Hello Minna-san!! Chapter 8 finally here...yehey! A million thanks to annalisemari99 as always and also to my lovely readers!
I hope you guys enjoy this chappie^^ nothing more to say....
Chapter 8
The sun rose the next morning, the colors of the sky shifting from a dark bluish color to a conflagration of yellow and pink, as an effect of it's rays. The air is fresh, sweet and cold but for a certain red headed girl it wasn't fresh nor was it sweet; it was definitely cold. She rose from bed even before her clock would trigger, she was already immune to it, one of her reasons why was always late these past few days, even weeks but somehow she managed to get up at around 6:30 am, very unlike her. She couldn't sleep, and was praying that daylight would not come, that the sun to not show its morning rays. Her day would start out bad and it would end worse, she cursed this very day. Yes it is a Tuesday, but other than that…it is also her biggest nightmare.
Kahoko Hino, a General Ed student dressed for school, her bag slung over her shoulder, her lunch pack hanging from her hand and dressed in a clean General Ed uniform. She is ready, glancing at the clock one more time before she leaves. 7: 23am . Still early for her to be at school but she wanted just wanted the day to be over. Holding onto the door knob, she lets out a sigh for not even saying goodbye to her mother who is still asleep and her sister is off to work; she thinks it is best if she didn't disturb her slumber. Turning the knob she stepped out of the house and closed the door behind her, clenching her soft and thin hands and glaring up at the sky, it didn't seem to return her glare so she departed from home. Walking along the busy road, she didn't pay much attention to the surroundings she is busy enough with her own thoughts. Today is Len and Akiko's wedding and also her biggest nightmare. The day she thought would never come, thinking it would just be a fantasy but it became a reality, thinking of having him for the rest for her life but he has to be with someone else; with someone she hates being the so called 'princess' in her own fairytale world but it's the other way around. She is her stepmother locking her up in a room and preventing her from wearing the glass slipper to be with her prince charming and living a happy ever after. Since when did the villains ever prevail in the end? She never heard a story without a happy ever after, maybe this is the first one that kids of ages 3-8 would here that a fairytale that prince married the evil witch instead of his princess. She is the devil in disguise.
Tsukimori's residence
A very big day for a certain blue haired violinist and for a raven haired girl for today is their big wedding. People from different countries, even different continents will be present at the wedding just to be a witness of Misa Hamai's only son's wedding. A very special event is what his mother calls it, but for her son nothing was special about today, not without Kahoko by his side anymore. He had to suppress his distaste about thinking that Akiko would be his wife, how much longer could he pretend like this? He sits by his window sill in his bedroom observing the birds flying high above the sky, indicating on how the weather would be for today. It looked like it would be a….cold day, yes very cold in his situation right now but for anyone they could tell that it is a fine day, with Len? Nothing will ever be fine ever again. Knock, Knock Someone is at his door
"Come in!" he called out, enough for the person to hear. He heard his door opening and feeling the presence inside the room turning his head to see who it is; it was his mother.
Showing him 3 tuxedos of the color, black and white and also paired with beautiful corsages, surely made by Japan's best designers and tailors.
"I have a few tuxedos here you may try on for the wedding, why don't you try them on and pick which on you like." You could sense the glee and excitement in her voice when she said 'for the wedding'
"Maybe later, I am not in the mood to play dress up," he said abruptly, her mother surprised with his son's reply
"Dress up? This is not a dress up Len, this is a preparation for your wedding day and you should know better!"
"You should have done that yesterday rather than today," he said curtly.
"You know how busy I can be with concerts and tours; you should understand that by now."
Being silent for a few minutes, he then finally said, "I should get ready for school." He stood straight walking pass his mother and opening his closet
"School? But you are excused for the day, I am sure the principal and you teacher would understand that, it is your wedding day of course." She said while laying down the tuxes on his blue bed. He pulls out a fresh clean uniform from his closet and quickly changes.
"I do not like the feeling of being absent from class, and I don't have a decent place to practice as well." He picks up his violin case from his desk, his back facing his mother.
"Is that all you could think about? Your violin? Akiko will be very disappointed with you when she finds out that your violin is more important than your wedding, you do not know how much effort we gave in to this just to make this day special." There is it again, the word 'special' -- how he hated thinking that it was something so exclusive. "And all of that effort will just go to waste," he murmured while packing his things in his bag, he zips up his bag and is good to go.
