A/N: Don't read this if you are expecting a good Asuka x Kumiko fic. Click away now. Though the part after the very last line break is sincere, wholesome, and is of okay quality. Probably the only part that could be worth reading, and it can stand alone.

TW: implicit homophobia, characters treated without respect

I originally posted this story under a different pen name 4 years ago, pretty soon after the season 2 finale. I was excited about Kumiko and Asuka's scenes, since they were probably the best dramatic material in the show. I shipped them, and my opinions were validated by the ANN reviewer at the time, who thought Asuka was a better match for Kumiko than Reina (you can see some of the reasoning in the fic itself).

In addition, I lurked on 4chan's /a/ board at the time. Or at least I did recently before then. I'm far away from that site now. Needless to say, I was exposed to lots of flippant, detached humor, and that leaked into my writing. I referenced the memes of the time in this fic too: Yamada's insistence that the intense feelings between the characters is "just adolescence" (a reference to "S Class" yuri, I believe, where young feelings of wlw attraction are culturally treated as a schoolgirl "phase"), endless dunking on Shuuichi, the misanthropic "best girl" attitude toward shipping, and Kumiko "hornily" staring at Asuka during the final episode performance.

Because of this environment, I decided that most of the fic would be kind of a sh**post. Maybe "decide" is the wrong word; it was my way of expressing my feelings toward the show. It's a hodgepodge of parody and sincerity that's not accessible to anyone but me. I also suspect I went for parody since parody is the style of writing that takes the least amount of skill, since all you are doing is exaggerating and making references. An appropriate choice for my first ever fic, I guess.

Why am I even reposting this? 1) effort was put into it. I just reread it today, and while I cringed at a lot of it, some moments were actually well executed and clever. There is a dry humor throughout that I surprisingly find amusing. It's a little humbling to see that my skill at prose hasn't improved that much since I wrote this (well, because I haven't wrote anything since). 2) some people did like it at the time (and seemed to like the "right" things). I personally don't like when authors delete work that I liked, even if it was a little problematic, since I liked what it did well.

Only two good reasons, huh... If people do have a serious problem with this fic, I can take it down again. Best case scenario: people who actually are able to enjoy this for the right reasons make it this far and make it through the fic, and no one else. To me, it's an... interesting piece of work, to say the least, and I guess I like sharing. I did make a few edits to this repost to take the sting off of some of the off-color humor, and improved some moments.

I do believe that Asuka x Kumiko has lots of potential. I was thinking about writing a more serious, longer fic at one point, but not anymore (for now). I have other fandoms I want to write for. I see there are a few Kumiko x Asuka fics on ffnet, but not enough. It boggles my mind that this ship isn't more popular. One fic I do like is on Ao3, called "Vampires and Stuff" by DespairDiaries. If you take anything good from this fic, it's this recommendation.

That's enough of a content disclaimer I think, lol. Read at your own risk.

The notebook. That was all that was left of Asuka Tanaka. Woven by the red string of fate, these pages are the only tangible link Kumiko Oumae has of her beloved senpai.

It was a painful struggle to break down the walls that Asuka built around herself, built to protect herself from being disappointed again by people – parents, friends. No one could help Asuka do what she wanted to do with her life… until she reached out to Kumiko. These two lonely souls, together, formed one of the deepest relationships either of them have ever experienced.

However, now Asuka's gone. The goodbye was unsatisfying, but it was inevitably so. Things not said, things not done; with goodbyes come inescapable regret. Nevertheless, Kumiko keeps Asuka's memory alive, playing those haunting, sea-deep tones that grasp for the light at the surface. The music Asuka's father wrote. The music through which Asuka transmitted her pain. The music Kumiko now dives into in search of what she has lost. "Sound! Euphonium."

However, the neighbors rejoiced when school started again, because Kumiko played that song by the river EVERY DAY. At least now, she can be received into the far away concrete walls of Kitauji High, where the tiresome sounds will be contained for at least a while.

Everyone's happy with this arrangement… except for Shuuichi. Like a curse, wherever he goes – at home during break or in the band room during school – his ears always receive the reminder that he failed to win Kumiko's heart and always will fail. The absence of the flower pin in her hair only twists the knife.

