Chapter up! It's longer than the usual. I was too carried away to write something long, so here's the end product. Sorry if I updated later than the usual. Read and review!

Thank you for every single one out there who reviewed the last chapter. Bear hug! And song preview. Haha. [: It inspired me a lot in writing this chapter, and it fits the story, I think. Well, point out the mistakes for me here, a'right?

Disclaimer: Don't sue, not the owner. :)

---

And the hardest part of living

Is just taking breaths to stay

- Miserable at Best / Mayday Parade


Kahoko was fidgeting in her seat, crossing and uncrossing her legs once in a while. Azuma and Aoi decided to come with her because they're worried about her sanity. This morning, she was pacing at the music room. If Aoi didn't arrive, she would've made a hole at the floor.

"Kahoko. You're too tense. loosen up a bit." Aoi was sitting casually, his hand behind his bed. The green-eyed blond was just watching his cousin. When Azuma shared to him what happened yesterday, it took everything he had not to run to Kahoko's house. He knew he was overreacting, but it's needed.

"G-Gomen." Kahoko tried to divert her attention outside. She looked great in her vintage green gown. It complemented her hair color.

"Relax. Just remember, it's just a program. Play with your heart and don't pressure yourself too much." Aoi patted her leg before getting his iPod. Kahoko did as he said. It's just a program. She chanted again and again in her head.

She was a nervous wreck. The venue, her dress, the piece, it's felt like dejavu. Her dress was on the same color as the one she wore during that night. They played a duet of Ave Maria that night. The location was the same where they held the dance.

Azuma didn't talk. He just stared at the window, trying to think of ways on how to reveal what he knew. For a long time, he didn't talk about what he found out. It hurt him to see Kahoko as a weak, fragile girl, but it's not yet the right time. He asked help and formulated a plan with his brothers. It turned out that they didn't know anything about it.

He wasn't afraid to confront the woman who make him the man he was today. His parents took care of his elder brothers more than him and Miyabi, that's why they didn't know anything. He was a independent person; imposing wasn't really his thing. This thing could prove that he could handle himself without his parents. Not that he didn't love them, it's just that they ignored him. He's just returning the favor.

He turned to Kahoko who had her eyes closed. She was sleeping. They're still going to stay at the vehicle for a long time, so he didn't woke her up. She looked so peaceful, her curled hair up in a bun, some pieces framing her face. All the worried and hurting were unnoticeable when her mind was far away.

"She really looks good today." Aoi commented, a smile gracing his lips. Like Azuma, he was so worried about her. Every time she sees that blue-haired violinist, they knew she was panicking inside. It was rare to see her in this state. Aoi fought the urge to take his camera and took a picture. It'd be rude.

"She really is." Azuma tucked some fallen strands behind her ear. She really was a member of Yunoki family. Her facial features, her expressive amber eyes, and those luscious lips, all were similar to her mother. Both men felt jealousy and sadness as they watched her. She's never going to be theirs, and even if they weren't cousins it'd be impossible.

"You know. I should be angry with you with all that staring you're doing, but I couldn't resist looking at her too." Aoi said, brushing Kahoko's cheek before leaning back to his seat.

"Who couldn't resist such elegance?" Azuma smirked, crossing his arms above his chest. They were sitting in front of each other, just observing the changes in another's emotions.

"You know that if she isn't related to me, I will pursue her heart? I'm not a clean player when it comes to someone I really like." Aoi challenged Azuma.

"Who says I play clean? You know me. Even though there's a mob of girls pushing themselves to me, I won't pick them. If I want someone, whether she feels the same or not, I'm going to get her." The evilness in Azuma aroused.

"So you're saying that even though Kahoko's your cousin, you'll fight Len for her until the end?" Aoi's voice was filled with amusement. He enjoyed ticking Azuma with his remarks. The purple-haired bishounen wouldn't give up to him. He's his closest rival, and even though they're cousins, there's no closure when it came to his plans.

"Do I have to state the obvious?" Azuma said with sarcasm, getting a bottled water and drinking for a while.

"If you still feel strongly for her, why are you willing to give everything away even if you won't get anything to return?" Aoi snapped. His temper really reached its peak when it comes to Azuma.

"How can you say that I feel strongly for her?" Azuma raised an eyebrow, hiding his surprise. Aoi didn't need to know his weakness.

"Simple. It's not obvious, but a person perceptive enough could catch up with someone as sneaky as you." Aoi answered like it's nothing. Azuma chuckled darkly.

"So perceptive, eh? Well, I should give you credit for that." He tried to muffle his humorless laughter.

"By the way, to answer your question, I'll get something big in return." He added as they reached the main city's limits.

---

"The performances will go as follows. The freshmen, then Hihara-kun, Yunoki-kun, Kaji-kun, Tsuchiura-kun, then the final duet. The board of teachers wants the best for last. I don't expect failure from the two of you." Our principal looked at Kahoko and Len pointedly before going to his seat. Everyone took a deep breath after he walked out, except for the confident ones.

