Magnificent Melody

By: IceDollSayaka

Disclaimer: I do not own La Corda D'Oro or any of its characters.

Summary: The story takes place a year after the concours. Kahoko and Ryotaro get transferred to the Music Department in Seiso Academy, and now they're classmates with the famous Tsukimori Len. At the same time, Kaho starts developing feelings... for whom? (KahoxLen, and a bit of FuyuumixShimizu)

A/N: This is my first La Corda ficcie, so forgive me if it sucks. Dx

Chapter One: Under His Umbrella

Kahoko Hino's POV

Last year's music competition was a roller coaster ride for me. Although I've experienced much hurt and humiliation, in the end it was all worth it. There I've met many great people, and I've also found my passion for music. Lili's been a big help too; he has given me so much support ever since the magic in my violin was lost.

After regularly attending violin classes in my neighborhood, I can now play pieces without difficulty. I may not be as good as Tsukimori-kun or Ousaki-senpai, but I have improved quite well compared to last year. Kanazawa-sensei was kind enough to offer me and Tsuchiura-kun a chance to transfer from the General Education division to the Music division. We gladly accepted. Now, I am a third year music student, studying in the same class as Tsuchiura-kun and Tsukimori-kun. Fuyuumi-chan and Shimizu-kun are now sophomores, while Yunoki-senpai and Hihara-senpai have graduated already.

Of course, now that I'm a music student, I wouldn't be able to see Mio and Nao that much anymore. Still, they understood and they were happy for me.

"We could still hang out during break time or after school," Nao said, "That is… if you're not busy practicing."

"…I'm so excited, Kaho-chan! Violin Romance is finally coming true!" Mio said with her eyes sparkling with joy. I just sighed.

I walked with Mio and Nao to the school building until someone – someone with a very large hand and iron grasp – pulled my shoulder and yanked me away.

"Tsuchiura-kun!" I gasped.

"Where do you think you're going? The music building is the other way."

"Oh. Right," I smiled sheepishly, "Gomen Mio-chan, Nao-chan. I'll see you at later, okay?"

"Okay, later then."

As Tsuchiura-kun and I made our way through the halls, I could sense the cold glares of the other music students piercing my back. I think I heard Tsuchiura-kun mumble something under his breath. When we got in our classroom, Tsukimori-kun was already there.

"Ohayou Tsukimori-kun," I greeted.

"Hino?" He seemed surprised to see me here. He looked at me from head to toe and then smirked. "…The uniform suits you," he said before looking away.

Despite Tsukimori-kun's cold attitude and serious expressions, I always knew that deep inside he's actually a warm-hearted person. Ever since that day when we played Schubert's Ave Maria together, I felt that he's beginning to open up to me.

I noticed the seat next to him was vacant, and I took the liberty to sit beside him. After all, the only people I know in class were him, Tsuchiura-kun, and Mori-san. It would be nice to sit beside someone I already know.

"Do you mind if I sit next to you?" I asked.

"You're already seated. Do I have a choice?"

"I'll take that as a yes."

The bell rang, signaling the start of homeroom. A tall figure entered the room and asked everyone to settle down. I immediately recognized the teacher just by looking at his grayish-lavender hair tied back into a messy ponytail. He scribbled his name on the blackboard and before facing the class.

"So uhh… My name is Hiroto Kanazawa and I'll be your homeroom teacher this year," he glanced at my direction, "Some of you may already know me as the head of last year's concours. It's nice to see you all."

"Our teacher is Kanayan huh," Tsuchiura mumbled. I didn't notice he was sitting right next to me, to my left side. It was a bit uneasy, sitting in between Tsukimori-kun and Tsuchiura-kun. They don't get along that much and they often argue over little things. If I'll be sitting in the middle of those two, I'll have to think of a way to make them good friends, like Hihara-senpai and Yunoki-senpai.

Classes passed by in a blur. I've always thought being a music student is fun, being able to practice your instruments whenever you want, but I was wrong. During third period, we learned about the history of music. I found it interesting at first, learning about famous musicians and how musical instruments came to be, but after about an hour, I felt like my head would explode.

"Hino Kahoko," the teacher called out loud. It took me couple of seconds to realize that the teacher was talking to me. He must've noticed I was dozing off.

I stood up clumsily and flushed crimson red. "D-do you mean me, sir?" I stuttered. I could hear some students behind me snickering.

"Yes. Now after that discussion, what is now your definition of music?" The teacher eyed me suspiciously, knowing that I wasn't paying much attention earlier. It's my first day here and now I've made a bad impression on the teacher… That's not good.

