Kaori's lie in April

by Ryoma Hakurei

This starts two months before the first episode of the anime and will eventually follow the events of "Your lie in April" but with a bit of a "what if" element. For hard core KouseixKaori fans this may not be for you, but you're welcome to give it a read if you so choose as well as you may choose not to. Thank you. Cover art of RyomaXKaori by a dear friend.

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Where is She?

Totsuhara University Hospital

They arrived at the hospital as Mr. Miyazono carried his daughter inside shouting for help. Doctors and nurses began to flood the reception hall. Kaori was taken into their hands as her parents were told to patiently await in the waiting room. The two sat next to each other as Mrs. Miyazono began to cry. "Will she ever get a break?! She was so happy just moments ago!" Mr. Miyazono wrapped his right arm around his wife lovingly as he spoke "Don't worry Honey, our Kaori is strong. We both know she's not even close to being done yet Not by a long shot". Mrs. Miyazono buried her face into her husbands chest as she began to cry into it. He just rubbed the back of her head softly as he looked into the direction in which Kaori was taken. "Please pull through Kaori, You aren't here just for your mother and i anymore. There's someone else out there who obviously cares about you... " Mr. and waited for what felt to be an eternity when finally a doctor approached the two.

(Doctor) -He approached the two his clipboard in hand reading through it before finally he spoke- "Well we were able to get her stable you can see her now. She's currently residing in room 316 but we are going to keep her for the day and possibly over night. We aren't exactly sure what prompted the incident this time around with your daughters health being the way it is... so that's why we want to keep her until we can figure out the exact problem. We'd hate to send her home for her to end up right back here or worse. I'm aware that as time passes her condition may get worse over time but... we want to work on getting her back home as healthy as possible" -Upon hearing his name being called from the loud speaker system he bows at the two before heading off to the front desk-

Totsuhara Hallway

Mr and Mrs. Miyazono head into room 316 where they saw their daughter laying, her arms at her sides as she gazed into the plain white ceiling deep in thought. They approached the bed as they looked at her. Kaori didn't even look at them but her pink lips parted as she spoke. "H-how long will i be here this time... ?"

(Mrs. Miyazono) "We don't know yet but you're going to be kept for the night. They want to run more tests and see what's wrong before you can get back home with us"

(Kaori) "... -She remained silent a moment her big blue eyes scanning the plain white ceiling before she tilted her head to her left looking outside the window. The sun was beginning to rise- Run some more tests? To see what's wrong... ? We've always known what was "wrong" i'm sick and i... i'm not getting any better" -She slowly sat up on the hospital bed- "Just when i was really beginning to enjoy myself too. Just when i was really starting to feel like a good violinist after all... "

(Mr. Miyazono) "Don't say things like that Kaori. You should always have hope. You don't know that you aren't getting better. I... i think you are. every day you look stronger. And you ARE an amazing violinist. You've been in the hospital before. More times than i could count and you beat it each and every time just like you will this time. You'll go back to school and you'll play your violin again. Do you understand me Kaori?"

(Mrs. Miyazono) -She sat on the bed just beside her daughter as she placed her left hand on her head rubbing it softly- "your fathers right you know. You're strong and i know you have no plans on leaving us any time soon. Or your little friend right?"

(Kaori) -She sighed as she brought both her hands up onto her head taking her moms left hand in them- "I'm just tired of getting comfortable with myself just to end up here you know? And... what do i tell Ryoma? This girl in my class Tsubaki, she mentioned the fact that i'm absent rather frequently. The best i could come up with was telling them i'm in and out of hospitals visiting relatives that aren't doing well... But i, i don't want to lie mom..." -She squeezed her mothers hand-

(Mrs. Miyazono) -She looked at her hand as her daughter squeezed it shifting her gaze to her husband- "Well Then Kaori you'll have to focus on getting better then. That way you won't have to lie anymore right?" -She leaned in kissing her daughter on the cheek-

(Kaori) -She closed one eye as her mother kissed her cheek giggling lightly. She turned her attention to her dad as she extended her right arm to him and beckoned him to come closer. He came closer and sat on the bed where Kaori wrapped an arm around each of her parents holding them tightly- "I love you guys so much. I couldn't have asked for better parents"

Her parents held their daughter tightly as they all laughed together happily before Kaori began to softly and playfully push them Off of her bed.

