A/N: Wunderbar! Wonderful!
I finally edited the next chapter. I apologize for the delayed updates. But I'm really busy with school (as usual) and I will be even busier in the next month so expect longer updates despite the fact that this story is already ending. ;P
Happy reading!
Oh, and can I just say... Heath Ledger is the best! I looooooove his portrayal of Joker. Genius, I tell you! Genius!
.
.
.
PREVIOUSLY
.
.
.
"Do you want to watch the rehearsal?"
In any way, she would decline such invitation. She thought that it wasn't the right time for her to mingle with them. But that look on Len's face, especially his eyes, reflected some sort of sincerity that it became harder for her to decide. However…
"No."
"No?" Misa was bemused. Len, on the other hand, looked stricken.
"I mean, I can't. I have to go overtime for an hour or so at school. I would've wanted to go though." The young woman laughed tensely.
"Then how about dinner?" Len suddenly said to redeem himself. "After rehearsal, we could go and have dinner? We'll pick you up from school and go someplace to eat." Misa nodded in agreement.
"That is a good idea. Kaho-san, what do you think?"
Everyone looked at her expectantly. Kahoko sighed and gave a small smile. I don't have a choice now, do I?
"Sure, why not?"
Misa laughed melodiously and Keiichi joined in with his own giggling. Len, who has been holding his breath, released a heavy sigh in relief.
.
.
.
CHAPTER 11
.
.
.
"Mom, we're home." Placing her coat on the rack beside the doorway, Kahoko made her way to the kitchen. Keiichi already went upstairs after greeting his grandmother.
"Hello, dear. How was the concert and dinner? I see Keiichi is in a good mood." Mrs. Hino greeted once Kahoko entered.
"He's always in a good mood when he comes home, mom." She took a seat on one of the wooden high stools. She looked at her mother as she walked from the cupboards to the sink to the refrigerator and back. "I didn't know you and Misa-san were much acquainted with each other."
Mrs. Hino laughed and took two cups from the cupboard and poured some warm liquid from the teapot. After adding in some chocolate powder into the cups, she sat across Kahoko and placed one of the cups in front of the young woman.
"Here's some hot chocolate, just the way you like it."
"Thanks, mom. Look, I heard from Misa-san that you two planned out some dates and outings for me, Keiichi and Len. Why didn't you tell me?" Kahoko said, ignoring the cup served to her.
"Well, for one, you were too slow."
Gee, feels like déjà vu, Kahoko thought sarcastically.
"And, two, you're just too stubborn." Mrs. Hino finished and took a sip from her cup.
"Me? Stubborn?" the girl replied in disbelief.
"Yes. You had every chance the past few weeks to come up to Len and talk to him about this. But, no, you just had to delay everything and made things even more complicated. Now you are making poor Hihara-san wait by keeping his hopes up and telling him that you'll 'think about it.'" Mrs. Hino gave out a dramatic sigh. "Seriously, Kaho, I didn't know you had it in you to make a man wait—"
"Mom! How could you eavesdrop on such a private conversation?!" Kahoko said, eyes blazing.
"I did not eavesdrop, dear. I merely heard your conversation while I was on my way to the laundry room."
"But, mom, you heard something that's supposed to be only between me and Kazuki-kun."
"Well, I'm sorry, okay? I couldn't help but overhear your little—chat."
"Fine. You're forgiven. Now, back to what we talked about a while ago. I'm not stubborn, okay? I was just waiting for the right time to talk to him and work things out."
"When is the right time, Kahoko?" the younger woman looked at her mother, dumbfounded by the simple question directed at her.
"The right time meaning time enough to think things over..."
"So, you mean to say that you two will just sit and wait until things fall into place? Wait until everything will be alright? Is that the 'right time' you're talking about?" Kahoko kept silent and stared at her cup of hot chocolate as her mind wallowed in shame. Mrs. Hino looked at Kahoko in pity and took her daughter's hand in hers. "Kaho-chan, I can imagine how confused your heart is at the moment. But, please, believe me when I say this: it's not good to wait for a chance to do something right when, in fact, it's already undeniably being offered to you and you just didn't get it because of reluctance and the fear of rejection. If you know what's best for your child, do it, give it your all and never hesitate. Look at me."
