Azuma's Fair Lady
Disclaimer: La Corda d'Oro characters are creations of Yuki Kure, and I was partly inspired for this story by the play "Pygmalion" written by George Bernard Shaw and the film "My fair Lady", starring Audrey Hepburn.
. Chapter 1: Singing in the rain
Just as the clock struck five, Hino Kahoko felt the first drops of rain on her skin. Using her bag as a make-shift umbrella, she ran to the nearest shelter she could think of, which was a wide porch supported by stone pillars at the entrance of the Town Hall. Fortunately for her, she managed to reach it before the downpour really began.
With a forlorn expression, she watched the city slowly disappear from view as mist and rain enveloped the surroundings. Her left arm reached out to embrace the nearest pillar and she leaned her head against it.
Ever since she left her native place in search of work, she had developed the habit of speaking her thoughts out loud whenever she felt lonesome. That particular afternoon, she tried to turn her sadness into song, making up the tune as she went along.
All I want is to get back home,
Instead I'm here, standing all alone.
Why did it have to rain?
Just now... I think it's such a pain!
.
How I dream of my father's place,
My mother's hand so soft on my face.
Back with my family,
I wish... it was reality.
.
Oh, how wonderful if tomorrow was a brighter day,
I could just pretend it was... a summer holiday!
.
Lots of hours for me to sleep,
No more searching on endless streets.
Someone who welcomes me,
Oh why... can't it happen to me?
.
Thinking that she was alone, she even raised her voice a little, feeling somewhat cheered up by her artistic attempt... Hence, her mortification upon discovering that a purple-haired gentleman had suddenly appeared beside her can easily be imagined. She stopped singing abruptly and stared at him with open mouth.
His elegant and, she believed, expensive attire singled him out as a gentleman, but the sneer on his face and the words he spoke suggested otherwise.
"I dare say I never expected to find something more annoying than the weather this evening, but I was wrong... You really have some nerve, young lady, singing so tunelessly in public..."
Blood rushed to her face. "I'm sorry if my singing is so horrible... but I never asked you to listen to it!"
The stranger raised a perfectly-shaped eyebrow and took a few steps towards her, making her quite uneasy.
"Oh, and how was I supposed to escape from that dreadful song with the rain still falling?"
.
She clutched at her bag nervously and would have gladly disappeared behind the pillar when a voice was heard coming from the building.
"Onii-sama! I'm sorry I made you wait. Has the carriage arrived yet?"
"No, it must have got delayed by the rain, Miyabi."
Kahoko stared at the bishoujo in front of her; Miyabi was the first to smile.
"Ohayo Gozaimasu! Are you a friend of my brother's?"
"...Iie! I'm only waiting here because of the rain..." Kahoko replied as her cheeks turned the same colour as her hair.
"I see, my name is Yunoki Miyabi and this is my brother Azuma."
"I'm Hino Kahoko."
.
"I don't think I've seen you in the city before, Hino-san, I'm sure I would remember you otherwise!"
"Ano... I came here about a fortnight ago to look for a job."
"Oh... and did you find one?"
Kahoko shook her head and forced a smile.
"I've had no luck so far, but I'll keep trying."
.
Miyabi looked at her brother and whispered to him.
"Don't you think she would make a perfect shop-assistant?"
"I'm afraid not. She looks clumsy and unfashionable to say the least."
He would have added 'unmusical' if he thought it was relevant.
"But I'm sure my clothes would transform her and... she seems in need of help!"
.
Turning towards the uncomfortable Kahoko, Miyabi addressed her once more.
"I think it's a wonderful coincidence that we just met Hino-san! I'm about to open a shop in two months' time and I'm looking for an assistant. Would you be interested?"
"What... what kind of shop, Yunoki-san?"
"We'll sell fabrics, ladies' wear and accessories!"
"Ah! But I know so little about fashion..."
"Don't worry I can teach you!"
.
Kahoko looked at Miyabi's sparkling eyes and felt that she would be very lucky to work with such a friendly lady. On the other hand, the mocking expression in Azuma's eyes told her clearly that he did not think her a suitable choice. She could feel him staring at her worn-out coat and boots and it bothered her.
"Where are you staying Hino-san?"
"Well, at the moment I'm staying with my uncle, Kanazawa Hiroto."
.
"Eh?"
Brother and sister exchanged a look. Miyabi dabbed at the sweat on her temple with a beautifully embroidered handkerchief ^ ^'.
"Do you happen to know my uncle, Yunoki-san?"
Azuma answered with a chuckle: "Yes, we do. He is one of our grandmother's tenants, and we have often heard her complain about him being a useless fellow who cares for nothing except smoking and feeding stray cats!"
.
It was Kahoko's turn to drop sweat while Miyabi looked at her with a concerned expression.
"Hino-san, please don't be offended but... I don't think that Mr Kanazawa is fit company for a lady."
Kahoko quickly shook her head.
"Oh! There's no need to worry about me; I'm getting used to him really..."
.
"Demo, Hino-san... we have spare rooms in our house... perhaps you could board with us? Ne, Onii-sama?"
"Bo... Board with you?" Kahoko's heartbeat went up at that suggestion.
"Yes, why not, I'm sure we'll get on splendidly."
Kahoko somehow doubted that.
.
"Thank you for your kind offer Yunoki-san... I will think about it... but I need to get back now since the rain has stopped..."
She bowed to them and, holding her bag tightly, she hurried down the steps onto the street.
Miyabi called out after her. "Allow me to visit you tomorrow Hino-san!"
.
Brother and sister watched the retreating figure of the redhead.
"Is it really wise, Miyabi? She might turn out to be just as weird as her uncle..."
"Onii-sama!... I think she's rather interesting..."
.
.
That night Kahoko kept tossing on her bed. In her dream, she once again saw herself meeting a prospective employer, and answering a dozen questions in the hope of securing a job at last. Strangely, the man's features resembled that of the long-haired Yunoki Azuma, and even his voice seemed to have the same jeering tone as he spoke.
"I'm afraid we can't hire you Miss Hino. Your appearance is unsuitable, your singing is dreadful and furthermore... you smell of cats!"
.
In horror, Kahoko held her face with both hands... and screamed.
"Iiiiiieeeeeee!"
.
She woke up gasping for breath and sat up to check her surroundings. "Thank goodness, it's only a nightmare..."
.
She fell back against her pillow.
.
I never minded Uncle's cats before, but... but what if I started to...
That thought made her shudder.
.
Perhaps I should seriously consider Miyabi-san's offer...
.
To be continued...
.
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Author's note: When I decided to write this story, my first choice for the hero was Yunoki Azuma, but the more I thought, the more I realised that Len would be equally good if not better in that role. Since I couldn't sacrifice one in favour of the other, I decided to make 2 versions. The other one is called... "Len's fair lady" (obviously!) and will come out next week I hope :)
