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CHAPTER TEN
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"So where are you born?" Nami asked, thus the start of her interview.
"London," Stephen answered. Despite of the fact that one of his arms seems injured, he was the one driving the car and he drove perfectly fine as if he has no injury at all. "But I come here from time to time to visit some relatives,"
"Eh? You have relatives here?" Nami asked, clearly not expecting the answer for some reason, "So you are a half-Japanese?"
"That's right," Stephen answered, "My mother was Japanese and my father was Spanish. How they end up in London, I don't know."
"Was?" Apparently, Nami didn't miss the sudden use of past-tense in Stephen's sentence. Shoko involuntarily took a glance at the rear view mirror incase, Stephen looks at it. Unfortunately he just kept his eyes on the road.
"They're both dead," Stephen said simply
"Oh, sorry." Nami apologized, looking down obviously feeling sympathetic for the young lad. Kahoko too, was feeling sorry for him.
"So, how did you get to know Fuuyumi-chan?" Kahoko asked, in an attempt to change the subject. Then she gave a giggle as she continued, "Don't tell me you just kept seeing her after that incident in the park,"
Fortunately, Stephen was good in going on with the flow and was relived at the change of subject. He let out a chuckle at Kahoko's second question because, in a way, that was actually true.
"Well, you could say that." Stephen answered, "Our paths kept crossing each other after that incident. As it turns out Shoko-san's family is a friend of our family. You see my grandfather and her father are buddies before Shoko-san and I were even born,"
Finally Nami regained her composure and acted like her old self again, "Are you Fuuyumi-chan's boyfriend then?" she asked
"Amou-sempai," Shoko immediately protested despite herself
"What? I'm just asking," Nami answered defensively with a playful smirk. Then she turned her attention again to Stephen, "Well, are you?"
Stephen glanced at her on the rear view mirror before adverting his gaze, "No, I'm not"
Nami raised both eyebrows, "Oh?"
"Not unless you have a different definition of a 'boyfriend', I'm not" Stephen answered with a chuckle as he glanced once again at the rear view mirror to look at his passengers. Well, he was telling the truth, "So where is our first stop?"
"Can we go to a music store before entering town, it's just a few blocks away from that street intersection," Kahoko said, "I need to buy a new set of strings for my violin, I had a feeling that one of the strings will snap if I played one more piece,"
"Of course, like I said, I'm just your driver for today" Stephen answered
"Nyah, Kahoko-chan is working too much," Nami commented as she nudges the violinist playfully
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Under Kahoko's instructions, they finally reached their first destination in less than ten minutes. The music store wasn't large, yet it wasn't that small either, just the normal size. Stephen made sure the car is in a safe position and safely locked, he followed the three girls inside the music store. The insides of the store weren't as flashy as the other music stores he has been too but it was well enough.
"Good day, youngsters." the old store keeper greeted as he set aside a couple of small boxes off the counter once he saw the new comers, "How may I help you?"
"A new set of violin strings please," Kahoko answered cheerfully, lifting her violin case a little higher for emphasis.
The old man adjusted his spectacles. When he realized who his current costumer is, he immediately beamed, "Oh Hino-san, it's you. Wait right here,"
And with that said, he went at the far back of the store, disappearing into his costumer's view. In order to pass time, Shoko and Nami of them scanned the room for something interesting - or in Shoko's case, a possible gift - while Kahoko sat on a nearby stool. Stephen on the other hand just stared at the grand piano in the hall, is mind obviously somewhere else.
"You play Suichiro-kun?" Kahoko asked, pulling Stephen back to reality.
"No. I -"
Kahoko interrupted with a small uncertain smile, "Lili told me that you can,"
"So you can see that thing too huh?" Stephen muttered before sighing in relief, and then he gave Kahoko a sheepish smile, "I thought I was going crazy,"
"It's a little hard to take in all in, at least you're a little calmer than me when I first saw him," Kahoko answered, feeling sheepish herself remembering her first encounter with the fairy. When she looked at Stephen he was looking at her inquiringly; probably wondering how she knew how he reacted, "He told me everything from how you reacted to how up to walked off,"
Stephen frowned at the word walked off. He was just not fond of retelling that part of his past so he just did whatever means necessary to avoid it.
"So do you really play?" Kahoko asked
"Yeah, I used to play once…a long time ago," Stephen answered glumly
"Why did you stop then?" Nami asked who apparently chose this moment to appear and overheard the conversation. Luckily she didn't hear all about Lili.
