Midnight Rhapsody

By Mar Eci

Disclaimer: I don't own anything but a stupid hanging computer.

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 It was late when Ran left the hospital. He stayed with his sister longer than usual due to the emotions that threaten to consume him. He didn't understand. Why is this happening now? Why is the shield where he hid all his emotions for the past 2 years started to break? He can no longer keep himself from breaking inside no matter what he tries to do. Somehow the presence of his sister made him gain his control to his raging emotions and somehow made him feel at peace. It had been always like this. When he started to break down he runs to his sister to gain control. But it's different this time. He's mind is still in turmoil even after his visit to the hospital. It is times like this that he needed her to smile and comfort him.

 Even in his melancholy, he didn't fail to hear the music coming from somewhere not far. It is only then that he realized that his brooding lead him to the park and the music is coming from the direction of the fountain.

 Curious at to what may be the cause of the sound, he made his way to the fountain. He had only made a few steps when the music changed to a more sorrowful melody. Why would there be music in the park at a time like this? It doesn't even sound like a stereo to him. It's too soft almost like the wind itself is making the sound. A little more and he can already see the fountain. He stopped when he saw the source of the sound. Standing by the fountain is the girl who bought flowers from the shop just the other day. The infamous violinist, Izuna Yuka, stood there with her violin playing a soft mournful melody.

 Ran just stood there watching her as she continue to play, oblivious of her surrounding. Something inside him broke and all his memories of his sister flooded through him. He lost all his control and a tear made its way to his cheeks down his clenched fist. Bowing his head he let more tears flow free from his eyes as his emotions overwhelm him.

 He remembered the time when he and his family had picnic on the beach, how he and Aya have fun, building sandcastles, playing volleyball and collecting sea shells. How Aya first presented to him her compositions, blushing as if she was embarrassed that someone besides her heard her work. She squealed with delight when he told her that he likes it and it's perfect. He remembered the last night she was awake and their happiness in the festival.

 Suddenly the music stopped. He raised his head only to see the player starring back at him. He should have felt foolish for crying in front of a stranger but somehow he couldn't feel anything else other than the loneliness and emptiness he has been feeling for the past years.

 Yuka just stared at him, scared at first for finding her alone in the park, not to mention too engrossed at her playing. Then realizing that the man is the one she bought flower from, she then wondered what he was doing in the park, alone too, at a time like this. "It's you."

 Tears stopped flowing when she stopped playing. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." His voice soft as he made his way towards her. He stopped just a few feet in front of her and looked at her in the eyes. He again felt the confusion he once felt in the shop when he looked at her in the eyes. Her eyes shows grief, loneliness and emptiness, so much like his own.

 "You're the guy in the flower shop, ne?" Ran could only nod in response. She raised her hand and gently wiped away the traces of tears on his pale face. Surprised by her actions, he could do nothing more but to stare at her.

 The more Ran look into her eyes the more he is drawn to her. It's not like he's falling for her but its something else. It's like she can understand what he's been going through without him telling her.

 Confusing but one way or another it makes sense to him. This girl makes him feel at ease like his sister. Why he is feeling this way he did not know but somehow he did not care anymore. She's full of warmth and passion, so much like her music.

 "Do you want to listen more?" Ran nodded and Yuka made him sit by the fountain. Standing beside him, she moved her bow to the instrument bringing the notes to life as she play another sad melody. The night breeze gently blew, carrying the soft music among them.

 Ran closed his eyes and let the music take hold of him. This time no more tears filled his eyes as he again replayed in his mind his happy memories.

 "It matches our mood, ne?" a small smile braced her lips as she continues to play. The song is sad, true, but not the type that will make you cry. The music is calming and peaceful.

 "You have your way with your music. You can make the people listening to you feel it." Ran opened his eyes and watched her play. The moonlight's playing across her features making her shine. It's almost like a dream.

 She softly giggled at what he said. "That's what they all say. The truth is I express my feelings with the music I play. This is the only way I can express my emotions. Those who truly listen can feel it as I do." She stared back at him and a sad smile mirrored the sadness of her eyes and music.

 Ran felt it. The sadness, loneliness, hopelessness she express in her music. All of it mirrored his own. Music is her medium to express her melancholy.

 The music ended and she put down her instrument. She met his gaze and for minutes they just looked at each other. She offered him a small smile and sat beside him. Again minutes passed as the pair sat in silence with only the water splashing at the fountain behind them the only sound breaking their quietness.

 "Thank you." Ran looked at her, confused as to why she is thanking him.

 "For what?" Yuka began to pack her things beside her. Looking up at Ran's direction then to the sky, she leaned a little to her back. "For staying with me tonight. It's quite lonely to be alone, ne?" Looking back his way she added, "You reminded me of someone." Raising a brow at her he then looked up at the sky. "Who might that be?" A soft giggle was her answer as he again looked at her. "I won't tell you." Her giggles turned to soft laughter when he raised his eyebrows at her again.

 "By the way," she got to her feet and stood in front of him. "My name is Izuna Yuka. It's a pleasure to have your company tonight." She held out her hand towards him.

 Ran looked at her hand for a second and stood up, taking her hand with a light squeeze. "Fugimiya Aya. It's also nice to listen to you." For the first time she smiled brightly at him. "I hope to see you soon, Aya-san." With that, she took her things and walked away from him. Ran watched her retreating form as she looked back and waved at him good-bye. He waved back and walked away towards the direction of the shop.

 Ran smiled a little as he continued to walk home. He was not feeling sad anymore. He was happy with the encounter in the park and silently wishing that he meets her again.

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To be continued