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CHAPTER ONE

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(The Next Day)

Shoko Fuuyumi let out a sigh as she made her way towards the rink, several fliers in hand.

In all honesty, she wasn't into ice-skating that much. The only reason why she learned how to ice-skate is because her father wants her to and being the father's girl she is, she just couldn't say no. Sure she can skate pretty well but she always have the tendency to get herself injured every time she goes ice skating; especially with a huge crowd like this.

The young clarinetist sighed once again as she recalled how they got in such situation in the first place.

The whole ice-skating plan was from her seniors, Kahoko Hino and Hihara Kazuki then it was seconded by her other seniors Nami Amou and Manami Mori, thus leaving the majority of them to reluctantly agree with the whole set-up. It was agreed upon that they would use this opportunity to advertise their upcoming concert but Shoko was sure that was just a front.

Four of her seniors were already there when she arrived; Hihara and Nami were already skating - which seemed more like racing, by the looks of it - while the Kahoko and Manami just watched them with amused eyes as they waited for the others to arrive. She was told that, unfortunately, Azuma couldn't make it due to an urgent meeting with the family company and since it doesn't really concern her, she didn't pry anymore. Keiichi arrived several minutes after her, looking as if he woke up from a nap; which probably was true. A good thirty minutes later, Len and Ryotaro arrived with visible scowls on their faces; obviously not pleased. They spoke their usual greetings to each other, of course with the squeals of delight from Shoko's seniors and the usual fist bumps from Hihara and Ryotaro included - at least that eased the mood a bit with an exception to Len, who seems to be annoyed and at the same time troubled by something.

But nevertheless, all of them went on the ice to finish their task as fast as possible. Thus here she was, already giving the last of the fliers she was holding. Shoko slowed her skating for a moment as she looked around for her friends. On one side Kahoko was holding both of Len's hands and appears to be guiding him as he tried to skate on the ice, keeping his balance. By the looks of it, Len is not that good in ice-skating; in fact he even has a larger tendency to fall down and get injured than her.

'Maybe that's the reason why he was somewhat annoyed at first,' Shoko thought. She remembered her first time learning and she will admit it was quite frustrating when she keeps on falling down.

Not far away, Nami and Manami were watching the two violinists with amused expressions. Shoko can only guess what is going on in their minds with that amused expression of theirs; especially since that violin romance became the sole issue on some gossips during the Concours Competition. Meanwhile, Ryotaro and Hihara were engaged in a game that looked like a combination of a race and a game of tag; both of them gliding swiftly trying to out-skate each other. Even Keiichi was enjoying too despite of looking like he might fall asleep any second.

Shoko sighed the third time. Apparently, she was the last to finish the task for the day; such a slow-poke.

As if on cue, Keiichi looked at her direction; his sapphire like eyes meeting hers. Then, unexpectedly the young cellist smiled warmly at her before looking away to skate off somewhere. Shoko found herself smiling slightly to herself as she glided to a turn; unfortunately colliding with another skater in the process. It wasn't Shoko's fault of course; it was the other skater's and luckily, the impact was cushioned by the other skater because she fell on top of him.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to -" she paused from her apology when realizing their awkward position. Shoko felt her cheeks grew hot, as she accidentally looked at the guy's stormy grey eyes. The guy, however, just stared at her blankly as if she just popped out of nowhere. Quickly, Shoko straighten herself up and bowed her head sheepishly, her voice extremely apologetic. "I'm really terribly sorry, sir."

"No worries. After all it was my fault," the guy answered with a smile then he winced. He tried to stand up but quickly lost his balance and on impulse he immediately grabbed Shoko's arms for support which caused the young girl to wobble a bit but she managed to remain standing on top of the ice despite of the extra weight clinging on her arm.

"Sorry about that," he mumbled as he let go of her hand, knowing he just added another awkward situation. Shoko watched as his eyes roamed their surroundings and it immediately zeroed on an empty bench; the nearest one from their location. The guy took a deep breath then slowly exhaled. Then after a few awkward seconds he looked up at Shoko and smiled sheepishly at her before saying, "However, I have a favor to ask from you."

Shoko gave him an inquiring look, encouraging him to go on. Honestly, this is the first time something like this happen. Though she knew she shouldn't be like this considerate and caring since the person before her is a total stranger, he might be a bad guy for all she knew, but something about the guy made her trust him right then and there. It was like one of that friendship-at-first-meeting kind of thing.

The guy gave an apologetic smile and pointed at the bench he was eyeing earlier, "Could you help me get to that bench?"

