The cold winter wind blows my cheek giving me slight shivers. I stood alone in the middle of the town centre waiting for the red stoplight to turn green.
No cars were actually to be seen that day, the white fog that has filled akihabara since a week ago makes driving next to impossible, not to mention the constant snow storm that has been acting up lately.
Even the government advices residents to stay in their house and avoid all outdoor activities for the time being.
"No one would be silly enough to get out of their house at a time like this" I slowly mumbled to myself, no one but me...
While listening to music I waited for the stoplight, true that no cars will be passing anytime soon, and I can just walk pass through the street no problem but as a pedestrian it's never harmful to obey the law.
Most people would probably run with their tails between their legs straight to their houses right now with this weather condition, but I'm used to chill, even my name itself has the word "white" and "snow" in it.
It would be disgraceful for me to run and break the law just because of a little cold wind.
Soon my MP3 player I started playing a certain song, a song that reminds me of an upcoming event, mogyutto "love" de sekkin chuu is the title of the song.
"Oh yeah...valentine's coming soon..." I said in my head as I slowly whistle tune matching the lyrics of the song.
"This song was supposed to be all happy and lovey dovey...but who on earth would go out on a date at a time like this? Hehehe..." I quietly giggled at myself to hide my inner loneliness.
Finally the lights turned green, I leisurely walked my way across the street with my hands in my pockets to avoid getting frostbitten. Then HER solo came from the song that I was listening too.
"Agetai kimetai! Watashitachi! Kyou no tameni!" the lyrics and her voice pierced through my very heart, this happens every time I hear her voice, I can't take it anymore, sometimes this feeling just drives me crazy!
"Honoka...where are you right now?" I asked my desperate self in a low voice, tears started pouring from my very eyes; thank God no one was there to watch.
After the song finished I don't feel like listening to music anymore. I put away my MP3 player in my coat pocket and took off my headset, the very headphone I always bring everywhere with, no matter the place that headphone is the one thing I never forget to bring every time I left my house.
Some of my friends think it's weird for me to be attached to an item like that, but since I never bother to explain it to them they didn't understand the reason why.
This is not just an ordinary headphone, it was a keepsake from Her 4 years ago when I was about to left, she knows how much I love music, so she gave this to me, and this headset is the only thing connecting me to her now.
I always put this headset around my neck everywhere I go. For me nothing is more important than keeping this headphone clean and working.
I clean the headphone on a monthly basis and I always take care of its speaker, its common design makes it easier to find spare parts for it, so it's not really THAT hard to fix this thing.
On the right speaker of the headset lies a handwritten S letter and on the left lies an H letter, the handwriting was a bit sloppy, but considering she was trying to imitate calligraphy at such a young age back then, it was a pretty good try.
I walked to my housing district while fighting against the fierce winter wind which blows the other ways around, I looked to my left and right from time to time, but what I saw was nothing but white, snow covers every single place you can imagine, every nook and cranny of the street was covered in white snow.
"Geez, I know I asked for a white Christmas but not this white!" I complained as I remember praying at the shrine for another white Christmas 3 months ago.
It's been 2 months since Christmas but the snow isn't stopping anytime soon it seems. Looks like spring's coming late this New Year.
After about half an hour of walking from where I was once, my dad's recording office, I finally reached my house, well to tell you the truth it's more of a small mansion then just an ordinary house.
You see, my dad is one of the directors at a famous recording studio here in Tokyo, lots of idols and professional singers, music composer, and musician has been scouted and produced there, it's no wonder that my love for music came from my old man.
"Ding dong ding ding dong" the loud sound of my house's bell rang, only I pressed the bell in such a manner around the house, so most of my family members know that it's me who pressed the bell once they hear that pattern. The gate immediately opened and I entered the house.
"Tadaima!" I shouted at the almost empty house,
A women dressed in black dress soon came down the stairs to greet me,
"Ahh! Welcome home Shiro!" she greeted with a smile,
"Yeah, I'm back" I replied as I take off my shoes and coat.
"Where's the old man? I brought the thing he wanted" I continued as I took out a package from my winter coat.
"He's at his room, he's still preparing himself" my mom said.
I quickly ran up the stairs to my parents room, but just as I was about to open the door my dad slammed the door open himself.
Wearing a messy tuxedo, his unkempt hair, and a tie that has not been done yet, he panted as if he was being chased by some rabid animal or something.
He really is a sloppy father, always getting up late and constantly forgetting his breakfast. I still can't believe he was trusted at a major director at that company.
"WHOA!" my father screamed as he opened his room's door,
"Hey there Shiro!" he greeted me with a smiling face of innocence.
"Did you get the item I asked you to get?" he asked me anxiously,
"Yeah I did manage to get it in time just before you all have to leave, here" I said as I handed my father the package.
"Ohh! Thanks a bunch Shiro! You really are a life saver! I don't know what I'll do without these during the meeting tomorrow! I might even get fired!" he said jokingly while laughing.
"Yeah yeah...just hurry up dad, mom's already waiting downstairs" I told my dad,
Then looking at his messy appearance I fixed him, I combed his hair while he wears his tuxedo properly then I also tied his tie.
"Geez dad, what would you do without me, hehe" I giggled a bit looking at my dad's goofiness.
"Aw come on don't be like that! Just helping your old man from time to time shouldn't be a problem right?" he then pouts,
"yeah yeah sure, whatever dad" I replied while seeing him out of his room going downstairs getting ready to leave for work with my mom.
Not long after, my parents left with their cars.
From now on, for the next 5 days I'll be living alone here, the reason? My dad's got a temporary move from his main recording studio to a branch in the Osaka prefecture to train some new producers in-training. And after those 5 days, I won't be here anymore.
And that package he left on his office is his presentation material, without it he won't be able to teach. Though I personally don't know how a klutz like him could possibly be trusted with such an important job like that.
After my parents left I knew from that moment on I'm free to do whatever I want on that house, but of course I still have responsibility of every single thing that happened in that house. Not wanting to break any of my mom's valuable glass shoes collection or my dad's antique piano, I dragged my cold to my room for a hot bath.
As I enter my bathtub to warm my body I started washing my body, there's nothing better than a warm bath after a cold day.
But not long after I enjoyed my warm bath, her image pops up in my mind again.
"I remembered when we used to bathe together like this when we were children..."
I rembered the old times back when we were still kindergartners' and elementary scholars we used to play together, eat together, even bathe together without feeling any shame, me and Honokaa that is.
Sure she had other friends to keep her company but not me; it's a funny story actually of how I met her.
My story with her goes from way back, to be specific, my summer holiday 12 years ago. Back then I and my family just moved to a new house thanks to their marriage, and I was but a toddler.
Because the move was kindda sudden I wasn't ready for the change, we moved from the suburbs to the big city, of course it's really noisy and crowded.
I remembered always crying every time I hear a car honked or a speeding train, I really missed my quiet and peaceful lifestyle that I used to live back in the suburbs.
Until one day I met her.
