Secret: A Hidden Score (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[Secret: A Hidden Score]

Things haven't changed much, have they?

One difference from our freshman year

is that the lesson room was moved

over there from the old building.

What else?

Minato, are you listening?

Yes.

I was surprised you came back so suddenly.

I thought it would be next year.

Remember Tanahashi and Hirose?

Let's get together soon.

Tell us about your study abroad.

Minato?

Who are you?

Were you playing the piano just now?

Sorry if I interrupted you.

I'm done now.

Go ahead, it's yours if you want.

Frederic Chopin is known

as the poet of the piano.

- Writing operas at the time...

- These notes are from the previous class.

Would have been a more

successful path for a composer,

but Chopin only wanted

to write piano music.

He nonetheless became

one of the greatest musicians in history.

Why?

Because he was a brilliant composer.

All right. That's it for today.

See you next time. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Minato!

Excuse me.

Were you looking for me?

I was hoping to ask your name.

What's yours?

Higuchi Minato, I'm a junior piano major.

Higuchi-kun. I'll remember it.

Wait. Is that the music sheet

you were playing earlier?

Yes.

What is it called? I've

never heard it before.

Well, it's a...

secret.

So what's your name?

[Cafe Polonaise]

I see. That's why.

Oh, that makes sense.

- Right.

- I'm home.

- Welcome back.

- Welcome back

You're finally back. What took you so long?

- Dad...

- Come on.

Hikari was waiting for you.

Yes, you vanished all of a sudden.

Still...

By the way, your mom called.

I told her you're doing well.

She's working away from home

for your sake. You should call her.

- Dad...

- What's wrong with that?

Your mom wanted to talk to her too.

Right?

I'll go unpack my stuff.

Minato, be nice to your friend.

How about dinner with us?

I'm making Napolitan spaghetti.

I'd love to.

- Minato! Minato!

- What is it?

Come here and give me a hand.

I'll take it.

Here, wash your hands.

Minato, did something happen in England?

If you want to talk,

I'm always here for you.

Hey...

I'm thinking of quitting the piano.

What?

As for college, I'll just

get the credits I need.

So you don't have to worry about me.

Why?

You worked so hard.

Nobody else practiced as much.

It's fine. I've had enough already.

Studying abroad made me face reality.

Does your dad know about this?

I'll make sure I graduate.

So don't tell him anything unnecessary.

It'll be bothersome.

- But...

- Well, that's the situation. Get home safely.

Minato!

By the way...

Do you know the girl with hair this long,

probably in the piano department?

She's really good at piano.

She's a bit mysterious. Have you met her?

No, you idiot!

What?

B, D, F, A, the half-diminished chord.

In other words, a minor seventh flat five.

This minor seventh flat five chord...

B, D, F, A goes to C, E, G,

but in A minor, B, D, F, A is...

We meet again.

Are you cutting class?

You, too. You didn't go to class.

I'm fine. Private lessons

are more important.

Whatever you say.

By the way, is it okay for you to be here?

I found this place first.

You are the intruder.

Are you alone? Where are your friends?

Mind your own business.

Don't you want to be alone sometimes?

What about you? Will

you cut the next class too?

Mind your own business.

Well, enjoy your time alone.

Hey.

Should we cut class together?

What?

I don't know much about anything

besides the piano.

So show me how to play hooky.

Sorry.

Actually...

I don't really know what to do

when you play hooky either.

Look! Pigeons.

- It's such a nice day.

- Totally.

It feels so nice.

- Go a bit to the right.

- This one might work.

I'll try for the purple one again.

I messed up!

Your lousy at the claw machine.

You, too. You didn't get anything.

- I used to be good.

- No way.

Should we show off as music majors?

I don't care about stuff like that.

Hey.

Isn't it about time you told me your name?

It's Naito Yukino.

Call me Yukino.

I thought it was rude of you not to

tell me your name after I told you mine.

I'm sorry. I didn't think we'd meet again.

Why not? We go to the same school.

Which period is your first class tomorrow?

I'm not sure. I won't know until tomorrow.

What's that supposed to mean?

Then give me your phone number.

I don't have one.

Is that how you reject people?

That's not it! I really don't have a phone.

It seems broken, and I can't use it.

That's inconvenient.

But I can live without it.

