A/N: I was pretty surprised by the fast feedback of the prologue and I'm very happy that you guys like it despite its OOC-ness or how far it is from the anime. I'm working on something that is more of a 'slice of life' story rather than that of slight fantasy like Lili and the magical violin or about high school (dream-like) romance. No offense. I like reading stories like those but I want to take a step further by touching more serious topics. Though this is not that serious (I assure you. I could make more serious plots that will make people below 18 stop reading my stories because a lot of them cannot relate.), I will make sure that I stick to what is real or factual in life.

I apologize in advance if this story may be a bit (or 'too' if one only likes humor) serious for your taste in fanfiction.

I'll give you my first chapter of the story! Hope you like it! :)

By the way, I'll say my thanks to the reviewees in the next chapter. If not, I'll just reply to your reviews.

Hey Panzer, this chapter won't be a "microscopic shred of biscuit". Don't worry. Haha! :)

Cheers,

Jiru-senpai

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CHAPTER 1

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It was night time and the sound of crickets could be heard out in the garden. Tsukimori Len, now a famous violinist in Japan having earned fame greater than his mother, Hamai Misa, walked towards the balcony of his condominium. He looked at the glowing city lights as darkness covered the sky.

It was another cold night for Len as he just came from an exhausting rehearsal with the orchestra for his upcoming concert. Days such as these were what he feared most. Whenever he's worn out, he gets more dreams of her and their memories together.

He went back inside his bedroom and got a sleeping pill from his bedside table. He took off his clothes until what was left were his boxers. Not caring about going to his bathroom to clean up, he retired to his bed and fell into deep slumber.

--

(Flashback)

It was late at night when Len left the auditorium. He entered his black limousine and headed home where his long-time girlfriend, Hino Kahoko, also lived with him.

At a tender age of 22, Len's career as an aspiring world-class violinist was fast growing. He spent endless nights the past year and a half building his career after graduating college with a degree in music majoring, of course, in violin. He has been constantly out of town, touring around the world and pleasing many music enthusiasts. The past week he came from a concert in England where he was invited to play for the Queen. He's made not only his parents proud but also his girlfriend who has been very supportive of his flourishing career.

Kahoko, on the other hand, also majored in violin and is currently teaching violin classes to children ages 6-12. She and Len have been going out a year before graduating high school at Seiso University and she has been living with him in his condominium ever since they both graduated college.

It was no surprise when news recently broke out that Len has secretly proposed to Kahoko a few months ago. Now that their parents know about it, they were constantly bothering the couple to plan an engagement party with both families and their closest friends to celebrate the soon-to-happen marriage which is scheduled within the same year.

But despite the happy news, their relationship for the past year has been pretty tough for the both of them. Because of Len's thriving career, he rarely spends time with her, sometimes he's even gone for weeks without seeing her, and when he does it's always short because most of the time is spent on fighting or on Len resting in their bedroom. As much as Len would love to spend time with Kahoko, he couldn't deny that he as been insensitive of her feelings which, he admitted, started all of their fights.

Len's limousine pulled at the front of the condominium building. Entering the elevator, he silently prayed that Kahoko was already asleep. He didn't want to put up with their usual banter at the moment.

Once he entered their floor, the place was all dark and only the blowing of the wind could be heard amid the silence. As he opened the bedroom door, he saw her leaning against the balcony's railing with only her lingerie on.

"What are you doing out there? You might catch a cold." He took hold of her shoulders and turned her around. But he stopped all of sudden when he saw her eyes all puffy. She was looking down at her feet as if they were the most interesting thing in the whole world.

"Kaho, what's wrong?" she looked up at him and tears started to form again. "Look, I'm sorry I came home late. Rehearsal was delayed for a couple of hours that's why we had to extend." Kahoko choked a sob and the tears started to fall.

"H-how could you forget?" I could see that she was waiting for him to remember whatever he forgot about but he couldn't. "I see." She sidestepped and went towards their bed. He caught her arm just before she went out of reach.

"Wait. You have to explain to me why you're crying."

"No. You're the one who needs to explain to me why you're always like this! Look! I've had enough of this, Len. I've been very patient with you; forgiving you for coming home too late at night, for leaving too early in the morning, for spending less time with me—" she went towards her closet, got out her suitcase, and took out a bunch of her clothes then threw them inside the case. "…making excuses for you, taking the blame of other people for your tardiness and absences, and for forgetting special and important occasions such as today!"

She opened a few shelves where she took out her other things.

"Wait. What special occasion?" She looked at Len with disbelief. "Tell me, Kahoko."

