"It may be temporary, but could get worse." Shuhei heard the doctor tell his father. He waits outside the room but with Dr. Yamato's voice being clear and crisp, and the walls of his office seemingly hollow, Shuhei had little trouble hearing the truth.

"He'll be under observation for a few days. If he can come here for a daily check-up, I'd highly recommend," the brown-eyed doctor adds. Though the way he said it sounded more like a mandate than a recommendation. Shuhei's father pursed his lips. With a competition just around the corner, and the Van Cliburn in half a year, he'd prefer Shuhei to focus on practicing. But with the current circumstances, he is no longer sure if Shouei could really compete.

"I understand your concern especially with your son's upcoming competition, but issues like this can affect his performances in the long run if taken lightly."

"I see," his father said after a long pause. "If that's what the doctor says then we'll obey."

A daily check-up huh, that sucks. Shuhei breathed deeply as he closed his eyes. He doesn't really have qualms about it but it'll be really ugly if the press finds out. The press— seriously… they follow him everywhere and like all the time. He hasn't said anything to anyone, except for the very few that know: his immediate family, Pavlas, and Wei Pang. Wei Pang the ice king… crap… had he not been so perceptive and sharp. Luckily, he agreed not to breathe a word to anyone.

He heard the door open and he quickly jumps to his feet. His father looks at him, worry evident on his face. Shuhei tries to assure his father he'll be alright with a soft smile, but knows it didn't work when his dad didn't say a single word as they return back home. His mother and grandma have been waiting for them at the front door, and his dad tells them what Dr. Yamato said. Concern quickly washed over their faces, but expressed their support— something Shuhei is glad to hear.

After dinner, when the conversation quickly changed from his father's next concert to Shuhei's future, and handling the press, Shuhei excused himself. He goes up to the piano room where he'd prefer to spend the rest of his evening. He sat in front of the piano thinking long and hard, when his phone rang. Pulling it out of his pocket, a familiar name flash on the screen; Shuhei sighs, what does he want at this time?

"Hey,"

"Oh? I was so sure you aren't gonna pick up," a jolly voice at the other end said. Normally Shuhei wouldn't have even if it's Kai, since he had made this rule of not taking phone calls a few days before a competition. If it's an emergency they'll have to send him a message first before calling. But today, he's not in the mood for practice and a little tired of thinking.

"What's up?" Shuhei asked.

"Nothing! I just wanted to ask how you're doing with your preparation,"

Shuhei thought for a moment before answering. He didn't want to accidentally throw anything away that will cause his friend great concern, since the guy himself is on to a piano concerto in a few days' time. "It's going well," he replied. "How about yours?"

"Hmm? Oh great! Lech and Kousei practice with me often,"

"I… see…" Shuhei's sweat dropped. Seriously, those two even followed Kai in Berlin. On the other hand, Shuhei is often in competitions with Wei Pang. Why doesn't the dude just go on and follow Kai too, since the Chinese pianist seem to also have little obsession with defeating Kai.

"…so what's up with you?"

"What… do you mean?"

"Well, you picked up your phone. What gives?"

What the? Shuhei knew his friend has always been perceptive but had expected Kai to be swayed when he changed the topic to his preparations. But doesn't matter, his friend will just believe any excuse he gives.

"It just happened that I'm taking a break from practice when you called."

"Oh, I see. Good luck then. Give my regards to Wei Pang."

"Okay. Good luck to you too."

"Bye."

"Bye."

Give my regards to Wei Pang, he says. Shuhei sighs. He and Wei Pang aren't even friends yet Wei Pang knows his secret. It actually makes him uncomfortable but thank the piano Gods Wei Pang is the type who rarely cares about his competitors. And is sure the Chinese pianist isn't going to say anything to Kai. It's not like he's going to die or anything but... he turns to his phone staring at his wallpaper. It was a photo he and Kai took on a whim after competing in the Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Germany. He looked at it long and hard...

Kai will be able to go on and play music to his hearts content.

But what about himself? Shuhei looks at his palm... if things don't get any better...

...when the notes randomly run away from him... how far will he able to go?

Right, so there aren't many fanfics about Piano no Mori so I decided to make one. err...a pilot chapter but enjoy! :)