---As usual, the common disclaimers apply. Whatever they are. I just don't own any of the copyrighted stuff, but the story is purely mine. whatever works. just don't sue me, okay?

Chapter 6: The competition begins

Kahoko stood still in front of the mirror, still looking at her reflection, trying to fix every single hint of blemish from her appearance. She took a nervous breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror. 'You can do this. Just don't freak out and remember the notes. That's all. Stay calm. It'll be fine', she thought, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She straightened her gown and picked her violin out from its case before heading towards the backstage area.

She saw some people fidgeting with their instruments or their clothes. Kahoko spotted Len, the only one she knew among the competitors and walked towards him, careful not to tread on her gown. He looked up from what seemed to be intense concentration when he heard the sound of her shoes coming his way. He looked very composed, as usual, but he can't help staring at Kahoko, standing in her stunning pink and apple green assymetrical gown, her hair in an intricate knot and curly strands just falling to her cheeks. She has small diamond earrings and an armlet, twisted like a vine in her upper left arm, matched with pink shoes. (If you want, i can post the sketches I made for Kahoko's outfits in all the events...just a thought. maybe you'd like a peek...)

She blushed when she saw him looking at her. She shrugged and said, "Too much?"

He shook his head violently, and said, "No, you look amazing".

Kahoko blushed even redder at the compliment. "Right back at ya", she laughed, taking in his usual black tuxedo. He smiled Kahoko's favorite smile, the sincere kind that can make her fall to the ground and melt.

The emcee announced the start of the program a few moments later. Everyone stood still, waiting to be called. Kahoko decided to sit instead of standing because her knees would give way. She listened to every person's performance and listened even harder at the applause he or she garnered. Pressure caved in once she hears the roaring applause and the powerful performance others give, once or twice looking at Len to see if he is affected by any of it. He looked composed, calm as usual and didn't seem to care about how others did. Kahoko can't blame him, she knows he has skill enough to put the rest of them in shame.

She waited for what seemed like an eternity until she heard the emcee call, "Representing Vienna, Austria, Miss Kahoko Hino, playing a Vivaldi composition, Spring."

She stood up, and walked towards the stage. She felt sick, but managed to keep a calm face as she walked to the centerstage and saw the limelight flashing.

'This is it, Kaho. Remember why you're here. The love you have for music. Just keep that in mind', she told herself as she held her violin in place. She began the piece, and let the emotions just flow freely with every notes came out naturally.

"She's very expressive", said a judge.

"Yes, she is. And added to that, she plays with her heart. You can hear it in the notes. She loves what she's doing", another said, smiling at the red haired violinist.

"It's almost perfect", added another judge.

She performed calmly and gracefully, earning a roaring applause and another standing ovation. Overwhelmed, she took a bow and retreated backstage.

Len saw her grin at him, as she sat down on a chair. She managed to pull it off, and better than that, she earned a standing ovation. Len felt pressure as he heard his name called and he walked to the stage. He began his performance to Sarasate's Zapateado on a strong note.

"His technique is outstanding", commented a judge.

"His expression is a bit suppressed, but it's there", another said.

"He's among the best in this competition", said the final judge.

Len earned a standing ovation and tremendous applause. He felt satisfied. At least he and Kahoko were neck-and-neck for the first place. A Russian boy also earned a standing ovation, so there was really pressure on who gets first place.

When the results were out later on, Len felt a surge of relief. He got first, the Russian boy, Sergei Mitchkin, got second and Kahoko got third. Sergei looked at Kahoko smiling about her results and approached her. Instantly, Len felt anger welling up inside him.

Sergei took Kahoko's hand and said, "May I ask your name, lovely lady?"

Kahoko blushed. "It's Kahoko Hino. I'm Japanese, by the way."

He smiled again. "So it's you, that third placer?"

"Yes, that would be me. And you are?"

"Sergei Mitchkin. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Hino", he said, bowing slightly.

Kahoko smiled. "I heard your performance. That's quite some skill you got there. I'm impressed."

"I'm happy to hear that. Would you like to be friends?", he offered.

"I'd love that. It's always nice to have friends from all around", she answered with a grin.

"I must say, Miss Hino, I am impressed with your playing. How long have you played the violin?", he suddenly inquired.

"I started when I was sixteen, and I'm nineteen now, so that makes almost three years", she replied.

"Less than three years? That's amazing talent you have. By your playing I would have thought you've played for more than 10 years!", he said, surprised.

"Thanks. I'm flattered. I have to go now. See you around, Sergei", she said, her eyes looking for Len, who disappeared.

"Same to you, Miss Hino", he said, leaving as well.

