Disclaimer: I do not own La Corda D' Oro.
HIS Past, HER Present, OUR Future
Chapter 1 HIS Past
"Let us all welcome the prodigy form the Land of the Rising Sun, the famous Len Tsukimori!" There was a great applause in the studio as a gorgeous man with turquoise hair entered the stage. The said man bowed in front of the camera as he sat down in the couch in front of the host.
"It's been awhile Mr. Tsukimori! My last interview to you was on your last concert trip across the continent isn't it?" asked the ecstatic Klaus.
Klaus Éclair von Baudelaire, the famous owner of the Baudelaire Entertainment Company or known as BEC, the largest known entertainment company in the whole France. He is known to be as an influential businessman and a man with a happy-go-lucky attitude especially towards his staff. He is a big fan of classical music and he is especially interested with the progress of a certain turquoise haired violinist.
"Yeah," said Tsukimori Len, also known as the Prodigy, the Prince of Violin Concertos, the only Asian who won 8 consecutive awards in the music industry in 8 different prestigious award giving body. At the mere age of 25, Tsukimori Len conquered the world. Since his debut 4 years ago, he traveled continent after continent, performing from Europe to Vienna, London and Paris. Now his latest concert will be held in France and he will be interviewed by Klaus.
"So, tell us about your family. We all know that your mother, the great Hamai Misa is a world class pianist and so is your father, who is also known as a great a violinist like you; tell us something that makes them different from other parents," asked Klaus while smiling at Len. Len did not answer right away; he doesn't know what to answer. Finally collecting his thoughts, he managed to think of a plausible answer.
"My mother loves having her afternoon tea. She never fails to take one. However, there are times when she skips it because of her duet with my father. When it comes to my father, she often makes a consideration and just continues with her duet with my father. I never forget the only advice they gave, me in my whole life, "Always remember Len, music is supposed to make people happy", Len trailed off as he relished his memories with his parents who he never saw for almost two years now.
Klaus opted not to give a response to that. Seeing the famous prodigy trail off while openly speak off about his parents simply left Klaus speechless. It is not everyday that you can hear him open his heart to anyone. As a respect to his idol, he chose to stay silent for a minute to let Len regain his composure.
"Thank you for that answer. Now let us not talk about your family. I know that you are not very much open when it comes to your private life but can you at least tell us about a bit of your love life. All of the people are being curious because we never saw you dating anybody. Yes, you are linked to different ladies but you always deny them. Is there already occupying your heart and you are just waiting for the chance to come? Or the notorious prodigy still remain unattached?" asked Klaus, diverting the question about Len's family.
Len froze. Klaus's question awhile ago surprised him but his current question petrified him. His love life is not the concern of anyone, he thought. However, he cannot blame them for asking. The famous prodigy remains single? Pfft, that would be a total joke but Klaus's question made him look back in the past; the past where he was still together with a red-haired violinist.
Flashback
A 20-year old turquoise haired violinist fidgeted on his chair. He is nervous because today will be the day; the day he will confess his love for a certain red haired violinist. He is actually harboring feeling for our dear girl since their concours days. He decided to confess today since tomorrow will mark his 21st birthday and he wants to celebrate it with the love of his life. He waited patiently in the chair inside one of the practice rooms. He glanced on the clock situated in one part of the wall and sighed heavily. Kaho is late. AGAIN.
Tsukimori counted ten on his head. After the ten, the door burst open, he need not to turn who it is.
"I am sorry if I am late Len!" heaved Kaho while breathing heavily. She practically ran to the music department since the teacher suddenly announced something that made her stay late in the class. She kept glancing on the clock and when the teacher finally dismissed them, she made a hasty goodbye to Mio and Nao and she practically flew here. Making Len wait is not a practical thing to do.
Len just glared at Kaho who is still trying to recover her breaths. He waited for half an hour already. He just shook his head in defeat. He knew that he could never stay mad at her for too long.
"Why are you late?"
"Well you see, the teacher announced something about blah blah blah and something that I forgot so he didn't dismiss us early. I am really sorry," said Kaho while smiling apologetically at Len.
Over the past years, even after the concours, Len and Kaho remained in contact with each other. Even though they are in different departments, they still see each other and they gradually came closer to the point that they are already in first-name basis. After class, they would often see each other in one of the practice rooms and they would always play violin duets.
