To say Sasuke was melancholy during today's singing lesson would be an understatement. Yesterday's announcement of the tax hike was weighing heavily on him, and there were dark circles under his eyes to indicate he hadn't slept well or long. Hell, if these lessons had been extracurricular, he just wouldn't have bothered to show. But for him this was a class - half a period long, only him and the professor, taken in lieu of a free period because he'd finished many of his required courses a year in advance.

Today, though, his voice held none of its usual spirit.