She lifted Kahoko's chin with two fingers to face her.
"Everything I did for you from birth up until this moment, I did it because I love you and I want what's best for you. Now, I want you to do the same for your child."
Kahoko nodded as tears welled in her eyes. Her mother smiled in response, believing in her daughter that she will do what's right.
"Mom, I need your advice." Kahoko suddenly said.
"What is it, dear?"
"Do you think Keiichi needs a father?"
Her mother laughed.
"Any child will always need a father figure to guide him through life. Regardless of stability, whether financial or emotional, the child will persistently look for a father figure, consciously or not, in a person who can provide it." Mrs. Hino locked her gaze with her daughter's eyes. "But choosing the father depends on the woman."
Memories of her conversation with Kazuki and recent memories of her dinner with Len went through her head in a blur. She knew she must choose between the two. A lot of them seem to choose Len over Kazuki but she fears that someday Len will abandon her again and choose his wealth and fame over her and her child.
"I suggest that you get some sleep, Kaho-chan. You'll need it for tomorrow."
"I think I will. Good night, mom." Kahoko said before leaving the kitchen.
"Good night, dear." She watched Kahoko take careful steps up the stairs to her room. I really hope my instinct is right; that everything will turn out well in the end.
--
Len tossed and turned in his bed. Thoughts of Kahoko has been lingering in his mind for the past couple of hours making it hard for him to get some sleep. He placed his hands behind his head and stared at the empty ceiling except for the shadows that danced its way on its flat surface.
(Flashback)
"You see, Misa-san, what I only remember is a weekly meeting with you and Keiichi. I mean—I'm fine with Len and Keiichi spending time together but—" Kahoko said with haste.
"Perfect! Then you wouldn't mind if you three spend time together as well?" Misa said, laughter playing in her eyes.
"No, I don't—I mean—" A look of horror shown on the young girl's face.
"Wonderful!"
(End of Flashback)
"So she really doesn't mind that we spend time together?" Len murmured and gave a sigh of bliss, a little smile playing on his lips.
Perhaps… there's hope?
That maybe she'll forgive me and my foolishness
And give me a chance to change.
--
"Okay, when you see daddy, what will you do?"
"Say good afternoon and how are you!"
"And when you arrive at the rehearsal?"
"I'll stay put and keep quiet!"
"And?"
"Behave?"
"You already said you'll 'stay put and keep quiet.'"
"Oh. Um… Listen to whatever Hiro-san tells me to do!" Keiichi said excitedly with a wide grin plastered on his face. Kahoko nodded in relief and stood up. She looked around for any sign of Hiro who was supposed to collect her son and bring him to the rehearsal.
"Mommy?"
"Yes, Kei-chan?" She gazed at her son and smiled. "What's that look on your face? Aren't you excited that you're going to see daddy?"
Keiichi nodded. "Does daddy hate you?"
"Why'd you think that, Kei-chan?" Kahoko laughed and rumpled his hair. "I don't think he hates me. Maybe we're just not used to seeing each other yet." A white lie wouldn't do any harm, would it?
Keiichi's look showed confusion as he was unable to comprehend what she meant. Kahoko gave a sad smile.
"You'll understand someday."
"Hino-san, Keiichi-san." A deep voice called out from behind them. They turned only to find Hiro who was waiting by a black car. Smiling ecstatically, Keiichi bolted towards the car with his mother following behind.
"Good afternoon, Hiro-san." Kahoko greeted. Keiichi happily greeted as well and received a bow from the old man.
"Pardon my tardiness, Hino-san."
"It's not a problem, Hiro-san." She turned to Keiichi and placed both hands on his shoulders. "Remember what I told you, okay?"
"I will, mom. See yah!" Keiichi gave her a kiss on the cheek and entered the car. Hiro closed the door and looked at Kahoko.
