Chapter 3

Refreshingly cool water splashed Ken's face as he washed away sweat and makeup. The makeup was more stubborn than natural sweat. Each time he looked up at the mirror, traces of eyeliner and foundation clung irritatingly in the fine creases of his skin, mostly along the thin scar that ran from just above his left eyebrow to down and across the bridge of his nose.
The door opened behind him. Assuming it was Alec or one of the others, he didn't bother to look. A voice began singing softly.
I've looked inside my heart
Worried what I'll do
But now I know the part
I'll sing it back to you.
Ken snatched a towel and wiped the water out of his eyes.
There she stood. After all this time, she had come back. Her deep lavender eyes were fearful, but her chin was up in the familiar gesture of determination he remembered so well. Ken didn't move, afraid she would vanish like she had so many times before in his dreams. Her voice, quiet and musical like rippling water, dropped to a whisper.
Will you forgive a faithless girl
Who didn't have the strength
She had to save a world
But was too afraid to believe.
He still didn't move, couldn't move. She slowly moved towards him until a foot divided them, a foot that could have been a mile. Her hand came up, hesitated as if she feared he would pull away, before lightly touching his face. The shock of that physical touch electrified him and he grabbed her hand, still afraid it may be another dream. Startled, she let out a fearful whimper.
He whispered.
She looked down, her words coming out in a rush, trying to explain everything before he spoke. I'm sorry Ken. I hurt you. I know I hurt you more than I could possibly imagine, and I'm sorry. I don t even know why you bothered to find me. She closed her hand over his grasping one. I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know that it hurt me too. I was scared, and I ran, but ever sense then, I've been lost. She gently pulled away, her deep blue hair hiding her face. I'll leave if you want me to. I just wanted you to know.
Ken regained his senses before she reached the door. Burying his face in her sweet smelling hair, he wordlessly held her. But words had never been the only way they had once spoken. She understood, and began to cry.
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A week and make-up paper for Azusa later, we all arrived at orchestra only to find the hallway crowded with curious instrumentalists. A blonde flutist explained,
Mr. Tada just fell over sick. They called paramedics.
Chiro stretched lazily. Well then I don't have to worry that I didn't practice today. He was chewing his reed again. I poked him in the stomach.
Slacker. I hope Mr. Tada is all right.
The blonde shrugged. I dunno, but they've canceled orchestra till they find a sub.
Azusa tossed her head and linked her arm through Yuki's. Well then, how about we go and get a bite to eat?
Actually, I was wondering if everyone could come over to my house.
The four of us turned to see Melody.
Hey Mel. I hesitantly greeted. She had been distant lately, not coming to study groups or speaking in the halls. I wondered if it had to do with that new Magician. Azusa perked up immediately.
Sure Mel! But I'm starved.
Melody smiled slightly. You're always hungry Azu. But I'll make sandwiches.
Her apartment wasn't too far from J.S.O.M. (Japans School of Music) It was small and neat with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living area. The entire walk there, Melody hardly said a word.

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She made wonderful sandwiches and we talked and laughed till four o'clock, when the doorbell rang. Chiro was tickling me, so I didn't notice her absence. Only when that distinctive voice spoke behind me did I turn.
Kenith Noguchi stood in the small doorway, his arm around Melody s shoulders. Azusa sat frozen, her teeth half-sunk in her third sandwich. Calmly, Ken bowed. Melody nervously cleared her throat.
Um, everyone, I'd like you to meet Ken, my boyfriend.
Azusa quickly chewed and swallowed, still gawking. Wow Mel, how on earth did you meet him?
Ken picked up a sandwich, Melody and I have known each other for years before she moved here. His cool blue eyes swept over our group. When they reached me, a strange tingle ran through my hands. I fingered the piano charm on my bracelet. He turned and nodded slightly to Yuki, who returned it in the same way Melody had at their first meeting. The feeling that I kept missing something important began irritating me.
Azusa stood and bowed. Konichiwa, my name is Azusa, but everyone calls me Azu.
Melody turned pink. Oh, gomen, let me introduce you.
After introductions, we all began chatting again. Azusa, of course, wanted to know how Ken got the job as a singer. He proceeded to tell us that he didn't go to school, but was working at a restaurant that occasionally hosted Karaoke. Against his habit, he had drunk a bit and decided to approach the microphone. Alec and Mu happened to be at the bar and overheard him. They gave him a tryout, and then offered him the job. He smiled.
Yuki and I have met before, being Alec's friend. But he was sworn to secrecy before the performance.
I was still puzzled for the rest of the evening over why Melody had been so agitated over Ken's appearance at the concert, and why I still had the feeling that he, Melody, and Yuki, also seemed to already know each other for a much longer time than just the concert. I felt Ken's evaluating gaze studying me whenever I turned away.