Dissent and Daffodils

The concert was lively, filled with a loud and energetic band that sent the audience into a frenzy of adrenaline. Lilith took a seat in an empty spot next to a girl. The dim lighting made it difficult to see the people around her. As she settled in, the girl next to her said, "Ivy mentioned that Professor Blackthorne wouldn't be able to make it."

Lilith froze at the sound of the voice—it was the same one that had haunted her the previous night and robbed her of sleep. It was Hazel.

Taking a deep breath to calm her fraying nerves, Lilith replied, "Principal Blythe insisted that all faculty members attend the concert to show their support for their students."

"Principal Blythe is always supportive of us," Hazel said. "The band is doing well. I hope the violinist performs nicely too," Hazel added.

"They have a violinist as well?" Lilith asked, trying to mask her shock and excitement over the prospect of a classical performance beneath her calm exterior.

"Yes, and a pianist too. They'll be doing a duet," Hazel said enthusiastically.

Lilith smiled invisibly in the darkness at the enthusiasm in Hazel's voice. "Well, I can tolerate this band for a few minutes if it means getting to see a good classical show. Let's hope the violinist doesn't mess up," she said.

"Professor, you'll see," Hazel replied with a smirk, and Lilith's smile widened at the challenge in her voice.

Soon, the band finished their set, and the violinist and pianist took the stage. The entire auditorium was filled with the enchanting sounds of classical music, a stark contrast to the band. Lilith began to match the piano keys on the armrests of her seat.

"You know this piece?" Hazel asked, astonished to see this side of the usually cold professor.

"It's Brahms' Violin Sonatas. I learned it at an early age," Lilith replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into her voice.

"I heard it at many family functions. It's my favorite piece after the Franck Violin Sonata in A major," Hazel said.

"An aficionado of classical violin-piano music, besides being a 'sleeper' in class," Lilith remarked.

"I was just tired that day," Hazel replied, rolling her eyes. Lilith could sense the sarcasm in her tone. "Of course," she said with a wry smile.

The sonata came to an end, and the audience erupted into hearty applause, even giving a standing ovation. The violinist and pianist took their bows to celebrate the performance.

As the auditorium began to empty, Hazel walked backstage, praising her friends for their perfect performance. Lilith stood at a distance watching her before deciding to follow Hazel to the washrooms