Chapter 14: Open hearts
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Previously: Kahoko has left the Yunoki mansion and went back to stay with her uncle. Miyabi's shop was opened, but Kahoko and Azuma are still estranged.
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"Yosh! Last one done!"
Kahoko placed the tenth okonomiyaki on top of the other ones in a container and wiped her brow.
Thank goodness it's not raining today, or Miyabi-chan would have had to cancel the picnic.
She gathered the pancake-making utensils and took them to the sink. A cool breeze came in through the open window.
"I wonder if I'll see him…?"
A sigh escaped her, but it didn't go unnoticed by her uncle, who had a somewhat uncanny habit of appearing when least expected.
"See who? Hihara? 'Azuma-san'? Or that Tsukimori prince?"
"Ah ha ha… I was only thinking about Shimizu-kun. I haven't seen him for a while…"
Not wanting another lecture from her uncle on the subject of men, the flustered redhead resorted to a white lie.
"Shimizu-kun? The clothes-maker's brother?"
"Yes, he's a little odd but adorable in his own way."
"Hmm… You can't even trust the young ones these days. As your guardian I feel I should come along to this picnic."
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Kahoko was flabbergasted and almost dropped the pan she was washing.
"You… you don't have to do that, Uncle; it's an invitation from Miyabi-chan. It might be an all girls gathering and you'd feel awkward…"
Not to mention that we'd feel very awkward!
"Or it might not."
"Actually, I don't think that Yunoki-san will join her, so you needn't worry, Uncle.
So it was him…
"Well, if you say so, I guess I'll have to trust you. Just leave some of the okonomiyakis for me and make sure you show up in time for dinner. I'll be cooking."
Kahoko was relieved.
"Yes, thank you Uncle."
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They had agreed to meet at the park. It was closer for her to walk from her uncle's house, and this way, she wouldn't have to experience any discomfort if, by chance, Azuma were to decide to come too.
She still hadn't decided how to face him if they did meet.
Should she act as if nothing had happened? Apologize for leaving without notice? Or hold her head high and ignore him?
No, he wouldn't be there! Of course not. He had purposely missed the shop's opening, hadn't he? Besides, he didn't look like a picnic fan either, having neither half the appetite of Kazuki-kun nor half the energy of Ryou-kun…
Kahoko opened her cream-coloured parasol and set forth with a garnished basket in her hand. She was wearing a sleeveless summer dress that Tomomi had insisted on giving her recently.
Perhaps it would just be a nice uneventful day and everything would be all right.
Or perhaps not.
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"Kahoko-san, we're here!"
Further down the park entrance, a young lady got up from a bench and waved excitedly. Her companions also stood up politely to greet the redhead whose heart began to beat faster with every step.
He was there. Shimatta!
"Oh…ohayou minna… I'm sorry I made you wait."
"Not at all Kahoko-san, we only just arrived ourselves. Isn't that right, onii-sama?"
"Indeed… How do you do, Hino-san?"
His tone was rather formal and reserved. Kahoko stole a quick glance in his direction. He was probably not pleased to see her, but it couldn't be helped. She bowed slightly in return.
"I'm well, thank you, it's a nice day."
"Ohayou Kahoko-san…"
"Konnichiwa Shimizu-kun."
She smiled gratefully at the blond haired angel. His presence and even his occasional randomness were strangely comforting, especially now when she had to spend half a day in Azuma's company.
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"Ano, why don't we take the path that goes around the lake? The waters always look so beautiful."
Miyabi took hold of Kahoko's arm and led the way forward.
"What do you have in your basket, Kahoko-san?"
"I thought some okonomiyaki would be nice for lunch."
"Did you make it yourself? Oh, how nice. It makes me wish I had prepared the bentous as well. Hanabi-san would have been amazed…pfufufu… By the way, this outfit looks nice Kahoko-san; it shows off your slender arms."
"Eh? I just thought it would be appropriate to wear for a picnic. Miyabi-chan's dress is lovely too."
While the ladies chatted away, the gentlemen walked more slowly at the back, in companionable silence. Keiichi was thinking that it would have been nice to invite Fuyuumi Shouko to join them on a day out like this, although having Kahoko-san was pleasant too. They could have gone across the lake in a boat; many couples and families were doing so.
Azuma was thinking that he should have been more suspicious when his sister announced at the last minute that she had invited a friend to join them on the picnic. He hadn't really expected Kahoko to be the friend; after all, Miyabi was sensitive enough to know that bringing the redhead was sure to cause awkwardness for both of them, so why did she?
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Ah, women… they could be so annoying and attractive at the same time, and all resistance was probably futile. He admired the reflection of the trees in the quiet waters of the lake and felt calmer. If his sister was trying to write a better ending he should at least try to play along for her sake. It wasn't as though, he never wanted to speak to the redhead again.
He lifted his head to look at the sky, where fluffy white clouds drifted past slowly. The midday sun was quite strong.
"I say, ladies, shouldn't you be thinking about sharing your umbrellas with us? It would be a pity if we were to get sunstroke, although we don't have as delicate a complexion as yours."
