Chapter 54: Music To My Ears
Today's Sunday and it was pretty dark outside though it was morning; it's a bit cold too. I got up and put on a gray shirt and a pair of jeans; I also took my red sweater since it was cold. I put on some brown boots and grabbed my bag and went on my way out. As I passed by the lobby, I saw Haruka.
"Good morning, Haruka!"
"Kaori! Good morning…though it's pretty dark hehe."
"Yes, I've noticed. Is it going to rain hard today? I wasn't able to check the weather forecast."
"The forecast last night said that it's going to rain all day. Ah! Are you planning to go out?"
"Yeah. I'm going to go and buy some things. Don't worry, I won't be out long."
Haruka grabbed my shoulders and had a serious expression on her face.
"Kaori, let me go with you!"
"U-um Haruka, it's okay. Please don't worry."
"No, it's not okay! What if you get cold and faint like that time when we watched Hayato's concert?! I can't let you go alone!"
"But Haruka…I'll really be fine. I'm not going to stay out long; I promise. After I buy the things that I need, I'll come back right away. I promise."
Haruka seemed really worried about me but I really did have to go somewhere today.
"How about I message you every now and then? I'll tell you where I am and if I'm feeling alright. Would that be alright?" I asked.
Haruka was thinking about it.
"Kaori, do you really have to go out today? Can't you go out next time instead of today?"
"Y-yes, I really need to go out today. One of the things that I will buy will be available today. I'm going to be busy tomorrow and the day after so I'm worried that they would run out of stock. It's something I really want to get right away."
Haruka still seemed worried but she released me.
"Well…if it's really important for you…Go ahead."
I smiled.
"But! Message me always, okay?"
"Thank you, Haruka! I promise to message you about my movements. I'll be going now. See you later!"
"Alright, be safe! Do you have an umbrella?"
"I have a foldable one in my bag."
"Okay."
I bid farewell to Haruka and quickly left before she could change her mind.
On her way to the agency office to submit her new song, Haruka sees Kaori's manager who was on his way to the dorm; Manager-san also noticed Haruka and greeted her.
"Good morning, Nanami."
"Good morning, Manager-san. Are you going to see Kaori?"
"Yes. I've just received a voice acting job and other types of job offers for her so I thought of dropping these over to her so that she could go over them."
"Manager-san, Kaori is not at the dorm."
"Eh? What are you talking about?"
"Kaori went out to buy some things just a while ago. I tried to persuade her to stay but she insisted so I let her go. She said she wasn't going to stay out for so long."
"What?! She went out?! T-there's a storm coming in today!"
"Storm?! I didn't know that! The weather forecast this morning said that it's just going to rain all day today so that's what I told Kaori."
"The forecast changed a while ago. They said that it has become stronger and developed into an incoming storm!"
"Oh no!"
"Nanami, did she mention where she was headed to?!"
"N-no…she just said that she was going to buy some things and come back right after. But, she did promise to message me about her whereabouts from time to time."
"Couldn't she have just gone shopping some other day?!"
"I told her that but she said that there was something she wanted to buy badly today; she didn't tell me though what it was."
"Nanami, go with me. Help me look for Kaori."
"O-okay!"
Haruka and Manager-san went to his car and started driving away.
Am I lucky today? There aren't much people out today though it's a weekend. At least it won't be crowded in the store then. I continued walking down the street and noticed that it seemed really dark though it's only morning. The rain will definitely be heavy indeed; I should hurry quite a bit. I picked up my pace and arrived at the music store in a matter of fifteen minutes or so. Actually, I'm not sure; how long have I been walking? I shrugged.
I entered the store and headed towards the new releases section of the shelves. To my delight, the album that I wanted to buy was available; it was Mikaze-senpai's new album. I took one copy from the shelf and went over to the cashier to pay for it; I put the album in my bag for safekeeping.
"Ah, I should message Haruka."
I opened my cell phone and composed a message.
"Haruka, I just bought something from Lively Notes music store. I'm going to head over to the nearest department store to buy one last item then I'll be on my way back."
