The Bloody Rose
✣⊱ Chapter Four: Anonymity ⊰ ✣
"I know it's wrong, but I'm done with pretending, this life will be meaningless without you, please stay. My life would be nothing, nothing, if you weren't going to be part of it. I loved you for so long, I'm sorry about not confessing my feelings, but now, I can't watch you being with him anymore. I want you to be mine. I will sacrifice everything. All for you, Fumiko, I love you, forever."
Kazumi's eyes were watering as she watched intently at the huge theater screen. Kahoko was just sitting comfortably beside her.
"Kahoko, why are we watching this movie? It's so dramatic" Azuma reacted.
"That's why it's called a movie drama. Besides, Kazumi and Keiiko likes to see this movie since last week" Kahoko replied. "You won't appreciate it since it's a romantic comedy drama. Only girls like these sort of movies."
"SHHHHH!" the two girls reacted simultaneously. "Kaho-sensei, please, we're watching the movie" they said, still in unison.
"I love him and I love you too, but I could just be with one person. What we had in the past is meaningless now, I want to marry Mizuki, and I will spend my lifetime with him." Fumiko walked away, leaving Akihiro standing alone. After she was a little distant from him, he ran towards Fumiko and kissed her.
Kahoko blushed, her thoughts rewound to the same gesticulate that Azuma did. She glanced at the Purple-haired Prince at the other side of Kazumi. He was sleeping angelically, his gentleness made her body shudder. Another image was formed when she stared intently at his impeccable features. The time when the concours used the Yunoki's ancestral house, when she caught him sleeping beside her bed sitting on the wooden floor of the old mansion, Azuma was sleeping, showing the same angle of his façade.
She instantly turned her attention to the theater screen. She tried to clear her head but his image was left in her vision. Kahoko closed her eyes tightly to clear the imagery. She opened them again, and then forced herself to watch the movie rather than to watch the sleeping beauty, Azuma.
The movie soon ended. "Kaho-sensei, I want to pee-pee" said Shouchi in his most naïve tone. "Please"
"Okay" she replied. "Kazumi, wake your Uncle Azuma, we'll just go the Comfort rooms for a sec okay?"
"Yes, sensei" she nodded.
When Kahoko and Shouchi went out of the CR, Azuma and the two little girls were waiting for them. "Kaho-sensei, I want to go to the ice cream store, please" Keiiko requested.
"I want ice cream too!" Kazumi seconded in a cheerful manner.
"Shouchi, do you want Ice cream?" Kahoko asked the boy. Shouchi nodded.
Kahoko approached the table where Azuma and the children were seated. She placed the tray full of ice cream treats on the table and then sat with the children.
"OH MY GOSH! He's so dreamy, did you see the way he smiled to Fumiko. I love him, I wish he'd wait for me to grow up, I love Jang Keun Seuk!" Kazumi squealed like a little fan girl.
"I want to marry him." Keiiko said in a trance-like tone.
Kahoko smiled as she watched the two girls. "Now, now, you girls are too young to think about these kinds of stuff. You should focus on your music, because next year, your time will be divided since you'll start going to school." She lectured.
"Yes, Kaho-sensei." The two said at the same time.
"Kaho-sensei, which part of the movie did you like best?" Kazumi asked Kahoko suddenly. Her eyes widened suddenly by the unexpected question. She took a spoon full of ice cream and gulped heavily as she thought for a logical answer. It was a bit hard for her because she and Azuma can relate to the story. Kahoko glanced at the intently-staring Azuma. She breathed heavily and then spoke. "They lived happily ever after" she smiled weakly. "Just like other princess movies."
"Kahoko, how did the movie end" Azuma's stare was ablaze as he gawk into hers.
"Uh . . . Fumiko and Akihiro married" she whispered sheepishly.
A curve on the lips of Azuma was formed, giving him a devilish façade. His focused eyes made her feel uneasy.
"What are you thinking?" she whispered in an impatient tone. She was getting irritated with his expression.
He just shook his head, still with the abstract grin. "What happened to that other guy she was supposed to marry? What's his name? Mi— . . ."