Then how should I contact you?

If we're meant to meet,

I'm sure we'll see each other again.

Get a new phone already.

- Let's go.

- Okay.

- Ready?

- Yes.

Go faster.

- Aren't you scared?

- No.

Again?

Welcome back, Minato!

Play the piano for us. It's been a while.

Your dad hasn't improved at all.

Come on, I've improved!

Enjoy yourselves.

Why don't you join us?

Not today.

Minato.

I'm not sure how to say this

But you can always talk to me.

I guess I shouldn't have

said that so casually,

But I just wanted you to know

that I'm here for you.

Thanks.

We were looking for you! Long time no see!

It's been so long!

- Well... Tanahashi.

- Right.

And...

- What was your name again?

- It's Hirose!

By the way, you've

heard from Hikari, right?

- You jerk!

- I'll get straight to the point.

We're dying to see your skills

that you honed overseas.

- I'll pass.

- You can't.

You don't know about it.

You left during your first year.

Our piano department has a rite of passage.

"Rite of passage"?

- I can't wait.

- Tanahashi! Hirose!

Where are you guys? Come out!

Where are you?

No, over there!

Over there, over there!

What?

Did two male students come here?

"Two male students"?

Yes.

- No.

- "No"?

Let me know if you see them.

- Is he gone?

- Did he leave?

- Is he gone?

- Is he?

- Yes.

- That idiot Yamamoto...

He's so annoying.

- He caught us making a bet.

- What bet?

Come with us.

Hold on... What's going on?

- Just play a few notes.

- Let's go, let's go!

Let go of me.

106, 107, 108.

- Hurry up.

- Let's go.

Let's hurry!

Sorry.

Is something happening?

It's a piano battle in the ensemble room.

Minato's up.

Let's go. We can't miss this.

Thanks for waiting!

Stay calm. You'll be fine.

- Relax.

- I'm counting on you.

Attention, please!

You see Kadokura is here...

You know what's coming, don't you?

What is he known as?

Piano Prince!

Yes, the undefeated prince of our school!

We brought someone who wants

to challenge Kadokura.

- I never said...

- Quiet.

He's back from studying in Europe.

Do you want to hear him play?

Yes!

I bet you ran away from studying abroad.

Sparks are flying!

A fierce battle is about to begin!

He's using white keys

instead of black keys.

He's the best in the piano department?

Don't you know him? He's been the best

ever since he beat a senior as a freshman.

A perfect replay after

just hearing it once!

His skills are amazing!

3,000 yen ($20) on the Piano Prince.

The piano is all Minato has.

I'm betting 3,000 on him.

That was amazing!

"Winter Wind"!

Why can't you play as you've been told?

Why did you come here from Japan?

Go back!

You are not fit to be a pianist.

Go home!

I saw you yesterday.

You did?

I didn't notice.

I was in the back.

It's the first time I

heard you play for real.

Forget about it, okay?

Minato!

[Message from Hikari]

Hey! Where are you?

Stop it...

- Come.

- What?

Wait a sec...

[Cafe Polonaise]

[Sorry We're Closed]

Milk and sugar?

Yes, please.

Suddenly so polite.

Here you go.

Thank you.

I knew about this caf,

but it's my first time here.

Students from our college come here a lot.

Does your dad own this place?

Yes. He's probably with his band today.

He likes music?

Yes, but he's not good, though.

He took it up as a hobby

when I started the piano.

My mom is into her career

and has no interest in music.

I was so wrong

to think I had a gift

for playing the piano.

I must've been just like that Piano Prince.

I couldn't turn back when reality hit me.

I don't even remember

the feeling of enjoying it.

It's just pure pain.

Hey.

May I play a little?

Together.

No, it's fine...

I love how you play.

During the piano battle,

you were panicking, struggling, and torn.

None of those feelings were hidden at all.

And I was moved.

It made me wonder what

kind of sound you make

when you're enjoying it.

This is embarrassing.

Why are you embarrassed, too?

- I'm not.

- You are.

I'm not.

- The sky looks pretty.

- You're right.

- Right?

- It's already so late.

- That corner.

- Okay.

- There?

- Right.

Okay.

- I'm stopping.

- Okay.

Thank you.

I could've given you a ride home.

I don't want my mom to see us.

Thanks for today.