"I'll be leaving now." he faces his mother and walks to the door, pushing the door open. He suddenly pauses when her mother said, "And I thought you've changed" hearing her mother's words, struck him. He didn't change; no one could ever change him but Kahoko "I thought having a person you love in your life would change you for the good, but I could still see you are the same you" silence enveloped the room for a short while.
"Some people think the wrong things" he finally said and left the room, and her mother. Sometimes Len didn't see his mother as a real mother, he knew her by being a great pianist and making money by performing in orchestras, in tours etc. Whenever his mother was at home, the only time she had for him was when he would tuck him into bed or when he would accompany him during his contest when he was still a little boy. Never having the experience of a boy spending its mother-son moment, something he longed for as a little boy even until now.
He walks down the grand staircase, he had a bad start for today and matters are going to get worse.
"Good morning Len!" A raven haired girl greeted him as he walked by the living room; he was already irritated enough. Without an expression he greeted her.
"Good morning Akiko."
Akiko seeing Len dressed in his uniform just made her a bit confused. "You're going to school?" he nodded in response. "Today?"
"Should I say tomorrow?" was his grim response, Akiko pouted.
"At least be nice to me on the day of our wedding and how could you possibly even think of school when we have so much to prepare for!" She waved her arms in the air trying to convince him to stay.
"You and mother could deal with that matter; you still have plenty of time."
"And you let me do the work? Come on Len, I am sure that sensei would understand our absence I mean the whole school knows how important this day is to us."
He didn't hesitate or utter a word.
"What now? Give me the silent treatment? This is the most important part of our lives and you still think about going to school?"
"Education is still a priority." He explained.
"Of course it is, but this is our wedding day my biggest dream and I will not let that go to waste Len so you should stay here and help out!"
"I'll be late for school, now if you excuse me—"he was about to approach the door but Akiko blocked his way. "I said excuse me."
"You are not going anywhere, you are going to stay here."
"I told you mother could help you with that stuff, I have to go now" but still blocking his way, she wouldn't give up
"What's the reason for you attend school anyway? You have a perfect excuse." she asked her while crossing her arms
"I feel bored staying here at home and school is the only place I can keep myself busy."
"You rather do school activities besides the activities for our wedding? I mean who in the world would choose school over their own wedding?"
"Please step aside." he gently pushes her away from the door and reaching for the knob
"This isn't about school is it? It's about that Hino girl am I correct?" Akiko asked, his eyes widening on bringing up such a topic. He didn't want to talk about Kahoko anymore especially to Akiko who knows what he could just tell her about Kahoko but she was right; she is the whole reason why he wanted to go to Seiso for one last time.
"This conversation is going nowhere, is it? It's best if we end it. See you tonight." He said his goodbyes and opened the door, closing it from behind he stepped out of the gate and started to walk to Seiso.
There she is, standing in front of the school's main entrance like a statue; just like before she would run back to her house, lock herself in a room, sit in a dark corner and cry she could do that if only she could move her legs. She didn't have the courage to even move her feet, she was too scared on how the day would even start for her she declares the Tuesday is officially her unlucky day. She slowly drags her feet as she enters the school; she walks slowly with her head hanging low, not showing her face, some people bump her but she didn't mind, and she didn't care.
"Oi Hino!" Someone called out her name, she lifted her head and turned around she saw Tsuchiura-kun waving at her; the tall green-haired boy.
"Ohayou Tsuchiura-kun!" she greeted
"Same here." He replied, they walked side by side entering the building.
"Exams are up, you ready?" He asked her.
"I haven't reviewed much these past few nights because….I'm a little busy."
"With what?" he asked.
"Um…stuff" she replied.
"What kind of stuff? Like your violin?"
"Yeah, one is my violin and the other is….forget about it."
"Come on, you could tell me you know my ears are always open to hear whatever is on your mind."
"I know that, it's just that…" She placed her hand at the back of her neck. "It's a bit complicated." She tried saying.
"Let me guess it's about the ice cube and Akiko-san's wedding right?"
"You're a good guesser Tsuchiura-kun."
"It's not that difficult to figure out, you know."
"It's pretty obvious huh?" he nodded at her.