My mom was walking around out housing district trying to look for a food shop that could possibly sell lunch.
Since it's a new house not all of the appliances were unpacked back then, only the ones like bed and sofas were the one that got unpacked. And since the house was still dusty, she couldn't have possibly left me alone in there, so she brought me along.
After about half an hour of walking my mom found a what seemed to be a sweet shop called "Homura" a name I'm no longer unfamiliar with, a place which I could proudly call my second home back then.
"Excuse me" my mom said as she entered the shop, a brown haired woman greeted her and they started talking, leaving me wondering around the place.
I looked at all the sweets they have. manjus, dangos, taiyakis, they all smell and looked great! But since I didn't want to bother my mom who's chatting with the shop keeper I kept my hunger to myself and just kept on staring at the sweets.
But not long after a voice is heard from my back,
"You want some?" the voice asked, and I got startled.
"Wha! W-who's there?" I shouted as I turned around.
In front of me stands a ginger haired girl with her hair tied to the side, her blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and she was wearing her pink T-shirt.
"I asked you: do you want some of the sweets?" the girl asked me again, this time getting her face closer to me,
I back then, who was uncomfortable with new people got shy and backed away.
"n-not really" I replied her with my timid voice while hiding my shy face.
"Ehh really? Don't lie" she said back to me while tilting her head,
And just as she said that my stomach grumbles loudly REALLY loudly, so loud even my mom can hear it, she then realized what she came here for and quickly bought me some manjus.
Then the girl was told by the shopkeeper to escort me and play at the backyard, there both of us sat at the porch while eating some manjus.
The hungry me walf down all those manjus like no tomorrow, seeing how fast I ate the girl beside me stared at me in awe, realizing this I started to blush again,
"Hey! We haven't introduced ourselves yet!" she then said,
"Hi! I'm Kosaka Honoka! Nice to meet you!" she continued while offering me a handshake with a big smile on her face, a smile I won't ever forget.
I slowly accepted her handshake and answered slowly
"T-Toshiro Shi-Shirayu-ki, Nice to meet you too..."
Not satisfied with a my slow answer she asked me again,
"Huh? What's that? I can't hear you!" then she leaned her ears near me,
"I said my name is Toshiro Shirayuki..." I replied her the second time,
But she still finds my voice volume unpleasing and keeps on teasing me,
"Sorry I still can't hear you!" she tried to tease me, getting annoyed at this girl I shouted at her ear "I said my name is Toshiro Shirayuki! Nice to meet you!" then a quick silence fell upon us.
I somehow felt bad for shouting at her and wanted to apologize, but before I can say a thing the girl laughed "hahaha! That's the spirit! You've gotta do it loud and clear!" she praised me giving me a thumbs up. And that was the first time I didn't feel uncomfortable around new people, Honoka was the one who dragged me out of my shell.
After the loud introduction, Honoka asked me a lot of questions, from where I came from, my hobbies, my school and lots of other things; I could barely keep up with her energy! But nevertheless I was happy being around her, as if just being around her gave you energy! I answered all her questions enthusiastically, she also told a bit about herself, that the sweets shop was being run by her family and that she has a little sister too.
At the end of the day I played and chatted a lot with Honoka, I also broke a good amount of sweat playing tags with her too. And since my mom explained our situation ms. Kosaka gave us the manju for free. "Consider it our house warming present" she said. After saying our goodbyes me and my mom left the shop and we went back home.
Ever since that day, I've been constantly going to the Homura like it's my own house, every time I was hungry I would always take a step out of my house and ran my way to Homura, my mom and ms. Kosaka are also good friends so every time my mom has a business with ms. Kosaka she would always bring me to the Homura and I always ended up finding myself playing with Honoka and her 2 best friends Umi and Kotori.
Of course I couldn't play with them all the time, because I and they went to different schools. They went to Otonokizaka all girls' school and I went to a local primary school.
Day by day passes by as I grew closer to Honoka and her friends, we would do silly things that annoy our parents, we would also go swimming on a local pool together, or have a sleepover from time to time. Until I graduated from my primary school and moved to my middle school.
Back then, my dad just got a position in a talent agency, not as high and mighty as he is now, but he still got a pretty good position in the company.
But the thing is, his new workplace is way too far from our current home, so we had to move. I was really reluctant and disagreed on the move, I mean; I finally have made some friends here! Not just friends but best friends with Honoka, Kotori, and Umi! There's no way I can leave just like that.
But after hearing my dad's explanation there's nothing I can do, I wanna bring up school as a problem but I just graduated from my elementary school, so it's just the same as finding a new school.
In the end I had to leave them, I told them about the news and they all seemed sad, but Honoka insisted that it can't be helped, so instead of being all sad, we should all make every moments counts! And everyone agreed, she truly is a sun shining after a rainy day.
The day before I left we played a lot and we also took pictures to remember each other. But Honoka had one final surprise for me; right before I left Honoka dashed quickly to her house and gave me a wrapped gift box.
I was surprised she had prepared something like this for me.
"here, Shiro-kun, a farewell gift from me" she said with watery eyes as I was about to enter the moving truck,
"Huh...Honoka-chan, thank you!" I said in return,
My eyes also began to water back then. then I opened the box, what lies inside was none other than my headphone,
"Honoka-chan...this is..." my eyes started to fill with tears as I stared at her gift
Honoka knew I loved music so much and how I loved singing, the 4 of us used to sing our favourite songs all the time, apparently she recorded the songs and put it in one tape for me to listen to.
At this point I couldn't hold my tears any longer I quickly hugged her and cried in her shoulder while saying thank you she also cried while hugging me. That day I told her how I didn't want to go, how I wished I could stay and grew up with them, but the bitter truth bites me right in the heart, as much as I hate it I had to let them go.
"don't cry like that Shiro-kun, you have to be strong!" yelled Umi from the back
"yeah! Someday we'll surely meet again!" added Kotori,
Both of them also shed a few tears upon my leaving.
"See, you hear them Shiro-kun, they're right...I know you wished you could've stayed, but that's not possible, that's why you need to face the reality bravely!" Honoka said trying to encourage me while wiping her tears away. Seeing she did that I did the same,
"Yeah! I promise I'll be strong! I won't cry about it anymore, because someday we'll definitely meet each other again!" I said while mustering all my courage.
After that Honoka did the unexpected once again, she pulled me close and kissed me on my cheek,
"I'll miss you Shiro-kun" she whispered slowly in my ears afterwards.
Not knowing how to react to that, I just gave her my biggest smile and left them behind knowing I'll surely meet them again in the future.
And so, time flies by so fast and without me noticing, I already passed my middle school and I'm ready to enter high school. But even if we're separated by distance I still think of her, my childhood friend and the best friend I ever had.
High school was tough for me, lots of bullies here and there tried to prank me and took my keepsake away, they annoy me so much, and I just had to play aggressive.
Once this one guy tried to pick a fight with me cause I won't lend him my headphone, I beat him up pretty good cause he took it by force. I was called to the principal's office and nearly got expelled.