Miyabi turned around and giggled.
"Gomen-ne, onii-sama. You don't mind, do you, Kahoko-san?"
"B-betsuni."
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Of course, it would be a shame if Keiichi were to faint in the sun. He wasn't very used to exercise. Neither was Azuma, whose complexion, as Kahoko had often noticed, was as fair as his sister's.
"You can have mine."
Their eyes met for the second time that day as she handed him the cream umbrella. Rather amused, he flashed her a smile that would have made his fangirls squeal, and voiced out his appreciation.
"Arigatou."
He held the umbrella out over Keiichi who gave him a queer look. Indeed, two gentlemen under a girly umbrella would definitely attract the wrong sort of attention.
"Pfufufu…I think we should trade places. Shimizu can walk with Miyabi."
"Hai…"
While Kahoko flushed with embarrassment, Miyabi secretly rejoiced. Surely her plan was beginning to work now.
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They continued circling the lake, meeting other ramblers and admiring the sights.
"The park must be more beautiful than you saw it last time, Hino-san."
"Tha-that's right, the trees are greener… and there are many more flowers in bloom."
"There are quite a few ducks too. Your friend's dog would be busy."
"Eh? Ryou-kun? Yes, you're right. I'm surprised that you remember that story."
She was amazed that they seemed to be talking normally, without forced politeness. Somehow, sharing an umbrella had broken the ice, and the heaviness she had been feeling around her chest began to disappear.
"I remember everything," he said in a voice that implied a lot of things at once. "How is Kazuki-kun?"
"He was well the last time I saw him. It turns out that he knows my uncle."
"Is that so? It's a small world."
"Yes."
He wondered if Kanazawa Hiroto approved of the green haired lad. If by chance he did, the latter would have a significant advantage.
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The foursome selected a clump of trees giving a very pleasant shade, and Miyabi spread the picnic quilt.
"The view here is really lovely. Let's have lunch, minna-san!"
"Hai hai!"
The girls set about distributing cutlery and serving the packed lunch. Kahoko's pancakes fared favourably in spite of strong competition from Hanabi-san's delicacies.
I never expected Azu- I mean Yunoki-san- would be eating something I made, especially these days. Did he just take another one out of politeness, or did he really like the first? I'm not sure but, on the other hand, Shimizu-kun would have said something, if the taste wasn't right, wouldn't he? He's very straightforward with these things, although he doesn't mean to offend, bless him.
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"Food does taste nice after a long walk! I'm so grateful we found a quiet spot like this. What do you say, Onii-sama? Shouldn't you play some music for us now, before Kei-chan falls asleep?"
"Pfufufu… well, if you would all like that, I can certainly play a song or two…"
Kahoko felt that he looked purposely at her, as though asking, whether she would be agreeable to hearing him or not.
"Please do."
She folded her hands on her lap and cast a sidewards glance as he opened his instrument case, and cautiously took out the slender flute.
Miyabi, who was expecting something rather soulful and nostalgic, was rather surprised when her brother began to play a more idyllic piece which matched the beautiful scenery in which they found themselves.
That sound is pleasant…and happy… Could Onii-sama be over his gloomy phase? Yukatta…
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The golden pipe was very eye-catching on its own, but it stood out even more against the backdrop of Azuma's long purple locks.
Realising that she was gaping like a school girl, Kahoko promptly brought her lips together and tried to look away only to feel herself surrounded by multi-coloured bubbles that danced in the breeze, to the tune that came out from the enchanting lips of the flutist.
What is this? The whole of nature seems suddenly to be waking up, and butterflies are spreading their wings. It's amazing…
Noticing that his companions seemed to like his piece very much, Azuma continued playing it and improvised the orchestral and piano parts when required.
Shimizu-kun has closed his eyes and he has a smile on his face… How peaceful, but I can't close my eyes...I might be seeing fairies next...
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"Arigatou Onii-sama; it was beautiful, wasn't it, Kahoko-san?!"
"Yes. I liked it very much. Do you know the name of the piece, Shimizu-kun?"
"Hai, it's 'Morning Mood' by Edvard Grieg."
"Morning Mood? Ano, it really seemed there was a vibrant energy in the air just now… as if the sun was coming up…"
"My my, I'm very honoured to receive such praise from you Hino-san."
"You...you're welcome."
"Please play some more, Onii-sama. You'll be making us all happy."
"As you wish Ojou-sama!"
The flutist kept his companions entertained for a good twenty minutes with a selection of simple melodious songs. His sister was so pleased that she offered to buy him some ice cream from a kiosk they had passed by earlier.
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"That would be refreshing; thank you Miyabi."
The blue-eyed girl got up and offered her neighbour a helping hand.
"You want one too, Keiichi, so you can come with me to help me carry the cups."
Upon hearing Miyabi's emphatic tone, the sleepy boy had no choice but to comply and raised himself from the ground.
"Just relax, Kahoko-san, we'll be back soon."
Azuma smiled benignly. "Miyabi is always partial to ice cream."
"That's true…"
"Well, since they're gone, I'll play the next song just for you…"
"Eh?"