"You've brought happiness back to the Tsukimori household, Hino-san. Thank you." He bowed and went inside the car.
Pondering on what the old man said, Kahoko stayed rooted on the spot as the car sped out of sight.
--
"Where's daddy?" Keiichi whispered as he shifted on his seat to get a better look on the stage. Both him and Hiro were at the balcony, waiting for Len's turn to perform. They've already heard the orchestra and the other performers rehearse and it was Len who was the remaining solo performer to practice.
"He'll be out in a moment." Hiro scanned the stage and pointed to a door at stage right. "See that doorway? That's where he will be entering when it's his turn to play."
Keiichi's mouth formed an "O" and watched intently at the door, waiting for his daddy to perform. Just a few seconds later, Len entered the stage, violin and bow at hand and went to the center of the platform. His eyes seem to search for something until it settled on Keiichi who was smiling brightly in anticipation. Unable to control himself after being seen by his father, Keiichi lifted both hands and waved enthusiastically yet silently to Len.
A noticeable smile graced Len's features and nodded in acknowledgement before placing himself into position. The conductor readied the orchestra and waved his baton towards the violins and cellos. A soft beat and tune was heard and the other instruments flowed in until they formed into a beautiful melody.
Len started playing his violin in high clear notes with precision and ease.
"Woah. Daddy's so cool!" Keiichi muttered in awe. Hiro chuckled in amusement.
"That piece is called 'Melodie' by Tchaikovsky. I'm sure your mother knows that piece well because she told me before that she performed it in high school once."
"Really?" Hiro nodded in reply and Keiichi resumed watching his father play.
"Hiro-san?" Keiichi muttered a while later.
"Yes, Keiichi-san?"
"Did mommy and daddy play together before?"
"Why, of course. They played a lot of songs, rather duets, together. Your father was very picky when it came to performing duets. He'd only play with your mother and no one else." Hiro heaved a sad sigh. "Until now, he's never played a duet with anyone. He refuses to do duets with anyone even if he or she is a world-renowned violinist."
"So, does that mean that daddy still loves mommy?" Keiichi asked, catching Hiro off-guard by the question. He gazed at the young boy in wonder and pity.
He must have wondered how it feels like to have his family whole. Despite how young he is, he thinks differently from other children and he knows about his situation. However, Hiro saw the small pout that was playing on Keiichi's lips as the kid waited for him to respond to his question. He chuckled. He still has a lot to learn to understand. After all, he's still a child.
"Don't worry, Keiichi-san. Your father loves your mother as much as he loves you. Remember that, alright?" Hiro smiled at him. They heard the orchestra finish the song and the conductor made announcements. They saw Len bid goodbye to the conductor and left the stage. Along the way, members of the orchestra bowed to him, some even greeted him, which normally happens in any rehearsal with someone as famous as his young master. Surprisingly, Hiro noted, Len nodded to them in acknowledgement rather than ignoring them like he usually does.
Perhaps things will change for the better in the end.
--
"Daddy!" Keiichi called out once he entered the dressing room where Len presided. Hearing his name being called, he turned to the door only to find himself stumble backwards as his legs were bound by the little boy's arms.
"Keiichi-san, how—" Len started only to be interrupted by Keiichi's annoyed voice.
"Daddy, didn't I tell you to call me 'Kei-chan' or 'Keiichi-kun' or 'Kei-kun' or—"
"Kei-san."
Keiichi sighed in frustration.
"Close enough."
Len narrowed his eyes when he heard Hiro chuckle. He noticed the old man close the door and head to the dressing table to arrange his things.
"Though he may seem a lot like you, Tsukimori-sama, he still has his mother's—how shall I say this—'endearing' personality. And he's also quite the comic." Hiro mused. Len chose not to react and stay silent.
"Daddy, are we going to pick up mommy at school?" He looked at his younger version and nodded in reply. Keiichi looked at his dad as if he was weird.
Why is daddy not talking to me? "Are we leaving right now? I want to see mommy already! I want to tell her about the practice! You were so cool!"