You cheered me up.

See you.

You're back.

Hey.

Was someone here?

A friend.

What are you doing?

I found this in your room.

It was in dire need of repairs.

Brings back memories.

I didn't know I still had it.

It was your favorite toy.

I've been happy

as long as you're doing what you love.

You want to quit the piano?

I'm sorry

about the tuition and

other costs of sending me abroad.

It's not about money.

You've hardly ever shared

your troubles with me

or let me go through them with you.

I took the easy way out as a parent.

All right. This should do.

There.

I'm glad you have a friend you can talk to.

Take your time to think.

Thank you.

Minato, why are you leaving me on read?

Sorry. I have plans today.

The girl you mentioned?

The short-haired one?

That's right.

We talked during the piano battle.

I thought it was her.

It probably was.

Let's go together.

I want to get to know her too.

Some other time.

- Minato!

- Prince Minato!

What was that about the other day?

I couldn't help it. It's all about skill.

I won 3,000 yen. Thanks!

- I was talking to him first...

- Chill out.

Chill out?

You owe me for that.

A penalty.

I never asked you to bet on me.

We've formed a band.

- Play with us at the Christmas party.

- Why should I?

Not so fast.

Your penalty for disappointing me.

So that's that. I'm counting on you!

Me too!

- We'll be waiting!

- Hey, wait...

- What?

- Hikari.

You better come too.

- What?

- Don't look so upset.

- You'll come?

- Promise?

- Promise.

- Promise us.

- What say you?

- Okay, okay.

You're coming? Great!

- See you there. Bring lots of friends.

- Don't forget your promise!

We're gonna be so awesome!

Idiots.

You were here.

I had some thinking to do.

Chopin again?

I love his music.

Hey! Who's there?

Are you alone?

Yes.

I heard a duet.

My fingers were moving fast.

Wait! Prof. Yamamoto...

Geez... Students these days...

Do you know this building

is getting torn down?

It is?

The demolition is starting soon.

Don't come here without a good reason.

I'm sorry.

This place will be gone too.

Yukino?

Look.

Chopin's lover.

George Sand?

They were together for 10 years.

But they broke up in the end.

I'd be happy to be with someone

I love for 10 years.

If you're really in love...

I think 10 years won't be enough.

That's greedy.

Is it?

Isn't it normal?

Hey, Minato.

Gotcha.

Where did you find that?

In that closet.

Maybe someone left it there.

- Let me take one.

- No.

- Why not?

- No.

Let me take one.

- No.

- Just one photo.

- I said no.

- Why?

Please. Just one.

- Say cheese.

- Stop it.

- Ready?

- Okay.

Here it is.

Hey. Let me see it.

Ta-da.

Good. Nice.

Nice.

And with these...

- It looks fancy.

- It does.

Hold on.

The first steps are important.

I think I'll make it. Oh, wait a sec.

It's a bit scary.

You're so careful.

Because I'm scared.

One step at a time.

Thanks.

(Face forward.)

[Christmas Live 2023, December 24th (Sun)]





















Come.

Let's go.

Come on. Dance.

Tanahashi!

Hirose!

Minato!









- Karaoke time!

- Let's sing!

Huh? Where's Minato?

- Maybe he went home.

- Already?

I don't know.

He was so full of energy tonight.

- What's wrong?

- I've never seen Minato like that before.

- Yeah.

- Nothing.

We're going to karaoke. Come on.

Hurry!

I had so much fun.

I've never been this excited.

Well... It's Christmas, right?

Can I open it?

You don't like it?

A music box...

I didn't know you could be romantic.

- I'll take it back.

- No.

- Give it back.

- I'm definitely not giving it back.

Why not?

You won't listen to it.

- I will.

- You're lying.

Only on Christmas.

Next year? Come on, show me.

Hey.

Do you wanna know?

Know what?

The piece I was playing on the day we met.

My Christmas present for you.

Sorry about the time.

I hope you won't get in trouble.

I'll be fine.

That piece we played earlier...

Don't play it on the piano

in the old building.

Why not?

Secret.

I'll tell you one day.

Okay.

Good night.

Good night.

[Audition for the Chopin recital]

[March 9th, 2024]

These grand opera productions

appealed to the French bourgeoisie

that appreciated glitz and glamour.

