Chapter 2: Concerto Grosso

Miyako hummed a little tune as she finished her attire for the evening: a loose fitting pink fleece-lined jacket over a blue t-shirt, and a plaid skirt. Gathering her purse, she quickly ran down the stairs to the doorway.

"Obassan, I'm going out," she cried.

"Be careful, child," her grandmother called out, "Be back by seven, okay?"

"Hai"

The bubbly blonde closed the door behind her and hurried down the street. Today, she was stopping by a music store to pick up some new pieces to add to her music library. She'd recently heard about the store's exceptional repertoire of music, and she was eager to check it out. The fact that the place was close to her home was another plus. At just ten blocks away, it was perfect for her to stroll down there and get what she wanted.

Thirty minutes later, Miyako puffed her cheeks out frustratingly as she finally found the little music store. Tucked between a computer store and coffee house, the little shop hid in plain sight, and twice she had passed it by unknowingly. The store front was wood, stained to appear slightly aged. Its large display case housed various instruments and accessories. Miyako opened the door – one made of strips of rich elm and panels of blown glass – and stepped into the little store. The door closed behind her with faint snap, cutting off the noise outside.

Suddenly, Miyako felt as though she was transported Victorian London. Mahagony cabinets lined the wall to her right, each displaying countless exotic instruments. To her left there was a glass counter, behind which were tiny drawers full of numerous small trinkets. At the far end of the counter was a doorway where Miyako could parts of instruments lying against the frame; it seemed to lead to a small workshop. And in front of her was a wooden ladder that led up to another room upstairs.

She stepped cautiously through the room; not a sound was heard, except for a faint chiming of a grandfather clock somewhere upstairs. When a voice startled her.

"Hi, welcome to my humble shop."

The blond girl let out a little "eep…" of surprise, as an elderly man appeared from behind the counter. He was endowed with a great white beard and his blue beady little eyes that twinkled with mirth. He beamed at the little girl, and spoke.

"Now what can I do for you, young lady?"

"Um yes, I would like to take a look at your music library," she told him, "I wish to buy some new music for my collection."

"But of course," the old man said, "Let me call on my grandson, he will show you the way. Come."

The man motioned Miyako to follow him. He came to the foot of the latter, cupped his hands to his mouth, and hollered.

"Akira!" he cried, "Get over here!"

"Be right there!"

The faint reply echoed through the upstairs chamber. There was a sound of footsteps from above and soon appeared a boy no older than her. He crouched in front of the hole. His had blonde hair, similar to Miyako's own, was shaggy and layered. He had faint freckles on his cheeks and deep azure eyes that implied a kind but crafty personality.

"What's up, grandpa?" he asked.

"This young lady here wishes to browse our music library," the old man said, "Would you be a darling and show her around?"

Deep azure eyes focused on ones of sapphire, and suddenly Miyako felt her cheeks warm a little.

The boy smiled. "Yosh! What are you waiting for? Come on up."

"Careful now; watch your step."

The petite girl grunted as she scaled up the ladder. At the last two rungs, she took his outstretched hand and hauled herself to the top.

"I'm Akira," he said, "Nice to meet you."

"Miyako," she replied, "The pleasure is mine."

The young girl smiled shook his hand, her sapphire eyes sparkling in the dimly lit library. Akira couldn't help but admire how beautiful she was. Hastily, he cleared his throat and clapped his hands together.

"Right! I hear you're looking for a piece of music, do you have any preferences?"

"Umm…well…"

The blond girl's brows furrowed as she thought to herself.

"Honestly, I'm not sure," she said at last.

Akira tilted his head to the side.

"What seems to be the trouble?"

Miyako sighed exasperatedly.

"Well you see, I'm auditioning for my high school orchestra," she said, "So you see, I need to pick up some music to play."

Akira nodded thoughtfully. "You're going to Pokey Oaks High, correct?"

Miyako startled, "Yes, how did you know?"

"You're not the only one auditioning," said he, "And it's the only school such a competitive music program."

"You're going too?"

"Yup," said he, "It's a very nice school."

The girl smiled. "I think so too, the campus is so beautiful!"

Akira laughed. "Indeed." He clapped his hand together and said, "Perfect, we need to find you some music. What section are you applying for?"

"Piano," Said the girl.

"Excellent, I hear there's an opening." Akira smiled. "Wonderful, do you remember the requirements?"

Miyako nodded.

"Four compositions, each of which from a different time period in music theory: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern."

"Very good," Akira said, "Follow me."

He lead Miyako to the rows of great bookshelves full of music, passing a small wooden table with a lamp.

"The music here is all organized by instruments and then by the composer's surname," Akira said, "Feel free to browse as you like."

Miyako beamed. "Thank you so much."

Akira winked. "If you need me, I'll be in the back. See you later."

With a wave, he quickly departed, leaving Miyako to her own search.

There was just so much music crowding the bookshelves, Miyako thought as she strolled through the aisles between each shelf. Her eyes roamed along the shelves, her mouth reading off the names of each piece.

Akira had left her to her browsing, saying something like not wanting to her. She'd watched him disappear through a gap in the bookshelves beyond the clearing where there was a round wooden table and the opening to the ladder – which was ringed on three sides with railing so to prevent any poor soul from falling to the floor below.

Miyako frowned in annoyance; as much as she'd appreciated the gesture, she would much rather have his company. She sighed, exacerbate. Honestly, what is it with men and their infuriating need to be courteous? Well, whatever, she thought, best not to think too much about it. She continued her way through the extensive collection, letting her fingers brush against each piece, picking out those she liked the most.