"Thank you, Kei-sa—Keiichi." Len smiled and stayed silent again. He looked at the boy who seemed to be ecstatic to hear his father call him 'Keiichi' and was waiting for him to talk some more. Len started to panic but tried to maintain his blank expression.
What else am I going to say to him? How am I going to talk to him? What kind of conversations does he usually like? What does he talk about all the time? I can't believe I forgot what I practiced yesterday. I should've asked Hiro-san for tips, Len thought.
"Uh… did you… did you enjoy the rehearsal?" Okay. I think that was a safe way to start a conversation.
"Yeah! You were awesome!" Keiichi gave his dad a thumbs up and a toothy grin.
"I see." 'I see'? Why the hell did I say 'I see' out of all responses… and to my own son!
Seeing as things were starting to get awkward, Hiro cleared his throat to divert their attention and spoke up.
"Tsukimori-sama, shall we go?"
Thank god for his great timing, Len thought as he breathed out in relief. I didn't know that fatherhood is this difficult.
"Yeah, daddy! Let's go!" Keiichi said as he started to pull Len towards the door, surprising the young man who didn't do anything but let his son drag him.
--
Shuffling could be heard at one side of the faculty room as Kahoko piled folders and papers on top of one another on her table. She's been preparing for the first examinations week and has been busy making her examination sheets, each different for each class she's teaching.
She raised her hands in the air to stretch her arms; her legs dangling above the ground. Afterwards, she leaned her head from left to right and back to front. Feeling better after spending more than 4 hours thinking about questions and looking through previous test papers for reference, she stood up and tried to tidy her table some more before she heads out of the room. Looking at the clock, it said 8:05 P.M.
"Hm… they should be here by now." She muttered to no one in particular. Coming to a conclusion that Len must've finished late (As usual, he's always late. He hasn't changed one bit that prick! Kahoko though bitterly), she placed the last few folders inside one of her shelves and closed it. She took her bag from underneath the table and walked towards the door. Seeing as no one else was occupying the faculty room, she shut off the lights and went out.
"Kaho..."
--
"Tsukimori-sama, we're here." Hiro said after they stopped at the front gates of Seisou. Len looked out at the dimly lit school grounds through his tinted window and turned to look at Keiichi.
"I'll go get your mother."
"Can I go with you?" Keiichi asked. Len saw the excitement brightening in the boy's eyes knowing that he wanted to tell his mother about the rehearsal.
"It will only take me a while so I suggest that you stay here with Hiro-san. He'll keep you company."
Though sporting a pout for not being allowed to go with his father, Keiichi nodded obediently and glanced at Len.
"Fine. But make it fast, okay daddy?"
Len sent him a smile and placed a hand on his son's head before opening the door and getting off the car as he headed towards the school's entrance.
--
"Kaho-chan."
Kahoko squeaked and jumped in surprise and turned around immediately only to find Kazuki who was smiling sheepishly.
"Kazuki-kun!"
"Sorry, Kaho-chan. I didn't mean to scare you." He said, rubbing that back of his neck.
"It's fine." Kahoko smiled uneasily. "So, what brings you here?"
Kazuki's expression changed and turned serious.
"It's—" he hesitated and looked at Kahoko. He noticed a certain glow in her face which bothered him but it confirmed his decision nonetheless. It seemed as if…
"Kazuki-kun?" Kahoko asked worriedly, waking Kazuki from his reverie.
"Oh. Yes. Uh…" Kazuki looked at Kahoko one more time who seemed worried by his weird behavior. He smiled warmly at her concern and spoke with more confidence. "About what I said last week, I—"
"Oh, right. About that I—"
"Kaho-chan."
Kahoko stared up at him and blushed in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry. You go ahead." She said encouraging him to continue.
"About what I said last week—I'd like to apologize for being too insistent. I know it's hard for you to decide on such a matter. I should've been more sensitive to your feelings." Kazuki gave a heavy sigh before continuing. "I really wanted you to know how much I like you. Since high school you helped me deepen my love for music through your passion for music. That is why I've grown to love you and the woman that you have become today. Even with child, you still have that spark that has made me fall in love with you in the first place."