Len just sighed. He took a couple of breaths to calm himself. This is it. This is the right time for him to confess his feelings for the girl. He is very nervous! This is the first time that he will ever confess to a girl.
"Ne Kaho, well you see, I kind of- uh you know uh…I lo-," Len was cut off by the sudden appearance of a certain fairy.
"Hello Hino Kahoko!" said Lili while magically appearing in front of the two. Kaho looked surprised while Len became irritated.
"What a pleasant surprise Lili! What are you doing here?" asked Kaho while smiling at the fairy, completely forgetting the presence of a certain man. Later, Kaho realized that she might make a fool of herself because she is talking to herself. She nervously glanced at Len after remembering that Len could NOT see Lili. Unknown to her, it was the opposite.
"What are you doing here?" asked Len, checking his temper. Talk about good timing! To think that the music fairy will suddenly pop out before Len could even say the magic words to Kaho.
Lili looked surprised. He floated carefully in front of Len and slowly waved his hand in front of his eyes. Len didn't even blink. Lili sighed in relief but he was cut off by Len's baritone voice.
"I asked you what you are doing here," said Len while looking directly at Lili's direction. Lili froze for a second. He slowly lifted his gaze and glanced nervously at Len.
"You can see me?"
"Isn't that obvious?"
"But that's impossible! When it was the first day of classes, I practically shouted on every student's ear but nobody even noticed," exclaimed Lili while looking disbelievingly at Len.
"I chose to ignore you, after all it is none of my business," Len shrugged while picking up his bow and examined it closely. Lili just gaped. This boy certainly is impossible! Kaho just looked at Len as if he grew a second head. Len knew along that Lili is a music fairy who gave her the ability to play. However, why didn't he tell it to everyone her secret; that her talent is obviously fake? She turned to Len. Lili still looked shocked while he remained cool while examining his bow.
"You knew all along Len?" she again looked at Len for confirmation. Len stopped for awhile to look at her at nodded. Kaho's head began to spin.
"Then why didn't you tell it to everyone? Why did you still keep my secret? Why did you let me lie to everyone?" asked Kaho while desperately looking at Len. Her eyes began to well up with tears. All the while, she endured the pain, her conscience often remind her of what she had done to her friends yet the only person who knew her secret did not help her break free from her guilt.
Len looked at Kahoko. He saw her eyes well up with tears; he knew this would happen. He dreaded this time. Seeing the girl he love cry with bitter tears made his heart clench. He knew it all along, from the time when he saw her in the meeting of the concour participants; he already knew that she is chosen one; the one who will change his attitude towards music.
When he was a child, he grew up thinking that music is just about memorizing and perfecting a piece. His parents always remind him that music should bring happiness to the ones who hear it. He eavesdropped on his mother and father talking once when he heard his mother talking about him meeting someone who will change his attitude towards music. At first, he never believed it; he still did until he got into Seiso Academy. Nevertheless, everything changed when he met her, the other person who can see the music fairy aside from him, Hino Kahoko.
When the bells in the school mysteriously rang, he knew it. He knew that there is another person who can see the fairy that he chose to ignore. When the participants of the concour gathered, he saw who did see the mysterious fairy, and that is she. He became irritated on the fact that Kaho joined the concour even though she knew that her talent is fake; but he became grown to her because he realized that she truly love music. Her violin playing can prove that. That is why he chose to keep quiet. He feared that once the other participants knew her secret, they might judge her; or worse, condemn her and brand her a liar or a faker.
"So, are you going to answer me?" said Kaho while looking at Len. He flinched with her pinched stare but he just stared back at her. They stared at each other, both measuring each other's feelings. At last, the equilibrium was broken. Len closed his eyes and sighed in defeat.
"Oi music fairy, please leave us for awhile,"
"But I demand an explanation to this! Why did you ignore m-," Lili was cut off by Len's icy glare. Lili just shook his head and disappeared. Now that Lili is gone, Len relaxed and began telling Kaho his childhood; how he once view what music is, how Kaho changed it. He explained to her his fear, his fear that she might be judged wrongly. He poured all his pent up frustrations to her for the past 20 years.
"But that didn't answer my question Len, why did you keep my secret?" asked Kaho while looking intently at Len's mesmerizing orbs. Len didn't respond to that. He knew the answer, but he didn't know if Kaho's response to his answer would be a positive one.
