[It’s not like the advice is bad. Just that Gokudera does not feel it applies to him when his interests don’t lie in becoming some great musician. He’s sure if he had similar goals to Jaskier, he’d take the advice.

It can be applied to other things besides music, he imagines. But with his current situation, he’s closed off and unreceptive. But at least there’s explanation as to why. The damage to the city is one thing, but to have lost two important people… he’s got more heartache than drive at the moment.

That’s why Jaskier’s music had been so nice to listen to. It was an entertaining distraction, and he can appreciate that this man is bettering himself and so willing to share.]

There are a lot of performers in this world, and actually, for the most part, I avoid them. Concerts… rap battles? I don’t really participate. I just play background music.

[The last time he played for other people as a sort of performance, it was with his prince and princess. So… he’s not too enthusiastic for attention.

Gokudera plays a few chords, runs scales to check the piano’s tuning, and settles in to play something practiced. It’s essentially smooth jazz piano, appropriate for the current quiet of the bar.]

Business tends to pick up here in a few hours. But… this is just so you can get an idea for what I’m into currently.

[It doesn’t stand out. Just… background music, but it feels good to create it, helps him relax a little so he’s less irritable.]