Why was he always partial to making her heart beat like that? It wasn't fair…
Kahoko stopped thinking when she recognised the first notes from 'Greensleeves'
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Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company.
Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves.
Of all the songs he could have played, why did he choose the piece that made her remember her one and only music lesson back at the mansion. Although she didn't want to admit it, she had been happy to learn so much.
What would have happened if her uncle had not interrupted them?
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Azuma looked at her clouded face and stopped.
"It seems that my choice of music has disturbed you Hino-san?"
"Ah…no, it's not that…d-don't mind me…"
"I thought you liked the piece; I wouldn't have played it otherwise."
"I do like it."
But it makes me a little sad.
"I see."
He wiped his flute and put it back in its case. At the same time, he used the opportunity to sit closer to Kahoko.
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"You looked really beautiful that night..."
"Huh?"
"...and I regret making you sad."
She was more than startled.
"Na-nani?"
"I thought I had more self-control than that but it seems that I have much to learn about myself, especially from you."
"I…I don't understand, Yunoki-san…"
"You bring out sides of my self that I wasn't aware of… I wonder why? Perhaps because you're different…"
She gave him a quizzical look and he chuckled. "I mean different in a good way."
"I should have trusted Miyabi when she chose to help you; she has a good intuition where people are concerned, and although I disappointed her quite badly, it appears that she hasn't given up on me."
Kahoko stayed silent, not quite comprehending what he was trying to say.
"How about you?"
"Eh?"
"Have you given up on me… Kahoko?"
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Had she? And what did giving up exactly mean? Of course she had been confused by his cold behaviour, but did she really wish to ignore him for the rest of her life?
"Iie… but it's not nice to look down on other people, Yunoki-san."
"You're right. I guess my grandmother's conditioning was stronger than I thought. I hope you can forgive me for laughing at your dreams."
"Yes...this time."
"I know. I'll be counting on you."
"Nani?"
"To remind me that life is more beautiful when a lady smiles."
"Do you really believe that, Yunoki-san?"
"I do."
They were silent for a while. How strange that he could open up like that.
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"How about your grandmother? Was she very angry at you at Fuyuumi-san's party."
He smiled wryly. "A little. She was quite intent on making me understand the dangers of love."
"Love?"
"It seems to grow at parties. Sometimes at first sight."
"At first sight?"
"I'm not making it up. Didn't you say you fell in love?"
"Oh, yes... With the violin."
Her words gave him a glimmer of hope, and he dared to ask the real question on his mind: "And what did you think of Tsukimori-san?..."
Kahoko fumbled for an answer.
"Oh... he... he just happened to be the one showing off the magic of the violin..."
"I see. And you just happened to be the only girl he wanted to dance with, ne?"
"... Ano..."
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He chuckled when he saw her flustered face.
"I guess that Kaji Aoi was right; you're quite something Hino-san..."
"Eh?"
He looked at her with a half-smile.
"I was jealous..."
"Jea- jealous?"
Kahoko wasn't sure she understood correctly. She looked down at the grass to hide her blush. "Does that mean... you actually wanted to dance with me, Yunoki-san?"
"I did..." he answered truthfully, "even though you can't match up to me..."
"Nani?! You're teasing me again..."
"Am I? Pfufufu... Maybe... but if we practice, you'll get better."
Azuma thought she was cute with that pouting face; he would never get tired of seeing her varied expressions.
"If you also keep up your hard work at the shop, I dare say you'll be playing your very own violin by this time next year," he stated while looking straight into her eyes. "In fact, I'm rather hoping we'll be playing together... Kahoko..."
He brought her right hand to his lips as he said so, causing sudden havoc to her heart.
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"Onii-sama!"
Miyabi, who had been secretly watching the pair for a while, came out of her hiding place to protest at her brother's bold move and scolded him for almost scaring her friend away again.
She kneeled down on the picnic quilt and pleaded with the redhead. "Please say you're coming back to live with us, Kahoko-san. I miss you..."
Azuma looked at his sister's face and smiled. Arigatou Miyabi...
"We both do," he added sincerely.
After some more entreaties, Kahoko allowed herself to be persuaded, earning a delighted hug from Miyabi.
Keiichi was happy too – the Yunoki household would soon be filled with laughter and music again. He slowly ate his vanilla ice cream and looked forward to the time when he could hear his red-haired friend begin to play the violin.
Azuma cleared his voice.
"By the way, where's my ice-cream Miyabi?"
"Eh? Well, I didn't want to disturb your conversation, so I ate it before it could melt, Onii-sama!"
"Oh, that's how it is..." he narrowed his eyes mischievously at his sister. "Well, in that case, Hino-san and I will take our turns to get some ice-cream, if you'll excuse us Miyabi..."
He pulled Kahoko to her feet and led her away in spite of her feeble protests and Miyabi's mock outrage.
"Onii-sama!"
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Azuma chuckled at his sister's expression; he knew she would soon drag Keiichi to follow them, but he didn't mind. With his fair lady around, the rest of the summer was going to be worth experiencing.
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And of course all good things must come to the End!
Thank you for reading minna-san!