Kahoko went with Shouko back to the dressing room. The younger girl was paler than usual. Kahoko placed her hand on her shoulder, calming her down.

"It's fine Shouko. You can do it." Kahoko smiled at her.

"A-Arigatou Kaho-senpai." Shouko smiled before getting her clarinet. Kahoko sat at the table, her legs swinging. Her eyes wandered at the room, trying to remove the thoughts in her head.

The red-head was still nervous after practicing the piece a lot of times. She wasn't the one who likes attention, and she's easily embarrassed. Playing in front of a big audience was her dream. Of course in time, she knew that she'll be brave enough to walk confidently onstage, but now, it's a big no.

Len was a big factor. He wasn't the type of person who easily lets a mistake pass by. After Kahoko trained under him before, she knew that the prodigy could detect even the smallest of her mistakes. Both were attuned to each other's music, and that's what made Kahoko's heart beat fasten. She didn't want to be a shame with him. The girl knew that she had to prove herself -- that she could reach the level of music Len attained.

---

Shouko went out of the room silently so she won't disturb Kahoko. The sea-green haired freshman knew what's bothering her senpai, and she decided not to ask her. As she walked at the hallway, she bumped to Keiichi.

"A-Ano. G-Gomen K-Keiichi." She stammered, aware of her rosy cheeks. She was blushed not just from embarrassment, but because of her feelings, too.

"No need to apologize, Shouko. I am not looking.. on where I'm going." Keiichi replied in his usual sleepy voice. Shouko looked up, and find Keiichi smiling softly to her. Good thing her mind remembered to function.

"E-Eh. K-Keiichi. L-Let's go n-now." She took his hand. Keiichi's hold tightened as they went to the backstage.

"I w-wonder what's wrong w-with.. T-Tsukimori-s-senpai." He was sleepy, but worry could be heard in his voice.

"W-Why?" Shouko asked, her interest suddenly perked up.

"I don't know. I don't want to ask, he might get angry. We all know he's not the same as before." He explained, resting his head in Shouko's shoulder. He isn't the same person that Kaho-senpai loved. She just patted his blond locks, letting out a frustrated sigh.

"You both look cozy there. Hurry now. You're going to perform first." Kanazawa-sensei mocked the two, winking before disappearing at the other side. Keiichi just laughed a little in his sensei's comment.

"Come on now." Shouko tried to ignore Kanazawa's comment and her blazing cheeks. Too much for being sleepy, dear Keiichi.

"Off with you my lady." Keiichi kissed the back of Shouko's hand before his arms snaked around her shoulders. Shouko titled her head, looking at her lover.

"W-When did you learn that?" She was flushed, yet smiling.

"We are talking about some.. cheesy lines Ryoutaro-senpai prepared for Nami-senpai. I guess." He yawned. "I guess it sounds nice."

"Well. W-We'll t-talk about i-it. L-Later."

---

The earlier performances were wonderful. Everyone enjoyed the music. The principal, who usually looks mad, had a smile in his face. The participants really gave their best and made everyone happy. When Ryoutaro exited the stage, Kahoko looked back.

"Calm down, Kahoko. It's going to be alright." Ryoutaro gave her an assuring hug before going to a full make-out session with Nami. The others were smart enough not to watch.

"Ryoutaro is right. You'll do great there, Kaho dear." Azuma teased, which earned a chuckle from Aoi and a playful glare from Kahoko. The red-haired wasn't one who held grudges.

"Hino-san. Tsukimori-kun is going to enter from the other side. Now do your worst." Kanazawa gave her a little push. Kahoko nearly stumbled, but she balanced herself. She took a deep breath, and walked to the stage.

The audience started murmuring as Kahoko entered the stage. She could clearly hear their words. Isn't that Seisou's most famous couple? They played together before, right? They really match.. Do you know that Tsukimori's son got in a car accident? I heard they're official.. Those words didn't escape Kahoko, but she didn't mind about them. Her attention was all focused on the guy walking opposite her.

Len looked stunning in his black suit. There's an aura of authority and pride when you looked closer. He almost gasped loudly when she saw what Kahoko's wearing. The dress wrapped in her body, showing her curves. Everything was nothing for the two. They were wrapped in their own world.

When they reached the center, everyone went silent. They acknowledged each other with a simple nod, add a smile from Kahoko, and their bows hit the strings.

Notes from the music sheet of Ave Maria floated in the air as the two played. The audience watched in awe, too absorbed by the music. Len didn't play the same way as usual, instead, the notes were softer. Kahoko played with all her heart, thinking about the past year and pouring her heart. Though at times the emotions were opposite, they blended well.

After the performance, they were given a standing ovation. When they're about to bow, Len grabbed Kahoko's hand and looked in her eyes. She smiled slightly, and they both bowed. The other performers joined them and bowed too.

Everyone was so happy when they went back to the backstage. They still kept on talking about the performances, and how great the finale is. Len suddenly disappeared after the performance, which left Kahoko to be bombarded by the questions and compliments.

