a/n: Yes I know Len is kinda OOC on this but I have an explanation and I hope it will suffice. You see in here Len is slightly gay (sorry Len, but wait-), but not actually because he admires Kahoko and likes her a lot, but he doesn't know that yet. And now he is seeing Kahoko as the answer on that mind bugging curiosity he failed to discover when he was a child. So right now he kinda has some fixation to it. Hehe. But soon other things will arise when he see's Kahoko more than that, when one thing led to another, when it wasn't just lipstick and lipglosses anymore.

BTW besides LenxKaho I also like AzumaxKaho, I hope you like them too, but if you don't you can look for that lone x at the end of the first scene, after that that's where the non-AzumaxKaho scene starts. Hehe

So that's that. I won't delay you further. Here's chapter two.

Chapter 2 – Like to Keep it Simple

Kahoko clicked the door to the practicing halls turning on the usual hallway back to the General Education Building. Her eyes were downcasted on the floor, though there's sufficient make-up on her face, the stress is still eminent for the by passers.

"Kahoko, are you alright?"

A soft voice called for her.

Azuma Yunoki, in his nicely pressed uniform with his hair cascading on the side of his face, always alarmingly perfect.

Kahoko didn't had a chance to reply for Azuma had put one hand forward landing flat on her forehead.

"We need to get you to the clinic", he grabbed Kahoko's hand and ushered her on the way.

"Its alright, I'm fine, you don't need to bother", she tugged her wrist back but he refused to let go.

She kept on protesting as they turn to several hallways. Frustration crept on the back of Azuma's mind, he never wondered before that a girl can refuse his gallantry and the thought of refusal from this girl of the traits he clearly polished, pissed him off. 'I hate girls who are hard to get!'

When they reached the school clinic he let the nurse busied herself with Kahoko. After a few minutes he heard the curtains sliding on the railing and made his way to check Kahoko.

She was holding a piece of tissue pinching her nose. Azuma helped the nurse to put on the ice bag on top of her nose.

The nurse smiled gently at Azuma, "Thank you for helping Ms. Hino, Mr. Yunoki. By the looks of it she could've passed out anytime soon if you didn't bring her here". She turned to Kahoko who was still pinching her nose, "Don't worry about the nosebleed, it's because of the fever. It will go off soon.", she patted Kahoko's head and excused herself to get the fever meds.

Azuma got curious and reached for Kahoko's hand holding the tissue. "Nosebleed?", he should've kept it out from himself. As soon as he got the sight of red blotches on the white paper he suddenly felt his head spinning and oddly remembering the taste of his lunch on his throat. Half glad that the bleeding already stopped and half nauseous on the horrific sight.

She watched his ashen face turn even whiter, the wooziness is obvious in his face and she noticed how hard he had to keep his calm and collected countenance in front of her. "I'm sorry for letting you go through this again".

He waved his wrist both to shake off the nausea and to tell her that she doesn't need to apologize, "Its just the blood, its so wrong, its only meant to be kept inside the body", he had a disgusted look on his face.

"I'm sorry Azuma", she patted his lowered head guiltily.

The nurse came back to give the meds. She let Kahoko gulp the circular tablets and check if anything is going on. The nod she gave signaled Azuma that she can go.

"Is it alright if I take her back now?", he asked

"No… I can't cause you anymore trouble Azuma, I can manage", she put both of her hands palms side out to protest but to no avail when the nurse said that she needed it.

Once outside the clinic, he took his hands gently to his again and pulled her back towards the General Education building.

"Its okay Azuma, I can go by myself now", she lowered her head sheepishly.

He felt frustrated, had she known that he doesn't do this to other girls would she still try so hard to refuse? In fact, shouldn't she be happy that he's giving her a special treatment?

If she was just any other girl out their. He would first implicate that 'He won't be able to leave her alone' then give her a shot of his gentle eyes, sooner or later he would be able to convince her. If not then, he would just step back, politely accept her request and turn his heels away from her, thinking at the back of his mind, the second he left that girl will tremendously regret it.

To Kahoko, it never was the same. He has this compulsion to go against what he taught himself on proper ethics with girls. He has the tendency to be reckless in front of her and try the next thing that pops in his mind without thinking its possible consequences.

He smirked and stopped.

