Two days later…
Scene 1: 5 p.m at the city's auditorium
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"Please enjoy the concert Miss! Here's the program."
"Thank you."
Nami Amou smiled cheerfully at the young people handing out programs for the Christmas concert. They were probably friends of the orchestra members.
She reminisced about the time that she had helped Kahoko and Ousaki-sempai to organize a similar concert at Seiso Gakuin. It felt like yesterday. All the preparation and invitations. Rehearsals and decorations. Everything had been a lot of fun. Perhaps a little nerve-wracking for the participants, but the result was definitely worth it.
And now the two violinists had become a couple, a fact which she, in spite of her journalistic flair, had not been able to predict.
Well, she could hardly be blamed. Kahoko had received so much attention during the school concours, and all of her classmates believed that she would pair up with one of her fellow musician friends.
Actually the one who had topped the secret popularity poll she had initiated among the girls, was none other that Tsukimori Len. The one whose level of skill was almost unreachable, the one whose good looks and sharp tongue had made him famous from the time he joined the Academy.
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She chose a center seat in the third row and flipped through the program absent-mindedly. Who would have thought that he would change in unexpected ways after the concours. That he would become more patient with people, even journalists. That he would smile, albeit occasionally, and make jokes in a deadpan tone.
Was he really thinking of settling down? With that girl? They had looked close at the Tsukimoris' evening party, although Kahoko had tried her best to waive the matter off afterwards.
-It's the first I've heard of it Nami-chan, I'm really surprised. But Tsukimori-kun would have erased me from his friends list if I had dared to question him in front of everyone else. My guess is it's probably a joke since his parents didn't appear to take it seriously.
-Hmm… Miyaji Rena just chided her father gently, but there was no doubt that the prospect of marrying Len didn't sound too unpleasant to her. I say there's no smoke without fire.
-Eh? I don't think you should be worried Nami-chan. Unless…
-Unless…?
-Unless you really like him, pfufufu!
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Hmph! Since he's not making you unhappy Kahoko, there's no need for me to be worried. That guy will do what he likes in any case. I won't give it another thought, and just enjoy the concert.
Right, let's see, the first item is…
"Good evening."
His sudden greeting made her heart jump and she cursed herself silently. To day-dream to the point of missing his – no, their – entrance...
"Oh, hi…"
"How do you do, Amou-san?"
"Fine, thank you. It's such a nice evening, ne? Kahoko will be happy that you came, Miyaji-san."
"I look forward to hear her play. Can we sit with you?"
"Ah, sure."
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Ladies and Gentlemen, please take to your seats. The concert is about to begin. We thank you for your presence and wish you a pleasant time.
The first item will be Handel's 'Messiah', sung by Yokohama's youth choir with orchestra conducted by Ousaki Shinobu.
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Scene 2: Backstage & onstage
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"It's almost time to go minna-san. Let's play to our hearts' content. Are you ready, Kahoko?
"Yes. How big is the audience? Did you check?"
"I would say it's a full house. Just like it was for our Christmas concert at Seiso, do you remember?"
"How could I not? I was so scared of messing up back then, but Tsukimori-kun and the others all encouraged me. Even today, I received so many messages from those who couldn't personally attend the concert."
"That's what friends are for, dear… By the way, Tsukimori is in the third row. In between two pretty blondes. And looking a little flustered too. I guess that in some ways he hasn't changed…"
"Eh, what do you mean?"
"Well, he still has trouble acknowledging the feelings in his heart, bless him. If it weren't for that…"
"Yes?"
"Ah... never mind, the curtain is rising, we must go."
He pressed her hand affectionately, before she left his side to join the other orchestral members.
If it weren't for Tsukimori's perplexity in matters of the heart, I, Ousaki Shinobu, might not be here holding your hand before a concert…
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Ha-llelujah!
Ha-llelujah!
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
The well-known 'Hallelujah' chorus started grandly from the moment the conductor's baton was lowered, carrying the audience to progressively higher and higher realms with the bright music and joyful words of praise.
Kahoko's violin also sang out in a spirit of devotion and gratitude.
Forever and ever and ever and ever…This is what I, Hino Kahoko, live for. Thank you Lili! Thank you Ousaki-kun! Thank you Tsukimori-kun! Thank you everyone for sharing this moment with us.
The concert was a pleasing mixture of classic hymns and contemporary Christmas carols, and the audience clapped generously after every piece. It was a festive family outing for some, and a romantic date for others, including students and alumni of Seiso academy.
