Swssssiii,"Oh my tea is done!" Haruka remembered running to turn off the stove.
Buzz, Buzz. Haruka checked her phone for the fifth time this morning, and it was once again her fathers worrisome secretary," Ughh, Jeremy! Stop calling." Haruka tried to drink her tea in peace, but was continuously interrupted by the vibration of her cell," That's it!" Haruka blurted. She removed the battery, and sat in the quiet room, silently sipping her tea.
Haruka's mind kept drifting back to whether or not Len was going to take up violin again. I wonder how Len's doing... She stared outside the window, wondering what was to come.
"Damn! Why can't I play this correctly yet! It used to be so easy!" Len cursed, frustrated with his failure. Well, what am I to expect? I haven't practiced in months... I should just be grateful to Haruka, and take this one step at a time. He picked the violin once more and the notes were decently played, but not yet to his satisfaction.
*Knock* *Knock* " Len, breakfast is ready, come down now," Len's mother informed opening his door.
"Wait mother, don't come-"
*Open* " Huh, what is it? Breakfast is r- Len, you have a violin! Are you practicing again? Who convinced you? I'm so happy for you sweetie!" Len's mother sang.
Len placed the instrument on his bed, and put his hands to his head," Mother, please leave. I didn't tell you, because I knew you would react this way."
Len's mother slightly smiled," I'm sorry, I won't pester you anymore. Just tell me when you're ready, ok? Breakfast is ready," She reminded walking downstairs.
Len sat down relieved," Alright, I'll be down in a minute."
"Oh, and Len?" his mother paused.
"Yes?" he asked turning around.
" I don't know who, and I won't pry until your ready, but whoever that person may be... I'm glad you found someone else to allow into your heart," she said closing his door.
"My heart, huh?"... I wonder why I feel so comfortable around Haruka. Whatever, that's of no use to me. Len packed his things, and began getting ready for school. After eating, he started on his way. He was just about there when- Vroom. "Woah! Watch where you're going!" Crazy motorcyclists...
"What's up with that dude?" Haruka mumbled speeding up to the schools parking lot in her Harley. She pulled up into the parking lot, and removed her helmet, but with her was something of great value. She grabbed her bag and the case, and started on her way to the music room. Haruka walked through the doors looking for Kanazawa," Sensei..., you in here?" she called.
Haruka could hear laughing and purring coming from out the side door. She quietly pushed it open to find Kanazawa feeding some small cats.
"Here you go..." Kanazawa offered. "I'll feed you today, but if you keep eating so much, you'll get fat!" he teased.
"Pffftt..." Haruka laughed, trying to choke down a giggle.
Kanazawa immediately turned around," What are you doing here?" he asked embarrassed he was caught.
"Nothing... Just standing here watching a sweet oji-san feed his cats," Haruka countered.
"Hmmph, I just feed them because if I don't... Who will?" Kanazawa answered. His expression was soft for a second, while gazing at the cats. "So what is it? You come for the brochure?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah! But first I wanted to ask, when are we leaving for the tour?" Haruka questioned.
"Tomorrow... I think. I don't really remember what ol' Ran said," Kanazawa answered.
"You call the principal ol' Ran? But that's besides the point... Tomorrow? That's really soon, I'm pretty excited," Haruka exclaimed.
"Yep, I think so," Kanazawa confirmed getting a smoke. "Whooo," he puffed out. "So why are you so excited anyway? I mean it's a pretty grand event and all, but you seem way to enthusiastic to leave. Having trouble at home or something?" Kanazawa joked.
Haruka paused for a moment, and became speechless. Kanazawa noticed her silence and began to wonder if he had said something," Oh so-"
"No, everything's fine! Anyway, I wanted to show you something," Haruka interrupted changing the subject.
Kanazawa eyed her for a moment, noticing her sudden attitude change, "Hmmm, what is it?"
Haruka smiled and brought the case,"Ta-da! I brought this from home!"
Kanazawa looked a bit confused, and looked closer," Woah. This is nice, where'd you get money for something like this?" He asked inspecting the viola.
"I didn't, it was my mothers..." Haruka said smiling sadly. "Anyway, I thought I could use this in our tour."
Kanazawa could sense her pain, and tried to change the subject," Yeah, go ahead. By the way, what were you saying about the whole, 'I think we'll be seeing more of Tsukimori-kun' the other day?" he questioned curiously.
"Oh yeah! I think I might've convinced him to start playing again. I was gonna ask him one last time about coming to the tour today," Haruka explained.
"You managed to do that? Impressive, everyone at school thought of that as a forbidden subject... How did you convince him?" Kanazawa inquired.
"I told him the truth. I didn't try to pacify him with sweet words, and feed him what he wanted to hear. I told him what was true," Haruka answered.
"Hmmm, ok. Well if you can convince him, then meet tomorrow at 7:00 in the morning at the school," Kanazawa directed.
"We'll definitely be there!" Haruka pledged.
"Sure, yeah," Kanazawa agreed pouting.
"What?" Haruka said.
"It's just that..." Kanzawa trailed.