(Kaori) "Alright, it's almost time to open up shop so the two of you need to get out of here and do just that!"

(Mrs. Miyazono) "We could do that later, you're more important to us you know"

(Mr. Miyazono) "Yeah my thoughts exactly"

(Kaori) "I know you guys love me, and i'm not saying you can't come visit me but... i'll be fine like you guys said. But more than that i need you guys home going about things normally. I don't want lives to change just because i'm not around you know?"

Mr and Mrs. Miyazono looked at each other a moment before shifting their attention back to Kaori

(Kaori) "Besides... -She leaned back into the wall just behind the bed- you guys need to be there when Ryoma comes looking for me to tell him i'm out of town and might be for a while"

(Mr. Miyazono) -He crossed his arms and began to laugh- And you're certain that he's going to come looking for you huh?"

(Kaori) -She nodded her head- Yesterday just before we arrived at the bakery he suddenly made me this promise..."

(Mrs. Miyazono) "A promise... ?" -She looked at her husband who was looking at his daughter-

(Kaori) "Yeah. A promise. He promised me that no matter what, he would be there for me. No matter where i went he'd follow. -She looked down at her hands a gentle smile forming upon her lips- i just know he'll come looking for me at home if i don't show up for school today. So! you two will be there going about your lives as you normally would. And when it's time to close up shop, you can come visit me, alright?"

Her parents looked at each other as the two hugged their daughter both kissing her cheeks as they walked to the exit waving at her before exiting room 316. Kaori moved her hands to her stomach as she looked to her left and out the window her smile slowly fading as a blank expression replaced it.

Ryoma's House

Ayane Prepared breakfast for her two favorite people as Katari already dressed for school knocked on Ryoma's room door. She prepared to laugh at her zombified cousin but was surprised when he instead answered the door already in his school attire. His hair was nice and his contact lenses were already on. She shrugged and told him to come down and eat before heading downstairs to do so herself. He booted up his pc where he transferred all his music and pictures from his Vita and into his new purple cellphone. "No point in carrying both to school" He took a moment to change his default wallpaper and ringtone. He switched his wallpaper to that of Kairi and Sora from kingdom hearts and made his ringtone "Simple and Clean By Utada Hikaru. He made his way downstairs where he sat at the table and ate breakfast with his family a bright smile on his face the entire time. He looked at the time as it now read 7:45 and deemed it time to go. He said his goodbyes and headed on out where Tsubaki and Kousei stood at Tsubaki steps sharing a conversation. Ryoma walked up to the two.

(Tsubaki and Kosei) "Good morning" -They smiled and waved-

(Ryoma) -He brought his hand up waving to the two- "Yo, Hiya"

(Tsubaki) "Whoa someone seems to be in a good mood today, Slept well?"

(Ryoma) -He scratched the back of his head with his right hand and laughed nervously- "Hardly, i couldn't sleep. there were things on my mind keeping me up most of the time"

(Kousei) "Hmm? Things like what? If you don't mind me asking"

(Tsubaki) -She folded her arms a smirk on her face as she closed her eyes a moment before she opened only her left eye to look at Ryoma- "Kaori Obviously, right?"

(Ryoma) -He dropped his right hand from his head and into his right pocket- "An assortment of thoughts to be honest. i had no control of anything. My mind just wandered places on it's own. One minute i was thinking about my old classmates and friends, the next minute i thought of my parents. Then i thought of the two of you and my new life here in Tokyo. And yes Tsubaki i thought of Kaori too. But enough about that, lets get going shall we?"