"So what about those two?" he asked
"I told you just forget about it, it's nothing…serious anyway" she just wanted to keep all the things that had happened between her and Len as well with Akiko; it is private
"Hey are you going to attend the wedding later?" she asked him, he didn't give a pleasant expression on his face "Nah, who knows what I could do with the guy I could just punch him on the face," he explained.
"Even on his wedding day?"
He placed his hands in his pockets "I would do that for a friend" he looked at her, she flushed and quickly turned her head to a different direction "T-thank you…Tsuchiura-kun." She stammered.
"No sweat, I am like your big brother right?" She nodded at him "And as I big brother I will do anything to protect her little sister" she smiled
"I can't thank you enough"
"You don't have to…your smiles are the best payment you could ever give."
She giggled at his words. "Hey what's so funny?"
"I'm sorry," trying to hold her laugh. "It's just that I am not used to hearing you saying cheesy stuff like that."
"Was it cheesy? It didn't sound like it to me." he scratched his head
"Next time I'll bring a tape recorder for you to hear yourself" she teased him
"It's glad to see you that happy" he told her
"Yeah, for all those nights that I cried I can't believe that I still manage to smile even I if I am torn apart."
"If Hirara was here I am bound to know that you will be bursting with laughter right now."
"Hirara-senpai never fails to make me laugh, as well for all of you guys."
"It's a pleasure."
--
"See you Tsuchiura-kun!" Hino waved as they were about to part going to each other's classroom, he just smiled and walked away. Kahoko opened the classroom door and her two best friends were the first ones to greet her.
"Morning Kaho-chan! You're pretty early today!" Mio said
"Yeah I know, I woke up at 6:30." She told them as she heads for her desk
"6:30? Wow that's early and I thought were never an early bird." Nao teased her
"I didn't feel like sleeping anymore." she explained while resting her back on her chair
"Today is…"
"Don't even remind me about that." Kahoko cut Mio's sentence off sharply she just wanted to forget about what would happen after class hours.
Tsukimori Len enters the building and students all look at him as if they have seen a ghost, all surprised and unexpected to see him here because everyone knows what today is for Len and for Akiko, he shouldn't be in school right now he has other things he has to attend to rather than school or the violin. People start murmuring while watching him walk by, he ignores them and just continue walking to his class
"Tsukimori, I didn't expect for you to be here" A lilac haired boy said while giving an amusing smile on his face "Shouldn't you be with Akiko-san?" he asked
"Yunoki-senpai, Akiko-san could handle those things which I clearly know of like the…arrangement of the party, the guest…and things like that instead of me just wasting my time by doing nothing it would be best to spend my time here at school with my violin." He calmly explained.
"At least you could of some use for Tsukimori, you spend too much time with the violin; it's like you love it more than you do with Akiko-san."
"If you only knew," he casually said.
"Hm? And by any chances does that mean?" he asked with curiosity.
"I think it would be best if we would not talk about that, I have to be at my class now. See you" and he walked away, Azuma knew something was not right he was the kind of person who could sense things easily just by one look or by their actions. Something isn't quite right here he thought deeply thinking what 'it' could be.
"DRRIIIIINNNNGGG!!!" the school bell rang and that meant 2 things 1) it was lunch time or 2) end of the school day; and you guessed right it was lunch time. Students arise from their seats exiting the room and the hallways filling with General Ed students making their way to the cafeteria to buy some food and to satisfy their famished stomach.
"Where do you think is a good place to enjoy lunch?" Mio asked her 2 friends while sticking a finger under her chin
"Where do you want to stay Kaho-san?" Nao asked her, but she didn't reply she looked out the window with her chin resting on the palm of her hands
"Kaho-san did you hear me?" she asked again
"…."
"Earth to Kahoko"
"…."
She was now annoyed and shouted at her ear.
"Yo! Kaho-san, stop day dreaming already and get your butt out of that seat!!!" she shouted, to her surprise she fell of, of her seat, making her bottom bump the ground. "Ow…" she weakly said as she stood up, placing her hand on the desk making it as a support while she meekly stands up and rubbing her rear end.
"You didn't have to shout you know you could have just tapped me on the shoulder!" she snapped at Nao while rubbing her painful ears.
