Chapter 14

Len mulled over, stares stopped at the open window as zephyr whispered its gentle swish on his form. He opted to close his eyes, using his other senses to feel his surroundings, his back leaning on the nearest wall. A lively yet imperfect sound reverberating in the place, it might have additional and off tones nonetheless it remained pure and refreshing, somehow listening to it relaxed his cluttered mind.

Kahoko glanced at his position, attempting to ask if her playing was fair enough yet his inattentiveness caught her attention. He never spaced out before; it appeared peculiar to see him like this. Kahoko stopped from her playing, feet stumbled at one another if she was going to approach him or not.

She sighed, relaxing her uneven heartbeat before towing her feet towards him. "Len…" she prodded but no response. Kahoko persisted her stare glamour sparkled on her golden orbs.

Minutes had passed before he realized the stillness of the place, the absence of the sound stirred him up. He looked around but just to stop at a certain someone who was gawking at him. "What's wrong?"

Kahoko recoiled a bit, stares mechanically glided away from his form. "I-I'm not looking at you."

"O-Ok…?" his response as it ended in a question. "Let's start."

"Eh? Why? I already did."

"Again." He cleared his throat, reprimanding himself for being inattentive.

Kahoko shook her head. She did not retort more as it would waste their time. She positioned the violin on her shoulder, tucked it in her chin when suddenly a loud 'No' echoed in the place. She almost jumped from her position as glare met another glare.

"What do you call that." It was a statement. Len walked towards her, correcting her stance.

She stepped back, as though electricity ran through to their skin when they contacted. "S-top."

"What is wrong with you? You're acting strange ever since the time you ki—"

"Gaaah!" Kahoko lunged to her companion, covering his mouth with her hand to prevent him from talking. "Stop, stop"

Len owed her lightness, as they did not fall on the floor. His hand rested at her elbow while the other captured her hand covering his mouth.

Kahoko flushed more as he leaned closer to her. Her hand fell on the side together with his. His other hand released her elbow as he brought it up to meet her face.

Kahoko closed her eyes tight, using it as an excuse of not looking at his stares.

"Ow!" she complained rubbing her forehead. "What was that?"

Len stood properly, straightening his crumpled shirt. "For being stupid."

"What? Why do you have to hit my forehead?" she hissed. "What kind of a husband are you—?"

"You're going with me tomorrow." He cut her word, commencing another topic.

"What?"

"I have some errands in my office."

"I'm not your secretary stalking you around. Why don't you go on your own?"

"Just a few errands." He exhaled. "After that we can go to Seiso."

"For what?" she mindlessly asked.

Len sighed. "Of all people, why you?"

"What are you mumbling about? It's your fault, don't complain. If you just leave me alone and look for another wife then you would not have any problems by now."

"If you still plan on working there, shut up." He turned around.

"Seriously? You're letting me to work there?"

"Yes and No."

"What kind of answer was that?"

"Sasaki will decide and not I. So shut up and use your time to practice. You need a lot." He hissed.

"I hate you." Her anger simmered out, one foot gave a loud whack on the floor. "Conceited jerk."

Len grumbled. He did not have much nicknames before, only a few words related to ice, but this time it seemed that when she mingled with his life, hordes of nicknames added to his list.

~NeKo Meow~

"Whoa! This is your….erh…family's company? AWESOME." Kahoko complimented roaming the place. Chuckles heard behind her as Len gave his glare to end the chaos.

Kahoko stuck her tongue out, rubbing her head. "Oops, sorry."

"Let's go…I need to finish my work fa—"

"TSUKIMORI!"

"Darn."

"Eh?" Kahoko glanced at her husband and turned her gaze at somewhat, angered woman. She gulped, staring at how the woman's maroon eyes flared into life.

"Why didn't you tell me you would be away for a month! I'm not the boss here." The woman massaged her temples and glared at Len. "How dare you leave those paperworks to me. And you're planning to take over this company." She hissed. "Please, you've got to be kidding me."

"Are you—" Len opened his mouth to talk as if he wanted to say was she insane for not knowing his leave, however the woman sustained her ranting.