Tsubaki and Kousei nod before the three headed off to sumiya junior high. As they walked and approached the convenience store where he had met Kaori he began to expect her to just come out of it with a smile on her tiny pink lips. But as they approached and passed the store she wasn't around. Tsubaki and Kousei just talked about the piano and about how she missed hearing him play. Ryoma just walked beside his new best friends unable to really pitch in to the conversation because he lacked experiences with the two. His mind was elsewhere anyway so it worked out.

Finally the three made it to school grounds when Watari approached from behind getting between Tsubaki and Kosei placing each of his arms around the two and greeted them. "Kousei, Tsubaki good morning" He looked over where he saw Ryoma and greeted him with a nod of his head and a smile. Ryoma returned his nod additionally removing his right hand from his pocket and waved silently. Kousei said his goodbyes to Ryoma and Tsubaki and walked off with Watari since the two had the same class together as did Ryoma and Tsubaki. His emerald eyes began to scan the school grounds upon seeing Kousei and Watari off.

He looked for a specific someone but was quickly let down when he didn't see her. {Maybe she decided to walk to school today and is late? Or she's inside already...? } 15 minutes later at 8:15 the pre class bell rung as everyone began to enter the school building. Ryoma and Tsubaki walked side by side when they passed Kaori's locker on their way to class. Ryoma looked at it and saw images of himself and Kaori standing just in front of it as she kicked him in his shin. He even saw images of himself kissing her little pink violin case and began to laugh to himself. Students began to enter classroom 4B. Tsubaki entered before Ryoma and looked over at Kaori's desk which was empty. She then shifted her attention to Ryoma a concerned expression on her face. Ryoma locked eyes with Tsubaki unsure of what her expression meant as he walked into the classroom instantly looking to the back of the classroom. He took a deep breath then released it in disappointment as he walked to his desk sitting down. He looked at Kaori's empty desk before looking up at Tsubaki.

Classroom: 4B

(Tsubaki) "Well... this is a familiar sight. i wasn't kidding when i said she was absent frequently"

(Ryoma) -He turned his attention from Tsubaki and looked at the clock that hung on the wall just next to the door of the classroom. He drooped down into his seat a bit and sighed- "... "

(Tsubaki) -She scratched the back of her head with her left hand unsure of what to say- "... Um are you going to be alright? I know you guys were getting along and everything but it isn't the end of the world you know?"

(Ryoma) -He nodded as he kept his attention forward- "yeah i'll be fine i was just... really hoping to see her today that's all"

(Tsubaki) "Right... Hey you said, you said that you walked her home yesterday right?"

(Ryoma) -He looked over at Tsubaki and nodded- "Yeah, that's right"

(Tsubaki) "Alright then, why don't Kousei, you and I go to her house after school today to see what's up?"

(Ryoma) -His expression changed to a more excited tone as a smile began to form upon his lips- "S-seriously? You guys would do that?"

(Tsubaki) "Of course! I Know you're worried about her and chances are you were going to go anyway. and she is my friend too, so yeah why the hell not?"

(Ryoma) -He smiled wide closing his eyes as he nodded his head before laughing happily- "Yeah, i was going to go regardless, but i'm sure she'd be happy to see you there too"

(Tsubaki) "Yeah, and maybe, just maybe we can score some of those super yummy Canele's too!" -She laughed excitedly-

(Ryoma) -He laughed with Tsubaki when the bell rung and it was time for class to begin. He looked at Kaori's empty desk once again before focusing his attention to the teacher. The more he tried to focus on what the teacher was saying the more her words began to distort he tilted his head to his right where he brought his right arm up onto the desk placing his right cheek into his right palm. Soon after the teacher began to sound muffled. He realized this but didn't seem to care when suddenly he couldn't hear her voice at all.

The whispering sounds of the other students began to fade away as well when they only thing he could hear was the sounds of his heart beating. He closed his eyes and could see nothing but darkness. But soon the darkness began to fade to white before changing into the park he had been to yesterday. His hard sturdy chair changed into the soft grass, the white empty space in front of him changed to that white playground dome with the holes in it. And on top of it stood Kaori.

