Hi minna!
I know the story's getting exciting (I'm excited as well, cause I don't know what will happen next… good luck writer(me) xD) but I don't want you to go and hate Syuusuke :(( That is why I'm posting this chapter just so you could feel his love and pain :D Because, I think he represents all those who are experiencing unrequited love (such as myself whii). And worry not, on the succeeding chapters, I will make you love him more (or, I hope so… since I don't have any plans on what will happen next XD)
It was very difficult for me to type this because I have to go from one chapter to the other just so they're coherent so I'm sorry if I didn't upload as early as I would love to do.
There won't be much conversation since I would be focusing on Syuusuke's thoughts and emotions :)
And this will probably be the longest chapter because I tried to put all the events from chapters 1-5 here. This might be a one-time thing… Most probably, I will return to my usual lengths after this (1 thousand words is my normal)
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis, only the plot of this ff and Hikari (as of the moment).
Enjoy!
~Sightless Melody~
Syuusuke's POV
Today, the third Friday of April, Yuuta called and told me about his job. I was happy because he usually hates the idea that I know where he works. He also asked me to come to the bar to watch him play. I would never let go of that offer, so I told him that I'll go tonight. I was ready to turn off my phone because the other line turned silent, until I heard him speak with a small voice. "Um, nii-san…" He said, almost inaudible. "What is it, Yuuta?" I asked. "Could you bring Tezuka-san with you?" I was shocked. Why would he want me to bring Tezuka? Well, not that I have any complaints. "Okay," I replied cheerfully and he gave me a word of thanks with the same cheer. Before turning off my phone, I took note of the time, 4:45. Perfect.
I made my way to Tezuka's office. Knock, knock, knock. I know that he's currently having a writer's block; I'll just use that as an excuse. Our talk went the way I want it to, so after saying the time and place, I left before he even say anything else. Sigh. No matter how nonchalant I try to look, the fast beating of my heart always betray me. It's hard to be in the same room as him because I can't help but look at him. Calm down Syuusuke. He already rejected you, remember? But, it's nearly impossible to tell your emotions to stop… They just won't listen.
I left the building after our conversation and went home. I need a shower. My mom's the only person in the house right now because Yumiko-neesan, Yuuta and my dad are working. My father is also a great singer but he's known for his life-like sculptures. As for Yuuta, I told him that he's more than welcome to my workplace but he said that he'll take care of himself. Makes me sad as an older brother, I want to dote on him more. But of course he wouldn't permit that. Yumiko-neesan is the only one of us siblings who didn't pursue music. She told our parents that she found her passion in teaching. And now she's a college professor at the prestige Hyotei Gakuen.
My mother, Yoshiko, welcomed me with a hug. She asked how my day was and I answered that it was great. As I was about to go to the bathroom, she asked if I was going somewhere. "I'm going to Yuuta's workplace." I said enthusiastically. Mom looked happy with what I said. I also invited her to go with me but she told me she would love to but she got a lot of cupcake orders. I nodded and took my needed shower but not before checking the clock hanging in the living room wall, 5:30, plenty of time. I changed my mind. I decided to fill the tub and just dipped myself in it. I used the Sleep Lavender Bath Salt that my friend gave me when he returned from San Francisco. The smell eased my mind. And then I heard knocking which woke me up… Woke me up? How long have I been in the tub? "I'm okay mom," I said, to calm my worried mother. I dried myself with my towel and went out of the bathroom. And I slowly directed my attention to the living room clock… 6:10. Phew.
I went to my room and texted my companion. "Tezuka~ I just want to remind you about our little D-A-T-E tehee~" I sometimes wonder if he finds it annoying when I text him like that. I partially do it because I think I'm known to be that type of guy. Anyway, I went to my closet and brought out a few set of clothes and a few minutes later, a different set is on the bed. This always happen when I have plans with Tezuka, I can't help but want to look… nice. Even if I know that he's not gay, not even bi. And even if he didn't reply to my text sent 30 minutes ago… Fuck. It's 6:40! The bar is 20 minutes away from my place. I didn't have a choice and settled with what I'm wearing now, which is a black polo and cream-colored pants. I grabbed my phone and wallet and ran downstairs. While I was hurriedly putting my black shoes, Yumiko-neesan arrived. Thank heavens. "Welcome back Yumiko-neesan. Can I borrow your car?" She looked at me, "what a nice way to welcome me home." She giggled and handed me the keys. "Be careful." I finished putting my shoes and hugged her. "Thank you, I'm off." And I left with the speed of light.