She nudged on his back failing to see that both of his feet were planted on the floor unmoving. Still she kept her eyes on the floor lacking energy to be inquisitive this time and afraid that she might have offended Azuma for insisting by herself, she read somewhere that if you turn a guy's offer its like turning the guy's ego as well.

She felt him spun to face her, with her mouth still clamped shut, she busied herself looking at the weaving patterns on Azuma's necktie. A finger lifted her chin to face him, she caught his eyes and they held like that for a long time.

She was daze because it felt like dreaming seeing the look of concern on Azuma's face she thought she would never deserve a look like this from him. Not when she exudes normalcy in every pore of her body.

"Do you think this is free? Would I do this if I don't want something back", he bit his lop to prevent them from forming that cunning smile.

Kahoko only heard a woozing sound ringing in her ears. She would still need rest to recover completely. She had no clue what Azuma was saying, even when she tried reading his lips she was still incomprehensive to it. Her guess, he must be talking about how to take better care of herself, those gentle pleasantries he shows among other girls. It strike her for a while if he compelled himself to act like he does or it was in his good nature to be kind and virtuous every now and then. It poked her skepticism when Nami once mentioned that there's no man that exists like Azuma Yunoki.

The obliviousness was clearly plastered in her face. She doesn't have any idea on what he's concocting in that inconspicuous part of the hallway. There's that odd sense of satisfaction on the back of his mind watching how naïve and pure Kahoko was.

"If you don't have any say about this, then stay still while I gather my pay", he whispered in her ear after checking the surroundings.

She was aware now that he's whispering in her ears. Probably saying more about keeping in good health, those stuffs. But the hug on her waist was quite out of place.

He encircled both of his arms on her waist and pull herself closer the fever must be subsiding, he concluded when her warm breath touched the corner of his chin. He then leaned down and planted a kiss on her cheek, when he released her he felt her knees buckled and quickly catches her on her side. He watched as her fringes fall sideways covering her half closed eyes and that's when he realized how helpless she was in his arms and that she doesn't have any clue on what was going on. That's when he decided that one day he'll tell her about this unwarranted kiss on the cheek and next time when he kissed her, she would be able to kiss back.

He's going to have a laugh about this later.

She felt him steadied her and abruptly turned his back again. A slight tug on her wrist signaled her that they had resumed walking. She thought if Azuma really had given her a kiss, but quickly dismissed it when the effort to think is too straining for her. She will think about this tomorrow that is if she would still be able to remember it.

Both of them walked her hand on his as they diverged their path on the empty hallway. His lips twisted in a crooked line as he wiped them with back of his had. He looked at the powdery cream color residue on his hand there and then he took the liking of her smooth cheek against his lips just next time without the chalky after taste of foundation

x

'People are like prisms when hit by a light they scatter into different spectrum of colors'. Just like how the light of the day shone on Kahoko's cheeky face all signs of illness ridden out.

Nami thought about the catchy theme that crossed her mind a while ago and made a note to use that on their school organ. She caught Kahoko still looking pale, but radiant, walking towards her with a fancy shopper's paper bag. She mused that it must be the make-up kit she let her borrow from her yesterday after commenting 'How the light of the day was suck out of her face' and that she is in bad need of a touch up to convince everyone that she was fine. Although before that she sympathized with her pressing that she's better off at home rather than in school. But she never conceded, instead she gave her that reassuring smile and in return she took the liberty of lending her her make-up kit.

"How are you feeling, Kahoko?", Nami started.

"Good as new!", she have her a childish grin and stuck her thumb up. "Thanks for this by the way", she handed her the paper bag.

"Good gracious! Thank goodness that you're all cheery and perky again! Yesterday you almost gave me a heart attack showing up on school like that", she blurted, then her eyes soften, "Please next time Kahoko, lay off on stressing yourself once in a while, I don't think I can bear another time looking at you like that"

"School, violin practice and work at the café is really taking its toll on me", she let her gaze drop on the floor. "But its nothing that I can't handle I promise not to make you worry again"

She smiled gently at Kahoko.

"By the way Kahoko, I stopped by at the office a while ago, Mr. Kanazawa and Director Kira told me they wanted to see you after class", Nami said as they stroll to their first class.

"Am I in trouble?", she asked shakily.