Finally, when she got a sizable assortment, she carried them to the table for further deliberation.

Miyako yawned as she rubbed her sore eyes. She had spent a considerable amount of time sifting through the various pieces (there were so many to choose from) and picking out her top choices. And then, she'd become engrossed in studying the parts for piano. Quickly, she placed her chosen pieces into her bag and stacked all the other music into a neat pile, ready to be put back where they'd belonged.

It was at that moment that her ears, bored with the incessant silence, picked up a faint melody drifting in the air. It was faint and distant, and Miyako had to strain to hear it.

Curious, the young girl followed the mysterious tune. Through the gap between the shelves she went, and soon she found herself in a dark narrow space full of boxes and crates stacked up on either side. Beyond this gap was a wooden door with light leaking from the bottom. The strange melody seemed to be emanating through a wooden door. Tentatively, Miyako opened the door.

Almost immediately, she was blinded by the intense sunlight. Wincing, she shielded her eyes from the intense rays of the setting sun. She'd stepped onto a balcony with a glass overhang supported by two white pillars on the opposite side. White railings were like icing along the edge, and the floor was of wood that lay in neat little rows. In the middle there was a kotatsu with its warm blankets draped around its side, and to the side was a music stand displaying it's collection of beautiful music.

It is there, that Miyako found the source of that mysterious music. His back was facing her and his shoulders were hunched over. He clasped a violin between his chin and shoulders, and his bow glided on the strings, coaxing out the delicious melody.

The sound of the door closing drew his attention. He looked back and smiled. Miyako stayed quiet, not wanting to disturb the song. She knelt down before the kotatsu and listened to the beautiful music. The melody was rich and gooey and layered – like waterfalls of thick molasses. Miyako sighed softly to herself, her head propped on her hands. She closed her eyes, allowing the music coat her in sheets of pleasure. So raw, so arousing was the music that it left her breathless and wanting more. Alas, it was not much longer when the blonde boy took his final stroke of the bow and ended the piece.

"Wow," she gasped breathlessly. Her eyes fluttered open.

Akira smiled. He let the violin fall from his shoulders and tucked it snuggly under his arms.

"Would you like some tea?" He asked.

Miyako smiled. "Hai, thank you very much."

Akira wasted little time putting the violin back into its case. Quickly, he strolled pass to the cabinets and set about boiling water.

"How do you like it?" he asked eagerly, "Did I sound okay?"

Miyako nodded. "Oh yes, it was wonderful," she said, "Is that what you're playing for the audition?"

"Uh-huh," said he.

The electric kettle suddenly whistled; Akira hurried to prepare two mugs of tea. Meanwhile, the Miyako let her eyes wandering around the room.

"What is this place?" she asked.

"It's just a little lounge," said Akira, "Gramps and I come to rest up here when there's not much to do."

"Here you are."

Akira handed her the brewed beverage and then set his own on a coaster on the table before picking up his violin.

"So, what brings you here to my humble little loft?"

Miyako blushed. "Sorry, I heard you playing and I got sort of curious. I hope I'm not intruding."

Akira dismissed the apology with a wave of his hand.

"On the contrary," he said, "I don't mind at all."

He sat upon the white railing and strummed his violin like a ukulele. Miyako sighed happily as she looked out to the brilliant scenery. The setting sun bathed the sky with hues of red and yellow. Groves of maple moved in the light breeze, and the rooftops of other houses and shops were visible. It was really comfortable up here.

Suddenly there came a faint footsteps and the balcony door opened once again. Akira's grandpa appeared at the doorway.

"Akira it's closing time…oh hello, young lady."

He gazed at Miyako with amused scrutiny.

"Pardon me," he said, "I don't suppose we were properly introduced. I am Yamamoto Akio; it's nice to meet you."

He held up his hand, and Miyako happily shook it.

"I am Miyako," she said, "Nice to meet you too."

The old man beamed.

"Well young miss, I'm afraid it's time for us all to go home. Akira, why don't you ring her up?"

The boy in question nodded. Quickly, he hopped to his feet and put his violin away.

"Do you have everything you need?"

Miyako nodded. "Uh huh"

"Right, come along then," he said.

The two quickly descended to the ground floor. Akira sat himself on top of the glass counter, and proceeded to charged her for her purchases.

"Hungarian Rhapsody No.2, one of my favorite." He mumbled to himself.

At last when all items were rung up and the transaction completed, Miyako put her purchased music back into her bag and snapped it closed.

Akira jumped down from his perch and showed her to the door.

"You come back sometime, alright? Only, it gets quite lonely there."

Miyako raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure I can trust you?"

Akira shrugged. "Who knows," he deadpanned, "Maybe I'm just waiting to jump your bones."

"Ha, that will be the day," Miyako scoffed amusedly.

"Well then, how about you and I go out some time," he said.

"Hmmm…" the young blond tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as they size up Akira. At last a small smirked graced her features and she reached up to brush his cheeks.

"You are quite handsome," she said, "A date it is then."

Akira quickly caught her hands and peppered them with kisses. Miyako giggled.

"I have to go home. My grandmother is waiting."

Reluctantly, the young boy released her hand. He opened the door for her and the noise outside came flooding in. She stepped into the crowded streets and bid Akira a farewell.

"Bye!"

"See you!"

And then she was gone, all but disappeared amongst the crowded streets.