Kahoko changed and left the auditorium, unable to find Len. 'Where did he go?', she thought. Finally giving up, she left for the hotel alone.

She threw her bag and put her case down as she plopped into the bed, exhausted and frustrated.

"I just don't understand that guy. You ask him to wait a while and bam! He disappears into thin air", she growled at the roof.

The other events were scheduled to be later that day, some in the evening,some the next few days, so many people are still busy. Kahoko was alone, Gabrielle went to her competition, scheduled for the evening.

She lay down on her bed, thinking of her next move, of Len, of her next performance, Len.... Many thoughts crossed her head, most of them trivial, some made her think some more, finally, not able to resist, she went to see if Len was in his suite.

She knocked about four times when he finally answered the door. Kahoko couldn't help blushing when he appeared on the doorway. She fumbled for words to say as he looked at her in a questioning manner. She finally found her voice and said, "Uhm, I was just checking if you already got back. I didn't see you after the competition results came out."

"Well, yes, I left early, I saw that you were busy", he answered curtly.

"Okay, then", she said, turning to leave.

He just watched her leave, the thought of her talking to that Russian boy still causing him extreme discomfort. He didn't know why, but seeing her be so friendly with some other guy made him wish the guy would disappear into thin air. Or die. Whatever works. Just so that his and Kahoko's paths won't ever cross. He refused to admit that he was jealous. But subconsciously, isn't that the only explanation?

The next event was scheduled to be in a week. The participants started practice almost instantly. The competition became quite boring, everyone is serious now and mostly focused on the events and results. Some were obsessing over the first selection, fussing on things such as clothes and re-checking their instruments for the thousandth time just to ensure maximum performance.

Kahoko and Len reheased their duet together, Kahoko feeling all awkward with the tension in the air between the two of them. Len, on the other hand, noticed her going stiff, so he decided to take a break. Kahoko put her violin down, with relief, and sat down, drinking water. Len grabbed his water and sat down beside her. She sat up and looked away, never meeting his eyes. Len wondered to himself as she turned away, eyes thoughtful.

They continued five minutes later, and the notes were strained. Kahoko was looking away, barely focused. They ended about two hours later, Len deciding it was useless to practice with his partner being in the clouds and all...

Kahoko began rehearsing her next piece again, which she enjoyed. She liked the oriental sound of Vanessa- Mae's Red Hot, so she went for it. The theme was "Unknown side", so she went full out for a performance she won't usually do. She worried a bit, wondering if she can pull it off.

Len, on the other hand, went for the romantic sounds of Paganini's Cantabile. He normally doesn't do romantic pieces, except Ave Maria, of course, so he went for it. And another thing, he secretly wanted to impress a certain red haired competitor.

The day before the competition, Kahoko walked out of her suite, thinking of going around for a walk and met-to her surprise-Len.

"H-hey, Tsukimori-kun", she said, half thinking to go back inside and make him think she's just arrived, not leaving.

"Hino are you alright? You seem paler than usual", he noted.

"I-It's just the lack of sun, I guess...", Kahoko answered lamely.

"You look like you need some sunlight", he agreed.

"Sure. Whatever you say"

Len just turned away, acting like he doesn't have a care in the world. Kahoko shrugged and followed suit, distancing herself carefully and going her own way as they reached the front doors. Kahoko breathed in the sweet spring breeze. The trees are beginning to blossom and the sun is shining brightly. She took out her sunglasses and casually walked around the city.

She was strolling along until her vision was blurred by the glare of the sun. She bumped into someone, falling back a couple of paces.

"Oh, I'm so sorry", she muttered. The person looked back and his eyes widened.

"Hino? What are you doing?", he asked.

'Dammit! HE was the last person I was hoping to see', she mentally panicked.

"Oh, hey, Tsukimori-kun, what brings you outside today?", she asked, acting composed.

He stared at her eyes, seeing the panic behind them and said "Just felt like some fresh air."

"I-Isee..", she said, speechless. "Anyway, good luck for tomorrow", she said, turning to leave.

"Hino, wait",he burst out.

"Yeah?", she said, looking back at him.

'Should I confess?', he thought to himself, unaware that Kahoko was looking confusedly at him. "Never mind", he decided.

Kahoko shrugged, and left. She looked behind and saw Len's retreating form going the other way, thinking maybe it was time to tell him how she feels. Before it drives her nuts.

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soooo sorry for the late update and all.. i was so busy with school work and the term just ended, so i am officially on holiday!!!! yay!!! oh, and i have a -literally- tonne of homework to do... NOT YAY!!! thanks a lot, to the teachers. and actual thanks to my english teacher, who took pity on us and didn't make us do any work for her!!!! we love u!!! sorry again, guys.. REVIEW!!!! muackz!!!