"Well my bad, now get your lunch now and let's eat my stomach is nagging me already" then suddenly the 3 heard a growl. "See what I mean?"
"It's like your tummy could hear you Nao" Mio said playfully while sticking her tongue out, very childish of her to do.
"I'm sorry you 2 go ahead I just need to deal with something I'll catch up," she told the two.
"And that something is?" Nao asked while raising an eyebrow and folding her arms in front of her chest
"It's just something important okay? Now will you please, you two may go ahead and feed those stomachs of yours."
Nao sighed in defeat while putting down her arms and placing them to her sides "Fine, fine…let's go Mio." she grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the room; leaving Kahoko all alone. The truth is she really wasn't in the mood for lunch right now even though she could eat like a bear sometimes; all she wanted was some time alone just to think about her problems. She is inconsolable right now and nothing could help her but being with 'him'.
She made her way to the rooftop, one the places where she would like to stay just feeling the fresh breeze blowing on her face, the place where she could feel so calm and serenity. Leaning on the bars and observing the blue sky with whit puffy clouds that looked like white cotton candy or cotton balls if you prefer. Her violin case lying on one of the benches and beside it is her lunch which she hasn't touched yet; she just brought it with her incase she felt like eating. The suddenly the door started opening, she felt someone's presence behind her assuming it would be Azuma or maybe one of her best friends. She didn't give much notice, not until the person spoke.
"Kahoko." The person said with a very familiar voice; the only voice that pierced through her heart. She turned around to see who it was, her eyes widen when their eyes met shivers were sent down to her spine and her body quivered.
"L-Len?" She said in a shaky voice, "W-what are you doing here?"
"Studying of course," he said in an irritated tone.
"I mean, shouldn't you be with…Akiko-san?" Saying her name, she lowered her head and stared at her feet.
"Could we just not talk about that, that's what people keep asking me this morning the reason why I came here to avoid those questions so if you may please avoid bringing up the topic," he told her impassively, not with feelings that he showed her. He sat on a bench beside her violin case and starring at the girl who changed him in a way he couldn't understand why. She wasn't as beautiful as the other girls in school, she wasn't as rich, she isn't that good with the violin either and yet he his the only girl that he ever respected and caught his attention, unto now he still wonders why of all girls she is the only one that could change his world forever. But he didn't care what he cared about is the love he has for her and that would forever remain in his heart.
Raising her head to look at the blue haired violinist looking him directly in the eye. "Fine, if that's what you want then I have no choice but to do so"
She turned his back on him and leaned on the bars she just wanted to pretend that he was not there because it makes her nervous when she knows that those golden eyes of his were watching her every move. She has an uneasy feeling in her stomach whenever he would observe her but she has a warm feeling in her chest.
Her clumsiness, her tardiness, the way she would embarrass herself in front of him she hated it, but at the same time she loves it. She hated it because she didn't want to show too much embarrassment in front of him, the mistakes she would make playing her violin every time he would tutor her, whenever her face would hit flat on the ground-- who in the world wouldn't be embarrassed by that?
But at the same time she loved, she loved it because she knows that he is always by her side, correcting her mistakes, guiding her every step of the way, helping her up whenever she would fall or stumble on the ground, treating her wounds.
He cared for her and she understands that; she knew him well like no other else in the world could, except for her mother of course. She knew his every move but what she didn't know the mistake his own son is doing right now.
Feeling bored of just sitting there and just gazing at her, which he enjoys didn't really meant his time so he stood up and stood beside her leaning on the bars just like she did. The two were silent, moments passed without the two even uttering a word or making a sound it was like they were playing a quiet game or those kind of games that the players shouldn't talk or make a sound.
"You haven't eaten your lunch yet." Len spoke first
"I don't feel like eating yet." she responded in a soft tone
"That doesn't sound like you."
"And what could that possibly mean?" She asked him
"The Kahoko I know is always hungry and she wouldn't let the opportunity of filling her empty stomach pass." he explained putting a playful smile on his face, his head facing a different direction.
"Say whatever you want, it's my body so I could eat what I want and when I want," she snapped at him.
"Suit yourself." he approached the bench and unpacked her lunch box, she turned around and noticed what he was doing "Hey what are you doing with my lunch?!"
"You said you weren't hungry and it would be a waste to not just eat it, so I thought why don't I eat it." He explained while picking up the chopsticks and picking up a piece of sushi roll,opening his mouth and about to place the piece in his mouth.