"No, of course not, but I heard them talking about a violin duet", she shrugged unable to give the full details.

"A violin duet…", Kahoko repeated.

x

Len found himself staring outside the window. He deliberated for a few seconds on how he felt. He should feel nothing at all but why is he acting like it's a big deal or something. He shifted his position and refocused his eyes to his teacher in front of the room but his eyes were glassy and looked like he was staring at nothing, it's like the lights are on but nobody's home. He was in a far away place all consumed by his trip to the office earlier that day.

"Hey Len", Mr. Kanazawa called when he spotted Len entering the Music Department Building.

"Good Morning, Mr. Kanazawa", he greeted mechanically in that stoic face.

"Director Kira wants to talk to you". He noticed the sudden apprehension in his face. "No worries kiddo you're not on trouble"

He was soon sitting inside the director's office facing the glass paneled table and behind it Director Akihiko Kira while Mr. Kanazawa stood comfortably on the side of the table.

"I won't go for any introductions to you Mr. Tsukimori, I don't want you to be late on your first class", he smiled politely at him.

Len nodded condescendingly waiting for him to finish.

"The school festival is coming in two weeks and the dispute between the General Education students and Music Department students," he cocked his head on the side when he emphasized 'music department students', pressing a little bit of a stern look on Len, almost like a father hoping that his son is not one of them. "Seems to be growing… Although it's quite definite that we can take care of these problem by the solutions presented by the faculty members… Mr. Kanazawa here gave us a more creative way to settle matters", he turned to Mr. Kanazawa to give him the cue of explaining the rest to Len.

"I was thinking that this year you will be the one to perform the opening of the school festival but the catch is that rather than in the past years where only a music student gives the opening theme, this year you're going to perform it with a GenEd student," he scratches his head as he explains. "You can both decide on what piece you're going play"

"I can see where you're going for Mr. Kanazawa but how can a three-minute piece help lessen both sides disputes against each other?", he questioned, his voice flat approaching the topic in a formal manner.

"The opening collaboration will serve like a show to give all of the students the sense that that there's a chance that both GenEd and Music students can work together without throwing a fit in whose better and whose not"

Len keened his ears to listen furthermore as Mr. Kanazawa paused, thinking that there's more to come.

"Think about it", Mr. Kanazawa added, thoughtful. "When the whole school sees a GenEd and a Music student together on stage, it will, for surely start a trend"

Len kept his eyes on Mr. Kanazawa giving nods in between sentences while the director sits comfortably on his chair knowing Kanazawa's proposal already.

"Seeing that a GenEd has participated in a Music Department's activity this school festival it's only proper that the Music Department gives back. That's why this year we will be breaking our old traditions, instead that of from the past years that both GenEd and Music students had been conducting and setting up booths, plays, workshops and fun and activities separately, this year there will be no more factions because both sides are going to be combined in 'all' the activities and both GenEd and Music Department will be working hand in hand together for that one week celebration", Mr. Kanazawa ended it with a grin on the face.

Len answered back, for once breaking the usual monotony on his face, he gave him a confuse look, his brows were furrowed as he eyed Mr. Kanazawa. He thought, yes indeed that was very creative, but afar from that it was next to impossible. Though Len was the type of person who never gave much attention to the social bickering and frequent verbal scuffle inside his own school. He can already see it clearly that the school festival is going to be a disaster. "M-mr. Kanazawa… how can you be so sure… that everything will… completely work out"

The grin widened on his face, almost instantly Len had a bad feeling about this.

"That's why we have you, a representative of the Music Department, think of you as an ambassador you will be the voice of all your fellow music students, it will be easier and smooth that way, having a student represent each side"

The thought had hit him, he still hasn't ask who will be the other student he will be working with, "Who will represent the GenEd?"

This time it was Director Kira who spoke, he was holding a list of students, seven to be exact, it was the same list of participants in the concurs. There were five of them who belong to the Music Department and only two who belong to the General Education, Ryotaro Tsuchiura and…

"Hino, Kahoko"

Len's eyes widened and he can feel his heart beat racing inside his chest, good thing he was able to keep his expression subtle, it wasn't even obvious.

"I hope you two will give your best, a few evaluators will be coming to audit our school that week we can't afford to let them down", he put the paper down and leaned back on his swivel chair.