Since Shoko mainly believed that all of this was her fault for not looking where she was going, she nodded and helped the guy; supporting him as he tried to get across the slippery ice. As she was doing this, Shoko was completely oblivious that some of her companions were watching her with great interest - and worry, but mostly with interest. When they finally managed to get across, Shoko helped the guy on the bench; with much hissing and wincing on the guy's part. Once he found a comfortable position, the guy quickly examined his foot; wincing every now and then as he pressed his finger to some parts of his foot. Unknowingly, she stared at him; finally found the moment to examine his physical features. He is probably in the same age as she is and has the same physical body built and not to mention as tall as Keiichi -probably. His tousled silver-gray hair, which looked almost white, matched his stormy grey eyes perfectly; a glint of mischief and a hidden layer of something that Shoko guessed was sadness radiated from it. His skin was pale but it didn't degrade his overall appearance.

As she watched him, Shoko can't help but feel bad about it. .So did what she always did, she gave another bow and spoke another, "I'm so sorry, sir."

"No, it's alright. It's just a little sprain," the guy answered, his tone was reassuring enough that she almost believed it if it wasn't for his winces earlier. Her face must have said all that she is thinking for the guy gave a chuckle and gave her a smile, a small reassuring smile, "It's nothing serious, I promise. My cousins say I heal faster than anyone they've met. It will be better in a day or so,"

"But still -" she protested but immediately stopped. Though she felt guilty about this, she didn't mean to show her concern like that. She wasn't sure if it is right to be concerned considering the fact that he is a complete stranger to her. The guy was also surprised at her sudden display of concern as he looked at her with curious eyes, making Shoko uneasy.

"Sorry," she muttered, looking down at her feet.

"Do you always apologize?" he asked with his eyebrows raised, sounding amused

"I…it's just…" Shoko began but it eventually ended with a meek, "I'm so sorry,"

That made the guy laugh, making Shoko stare at him for a moment.

"You are a very interesting girl, do you know that young Miss?" the guy said with a smile, then extended his hand to her, "I'm Stephen Suichiro but you can just call me Sui or Step - whatever you prefer. May I know your name?"

"F...Fu...Fuuyumi...Sh...Shoko," she managed to let out as she shook the outstretched hand.

The guy smiled and nodded, "That's a nice name. Is it okay if I call you Shoko-san? Having stayed outside Japan for quite some time now, I kind of got used to calling everyone by their first names,"

Shoko looked at him for a moment as she replayed his words in her mind and it finally sank in, she felt her cheeks heat up ever so slightly but nevertheless she gave a nod as an answer to the young man's question. That seemed to cheer the lad too, for he returned the smile; visibly relieved that he wasn't slapped or something.

"I do apologize for bumping into you a while ago. I'm not good yet in ice-skating. My niece taught me a few days ago on the mechanics of ice skating, verbally. This is my first time to try it out," the guy, Stephen, added, sounding a little ashamed giving a sheepish smile.

Before she could rethink, her brain ordered her lips to smile back and produce a giggle.

"Fuuyumi-chan," she heard someone call behind her. Immediately, Shoko glanced around and saw her Kaho-sempai skating towards her direction, followed by Nami. Her two seniors stopped a few meters away from the two; a full blown smile was threatening to escape both of their lips as they watched the young clarinetist.

"Kaho-sempai, Amou-sempai," Shoko said in greeting and in slight bewilderment.

"We are heading off to get something to eat. Are you coming with us?" Nami asked, pointing her thumb to the general direction of where they were heading. Shoko followed that direction and found that she was referring to a small café just a few blocks away.

With the idea of drinking something warm, Shoko quickly nodded in agreement without even rethinking the offer. She then looked back at the guy to apologize again and at the same time say good-bye but just as she was about to open her mouth to say something, a man in a blue suit came running towards them.

"Master Suichiro, you shouldn't run off like that. You're not five anymore sir," the man said. Stephen gave him a laugh, a short playful one of that as if he made a friendly prank on him. "You're hurt sir,"

He gave the man a sheepish smile as he proceeded in reassuring him that the injury wasn't that serious and that he would be better in a day or so; just like what he told Shoko earlier. The man seemed to calm down a little but based on the tone of his voice when he advised that his master should probably treat it with something, it was clear that he was still worried. Shoko found herself smiling a little, the small scene reminded her of her own attendant when she was young. The man then bent low to say something to Stephen. Whatever it was, it quickly dampened the young lad's expression but that expression disappeared as quickly as it came. With the help of the man, Stephen got to his feet and walked - or rather limped over to the young clarinetist.