I pressed the send button.
I stepped out of the music store and it started to drizzle. I held out my hand to the rain and the droplets felt heavy and really cold as they landed on my hand; I should hurry. I took out my foldable umbrella, opened it, and immediately went to the nearest department store. As I walked, I looked up at the sky and though it was dark and full of clouds with the rain showering down, somehow it was beautiful to watch. I entered a department store named West Valley and as promised, I messaged Haruka.
*beep beep beep*
Wow. Haruka sure replied fast this time.
I opened my phone and read her message.
"Kaori, I'm with Manager-san right now in his car; we're coming to pick you up. He said that he's been calling you but you won't answer. He's going to call you after a minute so please answer it."
Sigh…this means that I'll be heading back already?! I just have to buy one more item. Sigh…
My phone rings and sadly the caller ID tells me it's Manager-san. I sighed and took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Manage—"
"Kaori, where are you right now?! Why weren't you answering my calls?! I'm only fortunate enough to meet Nanami on my way to the dorm!"
"M-Manager-san! You were calling me? I didn't hear my phone ring; maybe it didn't go thru to me because of the weather? Haha, I'm very sorry."
"You're in West Valley, right?! I'm heading there right now with Nanami. You stay there and wait, okay?!"
"Yes. Yes. I will stay right here. Why are you so steamed up and sounding like a worried mother, Manager-san?"
"Kaori, there's a storm coming! It was announced earlier! Didn't you check the weather forecast before leaving?! I always tell you to check before going anywhere! Didn't it bother you that there are quite a few shops closed and those that are still open are starting to close up?!"
Manager-san really sounds like a mother right now.
"Alright then…I will stay and wait here in West Valley."
"Good. See you in a while."
The call ended and I immediately put away my phone and went thru the different sections of the department store. Instead of being bothered by the weather, I was more bothered with thinking about what would be a nice present to give. I don't really know what he likes or dislikes so I'll just have to take a wild guess. I have to hurry up before Manager-san arrives.
Hmm…maybe I should get him a stuff toy? Maybe a jacket? But it seems he has a lot of them already…sigh, this is tougher than I thought and with such little time to decide too. My Manager-san senses tell me that he and Haruka are probably near this place already. I should really decide on something already but I just don't know what to get him. I was losing hope in finding a good present for him but when I exited the department store; I saw a shop selling music boxes. I went over to its display window. The display was full of music boxes in different forms. There was a music box that looked like a bear, a doll, a watch, a house, and so much more; all of them were wonderfully made. I entered the shop and an old man greeted me; he was the shop owner.
"Hello there young lady, here to get a music box?"
"Y-yes. I saw the display outside and I really loved the craftsmanship of the music boxes. They were really beautiful!"
"Hoho, thank you very much. Please take your time to look around. Every box is unique and handmade."
"Handmade?"
"Yes, I made all of these music boxes you see in the shop."
"Amazing! You are very talented!"
"Hoho, thank you. Please, take your time."
I nodded and started looking in every display cabinet. There were so many music boxes in the shop and each design was truly wonderful to look at. I looked at everything but I couldn't find one that looked perfect; I then went over to the old man and asked him a question.
"U-Um…can I ask you something?"
"Yes, of course. What is it?"
"Do you have a music box that looks something like an angel?"
His eyes grew big and then he smiled at me.
"Wait here for a while, young lady."
The old man went to the back of the counter and into the room behind it; I think that's the inventory or storage room. He was looking thru the items at the back for a while and came back to me with a music box in his hands; he gave it to me.
"Here you go. You're lucky that no one has bought this one yet. I made this when I was still young but no one was interested in buying it so I kept it in the inventory. You're the first one to enter my shop and ask for an angel shaped one; you are different indeed." He smiled.
I was very happy to know that there was indeed a music box shaped like an angel. I was looking at the craftsmanship of the angel and it was really beautiful. The angel was standing and looked like it was singing. It had wonderful wings and a nice halo on top of its head; I really liked it.