"No more words, Tsukimori. Your paper works are waiting for you to sign." The woman held his upper arm, towing him away in the process.

"W-wait…." Kahoko tried yet the woman simply ignored her.

"Good morning, Tsukimori-san, Kure-san."

The woman stopped from her dragging and glanced at the person. She nodded her head and looked back at Kahoko. "Shimizu-san, would you mind accompanying Tsukimori-san's guest, thank you." She walked again, Len following behind.

Shimizu strode towards the redhead, eyes fluttering and every step, somnolent. He blinked, closing his stare more at her.

Kahoko looked away, feeling awkward on his stares. "Y-Yes?"

"You are Tsukimori-san's… wife?" His statement ended with a question.

Kahoko gulped, stepping back. "Y-yes… I am…" she raised her hand to shake his but the lad remained unyielding, heavy-eyed stares bored.

"You look average."

"Eh?"

"I did not know Tsukimori-san likes normal people." His voice sounded innocent, Kahoko could not retort back. Doing so would make her guilty for an unknown reason.

The lad in front of her shone innocence. His face seemed younger. A smile never leaving his lips made his aura angelic in a sense.

"I'm Shimizu Keiichi, you are Miss Kahoko, right?"

Kahoko nodded her head, still baffled.

"Weird."

"Pardon?" Kahoko snapped.

"I never thought Tsukimori-san like normal girl." He paused to smile at Kahoko. "I thought he liked woman with superpowers, those who can fly. He said before that being stuck in traffic is bothersome, making him want to fly instead. Isn't that nice if he has a wife who can bring him to work by flying so he would not get late?"

"A-ah…Shimizu-san…" Kahoko tried, forcing her lips to form a petty smile. "I think he didn't say it literally."

Keiichi gawked at her, examining her from head to toe.

Kahoko flinched a bit; arms instinctively flew to brace herself. "I-I-Is something wrong?"

"You're skinny, do you still eat?"

"Eh?"

"I though Tsukimori-san likes a woman who has a bodybuilder body. You have not passed the qualification again yet he married you. Why is that?"

"What the hec—" Kahoko choked. "I mean what?"

"He value health so much so I thought he liked bodybuilder. Are you a bodybuilder Kahoko-san?"

"Ah! EH? NO!" Kahoko exhaled, her temples complaining as it throbbed. I'm a musician for goodness sake! What kind of people they have in here?

"Oh!" Keiichi nodded, face remained lethargic despite his reaction. "I know, you are an instructor?"

Finally. "Yes, well…ahm, not yet but I will."

"I see, I see. Sorry for the misunderstanding."

"It's ok Shimizu-san." Kahoko would give him a smile when Keiichi talked more.

"You are a gym instructor, so you must have met Tsukimori-san there. Am I right?"

Darn, Kami, give me more patience. How would a skinny woman do that! "N-no…Shimizu-san, I'm a musician. I'm going to work at Seiso if I'm lucky enough to pass their qualifications."

Keiichi shook his head. "Don't lose hope Kahoko-san, you can still be a good gym instructor just try."

"Can you just accompany me at the canteen?"

"Most bodybuilders eat much than a normal should eat, though they have a strict diet and only eat what they should eat. Let's go, you must be hungry."

"I just want a coffee." Kahoko pinched the bridge of her nose.

~NeKo Meow~

Fifteen minutes seemed longer while talking to Keiichi, Kahoko tried to ignore his voice as she focused on walking. Seeing the canteen, Kahoko gave a light grunt, walking ahead of the employee not to hear any more words from him.

Kahoko paused midway, eyes fixed at a particular person approaching them.

"Yukino-san…."

"Eh? What?"

"Yikuo."

"Good morning, Shimizu-san, who is this young lady with you? She seems familiar."

Keiichi blinked twice before smiling once more, he bowed his head as an acknowledgement of his greet. "Yuoni-san, meet Kahoko-san, she's Tsukimori-san's wife."

The man flipped his purple hair falling low to his waist. Kahoko became dazzled, looking how the man stood out from everybody. It seemed a bright aura surrounding his feature. "Nice meeting you, Kahoko-san. I am Yunoki Azuma." He held her hand and placed his soft lips on it.