Every day when the band warms up, Kumiko sits down, takes the notebook out of her folder, and plays. Most everyone, especially the new first-years, pays no heed to this seemingly strange ritual. They're absorbed elsewhere, either chattering or showboating "Careless Whisper" or meekly fingering the difficult passages in the concert repertoire.

Those who didn't leave for college and lived through the Asuka drama last year were rather touched by Kumiko's display of gratitude… at first. As Kumiko persisted, that awe was replaced by concern for her emotional health. They chose today for Natsuki, level-headed and still the only other euphonium in the band, to interrupt Kumiko's musical prayer session and extend a friendly hand. "Y'know, if you ever need to talk… about Asuka and how you're feeling, I'm always available as a fellow euphonium, and as a friend. In fact, everyone's here for you. Yuuko, Mizore, Nozomi, Reina, Hazuki, Midori. Shuuichi's your friend, right? Anyways, we're all here."

Kumiko looked down and replied, "…Thank you. I know I have everyone to help me, but it's still hard to-" She looked back at Natsuki, except she was gone. "Where did she- oh, I hear her voice, but it's way behind me now." Kumiko listened more closely: "What? What do you mean you forgot our new music? Do I seriously have to remind you about everything, idiot?"

"N-no it's fine! We're probably not playing that music today anyway. Don't get your panties in a bunch, Natsuki-chan~!"

"Why you…"

Kumiko sighed at the spectacle. "Of course she would run off to bicker with Yuuko-senpai… Let's see. Who else has a spouse to keep them company. Yorioizuka-senpai and… Nozomi-senpai, yep. How about Midori and… hmm, looks like she's talking with all three tubas: Hazuki, Gotou-senpai and Nagase-senpai. Aren't they all one big happy family?"

"At least Reina's probably not gonna have company. …Well, she still has that clingy first-year trumpet gazing at her like some sort of god. Hehe, at least Reina's totally blind to her. That's my girl, always eyes on the prize! It's kind of weird how Reina still keeps playing that same solo that she auditioned for last year like some sort of badge. Is… is she pointing her trumpet at me? Is she trying to send a message? …Is she trying to impress me? Could she… no. There's no way she's jealous of Asuka stealing my attention. That's the first thing I thought when she stopped talking to me a little before Nationals. But no, it was more Taki-sensei b.s. I personally thought she was getting less obsessed with him as of late. I don't know. Is her playing that solo over and over again still have something to do with him? What is that silly girl thinking?"

Kumiko went back to playing her love song, completely forgetting to check on Shuuichi's situation. Shuuichi was just sitting there despondent, staring at Kumiko and Reina. He then turned to a male first-year trombone sitting to his right and started, "Y'know, you'd think that this would be a boy's dream." Shuuichi was gesturing his arm wide, pointing out the abundance of girls. Shuuichi continued, "But as it turns out, they're all lesbians. That's what happens when the stakes are high: everyone gets all emotional, and they end up falling in love with each other. …Sometimes it makes me wish we didn't care all that much about band. You feeling me?"

The kouhai was disturbed by Shuuichi's radical words. He doubted that sexuality worked that way exactly. But he conjured up a response that managed to speak to Shuuichi's level, "Can't you be gay?"

"What? No, I'm straight. I'm straight for Kumiko. She's my childhood friend."

"Well, you're also her childhood friend. That didn't stop her from being gay."

"God…" Shuuichi slumped over, covered his face with his hands, and started muttering to himself, "It's just adolescence. It's just adolescence. It's just adolescence…"

Finally, Taki-sensei put everyone out of their misery by showing up. He stepped up to the podium and led everyone through scales and tuning. With that out of the way, they were ready to rehearse.

"Alright, everyone. Let's start off with Ticheli," said Taki-sensei. A collective groan arose. One could overhear variations of "Well, time to die," popping from the band students. Taki-sensei raised his hands to calm them down, and then he reassured them. "Everyone, you have all been working and practicing so hard. I have no doubt that this rehearsal will be very fruitful if we all do our best. I have faith in all of you. So let's use all the time we have today and-"

Suddenly, someone was opening the sliding door. Kumiko heard the sound in slow motion: Krah-kh-kh-kh-kh-kh-KH-KH-KH-KH-KH-KH-DOOMPH!