Her Violin Firmly in her left hand and placed between her chin and shoulder as she looked in his direction, her big beautiful blue eyes hidden behind her full-framed rectangular glasses Locked onto his emerald colored eyes. She then smiled and closed her eyes as she began to play her violin. She swayed her body reacting to each note she so delicately played. The sounds of her violin cutting beautifully through the air as he began to see the colorful notes around him.

He looked around reaching for them and swore he could feel them. They were so warm. He then shifted his gaze back to her as she opened her eyes and looked at him her smile becoming bigger and more radiant. The two looked into each others eyes while she played the rest of the song. After playing the melody she bowed at him. He stood up from the grass and began to clap a big happy smile on his face. She hopped down from the playground dome and began to walk to him. He waited for her to completely approach him before placing both his hands on each of her shoulders.

(Ryoma) "As always that was amazing Kaori... "

(Kaori) -She smiled as she looked to her right then to her left at each of his hands as she bent her knees slightly gently dropping the violin and it's accessory into the little pink case that laid just on her left before standing straight again- "You mean it? You liked my performance... ?"

(Ryoma) "Liked it? -He shook his head- No"

(Kaori) -Her smile slowly began to fade- "You... you didn't... ?"

(Ryoma) "No, i didn't like it... I loved it Kaori" -He smiled at her as he closed his eyes-

(Kaori) -The smile returned stronger and brighter than ever as she laughed lunging forward into him wrapping her arms around his neck hugging him tightly laughing into his chest- "Thank you so much!"

(Ryoma) -He looked down at her smiling warmly as he placed his arms around her tiny waist leaning his head into hers closing his eyes- "You're welcome Kaori Miyazono... "

(Kaori) -She enjoyed the embrace a moment before pulling back a bit so she could look up at him-

(Ryoma) -He looked down at her moving his right hand from her waist up to her left cheek where he turned the back of his hand rubbing her cheek with the back of his fingers-

Kaori closed her Left eye as his fingers rubbed her cheek softly. After a moment her embrace tightened around him as she closed her eyes bringing her lips closer to his. But just before her lips could reach his the school bell rung and echoed loudly into his dream. He simply opened his eyes as his vision was blurry at first and began to clear up over time. He looked to his right over at the clock and realized it was time for lunch. {A dream then... ?} He sighed as he got up from his desk once again taking notice that Kaori's seat was empty. Tsubaki Ran over to him taking his right hand in her left hand.

(Tsubaki) "You're going to have lunch with us from now on Until Kaori comes back alright? -She shook her head- No even after Kaori comes back, the two of you can join us"

(Ryoma) -He just nodded his head and smiled faintly-

Tsubaki, Ryoma and Nao made their way to the school lunchroom where Kousei and Watari stood in line already. Tsubaki lead Ryoma and Nao to a spot just behind Kosei and watari cutting in front of those who were behind them.

Sumiya Lunchroom

(Kousei) -He sighed as he face palmed- "Tsubaki you can't just cut in front of people like that"

(Tsubaki) "Sure we can, the two of you were holding a spot for us!"

(Kousei) -He looked at the students who were behind the three- "I'm really sorry about her"

The students didn't seem to care and just continued to talk to each other and wait in line.

Room 316

Kaori just gazed outside of her room window deep in thought when the room door opened. A nurse holding a tray entered the room a friendly smile on her face. Kaori looked over in her direction and returned her friendly smile before shifting her attention to the tray that she held. {Oh goodie hospital food... It's better than nothing i suppose. I never thought i'd say this but i'd rather be having school food right about now. At least i would be with him... } The nurse handed her the tray and exited the room closing the door on her way out. Kaori stared into the tray before turning her attention to the heart monitor and iv machines that sat just beside. she then looked outside again. {I hope you're having a better time than i am... }

Sumiya Lunchroom

Kousei, Tsubaki, Watari, Nao, And Ryoma just ate lunch as the four took part in random conversations. Ryoma just ate his food quietly and listened. Tsubaki noticed he wasn't talking and tried to include him into the conversation. He looked up at everyone and just chuckled a bit. He said that he hadn't eaten breakfast and was hungry, he said he just wanted to eat quietly. They all just nodded and continued to talk among'st each other. {Did i just lie to my friends... ?} He shook his head and continued to eat. some time later the bell rung and it was time for recess. The students ran out of the lunchroom and headed outside excitedly the group included, except for Ryoma and Kousei who got up from the table slowly.