"Mizuki" Kazumi butted in.
"Yeah, that guy" he said sarcastically.
"After Mizuki and Fumiko's wedding, he had a car accident which killed him, leaving Fumiko widowed, she found comfort in Akihiro and then fell in love with him again, they married and like any other fairytales, they lived happily ever after" she said with glee. "I love that part the best."
"Mm . . ." Azuma murmured as he look at Kahoko.
"Don't look at me like that Azuma, it's creeping me out" Kahoko complained.
"It's a very good story. They lived happily ever after" he said again in a sardonic tone of voice. "I wonder . . . when shall I have my happily ever after." he scoffed inaudibly.
Kahoko just took huge amount of ice cream in her mouth to prevent herself from ever saying anything.
"Here we are Kazumi, tell your Miyabi-okaasan about that movie" Azuma waved at Kazumi as the angelic little girl waved back. "Bye"
"I hate you" Kahoko blurted out.
Azuma let out an evil giggle. "That's the second time you said that. Why do you hate me?"
Kahoko was silent, she don't know what reason to tell the prince.
"Kahoko, I want to know why you kept saying you hate" his tone turned serious.
"It's something that you don't have to know from me because you know the reason already. It's something very apparent but you resist perceiving it, maybe because you want something so much but then you know it's wrong."
Azuma was left without words. All she said was the truth.
"I want to play something for you, will you let me?" it was all he could say.
"What?" she wondered.
"It's a piano piece that I love so much."
Azuma's sleek black Volvo reached La Primavera Towers.
Kahoko opened the door to her condo and then prepared the studio room's piano for the two of them. Kahoko sat on the piano bench and then Azuma sat beside her, not realizing how close they were to each other. "It's the song that I composed for you, Le Au Revoir Á Fou" Azuma's accent turned into fluent French as he said the title of the piece.
He started to play the piece with his slim delicate fingers gently touching each key in the grand piano. The song started in Adagio and then turns Giocoso then Grazioso. It was the serenity that Kahoko heard him playing in the CD. She heart skipped a beat as she heard each note and its wondrous rhythm. At the latter part of the piece, it was Malinconico. Her heart was crying now. Con Dolore.
'A Farewell to a Jester' she said in her thoughts. "What does that suppose to mean?" she whispered . . . I mean, who's the jester?"
"You" he answered briefly. "It means you're not my clown any longer" he whispered shamefacedly.
She escaped his intent gaze, she looked another direction. Kahoko was struggling to get out of his stare. Azuma grabbed cupped her chin. "Tell me you hate me again" his tone was ominously serious.
"I . . . I . . ." she fumbled. 'I can't say it' she continued in her thoughts.
Azuma was looking at her lips, eager to touch it with his own. "How can I want something so much but can't have it?" he whispered. "Last time, and I will not bother you any longer, Tsukimori-san" his voice cracked when he heard himself said the last name. It felt like a shot through his heart.
He leaned closer to her face. Kahoko closed her eyes and waited for the impact. He knew that it was wrong to do such, kissing a married woman is a sin. Acknowledging temptation and not resisting lust are also sins. But he'd give up everything, he won't care for the world, just to commit the sweetest sin he tasted.
Kahoko engaged herself in the contact, though her conscience is bugging her. She also knew it was wrong, but he promised it will be the last. And so it will be.
Azuma placed his hand on her waist and pulled her close. His lips travelled deeper onto hers, both of them lost the will to ever think of stopping. Kahoko slowly moved her hands to cup his cheeks.
"I love you Kahoko" he murmured in her lips. Kahoko removed her hands from him and then pulled away from the kiss, she stood up immediately to place a distance.
It was the first time that he said those to her. And how he regretted the fact. He shoul have done it a long time ago, before she was married.
Dumbfounded and struck with her gestures she managed to utter "You may go now" Kahoko was looking away. You know the exit. I don't need to show you. And please lock the door as you leave. Goodbye" she found it a little bit hard to bid her farewell in this manner. Her voice was monotonous, no emotions and no melody.
