"Mom, have you seen my new necklace anywhere?!"

It was 6 pm, Thursday. An hour before the valentine dance. Kahoko was seen rushing down the stairs and into the living room, where her mother was. Her mother was busy reading a book when Kahoko asked that question.

Kahoko: Mom? Have you seen it anywhere? I spent quite an amount of money to buy it and I can't afford to loose it.

Her mother warily closed her book and pointed towards the coffee table which is in front of her.

Mrs Hino: There. You left it there by accident.

Kahoko: (taking the necklace) Thanks.

Then, she ran up the stairs again. Mrs Hino slowly got up and went upstairs as well. By the time she arrived in her daughter's room, Kahoko was busy combing her hair at the dressing table.

Mrs Hino: Not so hard, dear. (going next to her) Comb your hair slowly or you'll end up loosing your hair. Let me do it for you.

Kahoko: (giving her the hairbrush) Sure. Thanks, mom.

Mrs Hino: (started combing her hair) I noticed your hair got wavier since you got back from the saloon this evening. Did you style your hair?

Kahoko: (smiling) Yes, I did. Nami suggested it. She said it will look good on me.

Mrs Hino: Well, she isn't lying. You look wonderful, Kahoko.

Kahoko: (blushing) Thank you. Nami got HER hair straightened.

Mrs Hino: Really? How does it look on her?

Kahoko: Oh, she looks very pretty.

Mrs Hino: I see. By the way, dear, that boy, the one who asked you to the dance... what was his name again?

Kahoko: Len. Len Tsukimori.

Kahoko immediately blushed after saying his name. Memories of the incident in his house came flooding back in her head. Luckily, her mother didn't realize her flushed face.

Mrs Hino: Yes, yes him. What type of guy is he, Kahoko? What do you think of him?

Kahoko: What do I think of him? Er...

"Cold, emotionless, aloof" what was she wanted to say at first. But she decided it's best if she just focus on his good points instead. She didn't want her mother to think that she's going to the dance with a delinquent or something.

Kahoko: (began slowly) Well, he can be sweet at times.

She thought about the time when he helped her by fixing her violin and teaching her how to play it.

Kahoko: Caring too.

She smiled when she remembered how Len constantly reminds her to take care of her hands.

Kahoko: He doesn't really talk much, and he prefers to be alone instead of being together with friends.

Mrs Hino: So he's a loner?

Kahoko: Well yeah, I guess you could say that. But despite that, he's a very good guy.

Mrs Hino: (smiled) You must really like him huh?

Kahoko: Um... (blushed)

Mrs Hino: No need to hide it. I can see it clearly. I always thought you're pretty clueless in this kind of thing. Romance and stuff. Guess not. So the 'Violin Romance' rumor is true, after all.

Kahoko: (surprised) H-how did you do know about that?

Mrs Hino: Let me think... oh yeah! Now I remember. Your friend Mio told me about it.

Kahoko: (thinking) That Mio...

A few minutes later, her mother put down the hairbrush. She then excused herself to go downstairs. Kahoko sat there, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She was awed by her own pretty reflection. Suddenly, her smile turned into a frown. She absently placed her hand at the side of her head.

Kahoko: Something's missing. I just can't put my finger on it.

Then, her mother came back into her room, holding a small object in her hand. It was a hairpin with a fake rose on it.

Mrs Hino: Here Kahoko. I found this in my room. I thought it will look nice on you. Tie your hair into a high ponytail so I could pin this in your hair.

Kahoko: Sure.

After she tied her hair neatly, her mother pinned the flower hairpin in her hair. She then asked Kahoko to look at herself in the mirror. She did so as told. She gaped. With the flower in her hair, she looked even prettier now.

Mrs Hino: Now, don't you look pretty?

Kahoko: (smiling) I- I don't know what to say. T-thank you mom.

Mrs Hino: Your welcome dear.

Suddenly the doorbell rang.

Kahoko: That must be Len. I gotta go. (got up)

Mrs Hino: Okay then. Have fun dear. I hope I'll get to meet him at another time. Right now, I'll leave you two alone.