That indicated him that the conversation was over. "Of course", he replied, back to his nonchalant countenance. He made his way out of the office and Mr. Kanazawa followed after him.

Both of them walked to their first class as Mr. Kanazawa was his first period teacher.

Len rubbed the middle of his forehead, stressed. "Mr. Kanazawa…", he said with a slight disapproval in his tone.

"It can't be help kiddo, the director hand picked you"

He straightened his posture, collecting himself together. "Why can't it be Azuma?", he asked seriously. "He's the Music Government Organizations' president"

Yes he was right Azuma Yunoki should be perfect for the job. He's got enough charisma to win over both GenEd and Music students all the way. But rather Mr. Kanazatwa reminded him about the banner hanging above the school gate. There written in big cursive letters the name of his mother, Hamai Misa.

He sighed and looked at the clock only then that he noticed that the first period is almost over. When Mr. Kanazawa left the class he quickly stood up and caught up with him in the hallway.

"I have another thing in mind Mr. Kanazawa"

x

Kahoko interrupted her afternoon routine of practice and found herself sitting inside the director's office looking at Mr. Kanazawa who was currently absorbed discussing their part on the school's festival. Kahoko listened intently while stealing a glance on the person beside her.

The afternoon sun was oozing from the window hitting the white pristine cloth that was the uniform of the music students. She stared at the person beside her half listening half thinking, it must be something to have that uniform in your back. The aura that these people give off wherever they go is incredible, they always keep their chin high and their back still straight though they carry different boxes to contain their chosen instruments and that aura shone even more brightly with their white uniform. Proud, yes they are, her schoolmates in GenEd vehemently disgusts it, but Kahoko was right thinking about it positively that they have the right to feel so knowing that these people has enormous background to music and that they have the skill and talent to match it. She compared herself, in contrast to them she wore a black and grey uniform that she thought was duller when she's wearing it. It was like she's a stranger in her new found land. Who is she? Mixing with these people but just another novice trying to be good at something they've already mastered countless of times. Though she loved her violin more than she realized and desired to be even better at it if she's capable she will never be at par with this people.

Kahoko thought grimly on herself. But when she heard Mr. Kanazawa mentioned co-participation of GenEd and Music Department her mood lightened up. It's like waving the white flag for a momentary seize fire. She laughed inside her mind on her description. If there is such thing as neutrality, she pondered further, she belonged to that group and that she's not the only one who wants to be clean on both sides, a lot of students wanted the field inequality to end already, its been going on and on ever since she entered on her first year and when someone asked who started the fight nobody even knows. So when Mr. Kanazawa asked them if they both of them were amenable, there were no further questions to ask.

She glanced again on her companion. There was a fleeting moment where both of their eyes locked and then they both smiled endearingly with each other. They both turned to Mr. Kanazawa to give their nod of approval.

"So here's the deal, we're going to play two musical pieces on the first day of the school festival, both of you will come first. You can pick any pieces you like, it's your choice", said Mr. Kanazawa. "Not only that but the two of you will also be acting as spokesperson for both GenEd and Music Department, organize everything, you can pull strings with the committees that are already present in this school, Kahoko, I know you and Nami Amou are good friends, you can use her newspaper staff for a while, Megumi, I already talked to Mr. Ousaki, you can use the orchestra club members."

Both of the girls nodded.

"I will be the Head Organizer for the school festival this year, so if anything goes feel free to consult me okay?"

They nodded again.

"The director will be happy", he glanced the empty chair behind the table, probably doing the afternoon rounds.

"Kahoko", Megumi spoke in her sweet voice. "How about we check with our committees today? You can go to Nami Amou and I'll see if Kazuki Hihara is on the Orchestra club, is that okay with you?"

"Of course, or course!", Kahoko replied humbly on Megumi's politeness.

"So I'll see you tomorrow to start our practice then?", she said with a gentle smile on her face.

Kahoko smiled back reassuringly.

Megumi was the first to leave the room after she bowed to Mr. Kanazawa and waved goodbye to Kahoko.

Kahoko soon followed. Her hand was already on the doorknob when it hit her. "Mr. Kanazawa, I hope you don't mind me asking… But Nami told me this morning that she heard you talking about a violin duet?"