Ever since that day no one dared to mess with me again, I was feared around the school, and the teachers disliked me even though I got good grades, I slowly crept back to the shell I left so long ago.
My live stayed like that until I entered my 2nd year of high school, a nightmare news struck me when I least expected.
"O-otonokizaka...is CLOSING!?" I shouted in my room back then,
The shock hit me like a truck, I couldn't believe what I had read, then I continued my research, and yes, it's indeed true that otonikizaka was closing because of the lack of students' enrolment.
My already bad lifestyle got even worst from that point; I cracked my head up trying to find a way to help Honoka in any way possible.
"my childhood friend's in trouble I just can't stand idle and do nothing!" that was what I thought 24/7 back then.
I never wanted to see that smile of hers fade because her beloved school is closing down. I tried to think of any way possible for me to help her, but I came up with nothing.
Until one day while I was surving the web one video caught my attention. The video was only uploaded 3 days ago but it already had more than 500.000 views! The title of the video was START:DASH!
And it looks like it's a stage performance by some new idol group. But what surprised me the most was the faces that I saw who were singing the song. The 3 girls I left behind me 5 years ago were singing that song. Honoka, Umi, and Kotori. Their dances were amazing! The lyrics and music everything was perfect! That day I cried tiers of happiness as I finally get to see them again. They surely have changed a lot! They're no children anymore.
I kept on tracing the video until I can find more about the 3 of them, after many hours of searching. I finally found some info about them, it says on the internet in order to prevent their school's closure they decided to become school idols. It might sound like a crazy idea for most people, but knowing its Honoka, she might be able to pull it off!
Since then I became a loyal fan of µ's (read as muse). Every time they upload their new songs I would always listen to them and sing along, I would also buy their merchandise from time to time, mostly Honoka's merchandise though.
And when I heard that they were joining the Love Live competition I became even happier. It's great what they were doing for their school, and not to mention that 3 of my childhood friends are also members of the idol group makes it even more awesome.
Though I was shocked once more after hearing that µ's dropped out of the first Love Live for some reason. At first I was confused but then I learned the truth, and it hurts, I wish I could've been there with them on their tough times, just like they did for me during mine. But alas, I was just a simple fan who could only support them from the back.
A year passed after µ's dropped out of Love Live, and the second Love Live was announced, after much time spent stalking on the internet, I was told that µ's is rejoining Love Live! Once again a wave of happiness struck me, I began listening to their songs more and more, but I could never go to their concerts, it's just too far.
However I did manage to snatch myself a tickets to the finals, µ's performed last, got an encore and won the 2nd Love Live, I saw them sparkle on stage brightly with my own eyes, their emotions, their passion were unstoppable, I was once again so close to her! But how is it possible for her to see me from a sea of spectators.
I smiled at myself on the bathtub, recollecting those events that I saw as if they were only yesterday.
"They certainly have come far..." I said while thinking of µ's.
And without me realizing I've spent 1 hour in the bath doing nothing but dozing off and daydreaming, I decided it's time to get back to reality.
I got up from my bath, I was a bit dizzy when I suddenly stood up, probably cause I've been in the water too long, then I took some random clothes from my closet and wore them downstairs.
"Let's see...what's for dinner?" I mumbled while searching for eatable snacks,
But all that was left in the cabinet was my mom's vegetable crackers.
"Huff...looks like convenience store food again" I sighed as I left my locked house.
After grabbing some quick dinner I went to my room, having bored to death with absolutely nothing to do, I fell asleep.
The days passed by fast without my parents, everyday was just the same: eat, sleep, play, rinse and repeat. And suddenly it was already Thursday when my father called to check up on me.
"Yeah dad I'm ok...no I didn't go out a nights...NO I didn't invite my friends...WHA? NO I WASN'T DATING ANY GIRL!" my annoyed voice screamed throughout the empty house as I answered my old man's silly question.
"Hahaha! I was just checking, looks like it's true that you'll be single for a long time!" my dad said over the phone,
I just ignored him and every joke he made afterwards, until he mentioned the name µ's
"Hey Shiro, you're a big fan of µ's aren't ya?" he asked to peek my interest,
"Isn't it obvious by now dad? Well, what about them?"
My dad manage to see through my interest,
"And Honoka's a member of µ's right?" he asked once more
"Yes she is, now what about them?" I asked as my curiosity reached its peak.
Then my dad explained the situation, my eyes got wider and wider every second that passed as he was explaining,
"So you wanna come? This your final chance after all" he asked me one last time
"HECK YEAH! HECK YEAH I'LL COME!" I shouted, answering my old man with my loudest voice.
So here's the deal, the job that my dad took on Osaka wasn't just as a simple seminar teacher, but as an event organizer too! See, there will be this formal event for the young and talented souls of the music industry, kindda like a party.
Many famous musicians will come to the party, and considering that µ's won the last Love Live competition they have been invited to the party too! And that phone call just now, that was my old man asking me if I wanted to attend the party too!
He said it's about time for him to introduce his son to his co-worker and boss before I'm gone, but that's not the only reason, he wants me to have a reunion with Honoka, Kotori, and Umi for one last time.
That night I prepared all the stuff I need for the trip, but mostly they were just my clothes though, since everything else was already taken care of at my dad's place. I also slept in early to conserve my energy for the trip tomorrow, after all its going to be a LONG night tomorrow.
I tried closing my eyes and sleep, but the thrill of meeting Honoka just kept me awake, I tried to force myself to sleep but the more I close my eyes the harder it is for me to sleep.
After a long struggle of trying to sleep, I took a peak at my phone to see the time,
"Already half past midnight and I'm not even tired…" I complained to myself.
"Come on! Sleep already!" I walked off my bed and do some stretching to make me feel sleepy, but it's just no good.
"Huff…huff…huff I can't sleep at all!" I yelled in my room.
"Hey be quiet there! It's already past midnight!" a weak yet loud voice yelled from beyond my walls.
"Rats…I've woken up old lady Maya…" I thought to myself as I said sorry for bothering to my angry neighbour.
The next thing in the morning, I got up really early, mostly it's because I couldn't sleep properly at all last night.
I dragged my lazy body around the house to grab my towel and went to take a cold shower.
"Hopefully an ice freezing bath would keep me awake. Its winter so and spring isn't coming anytime soon, so better make a memory out of it!" I thought to myself.
I entered the shower and brave myself to switch the water heater off, the moment I pushed the "off" button on my water heater, a shower of bone chilling water poured down on me, as if Jack Frost himself was breathing to my back.
After battling my way through my freezing cold bath, I walked my shivering body to my room and quickly covered myself in my warmest winter clothes. After that I splurged my mouth with a mug full of hot cocoa.
The preparations are done, I have my luggage ready, the ticket I need have been bought online, and my dear headphone is dangling on my neck hidden by my µ's scarf. All I have to do now is get to the station and leave.
After making sure every bit of electric appliances have been turned off and make sure I locked all the doors, I left my house and walked my way to the train station, it isn't too far from my house so there's no need to use any other means of transportation except my own two feet.