Finally, that voice Kumiko longed to hear: "Sorry I'm late, everybody!"

The entire room gasped and murmured. "Asuka?" "What's she doing here?" "What's she late for?"

Taki-sensei spoke up, "Oh! Tanaka-san. What a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here. Why don't you have a seat? Um, Nakagawa-san, why don't you let Tanaka-san have her seat back?"

Natsuki objected, "Wait, why? She's not in the band anymore. She graduated! And she doesn't even have a euphonium with her."

Taki-sensei, his smile ever serene, responded, "Just let her sit down. You may be excused to the side of the room, Nakagawa-san."

Nastuki got up and looked at everyone, waiting for someone to tell her not to participate in this charade. Receiving nothing, she reluctantly walked to the lonely side chair and sat down, whispering to herself, "What in God's name is going on?"

Taki-sensei then gestured Asuka toward her seat, "Please."

"Of course, sensei!" Asuka then marched to the seat next to Kumiko, plopped down, and put Kumiko in a headlock. "Oumae-chan! Did you miss me? Oh, is that my notebook? Have you been playing it every day? Oh, that's so sweet~!" Asuka started ruffling Kumiko's fluffy hair. Kumiko's brain was overloaded, only able to squeak out, "Asukaaaaaaaaa…" Reina was staring at the spectacle, clenching her fists. Shuuichi could only shake his head and say, "You see…?" The kouhai looked at Shuuichi and shrugged his shoulders.

Taki-sensei nodded and said, "Looks like everything is in order. Now, let us begin."

Natsuki just had to interject, "Wait a minute. Who's going to play my part?"

"Don't worry, Natsuki," said Asuka, "I'll play your part in spirit!"

Natsuki stomped her foot and whipped her head toward the teacher. "Taki-sensei, this is ridiculous! As vice president, I move that Asuka go back to college where she belongs, and I move that we all start making sense again."

Yuuko stood up in response. "As president of the band, I have no idea what you're talking about. Everyone's delighted to have Asuka back. Now stop your whining and let us rehearse!" This speech was followed by applause. Natsuki was hunched over on her chair: helpless, confused, and unable to find any words.

Taki-sensei snapped his fingers and, like the casting of a spell, the clapping ceased.

Then he raised the baton. Everyone got their instruments in playing position. Asuka sat straight up and watched the conductor. Reina aimed her trumpet and her eyes at Kumiko. Shuuichi, realizing he had nothing to lose, did the same as her with his trombone.

The baton fell, and the song began! The high woodwinds were dancing atmosphere. The brass were providing sturdy yet angular fanfare. And Kumiko… was not playing what was on the page. Her eyes were wide, her face was sweaty, and her fingers were aimlessly pressing valves, all causing a lazy, warbling leakage of a euphonium tone. Taki-sensei cut off the band. "Oumae-san, are you alright? It seems like you can't focus."

"I-I'm sorry, sensei. I'm just d-distracted by Asuka. I know she's there, but I can't see her."

"Why don't you turn your head a little, Oumae-san. Tanaka-san, can you scoot up-"

"No, I need to see her dead on. Like, straight ahead of me. Like at the graduation party last year."

Taki-sensei raised his head and scratched his chin peacefully. "Hmmmm… ah, Tanaka-san, why don't you conduct the band?"

Asuka grew more serious. "Sensei, I'm not sure if I can-"

"It's fine. The song's in 4/4."

"At the beginning, sure! But the time signature's constantly changin-"

"Tanaka-san. Oumae-san needs you to do this. That is what's most important."

Asuka drew in a slight gasp, faintly blushing. Then, firm in her newfound resolve, she nodded, stood up, and took the podium. Taki-sensei stood off to the side. Natsuki could have went back to her seat and played, but as if she were protesting the world, she did not.

Asuka nervously picked up the baton. However, she then made eye contact with Kumiko. For the first time since that snowy goodbye, Kumiko smiled unrestrained. Asuka, her confidence reaffirmed, smiled back - not quite unrestrained, but good enough for Kumiko. "I'll work on her," Kumiko vowed.