Kahoko breathed nervously through her nose, trying to calm herself. This is not happening. This is not happening!
"However…" Kazuki took Kahoko's chin to make her look at him in the eye. "I now realize that I can never force you to like me as much as I like you. It's your decision. It's your life."
Smiling sadly, Kazuki let go of her. "I also have a feeling that this is a losing battle for me. So… yeah…" he stuttered and then smiled sheepishly at her.
Kahoko looked at him with pity, feeling sad for the man in front of her who had so much love to give but gives it to the wrong person.
"Kazuki-kun." Starting to tear up, she gave him a sad smile and swallowed down the hurt she felt for him. "I didn't mean to hurt you. You are a good man and any girl would be lucky to have you. But…" she gazed at his defeated face and she knew very well that he knew of her decision. "I have a family to patch up. I realized that Keiichi needs him… and I need him as well. I'm sorry, Kazuki-kun."
Kazuki, trying to push down his hurting heart and his pride, opened his arms and enveloped the girl in an embrace. He knew in the beginning, since she hesitated about dating other men, that he had little or no chance of making her become his. He realized then upon much reflection that it is best to save their relationship before all this happened because their friendship is much more precious to him. He wants her in his life, no matter what, regardless of whatever is going on between them.
"Kaho-chan," Kazuki said while burying his face on her neck. I might as well use this as a chance to be this close to her. I don't know if I'll ever get this close after all this. "We're still friends, right? Can we forget that all of this happened and start over?"
Kahoko let her tears fall as she felt elated with joy and relief as she laughed at his proposal.
"Of course!" she gave a relieved sigh and tightened her arms around him. "You're a good friend, Kazuki-kun."
"I better be." He joked and let go of the girl he wished he had. "He's very lucky to have you in his life. I hope he realizes that." He took a step backwards and gave her a small salute. "I better go. Send my regards to ice cube for me." Turning his back to her, he walked away.
Kahoko wiped the tear marks on her face with the back of her hands and smiled widely. I thought things would become more complicated! I'm so blessed that Kazuki is a really good friend or else I'm doomed.
"Kaho." A man's voice called out from behind her making the hairs behind her neck stand on end. She felt her heart beat as if she was running on a marathon as she readied herself to face the man that has been haunting her day and night for the past few weeks.
Turning, she saw Len's unreadable expression while he took a few steps towards her. Giggling nervously, she spoke up.
"L-Len! What a surprise." Unease evident on her face, she cleared her throat to continue. "How long have you been here?"
"I just arrived." Waiting for her to react, Len observed her expression turn from anxiety to relief. He smiled inwardly. It wouldn't hurt to lie about this one bit of information, he said to himself convinced that it is better off that she didn't know that he listened to their conversation earlier. "I left Keiichi in the car with Hiro-san. Shall we?"
Len offered his arm to her, surprising the young woman. She looked at Len's face which was directed anywhere except her. She hesitatingly hooked her arm around his while trying to suppress a smile.
.
.
.
A/N: Poor Kazuki. Oh well, things happen for a reason and there are just some men who can be very forgiving or generous or too kind for their own good. However, there are also some men who grab the opportunity when it's laid in front of them and get what they want.
I guess this ends any chances of Kazuki going out with Kahoko. ;P
Now, so far I've received positive feedback regarding the making of an epilogue. So I've decided to make one. But it's your decision if you want to read it or not.
As for the next chapter, I will be skipping a few scenes to save the chapter from dragging. I'm not really good at writing 'uneventful' situations, especially situations that require a lot of detail just to make it seem... eventful (if you get what I mean). Haha! I'm also doing this because I'm really busy with school (MIDTERM EXAMS are coming up in the next couple of weeks) so I really don't have that much time to write. It's also kind of hard to write when I'm pressuring myself to meet the deadline while coupling it with philosophy and theology readings. Oo That's like hell for me.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. :)
Please do review.
V
V
V