"Thank you very much. This is perfect; it's what I was looking for." I was really happy.
"You see its halo? That's the windup key. You turn it around and it will play its melody. However, this music box doesn't have a melody yet."
"It doesn't have a melody?"
The old man turns the halo and lets go of it. The halo unwinds but no music plays.
"You see, I don't put the melody right away after finishing the music boxes. I always ask my customers what music they would like to put inside. I also accept custom made melodies if they would like to have a more personalized feel."
"That is very wonderful! You have my utmost respect, sir!"
"Hoho, have you thought about what melody you'd like the angel to have?"
"N-not yet…could I buy the angel now and bring it back here once I have decided on the melody?"
"Yes. You can come back any time to have the melody made. I wouldn't mind at all."
"Thank you very much! I will buy it now then."
We went over to the cashier and I paid for the item. He then asked me,
"You're giving this as a gift, am I right? Would you like to have this wrapped?"
"O-oh, yes I would like it to be wrapped." I turned red a little.
The old man takes out a really nice looking box and a purple ribbon. He places the music box inside and then closes the box. He tied the purple ribbon around the box and then made it into a pretty ribbon on top. He then placed it into a small plastic bag and handed it over to me.
"Here is your beloved angel, young lady. I'm sure he will like it very much. I am very sure."
I blushed as I took the plastic bag from him. "T-thank you very much! I'll come back when I have a melody in mind."
I left the shop happily.
*ring ring ring*
My cell phone rang and it was Manager-san calling.
"Kaori, we're already here at the front waiting for you. Please come out now so that we could all go home before the rain gets stronger than this."
I immediately went to the front of the West Valley and the rain was stronger compared to when I arrived here a while ago. To my surprise, Manager-san wasn't there. I looked around for about five minutes and I couldn't find him or his car anywhere. I decided to call him.
"Manager-san, where are you? I've been here at the front of West Valley since a moment ago."
"We're at the front too. Where are you?"
The rain was so heavy that visibility was quite low.
"Manager-san, can you tell me a landmark or something that's near the car? The rain is so heavy that I can't really see well."
"We're at the front of West Valley and we're waiting on front of a pet shop with a neon sign that's green; it's named 'Green Collar'. Do you see it?"
I looked and went around my surroundings again and I noticed a green neon sign across the street.
"Manager-san, no wonder I couldn't find the car. You're parked across the street!"
"Ah! I-is that so?! My mistake then *cough cough* I'll get out of the car and get you. I have an umbrella with me."
"I have an umbrella as well. I'll start crossing the street and meet you halfway."
I opened my umbrella and went thru the rain. Lord, the rain was really strong that my umbrella broke after I crossed past halfway the pedestrian; good thing Manager-san was already there and so I shared his umbrella. We were both kind of soaked because the rain was really strong. I got into the car immediately. Haruka was seating at the passenger's seat so I sat at the back.
"Kaori, here's a towel. Use it to dry yourself."
"Thank you, Haruka."
Haruka handed me a towel and she gave one to Manager-san as well.
After Manager-san dried himself a bit and cleaned his glasses, he started driving and went on our way back to the dorm.
Manager-san looks at the rear view mirror to check on me; he notices the plastic bag I was holding.
"So what was so important that you had to go out when a storm was coming?"
He was quite upset with me…sigh. I didn't answer and just laughed it off.
We arrived back at the dorm and I'm thankful to be well though I was soaked a bit. I went to my room and properly dried myself as well as changed into clothes that were warm and befitting the rainy weather. After changing into a black long sleeve turtle neck shirt and a pair of pants, I took out Mikaze-senpai's new album from my bag and put it into my portable CD player. I put on my earphones and pressed the play button. Ever since I heard Mikaze-senpai sing the song that I composed for the drama series, I couldn't get his voice out of my head and I continue to recall that moment. I listened to his songs for a while and enjoyed his wonderful voice filling my ears with his music. I really liked it and it was beyond my expectations; his music is wonderful enough to warm my heart up.