Asuka lifted the baton. Everyone put their instruments into playing position. Asuka locked eyes with Kumiko, intending to do so for the whole song. The baton fell, and…

It was now after the run-through of the song. Asuka let her arms relax and, finally breaking eye contact with Kumiko, looked at Taki-sensei for any hint as to how she did as conductor. Taki-sensei smiled and started clapping. "Terrific work, Tanaka-san. Your conducting was flawless. I'm so proud of you." The whole class started to applaud. Natsuki sat in total disbelief. "She didn't know that song. She didn't even look at anyone else other than Kumiko. How in the world did that turn out so amazing? Did Taki-sensei know that this was going to happen?"

Taki-sensei then turned to Kumiko. "Oumae-san. That was the most beautiful playing I've ever heard you do. Keep it up." More applause. Asuka gave Kumiko a thumbs up and mouthed, "Great job."

And just like that a flip switched inside Kumiko's brain. She stood up, put her euphonium on her chair, and ran straight toward the front of the room. She had to contend with the two rows of seated students blocking her way, so she leapt onto the shoulder of a second-row clarinet player, used her as a launching pad to jump onto the shoulder of a first-row flute player, and from there jumping straight at Asuka. Kumiko wrapped her arms around her senpai in mid-air, and the force of impact was almost enough to make both of them fall. But Asuka was still on her feet, and she caught Kumiko good. Everyone could only fangirl in response, even the two girls Kumiko trampled. The only exceptions were Natsuki, who was pinching her own arm, and Reina and Shuuichi, who were seething in jealousy.

Kumiko's head was buried in Asuka's chest, and she couldn't stop sniffling. "I-I missed you Asuka! I missed you so much. You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to come back." Suddenly, Kumiko could no longer produce words and began bawling.

Asuka smirked. "Oumae-chan, I always figured you liked breasts, but this is way too naughty!" Kumiko nestled her head in even further. Asuka hugged her back and wore a warmer smile. "You're so precious, Oumae-chan~! I love you!"

Kumiko stopped her tears and looked up at Asuka expectantly. Asuka panicked, "Crap. I should have been more careful with my words. Not that they aren't true. Ugh, my public persona won't do. If only I could get some time alone with her…"

She set Kumiko down to the side of her and addressed the class with a single clap, "Alright! It was nice seeing everyone again. I love all the new faces here. Seems like I left the band in good hands…" She then placed her hands on her hips. "Now if you don't win gold at Nationals this time, you'll be submitting to my whip every day I have off from university~!" The room chuckled at the idea, some more nervously than the others. Asuka continued while reaching for Kumiko's hand, "Thank you for having me! I'll be borrowing Oumae-chan for just a bit if you don't mind, Taki-sensei. I apologize in advance. It's just been so long sinc-"

"E-Excuse me, Tanaka-san." Everyone turned and saw that the voice came from Shuuichi's kouhai, who had his hand half-raised. "U-um, is it true that you and Oumae-senpai are in… in love with each other?" Now the room was brimming with excited gasps and gossip. The kouhai, blushing almost as much as Asuka and Kumiko were, immediately regretted asking the question. Shuuichi punched him in the arm and quietly reprimanded him, "Hey, don't blurt that out in front of everyone. Don't you have any tact?"

The kouhai responded, "Look, I just wanted to see if what you were saying is actually true. I'm just trying to help a senpai out. I mean, they just seem like really close friends. Not lesbians, dude. I think you're just making excuses for-"

"Everyone, be quiet!" yelled Asuka. Everyone did quiet down, if only to anticipate how she and Kumiko would react to the big question.

Then Asuka asked another question, "How's this for loving each other?" She turned and grasped Kumiko by the shoulders. Then she went in like a magnet for the kiss.

Their lips crashed – it turns out Kumiko wanted it just as much. Wanting to make the warmth last forever, they kept their lips locked, closed their eyes, and pulled into an embrace.

Shouts of joy elevated the moment. A few held back tears. A few more couldn't. Some had to hold hands with each other. Taki-sensei was still standing at the side, clapping and smiling. Even Natsuki had to clap, but she was a little concerned as to how they were still kissing after twenty full seconds.