They were performed

in opera houses in France.

They had historical

themes, in particular...

Pass this to the last row.

Last row?

Pass this to the last row.

- Last row?

- Yeah.

Pass this to the last row.

Pass this to the last row.

[4 PM today, bench at old building]

Guess who.

Hikari? Why...

It wasn't me you were waiting for?

So what's this note?

You wrote it, didn't you?

Sorry... I didn't mean to...

I'm sorry.

I'm not the one?

I've been waiting for you.

Even if you like someone else...

I know you much better than she does.

So...

Sorry.

Minato!

Yukino!

Yukino?

Yukino... Yukino!

Yukino, what's wrong?

I have asthma.

Yukino...

It'll subside in a minute.

Shouldn't you be with her?

I'll take you to the hospital.

We'll talk later.

I need some time alone.

But...

Please... leave me alone for now.

Go.

Go!

Yukino? Yukino!

Open the door. Yukino!

Yukino!

She's just a childhood friend...

I'm sorry.

It doesn't matter, does it?

I...

I have fun playing the piano...

when we're together.

I want to get better.

It's because of you...

that I got this feeling back.

I'm gonna try to get a spot...

in the Chopin recital in March.

I wanted you to know.

Are you listening?

You know what?

There are 108 steps.

What steps?

From this room...

to the bench where I always see you.

108 steps.

It's very important to me.

Go home.

But...

Please.

I'll practice hard.

So...

If I pass the audition...

come listen to me play.

After that day,

Yukino stopped coming to school.

Go away! Enough!

I'm sorry.

You've been here before.

I'm a student at Aoba. Is Yukino home?

Is this a joke?

She hasn't been at school.

Is she sick or...

This isn't funny!

Go away!

Go away! Now!

Yukino!

I'll wait for you!

That's it for today.

Sorry about the other day.

Don't apologize.

I have to apologize to you.

You've been so down

since you came back from England.

I wanted to cheer you up.

I was just jealous that I lost

the role to someone else.

[Final screening for

the 49th Students' Chopin Recital]

[The 49th Students' Chopin Recital]

[Minato Higuchi, 3rd year college student]

Yukino!

Minato!

What?

Yukino!

Yukino!

You came.

Don't disappear again.

I came to say goodbye.

I should've said it sooner.

But I kept wanting to see you.

Sorry.

Don't be stupid.

Minato!

Go.

But...

Higuchi, get back in there now!

Let's talk. Wait for me at the bench.

Come on. Hurry up.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

- Oh, by the way...

- Have you seen Yukino?

- Yukino?

- Yeah, Yukino Naito.

- Who's that?

- I don't know.

The girl with a bob

who was dancing with me at Christmas.

- Huh?

- Hang on.

You were dancing by yourself

and getting all the attention.

- We were so surprised.

- Yeah.

Listen. Yukino Naito. You know her.

Like we said, we don't.

What's the matter? You're being weird.

Here. Look.

You were awesome.

- He was.

- Yeah.

It almost went viral.

I didn't know you had it in you.

Come on. Let's go.

- See ya.

- Come see us again.

It's strange to be dancing alone, right?

Yeah. He should've at least

brought someone along.

Are you alone? Where are your friends?

Mind your own business.

I thought it was rude of you

not to tell me your name.

I'm sorry. I never thought we'd meet.

Give me your number.

I don't have one.

Secret.

So what's this note?

You wrote it, didn't you?

Pass this to the last row.

[Yamamoto is a moron]

Are you alone?

Wait! Prof. Yamamoto...

[Yamamoto is a moron]

Geez... Students these days...

Hello!

Please open the door! Hello! Hello!

You again?

Is Yukino home?

This isn't funny.

I want to see her right away!

I'm Minato Higuchi.

Tell her I'm here.

Minato?

That's your name?

Yes.

Do you have a toy piano at your house?

Yes. A red one.

Come in.

This is her room.

Today's her death anniversary.

Yukino died 21 years ago today.

This room is exactly like it was

when she was alive.

You're kidding me.

I met her.

I know it's hard to believe...

Yes.

But I should've believed it.

I want you to read this.

September 26th, 2002.

I went to the campus

straight from the hospital.

When I collapsed during class,

I thought I'd die this time for sure

but my heart is apparently still working.