"Figure it out for yourself! I'm leaving." Kaho slammed the suitcase close and dragged it towards the door. Len, on the other hand, was blocking the doorway.

"No. Tell me what's putting you in such an angry state." He calmly looked at her with his emotionless expression. Kaho gave him a watery gaze then wiped the tears with the back of her hand.

"You! You're the reason why I'm so angry! Don't you get it? You forgot our anniversary for god's sake! And you told me that we're supposed to plan for our engagement party today as well! You told me to wait at our favorite restaurant so we can celebrate but you made me wait, Len! You stood me up!" Len looked at her now with gentler eyes. He realized his mistake and was deeply ashamed of it. The pained look of Kaho was now reflected through his gaze.

"I'm sorry, Kaho."

"No! You knew about it. How could you forget? You know I'd forgive you for the other occasions but I can't forgive you for this!"

"Kahoko, would you please listen to me?" he immediately grabbed her shoulders when she tried to avoid his touch. "Kaho. Look at me."

Len closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.

"I admit that I am at fault. And I am very sorry for making you go through these hurts. But you have to understand that I am closing to the peak of my career. And if I stop, I will lose it." Kahoko had her eyes directed at the ground. Anywhere but his face.

"I know. And I understand." She shivered when the cool air from the balcony and Len's cold hands penetrated her bare skin. "But if you were to choose between me and your career, what or who would you pick?"

"Wait. Kaho, don't you understand? All my life, I've lived with the expectations of others. I was expected to be like my parents and follow their footsteps as a great musician. And now as I am paving my way to become one, more people watch me perform and there are more expectations I have to exceed. My career is growing, Kaho, and I cannot take risks."

"You haven't answered my question, Len. Is it me or your career?" Len gave a frustrated growl.

"Of course it would be you." He said with gritted teeth.

"I don't believe you. You're practically married to your career."

"No, I'm not. And I'll prove it to you. Tell me anything and I'll do it." Kahoko looked at him with doubtful eyes as she thought of what he had to do to prove his love for her.

"I'll give you a simple task. So simple that it gives you no reason to miss it out." He gave her a challenging look in reply.

"Next Friday will be our engagement party with our family and friends. Just be there, attend the party. That's all I need you to do. This is one special occasion for both of us so I expect that you'd be there not only for our family and friends but for me."

But that's the general and final rehearsal date before the concert on Saturday. "Okay. I accept. I promise I'll be there."

"Then do that. I'll be staying with my mom for the time being. I'll see you next Friday."

Before he could stop her, she was already dragging her things out the door and into the elevator.

--

It was Friday night and everyone was at the Tsukimori mansion ready to celebrate the couple's engagement. Family from both sides and friends from the past concours were gathered together at the dining area mingling and catching up except for Kahoko who was anxiously waiting near the entrance for Len. He was late as always but Kahoko gave him an hour since she knew he had a general rehearsal which supposedly ended half an hour ago.

"Len… please. Don't do this to me."

--

"No. That won't do. Again." Len declared to the orchestra and they went into position. An old man in a black suit, his secretary and personal assistant, scurried towards him on stage to talk to him.

"Tsukimori-sama, your engagement party already started an hour ago. I think it's best that you give the orchestra the break they need before the day of the concert, sir. Also, Hino-san must be waiting for you as well as your fam—"

"Kaho won't mind an hour's extension. She knows that this is an important rehearsal."

"But, Tsukimori-sama…"

"I've decided, Hiro-san, and it's final. Maestro, if you please start our run-through." The conductor readied the orchestra and started the song.

Oh, Tsukimori-sama. You don't know what you're doing… Hiro thought. He went off stage and pulled out his mobile phone to call the Tsukimori household. He looked at Len then back to his phone, hesitant to break out the news to Kahoko.

--

"Thank you, Hiro-san. It's…it's okay. I'll just end the party from here. I'm sure Len won't make it, anyway." Tears were starting to blur her vision. She coughed trying to hold it back.

Hino-san, Please, give him an hour more. He'll be there.

"Hiro-san, thank you for your concern. But it won't work this time."

But, Hino-san…

"It's okay. It was his decision. I know he loves his career so I should respect that. Tell him…" Kahoko took a deep breath, already definite of her decision. "Tell him that the party is over and that he can take his time in the rehearsal. Also, he can head home when he's done. Bye, Hiro-san, and thank you."

Wait.

"Yes?"

You have been very good to Tsukimori-sama. I know you love him very much and I definitely know that he loves and cares for you, too. I hope that your decisions will be for the best, Hino-san.

"Hn."

Good bye, Hino-san.