I arrived at the station. I had to wait for a bit for the train to arrive since I left my house so early in the morning. Soon I boarded the train and took my seat. After that I cut my connection to the outside world by wearing my headphone and listening Love Marginal in an infinite loop while sightseeing from the train.
Upon arrival my dad called me to meet him on the entrance of the station, even though I already told him that I can go to the hotel by myself he insisted in picking me up.
"So are you excited to see your childhood sweetheart again?" my dad asked as he drove us from the airport to the hotel I'll be staying for the next 2 days.
"Huh? Well…I can't say that I'm not excited, but I wouldn't be excited enough to hug her in front of the entire guest" I replied to my father shyly.
"Ha-ha! Either way you must be happy to be able to see her again, and you'll also be introduced to the other idols too!" my dad said as he took a sharp turn to the left, from there I could see the hotel I was about to stay in.
"If only we hadn't left back then, maybe you two might have become couples by now!" added my father.
"Come on dad! We're just friends! No need to go that far, ha-ha!" I replied to my dad's joke.
However I knew I was lying to myself when I answered that. "Not wanting to be couples? Just be friends? What bullshit are you trying to pull here!? You know you're crazy for her and you know you loved her!" I shouted at my inner self for being such a bad liar.
"Hey! Since you're meeting her again tomorrow night, why don't you just ask her out?" my dad suggested to me.
I quickly regain my thoughts back after he snapped me out.
"Huh? No way! She's an Idol! An I-D-O-L IDOL! She isn't allowed to have any romantic relationship with anyone! And beside…I still have "THAT" right?" I reminded my father of the truth
that is not something I could do so easily while pulling a face full of joy, that is something I've considered over and over and over and over again, doing that means I'll have to change my whole entire life! But yet after much consideration I decided to take the consequences and go along with that.
My dad quiet down after I mentioned that in front of him, his cheerful face turned into a sad one after I mentioned that.
"You sure you still want to do THAT, I know it's a chance of a lifetime but still-"
"DAD!" I shouted at him cutting his words.
"We've been through this before! You said you'll respect my decisions…" my voice grew strong yet fragile
"I know it's not easy for me to do it just like that but I'm doing this not just for my sake I'm doing it for your sake my mom's sake too! No not just that I'm doing it for HER sake too!" I finally said to my dad but with teary eyes.
"I promise dad…once I'm done with it I'll be a better man" I assured my dad one last time.
My dad was silenced; he didn't say a word until we almost reached the hotel. And just when we were about to enter the hotel's parking lot he said.
"Well son, looks like you've got yourself a firm future…I'll always be on your back to support you" he pats my back afterwards
Then he drove away before I could even say a word, apparently he got some work to do.
I entered the hotel and my mom greeted me from the lobby, then she showed me to my room, it's a separate room from the one's that they stayed it not to mention it's also a different floor, so I can have some privacy all to myself.
I slammed my body down the bed once I arrived at my hotel room.
"Tired!" I yelled while my face is on the bed, staying up all night not sleeping last night really drained my energy, I felt sleepy for a moment but then I regained back my consciousness because my mom called my phone.
"Go buy yourself something good to wear for the party" my mom said from over the phone.
I took a small glace at the clothes that I brought, true though that I have nothing suitable to wear to such a formal party, nonetheless to meet Honoka after such a long time.
So I went to my mom's room and she gave me some money to buy or rent some a tuxedo or something, it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, just a formal look would do. I took the elevator down the hotel and walked my way to a local boutique my mom told me beforehand.
I entered the shop and an old lady greeted me,
"welcome welcome!" she greeted me with a smile
I nodded and took a look around the boutique. There are lots of different clothes to choose from, this place might be a local boutique but they definitely have different variant of products, ranging from simple T-shirts, to pyjamas, night dresses, and even cosplay clothes!
"Is there anything I can help you with young man?" asked the old lady kindly, it appears that she was the owner of the shop, since no one else was around the shop.
"Uhhh...yeah, I was looking for a tuxedo to wear. Could you please show me one?" I answered the old lady.
When I said I was looking for a tuxedo the old lady seemed happy.
"Ohh! My my! A tuxedo, that's an odd answer, are you going to a prom young man?" she asked again as she walked around the shop looking for the clothes I was looking for.
"Not a prom, but it is a party" I replied to her.
"Ahh! Is it that party they're holding tomorrow night on the Hotel?" the old lady seemed to be interested to the party
"Yes, that one...I just got here a bit unprepared so my mom asked me to get some clothes to wear to the party, and she recommended this shop" I explained.
"I see...by any chance is your mother name Seiko?" the shop keeper took me by surprised.
"H-how did you know!?" I was startled when the old lady knew my mother's name.
"Hahaha!" the old lady laughed hard, "I knew it was her! You have Seiko's aura written all around you!" she continued.
Then she explained to me her relationship with my mom. Turns out she was my mom's teacher at fashion school back when my mom was at collage. She was really close to my mom, she said that my mom was her star student, after my mom graduated; she retired from being a teacher and opened up her own boutique here in Osaka with her husband.
"So where's your husband now mam? I didn't see anyone here beside you" I asked.
Without noticing I am now sitting on a chair in front of the old lady's desk while munching on some cookies she offered me and listening to her story.
"Ohh, my husband? He's not here, he lives in Tokyo, finding the materials I need to make clothes, of course my children helps too, my eldest son is helping him there and my daughter is here helping me with the clothes alongside a few workers" she explained.
"it's too bad she's away for grocery shopping right now so she couldn't meet you, she used to be great friends with your mother!" she added.
While she told her story I was quiet the whole time thinking of how far distance separated this old lady and her husband.
"And if I may ask, how long have you been doing this job mam?" I asked her once again.
"As for today...20 years 2 months and 20 days" she said with a grin showing how well her memory still is.
I can only drop my jaw as I heard those numbers, being separated from her husband for 20 years and yet she's still OK with it.
"So you've haven't met your husband for more than 20 years?" I confirmed.
Then she put a light chop on my head, "of course not silly boy! He still comes home from time to time, like on Christmas and New Year or in my birthday...still, he can't stay here for long though" the old lady explained again.
Her current situation really reminds me of me and Honoka's situation. I could almost feel her pain.
"Isn't it lonely not being able to meet your husband for such a long time? Aren't you scared that something bad might happen to him? Aren't you- ouch!" the old lady cut my words by chopping my head again?
"Of course not!" the old lady yelled and then she took a deep breath.
"Look kid, I know it sounds hard, you're not the first one who doubted in me by doing this. Believe it or not, your mom even tried to stop me from making this boutique once" then she starts her story.
"see...after your mothers gradation I told your mom about my plans since she was my star student, and of course she disagree with my idea, she gave me the exact reasoning as you do...but in the end I did it anyways, and here I am 20 years later!" she said
"Aren't you lonely that you're husband is so far away?" I still asked her
"I have my daughter to keep me company here, so it's not all that lonely...distance might separate us, but if we still believe in each other that long distance won't seem so long anymore...just keep the people dear to you close to your heart, and they won't seem so far anymore" she then smiled
I was silenced listening to the old lady.