"You know it's rude to eat other people lunches without permission," she placed her hands on her waist "Where are your manners?" giving a strict face.
He moved the pair of chopsticks away from his mouth, closing it his mouth he spoke "Well then, Kahoko can I have the permission to eat you lunch?" he asked her, she was annoyed and she knew she lost; she could never win a conversation with him so anyway this is all pointless and going nowhere she just have to give up.
"I could never defeat you in conversations like this" she said and sighed "Fine, you could have it"
she waved her hand in the air and sat at one of the benches facing him "Thank you" he muttered. She sat across him and watches him as he eats her lunch with delight. He's nuts she thought in her head eating her food just like that, who did he think he is anyway? Besides being her mentor, her friend, her enemy, her rival…her first love, the love of her life, the one that holds the key to her heart (how cheesy), her life, her world….he is everything to her and how could you possibly think she could forget him in just a snap? For her it is impossible, one thing she could never do.
"Do you like it?" she asked him.
He swallowed first before he gave a reply "It's really good, I like it a lot did you make it?" "Hai."
He smiled, one of those rare smiles you could see once in a blue moon. "You make a very good cook, or should I say a wife with your cooking skills like this." he explained while continuing to feast on her food. And I would be most happy if I am your wife, but I won't she didn't give any comment and was just quiet. After a few minutes, he laid down the chopsticks and rested her lunch on his lap
"What's the matter? Don't you like it anymore?"
He placed the food to his side "I'm full already, I have to admit that was really good I enjoyed it" he said fixing her lunch pack
"You don't have to do that; I could clean it up myself."
"Its fine, let me do it you permitted me to have it right? So I should at least clean it up for you"
"Ah…T-thank you." after cleaning it up, he faced her, they faced each other looking at each others eyes it felt like magic they both wanted it to last longer but they would look like fools just sitting there and observing one another, what foolishness…
"What are you going to do, Kahoko?" he broke the starring contest between the both of them.
She looked puzzled and asked ,"Huh? I don't quite understand what you mean."
He sighed, closing his eyes. "You never do."
"Well you should state out your point more clearly for me understand better," she retorted.
Opening his eyes, she saw her pouting and crossing her arms in front of her chest, he chuckled.
"You never fail to make me laugh you know that?"
Her face softened but still remaining her arms crossed "Don't flatter me."
He smirked "Back to my question, what are you going to do, now that I am about to be married in a few hours?"
"I thought you were avoiding the topic?"
"It can't be helped, just answer my question Kahoko."
She rested her hands on her side she couldn't think of any possible reply, what is she going to do? She never thought of that, all she ever did was to just cry, cry, cry and cry she never made plans she never intended to make plans. Why would he want to know what was she going to do?
"Why ask?"
"I'm just curious that's all, is it wrong to ask?"
"Not really but…" her head directing to her sides "the truth is I really don't have plans I haven't thought about them yet but…" she paused "the only possible thing I can do…is to just forget everything." she continued
"Forget everything? Could you possibly do that?"
"I don't know but…I'll try"
He stood up, his back stiff; he looked out far into the open seeing the tall building and trees being swayed by the wind; gracefully dancing.
"That's a lie"
Raising a brow, she said "excuse me?"
"That's a lie Kahoko." facing her
"And how could say that I am lying?" she asked
He gave a brief sigh "It's a lie to say you've let go of the past…nobody really let's go of memories."
"Len…"
"Remember this Kahoko because I will just say this once…each tear is an unforgettable memory…each smile is an undeniable mark…each heartbreak is an inerasable scar…nobody could ever let go of memories, there is no such thing as forgetting only acceptance, forgetting the things that have between us could never be forgotten and to think you could just forget it like that? I know I can't, what more if it was you?"
She stood up, slowly approaching him and stopped when she was a few inches away from him. "How could I accept that you would marry someone else? What makes you think I could consider that Len? Do you remember the night when we are at your parents' mansion during the engagement party?" he nodded in reply
"About what I said that I couldn't wait any longer…it…it was a lie, I could wait forever to just get what I want if you truly love someone you would wait for them until the end of the world, I know I would. For me there is no such thing as accepting you being with Akiko-san, never in my life would I consider that Len…"
She could feel tears forming at the corner of her eyes, thinking she wouldn't cry anymore but she failed.