Hearing the dial tone, Kahoko's tears started to flow non-stop, unable to hold it any longer.

"You have been very good to Tsukimori-sama. I know you love him very much and I definitely know that he loves and cares for you, too."

"How I wish he did and chose me instead." She murmured as she made her way to the bathroom to wash up.

--

A while later Kahoko emerged from the doors of the dining area. Everyone looked at her, expecting Len to be there as well, but was disappointed when she was there by the door alone and with a sullen look.

"Kaho-san." Len's mother, Hamai Misa, went towards her and engulfed her in a hug and then pulled back to look at Kaho's face. "I'm so sorry. You don't have to worry yourself, we can schedule this some other time, can't we?" she looked at the guests and they all nodded apprehensively in agreement."

"It's okay, Misa-san. We don't need another engagement party." She went forward and then bowed to all the guests. "On behalf of both Len and I, I apologize for the inconvenience. I hope you all enjoyed your dinner." She straightened her back and gave them a small yet sad smile.

Awkward silence crept through the room. All her friends, Len's parents, her sister and especially her mother, had a worried look on their faces.

"It's okay, Kaho-chan. We all understand how Len's very busy with rehearsals. It is his concert tomorrow, after all." Hihara spoke up and was supposed to give her a friendly hug as well but was stopped short when her jaw started to tremble lightly. Kahoko brought her arms around her as if fighting a cold wind and backed away from the group.

"Please, excuse me."

"Kaho!"

"Hino-san!"

"Kaho-chan!"

Everyone called but she turned and went out of the door running. Mrs. Hino got out of her seat and joined Hamai Misa on finding Kahoko.

--

Arriving at the waiting room, they saw Kahoko all curled up by the fireplace with her head on both her knees and her arms wrapped around her legs. She gazed at the fire as if hypnotized by the dancing flames.

"Kaho-chan."

"Mom, not now, please." Mrs. Hino stepped towards her but was stopped by Misa who gave her a look that she will handle this instead. Kahoko's mother nodded and went outside of the room to attend to tend to the guests and escort them out of the house.

Misa sat beside Kahoko and heaved a sigh which caught Kaho's attention.

"Misa-san?"

"I envy you for having such as strong heart, Kaho-san."

"…"

"I know Len has done so many unforgivable things to you such as what has transpired today."

"…"

"And I am amazed by your courage to take on the situation. If I were in your place, I would have given up long time ago. But you were persistent. You love my son so much." A sob can be heard from Kahoko as she buried her head further to cover her face.

"Kaho-san, please don't give up on him. I know he loves you so much. He just needs to realize that there are more important things other than fame and recognition." Kaho looked at Misa and saw the older woman shedding a tear looking hopeful. "I know my son will realize how foolish he is for ever hurting you."

"I'm sorry, Misa-san. But I can only take so much. This has been going on for more than a year and to go on like nothing happened will be too much to handle." Kahoko wiped her tears, eyes transfixed on the glowing ember.

"Kaho-san…"

"What I can see is that right now I can't compete with his career. I know Len still needs to concentrate on his music. That's why I have to concede for the time being."

"What will happen to your relationship? Your wedding?"

"Our wedding can wait. As for our relationship—I guess it's best that I leave him for a while. Maybe this separation will be good for us. And maybe, just maybe, during my absence he'll realize what he really wants in his life and finally decide on it." Hamai Misa gave her supposedly soon-to-be daughter-in-law a motherly hug. Kahoko returned the hug.

"I believe in your decision, Kaho-san. I wish you nothing but the best."

"Ah." Kahoko pulled away trying to stand up but her legs gave in until she slowly fainted. Misa, standing in shock, caught the girl just in time before she hit the floor.

"Kaho-san! Kaho! Oh, god. Hino-san! Anyone! Please help me! Kaho-san fainted!" Misa shouted until footsteps could be heard rushing towards them. The door slammed against the wall revealing her husband and Kaho's mother.

"Kaho!" Mrs. Hino hurried to her daughter and checked her pulse and breathing. "She's barely breathing. Call an ambulance! Now!" Mr. Tsukimori rushed outside to get the phone and called for an ambulance.

"Kaho-chan…" her mother cradled her daughter as she silently prayed for her life.

--

"Doctor!" Mrs. Hino called the doctor who just left the room where Kahoko was confined and went towards them. Kaho's friends have already left the house before she fainted, leaving only her and Len's parents who witnessed the incident.

"May I talk to a relative of Hino-san?" the doctor asked.

"That would be me. I'm her mother." Mrs. Hino went towards the doctor and they went to a quieter side of the hospital hall where he discussed with her Kaho's condition.