Stephen shook his head a little too playfully, "I'm not telling,"
"Why not?" Nami whined, with a matching foot stomp
"So you are not playing again?" Kahoko asked, hoping to hear him say that he changed his mind and will continue to play.
But apparently that was not the case.
Stephen shook his head and shrugged, "No one wants to hear me play anyway,"
"I would," Shoko answered, surprising everyone in the room. For once she didn't blush or feel inferior about it. She just stared at him innocently, as if it was just a normal statement to be said. The glint in her eyes told everyone who can see them that she meant what she said. "And I'm sure Kaho-sempai and Amou-sempai would like to as well,"
Stephen, the great de Faunte heir, was lost of words so he just continued to stare at her while their other two companions were smiling in their minds. Surely Shoko was opening up. She's not the usual shy girl they've meet.
Just then, before the silence gets awkward, the old store keeper chose this time to appear carrying the strings Kahoko asked for, "Here you go Hino-san."
Kahoko took the strings and thanked his as she fished out for her wallet to pay for the strings but Stephen already paid for it before Kahoko could even pull out an amount. She was about to protest when the sound of a bell that was hung above the door to alert the store keeper if there is a coming costumer rang. Then a familiar looking person walked in carrying a couple of boxes in his arms.
"Tsuchiura-kun," the red-haired violinist greeted.
"Hello everyone," the pianist greeted back as he set the boxes on the counter and faced the puzzled store keeper, "Mother wants me to give you this,"
The store keeper smiled and gave the pianist a nod, "Thank you, Ryo-kun"
Ryotaro just gave a small nod in response to that then placed his hands in his pockets, "Well I better go. I didn't expect to be a delivery person this day. Have a nice day Hino-san, Amou-san, Fuuyumi-san and…." Then he paused for a moment when he realized Stephen was there. Of course he knew who this guy is, having seen him during the ice skating incident and he also saw him earlier that day picking up the girls, but apparently he doesn't know his name.
Stephen seems to catch that so he just smiled, extending a hand and said, "I'm Stephen Suichiro,"
"I'm Ryotaro Tsuchiura," the pianist answered and shook the hand. He nodded and once again, he repeated his goodbye, "Well then see yah,"
A few minutes after the green-haired pianist left, Kahoko sighed and told her companions, "We better get going too,"
"Visit anytime soon," the store keeper said with a huge smile as he waved them goodbye
"We will," Kahoko and Nami said together as they followed Shoko and Stephen out of the store.
Stephen opened the door for his passengers, with Nami going in first followed by Kahoko. Shoko, on the other hand, seems to be a little detached from the present world as she was lost in thought about something.
"Is something wrong Shoko-san?" Stephen asked, sounding obviously concerned.
Shoko looked at him for a second before looking down, "Nothing,"
Stephen raised an eyebrow in a i-can-see-right-through-you-manner and said, "I can tell that there is something that's bothering you,"
Being the terrible liar she is, Shoko just resolved into telling the truth, "Your wrists….are you -"
"You're worried about me? Is that what's troubling you?" Stephen interrupted her rant with an amused smile. Then he gave a chuckle, before giving her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry I'm fine and thank you for worrying. Now in you go,"
Seeing no choice, Shoko obeyed.
"So where's our next destination?" Stephen asked when he got in the car.
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As it turns out, the next destination was the mall. The two girls dragged Shoko along with them in search of a suitable outfit for the concert. Of course, Stephen came along with them. Normally guys around his age would be happy to be excused from doing this kind of thing but Stephen experienced worse shopping trips than this one, so he decided to go along with the flow.
Though he can't place a reason why he is doing it
"How can you hide something like that from us Fuuyumi-chan?" Nami whined,
They were trying on some outfits. The two girls already picked their dresses while the young clarinetist is still trying hers on. Stephen that time excused himself due to a sudden phone call and went outside the shop.
"Eh?" came Shoko's reply from the changing room
"How come you're going out with such a good-looking guy and not tell us?" Nami whined again with a pout that made Kahoko laugh. They could tell that the young clarinetist is blushing behind those thick curtains at that statement.
"They didn't say they were going out, Amou-san." Kahoko stated with a smile. Nami sighed dejectedly.
"Yeah, I know but still…." Then she trailed off. But she still continued to make her point. That is one thing about Nami Amou.