"I'm going to change into more comfortable clothes first." She walked away, waving at her friends. The green dress wasn't exactly the best thing to wear, and so does the green stilettos. When she reached the room, she placed the violin case at the table and removed the killer heels. She was concentrating on how to walk with the blisters when the door suddenly opened.

"Hino." Len called from the door. Kahoko looked at him, and motioned him to enter. He was holding a band-aid.

"How did--" She stopped when Len took her feet and rubbed it. He stared at the bruise for a while before putting the band-aid. Neither of them talked.

"You have to take care of you feet too. Not because you use your hands in playing doesn't mean you should neglect other parts of your body." Len scolded, opening the cabinet to get Kahoko's paper bag. He pulled out the flip flops and set it in her feet. Kahoko was tongue-tied.

"I'll wait for you at the garden." He walked away, shutting the door. Her cheeks were burning red, and it put her hair color to shame. She hurriedly changed to a dark pink skirt, white spaghetti shirt and gray sweater before going to the garden.

She have thought about ways to slow down, anything to delay their meeting. The hours of mentally preparing herself wasn't enough. The simple thought of meeting with him made her nervous. She was used to this before. Finally, after that long walk, she reached the door.

The wind blew Strong as Kahoko walked out. The sweater didn't help much to warm her, since it's thin. Kahoko ignored her surroundings and walked to the meeting place. It's now or never.

The moon casted the light on Len's still form, as if he's on the spotlight. Since Kahoko came from his right side, she could see what he's wearing. The formal wear was replaced by a gray polo shirt, white jacket, dark washed jeans, and designer shoes. He looked.. Dashing. Len noticed her presence and looked back to the moon.

"So. I'm here now. What do you want to talk about." She walked by his side and copied his pose.

"Tell me about yourself before you return here in Seisou." His voice meant business. Kahoko shifted her weight in her left leg.

"I am a general-education student. I joined the concours by demand even though I'm an amateur. There's nothing much to know." She shrugged, not knowing what to say. She didn't have to inform him about their past.

"How did you meet Amou-san and Tsuchiura-kun?" She gulped.

"They are fellow general education students. Nami.. she's a good friend. We met when she followed me at out department and asked me if I'm the general student participant at the concert. Ryoutaro is my one of my best friends. He played the piano when my accompanist ditched me during the first selection." She winced internally at the memory. Even though Mori and Kahoko were good friends after talking about matters, that incident was still in her mind, reminding her of how she started.

"And the others?" He wanted to know what was up with Azuma staring at Kahoko and the blond guy, which he recently knew as Aoi Kaji. Hihara Kazuki wasn't really as close as the two to Kahoko, though they looked way too comfortable to his liking last time.

"They were my friends, good ones. Shouko, her boyfriend Keiichi, and Kazuki. Azuma and Aoi are my cousins, and I'm so unlucky yet lucky at the same time." She groaned, thinking about the time they learned that they're related. The two were looking at each other murderously. If looks could kill, both would be ashes in the ground. Kahoko came to the rescue, and they talked about their problems.

"Cousins?" He raised his eyebrow. Deep inside, he was relieved that she didn't share any intimate connection with the two. He could see everyday the mob of fans flocked behind them every time they smile.

"Yes. My mom is a Yunoki before she married my dad. Aoi's mom is their cousin. My mom despised my grandmother so much because she was setting her to an arranged marriage. She escaped with my dad and they got married. Unfortunately, my dad died way back when I was still young." Kahoko was retelling him this story again. Her heart ached when she mentioned her dad's death. She loved him dearly, but he left.

"How about us?" Kahoko's heart skipped a beat when he mentioned the last word. She didn't answer, not knowing what to say. Her emotions went haywire as she tried to dig in her mind for a good and plausible explanation, but her mind was void.

"Will this pictures help?" Len took a stuffed envelope and opened it. He presented to her their pictures. They were sometimes touching, some just standing, then there were stolen shots of them kissing or cuddling. Her eyes widened.

"I.. I" She was dumbfounded. Where did he find the pictures? How come he has them? Is Hamai Misa responsible for this? What is his reaction when he first saw it? Why the sudden interest? Questions began to swin in her mind. She couldn't get a grip. Len impatiently shook her shoulders.

"Answer me. What's between the two of us before?" He sounded like he's in pain. She fought the urge to wrap her arms around him like before. Len just stared at her, waiting. He was caught by surprise when something warm was pressed in his lips.

Kahoko's lips were soft and warm. She didn't shove her tongue in his throat like some slut would do. She just planted a soft but sweet kiss. Kahoko didn't know what to say, so it's better this way. Her wild side finally gave up.

Len was frozen on spot, not grasping the fact that Kahoko was kissing him. Her lips were the ones he's craving for a long time now. He wanted to deepen it and show to her how hard it is to wait for that. He couldn't place the same thing in his mind, but he's sure this happened before. He was about to cup her face to deepen the kiss when Kahoko let go.

"I hope that answers your question." She ran away, as fast as her legs could muster, not wanting Len to hear her sobs.


Good or not so good?

I'm speechless. :x Just review!