After listening to the songs a couple of times, I took off my earphones and turned off my portable CD player. I got my plastic bag and took out the nicely wrapped music box; I was really happy with it. The way it's wrapped is much more beautiful than a birthday or Christmas present. I got up and wore a blue and white jacket that had a hood; it was really cold since the rain really got stronger. I guess the storm is here. I went on my way to Syo, Natsuki, and Mikaze-senpai's room with the music box in my hands.
*knock knock knock*
"You can come in." a voice said.
I opened the door and Mikaze-senpai was in the room by himself.
"Mikaze-senpai."
"What is it, Kaori?"
"You're alone? Where's Syo and Natsuki?"
"They're in the practice room. Starish decided to practice since they were all free today due to the weather."
I entered the room and closed the door. Mikaze-senpai was sitting on the sofa and so I went over to him. He then noticed the box that I was holding; I handed him the box. He took it and looked at it and then looked at me.
"Kaori, what is this?"
"That's a gift for you, Mikaze-senpai."
He looked at the box for a while; it seems he likes the way it's wrapped. He then looks back to me.
"It's neither my birthday nor a holiday today and I do not recall any special occasion that is supposed to happen today either. What is this for?"
"It's my gift to you for the release of your new album." I smiled.
"My new album? You already have obtained a copy of it?"
"Yes! I bought one earlier today and I was just listening to the songs a while ago. Your songs were really good, Mikaze-senpai. I liked them all a lot so I decided to give you a gift as my way of saying you did a great job and to show my appreciation for the songs you made."
Mikaze-senpai was puzzled by my actions.
"It was raining today and a storm was coming. Why did you go out to buy an album?"
"It's not just an album, Mikaze-senpai! It's YOUR album! When I found out from Manager-san that you were going to release a new album, I wanted to get a copy as soon as possible; I really wanted to listen to your songs right away."
Mikaze-senpai untied the ribbon and opened the box I gave him. He took out what was inside and he was surprised to see an angel shaped object. He looked at it from every angle and seemed to be fascinated by it.
"An angel?"
"Yes. It's an angel shaped music box. You see the halo on its head? That's the windup key. It's supposed to play a melody when you turn it but this music box doesn't have a melody yet."
"A music box without music…why would you give me an object that beats its own purpose of existing as a gift?" He looks at me in curiosity.
"A-ah, no! There's a reason why it has no melody!"
I should have explained first about that before telling him it had no music. Haha.
"The store I bought it from makes these music boxes in different shapes, forms, and sizes. The shop owner who also makes these doesn't put a melody inside when he finishes making one because he prefers his customers to choose a melody to put into it because he thinks it's a more personal feel to his creations; he even accepts custom melodies. I asked if I could buy the music box first and go back when I've decided on a melody and the shop owner was fine with it. I decided that I'd like you to decide on the melody because I want it to play something that you would like."
Mikaze-senpai looks at the angel shaped music box.
"I see. I'll tell you once I've decided on what melody I would like it to have."
Mikaze-senpai gets up and puts it on his side table beside his bed. He handled it with care so I think he really likes it. I smiled unconsciously.
"…thank you."
"Hm? Did you say something, Mikaze-senpai?"
"…thank you for the gift. This music box fascinates me very much. I look forward to having its melody made in the future."
I felt good inside when I heard him thank me for his gift. I ended up letting out a big smile and I felt that my role here was done. I was walking towards the door when suddenly, a powerful lightning and a loud strike of thunder struck and the lights all suddenly shut down. I was shocked with the sudden strike of lightning and thunder that I got down on the floor, closed my eyes, and held my chest tightly. I was very shocked that my heart was beating so strong and so fast that I felt like it would come out of my chest; I was trembling badly.
"Kaori, are you alright?" Mikaze-senpai asked as he quickly went over to me.
"I-I don't l-like…"
Lightning struck again and it was just as strong as the one that came before it. The thunder that accompanied the flashing bolt was really loud and I got shocked again and reflexively clung onto Mikaze-senpai. Lightning struck again and was strong as ever. The sound of the loud thunder makes me jumpy and I tremble even more to the loud cry of the sky.