"But you said you'll try to forget everything"
"I mentioned the word 'try' right? I didn't exactly say that I 'would forget' everything…you don't listen to me."
"I just misunderstood."
"I thought you could understand everything, understanding the biggest mistake you made your entire life." she turned around picking up her things and carrying her bag on her shoulders
"I love you, Kahoko," he said before she would leave him…again.
She turned her head to the side, looking over her shoulder. "Do the things that make you happy Len, not just pleasing others but not pleasing yourself…I will…always love you and I will wait for you even until the last day I die." Saying her final words she exited through the door, watching her leave him. Do the things that make you happy Len, not just pleasing others but not pleasing yourself, very striking and pondering her words into his head…he will always remember that, but will he do it? He did everything to make others proud of him, but he didn't do it to make happy. He played the violin to reach his parents' level in music, just to please them, he would be marrying a girl whom his parent's chose to be with without his consent but agrees, just to please them. Clearly he did this to make his parents proud of him choosing the right paths, but not what he wanted. Should he still pursue it?
"You look like a fool just standing there you know," someone said, there he saw standing by the door was his rival Ryoutaro Tsuchiura, he is always irritated when he pokes his head in his business.
"How long have you been there?" Len asked as his intense eyebrows rested above his golden eyes.
"Just now, I saw Kahoko walking down the stairs so I figured she went here then I checked to see for myself what she could have possibly done, and with my expectations it was you and I am correct." He explained.
"You talk too much."
"That's why we have mouths, dummy."
He gave him a death glare but Ryoutaro wasn't afraid of him he didn't fear anything…except for snakes and spiders though.
"Watch your mouth; you can't just call me names."
"You aren't the boss of me; I can call you anything I want."
"Pfftt…what is your business for you being here anyway you are just wasting your time."
"I want to ask you something."
He raised an eyebrow. "And is that something, hm?"
"Are you still going to continue this Tsukimori, marrying Akiko?"
"What does it have to concern you anyway?"
"Nothing, but it does to Hino…and you know how much I hate seeing Hino cry or even just frowning, I am her friend and as a friend I will do anything to keep a smile on her face or preventing her from being hurt"
"But you failed, didn't you?"
Ranging with anger he approached Len and griping tightly unto his collar, making his feet leave the ground, but Len showed no expression or fear in his eyes; he wouldn't be threatened by a jock like him.
"Why are you doing this to Hino?!" he demanded.
"Why do you have to be so demanding when it comes to Kahoko?" he mentioned her by her first name, but he didn't realize.
Releasing his grip on him, he stepped a few feet away from Tsukimori
"That's because I like Hino," he admitted, he never thought he would admit it to anyone; he could have told Hirara about this or even Azuma but why in the world let Len, his arch enemy know about it first, why confess now? Len's eyes widen and his mouth ajar on hearing what Ryoutaro just told him, he couldn't believe this.
"But clearly I could see how affected she is on seeing you getting married and I know that she loves you and not me."
Glad for you to know that, Len thought.
"So all I can do now is to just help her for not feeling replaced with a drama-queen and yes I am referring to Akiko-san." He called Akiko a 'drama-queen', but Len didn't care, he didn't mind at all "You choose her over Hino, but you know that she loves you and you still let this go on? How heartless could you be? She is hurting, she said she is healing but I can tell that's not true; be considerate on how others feel for once!" He shouted angrily clenching his fists. His temperature was rising.
He remained silent, which made him more furious than ever.
"You're a jerk, Tsukimori! Remember that!" Slamming the door and stomping down the stairs; he couldn't believe he would not say a word after what he just told him.
"Baka!" He said out loud, people stared at him but he just continued to make his way down the hall, thinking that he has lost his mind.
"But you failed, didn't you?"
He's right, Len is right he failed from preventing Hino from being heartbroken and feeling crushed but no one said that he would give up. "You are unforgivable, Tsukimori!" He muttered in a raging tone.
"I will not give up on you, Kahoko."
Good or bad?
Just let me know what you think about this chappie and give me reviews, I need them...hehe
Bye bye and god bless you all!
P.S. Thanks to Pathetic Rainbow who gave me the link...