--

"Hiro-san, did you get to talk to Kaho?" Len asked as he entered the limousine and relaxed his head on his knuckles.

"Yes, Tsukimori-sama. She told me to tell you that the party is over and that you can head home when you're done."

"Shit. Can't she wait? I'm only two hours late. She could've extended the party until late night if she wanted to." He looked outside his window feeling uneasiness creeping him. "Tell the driver to head for the mansion."

"Yes, Tsukimori-sama."

--

Mrs. Hino went inside the hospital room where she saw Kaho awake, sitting up. She was staring outside the window while wearing a grim expression.

"Kaho-chan, dear, you should rest."

"…"

"I know about it." Kahoko's eyes went wide as she looked at her mother in fear. "Don't worry. Only I know about it. I told the doctor not to divulge your condition to anyone except the both of us." Kaho's eyes became gentler as she gave her a grateful smile.

"Thanks, mom." Her mother went to sit beside her and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"How long have you been hiding this from us?"

"For more than a month."

"And what do you plan to do about it?" Kaho gave out a tired sigh and held her face in her palms.

"I thought about it the past month." Came a muffled reply. She looked at her mom with a serious and determined look which made her mom worry. "I'm going away for a while. And maybe stay in a different town for a year or so."

"Kaho-chan…"

"Let me finish, mom." Her mother paused and let her daughter continue. "I'm going out of town. I need a different place to start anew; a place where I won't stress myself like what happened hours ago."

"What about Len?"

"I believe that it is best for both me and Len to go on separate ways. I can't let him worry about my condition."

"Well, I think you're wrong. He deserves to know, Kaho."

"No, mom. Listen. I know I can take care of myself. He won't be able to take care of me because he has his career to attend to."

"Kaho, stop acting like a martyr. You don't deserve this."

"It was his decision that he chose to pursue this path as a violinist! And it was his decision that he wanted to marry me! But… it was also his decision to choose his career over our relationship."

"Kaho!"

"I've made up my mind, mom. I realized that my condition will only worsen if I stay here. I need a safer place." She shifted in her position then looked at her hands held between her knees.

"But I can't do this alone. I need your support as well." Mrs. Hino looked at her youngest daughter and saw how desperate she looked. "Please, help me in this."

Mrs. Hino took her daughter's hands in hers and looked into her eyes with all love she had for the young girl.

"Look at how you've grown, Kaho-chan. I've always been so proud of you and I still am. I know that the choices you make are always for the best. And I believe in you." Kaho choked a sob as she enveloped her mom in a tight embrace.

"Thank you! I'll make sure that I will never disappoint you in this decision."

--

Len was running around the mansion, looking for the presence of any person in the house but found none. He stopped at the entrance and called his secretary who was also helping with the search.

"I can't find her or the others anywhere in the house. Hiro-san, call my mother."

"Yes, Tsukimori-sama." He dialed Misa's number and waited for her to pick up the line.

Hello, Hamai Misa speaking.

"Mrs. Tsukimori, it's Hiro-san. We're in the mansion looking for everyone. May we know where you and Hino-san are?"

Hiro-san, please give the phone to Len.

"Sir, Madame would like to speak with you." Len nodded and reached out for the phone.

"Mother. Where are you?"

We're at the hospital. Kaho-san fainted a while back at the mansion so we brought her here.

Len felt his heart clench upon hearing her name.

"How's Kaho? Is she alright?"

Yes, she is. Hino-san told me it was just over fatigue.

Len let go a deep sigh. Thank god she's okay, he thought.

"Good to hear. Please wait for me there. I'll be on my way."

Wait, Len. I think this is not the right time for you to come.

"Why?"

Kaho-san is not allowing any visitors except for her mother. I know this is painful for you but you have to understand.

"Is it because I missed the party?"

Len, it wasn't just any party. It was your engagement party.

There was a pause as Misa waited for him to refute. Hearing none, she continued.

She's hurting and she needs to rest from all the stress. I think it is best that you stayed in your condominium for the time being and give her the space she needs.

There was another pause.

Your father and I are very disappointed in you, Len.

"…"

Don't you have anything to say, my son? Aren't you going to defend yourself from what I just said?

"I'm going home." He turned off the phone and went inside the car. With his pride hurt and his thoughts spinning, he headed for his condominium.

--

The next day at the Hino household, Kahoko finished packing up her things, getting ready for her trip. She didn't hear anything from Len and neither did she care. Her flight leaves in 3 hours, the same time Len's concert starts.