Kahoko: (blushed) Right.

Kahoko bid her mother goodbye and rushed out of the house. Len was already waiting for her at the gate.

Kahoko: Hey there Len.

Len: (turning around)Hey th-

Len was cut off. He was too mesmerized by the beautiful girl that stood before him. Kahoko was wearing a spaghetti-strap red dress that reaches her knees. She was wearing a pair of black high heels. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail with a fake rose pinned at the side. To complete the look she was wearing a necklace with a heart shaped gem stone around her neck. Her lips was also quite shiny due to the lip gloss that she was using. Needless to say, she's very beautiful. (author: sorry I'm not so good at describing people's clothing. You can see the dress at this link:http://www./novona-dress/)

Kahoko noticed that he was staring at her . She slightly blushed and slowly got nearer to him.

Kahoko: So, uh, what do you think?

Len: B-beautiful. (saying it quietly)

Kahoko: (blushed harder) T-thank you, Len. You look nice in your tux, by the way. (author: remember the white tux he was wearing in the opening theme? Yeah, that's the one.)

Len didn't answer but looked away instead. Unknown to Kahoko, there was a faint blush on his cheeks.

Len: Anyway, we better get going. We're gonna be late. (taking her hand) (author: Pretty bold of him, huh?)

Kahoko was surprised by the direct contact but didn't say a word. After all he held her hand before. Although it was unintentionally.

Kahoko didn't notice there was a black sleek looking car waiting for them a few meters away from her house. Like a gentleman he is, Len opened the car door for Kahoko. She went inside to find Misa Hamai sitting inside the car. She smiled warmly when she saw Kahoko entering the car. Len went inside soon after. As a result she was seated between Len and Misa Hamai at the backseat.

Misa Hamai: You look wonderful Kahoko.

Kahoko: Thank you.

Misa Hamai: Sorry we have to park a few distance away from your house. Len requested it. He wants to avoid all the attention because of this car. He even requested so that we drop you off a distance away from the school! I hope you don't mind walking.

Len scowled while Kahoko chuckled.

Kahoko: Oh don't worry about me ma'am. I'll be fine walking the rest of the way. In fact I think I understand how Len feels. I prefer to avoid unwanted attention as much as possible. It makes me nervous.

Misa Hamai: I see. You two are quite alike.

Kahoko turned to Len and quickly looked away. He did the same thing with Kahoko.

Misa Hamai laughed quietly after looking at those two.

The rest of the journey was pretty quiet. Kahoko kept herself busy by talking to Misa Hamai. It wasn't hard talking to her since she had so much to ask and Misa Hamai willingly answered each and every one of her questions. Len kept himself quiet and looked out of the window.

In 15 minutes time, they arrived at the academy. As promised, Misa Hamai asked the driver to park the car a safe distance away from the building, much to Len's relief. The two teenagers got out of the car and bid Misa Hamai goodbye. After she left, the two started walking.

Kahoko: Are you excited?

Len: I guess.

Kahoko: I am too. But I got to admit, I'm a bit nervous as well.

Len: (looked at her) And why's that?

Kahoko: (smiled sheepishly) You'll know soon.

Len just nodded and carried on walking. Soon, they reached the entrance gate. As they were about to enter the academy, very familiar voices can be heard.

"Ouch, that hurts! Are you trying to stab me or something?"

" No, silly! I'm trying to put this pin on your vest like you asked me to."

"Then, why do I keep getting pricked?"

"That's because you won't stay still!"

Len and Kahoko turned around to find Kazuki and Nami arguing. Kahoko headed over to meet them. Len soon followed. Nami caught sight of them and waved. She didn't realize that she was waving the hand with the pin in it.

Kazuki: (trying to avoid the pin) Hey! Are you TRYING to kill me? First you tried to stab me then you tried to poke me in the eye!

Nami realized what she's doing and immediately put down her hand. She smiled sheepishly at Kazuki.

Nami: Sorry... I didn't realize.

Luckily for her, Kazuki was not the type of person that can stay mad for too long. He caught sight of Kahoko and instantly smiled. He started waving too. But he didn't realize that one of his waving hands were very near to Nami's head.