"Well then, I must get going. It is a pleasure to meet you Shoko-san," he said with a warm genuine smile. He took Shoko's right hand and kissed it gently before turning around to leave, limping as usual as the man supported him.

Shoko was frozen on the spot as she felt her face and neck grow hot and her heart beat faster than it should have. Did that guy just kissed her hand?

He glanced back at Shoko for the last time and smiled making Shoko blush immediately. The mysterious guy, Stephen Suichiro as he calls himself, got on a black car and after a few seconds it drove off; that's when Kahoko and Nami both turned their attention to the still flustered clarinetist and ushered her back towards their companions.

"What was that one all about?" Manami asked, immediately as the trio arrived. Shoko immediately blushed. Apparently, much to Shoko's chagrin, all of friends saw it. Even Keiichi looked fully awake for a moment.

"Oh looky, Fuuyumi-chan is blushing bright red," Hihara commented before Shoko could answer her seniors' question

"Fuuyumi-chan, who was that?" both Kahoko and Nami asked in unison once they started walking towards the café they pointed earlier.

"Is he a suitor? He kissed your hand! That is so sweet and romantic," Nami ranted in such joy that made Shoko blush even more.

"Eh…no. It's not like -" but her protest was cut short when Nami spoke again

"What is his name?" the journalist's eyes were wide with curiosity

"You're interrogating her too much Amou-san. She just met that guy a while ago. But, I must say, they do look cute together." Manami said with a smile

"You're making her blush more," Ryotaro said making the object of the conversation - if possible - blush even more.

"Yeah, as if that helped," Len scoffed but he a part of him was really amused, though he may not show it.

And they continued teasing the young clarinetist till they arrived at the said café.

And who didn't give a reaction? Yes that's right, our young cellist just stood there watching as his seniors continued to ask who that mysterious guy is. Truth to be told, he doesn't know what to say. In fact, he doesn't know if he can think of something to say. But he knew, he shouldn't care either since it's not his usual attitude to get himself involve with other people's personal life.

But still….and then there is that funny feeling again…but a little different. Maybe he should ask his onee-chan later about this, - if he remembered.

-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-

That Monday, classes returned to its normal pace but of course, most of the students are inwardly rejoicing because it was the second to the last week of school before Christmas break. Finally, in a few more days, they will be out of school for vacation. Even the members of the Concert Committee are already planning their vacation as early as that day; after all, the concert will be finished by then. The concert will be on the fifteenth of December and that's their last day in school.

Therefore, it is finally freedom.

There were only a few things that needed to be done for the concert, and one of it is to distribute some leaflets/fliers around town to again to gain a large audience. To cover more ground, the committee is divided into three persons per group. The younger members are all paired to someone a year or more ahead of them so that someone will be able to guide them when they are losing self-esteem (on Shoko's case) or losing awareness (on Keiichi's case).

After distributing the leaflets, Nami asked Kahoko and Shoko to accompany her in finding a birthday gift for her younger sister. Since Kahoko had the day off from her violin lessons from Len and majority of the student body were already on their way home, she happily tagged along and when Kahoko agrees to go, Shoko will automatically go too. The three of them were like sisters; Nami being the eldest, Kahoko in the middle and Shoko as the baby sister.

"Have you picked something to wear for the concert Fuuyumi-chan?" Kahoko asked as they stopped by a huge rack of clothing. She started looking at some of the shirts before stopping and proceeded to look at the dress section.

"I haven't thought of buying one yet. What do you think will be suitable for the event, Sempai?" the younger girl asked

"I don't know. Something strikingly gorgeous yet suitable for the cold weather maybe? What do you think Amou-san?" the redhead turned to ask their other companion.

Nami wasn't listening to what her companions were saying for she was busy inspecting a pink dress with frills, ruffles and laces, "What about this?" she asked as she held it out for the two girls to see, "Hmmm?"

Kahoko shook her head in clear disapproval. Nami gave the dress another look then winced as if she just realized what an awful choice it was. Putting it back on the rack, she looked for another gift. Shoko went over another row of stuffed toys while Kahoko went the other way following Nami.

Since she is an only child and the fact that she has no nieces or younger female cousins, Shoko has no idea what to give to a little sister for a birthday present. According to what she mostly read in various stories, some of the ideal presents are dresses, toys and sweets but of course, that depends on the personality of the kid. She gave a sigh as she picked up a stuffed white teddy bear holding a heart pillow with the words I love you on it.

"Shoko-san?" someone called from behind. Shoko quickly turned to the source of the voice and her eyes widen a little bit as her gaze landed on a tall stormy gray–eyed lad with messy white hair who looked half-surprised and half-amused when he saw that he called the right person.