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The whole program lasted an hour an a half and served to warm the heart of everyone present.
"Did you see the golden string on Hino-san's violin? It's quite unusual. I wonder if there's a story surrounding it. Do you know, Amou-san?"
"Well, apparently it's a gift from a friend, but she never told me who it was."
"Did she tell you Len-kun?"
"Iie."
"In that case, it's useless for me to ask her about it. It must be a treasured keepsake."
"Hnn."
"Shall we go and congratulate her backstage? She will surely be busy with the after-party later on."
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The three of them joined the orchestra and choir backstage, as they relaxed and congratulated each other.
"Hey, Kahoko, it was a great program. You looked lovely, dear! I wish all concerts were such fun."
"Arigatou, Nami-chan! Thank you all for your support."
"Ousaki sempai, you looked like you really enjoyed conducting!"
"You're right, Amou-san, the whole team made it easy for me. Thanks for cheering us on."
"Otsukare sama, sempai."
"Thanks Tsukimori-san. Pay my regards to your parents, it was great to have you spend Christmas with us."
"Next time Miyaji-san and Tsukimori-kun should play with us, ne?"
"That would be nice, Hino-san, or you can come over to join us in Vienna. What do you say, Len-kun?"
"Hnn. Keep it up, Hino."
"Sure will, Merry Christmas every one!"
"Merry Christmas Kahoko"
While the girls hugged the redhead goodnight, Shinobu discreetly signaled for Len to follow him to the doorway.
"I hope you won't mind me saying something personal, but if you were to confess tonight, Kahoko and I both think that it will go well. In fact we're rooting for you and wish you all the best."
"..."
Len bowed silently and made his way out feeling rather taken aback.
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Scene 3: outside the auditorium
"It looks like it might snow, wouldn't that be lovely?"
"Indeed."
"Do you have plans this evening Amou-san?"
"Ah, erm, I have some preparation to do for my radio show tomorrow."
"Oh, I see. I thought I could invite you to have dinner at my place. Well, how would about you, Len-kun, are you free? My parents would love to have you around."
They sure would…
"I'm sorry I have other plans."
"Ah, is that so? That's too bad…"
The pretty girl's face looked clearly disappointed for a moment, but she smiled again as her chauffeur opened the car door for her.
"…maybe some other time. Let's keep in touch."
"Hnn."
"Goodnight!"
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Nami and Len waved her goodbye and stood for some time in thoughtful silence.
"Well, I guess I'll see you around, Len. Have a nice Christmas."
"Wait. I'll walk you home. It's late."
"Huh? I thought you had 'other plans'?"
"…I have enough time."
"Oh, thanks then."
"You're welcome. I can see more of the city when I walk."
"Really. Then you don't miss Vienna too much?"
"No. I'm glad I came for Hino's concert."
"See, I told you you had to make it. Career isn't everything you know. Friends and family deserve your time too."
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Len was surprised at her vehemence.
"…That's reasonable, I guess."
"Of course. I'm a reasonable person, Tsukimori Len!"
"Now."
"Huh?"
"You're a reasonable person, now."
"Hey, are you trying to pick a fight?"
"Six months ago you would have pushed me into her car."
"What?"
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She stopped in her tracks and looked at him incredulously.
"Miyaji's car. You would have pushed me into it."
"Wh-why would I want to do that?"
"For a scoop: Violin Romance and so on."
"Oh…"
He had a point.
"…well… ha ha…I guess I have learnt that it's best not to interfere with such stuff. Things would probably end up contrary to my expectations anyway."
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"Then what kind of ending did you have in mind?"
"Huh?
"Did you want me to go with her?"
"Not particularly."
"So you have changed."
"Alright, I have changed. Does that make you happy?"
"Hai."
"Good."
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"I didn't mean to make you angry."
"Hmph! Then what kind of ending do you want, Tsukimori Len?"
"Being with you isn't so bad, Nami..."
"Ch-chotto matte! What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means what it means."
"That's too vague."
"A journalist should read between the lines."
"Are you trying to say you're happy to be with me?"
"I'm happy. Right now ..."
"So you won't run away from me anymore?"
"Iie."
"Even if I hug you? Really hard. Like this."
"Hai."
"Wow."
Soft snow began to fall from the sky as she buried her face in his chest, wondering whether this was a dream or the happy end she never ever expected.
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The END… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!