Disclaimer: You know the drill. I am most definitely not Hoshino Katsura.
Chapter 2 – Grasp the Chance
As Kanda entered the Falling Lotus the next night, he silently hoped that the stranger from last night would not be there. To his surprise and relief, he was not. After a few more days passed, Kanda began to think that maybe Tyki was a little bit drunk and saying weird things. Shrugging it off, Kanda tried to forget what happened.
Then after 4 days with no sign of Tyki, the man made another appearance in Kanda's life. Again, Tyki was already waiting for him in the bar and Kanda tried to avoid the gaze affixed onto him.
He increased the tempo this time and ended as fast as he could. He didn't even stop for a drink and made his way out of the pub with the bartender calling him, wondering why Kanda was acting so weirdly tonight. Tyki pushed his chair back and followed after him.
They walked on in silence, Tyki following Kanda like some stalker, and Kanda apparently felt the same way too, for he took some turns in hopes of losing his stalker. To his annoyance, Tyki made no sign of slowing down. Finally Kanda whirled around and snapped at him.
"What the fuck do you want?"
"Just a short chat, maybe? I was kinda hoping I could buy you a drink back then, but you left in such a hurry I didn't get to offer you any refreshments. What say we find somewhere nicer to sit down and talk about my offer, eh?"
"Offer? Oh, you mean the insane statement you made to me the other day. Like hell I'll consider it. Why in the world, would a respectable teacher from a music college and conductor of an orchestra offer me a place for absolutely no reason at all? And just so you know, I don't have a single fucking penny to my name, so I can't pay you."
Tyki sighed and brushed some of his hair out of his eyes. "We have scholarships and such, my boy. Also, with talent like yours, there'd be people interested in sponsoring your studies. Personally, I'd hate to see such skills go to waste. You're never going to get anywhere by playing at that pub forever."
Kanda knew Tyki was right, and he hated to admit it. But if he continued like this, he was never going to find a breakthrough. Besides, hadn't he been waiting for a chance like this? He mustn't let this opportunity slip him by, but he worried that it may be a hoax. Still, worth a shot.
He looked straight at Tyki. "Fine, where do I audition or attend an interview or what?"
Tyki produced a card seemingly from thin air and handed it to Kanda, who took it carefully. "You could come see me tomorrow. Ask for Tyki Mikk, and you'll be fine. Oh, and get your parent's approval. They're welcome to come along as well."
Kanda groaned inwardly. "I… Can't. My parents are dead."
"Oh, I am dreadfully sorry about that. In any case, remember to come find me tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing you there."
He gave Kanda a wink that sent a tingle down his spine and Kanda could swear his face felt hot. He took a look at the card in his palm and wondered if this was too big a step to take.
As morning dawned on the vast lawns of the university, the students of the Royal Music Academy trudged towards their classes. A certain young man with a cello case on his back caught no attention and no one noticed him walking into the tall building by himself.
The person in question was entrapped by the class and standards of the university. Also, he was lost. But then again, Kanda would never admit that he needed directions.
Finally, after walking around in circles for an hour or two, Kanda stopped some random passerby and asked him where he could possibly find Tyki Mikk. More likely, he scared the information out of the innocent bystander. In any case, the student told Kanda that Tyki would most probably be having a practice session with the orchestra now.
As the guy fled, Kanda now wondered how to get to the orchestra hall. He stumbled around for a little while, and then finally found it. Music was playing from behind the double doors and Kanda pushed them open slowly.
He was enraptured immediately. The large hall, the grand stage, the many players skillfully playing such a lovely piece and the many different parts coming together as one, Kanda was amazed at how well these people could play. And even though there were so many different people, each and every one of them complimented each other and came together as their conductor led them into a mesmerizing melody.
"Stop, stop!"
Tyki made a sharp movement with his baton and halted the orchestra. "Violins, your pitch needs to be a little higher than that. And the clarinet player at the back, yes, you, my dear. You seemed to have confused the E sharp with a D sharp instead. Right, let's start from bar 15 all over again, shall we?"
He gave another cocky wink and some of the girls sighed. As the music started again, Kanda took a seat in one of the rows and observed the entire practice.
The practice ended and some of the players began clearing up for a break. Tyki sorted out his sheet music and Kanda noticed a few girls going up to ask him about their playing. They all seemed to have some sort of crush on him but Kanda didn't give a damn about it.
Then Tyki noticed him sitting in the hall. He excused himself and got down from the stage.
"Nice to see you could make it. So, what did you think of our practice session?"
Kanda shrugged. "Yeah, it was good."
"Tell you what." Tyki pulled Kanda out of his seat. "You go right up there now and play. Come on, let's hear something from you."
Kanda was shoved onto the stage. "What? Now? With all these people around?" He glanced at the rest of the orchestra members, some of who were leaving and others who were mildly interested in this newcomer.
Tyki nodded and sat in front of the stage. "The first thing you've got to learn about music is that it's for performing. So if you can't get over performing in front of a crowd, you may as well quit entirely. Music is meant to be shared with the world, so do your best."
A few of the members took a seat too. With so many eyes fixed on him, Kanda felt a little embarrassed. He sat down rather shakily and took out his cello. Taking a few deep breaths, he silently went through one of his favorite pieces in his head.
He got the first note wrong, he knew he did. But he pushed on, and soon everyone was listening intently to the cellist on stage. A couple of students even turned back as they were leaving just to find out who was it playing in the hall. Tyki could tell that Kanda lacked experience, but some fixing here and there would do him good.