Nami: Hey now! Now you're trying to get back at me by slapping my head, Kazuki?

Kazuki put down his hands and muttered a hasty apology. Nami scowled but decided to let it drop.

Kahoko couldn't help but giggle at those two actions. Len didn't laugh but managed to give a small smile in amusement instead.

Kazuki and Nami stared at them in disbelief. Oh great, now Kahoko's laughing in our expense. Even Len's smiling in amusement, they both thought together, (author: Strange isn't it? How they can think the same thing at the same time.)

"What is so funny?" they both said in unison. They stopped and looked at each other and turned away from each other with a scowl.

Kahoko: (smiling) Wow. You guys remind me of Len And Ryotaro.

Now, it's Len's turn to scowl. Kahoko quickly changed the topic.

Kahoko: Anyway, Nami, have you find yourself a date yet?

Nami: He's standing beside me right now.

Kahoko: (looked at Kazuki) No way! KAZUKI's your date?!

Nami: Yup! He asked me after you girls left from the mall. He approached me and then asked me to the dance right then and there.

Kazuki: (smiled sheepishly) Actually, she knew what I intended to do from the very beginning.

Nami: (looked at Kahoko) Wow, Kahoko! You look stunning! Doesn't she, Kazuki?

Kazuki: Uh... yes. Definitely.

Kahoko: Thank you, Nami. And you too, Kazuki. That's so sweet. (smiling sweetly)

Kazuki: (blushing) Y-your welcome.

Kahoko: You two look amazing as well.

Nami: Do we?

Nami wore a sleeveless blue dress that reaches her ankles.(go to this site if you want to see /photos/33909521N00/2056864494) Her hair was straightened and seemed a lot longer now. It was now waist length. She wore silver strap sandals as well a bead necklace around her neck. She also wore a glittery headband to complete the look. Kazuki was wearing a white long sleeved shirt and a black vest. There was also a red bow around his neck. He reminds Kahoko of a waiter at some fancy hotel restaurant.

Len stepped in and interrupted the conversation. He took Kahoko's hand and pulled her towards the entrance gate.

Len: C'mon. We'll catch a cold if we just stand around here.

Len held Kahoko's hand tighter. That gesture made her blush scarlet. He then pulled her towards the academy. Nami managed to wink at Kahoko while whispering "violin romance" which made Kahoko blush more.

The two couples then entered the academy. When they arrived at the auditorium, it was already packed with students. The auditorium itself is brightly lit and was decorated with hearts and flowers.

While Kahoko was busy looking at the decorations, she didn't realize that someone was approaching.

"Hello, Kahoko."

Kahoko nearly jumped two feet into the air. Len rolled his eyes at her reaction, Kazuki couldn't help but smile while Nami just shook her head. Kahoko turned around to see Azuma and Ayano. Kahoko smiled warmly.

Kahoko: Hello there, Azuma. Ayano.

Ayano: Good evening, Kahoko. It's good to see you again.

Kahoko: It's good to see you too. You look beautiful, Ayano. (meaning every word)

Ayano was wearing a strapless black cocktail dress.() She wore a pretty diamond necklace, loop earrings, a charm bracelet and a pair of high heels. Her hair was tied up in a bun with a flower hairpin in her hair. Even though she used minimal amount of makeup, Kahoko had to admit that looking at her was like looking at an angel.

Ayano: Thank you. Actually Azuma helped me choose the accessories as well as the shoes. His grandmother chose the dress.

Kahoko: (thinking) Talk about princess treatment.

Azuma: You look wonderful as well, Kahoko. (smiling)

Kahoko: (blushing) Um... thank you, A-Azuma.

Azuma: (looking at Kazuki, Len and Nami) Kazuki, you look great as well.

Kazuki: (smiling widely) Thanks! You look great in your black tux too.

Azuma: Thank you. Nami, Len, you two look great.

Nami: Why, thanks for the compliment.

Len: Thank you Azuma. (saying it formally)

Azuma: So I guess it's true when Kazuki said that you'll be bringing Kahoko to the dance.