"Before I leave, can I hear the words from you" he said in a flat voice. "Tell me you hate me, please" he wasn't requesting now, but he was begging her.
Kahoko remained silent, and instead of responding, she turned her back on Azuma, who was standing, and then held the keys of the grand piano. She started to play, which surprised Azuma. Her slender finger played a piece by Franz Liszt. Azuma recognized the style but does not know the title. [actually it's the author who doesn't know the title xD ]
It was serene and calming. Kahoko played the song to ease the tension build up in her chest. For a moment, she wanted to clear her mind with the soothing rhythm.
"That was really good, Adagio" Azuma complemented.
"I said you can go" her voice was husky, ignoring his attempt of flattering her. 'I love you too, but I can't and I'm sorry' a tear almost fell from her eye.
Azuma breathed in heavily. "Goodbye, Kahoko." There was no more response from her.
"Kahoko, my rose, why aren't you picking up the phone? I've been trying to call you since this morning. Are you okay?" Len said hysterically the moment Kahoko answered her phone.
"Uh . . . the class had been busy, so I forgot to charge my phone. Sorry" she reasoned.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked.
"Yes Len, I'm fine. How's your first concert in Vienna?"
"It was great, Misa-okaasan and I were featured in a music magazine because of our performance. I sent you a copy. You should be receiving it by tomorrow"
"Wow, congratulations, I'm sure many of your audience loved your performance. I'm excited to read the magazine. I know it will be good."
"Haha, but it's in German. Good luck translating" he joked.
"I'll try my best to read it. I might even learn the language" she smiled.
"Thanks. Uhm . . . I'll call you after the concert, second performance is almost starting. I love you, my rose."
"I love you Len. Good luck" they both ended the call.
The next day . . .
"Please sign here" the messenger said to Kahoko and she did. She took the small package and then closed the door.
She opened the package and saw three magazines. Two is in German and the last is in English. A note was attached with one of the German Magazine with Len and Misa on the cover. It read:
Sorry, I tried to request for an English copy but the publishing house refused, they said they can't print just one copy. Anyway, there are more that 50 pictures of the concert, so just look at it, don't pay attention to the text, I don't want to give you a hard time reading. Take Care Always. I LOVE YOU, MY ROSE.
There was a drawing of a rose at the end of the letter. Kahoko smiled as she looked at the cover. Tsukimori Len is charming, immensely attractive. But Kahoko can't understand a single word in the magazine, she wanted to read the whole article but she can't understand the writings. She called Kazuki.
"Hello, Kazuki, the magazine of Len came out, but it's in German. I want to read the article. Do you know anyone who can translate for me?"
"Uhm, I think Azuma can speak German."
"A-Azuma?" she wondered.
"Yes, he studied European languages right after he studied business in England. I'm sure he can translate for you" Kazuki said.
"Uhm, do you know anyone else?"
"Sorry, I don't know anyone else."
"Oh."
"Hey, Kaho, are you doing at the reunion dinner later?"
"Huh? Reunion dinner?"
"Yes, Amou Nami is the one who arranged it since she just got back from America. Are you coming? Do you want me and Miyabi to pick you up? We can bring Kazumi."
"Uh yeah sure" she thought for a moment, deep in thought about a certain purple-haired man. "Is Azuma coming?"
"Yes, I just talked to him a few minutes ago."
Kahoko was silent, barely breathing, as she thought of him.
"Kaho? Are you still there?"
"What time is the dinner?"
"Around seven, will be there around that time, ok?"
"Mm." she limply replied.
"Bye."
"Bye."
"Oh my gosh! Is that little Fuyuumi Shoko and little Shimizu Keiichi? They're so adorable!" Amou said in a cheerful tone. "Give me a hug will ya?"
The twins went closer to Amou and gave her a big tight hug.
"Who would thought you two would end up being together. So cute" she cheered.
"Hey, Nami, aren't you going to introduce your boyfriend to us?" Shoko pointed out.
"Let's wait for Azuma, Kaho-chan and Kazuki before the introductions."