Kahoko pulled her hand, Goosebumps ran through her shoulder. "Nice meeting you too, Yunoki-san." She stuttered face obviously blushing.

Strange, she looks very average for his liking. Azuma mumbled, cupping his own chin to ponder his words.

Kahoko looked at him, sensing the murmurs he gave yet not fully comprehending what it was. "Did you say something, Yunoki-san?" Kahoko's query pulled him out of his thought.

Azuma smiled. "It's nothing." He transferred his attention to Keiichi and talked. "Shimizu-san, I'm aware that you still have work to do. I can accompany Kahoko for a while."

Keiichi bowed his head, leaving. "Thank you for your kindness, Yukino-san."

"Yunoki, Shimizu-san."

"Yes, Yuikino."

Between his glorious smile lay his gritting teeth, Azuma nodded. "Yunoki."

"Goodbye, Yu…"

Both Kahoko and Azuma waited impatiently, Kahoko slapped her forehead when Keiichi sustained his word.

"Yukoni."

Azuma managed to feign a smile while Kahoko continued her aid on her forehead.

I'm going to squish you. His eyes sparkled, looking at the retreating form of Keiichi. "Anyway, Kahoko-san, what brought you here?"

Kahoko dropped her hand at her side and looked at the man. "Len has a few works to do, but I suppose, it is not just few." She chuckled.

"You have to get used to it from now on. I assume you already know how workaholic he can be at times."

"Y-yeah."

Azuma ushered her at the table and helped her to sit. "If you don't mind, may I know how long have you been together with Tsukimori-san? He is very taciturn and reserved, no one ever think he would marry that young and, apparently, no one knows or ever think he has a girlfriend before."

"Ahm…" Kahoko sweat dropped, they hadn't had the chance to plan this kind of things. She never expected this to come. Kahoko grumbled, considering her every word before mouthing it. "T-Three years."

"That long?"

Kahoko closed her eyes, digging herself in the farthest hole. "Y-Yes."

"Very interesting." Azuma chuckled, rubbing his chin as he looked sideways. His smile widened, seeing a familiar form somehow searching for someone. "Say, Kahoko…"

"Hn?" Kahoko tilted her head, asking.

"Will you mind if I invite you to a dinner to"

"Where have you been?" another voice rolled out, ire blended in his tone.

"Ah, Tsukimori-san, it's been a while now. How have you been?" Azuma stood up, shaking his hand.

Len gazed at him, face collected but deep inside a foreign sensation flaring out.

Kahoko shifted in the corner to let Len sit beside him. She smiled yet the man gave her a frown. Kahoko shrugged her shoulder, allowing the two to have some talk.

"I'm fine, thank you." Len finally answered, face remained stern.

Kahoko's supposed gulp turned to cough once a cold hand reached her own, surrounding it.

Her face turned cherry, her breath caught off in her lungs, not availing to let go to exhale. Her blood went haywire and her heart somehow skipped then beat rather faster than the normal. She tried to pull her hands but no avail, his hand was unyielding.

He held her hands tightly, hovering it up gently to reveal the white gold ring furnished in her porcelain finger. Azuma chuckled, fathoming the signal he was giving to him.

Len glanced at him, expression blank yet his eyes spread his real intent. Back off she is my wife.

Azuma looked at his wrist watched and smiled. "It is nice talking to you Kahoko-san, however, it is time for me to leave." He gazed at Len and gave him a sly smile. "Good to hear that, Tsukimori-san. I'm going now. Congratulation on your successful wedding by the way." Azuma stood up and started his walk.

"Let's go." Len plainly muttered after Azuma's leave. His hand dropped hers as he stood up.

Kahoko sighed. "Yes. Sheesh. You don't have to be bossy."

They rode the car in silence. Len sustained his reticent approached while Kahoko tried to wait for him to talk first, enduring the deafening silence between them.

If earlier, she wished for Keiichi to stop from talking however, this time, she wished that Len would say even one word.

"We're here," at last, he muttered, stopping in the parking lot and leaving the car afterwards. He went around opening her door.

Kahoko smiled, opening her mouth but closing it again when the man ignored her. "Hey, Len! What is wrong with you?" her hand gripped at his upper arm.