"I really wish I could be like her" I said in my head, after that an idea popped up.
Yes, it is inevitable that I can't be with her for the time being, we might be able to meet tomorrow night, but after that, we'll have no more chance to meet one another.
"So I need to make this reunion counts!" I convinced myself.
After saying my thank you and goodbye to the old lady I left her boutique. I went on a journey for the next 2 hours looking for a parting gift to give to Honoka. I ran around town trying to find a good present, something memorable, something special, something that she won't forget.
After 2 hours of searching I finally found it, a golden locket that would fit our childhood photo. I quickly entered the shop that sells it and planned to purchase it.
"Excuse me miss! I would like to buy that golden locket!" I said to the cashier as I pointed at the locket which was displayed on the shop window.
Everyone in the store was staring at me as I barged in the store, my body was sweating from anxiousness and tiredness, and I was panting when I entered the shop.
The cashier quickly took a look at the item I mentioned.
"Ohh my...I'm so sorry sir but the item that you requested has just been sold out" said the cashier lady.
"It's ok! I'll buy the display, I really need that locket, so please" I begged her
"We're not allowed to sell display items sir" she said again.
"PLEASE! Miss! I'll pay any price for it! I really need it!" I begged her once more.
Everyone was looking at me, but I didn't' really care much.
At last the cashier took pity on me and let me buy the locket, though it cost a whooping 6000 yen, it was worth it for Honoka. Night soon came and I returned to my Hotel room. I slammed by body on my bed and stayed there motionless for about 15 munities, resting my tired muscles. After taking a long bath, I watched some TV while munching on some sweet caramel popcorn, after that I quickly went to bed.
Morning soon came. The dim sunlight pierced through a small gap on my room's window, calling me to wake up. I got out of bed and looked at my watch.
"It's already 9.30 AM" I said.
Then I went downstairs and ate breakfast with my parents.
"Morning son!" my dad waved at me from his dining table. "How was your sleep?" he asked.
"Certainly better than having to sleep alone at our house" I replied.
"Today's the big day Shiro, are you ready?" my mom voiced from behind me bringing her plate of bacon and eggs.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much" I lied as I filled my mouth with omurice. "Beside, tomorrow's even bigger" I reminded them.
My parents immediately looked down in depression, but not a moment after they looked at me again.
"It's your choice Shiro, is everything ready? Your clothes, your-"
"It's OK mom! I've got it all under control! I prepared them before I left the house 2 days ago" I cut my mother's words.
"Then I guess there's nothing else to worry about. Beside, most of the heavy stuff has been brought here by us beforehand" my dad said.
"I guess tonight will be your last chance Shiro, your chance to say goodbye to her" my mom said slowly.
I pulled a sad face afterwards, I thought about what I was going to do again, and then I plastered a small smile in my face.
"Yeah, I guess tonight's my last chance. Beside, the plan in the first place was leave without telling her anyways, but now I'm lucky enough to have one final meeting with her, so I gotta make the best of this!" I said. My mom and dad smiled.
The rest of the day goes on like usual, I walked around the town and looked at some shops, played at a few arcades, read a few books on a book store. Basically I spent my day roaming the town of Osaka.
Until I looked at my watch, without realizing it's already 4 PM and I need to get ready for the party at 6
I walked my way back to my hotel, took a shower, and got dressed. A white tuxedo complete with its bowtie and a pair of white jeans alongside a single plastic rose on my chest pocket. I'm all set, now...I only need to prepare my mental.
I took a glance at the locket I bought for Honoka wrapped in a pink ribbon. Reminiscing all the good memories I had with her back when we still live near one another, I smiled at that memory. I took the locket and put it in my pocket as I took the elevator downstairs to the ballroom.
*creak* the loud noise of the ballroom door echoes as I opened it. Inside was the party planner team alongside with my dad. Seeing me entering the room, my dad called me an introduced me to the team and his co-corkers, I took a deep bow in front of them to show my respect. Then I spend the next 1 hour helping the team with the final preparation.
"All check here!" I shouted from the stage after I checked the piano and the other instruments.
"Whoa! Kid...you're good at this!" , my father's boss, said after I played a few tunes on the piano.
"Hehe! See, I told you I wasn't lying when I said he'll be perfect for the performance!" my dad added.
I blushed a little as I hear compliments from my dad's employee.
"It's nothing really; I just liked music that's all. All it takes is a little practice" I said humbly.
"Hey kid, you wanna perform a little on the show? You can be our surprise guest!" Mr. Shida suggested suddenly.
I was surprised upon hearing his offer, "ehh! I don't think I have what it takes to play in front of such a huge crowd, beside I'm just not as good as the others" I said as I tried to decline his offer
Mr. Shida walked on the stage and stand in front of me while holding my shoulder.
"It doesn't matter if you're not as good as them! You love music right? Then belt it out! Don't hold it in. Beside this IS your final chance right? Come on, tonight I'm giving you the stage as our honoured guest" Mr. Shida tried to convince me to play.
I tilted my head a little and looked at my father; he notices and rubs his head in embarrassment. Looks like he has told Mr. Shida my situation.
But what he was saying WAS true; this IS my final chance at everything, my final chance to show HER how much I've grown too! There's no way I'm letting her outshine me just because she's an Idol now.
"Then...in that case, I'll take the offer sir! It would be the greatest honour in my life to be able to play here in this party!" I exclaimed
Mr. Shida then rubs my head with a smile, "that's the spirit! I'm sure you'll blow everyone away with your performance!" he smiled.
"I won't disappoint you sir!" I said proudly
The preparation goes no smoothly without any hitch, and before we realize it, it's Showtime!
Soon limousines began to park outside the 5 star hotels and dropping the artist one by one, there were many famous new names in the musical industry that came to the party. I kept my eyes peeled for any sign of µ's. then I saw it, a pink limousine!
"This HAS GOT to be µ's!" I thought to myself as I ran down the stairs to meet them, but sadly they didn't enter through the front gate, the entered from the backstage to get their performance ready, so I couldn't meet them directly.
My dad called my phone afterwards telling me to meet him so I can get ready for my performance; I still have to pick a song for my performance. I thought and I thought on what I will perform, then it hits my mind. The one song that will tell my true emotion to the audience, only one song can do that! Snow Halation! Of course since I can't sing I'll have to cover the song with piano.
The lights went dim, the crowd went quiet, the show is about to begin. Music starts playing from the stage; the artist has begun their performance. And µ's will come out soon. I waited anxiously for them to show up while practicing my air piano on Snow Halation.
"Up next, the winner of this year's Love Live school idol competition, µ's!" the MC announced.
I looked up the stage and saw my idols shining on stage brighter than ever, they sang and dance beautifully as if they're the 9 goddess of muse them self! The crowd went wild clapping and cheering for them once their performance is over.