"I didn't expect to see you this soon. You still remember me, right?" the guy added with a smile.

Shoko was taken aback by the forwardness of the question but she nodded anyway and replied, "Suichiro-kun, right?"

Hearing her reply, the lad gave her a cheerful smile and nodded; clearly pleased to hear that she hasn't forgotten his name. Unknowingly, Shoko let out a smile in response. Then she realized what she just did and felt her face grew hot as she started to feel totally uneasy, making her wish that someone else was with her but she did her best not to run to nearest post and hide.

"You remembered. Thank goodness," he said, still showing off his cheerful smile. Shoko felt a little rest assured at his reaction, there is something in him that can make other people feel calm and at ease, "You came here alone?"

Shoko shook her head, "I'm with…some…of…my…friends."

She looked at the direction where her seniors used to be but unfortunately, they weren't there anymore. She looked around, still no sign of them. That made Shoko's eyebrows knit a little, where did her seniors go?

Then she remembered something and before she could rethink, her mouth opened and asked something that even she didn't expect that her shy self would ask.

"How is your foot Suichiro-kun?" she heard herself ask. Shoko bit her lip and look down at the floor. Why did she even ask that?

Stephen looked at her for a while then smiled, which turned into a chuckle, "It's quite fine now. I told you it was nothing. I can even run now."

Shoko was visibly relieved. She didn't think her conscience would be at peace if she knew that he was still limping due to that little accident at the rink, "Thank Goodness"

Then a 4-year-old girl walked to them half-carrying and half-dragging two huge bunny stuff toys on both arms. She has hazel colored eyes and her honey blonde hair was tied in high pigtails. When she got near Stephen, she placed the two toys on the floor then tugged the lad's pants to catch his attention.

"Uncle Sui…can I have these?" she asked in a charming way, which made even Shoko smile.

"Of course but you have to choose one…" he told the young girl. The girl tilted her head as she looked at Stephen, as if trying to process what he just said, and then she looked back at the stuff toys.

"Shoko-san this is my niece, Amelia Jennice, but we call her Lia," introduced Stephen when he turned his attention back to Shoko. The young girl, whose name is supposed to be Lia, immediately turned around to face both teenagers. She looked at Shoko and smiled as Stephen continued, "And Lia this is Miss Shoko Fuuyumi, a friend of mine."

"Nice to meet you, Shoko nee-chan." The young girl said happily and gave an active bow, even though her Japanese pronunciation is not that good. After straightening up again she immediately asked in the same active tone, "What color do you prefer, Shoko nee-chan?"

"The blue one," she answered innocently and based on her slightly confused and surprised facial expression she clearly didn't expect that question coming from the little girl. Stephen couldn't help but smile at that.

"Alright, I'll pick the blue one," the girl beamed to her uncle.

"Why don't you go to Nanny Amy while I get this paid?" Stephen said, stooping down so his face is the same level with his niece.

Lia was obviously delighted at her uncle's words and immediately gave him a hug followed by an 'Okay' before sprinting to the nursemaid. Stephen chuckled lightly as he stood up, picked the blue stuffed bunny, and returned the other on a nearby shelf,

"Is blue your favorite color, Shoko-san?"

Shoko nodded sheepishly, "But I have other favorites too and…"

But she didn't get to finish what she has to say as her voice trailed off when she realized that Stephen was staring at her. That immediately sent her cheeks red as she looked down at the floor, "…uhm"

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to stare." Stephen said and gave Shoko an apologetic smile after snapping back to reality, noticing Shoko's uneasiness,

"It's just that…" then he trailed off then immediately changed topic, "So what do you play?"

"Eh?"

"What instrument do you play? You're a music student from Seiso Academy right?" Stephen asked, gaining composure once again.

"Uh, oh yes…the clarinet," Shoko answered lowering her tone as if she doesn't want Stephen to hear but nevertheless, the young lad heard it

"Really?" he asked clearly amazed, interest evident in his tone, "I hope I can hear you play sometime. You must be really good."

That sent an automatic blush on Shoko's cheeks. Now she was really fighting not to run and hide. She is not used to be given such compliments. She remembered when a group of guys complimented her and said that they will be fully supporting her for the rest of the Concours making her hide behind Nami after whispering her thanks. Stephen smiled then before he could speak another word, a man - the same guy from the day Shoko met Stephen -walked up to them a gave a polite bow

"Master Suichiro," he said in a deep serious tone

"I know, I know," Stephen mumbled. Almost regrettably he turned to Shoko and gave her another apologetic smile, "I better get going. It is nice to see you again Shoko-san."

