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 at 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 ShimizuxFuyuumi)

A/N: Thanks for your lovely reviews! ;D Here's chapter two.

Chapter Two: The Matchmaker

Shouko Fuyuumi's POV

I woke up early in the morning, blinded by the brilliant light that shone through my bedroom window. The calendar hanging on the wall says today is the 3rd of November – my birthday.

I went straight home after school to prepare for my party. My mother said about 50 people would be attending, most of them I haven't met yet or am not familiar with, since I only invited about a dozen of my friends from the academy. My parents probably invited their friends and acquaintances to make a total of 50.

"We're doing this for you, sweetie," I remember my mom saying, "You're finally turning 16, so it's just right to throw a party and invite friends over. Use this opportunity to mingle with others and come out of your shell…"

But I'm too scared, I wanted to say, but no sound came out of my mouth. Instead, I just gave my mother a hug and mumbled, "I will. Thanks."

So right now, I'm getting dressed for my party. I wore the dress that my mom bought me especially for this occasion. It was white, knee-length, with blue laces on the sides. I looked at myself in the mirror, and thought I looked presentable enough. I'll do my best to talk to everyone later on and be a good hostess. I'm still nervous, of course. What if things don't turn out right? What if I don't get accepted, or worse, they won't like me? At the back of my mind, there's still this huge fear of rejection. I'm not much of a people pleaser, just a natural born introvert.

Seeing that there are still a few hours to spare before the party starts, I got my clarinet and started playing Clarinet Polka, the piece I played in the 4th selection of last year's concours. It was a happy tune, very different from the ones I usually play. Lots of unexpected things happened last year, things I would never forget, and things that made me who I am. My parents were pleased that I was less shy now than I was before I entered the competition, and so they decided to hold a party for me, hoping that I would grow to be more outgoing.

I always loved playing my clarinet. It is where I get to express myself, not with words, but through music. This piece, it reminds me a bit of Kaho-senpai. I really like her music - so honest and full of emotion. She's my role model and also a true friend.

My playing stopped when I heard the door creaked open. I gasped in shock but was relieved when I saw who entered.

"Kaho-senpai?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Fuyuumi-chan. Your mom said you're in your room, and I should just come in… I guess I should've knocked," she apologized, "I was disturbing your practice, wasn't I? Please don't mind me and continue with your playing."

"N-no, it's okay Kaho-senpai. Umm… You're early today," I replied, noticing the time.

"Yeah, I thought maybe I could help out with the decorations or something, so I came early. I hope you don't mind… Happy birthday, by the way."

"Ah, not at all. Thanks, Kaho-senpai. I think the decorations and food are all prepared, so there's nothing left to do… Now I'm just waiting for the guests to arrive. You're the first."

"I see… So Fuyuumi-chan, will you be playing your clarinet later on?"

"Eh? No, no." I can't possible play in front of everyone by myself… The concours was fine because others were participating too, but in this case, I can't…

"Aw, how come? I'd like to hear your performance. The piece you played a while ago – before I rudely interrupted – was beautiful. I'm sure others would find it beautiful as well."

"R-really?"

"Of course, Fuyuumi-chan. I know you're probably nervous about playing in front of everyone, that's just normal, but it would be nice if they can hear your music."

I felt a whole lot better after what Kaho-senpai said. It almost like she was reading my mind. We continued to talk about other things, just us girls. And before I knew it, we were on the topic about boys. I cringed.

"Do you like someone? Like as in, more than friends?" she asked.

"…Shi-Shimizu-kun!"

I don't know what has gotten into me, or why I just blurted that out all of a sudden. It was my inner consciousness that responded so quickly to such question. I wanted to slap myself in the face. The thought of Shimizu-kun didn't come into me until Kaho-senpai asked. My face started to heat up.

"Oh? Wow, I didn't expect a straight answer from you!"

"K-Kaho-senpai, please don't tell anyone about that!" I wanted to crawl in a hole and hide. My face was crimson red. I guess I have been admiring Shimizu-kun for a while now, but I was too shy to even notice. Wanting to divert the topic, I asked Kaho-senpai the same question. "S-so who do you like, Kaho-senpai?"