Len: Yes, it's true. (remained stoic)

"K-Kahoko? Everyone?"

" Hello there."

"Hey you guys!"

" Kahoko! Long time no see!"

" Hey there Kahoko."

"Hi there."

They were soon approached by Shouko, Keiichi, Ryotaro, Mizue, Mio and Nao. Two unfamiliar guys soon followed. Mio and Nao told them that they were their dates. The girls look pretty in their dresses and gowns while the boys look great in their tuxes and other formal wear. (Author: Too tired to describe the clothing.)

They chatted for a while until the sound of a microphone cackling. All the students turned their attention to wards the stage where Mr. Kanazawa stood.

Kanazawa: Okay, pay attention everyone. I would like to welcome you all to the Valentine Dance. (sounding bored)

Mr. Kanazawa hated sounding like a teacher.

Kanazawa: Anyway, tonight, I would like all of you to enjoy yourself. Dance and socialize to your hearts content. Do discipline yourself though. Thank you. (went off the stage.

Kazuki: (chuckled) That's a short speech. Oh well at least he won't bore us to death. (saying it loudly)

Every student laughed.

Mr. Kanazawa grabbed the microphone from the stage and spoke.

Kanazawa: I heard that you know, Kazuki. Do you honestly think I CAN"T hear you? I'm not deaf you know.

Kazuki: Sorry teach. (author: Just in case some of you don't know, teach is, in my case, the short form of teacher)

The valentine dace had now officially begun. As a starting song, a slow type of song was played. Most of the students went to the dance floor to, well, dance. Azuma and Ayano led the dance followed by other students. The only couple left at the side of the dance floor was none other than Len and Kahoko.

Len: (extending his hand towards Kahoko) W-would you like to dance?

Kahoko: I love too but-

Len: But what?

Kahoko: Um... the reason I was nervous before is because I uh... (taking a deep breath) don't know how to the dance. (saying it quietly)

Len stared at her for a moment and then smiled ever so slightly.

Len: It's okay. I'll lead, you just follow me. You'll get the hang of it.

Kahoko thought about it for a while. Then, she hesitantly took his hand and made her way to the dance floor with him.

At first, they danced rather awkwardly. But soon she got better and better. They danced gracefully across the dance floor. The other students stopped dancing and step aside to watch them dance.

Len and Kahoko continued to dance, not realizing that they were being watched. The other students were captivated by their graceful movements. Murmurs like "Not only do they know how to play the violin, they dance well too," or "Must be the work of the violin romance," can be heard.

After they danced, the audience broke into an applause. Len and Kahoko turned around to find the students clapping and cheering for them. Even Azuma smiled. Sincerely this time. Kazuki flashed them a thumb's up. Ryotaro gave a small smile. Mr. Kanazawa, who watched everything from afar, chuckled lightly.

Kahoko blushed while Len looked away from the crowd. When they realized that they were still holding hands, they immediately let go.

Kahoko: (shuttering, blushing) I-I think I need to sit down.

Len: Sure.

After they were seated at a nearby table, they decided to watch the other students dance. They sat together in silence. A few minutes passed. Slowly, Len turned his attention to wards Kahoko.

Len: (smiling) That was great dancing back there.

Kahoko: Y-you think so? Thank you. B-but, I stepped on your feet three times during that dance.

Suddenly, Len let out a chuckle. (author: Now THAT's rare.)

Kahoko: What's so funny?

Len: Well, you did better than me. You are much better beginner than I was.

Kahoko: Huh? (confused)

Len: Back when I was in elementary school, my family was invited to a dinner party. My parents were asked to perform there you see.

Kahoko: And?

Len: The guests were invited to dance along to the performance. My parents created such a wonderful music. Heartwarming and sweet in all aspects. (sighs)

Kahoko: (getting even more confused) I don't see where this is going.

Len: To put it short, they were performing a classical music. That means that all the guests were invited to dance the waltz or ballroom dancing. I was only 9 back then and I didn't know how.

Kahoko: Oh.

Len: And well... I was asked to dance with a girl about my age. I think' she's the daughter of a famous harpist or something. Putting that aside, I did so as told. And uh...