"Do you really want to know my answer?" asked Len in a very serious voice. Even though she is confused with Len's too-serious question, she just nodded her head. Len slowly approached Kaho. Kaho stepped back as Len approached her. At last, Kaho was trapped in Len's arms as she stiffly leaned on the cold wall of the practice rooms. Nobody moved. Len just stood there, staring at Kaho's flushed face. He slowly raised his hand and placed his cold hands on her blushing cheeks.
"Why do you do this to me Kaho? I tried to hide it for the past 5 years but when you are always by my side, I cannot seem to contain myself. You are so unfair. You have the total control over me. Maybe, if you ask me to buy you the whole school, I would do so," trailed off Len while staring at Kaho's beautiful face.
Kaho blushed heavily. Len is spouting nonsense. Is he sick or what?
"Ne, what are you saying? Just go straight to the point will you?"
"You sure are dense ne Kaho? Can't you see that I am madly in love with you?" said Len in a desperate voice. She stared at Len with wide eyes and mouth hanging open. Is she dreaming or what? Tsukimori Len, the campus ice prince, the legendary genius is in love with her. Pfft, what a joke! Nevertheless, the serious look in Len's eyes proved her otherwise.
"What are you saying Len? Hahaha, to think that you can actually joke," said Kaho while letting a nervous laugh escape her senses.
Len almost ripped his hair in frustration. To think that he was actually laughed at with his first attempt to confess to a girl! This is an embarrassment! He looked at Kaho's confused face. An idea suddenly popped on his head. He lifted Kaho's chin and kissed her.
Well, they say, "Action speaks louder than voice"…
Once Len's lips crashed on Kaho's rosy ones, both felt the electricity flowing on their bodies. After Len kissed her, Kaho slowly closed her eyes and hooked her arms on Len's neck, slowly deepening the kiss. They both kissed each other for what it seems to be twilight and they parted slowly.
"Now, do I still look like joking to you?" asked Len while panting slowly. Kaho's cheeks flushed. It's true! Len is in love with her! She hugged him tightly and smiled happily.
"I love you too!"
And that is how Tsukimori Len confessed to his first love, his fellow concours participant, his best friend, Hino Kahoko. Now that seemed to signal the end Len's reminiscing of memories but all good things must come to an end.
It was spring that time. L en and Kaho's relationship is getting stronger than ever. All of their friends are happy for them. Even her fellow participants wish them a happy relationship even though four of them, meaning Hihara, Yunoki, Tsuchiura and Shimizu are practically fighting for the said girl's affection.
Kaho is walking happily towards Len's house. Today is she and Len's first anniversary! She will have a dinner with the Tsukimori family. As she approached the gate, she stopped. She saw Hamai Misa, Len's mother talking with Len at the mansion's patio that is situated at the side of the mansion. Based on Len's expression, he is obviously troubled with something. Kaho was worried but shook it off nonetheless. Today is their anniversary and she will make the most of it.
The dinner was pleasant; the Tsukimori family including Kaho had a wonderful time talking about Len and Kaho's relationship for the past year. Kaho smiled at Hamai-san's amused expression as she tells them about her date with Len in the park but she is glancing worriedly at Len. He is spacing out for awhile now. He never said a word during the dinner. She was about to ask him but Hamai Misa suddenly cut her off.
"Ah! I almost forgot! Kaho-chan, I am going to give you something," said Hamai Misa while standing up and proceeding to her room and came back with a velvet box in her hand. She gave it to Kaho.
"What is this Auntie?" asked Kaho while looking curiously at the box. After she became Len's girl friend, Misa asked her to call her 'Auntie' since it will be a matter of time before Kaho will call her 'Mother' which earned a blush from both the violinist.
"Open it"
Kaho cautiously opened the box and he saw a beautiful necklace inside. The chain of the necklace is made of pure silver. At the center, there is a beautiful sapphire heart shaped stone. Kaho admired its beauty. Sapphire is her favorite gemstone since it always reminds her of Len's mesmerizing sapphire orbs. She carefully touched the surface of the sapphire.
"Is this mine?"
The Tsukimori couple nodded. Kaho almost jumped up in excitement and hugged the couple. Misa just shook her head. The girl is truly adorable. It is really heart breaking that Len needs to choose between her and music. Misa almost cried at the sight of a happy Kaho approaching Len and poking him to help her wear the necklace. Misa turned away to hide her tears. She has grown fond of the child and she knows that Kaho's heart will break when Len would chose music over her. His husband just held her tight and patted her in the shoulders, telling her that she is not on her own. The couple left the two alone to give Len a space to decide.