I was stunned at how much they've developed and grown since the last time I saw them, but I'm not planning to lose to them just yet.
After µ's there are still a few performance by some bands and solo singers before I have to perform, cause they're saving me for the last, "save the best for the last" Mr. Shida said, though I really doubt that I'm the best.
After their performance was over µ's could finally enjoy them self in the party.
I could saw them, right in front of me, there, on the snack bar chatting and laughing. All I need to do is to move my legs and mouth and greet them. But I can't. I was stunned, I couldn't move my body nor my mouth to greet them, I forced my mind to move but no avail, I just stood there like an idiot staring at the 9 girls.
Then I noticed someone was looking at me, no not just looking but staring at me! A girl dressed in orange breaks from the crowd and dashed her way to me, I still couldn't move my body, and the girl ran closer and closer to me.
"Shiro-kun!" the girl shouted at me as she ran towards me.
Then, after she got close enough to me, she leaps and hugged me in front of the other guest while burying her face in my chest. We were stared at, people began to crowd around us, including the other µ's members.
I could hear a small sulking noise coming from the girl who hugged me, and then she popped up her face from my chest.
"Remember me Shiro-kun?" asked the girl with her teary face and a smile.
My arms began to move by them self and before I know it I had hugged the girl back.
"Of course I remember Honoka-chan..." my eyes began to water too and I cried
It was touching reunion both for me and for her.
"Shiro! You certainly have grown!" roared a voice from the crowed. A blue haired girl crossed her arms as she looked at me while shaking her head.
"The same goes for you Umi!" I pointed at her.
"etto...Shiro-kun, how long are you planning to hug Honoka-chan?" asked a timid cute voice beside Umi
Only then I realize that I was still hugging Honoka, I looked at her and she smiled mischievously, immediately I let go of her and apologize.
"So this is the person Honoka's been talking so much about huh?" a blond haired girl said as she walked forward to me. It was none other than Eli Ayase, a fellow µ's member.
"He certainly does have a charming aura around him if I must say" added the purple haired Nozomi while holding her tarot card
"Ehhem!" Honoka clears her throat. "Sorry for the late introduction everyone, this is me, Umi, and Kotori's childhood friend, Toshiro Shirayuki hope you all can get along well" she introduces me.
"its an honor meeting you all tonight!" I bowed, "I've been a fan of µ's for the longest of time and to think that I'm actually meeting you all here tonight, it feels like a dream come true!" I exclaimed
"If you're such a fan from a long time then I guess there's no need to introduce ourselves anymore then" smiled the red headed tsundere princess Maki Nishikino.
"Of course there's no need to introduce yourself to me anymore, I've known you all for a long time!" I bragged
"then do you mind naming all of us except for Honoka, Umi, and Kotori that is" challenged Nico Yazawa, the self proclaimed super idol.
"Then I guess I'll start off with you! Nico Yazawa, the head, leader, and former sole member of the Otonokizaka Idol Research club. A 3rd year in Otonikizaka and 2nd eldest of all the members of µ's, and also a member of the mini unit BiBi. you have 3 younger siblings 2 younger sisters and 1 younger brother, ohh and Nico Nico Nii!" I ended my explanation by copying Nico's famous catchphrase. Nico was silenced when she heard my explanation on her
"Not bad, not bad at all!" complimented Maki, "now try me" she said
"Maki Nishikino, 1st year in Otonokizaka, the daughter of the owner of the famous Nishikino general hospital, you're a genius at Music composition as well as playing tunes on the piano, you're the one who makes all of µ's music, you own 2 vacation house one near a beach and one on the mountains. Also a member of BiBi alongside Nico, you're well known as the scarlet tsundere princess by the fans and-"
"OK! That's enough! You've said just about enough!" yelled Maki while cutting my words. I just chuckled
"Wow...looks like you've been studying us very well" said Eli
"Yeah, a bit TOO well at that" added Nozomi.
"oi...Shiro-kun, you're not stalking us are you?" asked Honoka worried
"Do-Don't tell me you've also taken pictures of us without permission! Per-pervert!" Umi's words pierced through me
"Look girls, don't get the wrong idea here!" I tried to explain but everyone just backed down on me while looking scared as if I'm a creepy rapist. Not knowing what to do I just stay quiet
"yo! Everyone! Sorry for the late- ehh! Why is everyone so scared?" asked the Genki Rin from behind me.
"Careful Rin, Hanayo! The person in front of you is a stalker!" yelled Nico from Maki's back.
"St-st-staker!?" gasped Hanayo, then she take a look at my face, "someone please help!" she shouted and quickly hide herself behind Rin
"Woah! Kayo chin!" Rin got surprised by Hanayo suddenly assaulting her back.
"Look it's all a misunder-"
"Cya! Come at me! I'm not scared!" Rin said as she put on her karate stance "Rin knows martial arts you know! You better not mess with Rin nya!" she threatens me with a few air karate chops.
At this point I don't know what I should do anymore, I tried to reason with them but it seems impossible, I just stand there being avoided by µ's while everyone was staring and whispering bad things at me.
"This was to be expected of µ's, chaos and randomness" I said to myself.
"Ok! Who shouted stalker in here!" the security guards barged the ballroom gate open.
Rats! This could be trouble! I already have my plates full and I don't need no security guards to misunderstand too.
"Here he is sir! The person in front of me!" yelled Rin while pointing at me
Security guards quickly surrounded me with their tonfas and even tazer guns!
I can't take anymore of this! "EVERYONE CALM DOWN!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.
Then I spend the next 15 munites explaining everything. Thank God the guards understood me and decided to let me go and not SHOCK the consciousness out of me!
"Geez...what a troublesome night..." I sighed as I stared at the full moon on the 2nd floor ballroom balcony.
"ehehehe...sorry for the misunderstanding there Shiro kun, if I only hadn't make that stalker joke none of this would've happened, I guess you can call this a Shocking Party if you were to be tazed" Honoka joked beside me.
Somehow after all those commotions I ended up on the balcony alone with Honoka. Pretty lucky if I do say so myself.
"Hey quit joking like that, I could've been arrested because of it you know!" I said in an annoyed tone.
"hehehe, sorry!" apologized Honoka as she stick her tongue out. I gave her a light chop in the head just like how that old lady from the boutique chopped me.
"So...how was it?" I asked
"How was what?" replied Honoka
"Everything! You're school almost got shut down, you became an idol to save it, you entered Love Live and all! You MUST have a story to share!" I said enthusiastically
Honoka looked at my face and smiled. "Well it all started at..." she starts her story. I listened to every word she said, we laughed at each other's story as we unfold our tale after 5 years of separation.
Her story, of course, was much more interesting than mine, she told me how hard it is being an idol, how far they've come up to this point, how they fought their way through troubles and conflicts without losing their grounds, how fun singing and dancing for their fans are, how they've found true friendship behind each songs. Sure they may have had their downtime, but in the end they prevail as a team. µ's surely has become my inspiration that I'll never forget.