"Oh, that one. Well we had a few amendments. Originally, the plan was that you and Len are going to play a piece together. But Len came up with another idea, he said that it was better if both of you should play one violin piece each with a piano accompanist. Two girls on the first half of the program and two boys on the second half of the program both composing one student from the GenEd and also one from the Music Department", he furrowed his brows hoping that his explanation didn't confused her. "Did I say it right, did you understand it?"

"You mean like me a GenEd playing the violin and Megumi from the Music Department as my accompanist"

"Exactly", Mr. Kanazawa exclaimed.

Kahoko smiled. "Thank you for making me a part of this Mr. Kanazawa, I'll do my best"

"I know you will kiddo, that's why I recommended you to the director"

"Thank you again Mr. Kanazawa", without further adieu she waved him goodbye and exited the room.

x

The sunkissed grass on the open field shines vibrantly as the summer air tugs them from their roots. There were only few students who were left packing the remainders from their last game. Len was sitting idly in the second bleacher from the soccer lawn. He watched a ball being kicked to midair and it flew halfway to the other side of the lawn. From his gaze downwards to the ball he lifted it up only to see two GenEd girls talking together. The one has long curly chestnut hair, whom he recognized as the School Organ's president and the other has ruby colored wavy hair that reached passed her shoulders. A gulp from his throat was almost audible when he dared himself to look at her. She's not wearing a make-up today unlike the last time he saw her. He watched her fringe as the summer air swept them gently revealing her honey colored eyes. He didn't know that he has sharp vision up until he realized that he was staring at her uncurled lashes and when she batted them their shadows cascaded on her cheeks which are a bit pale but has that subtle blush on them, natural without the make-up. She looked prettier without the make-up and embellishment. A tug from her cheeks told him that she was smiling. He now leaned forward his feet parted equally and let his elbows rest on both knees. He purposely covered his face from the space between his nose and his mouth to his chin a kind of a reminder on where not to look at, if she's not wearing a make-up, definitely she's not wearing something to protect her lips from the depths of his mind. He can only do so little with that self control he was raised to, before this it's record was spotless and clean up until his faint recollection of a childhood curiosity sparked like a flame and she was like coal adding more heat to the fire. Though he hadn't failed -yet, to let his mind loose on frolicking random ventures about possible things one small part of the face can do. But every time he sees her its like he's always at a precipice one small step and he can dive head first leaving all sanity behind. He felt ashamed looking at her right now, so pure and innocent, she doesn't deserve his thoughts because she's the girl who deserves respect, that's why he vowed to himself that no matter what happen he will do anything 'he means anything' to prevent him from thinking the latter.

The sun was now setting as shadows looms closer to the ground. He still sat unmovable, gazing from the corner of his eyes afraid that someone might pay close attention to who's he staring at. He noticed how the hue of the sun colored her, she looked beautiful, he won't wonder if there are a lot of guys who are admiring her.

He collected himself and stood up when he spotted the person he wants to talk to. He walk towards him and every stride closer to him he got rid all of the unnecessary expressions. He now stood up face to face with him with apathy and stoicism. Looking at him right now contemptuously the young man greeted him.

"Len"

"Ryotaro…", he glared.

x

Gya! My grammar crashed down by the end of this chapter. Gyah! Sighs anyways so that's chapter two. To be clear with the pairings its mainly, of course LenxKaho, a little bit of AzumaxKaho and there will be other pairings such as RyoxKaho and RyoxNami, maybe, I'm not sure yet but maybe.

So that's that, I hope you liked chapter two. If not, er, I can't believe I'm going to say this but criticisms are accepted, grr, I still can't believe I'm saying this! Just don't be harsh, please, please, don't be harsh. Break it to me gently, hehe.

If you have questions as well feel free to ask, I'll try to answer them. Hehe.

Thank you! Thank you for reading. ^.^

Wait. I almost forgot. The reason why I entitled this Like to Keep It Simple is because boys like to keep it simple. Trust me girls they like to keep it simple, no this or that, they don't care how many make up you put to accentuate your features, they like it simple, natural! So next time you put make-up do it for other girls alike, make yourself prettier so that they can envy you, that you can look better than them! Hahaha. Anyways that's what I think, if anyone objects, remember don't be harsh, please, please.