Len is confused and angry with himself. Even though it is his and Kaho's first anniversary, he cannot concentrate. His mother's news really made him lose his focus. A rare opportunity is presented before him. A famous producer offered him a contract to perform a concert in Europe. It was his ultimate dream to travel all over the world, it is a very good opportunity, and however, what will happen now with Kaho?
Len is busily talking to himself that he didn't notice Kaho slowly leading him to his room. Before he even knew it, he is already in his room, with Kaho holding her violin. He gazed curiously at his girl friend. Music filled Len's clean and organized sound-proofed room. Len just closed his eyes as he let Kaho's violin version of 'Ave Maria' fill him.
Kaho played the 'Ave Maria' perfectly with emotions. She may not look like it but Kaho is actually a professional violinist. Many producers have approached her and offered different contracts from all over the word, asking her to perform concert tours. Nevertheless, she refused them all; she turned down all of the good opportunities for her love for Len. But she knew that the time will come that Len will soon leave her and pursue his dream. And the time has come. She made sure that she would be ready for this time
The piece ended with a beautiful finish. Len opened his eyes and clapped. Kaho smiled to him in gratitude. To Len's surprise, Kaho approached him and hugged him tight.
"What are you doing Kaho?" asked the surprised Len but returned her hug nevertheless.
"Let me stay like this for awhile Len," said Kaho while burying her head on the crook of Len's neck. The two stayed for awhile savoring the magical moment that they created but Kaho decided to break the silence.
"Ne Len, do not worry about me and go chase your dreams," murmured Kaho while still hugging the dumbstruck Len. Len was petrified for a moment. Kaho knew it form the start. She knew from the very start that the time would come that he will be restless and try to pursue his dream and yet she remained beside him.
"But Kaho-," Len was silenced with Kaho placing her finger on Len's lips to silence him.
"I knew it from the start; the time will come that you will leave me. Len I already knew you for five years, even our concours days, your dreams are already great. I do not want to be the one who will stop you from achieving your dreams Len. I am not that selfish. I just want you to be happy," said Kaho while smiling up at Len. Len looked at Kaho carefully, even though she is smiling, he knew that she is hurting. He saw a tear escape her face and he hugged her tightly.
"I am really sorry Kaho. I am really sorry," said Len repeatedly while crying, to think that his selfishness will make his only love cry. Both just stood there, crying their hearts out as their mixed emotions break free.
At last, Len broke their hug and gazed at Kaho's tearful face. Tears made Kaho's beauty show more. He had the urge to kiss her. He slowly dipped his face down as Kaho closed her eyes while tears are slowly cascading her beautiful face. They kissed deeply, both seeking comfort on each other as their fast approaching demise comes. Len slowly dropped Kaho in the bed. He looked at Kaho's face once again, as if trying to see her contradiction on what is about to happen. All he saw was Kaho's peaceful face and encouraging smile. With that, he broke free from his doubt and did it. They made love. But both knew one thing for sure, it is not lust that pushed them to do it. It was love, their uncontained passion for each other that made them do the sacred union of people who are in love with each other. And neither regrets what they have done. They made a newfound bond with each other, a promise that will go forever.
The next day, at the exact 21st birthday of Len, he left Japan. But he didn't leave with heavy heart. Last night's happening inspired him to pursue his dreams. Earlier, at the airport Kaho was there, wishing him luck. She promised that she would wait for his return. This served as Len's motivation for every challenge that is presented to him. It was because of a certain red haired violinist that Tsukimori Len, the Prodigy, and the Prince of Violin Concertos is what he is today.
End of Flashback
Len snapped back to reality as he heard Klaus's repeated calling of his name. Len just sighed, well giving them a bit answer will not hurt.
"I am already in love with someone from my homeland. That is all," said Len while looking directly at the camera. Klaus looked shocked. The same for all the audience and crew that is present in the studio. That confirms it! THE Tsukimori Len is already in love! Unknown to Len, the program is broadcasted all over the world. All of Len's fans were shocked at his statement. Now, the big question is who managed to capture the heart of the famous turquoise haired violinist.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Japan, a certain red haired woman almost dropped a bowl as she saw the familiar face of a person she once knew very well.
"Len?"
It seems that the story is just beginning. The tale of two violinists whose hearts were already destined for each other for better or for worse.