There was a faint knock on the door revealing her mother entering the room.

"Are you ready?"

"Do I have a choice?" Kahoko lightly joked. Her mother opened her arms inviting Kahoko in an embrace.

"You take care, okay? If you need anything, just call. I'll visit you during the Christmas holidays and maybe even bring your sister with me in time for your due date."

"Thanks mom. I owe you big time." She broke away from the embrace and went towards her dresser to pick up a few letters in the drawer. "Before I forget, can you please give these to the people addressed on these envelops?"

"Of course, dear." Mrs. Hino browsed through the names of the people. She looked at her daughter and raised a carved eyebrow. "Where's Len's letter?"

"Oh, um, here." She took out an envelop from her purse and gave it to her mother. Mrs. Hino realized it had no name on it but it had a deep red color which distinguished it from the others. "I was a bit hesitant about giving him this letter. I made this a few days ago after having a feeling that this day would come. Can you please give this to him after the concert?"

"I will, dear."

"Well, I guess that's it. I'm going." She paused for a moment as if trying to convince herself of the situation. "I love you mom. And thank you so much!" Kahoko gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and one last hug but Mrs. Hino wasn't ready to let go of her.

"Kaho-chan, are you sure about this? Is this what you really want?" Kahoko paused then pulled away from her mother.

"Yes… and no one can stop me now. Not even Len."

--

Calling all passengers of flight JL198 bound for Osaka, please proceed to gate 5.

That's my flight. Kahoko thought nervously.

--

The audience applauded as Tsukimori Len, looking elegant in a white tuxedo, entered the stage. Len took a bow but his gaze was locked on an empty chair up front beside where his parents and Mrs. Hino were seated.

Len straightened his back and readied his violin.

Kahoko…

--

Kahoko stopped in her tracks and felt goose bumps creep on her skin.

No. I can't turn back now. It's too late, Kahoko.

She entered the plane and looked back outside hoping to see him one last time.

I guess he made his choice.

She walked down the narrow aisle and settled in her seat by the window.

This is it. Now, there's no turning back.

--

Len finished his performance with a powerful chord and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

He bowed stiffly once, twice, and after receiving the garland he gave a third bow and left the stage. He looked for his parents and Kaho's mother and found them in his dressing room. He saw his mother crying silently in his father's arms while his father tried to comfort her in whatever way he could. Mrs. Hino on the other hand was looking grimly at him as she gestured for him to come to her.

"Where's Kaho? Is she alright?"

"You need not worry, child. She'll be alright."

She held out the letter Kahoko made and Len reached out for it.

"It's from her. By now, she's already boarded the plane heading for a place even I don't know where." He looked at Mrs. Hino disbelievingly and was in a daze. A moment later, he tore the letter open.

My dearest Len,

I know that the decision I made today is very selfish.

But I pray that you understand where I'm coming from.

Len, I can only take so much and staying with you

will not do me well. I think that it's impossible for both

of us to get into marriage when you, yourself, could

not take care of our relationship.

I believe it is time that we take this separation as

something for the better. You need not worry, I can

take care of myself. I know that this trip will help me

recuperate from my emotional scars.

I also believe that you can do more in your career

without me or anyone else holding you back.

This is your time, Len. This is your chance

to prove to the world your love for music and the violin

and to prove to them that you are indeed the best.

Never forget that music is supposed to be enjoyed.

It's not a task to prove your skill but a passion that is

to be shared as a lover of music.

Take care always and don't overwork yourself.

I love you.

Kaho

Reading word for word, tears blurred his vision. And for the first time in his life, he allowed himself to cry.

(End of Flashback)

--

"Kaho!" Tsukimori Len woke up from another one of his dreams and buried his face between his palms trying to calm his mind. He then opened the bedside drawer where a familiar deep red envelop was hidden underneath a picture frame with a photo of him and Kahoko when they were still 19.

He cursed under his breath as he took another sleeping pill from its bottle, drank it, and then closed the drawer. He pulled the sheets over his head and forced himself back to sleep.

--

It was the first of April when Hino Kahoko stepped out of the airport of her home town for the first time in five years with Keiichi trailing behind her. She stopped to wait for him then took his hand in hers.

"Wow. It seems an awful lot different from five years ago." Trying to contain her nervousness, she turned her gaze at him and he responded by giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Yeah, I guess I'm just a little jittery. Come on, let's get a taxi."

They hailed a taxi and went inside.

I have a feeling this will be one interesting come back. Hino said to herself as they drove their way to the Hino residence.

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A/N: Thank you to Amir Jan for proof-reading my work. ;) Luv yah!