(Ryoma) "Headed to the music room Kousei?"

(Kousei) "Yeah i am actually, do you want to come and maybe get to know each other better?"

(Ryoma) "Yeah sure"

The two headed over to the schools music room which, as always was empty. Nothing but a few desks and chairs with a big black piano that sat in the middle of the room. Kousei sat at his usual desk and Ryoma sat in the one just in front of his. Kousei pulled out his little sky blue colored cellphone as he placed an earphone into his right ear. Ryoma pulled out his little purple cellphone and did the same and listened to an instrumental of dearly beloved Kingdom hearts. Kousei began to work on a piece of paper.

Sumiya Music room

(Ryoma) "what's that?"

(Kousei) "Hmm? Oh i like to transcribe songs by ear, it's fun i guess you could say"

(Ryoma) "I see... so what happened? Why don't you play the piano anymore? you know besides your mom and everything"

(Kousei) "... Some time after she was gone i entered this competition and while i was playing i felt like i was deep under water, at the bottom of the ocean. It was dark and scary and suddenly... i found myself unable to hear the notes i was playing. I just began to smash the keys but still couldn't hear anything. There that day i was 12 and i knew my days of playing the piano were done. That was nearly two years ago... "

(Ryoma) "Oh, that's rough buddy. i'm sorry to hear that"

(Kousei) "Nah I've gotten used to it i guess"

The two talked and got to know each other better and discussed when their birthdays were and such. They bonded more as friends. Ryoma told him that he would be headed to Kaori's bakery after class, and that Tsubaki had volunteered him to tag along. Kousei sighed before smiling and ultimately agreeing to tag along. After a while the bell rung and it was time for the last hour of class. Kousei and Ryoma shook hands before parting ways and heading off to their respective classroom's.

Classroom 4B began to fill up as Ryoma sat in his seat looking at Kaori's still empty desk being reminded yet again that she was absent. {I should try to focus this time i'm not trying to fail the 8th grade after all} Ryoma agreed to pay attention for fear of failure but in reality he just wanted a distraction because he knew after an hour he would be on his way to Kaori's bakery. He participated with the class even raised his hand at nearly every question that was asked.

He got them all correct and was even called to the board several times. The teacher as well as Tsubaki were rather impressed with his knowledge. Soon after, the bell finally rung. Tsubaki said her goodbyes to her best friend and explained she would be going some where with Ryoma and Kousei. The two met up with Kousei and headed off to Kaori's Bakery. They walked through the park and Ryoma instantly thought Kaori when he saw the spot they had spent hours together in. More specifically the spot the two had shared their first kiss.

And also it was the spot where Kaori beautifully played Twinkle Twinkle little star. The three finally reached Kaori's bakery. Ryoma placed his hand against the door and took a deep breath before pushing it open, The sound of the little bell hanging just over the door echoed around the shop. Upon hearing the bell Mr. Miyazono turned to face the customer, a big smile formed upon his lips for multiple reasons when he saw that it was Ryoma, His friends followed in just behind him. Mrs. Miyazono emerged from the backroom, her face lit up with joy the minute she saw Ryoma and his friends. Ryoma Bowed respectfully keeping his head down as he spoke.

Miyazono Bakery

(Ryoma) "Good afternoon Mr and Mrs. Miyazono"

Kousei and Tsubaki looked at each other before looking back over at Ryoma.

(Mr. Miyazono) "Ryoma Hakurei, welcome back to our shop, what can we do for you?"

(Ryoma) -He slowly stood straight keeping his hands at his sides- "Kaori... She didn't come to class today and i... well we were worried about her is everything alright... ?"