"Well… I guess I can trust you. This'll be our little secret, okay?" I nodded in reply and waited for her answer. "Tsukimori-kun."

"Ah, I should have known. You two look good together, Kaho-senpai! I'm sure he likes you a lot too," I replied.

"I don't know about that… Hold on, we were still talking about Shimizu-kun, weren't we?" she poked me with her elbow, and giggled. "Don't change the subject, Fuyuumi-chan." The spotlight was back at me. I couldn't help but blush.

Then the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be?" I wondered.

"Maybe that's Shimizu-kun," Kaho-senpai teased, "Well, you did invite him, right? So it's a possibility."

I stammered to my feet and yelled, "I'll get the door!" as I ran downstairs. Kaho-senpai followed soon after me. I twisted the knob and pulled the door open.

Shimizu-kun! Shimizu-kun! My mind was shouting his name over and over again.

"Shimizu-!"

It wasn't him.

My face fell in disappointment.

"Amou-senpai…" I greeted the person at the door.

"Hey, Fuyuumi-chan! Happy birthday! Ah, Kaho-chan too!" she greeted back enthusiastically.

"…Gomen, Fuyuumi-chan. I was wrong. It was a good guess though," Kaho-senpai said.

"Hm? Am I missing something here?" Amou-senpai said, "Wait, did you just say-"

"Amou-senpai! Um, before anything else, why don't you come in?" I said as I made way for her to enter. We walked back to my room and that's when she started interrogating me.

"Back there, you said Shimizu-kun's name, right? So you were expecting him, huh? Why so? Oh wait a sec, you…" Amou-senpai looked at me, a pen and a small notepad in her hand.

"Now, now Amou-san… You're harassing her already," Kaho-senpai said.

My face hasn't recovered from the embarrassment, and so I was as red as a tomato.

"You LIKE him!" Amou-senpai finished her sentence, and started scribbling on her notepad. My face must've been a total giveaway.

I glanced at my wristwatch; it was already time for the party. My mother called us to come downstairs and wait at the ballroom downstairs.

"Wow, Fuyuumi-chan, your house is huge. You even have a ballroom," Amou-senpai commented. She was taking pictures of the soon-to-be crowded ballroom.

I sauntered near the door and greeted all the guests one by one as they filed into the room. Tsuchiura-senpai, Tsukimori-senpai, Hihara-senpai, and even Yunoki-senpai were able to come. I better thank Kaho-senpai for inviting them for me later on. Soon, music started playing and the room was filled with people. My eyes were searching for someone, but I can't seem to find him.

"Fuyuumi-san?" a gentle voice called.

I looked back and saw his turquoise orbs staring into mine. His face was seraphic, his blonde hair in its usual unruly style, and his lips were curved into a slight smile.

"Shimizu-kun…"

He handed me a small pink box neatly wrapped with a ribbon on top. "Happy birthday," he greeted.

"Thank you," I managed to say, receiving the present with both hands. I was really happy, too happy that I couldn't speak. It was then that I decided I wanted to play my clarinet. I wanted him to hear my music. "Excuse me for a while, Shimizu-kun."

I got my clarinet from its case and walked in the middle. The room grew silent. Taking a deep breath, I started playing Three Romances No.2 by Robert Schumann. I could feel the eyes that looked at me and the attention I was getting. It didn't matter. I just felt that I wanted him to listen.

As the piece came to an end, I was greeted by a large applause. He was clapping his hands too, and that's when I realized what I just did. I took a bow and walked away from the center of attention, blushing.

"That was wonderful, Fuyuumi-san," Shimizu-kun complemented, "You really improved a lot on your music… I could feel so much emotion in them."

"Thank you, Shimizu-kun."

We talked for a while until I noticed his eyes were getting drowsy. I offered him some food to make him stay awake, at least for a while. While he was eating, Tsuchiura-senpai and Hihara-senpai joined the table, making lively conversations while keeping each other company. Hihara-senpai had his third serving of steak already, and yet he's still hungry.