Finally, Asuka and Kumiko stopped and caught their breath. However, before they could totally relax, they heard a chair slide. Then the setting of an instrument down on the chair. Then desperate footsteps. It was Reina.

Kumiko was about to ask her what was wrong, but Asuka stepped in front of her. Reina tried to slip around Asuka's side, but Asuka managed to thread her arms underneath Reina's armpits, clamping them, and restraining her. Asuka was livid. "You clingy bitch! Why can't you see she loves me, not you?" Everyone was stunned: many gasping, some blurting out "Oh my god," and others quietly yet eagerly watching for the drama.

Reina's voice was shaking, "Let go! I need to try a kiss with her! I still have a chance!" Kumiko never before considered the possibility that Reina liked her that way, and she was startled at the unhinged state of her normally demure friend. But just as quickly as Kumiko learned the nature of Reina's heart, she concluded that she had no choice but to break it. "I'm sorry, Reina, but I don't feel the same way anymore."

"…Anymore? Y-You had feelings for me before?"

Kumiko looked down and smiled. "You were such an inspiration to me, Reina. You were so driven, so dedicated to fulfilling what you wanted. You lifted me out of my lack of caring. Lifted me out of my indifference. …And your mysterious beauty didn't hurt either."

"…But?"

Kumiko then stared straight at Reina, her smile fading. "But my rose-colored view of you wore off. You know, Reina, it still bothers me that you didn't care about any of the drama happening in the band. The real, interpersonal problems that someone needed to fix! All you wanted to do was mow down everyone in your way of Nationals - and in your way of Taki-sensei.

"…The day I finally let go of you, Reina, was when we visited the grave of Taki-sensei's wife. You were so bound to win over Sensei's heart, despite how impossible that was. Not only did I accept that you would never have eyes for me, but I also accepted that you're kind of a foolish girl, Reina. Don't you still like Taki-sensei, Reina?"

"I don't know. I don't know! But what about the trip up the mountain? …Remember when I promised I'd peel that good-girl skin off you? Does none of that mean anything to you anymore? And I'm foolish? Is that what my dreams look like to you?" Reina took a moment to breathe and collect her thoughts.

"…Kumiko. If you say my dreams are foolish, then all dreaming is foolish. I'll tell you what. I find your dreams of making everyone get along to be just as foolish, if not more!" Tears start streaming down Reina's red face. She tries to wipe them off, but they just won't stop. "We're just two f-foolish high school girls, Kumiko. Isn't that enough?"

Kumiko walked up to Reina and helped wipe away the excess tears. Then she left her hand on Reina's cheek, as if to send a final, tactile message. "…Reina, I'm sorry. I moved on."

Reina stared into Kumiko's eyes, hopelessly searching for some sign that somehow, still, she was lying. …Nothing. Sensing that Reina has given up, Asuka let her go. Reina turned and quickly marched toward the door, her back straight and her arms swinging stiffly.

Before she could get far, Kumiko said, "You know… we can still be friends, right?" But Reina kept her gait, never looking back and never saying a word, out the door. A nervous silence contaminated the air.

Natsuki finally had a chance to speak up again, "Guys, as vice president, I have something to say: this is terrible, what just happened. Their friendship is now broken, probably for several years, if not forever. We can't just let it sit like this. We need to reach out to Reina and-"

"You know, I knew it all along," interrupted Taki-sensei, whose waters were completely unperturbed. Everyone turned towards him. "Kousaka-san's feelings were never for me. However, I never felt the need to tell her. Sometimes a teacher's job is not to give students advice. Rather, I sometimes allow them to experience advice. Kousaka-san figured out the truth herself, and I couldn't be prouder of her." There was a murmur of agreement among the band. Natsuki was as pale as the circumstances she was watching unfold.

Asuka then spoke aloud to Natsuki, "I wanted my visit here to be positive, Natsuki. Yes, I'm sorry that Reina-chan's heartbroken, but we can't end today depressed. If she needs help, she'll get help. But for now-"

"How can you be so selfish? You too, Kumiko, clinging to her shoulder like that. …You're so obsessed with each other, it's unhealthy, to be honest. I was already concerned about Kumiko, but you, Asuka, might concern me even more. I still don't know why you're even here!"