"so that's about it for my story, I still can't believe we've come so far, this really has been a dream come true for us. And to be able to meet you again after all this years, my dream is now complete" Honoka ended her story with a smile on her face while looking at me. I blushed hearing those words.
"we've been separated for almost 6 years now, a lot have happened to both of us, and yet we still manage to find our way back to each other, if Nozomi were the one who said it, she would've said "it must be fate", I'm sure of it" I calmly said as I stared at the white full moon watching over us from the starry winter sky.
"What if it really is fate?" asked Honoka in a low voice low voice
"Huh? What did you say? I can't hear you" I said
But she backed away and replied "no...Its nothing" she blushed.
Not wanting to bother her anymore I quickly dropped the topic.
After that silence came from us as we said nothing to each other, just small shy glances and a few gulps at our punch. Until one moment we finally spoke
"Hey, There's something I want to tell you about!" we said at the same time, knowing this awkward situation we could only smile and giggle at each other.
"You go first Honoka-chan" I said
"Umm...OK" replied her.
Honoka's face began to grow red as she tried to squeeze the words out of her mouth. I've never seen her like this ever before, she always smiled and carefree, thus was the first time I saw Honoka's face so nervous
"So what is it that you want to talk about?" I asked her again
"ehh...its just...do you want to start over after all of this is done?" she looked at me and said those words, her eyes were serious, more serious and passionate then I ever saw before. Its like those eyes were staring into my soul
"wha-what do you mean Honoka-chan? I don't get it" I said confused
"I mean, do you want to start over, you know our relationship, after this whole entire school idol thing is over maybe we can do it all over again, and this time we'll do it better! We'll exchange phone numbers and e-mails and..." Honoka stopped for a while.
My eyes watered when I heard those words.
"why...why must the world be so cruel!?" my inner self shouted in agony.
I couldn't stop my tears anymore, I cried on the balcony being watched by Honoka.
"Ehh! Shiro-kun why are you crying!? Did I say something wrong? Is it still about that misunderstanding again? If that's the case I'm sorry!" she panicked when she saw me crying.
"It's...not that Honoka-chan; it's just that...DAMN IT why must the word be so cruel!" I couldn't handle my anger anymore. Thank God no one was there to hear my shout.
After literally emptying my eyes out I could finally speak again.
"Sorry about just now Honoka, I just couldn't handle my anger in" I apologize
"it's OK" said Honoka as she wiped the tears off my face, "but why are you so angry? Is it that you don't want to start over with me? I know I have to graduate from high school first, but I can wait a year!" she exclaimed.
"No...Honoka it's not just that, it's something bigger then that" I tried to explain
"Then what is it!?" she yelled
"I have to go!" I yelled back.
"Go? Where!? Where are you going?" asked Honoka desperately as she clung on my clothes
"To German!" I replied.
And again silence fell upon us; it took a moment for Honoka to speak again.
"German? Why German? Why would you go there!?" she barraged me with questions I really didn't want to answer.
"for studies Honoka-chan, I just graduated from my high school and I'm about to take music as my major, my school saw my talents in music and they gave me a scholarship to study at German, I've talked about this with my parents over and over and over again, and I've reconsidered my choice countless times. And in the end I decided to take the scholarship" I explained to Honoka. She was silenced hearing my explanation, she couldn't speak a word.
Once again she buried her face in my chest. While still clinging on my clothes, she finally asked on the verge of her tears "when will you be leaving?"
I hesitantly said, "Tomorrow evening...this was supposed to be my last night as well as my farewell party..." it was heavy for me to say those words.
Then I heard a soft cry from her, she must've been devastated. She hugged me and cried her eyes out. "Why must it be like this? Cant I go without these tears!?" I asked myself.
Hugging the fragile girl in front of me, my tears were unstoppable. Hearing her cry breaks my heart, but there's nothing I can do now, like it or not I have to go.
After things have settled down, we sat at a bench nearby to settle things out.
"So you really are going huh?" Honoka looked at me.
"Yeah...it's all been set in motion. Everything, my clothes, my passport, my belongings...all that is left is to go tomorrow" I said
Then Honoka looked up the starry sky a single drop of snow wet her eyelids "then I guess this is our final night together huh?" she sighed
"I guess it is..." I replied looking at the same star as her. "At first I've set my heart to tell you that I was about to leave, but you saying those words only makes it harder for me to say it" I continued.
"Well sorry for trying to confess my love on a Valentine 's Day night then!" she said jokingly with an annoyed tone.
"Hey I didn't mean it like that- wait! What did you just said!?" I cut my own words.
"Sorry for trying to confess my love on a Valentine's Day night!" she said again while blushing, "don't make me repeat it three times ok?"
I stayed quiet when she said that, I didn't say a word, "did she just say she wants to confess to me!?" I couldn't stop thinking about it
"Did you just say you were about to confess to me?" I asked her and she nodded her red face slowly
"That's right, I like you Shiro-kun...really liked you! That kiss I gave you when you're about to leave, it wasn't a lie! I really do miss you all these times!" she confessed to me under the moonlight.
"That's why I made you these" she took out a small pouch from her purse afterwards "happy valentine Shiro-kun!" she smiled at me as she hand me the pouch
Immediately after she said that I hugged her again, and thanked her for her confession and confessed to her back.
"I love you too Honoka, all these years separated I never forgot about you, I know you're an idol that's why I've kept my feelings all to myself, but now that I know your true feelings too, I can't hold it anymore!" I said.
She sighed at me, "huff...you really never change do you Shiro-kun"
"Yeah...and for your sake I'll never change" I replied
After that I took out the locket I had bought for her.
"Since you've given me your present, it's time for me to give mine" I said.
"Huh what is it?" she seems excited.
I opened the ribbon and took out the golden locket from its box inside the locket is a photo of the two of us.
"For the two of us to remember" I smiled at her as I put the locket around her neck.
She looked like she was about to cry again.
"S-Shiro kun, you don't have to..." she tried to sniff back her tears.
"Hey no more crying OK? It's my parting gift to you Honoka-chan" I said as I wiped off her tears
"Since we won't be seeing each other for quite some time, I want to give you someting you'll remember, just like this headphone you gave me" then I showed her the headphone she gave me all those years back hidden behind my scarf.
"Oh my god! You still have that! I thought you threw it to the trash a long time ago, it's a cheap headphone anyways" she exclaimed in surprise
"It's a gift from you! There's no way I can throw it away! It's still working well too! I kept it in shape all these years; it goes to show just how important you are to me! You've entrusted me something so valuable after all!" I bragged a bit
"Well then, let me entrust you with something more valuable now!" she said.
Then she pulled my collar close to her face and kissed me, right in my lips, something that I would NEVER expect to happen! Realizing what just happened I simply enjoyed my first kiss with the girl I loved the most.
Finally Honoka broke off the kiss, and then she blushed hard. Even though she was the one who kissed me in the first place.
"There...I've entrusted you with my love and my first kiss...please take care of it" she said shyly.