(Mr. Miyazono) -he looked at his wife before turning his attention back to the boy and his friends- "Kaori? Oh yeah she left town just this morning it's Her grandmother she's... really not doing well it seems and she really wanted to see Kaori considering she is her only grand daughter"

(Ryoma) "Oh i see... i'm sorry to hear that. But why aren't you over there with your mother as well... ?" If i was able to be by my mother's side during her last moments i would have stopped at nothing to be there"

(Mr. Miyazono) "... I uh, well i"

(Mrs. Miyazono) -She placed her arm around her husbands back- "It's not his mother, his mother died some time ago. It's mine. My mother wasn't happy with the choice i made. She didn't like him when i was a teenager so he and i ran away together. Let's just say my mother never forgave me. But she knew i had Kaori and she wanted to be a part of her life. And so there you have it"

(Ryoma) "I- i'm so sorry Mrs. Miyazono i really didn't mean to pry -he bows- please forgive me..."

(Mr and Mrs. Miyazono) "It's alright Ryoma" -They smiled-

(Ryoma) " ... ? I'm sure you had your differences but believe me you're going to wish she left on better terms. And i'm sorry if i'm speaking out of term but i think... i think you should go see your mom"

(Mrs. Miyazono) "Yeah... I was thinking the same thing, Thank you dear" -she smiled- "So! Would any of you like some sweets? On the house of course as thanks for the concern for our daughter.

Tsubaki ran to the counter and nodded her head happily "Yes please!" Kousei followed behind Tsubaki and stood beside her "If it's not too much trouble i'd like some thank you" Ryoma walked up to Mr. Miyazono as Kousei and Tsubaki tried sweets with his wife.

(Ryoma) "Mr. Miyazono?"

(Mr. Miyazono) "yes Ryoma, what can i do for you?"

(Ryoma) "Do you have a piece of paper and a writing tool that i could use?"

(Mr. Miyazono) "Hmm? Well let me see now -he dug around in a drawer beside him and found a notepad and a pencil- Ah here we are -He handed the pad and pencil to Him- Here you go"

(Ryoma) -He began to write some digits down on the notepad before handing it back over to him- "I bought a new phone yesterday and if you get into contact with Kaori could you please give her that for me?"

(Mr. Miyazono) -He looked at the paper with the phone number. It had "Ryoma :3" neatly written on the top- "Of course. If she calls tonight i'll be sure to pass it on don't worry"

(Ryoma) -He smiled and bowed happily- "Thank You so much you're the best!"

(Mr. Miyazono) "no problem -he laughed- but Ryoma? There really is no need for formalities, you can Call us by our first name. My name is Yoshiyuki and her name is Ryouko"

(Ryoma) "Oh really? It's an honor to be given that permission thank you -He smiled- May i call you Yoshi for short?"

(Yoshiyuki) -he nodded his head- "Yes you may. Now, what will you have Ryoma?"

(Ryoma) -He looked into the contents of the glass and smiled at the Canele's- "Well that's easy, i'll have some Canele's please"

(Yoshi) -He laughed as he reached for a little bag a bit bigger than the one given to him yesterday- "I'll give you extra so you can have some for Kaori too alright?"

(Ryoma) -He smiled as he nodded his head closing his eyes- "Yes sir!"

Yoshi handed the little brown bag to Ryoma just as Kousei and Tsubaki finished having sweets of their own. They thanked and prepared to leave the shop as they waited for Ryoma. He said his goodbyes to The two and thanked them for their hospitality. The three left the Bakery smiles on their faces and began to walk home where they discussed how amazing the sweets were. After some time they had made it home and the three hung out on Tsubaki's steps for a while. It began to get dark and so they went their separate ways and agreed to see each other in the following morning for school. Ryoma Entered the house where he shared his Canele's with Ayane and Katari. Ayane noticed his mood was different compared to yesterday night along with earlier that morning.

(Ayane) "Hey what's up? Is everything okay?"

(Ryoma) "Yeah why do you ask?"