Fortunately, the bell rang for lunch, and I was saved. I thought of eating lunch with Mio and Nao like I always did, but it would be a long walk to the General Education building. Mori-san, my accompanist during the concours, was kind enough to invite me at their table. She introduced me to her friends and they welcomed me.

I finished eating early and I excused myself from the table. There was still time to spare, so I got my violin and headed to the practice rooms. Though the concours are already over, it has already been a habit for me to practice during my free time. I met Fuyuumi-chan on the way.

"Fuyuumi-chan!" I called.

"Ah, Kaho-senpai. Are you going to practice?" she asked, noticing the red violin case I was carrying. I nodded in reply. "Then, you could use the room I've reserved… I'm already done practicing."

"Are you sure? Thanks Fuyuumi-chan," I said with a smile.

"…Umm, K-Kaho-senpai?"

"Hm?"

"Y-you see… It's my birthday this coming Friday and I'll be holding a party at my house… I was wondering… would you like to attend?" she asked timidly, "B-but if you d-don't want to, it's okay… I'll understand."

"Of course I'll come," I replied, "What time?"

"Umm… the party starts at 6pm. I-I haven't invited the other concour participants yet, aside from Shimizu-kun," she said, her cheeks turning into a light shade of pink. Knowing Fuyuumi-chan, she would be too shy talking to other people, especially ones with the Y chromosome. She'll need some help asking the other guys.

"Would you like me to ask them?" I offered.

"R-really? Oh please do!"

"Sure, no problem. I'm looking forward to your party, Fuyuumi-chan."

It was quite easy for me to locate and inform Tsuchiura-kun and Tsukimori-kun about the party; after all, they are my seatmates. After practice, I went back to our classroom and took the chance to ask the two if they could come.

"Tsukimori-kun, Tsuchiura-kun… Are you guys free on Friday night?" I asked. The two boys turned to me with a puzzled look on their faces. They must think I'm asking them out on a date or something. "Fuyuumi-chan's holding a birthday party at her house on Friday," I quickly added.

"I see. My soccer practice ends at around five or six… I'll just ask my captain to dismiss me early so I could catch up for the party," Tsuchiura-kun replied.

"That'd be great, Tsuchiura-kun. Fuyuumi-chan said it would start at around 6 o' clock… How about you, Tsukimori-kun?"

"I don't have any plans on that day, so I guess I could drop by," Tsukimori-kun replied.

"Fuyuumi-chan would be really happy! Try not to be late, alright?" I said cheerfully. I didn't expect Tsukimori-kun to agree right away. Knowing him, he doesn't like involving himself with unnecessary things or mingle with other people. "…Now I'll just have to contact Hihara-senpai and Yunoki-senpai. I wonder if I still have their number…"

"Hino, I'll call them instead. No need to trouble yourself," Tsuchiura-kun offered.

"Oh, okay. Thanks Tsuchiura-kun." I replied. Actually, I don't mind calling the senpais myself, since it has been a while since I last spoke to them. But since Tsuchiura-kun said he'd do it instead, I let him.

After classes, I went with Mio and Nao to the newly opened cake shop they were talking about. We each ordered a slice and sat down on a vacant spot.

"So how was your first day as a music student?" Nao asked, taking a bite of her mango cake.

"It was a new experience for me… I had fun. There were a few boring classes though."

"Are there any updates in your Violin Romance story?" Mio quickly changed the subject.

"Yeah, I'm interested in that too. So are there any developments with you and that other violinist? I heard you two are seatmates," Nao added.

I almost choked as I heard their silly questions, it sounded like something Amou-san would ask. At the same time, I heard someone behind me coughed. I drank water to clear my throat. "His name is Tsukimori Len. Yes, we sit next to each other, but that's all. I have nothing to report." I answered honestly, picking on my food.

"Aww…" Mio pouted.

"Is that really true? That guy is so slow! I'm starting to think maybe he's gay," Nao commented. Mio laughed at her little joke.

Tsukimori-kun? A gay? That hit a nerve. "That's not very funny," I said, crossing my arms.

"Haha, gomen… Kaho, it was just a joke. I just wanted to see your reaction," Nao said in between laughs, "That proves it. You do have feelings for him after all."

I tried to hide my blush, but to no avail. Nao could really see through me. Is that really true? Do I have feelings for Tsukimori-kun? I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Then I heard Mio and Nao gasp in shock. I looked over my shoulder and saw a very annoyed Tsukimori-kun standing behind me. "Tsu… Tsukimori-kun!"