Kahoko: And what? (getting more interested)

Len: Since I didn't know how, I just followed what the other guests did. It was a disaster. I ended up stepping that poor girl's feet about 10 times! Or more. Her feet got swollen after getting stepped on so many times.

Len winced at that memory. Kahoko however...

Kahoko: (trying hard not to laugh) N-no way!

In the end, Kahoko laughed anyway. Quietly of course. Len turned way from her. It was clear that he was upset.

Len: I shouldn't have told you.

Kahoko: (stopped laughing) Sorry Len. I couldn't help myself. Please forgive me.

Len soften up a bit at that point. But he didn't show it to Kahoko.

Len: Your sorry doesn't change the fact that you hurt my feelings. (sounding cold)

Kahoko: (starting to get angry) Jeez... I said I was sorry.

Len: (raised an eyebrow) 'Was sorry'?

Kahoko: You know what I mean. (scowled)

Len hated it when he hurt her feelings. As much as he wants to apologize, he couldn't. It's just not his style.

Len: No I don't. (sounding even more cold)

That did it. Kahoko got up and ran out of the auditorium, with a hurt expression on her face. Len watched her go. Feeling guilty, he followed her.

He finally found her at the academy ground, leaning near the large fairy statue. Only one expression was on her face, hurt.

Kahoko: (muttering) Stupid, insensitive, cold, heartless jerk. Who does he think he is?! I apologized and what did I get? A cold statement, that's what. (shouting to herself) You insensitive jerk!

" Glad you finally noticed."

Kahoko abruptly turned around to find Len standing behind her. Kahoko scowled.

Kahoko: What do you mean by 'glad you finally noticed,' ?

Len: You always thought I was a kind and caring guy inside. You never once mentioned to me that I was insensitive. Glad to find that you finally know the real me.

Kahoko: (turning away) Whatever.

Len: I'm sorry. (saying it quietly)

Kahoko: What's that?

Len: I said I am sorry. (saying it louder) I'm sorry for offending you back there.

Kahoko: Your sorry doesn't change the fact that you hurt my feelings. (sounding cold)

Len flinched. He wasn't used to hearing his words being thrown right back at him. Now that he heard it, he must admit that those words stung.

Len: Sorry. I'm really sorry. Really, I am. I-I didn't m-mean to hurt your f-feelings. (looking down)

Len cursed under his breath after hearing his shuttering tone. It sounded like he was about to cry or something. (author: Len? Crying? Never!)

Kahoko was surprised at hearing the way his voice shook. She turned to face Len. He looked so weak and seemed sincere about his apology. Anger soon turned into sympathy.

Kahoko: (smiling) It's okay. I forgive you. But will you forgive me for laughing at you just now?

Len: (looked up) Of course, I will. (smiling)

Without him noticing it, he walked nearer to Kahoko. His hand soon reached to caress Kahoko's face. Kahoko turned several shades of red.

Kahoko: Len...

Len soon realized what he was doing and dropped his hand. Feeling awkward, he looked way. Kahoko did the same.

After a few minutes of silence, Len turned to Kahoko.

Len: Hey Kahoko.

Kahoko: Mmm?

Len: Happy Valentine's Day, Kahoko.

Kahoko couldn't say anything. Len didn't say that sentence in his cool, monotone voice he usually used while greeting people. In fact, his voice was kinder and more gentle. Caring even. Kahoko couldn't help but smile.

Kahoko: Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Len.

THE END.

Author: There you go. The final chapter of the story. I hope you enjoy it. Before I leave, I would like to thank the following:

a) My parents, for supporting me.

b) My friends, for giving me ideas on the earlier chapters.

c) My cousin, for helping me with the plot of the story.

And of course, all the readers! Thank you for your reviews and tips. The credits are yours. Give yourself a pat in the back, will ya? (pat)

If you want to hear from me again , you'll have to wait for a while. Like a few months or so? My mom said I have to concentrate more on school starting next year. I'll try to write again during the holidays.

So, I'll miss you. All except my schoolmates of course, since we'll still be seeing each other. Last but not least,

PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!