(Ayane) "I'm not sure you seem, uh is disappointed the word?"

(Ryoma) "Oh that, well i was really hoping to see Kaori today but she wasn't in school. Turns out she's out of town visiting her grandma in the hospital, she isn't doing well i'm told"

(Ayane) "Aw that's so sad, but at least Kaori is there for her right? You'll see her when she comes back so chin up you hear?"

(Ryoma) "Yeah yeah i hear you. But hey i'm feeling kind of out of it today so i'm going to go ahead and shower and get to bed early today alright?"

(Ayane) "Oh, okay i hope you feel better in the morning -She wrapped her arms around her nephew hugging him tightly- "Goodnight"

(Ryoma) -He closed his eyes when she hugged him as he hugged her back- "goodnight Ayane"

He headed upstairs and took everything out of his pockets placing his items on his dresser. He then took his school attire off hanging it up. He took his contacts off and grabbed some pjs heading to the bathroom where he took a shower before coming back to his room and hopped right into bed. {Kaori i hope you're doing okay... }

Miyazono Residence

The Miyazono's closed up the bakery and hopped into the car and headed over to totsuhara hospital. They spoke about what they told Ryoma in the bakery with sadness in their tones. After a short drive they arrived at the hospital where they entered and headed to room 316.

Room 316

Kaori stood at the window as she looked outside, her blue eyes gazing up at the darkened night sky. She heard the door opening up behind her so she turned around. It was her parents. She walked back to the bed sitting on it.

(Yoshi) "Should you be up out of bed without the equipment attached?"

(Kaori) "I asked the nurse if i could stand and look out the window a while. I was getting tired of laying down all day she gave me the okay as long as it was for a sh-

The nurse walked back into the room as she saw that Kaori's parents had come to visit her. She hooked up the iv and heart monitor to Kaori before explaining to her parents that she wouldn't be able to go home for some time. She then exited the room.

(Kaori) "A short time -She sighed as she laid back down on the bed- "So... what did you guys tell him?"

(Ryouko) -She sat down on the bed beside her daughter- "You were right he stopped by with two other friends a girl named Tsubaki and Kousei Arima, he was there too. We pretended not to know who he was"

(Kaori) -She smiled as she laid back looking into the ceiling- "I knew he would come. But i didn't know Tsubaki and even Kosei would show up too. I guess they were worried"

(Yoshi) -He moved a chair that was near the door closer to the bed- "We uh, we told them that you were out of town visiting your grandmother"

(Ryouko) "He asked me why i wasn't there too considering she was my mother, i told him that she and i weren't on good terms. He... he told me i should still come over and work things out with her. He may be young but he seems to have suffered a lot you know?"

(Kaori) -She nodded her head- "Yeah... that's why i really don't want to be added on to that list... not even for my sake but for the two of you and him"

(Yoshi) "And you won't be"

Some time passed and the three just talked about random family memories and how they couldn't wait till Kaori was home again. She just wanted to get back to school to her friends. A few hours later it was time to get going. The two kissed Kaori goodbye and promised to come see her again tomorrow around the same time. Ryouko exited the room and Yoshi almost did too but he suddenly remembered Ryoma's request. He walked up to Kaori and handed her a little white piece of paper that was folded in half, he then left the room.

Kaori unfolded it and saw "Ryoma :3" neatly written with a phone number under it. She looked at the emote and began to laugh. It reminded her of the cat they had fed together. Moments Later she found herself looking at the hospital phone that sat only inches away from her bed. She sighed and drooped into the bed. "Kousei Arima was there too... ? Why is it that when i think of him i don't get the same feeling i used too? I'm still so grateful to him, he inspired me and till this day i want to play a duet with him and i want to be his friend, but... is that's all i want with him and nothing more?" She looked over at the phone again as she sat up turning to her right side using her right elbow to hold herself up on the bed. She pondered for a moment and then her left hand just began to reach for the phone. It hesitated but she knew she really wanted to talk to him. With a look of determination she grabbed the phone and began to Dial his number.