He flashed another smile before walking away.

"Oh wait," he stopped in the middle of his tracks and turned to Shoko, "Before I forgot, I just want to ask, we're friends right?

Shoko blinked twice in surprise and involuntarily titled her head to the side in confusion, not expecting the question. This guy never fails to surprise her.

"Of course," she answered.

"Thank Goodness," he said sounding very much relieved.

Stephen then gave a smile, a relieved sweet smile that made Shoko blush automatically so she immediately ducked her head to hide it. Shoko inwardly frowned. Was blushing an automatic mannerism for her? If it was, well Shoko isn't happy about it. Many people are already misinterpreting her constant blushing.

"Well then I better get going…bye Shoko-san till we meet again," Stephen said before turning around and walked away with the man. Shoko just stood there and watched as Stephen went to the counter and paid for the huge stuff bunny.

"You still haven't told us his name, Fuuyumi-chan," Nami said from behind her making the girl yelp in surprise.

"Amou-sempai,"

"And it's starting to get a little unfair too. And, now that the thought is already brought up Amou-san won't leave that topic off," Kahoko said as she smiled at Nami while the latter gave Kahoko a defensive look

"I'm just…excited…and at the same time curious. I mean, the way that guy looked at you before…it's like…love at first sight." Nami said casually as if it is something normal to say then gave a shrug as she placed a beautiful ceramic tea set on the counter to pay for it while Kahoko and Shoko followed behind.

"Who knows, he might be your knight in shining armor." she added, looking cheekily at Shoko making the girl blush even more that she hid behind her redhead senior. Kahoko gave Nami a knowing smile then laughed

Since Shoko is the shiest one in the group, most of them are really quite interested when something 'romantically interesting' happens to her, like the incident the other day for instance. Even though Shoko gained many male admirers from the previous Concours, she doesn't seem to pay any attention to them or if ever some of them caught her attention, Shoko would immediately shy away and often hide behind her seniors and let them do the talking.

"So what's his name?" Nami asked

"Stephen…Suichiro…" Shoko answered

Nami looked amused at the answer as she patted her chin thoughtfully, "A half-heritage? This is going to be something worth tuning in for. "

Kahoko giggled, "You're making it sound like a soap-opera Amou-san."

The two of them laughed at the idea but since that, they stopped asking Shoko such unnecessary questions, after all, they don't want the young girl going home with all of those in mind.

-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-

When Shoko arrived at their home, she immediately noticed an expensive looking car parked in front of their porch. Shoko raised her eyebrows slightly at the sight, she knew that her parents are out of town for a business conference but her parents never told her that they would return that day.

"I'm home," Shoko called out as a greeting as she closed the door behind her. A maid immediately rushed over, took Shoko's school bag, and asked if she is to take it to her room. Shoko nodded and thanked the maid before she headed to her parents' bedroom

"Welcome home dear," her mother greeted sweetly the moment she noticed her daughter standing at the doorway.

"Welcome back too, Mother," Shoko answered back happily yet politely.

Shoko's eyes quickly caught sight of some new dresses hanging on the dresser. Some of the elegant looking ones were placed on the manikin at the corner of the room. Shoko was used to the fact that every time her parents would return from a business tour, her mother would buy her new dress but seeing these numerous gorgeous dresses was enough to make her wonder. Her mother is already nicely dressed as if she is going to a party, her hair is also done and the only thing she doing right now is placing some finishing touches with her makeup.

"Are you and Father going out tonight?" Shoko asked curiously. Mrs. Fuuyumi smiled at her daughter, as she walked over towards her she took a beautiful sky blue dress with stylish laces and ruffles as its design out of the rack.

"Actually, my dear, a friend of your father invited us over for a family dinner," her mother answered. Shoko tilted her head to the side to show her bewilderment but her mother didn't explain further as she looked at the wall clock for the time.

"Oh dear, we are going to be late," her mother added as she frantically glanced at the clock; it was fifteen minutes after six o'clock. Mrs. Fuuyumi gave Shoko the dress with a smile, "I bought this for you. Try it on and start preparing we will leave at exactly seven o'clock."

It was just normal to see her mother fret about little things such as that but something tells her that this situation is different but being the kind of girl she is, Shoko obeyed and did as she is told, without asking any more questions. After taking a bath, she readied herself for the said dinner. It was just a friendly family dinner, what else could happen, right?

Shoko just finished placing her necklace when she heard a call from her mother that it was time to go.

Shoko let out sigh. She gave one last look at the mirror before finally leaving her room

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