"Kaori, you don't like the sound of thunder am I correct?"
I shook my head which was buried in his chest; I didn't want to let go at all. I hated it…I've always hated sudden loud noises because they make me jumpy and remind me of bad memories. My grip on his sweater became tighter every time thunder came and my body just wouldn't stop trembling at all. I wasn't crying and didn't feel like I was going to but my heart felt like it was crying enough to die.
"It's alright. Calm down; you need to relax. You're trembling too much."
I feel Mikaze-senpai wrapping his arms around me. Lightning and thunder continued to strike and it wasn't helping me out at all. I was like a little puppy scared of the sky, shaking and hiding at one corner. Mikaze-senpai was trying to help me stop trembling but I just couldn't control it.
"Kaori, tell me what was your favorite song from the album."
"T-the Fragrance B-below the M-mountain…"
"Okay."
I started hearing Mikaze-senpai humming the intro of the song and then…he started singing. He tried his best to be loud enough to be heard. He continued to sing as the thunder that made me tremble each time it came continued to come.
"Kaori, if you know the lyrics of any part of the song, I want you to sing with me; regardless whether complete or incomplete."
"B-but..."
"Just sing with me. As you always say, everything is going to be alright."
Though it was a bit dark, I could see that he was smiling at me.
He continued to sing and as I listened to him, I slowly started to calm down. My heart slowly returned to normal and my trembling lessened. I then started singing a bit together with Mikaze-senpai; I sang the parts that I remembered from listening to his album a while ago. Mikaze-senpai kept repeating the song over and over until some time had passed, the lightning and thunder weakened to the point that I was already okay with them.
"You've finally stopped trembling and your heartbeat is back to normal. I'm assuming that you're alright now."
"Y-yes, I'm alright now. Thank you…very much. "
"Can you stand up?"
"Y-yes, I can."
I slowly got up with a little help from Mikaze-senpai. My face was a bit pale and I had a wry smile on my face; that was really scary for me.
"You're not fond of thunder?"
"I don't like sudden loud noises…such as thunder…Very sudden loud noises remind me of things I don't want to remember…"
The lights didn't return yet but I could find my way around somehow.
"I'll go back to my room now and just stay there. Maybe I'll just practice my script for the drama series and work on the assignments you gave me to pass the time. Thank you, again."
"Can you make it back to your room by yourself?"
"I-I can. Don't worry."
I smiled but I don't know if he could see it in the dark and I don't know if I was even making a proper smile. I stayed near the walls while walking so that I could tell where I was going.
"I'll go with you."
Mikaze-senpai took my hand.
"It's okay, you don't have to."
"If you start getting scared and tremble as much as you did a while ago then that would be a problem. If you fall or trip on your way back then that would also be a problem. I'd rather accompany you if that would be the case."
"O-okay."
He was leading me thru the dark carefully. Each time I heard thunder, I flinched a bit but since it was not as strong and loud as before, I was able to handle it.
"Be careful with the stairs; I wouldn't like it if you fell."
"Y-yes. You be careful as well."
Though I've been up and down these stairs for many times, I found it kind of funny that the darkness would make it look and feel like a whole new staircase. I couldn't see the steps and I would trip from time to time. I didn't mind though since Mikaze-senpai was here to help me; I'm glad he's here.
We reached my room after some time and I was suddenly drained out of energy.
"Thank you very much, senpai."
"Will you be alright by yourself?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. If ever the thunder becomes very loud again, I'll just listen to your songs. Please be careful going back in the dark."
"Okay."
Mikaze-senpai went on his way back to his room and I went over to my desk, opened my battery powered lamp, and started working on the homework that Mikaze-senpai gave me before. While I was studying, I put my earphones on and listened to Mikaze-senpai's album to ignore the thunder outside. I'm lucky that Mikaze-senpai was able to calm me down; I could have fainted in fright back there.
When the track changed to my favorite song, "The Fragrance Below the Mountain", I realized something. If I were to write the name of the song with certain characters, it spells someone's name.
