thought that we would be doing this" Kazuya commented.

"I'm just glad that we were able to do this" Akane stated, "This will be memories for us and stories for those we want to tell to"

"Couldn't agree more" Masanori agreed.

Everyone got to their places with their instruments ready. On the other side where the audience sat, Chizuru was happily waiting for the show to start. She wasn't alone either, many of the people she knew joined in since they really wanted to see this show. Her friends from university, Shinbo and Kawanaka, joined along with Sumi, Umi and Ruka. Kibe and Kuri were also there along with Kazuya's family and her grandmother. And surprisingly, she could make out the obvious blonde hair of Mami a few rows ahead of her.

"I cannot wait to see what will happen" Sayuri happily said.

"Indeed, it's something that has made my grandson finally have more purpose in life" Nagomi commented.

"Hey now" Chizuru exclaimed, "Don't say things like that about Kazuya"

"Alright Chizuru, since you told me" Nagomi said getting a sigh from Chizuru. Eventually the director walked to the front of stage.

"Welcome to the Tokyo Institute of Music, today is a special day because it is our biggest performance yet" The director announced, "Many of our fine musicians are young people who love video games and wanted to show the world the beauty of music in them" he added, "Today, we have three different medley scores of amazing works of musical art to show you, starting off, we have the score known as 'The Joy of Gaming'"

(Kazuya is Trumpet 2, Kenji is Trombone 2, Asahi is Tenor Sax 1, Miyuki is a part of Violin 1 and Violin Solo, Akane is a part of Cellos, and Masanori is Auxiliary Percussion)

https://youtu.be/WCmHKnSNHD8

The beginning was calm and wonderful with the start of the string instruments, followed by the start of the brass, it was amazing. They played a lot of nostalgic pieces from games like Super Mario, Sonic, Legend of Zelda and many more. When Kazuya started the main bit with his part at the beginning, Chizuru couldn't help but smile. Afterwards, there was a lot of great parts from the brass section and the changes between songs worked really well. When it got to the solo parts with Miyuki and Kenji, the two worked the piece on point. What was played was fun and exciting until it made its way to the end with the iconic victory theme of a Super Mario Bros. Level. Everyone applauded as the curtains rolled and the director gave everyone a recess in between each score.

"That was amazing" Ruka exclaimed.

"Yeah, I really enjoyed listening and watching them play such iconic themes" Sumi agreed.

"I especially loved the Super Mario Galaxy one, it entered very well" Umi commented.

"For me, the jazzy bit of Donkey Kong Country was spectacular" Kuri stated.

"You know, it's nice that they provided some food between performances" Kazuya's dad said as he munched food off his plate.

"Well, we only have 10 minutes left until the next bit starts" Kibe exclaimed, looking at his watch. After returning to the stage area, the director came to the front again.

"Next, we have our next score called 'Press Pause', a calmer piece" The director announced.

(Kazuya is Trumpet 2, Kenji is Trombone 2, Asahi is Tenor Sax 1, Miyuki is a part of Violin 1, Akane is a part of Cellos, and Masanori is Auxiliary Percussion)

https://youtu.be/CIQt_UgrYLk

This one started unlike many expected, the wind section was vocalising rather than playing their instruments. Chizuru was quite surprised at how good Kazuya sounded vocalising live. She remembered hearing him do that on a video, but not in real life. Afterwards, they began playing and it was very mesmerising. It especially sounded great with the addition of the flutes, clarinets, and oboe. Later on, nearing the end, it sounded more upbeat, and people started clapping to the beat. In the end, it became happy and settled down.

"Wow, that was great" Chizuru exclaimed.

"I couldn't agree more" Kibe agreed.

"That was a blast" Umi stated.

"Yeah, his singing voice was pretty good" Sumi added.

There was a recess break again before they audience went back in to view the 3rd score. Chizuru remembered that Kazuya practiced a bit of this at home and it sounded quite intense. Also, Kazuya mentioned to everyone that a lot of people liked this one the most because it was the most fun to play.

"Finally, our last score will be played to end this performance, this one is called 'Battles & Bosses', enjoy" The director announced.

(Kazuya is Trumpet 2, Kenji is Trombone 2, Asahi is Tenor Sax 1, Miyuki is a part of Violin 1 and Violin Solo, Akane is a part of Cellos, and Masanori is Timpani)

https://youtu.be/DXlDdnvxUzE

Once the curtains opened, the start sounded very ominous with its low sound and the addition of the buzz mutes on the trumpets. Suddenly, it changed to a faster and more intense piece, fit for a battling scene. Kibe, Kuri and Umi were really into this one as they said it felt like they were up against a strong opponent or in a competition. As the songs changed, people were really feeling the beat, and some were moving around to the melody. When they thought it ended, they started up another piece and it was very fitting as King Koopa's theme from Super Mario 64 was ominous. That part fit well when the trumpets and 1st trombone brought out their plunger mutes. Coming towards the end, they started off with one song and merged it with another. The mashup worked surprisingly well, and they ended it off with a bang. Everyone in the audience applauded for the performance while all the musicians stood up and bowed.

After the show

"You guys did amazing" Ruka commented, "I wish I could experience it again"

"Well, we have filmed videos of us playing the scores and will be posted on the Institute's Youtube Channel" Masanori explained.

"Awesome, we get to hear it again" Kibe cheered.

"Nice, can't wait for it to be released" Umi added.

"I believe it should be out over the weekend" Kenji told them.

"Alright, I'll keep a sharp eye out" Kuri stated.

Eventually, the group broke out towards their respective homes. Kazuya and Chizuru made their way back to their apartment together. In Kazuya's mind, he was thinking that tonight was the right time, he will do it. Chizuru has been really supportive with his music career just like how he has been for her acting career. The two had been moving forward with their careers now with Chizuru finally getting herself some acting gigs. Upon arriving home, he made his way to his drawer and pulled out his Grandma's gift.

"It's time" Kazuya said, getting up, he walked towards Chizuru, "Chizuru"

"Yeah?" She replied.

"I know we haven't dated for more than a year, but you have been by my side long enough for me to know you're the one I want to be with" Kazuya started, "And, I wanted to show you how much I care for you"

"Kazuya, what is going on?" Chizuru questioned.

"Grandma gave me this because she wanted the best for me and it's time I do this, because I wouldn't want it any other way" He told her, getting down on one knee, he pulled out the ring box and opened it to show her the engagement ring. "Chizuru Mizuhara, will you marry me?"

This took Chizuru off guard, she wasn't expecting him to propose. Many emotions filled through her mind, and she couldn't be happier. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stated her reply. "Yes, I will". Getting up, Kazuya placed the ring on her finger and the two kissed, knowing full well that this is the happiest moment of their lives.

"You know" Chizuru said, breaking the kiss, "I was planning on giving you something as a gift for the musical performance, but this proposal gives me more of a reason to do this"

"That being?" Kazuya asked.

"Follow me" Chizuru told him as she pulled him along to their bedroom.