"What is it!" Haruka pestered.
"7:00 is so early..." He revealed.
Haruka looked at him with her eyes filled with sarcasm,"... not even worth it" she replied walking out the door to find Len.
"Hmmph, how rude," Kanazawa muttered plopping himself on the couch.
Haruka walked through the quad searching for Len, with many ideas running through her head. She suddenly heard some faint music coming from the behind an oak near the back of the school. "Oh, Len that's you!"
Len put his violin down looking embarrassed," What is it?"
"I've been searching for you! It seems that you're always under this tree... Any particular reason?" Haruka joked.
Len looked to the side, and Haruka understood," I see..." "Well, are you going to come to our tour tomorrow?" Haruka asked diffusing the awkwardness.
"I thought about it, but I don't think so. I can't perform properly yet, I would just be a nuisance," Len admitted.
"You wouldn't! Here, let me hear you play something!" Haruka coaxed.
Len hesitated, but eventually brought the violin up, and began performing. Once he was done, he looked up at Haruka, expecting a harsh evaluation.
Haruka smirked a bit," Not too shabby.., but I must say it sounds so forced."
Len raised an eyebrow," forced?"
"Yeah, like the parts that were marked to sound gentle or cheerful, sound really fake. It's a good tone, but the emotion is terrible," Haruka criticized.
"I see, well I'm sorry I have no emotion..." Len said feeling demoted.
Haruka realized she had hurt his feelings," I'm sorry. I said too much. I won't force you to come if you don't want to..."
"Wait, I'm not mad or anything. I need constructive criticism to improve my skills. It's good for someone to help you out, but how do you know anything about music? That reminds me, why are you always in the music room anyway?" Len interrogated.
Haruka grinned deviously," Well, it seems you doubt my musical background! I'll have you know, I may not look it, but I'm pretty good with string instruments, especially viola," she informed.
"Really? I never would've pegged you as an orchestra type. You're loud obnoxious personality makes me view you as maybe percussion," Len teased.
Haruka looked at him sternly, and confiscated his violin," Listen, and learn." Haruka drew the bow and began rapidly performing the music flawlessly. The gentle parts were merely grazed, as the strong parts were deeply penetrated. Her playing left others speechless, including the awestricken Len,
Len gazed at Haruka's peaceful face. She looks so happy... Len thought. Her face brought a familiar image of a perky red head who used to have the same look when she played.
Haruka finished performing,"How was that!" Haruka asked basking in self satisfaction.
Len came out from his trance," Oh, we'll it is certainly better than I imagined," Len reviewed trying not to give to much praise.
"Well, now do you believe in my ability?" Haruka asked.
"Hmmmm, I guess. But I must say, it doesn't exactly please me to be taking lessons from you," Len admitted.
"Listen Len, its not your technique. You are really good, but there's still something that keeps you from being amazing," Haruka explained.
"I know..." Len said looking down. I can't help it, I've decided to try and move on, but I just can't feel one hundred percent comfortable with playing yet.
Haruka could tell from his face, the reasons why he couldn't play to his full potential. "Len, I-"
"No, it's ok. I'll be prepared for the competition. I'll come tomorrow," Len agreed walking away.
Haruka could merely glance at Len's back as he trailed off into the distance. She wanted to run up to him and comfort him, but she understood her place.
Haruka began walking down the sidewalk reminiscing through her thoughts. I know Len's position better than anyone, and I know he's still heartbroken. But, why do I feel so upset that he can't move on... Whatever, I don't feel like going to class. Haruka began walking home when a green haired boy suddenly appeared.
"Cutting class, eh?"
Haruka turned around and was faced with Tsuchiura," No! I was taking a walk," she defended.
"In the opposite direction of school? Well it's none of my business, but what about our project? It's due in a week and a half, and we haven't even started," Tsuchiura reminded.
"Ah, well I already have a plan. I was thinking we could do our project on the music halls we visit! They have historical reference, and we would be completing our tour as well!" Haruka suggested.
Tsuchiura pondered on the thought for a bit," Not bad Nakayama. Alright, we'll do that!"
"Great!" Haruka said excitedly.
"But wait, what's up with Tsukimori? He's not coming with us, so how is he going to contribute?" Tsuchiura asked blatantly.
"Oh that's covered, he's going to come," Haruka answered.
Tsuchiura looked at her confusedly," Eh? How did you manage to do that? He would get super pissed at anyone who ever brought it up!"
Haruka gazed at Tschiura honestly," Well honestly it wasn't easy. He was stuck in this mindset of self hatred. He wouldn't believe anyone, he thought everyone was trying to pacify him, and that they were lying to him. But, I told him my true thoughts, and I..." Haruka drifted off. "I told him to do it for her," She said almost painfully.
"Hmmm, well it's not like I care. I guess it's good he finally got over killing her," Tsuchuira spat spitefully.
Haruka looked at him scornfully,"Stop! Do you even understand what it's like to be constantly reminded of something you can never undo. Bound to that memory, never being able to move on... Feeling like its your fault."