It's a great thing that there's not much traffic now. I decided to fold the sleeves of my polo up to my elbows to look a bit neat. While driving, my thoughts wandered to my younger brother. I still don't know why he insisted on Tezuka going to the bar. It just doesn't make any sense. Unless… he wants him to see something or… someone. I suddenly felt my stomach churn. I have a bad feeling about tonight. When I'm a good 5 minutes away (also 5 minutes late because it's exactly 7), I texted Tezuka that I'm on my way and asked that we meet at the entrance. I parked at the space nearest to the entrance.
I ran towards him and when I'm directly in front of him I spoke, "sorry for being late." He looked at me with his normal stare. My mind froze for a moment. That v-neck. (a/n: v-necks make guys look hotter! I swear!) And I suddenly blurted out the most ominous thing I've said tonight, "Let's go and find your inspiration." My smile never wavered but my heart tightened.
As we entered the Ethereal Bar that gives off the feeling of a café, I automatically loved the place. The ambiance is perfect and the music is great, and I can tell that Tezuka agrees with me because of how he tries to absorb all that the bar has to offer. I think he's pleasantly surprised and that made me happy. We were seated at the back which is not a big deal because their music equipment is unsurprisingly the latest kind.
We placed our orders and continued to check out the bar. I noticed that Tezuka is intently looking at everything, which is so like him. I asked him about what he thinks of the place despite seeing his pleased face a while ago. He didn't answer immediately which made me think that he wouldn't want to be disturbed. So, when he said that it was relaxing and that he liked the place, I decided to remain silent, which I think he greatly appreciated. He then proceeded on bringing out his writing materials and allowed himself to be engrossed by the place.
I noticed that people kept on asking the waiter "is he around?" I became curious on who the person is. And I'm not the only one, because my companion looked at me with a questioning look. Of course I wouldn't know who "he" is. "Don't ask me, it's also my first time here. So be gentle with me, neh~", I said. He looked at me with exasperation. I smiled it off as usual.
Sometimes I wonder how am I able to just smile things off, especially when I'm faced with clear rejections, such as this. And I always come to the same conclusion. It's because I know that Tezuka only has one thing in his mind, music. Music will receive his undivided attention. Even if he sees someone with great expertise, he won't look at the person, only at his talent. And that is the only thing I hold on to, that as long as I stay in the same company, I can always be by his side without any worries about him looking directly at someone's direction. This place is making me emotional.
Why is he staring at me? "You didn't tell me that your brother plays here." He said. Oh, Yuuta's playing his violin up front. I looked at Tezuka then my brother. "Well, you never asked." His stare remained unmoving focused on me. Focused on me. How ironic. I unconsciously laughed, good thing it isn't out of place. "He's the one who invited me here. I thought it would be great to have you as a company." I said, just to make sense of my laughter. He mumbled a small of thank you then our orders came.
The food is extraordinary. I'll have to talk to Yuuta why he only introduced this bar to me now. The pasta is of ideal softness and the sauce is perfectly balanced. I usually eat with poise but I can't think about that now, not with this extra ordinary food. I was lost in the taste of the food that I didn't notice the approaching hand, only when the cloth made contact with my face. I was taken aback by his action so I moved by reflex. I pulled my head back, shock evident in my eyes. But I tried to regain my composure as quickly as possible. "Oh my Tezuka, I suggest you don't do that. I might just fall for you." I said as I winked at him. Again, I masked my feelings using this side of me. My heart is beating so fast. How can this guy be so insensitive? Usually, if someone confessed to you, it would forever feel awkward. But he, he's acting as though nothing was ever said. Sigh, what did I expect from this music-focused lad? I keep on sighing today.