Not knowing what to do I just stay silent and nodded to her every word.
"Hey! Seriously, it was my first time kissing a guy, don't let it go in vain ok!" she snapped and pouted
"uhh...yes mam! I promise!" I said spontaneously.
She giggled and smiled, "then I guess that's that...how long will you be gone?" she asked
"I don't know myself, but I know I will finish my studies there before I can go back to Japan...I'll miss you, you know!" I sad
"The same goes for me, I know it's going to be a long wait, but we'll surely meet again right?" she asked me with a cute face
I offered her my pinkie, "just like back then, it's a pinkie promise!" then she took my pinkie and we both promised to be reunited once again someday in the future.
After all the lovey doveys are over the MC called out my name from the stage. I just remembered that I still have to perform on the stage as the closing act! I took Honoka by the hand and we ran together downstairs.
"Honoka! Tonight and tonight only! I'll show you my final surprise!" I said as we ran down
"I can't wait to see what it is! I bet it's awesome!" she grinned
"And now! Performing last, our surprise guest! The son of this event's organizer, the son of our own Ishida Shirayuki, Toshiro Shirayuki ladies and gentleman!" the MC announced, the I left Honoka with the rest of µ's and ran upstage.
"Everyone! Thank you all for coming here for this party tonight! I'm sure it was a lot of fun, and it is such and honour to be able to perform up here in front of you all! Please enjoy, Snow Halation!" I said, and then I sat at the chair, took a deep breath and started playing the song.
I poured every last bit of my emotion into that one song, all my feelings, my happiness, my sadness, my longing, everything! Each notes I struck on the piano cord represents my true emotion of my love life...how I've met her, how I fell in love with her, how I confessed to her, and how we've promised to meet again. It's a performance I'll never forget; it was the one of the greatest moment in my life!
Then as I approach the solo part, running footsteps are heard from the crowd, I opened my eyes and saw Honoka running towards the stage with all her might fighting through the crowd.
She finally reached the stage just in time for the solo.
"Todokete! Setsunasa ni wa namae wo tsukeyou ka snow halation" she grabbed the mic and sang the lyrics for her solo as I played the music, we both looked at each other and smiled, it's time to put this show to its climax
From then on she sang along with the song as I played the piano, as I end the song, the crowd went wild with claps and whistles they LOVED our performance! Some of them even demanded an encore!
After an encore with µ's the party finally ended and the entire guest went back home, some of them had an after party, and some of them decided to stay the night at the hotel.
µ's went back soon after the party's over. After saying my thank you and saying my goodbyes to them I went to my room to take a warm shower, and then I went to bed.
The next morning I woke up early to get things packing, only leaving a few peaces of clothes for me to wear in the afternoon. I walked my way downstairs and ate my breakfast, after that I stayed in my room all day, playing games and listening to music.
"Huff..." I sighed a cold breath "this will be the last time I'll be able to be so laxed, the next time I'll be able to able to have this lifestyle is after I graduate which is quite far away" I stretch my arm and my palms as if I was reaching for the light bulb above me.
Not long after my dad called me and reminded me to get ready, it's almost time for departure.
I changed my clothes into my winter clothes because the weather is getting cold again. Walked downstairs with my belongings and meet my parents. After checking out from the hotel, we drove to the airport. I was quiet the whole trip not saying a word to even my parents.
Once we got to the airport, I checked in for flight and waited for the plane, I watched my surroundings and I saw my dad walking back and forth, as if he was looking for something or someone.
Not long after an announcement was made, saying that the flight to German was about to leave.
"Well mom, dad, this is it...I'll be taking my leave now...I'll be living my own life from now on. Thank you for everything up to now!" I smiled at them.
"You're welcome son" replied my mom as she wiped off her tears. "I wish you the best of luck son!" then my dad hugged me.
"Well I'm off!" then I walked to board the plane. Just enter the plane and everything will be over.
"WAIT! SHIRO-KUN!" a familiar voice shouted from a distance,
I turned my back around and saw a girl running towards me while sweating and panting.
"Honoka..." I said her name slowly.
After all those running she finally got to me. "Huff...huff...huff" the girl tried to catch her breath.
"You...huff... didn't really think you'll go without my goodbyes now were you!" she put a tired smile on her face.
"Of course not! But how did you know my flight?" I asked
The tired Honoka pointed at the back to my dad. "Your dad told me before µ's left the hotel yesterday, and not just me, look!" she said
"Honoka-chan! Wait up! Don't just run off like that!" Kotori shouted.
"You better pay your share of the taxi bill Honoka!" Umi too
"So THAT's who's my dad been looking for!" I said as I waved my arms to Umi and Kotori.
After the 3 of them gathers Honoka stepped up.
"Goodbye Shiro-kun...we all wishes you the best of luck for your future! Make sure to write from time to time!" said Honoka. I nodded while she holds my hand.
I was about to walk away to the plane but Honoka's hand still holding my hand tightly.
"Honoka, please let go" I said
"I'm trying to Shiro-kun! But my arms won't move! As if they're not ready to see you leave yet! And honestly I dont want you to leave too!" said Honoka as tears started to pour from her eyes again.
I took pity on the girl and hold her tight.
"Its OK, I promised you I'll return didn't I? That means I WILL return! Just you wait! When I'm back I'll do anything with you!" I said to calm the girl down.
"*sniff* will you go out with me when you're back?" asked Honoka.
Hearing that I lean closely to her ear and whispered gently, "I promise I'll marry you Honoka" then I looked at her while smiling
Surprised by what she heard she lets go of my hand. "In that case, I'll even wait forever!" the girl cheered up instantly!
"Good then...now I'm off!" I said one last time.
I looked back at the people I was about to leave, my parents, my childhood friends my previous lifestyle, and her, who is now holding her golden locket full of wishes and hopes that we will surely be reunited someday. A drop of tear wets my eye without me noticing.
The plane took off. Leaving behind my past and giving me a new future to await.
Epilogue:
7 years have passed since I left Japan; I have finished my studies on classical music in German. A lot have changed from back then. Myself, the people around me, and this town. But what has not changed after all these years is my heart, which still belongs to her.
I got off the plane and exit the airport with my luggage. My parents were busy so they told me to meet them at home instead of picking me up by them self, beside, I'm 24 years old now! I'm old enough to take care of myself.
I rode a taxi to the Akihabara central and stopped there. There's one important thing I need to do before I stepped inside my house.
I walked the familiar road to where she is. I looked at the place I used to call my second home, not much has changed, it's still the traditional Homura I loved.
I opened the door and the bell rang. I looked around the shop. Still the same old shop with red bean paste smell lingering every single time I enter the shop.
On the centre of the shop, stands a ginger haired girl. She sure has grown a lot, she looks more mature now, and her hair has also gotten longer. But what never changed was her never ending smile. A single golden locket was dangling on her neck. Looking surprised, she cried tears of joy as I walked into the shop.
"I'm home" I said to her
"Welcome back..." she replied in her tears.
THE END