"That look he always give Fuuyumi-chan…it's…different….like a hidden love…or more like an unrealized love," she said, glancing at where the white-haired lad was sitting earlier before he went outside.
After a few more minutes, Shoko finally decided to show her companions the dress she picked. It was a perfect match of royal blue and pink with a less sophisticated design compared to her senior's dress but it did suit her well. Taking a deep breath in, Shoko drew the curtains.
The sound made her companions stop their conversation to look at her.
"Fuuyumi-chan," Kahoko exclaimed, "You look beautiful,"
"True…true…" Nami agreed with a satisfied look and a few nods. Then she turned to Stephen who just arrived a few minutes before Shoko drew the curtains. Nami had to bit her lip to keep herself from smiling at the young lad's reaction. He was still staring at Shoko, simply looking awestruck for some reason. But of course, Nami couldn't help but smile despite of her attempts not to. It was just impossible at some way.
"Well, what do you think Suichiro-kun?"
Stephen looked at her for a second as if trying to recall what she said. Then she looked back at Shoko who was feeling a little self-conscious now.
"I like it," Stephen said with cheerful smile, "It suits you well Shoko-san,"
Nami and Kahoko passed knowing glances but chose not to say a word. There is something between the two that they couldn't place. It was a little more than a simple friendship but less than a lover's relationship.
After that, the group went on their separate ways when Shoko told the other that she will be looking for Christmas gifts. Of course, Stephen automatically said he will go with her while Kahoko and Nami just smiled and went somewhere else in the mall, with an agreement that they will meet at the parking lot an hour later.
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"Books eh?" Stephen said, raising an eyebrow curiously.
Shoko gave a timid nod, "I'm buying one for Shimizu-kun,"
"Oh, that blonde guy earlier" Stephen said, both eyebrows raised now. Shoko gave another nod as her answer.
Stephen shifted his gaze and looked at the contents of her bag, "And you're buying gifts for all of your friends," he added, noticing the various Christmas themed stuffs in her shopping basket. His suspicion received another nod from the young clarinetist as an answer.
Stephen grinned playfully, "Wow, Shoko-san is so thoughtful,"
Shoko blushed a little at that statement, making Stephen chuckle lightly.
"Suichiro-kun, why did you call Shimizu-kun young master Shimizu earlier?" Shoko asked when they came across another section of books
"Because, that's what he is." Stephen answered, sounding like it is the most obvious answer in the world. Then he shrugged and pulled out a random book from the shelf. He read the title and smiled, "You can get this one for him. It seems interesting,"
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After an hour, as promised, they all met in the parking lot. As expected, Shoko's two seniors bought Christmas gifts as well. After the two seniors stated that, they got what they need Stephen opened the car door and drove them home.
"Shoko-san," Stephen began as they were nearing Nami's house, which was a couple of blocks away, "I'll be heading back to London tonight. Grandfather said I'm needed there for some reason,"
Shoko looked away from the window to the rear view mirror, as if she was expecting that Stephen was looking at it. Unfortunately he wasn't, "When will you be back?"
"I don't know. Grandfather didn't specify," Stephen answered then he glanced at the rear view mirror just in time to meet the clarinetist's eye, "But I'll be back for the Christmas concert. I promise,"
Shoko gave a small nod while unknown to her, her seniors were exchanging knowing glances at each other.
"Besides, you will need an escort for the ball," Stephen added as he stopped the car in front of Nami's house. Of course, Nami didn't get off the car without giving a delighted squeal at what Stephen said, making Shoko blush.
Then again, they sat in a comfortable silence till they reached Kahoko's house. The violinist bade them goodbye before smiling at Shoko as she closed the door.
"Grandfather is asking what endearment am I using when I call you since we're, you know, engage and all. I have no idea why he asked that question but since he was actually waiting for a reply I just blurted out that I now refer to you as my princess," Stephen said as he continued to drive, giving Shoko an apologetic smile through the rear view mirror just in time to see her blush at what he just called her. "Sappy I know but it's the first thing I thought of. Sorry, Shoko-san"
"I just gave you a little heads-up on that matter in case he asked you the same thing," he added, eyes back on the road once again
Then after a few moments he glanced back at the mirror. "Is it alright if I call you princess from time to time?"
Shoko blushed but gave a nod nevertheless.
