Author's Note:
Hey guys, look! Another update? In less than a month? What is the world coming to? Hahahahahaha.
My Fall semester just started, so let's hope I don't vanish again. Stupid school. Who needs a degree anyways? (Kidding. Kidding!)
ANYWAYS, the point of this note was to apologize for any awkwardness in the conversational flow of the following chapter. I figured I should explain myself. Since La Corda d'Oro is originally in Japanese, and my brain has cataloged it as such, half of the time, when I'm writing the dialogue for this story, my brain is saying the lines in Japanese while my fingers are typing them in English. I'd rather not be one of those authors who throws random Japanese words and phrases all over the place (which is also why I mentioned in an earlier chapter that I was going to be dropping all honorifics from the characters' names).
No worries, I don't hold any ill feelings toward writers who mix-and-match languages. It just ain't my cuppa.
ENOUGH OF MY RAMBLING. ON TO THE STORY!
"Hino. Hino. Hi-no!"
Tsuchira crumpled up a ball of paper and flicked it at Kahoko. It hit her square in the forehead and she blinked. "What?"
He shook his head. "Have you been listening to anything I've said in the past ten minutes?"
She blushed. "Sorry, I'm just a little…I'm tired is all."
"Hmm?"
She stood, lacing her fingers together and stretching her arms over her head. "I should probably go home and rest." She picked up her violin case and laughed nervously. "I don't think I paid attention in any of my classes today. I can't afford to slack off again tomorrow. Bye, Tsuchira!"
"Wait a minute." He reached out and grabbed her arm. "You're not leaving just yet."
"But—"
"You don't have any plans today, Hino. You don't have any major assignments or tests this week. You wanted to go to a music store with me today, but on second thought, I'm changing our schedule."
She flushed. "That was today? I'm sorry, I completely forgot!"
"I see."
"Um, so is it okay if we…"
"No."
"What?"
He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the school gates. "Come with me."
Kahoko blinked in surprise as the waiter placed a dessert plate in front of her. "Is this…"
Tsuchira shrugged. "You're lethargic, and I need to have a talk with you." He smiled as Kahoko stared wide-eyed at the cake. "Don't try and hide it. I know how much you love sweets."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded. "It's on me. Go ahead."
Kahoko smiled and picked up her fork. "Thank you for the meal!"
Tsuchira sipped at his water as he watched her eat. Finished, she leaned against the back of her chair and closed her eyes. "That was delicious! Thank you again, Tsuchira."
"Feeling more energetic now?"
"Yes, a bit."
"Okay then." He leaned forward, placing his hands on the tablecloth. "What's going on, Hino?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean."
"I—" she looked down at her empty plate to avoid his gaze. "No, not really."
"Who is he?"
Kahoko flushed bright red. "I…I..don't…"
Tsuchira reached forward and grabbed her hands in frustration. "Is it Tsukimori? Hino, look at me!"
"Tsuchira…"
"Just tell me!"
"It's none of your business," she whispered.
"Eh? A little louder, please."
"It's none of your business, Tsuchira!" Angrily, Kahoko yanked her hands out of his grip and stood. "What I do on my personal time is private. I'm not obligated to tell you anything."
"Hino…"
"I'm tired, Tsuchira. I'm going home. Thank you for the treat." Picking up her schoolbag and violin case, she walked out of the café.
Frazzled, he watched her leave without any further protest. It wasn't like her to get so angry at him in response to a simple question. He had been a little forceful, but couldn't she see that it was only out of concern?
Something was different about her, and he wasn't sure if he liked the changes that he was seeing.
Was it so wrong to worry?
Unable to sit still any longer, Ryotaro pulled enough cash for the bill and the tip out of his wallet, and left it on the table.
He was probably overreacting, but it was only because he cared about her. Only because he…
He stopped walking and shook his head.
It didn't matter. She refused to trust him with this, and he wouldn't press her again. He would keep an eye on the situation, keep his ears open for any information, but he wouldn't interfere again.
Author's Note...Again:
Alright, I want to thank each and every one of you who have left reviews. You give me the warm fuzzies. :)
I have a vague idea for where this story is headed, but I'm not completely decided on any particular ourcome.
THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN!
Leave a review/comment with any suggestions/ideas that you have toward the furthering of the plot. I don't guarantee that your particular idea will be used, but you may very well provide inspiration. :D
Thank you all for your kindness. I hope I can update again soon!