I placed my attention to Yuuta who looked at our direction before starting his final song. "A Thousand Years". How perfect. I decided to drown myself to that one song. I allowed the words to be sung inside my head.
Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I'm afraid
To fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt
Suddenly goes away somehow
One step closer
I have died every day
waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
Time stands still
beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything
Take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath,
Every hour has come to this
One step closer
I have died every day
Waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
And all along I believed
I would find you
Time has brought
Your heart to me
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
One step closer
One step closer
I have died every day
Waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid,
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
And all along I believed
I would find you
Time has brought
Your heart to me
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
The song ended and I wondered if I'll have these feelings forever. Yuuta left the stage. I thought he'll go to our table right after his performance. I felt quite sad. Anyway, the host started to speak. "Thank you very much Fuji Yuuta for that wonderful performance. And now for our last performer, I know most of you are familiar with him already, but some may not. Our last artist will serenade us with his voice and guitar skills. Without further ado, let us welcome Echizen Ryoma." I was amazed by the thunderous claps given by the originally silent audience. He must be the "he" that people are asking for a while ago.
I was surprised to see Yuuta back on the stage, without his violin but a guitar on hand. He seems to be accompanying Echizen. A duet? Yuuta? Now that's something I'd like to see. But I wasn't granted the leisure of hearing my younger brother sing because after handing the guitar to Echizen, he left the stage and walked towards us. I welcomed him with a proud smile while Tezuka just nodded in acknowledgement. He sat beside me. I inquired Yuuta about this Echizen guy, it seems that he's the star of this bar. He finally said why he asked us to come here. He wanted Echizen to be our artist. If the guy is as talented as Yuuta and the saxophone player a while ago, it's not impossible to get him in the industry. I was surprised to hear Tezuka express his interest, asking how talented the guy is. Yuuta looked at Tezuka as if he had said something stupid, "Maybe my words aren't enough. You'll have to listen to him yourself." I can't help but be interested myself. He gives so much regards to this guy who haven't spoken a single word after coming up on stage.
"Good evening everyone." He finally started. He has such a soft sounding voice. "I am very sorry but…" He's blushing, how cute. "I forgot my first song." I can't help but stifle a laugh, this boy is adorable. "So I'll have to change it, would that be okay?" And he has such great stage presence; the audience is charmed by him, including me. I had to restrain myself from having to answer his rhetorical question. And then his smile happened. I was automatically drawn to it. "Thank you. My first song is for those who found the one they love. Who's content with their partner and finds the best in the simplest of things. This is by Stephen Speaks." As soon as those words left his mouth, I was brought back to the unreciprocated love that I have for this person across the table; the man who only has eyes for music; who will only see up to the skills; and who is now staring deeply to the shy boy in front. "Tezuka," I tried to get his attention but it almost felt like I didn't exist. My heart sank. The man who was supposed to be a workaholic is now looking at the boy in front like his life is on the line.
I saw how each word Echizen sang changed the emotion in the eyes of Tezuka; how each strum affected Tezuka's belief in music. I know. I know because the more I listen to this humble boy on the stage, the same thing is happening to me. He changes what I know of music and I am haunted by his voice and I hate it. I hate it because I know that it haunts Tezuka more. And I know, by the way Tezuka looks, that I've been defeated by this boy who we knew existed merely 8 minutes ago.
As the song comes to an end, Tezuka directed his attention to Yuuta and I know what he's about to say. But, I don't know why, I beat him to it. "I would love to take him under my wings, Yuuta." Tezuka was surprised by my move and I know he wouldn't back down. "It's not like you to initiate, Fuji." And it's not like you to push something. I don't know why I'm even doing this, "Even I know an exceptional artist when I see one." I felt Yuuta's worried look. "You know, it would be great if you allowed him to choose. The guy is quite shy, cut him some slack." True, his performance might be influenced by who is handling him. Tezuka might be too strict for such a sweet boy.
