--Chapter One--
On a beach outside Tokyo, the waves rolled in one after another. A crescent moon hung low in the night sky, reflecting in the ocean water. The stars seemed to dance along the ocean's surface, as the waves continued to roll in. Upon the shore, a lone figure walked along the sand. The skirt of a pale aqua dress bounced in the sea breeze. Matching aqua heels hung from delicate fingers. In the other hand, a violin case was held. The sea breeze caught locks of sea green hair, tossing it around blue eyes as deep as the ocean waves. After a few more steps, the young woman stopped, kneeling down. She set her shoes and the case down. She then opened the case and pulled out a beautiful wooden violin and bow. The moonlight caught golden letters that were engraved on the violin. 'Michiru' it read. The young violinist stood back up and faced the ocean, placing the violin beneath her chin. She closed her eyes and glided the bow over the strings gently, playing a soft melody. As she played, Michiru walked into the water, up her ankles. She danced around in the ocean water, quickening the melody. Her heart poured out into her piece. She danced around faster and faster, quickening the piece just the same. As she reached the climax of the melody, she slowed to a stop and let her heart out, playing as fast as she was able. The sun began to rise slowly. Michiru glided the bow across the strings one last time, finished.
Ocean blue eyes opened once more, filled with tears. Michiru closed her eyes once more, a few sparkling tears spilling from them. She turned and returned to her case and shoes. She placed her beloved violin and bow back in the case. After wiping her tears from her cheeks, Michiru picked up her shoes and case. She let out a soft sigh before walking back toward her apartment. Her soft voice spoke familiar words, just above a whisper.
"Another sleepless night..."
With that the young violinist stepped onto the sidewalk and set her case and shoes on a nearby bench. She reached down and dusted the now dry sand from her feet, then slipped her heels back onto her small feet. A delicate hand reached down to pick up her case once more, as she started toward home. It was a two-hour walk back, but Michiru didn't mind. Normally she did not walk that far on the beach, but that night was an exception.
As she approached the building, a moving van pulled up. Behind it, a yellow convertible followed with music playing that was much too loud for the time of day. Yet, much to Michiru's surprise, it was classical music, piano solos to be precise. Michiru glanced over as both vehicles parked. A figure stood at the top of the steps, on the third floor, waiting to greet the new arrival. Michiru knew that figure. She smiled and walked toward the steps. As she passed the convertible, azure blue eyes caught sight of the young violinist, from behind a pair of shades. A slender hand reached up and pulled the shades down a bit amazed by the beauty walking past. The driver pushed the shades back up, turned off the car, and hopped out, running a hand through short sandy blond hair. Michiru approached the bottom of the steps, looking up at the slightly older woman at the top. Her soft laughter filled the air as she smiled up at her.
"I never thought I would live to see the day... You're actually awake before eleven, Suna-san."
The morning breeze caught locks of long black hair. The morning sun revealed a hint of dark green tint within each strand. Ruby red eyes sparkled as the young woman descended the stairs. The young woman smiled down at her friend. Her voice was soft, yet deep, as if she knew the secrets of the universe.
"Very funny, Michiru-san. I'm here to welcome our newest tenant. Convenient you're here. You can introduce yourself."
Michiru gave her friend a sly look before giggling softly.
"Convenient indeed. I'm sure you planned it this way, in your sneaky way."
"I did nothing of the sort."
Both women shared a laugh as the driver of the convertible approached them. A slender hand reached up and pulled the shades off, placing them amidst the short blond locks of hair. Azure blue eyes gazed over the women in front of them. Both women smiled softly at the new arrival. Michiru looked over the person in front of her. Deep oceanic eyes met azure ones. The two stared into each other's eyes for a moment before a voice cut in.
"Welcome, Tenou-san."
The young blond smirked slightly and those azure eyes averted from Michiru.
"Thank you. You must be Meiou-san."
Ruby red eyes blinked a few times, before the woman burst into laughter.
"Please call me Setsuna. I have never been called Meiou-san and I prefer to keep it that way."
Michiru's soft laughter filled the air once more, as she smiled at Setsuna.
"It makes you sound so official. Meiou-san, manager of Starlight Terrace Apartments."
Setsuna gave Michiru a playful glare before giggling softly. She then motioned her hand toward Michiru, as she spoke to the new tenant.
"Tenou Haruka meet Kaiou Michiru."
Michiru bowed to Haruka, smiling softly.
"My pleasure."
Haruka bowed in returned, smirking playfully.
"The pleasure is all mine."
Michiru gave a coy smile. This new tenant was an interesting one. Setsuna smiled and handed Haruka a gold key.
"Your apartment is on the third floor. The pool is on the second floor. My apartment is on the first floor, if you need anything else."
Haruka smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Setsuna-san."
With that Setsuna smiled and went into her apartment. Haruka turned and tossed the key to one of the movers and instructed him and the others to start taking things up. The older gentleman chuckled and asked which apartment it was. Michiru took a few steps forward, emerging at Haruka's side. She smiled softly and pointed to the left of the building, then to the two sets of stairs that went up the sides of the building.
"Tenou-san will be staying in that apartment. The balcony wraps around the entire front of the building. You can access the apartment from either sets of stairs."
The movers thanked Michiru and started to unload. Haruka turned and smiled at the young violinist.
"Thank you, Kaiou-san."
Michiru lifted a hand to her mouth, suppressing a soft laugh.
"Let me give you one piece of advice, Tenou-san. There is only Suna-san, you, and I living in this building. You'll get to know us quite quickly so you can drop the formalities. First name usage is fine."
Haruka smiled once more.
"Alright, Michiru-san."
Michiru returned the smile before continuing.
"I should also warn you that I also practice my violin on the roof for two hours during the day. However, it is in the middle of the day, so you won't have to worry about being woken in the middle of the night. My apartment is on the other side of the third floor so stop by if you need anything."
Haruka's smile only grew. Michiru bid the new tenant farewell and climbed the stairs. Haruka watched her disappear into the apartment.
"I think I'm going to like it here."