"Eat as much as you want," I said before I left to check on the other guests.

Yunoki-senpai was surrounded by a horde of his rabid fan girls. I didn't remember inviting them, though they seem to be enjoying themselves. So far so good, I thought – until something, or rather, someone caught my eye. Amou-senpai looked a bit troubled, her eyes were closed, her brows furrowed, and her arms folded across her chest. I approached her to ask what's wrong.

"Look at those two," Amou-senpai said, "They're not doing anything!" I followed her gaze and saw Kaho-senpai with Tsukimori-senpai at the refreshments table.

"Do you mean Kaho-senpai and Tsukimori-senpai?" I asked. She nodded furiously.

Amou-senpai was right. They were the only ones there, but they're not even talking. Kaho-senpai must be feeling really awkward at the situation. It's kind of difficult to start a conversation with the Tsukimori Len. He has this aura around him that sets people off, making them too scared or intimidated to talk to him – or maybe that's just my opinion.

"We need to do something," Amou-senpai said, "Let's play a game."

"A game? I thought we'd help Kaho-senpai…"

"We will. We'll play matchmaker and give Kaho-chan her 7 minutes in Heaven." A sly smile flickered on her face.

"M-matchmaker? Seven minutes in heaven?" Amou-senpai is planning something, I can feel it. "What's your plan?"

"It's simple. We'll just have to trap Kaho-chan and Tsukimori-kun inside a closet for seven minutes… or longer," she whispered into my ear. I felt my face heat up at the thought. "Eh? Why are you blushing, Fuyuumi-chan?"

"I-in a closet? W-will Kaho-senpai be alright?" I couldn't help but think of what might happen to them.

"Of course she will. I don't think Tsukimori-kun is that kind of guy; he's a gentleman… But it sure would be interesting if something really happens between the two. That would make front-page of the school newspaper!" Amou-san's smile reached her ears.

"Um… I don't think there's a closet near here…"

"…What do you think of this room?" Amou-senpai asked. She turned the knob and opened the door to a dimly-lit room.

"I don't seem to remember having a room there… Maybe that's not a good idea."

"This is perfect, Fuyuumi-chan!" she said, her voice filled with excitement. She didn't hear what I just said. "I'll go call Tsukimori-kun, while you go ask Kaho-chan. We'll lead them to this room, okay?" And then she went on her way to get Tsukimori-senpai.

Not having a choice, I went on my own search. Kaho-senpai was easy to find, with her scarlet red hair and pale yellow dress, she definitely stood out. I led her to the room like what Amou-senpai said. The lights were still turned off.

"Umm… Kaho-senpai, gomen. Please wait here for a bit," I said before closing the door.

"Eh? Fuyuumi-chan, it's dark in here!" I heard her say.

Then I saw Amou-senpai dragging along an irritated Tsukimori-senpai.

"Kaho-chan is inside. Enjoy your seven minutes in heaven!" Amou-senpai said as she pushed the prodigy in and locked the door from the outside. I heard a soft 'thud' and started to get worried.

"Trust me, Fuyuumi-chan. Someday they'll thank us," Amou-senpai said with a wink, "I'll stay here and make sure they won't escape. Haha, you go check on Shimizu-kun and the others."

I almost forgot about them.

When I got back to their table, Shimizu-kun was snoozing like a baby. His face was serene, and there were bits of chocolate around his mouth; I found it really adorable. He must've fallen asleep while eating. Not wanting to wake him up, I talked with the others instead.

"Ne, Fuyuumi-san, do you know where Hino is?" Tsuchiura-senpai asked.

Hihara-senpai and Yunoki-senpai both turned their heads to face me, waiting for an answer.

"Sh-She's with Tsukimori-kun," I replied, stifling a smile.

The party is still far from over.

A/N: I know you guys were expecting more KahoxLen, but I'm saving that for the next chapters. A little FuyuuxShimi wouldn't hurt, right? X) Don't worry though; chapter 3 will definitely be KahoxLen… Written in Len's POV. XD If you guys liked or loathed this chappie, write a review! I'd love to hear from you guys.