Tsuchuira could tell she felt strongly. I did it again, he thought. "I'm sorry. I said too much. It's just that, uhh Hino was an important person to me," he explained slightly blushing.
Haruka loosened up a bit,"I'm sorry. I got a little carried away as well, but it's ok. I can tell by your bitterness that she was very dear to you, but remember that it must be ten times worse for Tsukimori-kun."
This was the first time he ever imagined it this way. Mio had told me this before, but why does it feel to different under the intensity of her big brown eyes? "I guess I never considered that... You're right."
Haruka smiled warmly," I know!" she giggled. "See you tomorrow Tsuchuira!" Haruka reminded and flashed a brilliant smile.
"Yeah, bye," he replied turning around and walking away. Little did Haruka know his face was flushed. What a weird girl.
Haruka continued on her way back. She finally arrived at her apartment, and made her way up the stairs. The scattered phone pieces still lay where she had thrown it. She reassembled her phone to find 37 missed called, and 42 mails," Wow Jeremy. You're still the worry wart you were after I left you."
Haruka dialed his number,"Hello?"
"Miss Haruka! You finally answered! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!" He yelled.
"Yeah, yeah, I have an idea. Listen, I said not to worry! I'm leaving tomorrow, and will be back in a week. Tell him not to worry, if he even is. Bye," Haruka hung up.
She sat on her couch, and looked at a picture in the corner of the room. Haruka reached down, and grabbed her viola and began playing a very familiar tune. The notes bounced off the strings like bubbles, playful yet fragile. When she finished, she ran her index finger over two small initials carved on the neck; H.S.
Haruka closed her eyes, and drifted away into a deep sleep.
"Haru, say bye to mommy!"
"I'm sorry Haru, I can't"
"Alright, I'll try..." *Crash*
"Mommy!"
"What a shame, it's all that little girls fault..."
"Ahhhh!" Haruka yelled jumping out of bed. "Oh it was just a dream..." Haruka had fallen asleep on the couch with her viola in hand. She glanced at the clock, 6:25.
"Huhhhh! I'm going to be late! Haruka hopped up and grabbed a suitcase. She started piling clothing,supplies, and musical tools inside. She showered quickly, and ran out the door. As she was loading her stuff in a bag, and was about to hop on her Hurley, a long black car pulled into the driveway. The door swung open, and a tall man dressed in all black stepped out, and Jeremy was sitting in the passengers seat.
"Grab her!" Jeremy commanded.
The tall man lunged at Haruka, and held her shoulders firmly. "I thought you were in America Jeremy!" Haruka yelled trying to break loose from the mans grip.
Jeremy stepped out of the car, and fixed his spotless white gloves,"Miss Haruka, I booked the first flight to Japan when you first notified me. I was waiting for you to give me a call," he explained cleverly.
Damn, Jeremy was always worrisome, but he was always very clever and sneaky. A slight smile crept onto Haruka's face," Sorry to break it to you, but I'm not going with you." Haruka swiftly elbowed the tall man in his gut, and left him doubled over in pain.
She grabbed her bag, put on her helmet, and hopped on her Harley. Haruka turned on the ignition, while Jeremy was helping his helper up. As she sped down the road, she checked her watch. It's 6:55! I won't make it. She pulled the handles, and did a wheelie speeding up another 10 miles. When she arrived at school, she spotted Kanazawa, and Len.
She grabbed her instrument, and bag," Sensei!" she gasped throwing her bag in the coach bus parked outside the school.
"Oh, just on time. Tsuchuira is in the back, and we're just waiting for Len inside," he answered.
"Forget that! I'm being followed, and he'll be here soon. Step on it!" Haruka commanded.
"What? But Tsukimori is inside gathering the music!" he reminded.
"I'll get him! Just go!" she screamed.
"Alright!" Kanazawa started the bus, and left the parking lot, as Haruka got off the bus.
She rushed inside the music building, and spotted Len on his way out," Come on Tsukimori-kun! Don't ask questions, just come with me!" Haruka demanded grabbing his arm. She stuffed the music folder into his bag, and boarded herself onto the bike.
"What are you doing? Come on! They'll be here soon!" Haruka warned.
Len became wide-eyed," You want me to get on that? No way!"
"Just put your backpack on, and climb on! The bus already left!" Haruka said grabbing his arm and pulling him on.
"Wait! I don't have a helmet, and this isn't safe!" Len complained.
Haruka removed her helmet, and gave it to him," There, no problem now right? Now hang on tight!" The engine roared, as she started weaving through traffic. She turned around and spotted the black car, and sped up taking a sharp turn leaving the car stuck in traffic.
"Damn! We lost her! Nakayama-sama will be disappointed. But, we will find her!" Jeremy vowed.
She turned around once more, and the car was nowhere in sight. Phewww, she thought. Haruka looked down to see her waist being tightly held by Len's shaking hands. "Um, Tsukimori-kun, your squeezing me really tightly."
"Oh sorry," he replied embarrassed and tried loosening his grip a bit.
"You don't have to say sorry," she giggled . Len is so so warm, she thought. Haruka smirked at the thought of seeing many more of his different emotions throughout their adventure.