Theme: Holidays
Month: December 2009
When Ice Prince meets Snow Man
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Oh Snow
Kahoko couldn't recall a year when snow had fallen so much in the last fortnight of December.
"Ano, Tsukimori-kun, do you think the climate is changing?"
"Yes. It probably is."
He looked at the girl beside him, with her cute woolen hat, knitted scarf and rosy cheeks. She seemed thoughtful.
"I am worried, although I can't help feeling a little excited about the snow. I love snow: some of my happiest memories involve playing in the snow with my sister and brother."
"Did you also like playing with snow when you were younger, Tsukimori-kun?"
"I… I don't remember…"
"Oh…"
They walked on in silence for a while. Today had been the last school day before winter break, and also their last practice session of the year.
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When they passed by a children's playground, Kahoko noticed a snow man. At least she felt sure that the kids who started it had intended to create a snow man, but presently it stood desolate and incomplete.
"Look, Tsukimori-kun, it's a snow man! Let's finish it!"
Without waiting for an answer from him, she entered the playground.
"Wait, Hino! I have no time for this!" was what he attempted to say. But he thought better of it. Sometimes, trying out new things isn't such a bad thing...
He put down his violin case next to hers and approached the snow man. He needed patching up in many places and they worked swiftly to give him a nice rounded figure and head. Kahoko picked up two stones and a stick for his eyes and nose.
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She took a few steps back and surveyed their work.
"There's something missing… Oh I know, it's the scarf! Every snow man must have a scarf!"
Len saw that she was about to take off her scarf and stopped her.
"Use mine."
"But Tsukimori-kun, this looks like an expensive scarf…"
"It's not."
He went and put it round the snow man's neck himself to prevent her from arguing.
She smiled gratefully and admired the snow man. For some reason, she wasn't completely satisfied and Len couldn't understand why.
"He should be playing…"
"What?"
"He should be playing the violin!" she repeated cheerfully. "Help me to make the arms Tsukimori-kun! Only you know what the proper position should be!"
She was grinning and he had no choice but to assist her in remolding the arms of the snow man so that the left one looked like it was holding something close to its neck, and the right was bent as if holding a bow.
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It wasn't as easy as they thought it would be, but fifteen minutes later Kahoko was clapping excitedly.
"Thank you for your hard work Tsukimori-kun. What do you think of him?"
"He's not too bad."
She pouted. "What do you mean 'He's not too bad'?"
She turned to the snow man.
"Don't worry, I think you're wonderful!"
Len stared as she childishly hugged it.
"I love you… Mr Snow Len!"
So saying, she kissed the icy figure's cheek.
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Her companion blushed for two. He turned his back on them and went to pick up his violin case.
"Wait for me Tsukimori-kun!"
Kahoko hastily bid goodbye to the snow man and hurried after him.
As they made their way to her house, she glanced at him.
"I hope you're not offended that I named him after you, Tsukimori-kun?"
"It doesn't matter."
Kahoko thought about his answer.
"Does it mean… that he didn't mind? Or that it does not matter if he was offended?"
You never knew with Len…
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He stopped in front of her gate.
"There's plenty of snow at your place, but you haven't made one yet…"
He only asked out of curiosity, but Kahoko thought he sounded wistful.
"I didn't have time before, but since winter break has started, I'll definitely make one tomorrow. Please come and help me if you're free!"
He looked at her before replying.
"… Perhaps we can practice afterwards…"
"Su…sure!"
Kahoko grimaced inwardly. Only Len could think of practicing during holidays, but at least he would help her make another snow man.
Perhaps the climate wasn't the only thing changing this year…
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