Kumiko furrowed her brow in irritation, "She's here because maybe you keep leaving me to bicker with Yuuko like some married couple."

"That doesn't mean I don't care about you. And that still doesn't brush off the ridiculousness of all this! Look, I'm sorry abandoned you today. That was band business I needed to take care of. But, I really, truly think that both of you need help and-"

A random voice interjected, "Ah, shut up already!"

Others jeers accumulated. "Don't tell us what to do!"

"Debbie Downer!"

"Can't they just be happy?"

Natsuki was totally aghast. "Wait! No! This is wrong! I-Is no one else with me on this?!"

"Can I have everyone's attention?" It was Yuuko, standing on her chair. Natsuki was unsure what would happen next. "Is she finally going to help me, or is this nightmare never gonna end?"

Then Yuuko spoke, "As president, I order that… Asuka and Kumiko have a honeymoon celebration~! Today marked the very joyous beginning of their new relationship. Let's help make the rest of the day go smooth and be a day they won't ever forget!" Of course, everyone was ecstatic at the idea. Yuuko looked at Taki-sensei for approval. He nodded and said, "It's fine. Class dismissed! Have fun, you two."

"Alright! Everyone, let's process them outside!" All the students were fist-pumping and cheering. Asuka lifted up Kumiko bridal style and kissed her on the forehead. They both shared a warm smile, and they led the march out the band room door. The students grabbed their marching band folders and played Sousa.

After the party vacated the room, there were only two: Natsuki and Taki-sensei. Natsuki needed answers, so she looked over at Taki-sensei. He was staring out the window with that smile as peaceful as a dove.

Natsuki shook her head, disgusted at the sight. Then, she turned and saw all the empty chairs, let out a somber sigh, grabbed her euphonium, and left to go practice.

The front doors of Kitauji High flew open, and what festivity! Asuka was still carrying Kumiko, and the students were now playing some song called "DREAM SOLISTER" by some artist named "TRUE."

They arrived on the edge of the school premises. Asuka turned around, Kumiko in arms, and yelled, "So long, everyone!"

"So long!" everyone yelled back. Then, there was a lone wolf who just had to say it, "Have a great night, lovebirds!" Asuka simply winked back, and the crowd went wild with excitement. Then Asuka hoisted Kumiko off into the distance.

Not one of the band students could get off the high they were on. "What do we do now? Ooh, should we follow them?"

"No, we need to give them a lot of privacy."

"Aw, but I wanna watch!"

Meanwhile, Shuuichi was desperately stumbling through the crowd. "Where is he… Oh, there!" He grabbed his kouhai by the hand, which startled the poor boy.

Shuuichi had a frenzied countenance. "Glad I found you! So, um, about the whole "me being gay" thing, I was thinking maybe you and me… Sure we're not in the same year, but that might be a good thing, considering that Asuka and Kumiko-"

"Do you even know my name?"

"Yeah, um… Kumik- no that's not it. Um…"

"I'm gonna leave now. Seek professional help, senpai." And he left.

"Crap," Shuuichi muttered to himself, "There's got to be someone else…" He was looking around every direction. Then, he spotted Reina by herself with her phone, next to a column. "Ah, of course!" He ran up to her, "Reina! Reina!" Reina did look up; mascara was streaked down her cheeks. Shuuichi didn't care.

"Reina! I, um, look. We both loved Kumiko very much. So what if, say-"

"I'm not interested in you, Tsukamoto-kun." She started to walk away.

"Wait!" She did stop, but didn't look at him. Shuuichi continued, "I'm not that interested in you either, but I was thinking that we could each pretend that the other person was Kumiko. I'm not looking for anything else! You'd like that too, right?"

"No. And besides, it's too late."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"I already just ordered it off my phone."

"…What."

"My Kumiko body pillow... I don't need you as her stand-in." Reina looked at Shuuichi again, her eyes bloodshot like spiders. "I have to do this alone. Goodbye, Tsukamoto-kun." She trudged away toward the destiny she accepted for herself.

Shuuichi started to regret driving away the one person who could understand the bottomless despair that now defined who he was. But mania had a second wind, and he scrambled to unlock his phone. Reina's idea started to sound good…

"C'mon, c'mon! 'Amazon'… 'Kumiko'… 'body'… 'pillow'…and search."