"Yuuta, does Echizen even want this?" He's becoming talkative. I'm scared of how easily he can be influenced by this boy. "He needs it." Why would he need it? Echizen started strumming again, he really plays elegantly. "But you have to know," Yuuta started, getting our attention. "Echizen is blind." I did not expect that and neither did Tezuka. And we were silent, lost in our own thoughts.
The way he plays that guitar with that expertise is unbelievable. He doesn't make himself look like a blind person at all. That voice and talent, he's the ultimate artist.
I then noticed how Tezuka's food remained untouched since the boy appeared on stage. "I suggest you finish your food, Tezuka. It's getting too cold." I said, successfully getting his attention. Then he resumed on eating but really slowly. I know what he's trying to do and so did Yuuta. "You know, Tezuka-san. If you want to stay, you can stay. You don't have to eat that slowly." My younger brother said. I know Tezuka's not the type of person who admits things like these. He's quite prideful. So, being the kind friend that I am, I thought of the best excuse. "Neh, Tezuka. Do you want to order some desserts? After eating that, that is." I smiled ever so brightly. He looked at me wearily then a glint of realization appeared. He nodded in agreement.
When our desserts came, Tezuka's eyebrows scrunched together a bit, maybe because it came too soon? "Why do you think he needs to enter the music industry? Is it because of his… condition?" Tezuka asked. This delaying tactic of him is really effective. I think he also noticed how Yuuta contemplated on telling us something so he backed up his words. "Because, we are really interested on being his producers. And if there's anything we can do to help him, we are more than willing to help." Saying that proved to be useful because he faced us showing great seriousness. "I am not in the position to speak about Echizen's past. But one thing is for sure, if he became known in the whole of Japan, he might be able to find his family." How heavy is the burden being carried by this boy? At least he's living in this place, one less thing to worry about. Hahaha. I kept on nagging about how easily affected Tezuka is but look at me, I'm actually worried about the boy's welfare.
Echizen is now on his fourth song, Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. I could feel every emotion he's trying to convey. After knowing these things about him, I learned where he's getting all these feelings from. And then it happened. I looked at Tezuka and became openly shocked. Tears are flowing out of his eyes and it seems that he hadn't noticed it yet. People from the other table started looking as well. That's when Tezuka looked at us and then at his hand. He tried to wipe the tears away but it just flowed. I asked if he was okay, what a stupid question. He said he is but there's no stopping his tears. He's not admitting it but the feelings of the song affected him so much to the point that he's unconsciously weeping for the boy in front; the boy in front who is now being approached by Yuuta. What is he planning to do? He whispered something to Echizen and a worried expression filled the young boy's face. He was then led by Yuuta to our table.
I looked at my brother questioningly and he placed his index finger on his mouth, signalling me to stay quiet. When he's directly standing in front of Tezuka, Yuuta told the boy that he's now facing his companion. He raised both his hands slowly, like looking for the face of the crying lad. When he finally placed his hands on his cheeks, he used his thumbs to removed tears off his face. Tezuka was frozen to his place as he looked at the boy in front of him. To my surprise, his tears stopped flowing. Echizen's smile brightened and his cheek had a tinge of pink as he tried to wipe the remaining tears away. "Good, you stopped crying." He said; his voice ever so charming. He slowly removed his right hand and I saw a flash of longing in Tezuka's eyes. That is until Echizen closed the distance between his lips and the stunned man's right cheek. I bit my lip. "I'm sorry for making you cry." He said before returning to the stage with the help of Yuuta. I hate myself. I hate myself because I can't feel any anger towards Echizen despite seeing the one I love be captivated by him. I looked at Tezuka who's as still as a stone. Yes, I hate myself.
I finally finished this chapter! I've been working with this for roughly 11 hours. It might not be interesting since it's just a recap of the 5 chapters but with a different point of view but… appreciate my effort xD Officially the longest chapter I've ever made (including my other ffs)
Without the author's note, this almost reached 3,500 words. xD I'm totally drained.
I didn't reread it so excuse any errors xD
I hope you don't hate Fuji so much anymore… And worry not, I promise that he'll be a very helpful character… =)
I hope you liked it and don't forget to review, favourite and follow! :D