"Ah, look at the time. Sorry Kaho, we gotta go. See you tomorrow!" Nao said as she and Mio ran outside the café, leaving me with Tsukimori-kun.

"…Hino," Tsukimori-kun said.

"Tsukimori-kun… W-what brings you here?"

"I came to buy a cake," he replied, "And then I saw you with your friends, talking."

"Were you listening to our conversation? I-it's wrong to eavesdrop, you know…" I was still blushing from the embarrassment. Of all the people to show up, it just had to be Tsukimori-kun.

"You know I don't like poking my nose into other people's business," he bluntly said. I sighed in relief. "But I did overhear a few things that your friend, Nao, was saying. She was talking too loudly."

"G-gomen, Tsukimori-kun! They were just kidding about you being gay. I know that you're strongly straight – we all know that! Please don't get mad at me," I bowed my head in apology, and also to hide my red face.

"I don't really care what other people think."

He let go of the topic soon after that. I ate the remains of my cake while he bought his. It started raining when we finished. Since my friends abandoned me, I was stuck with Tsukimori-kun. I forgot to bring an umbrella, but Tsukimori-kun was kind enough to lend his.

"Here," he said, handing me over his dark cobalt umbrella, "You can return it when we meet at school tomorrow. My house is pretty near here so I can just run."

"W-wait! Tsukimori-kun!" I was able to grab hold of his sleeve before he could exit. "You'd get sick if you run in the rain. We could just… um, share."

He was reluctant at first, but because I wouldn't let go of his coat, we ended up sharing the umbrella. The rain was really pouring and it got even heavier when we got outside. "You'd get wet," he said as he placed his hand on my shoulder, shielding me from the rain. I blushed at our close proximity. After asking where my house was, he didn't say another word. I could only hear the heavy downpour and the sound of my heart racing against my chest as we walked.

With his arm wrapped around my shoulders, I couldn't help but think about what Nao said to me a while ago.

"That proves it. You do have feelings for him after all."

...So am I denying my feelings all this time? I glanced up to look at Tsukimori-kun's face, as if looking at him would help decipher my troubled thoughts. He looked very annoyed – probably because of (1) my failure to bring an umbrella, (2) he is now stuck with me, (3) he is feeling obliged to walk me home at this weather, (4) other people are stealing glances at us thinking that we're a couple, and (5) he is getting really wet from the rain because I'm sharing his umbrella. I sighed. Even if I really have feelings for him, he doesn't feel the same about me, and he'd only get irritated.

I noticed we were already walking along the street my apartment was on. "Tsukimori-kun, my apartment is only a couple of blocks away from here. You don't need to trouble yourself anymore. I'll just run my way there…"

"No," he finally said, tightening his grasp on my shoulder so I couldn't move.

"But you can have the umbrella for yourself now, and I can just-" My sentence was cut short when he suddenly removed his arm on my shoulder. I kind of liked it being there.

"I'm sorry if that made your uncomfortable." I noticed his cheeks had a slight tinge of pink on them - or maybe it was just my imagination. "Your house is only two blocks away, so I might as well walk you there. The whole point of sharing an umbrella is to not to get wet, and now you're planning to run to your house, getting soaked by the rain on the way?" his voice was stern, like he was scolding me, "This was your idea, Hino. You're being absurd."

Well at least he was able to say five sentences now – I was beginning to think he was growing mute.

We arrived at my apartment building just as the rain grew lighter until it was only a soft drizzle. I walked away from the shelter of Tsukimori-kun's umbrella to the front door of the building. I looked at my clothes – they were completely dry, and then back at Tsukimori-kun. His left sleeve was all wet, so were his back and his hair. He actually looked good with that wet look… Wait, who am I kidding? He looks good in every aspect. My heart started pounding again as I realized Tsukimori-kun let himself get wet to shelter me from the rain. Note to self: Always bring an umbrella.

"Um… Thanks for walking me home, Tsukimori-kun."

"Get inside now, Hino."

"Un. See you tomorrow then."

He nodded and went on his way. I watched his retreating back as he left, a weird feeling engulfing me.

What is this feeling?

As the blue-haired violinist's figure disappeared from my view, the rain halted to a stop. It was then that I finally realized…

-

-

"I'm in love with Tsukimori Len."

A/N: So how was it? Good? Bad? Should I continue this or not? Please write a review and tell me all about it! X3 Criticisms, complements, suggestions are welcome!