Any light remaining in Shuuichi's eyes was extinguished. The item was out of stock. Reina had bought the last one.

Shuuichi collapsed on his hands and knees, and his voice quivered, "Why won't anyone love me?" Sadly, he was unable to shed tears. Such was his pitiful nature.

It was just like when Asuka played her father's song for Kumiko after their supposed study session. The soft palette of the neighborhood created by the sunset. The ambient strolling of the river next to them. This time, however, it was Kumiko's practice space and performance, and Asuka was the guest.

Asuka sat on the bench to the left of Kumiko, the bench on which Kumiko played that treasured song every day. And here Kumiko was, demonstrating to Asuka her interpretation of "Sound! Euphonium" that she'd been honing all those days. Despite Asuka being back, Kumiko could recall and incorporate that same solitude into her playing that she felt in Asuka's absence. Her euphonium tone was just as melancholy as it was before today. It was Kumiko's way of communicating to Asuka how she'd been doing.

When Kumiko finished the song, she turned… and saw a single tear leaking out of Asuka's steel-blue eye.

It was truly a blessing to have Asuka return at all. But this moment right here, for Kumiko, was truly life-fulfilling.

And she needed to capture it.

"K-Kumiko, I-" All of a sudden, a white flash. The next thing Asuka saw was Kumiko: euphonium in lap, and phone in hand.

"What did you… hey WAIT A MINUTE!" Asuka tried to claw that phone away from her, but Kumiko gripped that picture tight to her chest. Asuka tried to pry open those hands, but no amount of leverage could fight Kumiko's sheer willpower.

Asuka finally gave up and collapsed on the bench. "I let my guard down for one second, and you betray me! Some girlfriend you are!"

Kumiko, however, wasn't about to feel bad about what she did. In fact, she was overjoyed. "I finally saw you cry! I finally did! You never would cry in front of me or anyone, and it made me so mad. But now you did! I just had to snatch it and keep it!"

Asuka crossed her arms. "Don't you dare show that picture to anyone! You better swear!"

"Oh, I was just going to keep it for myself. But now that you say that… If I ever need to get back at you for something, this could come in handy."

"Are you seriously trying to blackmail me? After you sent me that flower pin that Shuuichi gave you?"

Kumiko gasped and placed her hands over her mouth. "How did you…" She got up off the bench and started pacing around as if to burn off the embarrassment she was feeling. "How did you know Shuuichi gave that to me?"

"Oh my god, I was laughing so hard, I cried when I opened your letter and saw that!"

"Tell me how you knew!"

"I saw him with it sometime before we performed at Nationals. He was just staring at it in his hand, breathing heavily, probably psyching himself up to give it to you. I-" She rocked forward laughing, "I hope your reaction when he gave it to you didn't break his heart too much! And then you gave it to me? I feel so sorry for the poor guy. If anyone found out about this, they'd think you're such a horrible person!"

Kumiko knew her gamble had utterly failed. No matter how cunning she was, no one, no one, was as cunning as Asuka Tanaka.

Kumiko plopped right back down on the bench. She looked up at the sky, contemplating if she could ever get the better of Asuka.

Asuka wasn't done teasing her though, "And what's really weird about that pin is that that was the only contact you attempted with me since I left. Like, I was expecting weekly phone calls from you - so you would know everything I'm up to, and so I would know how much you missed me. But instead, you send me one letter! And there's wasn't even a letter in it – no love confession or anything! Just a little flower pin!"

Kumiko kept staring at the sky. "I-I just didn't want to bother you too much. I assume you're pretty busy already. So I just sent one thing."

Asuka sighed. "I should've guessed. You know, Oumae-chan, for as passionate as you can be sometimes, you're still way too bashful. You know what? Feel free to call me anytime. If I'm too busy, we'll just find another time to talk. Ok?"

Kumiko lowered her head and watched the river. Then she let out a smile. "…Sure." Then, she felt an arm wrap around her back. Kumiko mirrored the gesture and laid her head on Asuka's shoulder. They both looked at the sunset.

Nestled in Asuka's coat pocket was the flower pin. Asuka blushed as she kept within herself a small determination.

"Next time."