[Medication for Yukino Naito]

My name on the poster for the recital

was replaced with someone else's.

[Piano - Miki Nishida]

That day, as I was wondering

if life was still worth living...

I found an unfamiliar music sheet

in the practice room.

"Secret"?

"Follow the notes upon the journey".

"At first sight marks one's destiny".

"Once the voyage comes to an end,

return lies within hasty keys".

[Allegretto]

When I finished playing it,

the room was different from before.

Who are you?

I walked around the campus

and realized a few things.

I'd slipped forward in time

21 years from 2002.

I was visible only to the person

I first made eye contact with.

And...

I met the first person

I wanted to see again.

September 28th, 2002.

For our first encounter,

I closed my eyes and counted

the number of steps to the bench.

One.

Two.

54, 55, 56...

106, 107, 108...

But traveling 21 years to the future

seems to drain my stamina.

There were times when I couldn't see him.

- I made eye contact with someone else today.

- I'm sorry.

But I got to watch him play the piano.

He plays without hiding

his anguish or sadness.

So full of vitality.

I was dazzled and felt ashamed

for hiding behind my illness.

- The sky is beautiful tonight.

- September 30th, 2002.

Minato gave me a ride and I went home.

I wanted to see my house 21 years later.

[Deceased: March 9th, 2003]

But on the day I decided

that I wanted to stay alive,

I found out that I only had

six more months to live.

Nonetheless...

- Ready?

- Yup.

I wanted to see your smile.

I think I'll make it.

You don't like it?

A music box...

I didn't know you could be romantic.

I wanted to see you.

Yukino!

You're acting so strangely these days.

I went to the future.

I'm going to die in March.

So I want to do what I want until then.

Yukino!

105, 106...

107, 108...

January 10th, 2003.

I couldn't get the note from Minato.

[4 PM today, bench at old building]

I'm not in Minato's future.

I'm gonna try to get a spot

in the Chopin recital in March.

I wanted you to know.

If I pass the audition...

come listen to me play.

March 2nd, 2003.

I know I'm being selfish.

That?

We're gonna have a baby.

Baby?

Any day now. Maybe today or tomorrow.

My wife is a busy woman

so I'll have my hands

full raising the child.

What's wrong?

I'm happy.

Sorry.

May I celebrate this occasion?

I want to thank your baby for being born.

That's an odd thing to say.

He's not born yet.

She was looking for a toy piano

in the days before she died.

She asked me to give it

to the coffee shop owner

when the baby was born.

You have a red toy piano, right?

It's from Yukino.

Reading her diary...

I didn't know

if it was her imagination

or if it was real.

I couldn't tell.

[March 9th, 2003]

[I want Minato's piano

to be the last thing I hear]

But...

I see...

You're Minato.

The boy Yukino fell in love with.

She had this with her

when she passed away.

She died all alone at night on the campus.

For the longest time, I had no idea...

why she was there.

But you...

Perhaps you know why.

Follow the notes upon the journey.

At first sight marks one's destiny.

Once the voyage comes to an end,

return lies within hasty keys.

[Minato]



March 9th, 2003.

I want Minato's piano to be...

the last thing I hear.

I came to say goodbye.

Yukino died 21 years ago today.

She died all alone at night on the campus.

I had no idea why she was there.

But you...

Perhaps you know why.

[Minato, I wanna see you]

Don't play it on the piano

in the old building.

Why not?

Secret.

Yukino...

Yukino! Yukino!

Yukino! Yukino!

Is this a dream?

Let's go back together.

Medicine has advanced. I'll save you.

It's okay. You're gonna be fine.

Hang in there, Yukino.

Yukino... Be strong.

Sorry.

I can hear your heartbeat.

It's like a dream.

Music created a miracle.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't do anything for you.

I didn't know anything.

I didn't want you to know.

To you...

I just wanted to be an ordinary girl.

Do you understand?

Minato...

What is it?

I love you.

Me too.

I love you too.

The time we had together...

is my everything.

I wish we had more time together.

Yukino?

Hey...

Yukino!

Hey! Yukino!

Yukino!

Yukino!

Yukino! Yukino!

Minato, you're home.

Where were you?

Your phone was out of service.

Did something happen?

This...

The mother of someone called Yukino

brought it last night.

She wanted you to have it.