"Nothing's wrong with me, would you think about yourself first." He averted his stares, pulling his arm away.

Kahoko pouted, staring. "We will not leave this place unless you say what's wrong."

"You're wasting your time." Len stopped the urge of rolling his eyes. He sustained his walk, ignoring the woman who was rumbling behind him.

"LEN!" she shouted, not moving in her place.

The said man grunted, placing his hand on his forehead with a force. His foot pivoted around, striding to reach the woman's place.

Kahoko gazed back, firmness etched in her expression.

"Don't be immature, Kahoko."

"Hmmp," she ignored, arms crossed.

"You leave me no choice." Len closed their gap, one hand slid toward her back.

"Hey!" Kahoko reacted, face starting to warm.

Len ignored her as he continued his aid, leaning her back on his arm as he lifted her on the ground.

An 'eep' sound deafened his ears nonetheless; he endured it to lift her—bridal way.

_~Neko~

"Let me go!"

"Shut up, you're attracting attention."

"There's no one here, stupid."

Of course, no one was there as that place was exclusively for faculty members only, which was by then on their seminar abroad. However, there were still a few members eavesdropping on their every conversation. Len shook his head in that fact, muttering immature in every step.

"No! Too late we are already here." He let her down, straightening her shirt before knocking.

Kahoko punched his arm, availing a glare from him. "What?" he asked caressing his tortured arm.

"I can do it on myself." She pouted, talking about her crumpled shirt. "Hmm."

She walked inside the room after somebody uttered 'come in'. Len did not bother to accompany her as he went to roam the place instead.

After a while, Len returned. He was supposed to be knocking when the door opened revealing a joyous Kahoko.

He tried to calm his hand from slapping his own head. He grunted planning to ask what happened when Sasaki went out as well. "Tsukimori, this is a nice idea. Kahoko is a wonderful musician. You really have the ears to look for a qualified artiste. I'm proud to say that we admitted her here."

"Len, they said I can start next week, isn't that nice." Kahoko muttered, excitement flashing in her every action. Her smile widened and eyes sparkled with delight.

Her ire earlier replaced by sheer joy. A smile almost slipped on his lips nonetheless he hid it by pursing his mouth. Len turned to face Sasaki. "Thank you for your time, Sasaki. We will leave now, then."

Sasaki nodded, shaking both of their hands before bidding.

"Thank you, Sasaki-san." Kahoko bowed her head as they sustained their leave.

"I'm so excited for my first day." Kahoko clasped her hand together. "I hope it'll turn out good."

"I hope you stop talking and use your remaining strength in practicing." He muttered, walking ahead of her to prevent any more retort.

"What is wrong with you? Why are you so irked with me all of the sudden?" Kahoko paused. "Was it possible…?"

Len stopped from his strode and looked back. "Would you walk faster?"

"You've been hot headed since the time we're at the office."

"I am not."

"I know I'm going to treat you this time."

"In the end, I'll be the one to pay all the expense."

"Hey!"

"Wasn't it true?" Len countered.

"Well…ahm…hey! Stop changing the topic." Kahoko stomped her feet. She walked closer at his side and held his arm closer. "If you will not buy anything expensive then you will not pay for it."

"Ridiculous. I know I'm still the one who will pay for it."

"Fine, you are. Can we go now?" she pouted, walking away.

Len sighed.

"Len! Will you walk faster, Sheeesh, slowpoke."

After hearing another nickname, Len managed to give a glare at her, in which Kahoko just gave a chuckle to counter it.

"Let's go now." Her voice gentle as it cascaded in his senses. Kahoko extended her hand for him to hold.

Len did not give heed for a second thought as he easily sealed her hand with his. "Promise, I'm going to treat you this time." She muttered, chuckling. "Thank you…"

"Hn?"

"This mean so much to me. I'm so glad that I'll be able to share the wonders of music." She smiled, genuine and pure.

Len's lip formed a light 'o'. His finger ran through his hair to relax the unknown feeling inside him. He looked back, face remained blank though his eyes would always mirror his true emotion—contentment glinted in his eyes. "You're welcome."

~Neko Meow~

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