After a while, Kahoko, Kazuki, Miyabi and Azuma with Kazumi entered the fine restaurant.
"Oh, finally" Amou approached them and then embraced Kahoko first. "Hey, miss violinist, how's life?"
"Fine" she replied plainly.
"Hi Kazuki" she shook his hand. "Yunoki, you're in Japan? What about your company in England?" Her expression was a little shocked.
He smiled "I brought the work here."
"Oh, good luck with it then" she led the group to their seats. "Uhm, guys, this is Tyler Clark" Amou pointed at the person sitting next to her. "He's my fiancé. We're getting married n two months" she said with so much happiness in her tone. "It will be held here, as we planned. So please come."
"Wow, that's so sweet" Miyabi and the others reacted.
"Let's take the orders now?" Amou suggested. Everyone agreed.
"Uhm, Tsuchuira said he'll be a little late since he has a concert with his orchestra" Kazuki announced. "I heard he's been going out with Manami Mori-san, Kaho's accompanist."
"Good for him, he's not getting any younger is he?" Amou joked.
The food is then served on the table. Kahoko was completely ignoring Azuma like he was invisible, but the truth is he was all she can see. Azuma poured wine on Kahoko's slim glass. Amou noticed the gesture.
'Azuma, what happened to your promise? You said you won't bother me anymore but you insisted on coming here tonight. I hate you' she thought.
"Kahoko, you have something there" Azuma pointed at the corner of her lip.
"Huh?" she looked at him with a surprised expression.
He put out a handkerchief "Here" he wiped the sauce off her lip. Kahoko blushed a bit.
'I can't believe what you're doing right now. It makes me think that you're too desperate.'
Amou noticed the ring on Kahoko's finger. "Wow, I never thought the violin romance was just legend, I always thought it was true" she whispered, making everyone look at her. "I never really thought that Azuma and Kahoko would end up marrying each other. "
Kahoko blushed. "Uhm . . . N-no, uh . . ." she startled. "Actually, I-I'm married to Len" she cleared.
"Ohhh . . . sorry I thought it was Azuma" she said in a very shamed tone. "Oh, and speaking of Lenny-kun, where is he? Why is he not here?"
"He's in Vienna for his concert tour with mom" Kahoko explained.
"Ah . . ."
Suddenly, Azuma stood up from his seat and headed outside when his phone rang. Excuse me, I'll just take this call" he pulled out his phone. "Hello, Tianna, what's so urgent?" Azuma said in English.
Amou stood up and followed Azuma. Kahoko suddenly wondered as she followed them with her stare.
"Ok, I'll be at the conference tomorrow. Thank you" he hung up.
"After 3 years when we accidentally saw each other in Liverpool, England, I bet you haven't changed a bit. Your life is still complicated and lifeless."
There was no reply from him.
"Azuma, you're not supposed to be in Japan right now. I don't assume that fact, I know." Amou talked to the prince with brusque tone.
"Yes, newscaster Nami" he replied coldly. "This is my business, please do not interrupt nor pry."
"Azuma, what about Ayano and Amaya?" Amou's voice turned sharp and husky. "Amaya needs her father, but where is her father now?" her tone was even more distressed. "He's in Japan flirting with a married woman" she answered her own question.
Azuma was struck with the journalist's words but he didn't respond.
"You said way back then that you will come back to Japan and marry Hino Kahoko-san, but I just found out today that she was currently married to Len. I thought you succeeded with that promise but it turned out that you were too late. She's not Miss Hino anymore, she's Mrs. Tsukimori. I advise you to give up Yunoki, what you're doing is a sin"
'I know, yet I don't care.' He whispered in her thoughts.
She breathed heavily. "You may be divorced with Ayano but Amaya still needs a father. Don't leave her"
MsDayDream's Note:
Sorry for the huge delay on posting this Chapter. I had problems with internet connections, so I was unable to post this earlier. I really had fun writing this so I hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you so much for reading, I appreciate it a lot.
PLEASE REVIEW :)
~ FANFICTION By: MsDayDream ~