Stephen gave a relieved smile, "Thanks Shoko-san,"
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"Oh, I almost forgot," Stephen said all of the sudden after closing the car door behind Shoko when they finally arrived at their house, "Where did I put that thing?"
He kept patting his pockets for something and stopped when he searched the contents of the pocket in his jacket. He took something out and hid it behind his back.
"I heard you made it in the Golden Notes Competition," Stephen said
Shoko gave a small nod, "Y...yeah, I did,"
"I'm so proud of you," Stephen exclaimed, beaming proudly at her, "And I can see the reason why your parents are so proud of you too."
Shoko blushed at those words. She immediately looked down, "I didn't expect that I'll be included in the competition. There are so many musicians who are much better than -"
"Shhh," Stephen said, placing a finger gently on her lips to stop her rant. As expected, Shoko wasn't expecting this so she stayed stun for a while. It is only when Stephen removed his finger did she start regaining her composure.
"It's not good to deride yourself most of the time Shoko-san. You were chosen because they saw what makes you so special," Stephen said,
"But there are still lots of musicians out there who are much better than me," Shoko answered,
Stephen gave a small smile, "Well maybe fate decided that you will be chosen,"
Before she could answer, Stephen took her gloveless right hand and placed something around her wrist. It was a silver bracelet with music notes made of crystal as its emblem.
"Perfect fit," Stephen said before letting go of her hand.
Stephen couldn't help but smile at Shoko's reaction. She was still staring at her wrist where the bracelet was as if she is in a trance. Then she examined the emblems; each was a different kind of music note and there was also a treble-clef and a G-clef emblem.
Shoko looked up to him bewilderedly, "Suichiro-kun…why -"
"Take it as a gift for doing a job well done," Stephen answered quickly, with his best smile
"But I couldn't possibly -"
"And also for doing your best, for being true to yourself and for joining the Golden Notes Competition," Stephen added
"But I -" but Stephen placed his finger once again on her lips to silence her. After he was sure that she was not going blurt out her protest he removed his finger.
"Then consider it as a good luck charm then. Whenever you perform, it will serve as a reminder that there is someone who is cheering you on; believing on you till the end," he said with reassuring smile, "That plus the fact that I worked so hard in finding a gift for you,"
Shoko was silent; mainly because she didn't know what to say. This is the first time something like this happened to her. After a few moments her brain finally started to function properly again.
"Thank you, Suichiro-kun." Shoko said, but that statement was immediately accompanied by another protest, "But I didn't buy a gift for you. I was planning on buying something a few days ago but I just couldn't decide what to -"
Stephen placed his finger once again on her lips to silence her, with his reassuring smile, "You don't need to get me anything,"
"Just do you best in the concert and the competition and that will be your gift to me," he added as he removed his finger on her lips.
Then he gave her one of his rare sincere smiles to reassure her. Before Shoko could stop herself, her brain ordered her lips to smile back. Then before either of them could say word, a cellphone rang from Stephen's pocket.
Stephen rolled his eyes in exasperation, "And nothing like a stupid phone call to break the mood,"
He dug out his cellphone from his pocket and looked at the caller ID. He frowned a little before ignoring the call.
"It's Leonard. I better get going or he'll do something stupid," he said
"Take care, Suichiro-kun." Shoko heard herself say before she could stop herself. Then mustering up enough courage, Shoko looked at him and smiled, her best sweet smile that one rarely sees, "And thank you. For everything."
For a moment, Stephen just stared at her. It was his first time to see her smile like that. Regaining his composure, Stephen smiled sincerely back at her as he took a step closer to her. He took her hand, the one where he placed the bracelet around her wrist. Shoko felt her cheeks grow hot but she mustered all her courage not to look away.
"I should be the one thanking you, princess," he answered, gently lifting her hand up and without taking his eyes off her, he kissed her hand lightly; making Shoko blush even more.
There was another ring from Stephen's phone. Stephen lowered Shoko's hand and let go of it but his smile was still there. He held one finger up, indicating to wait for a moment and answered the ringing phone. He didn't even bother to say something when he pressed the receiver. Shoko could practically hear the caller yelling his rant from where she is standing. Stephen gave an exasperated sigh before ending the call, cutting off the caller before he could even finish what he was yelling.
"Yeah, I should really be going" he said then he turned to Shoko and smiled, "Take care of yourself while I'm gone, alright princess?"
Shoko gave a timid nod while Stephen chuckled at her actions.
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