There was silence as he finished. Kanda felt sweat form over his brows and hurriedly wiped them away. Then he heard some clapping and turned to see a young girl smiling at him and applauding. Some other students joined here while others did so begrudgingly, looking coldly at him. Tyki smiled.
"Very good, my boy. Although you need to brush up a little on your rhythm and I guess some experience would be good for you. So what do you think, supervisor?"
Kanda only just noticed another man sitting beside Tyki. He must've entered while Kanda was concentrating on playing. The man nodded and muttered something to Tyki. The conductor smiled and nodded in return.
The supervisor stood up and addressed Kanda. "Mr. Mikk here has quite an eye out for you and I can see why. With your talent, that's a guaranteed admission into our Academy. And that's quite an honor, considering that this is a rather prestigious institution that many rich and famous people attended."
Tyki got up and started discussing with him too. "There is a matter of his fee, he's…"
The longer they talked, the more awkward Kanda felt. And the audience hadn't left yet, they were still staring at him like some kind of zoo animal. Suddenly, Kanda felt desperate. Maybe he had blown his only chance. Why did he have to play a couple of notes wrongly? Come to think of it, his rhythm definitely was out too.
He gripped his fists tightly and tried to calm his breathing. He realized he wanted this terribly. There was not going to be another chance like this and he desperately wanted to grab it even though it seemed to be slipping through his grasp now.
He knelt down on the stage, with his head down. Both the supervisor and conductor looked up at him and some of the students looked at each other with questioning looks. Everyone could see that Kanda's shoulders were shaking and he had to take deep breaths before he could start.
"Just… Give me one chance, just one chance, please! I can't pay right now, I really can't, but I swear I'll pay you back some day, I'll find a way to pay for this! I'm not some damn ungrateful maggot, this would mean so much to me, I give you my word, I'll do my best!"
When no one answered, Kanda looked up. "Look, if I can't enroll here, just let me join the orchestra or something. I just need some experience and practice, that's all! I won't be any trouble, I won't!"
All this was said quite fast, and Kanda had to stop to catch his breath. Some of the other students were muttering amongst themselves. He ignored them and glanced at Tyki. Their eyes locked and Tyki admired that fierce, determined glare in the boy's eyes. Then the supervisor started laughing.
"I see why you said he was determined, Mikk. He's really desperate, isn't he? Listen here, Mr… Your name, boy?"
"Kanda. Kanda Yuu."
"Right, Kanda. If we do offer you a place here, you'll have to make sure you'll get top grades every semester. Can you do that?"
"I will."
"But since Mr. Mikk here is in charge of the orchestra, I'll let him decide whether or not you'll be in it. And I want to see diligence from you, because you're making a promise to us here. We have your word, I take it?"
Kanda nodded. The supervisor patted Tyki's shoulder. "I'll leave the rest to you then. Oh, make sure you train him well. He's got great potential all right."
"Wait, am I seriously in? Isn't there going to be any interview, or forms, or contract of some sort?"
Tyki chuckled. "Yes, you're in. The supervisor is a very benevolent man. You have to keep that word though. And as for the orchestra, do you want to join?"
"Were you listening or not? I want to join."
"Mm… Right, I have my own conditions. First, do something about your manners."
Some snickers could be heard from the audience and Kanda looked away furiously. Tyki smiled before continuing.
"Next thing, you are to take every single course or practice session I tell you to. No negotiations, no excuses, no playing truant. Got that?"
"Yes… Sir."
Tyki clapped his hands together. "Alright! Everyone out! Practice was over 20 minutes ago, so get out! And be here for tomorrow's practice, we'll bring the house down with our Symphony No. 4!"
Some girls giggled and a few boys sheepishly said goodbye. Tyki motioned for the young girl who first clapped for Kanda to come over.
"Right, Miss Lee. Can I count on you to show Kanda around and be his guide? He's going to need all the help he can get." Turning to Kanda, he explained. "Miss Lee here is a talented flautist and a rather nice girl. If you have any questions, look for her. I have another class to attend in 10 minutes, so I shall have to leave. I expect to see you here tomorrow, Kanda."
"Good bye sir! Hi there, Kanda, was it? Nice to meet you, I'm Lenalee Lee. Would you like me to show you around later? I've got another class soon so I don't think we can get much accomplished now but if you come early tomorrow we can get to know each other and all."
"Th-thank you… Miss Lee…" Kanda muttered.
"Call me Lenalee. Well, see you tomorrow then! Bye, Kanda!"
She left Kanda standing, still unable to grasp the fact that he was already accepted into the Academy. Then it hit him. He smirked to himself. He was going to have to do his best from now on, no slacking off.
"Hey you! The new guy! Nice to meet you, I'm Lavi!"
Out of nowhere, something bounded out and knocked Kanda from behind. Hissing in pain, Kanda stared angrily at the red head who sheepishly apologized for being too rough. A smaller guy beside him pulled at Lavi's sleeve.
"Um, Lavi? I think he's pissed off at us. He's got this killer glare on his face that says he wants to murder you…"
"What do you mean killer glare, moyashi?" Kanda snarled.
"I'm Allen Walker, I play the piano, so I'm not usually part of the orchestra, but Lavi here loves draggin me to his practices so… Nice to meet you, Kanda!"
He held out his hand and Kanda stared at it. The Japanese gave Allen's hand a small jerk and then let go as if scared of bacteria. Lavi took the liberty of slinging his arm around Kanda's shoulder.
"We've both got free period now, so let's show you around! Can't have you getting lost on your first day right?"
"Let go of me… You stupid rabbit…"
"It's Lavi. Say with me, La-Vi. Not that hard right?"
"What in the freaking world is the matter with you? Stop bothering me!"
Oh God, this was going to be an exciting year…