Author's note: Halloo, everyone. Sorry for the delay. I have been juggling with a lot of tasks lately: work, study, training, etc. My intention is to release a chapter every two weeks, a month at most. But this one didn't go as planned. Will try again, though. Anyway, here you go! ^_^
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Reina closed her notebook and reclined on her chair. Homework done before dinnertime, as her mother requested. She removed the wireless headphones covering her ears and turned it off, resting it on her shoulders as she spread her arms to stretch. She stood, again stretching a little before pushing her chair and putting her headphones on the table. She needed to get dressed. She walked along the carpeted floor and headed for her closet.
Being the daughter of a moderately-famous musician, visitors of different sorts would sometimes come to the Kousaka residence. She was accustomed to family and familiar friends like the Takis. But researchers, reporters, colleagues, students, old and new acquaintances, even distant relatives made her uncomfortable. Leaving a good impression can be exhausting. Her mother would remind her beforehand if a guest would be coming. Then, Reina would prepare herself. Tonight, however, is slightly different. Like the Takis, they have been casual guests of the Kousakas. She has been used to them. However…
'I really don't need to do this, honestly,' Reina thought, browsing through her dresses. But somehow, she was caught in-between. If she did not prepare, she would seem bitter. If she did prepare, she would still seem bitter. She was not bitter, she cleared. 'I'm not,' she stressed. 'But if I'm going to seem bitter, at least I looked good.' Such grace taught by her own mother.
A knock on the door suddenly interrupts her search.
"Doozo ohairi kudasai," Reina consented, pausing and looking to the door.
Reina's mother entered the door, closing it behind her. "Ready?" she asked, approaching Reina's bed and sat on the side.
"Almost," Reina answered, resuming her search.
"Sou desu ka," Reina's mother said. She paused for a moment and cleared her throat. "Hotaka just called and told me they will be late. They will drop by after dinner. I came here to tell you."
Reina paused again. She did not know whether to feel relieved or upset. "Did he say why?" she asked.
"He just said he needed to attend to an urgent matter," Reina's mother answered.
"Oh," was Reina's only reply. An awkward moment of silence followed. Reina did not know what else to say. Secretive and enigmatic as she was, her mother knew some parts of her life she found difficult to keep…
Including that.
"How long has it been since Mojacchi and her mother left for Tokyo?"
"Three years," Reina answered. "Mojacchi" was the name she fondly called her childhood friend. The name eventually stuck and soon enough, everyone in the Kousaka household started calling her as such. She turned to her mother and closed the closet doors behind her. She remembered that year. It was also the year she decided to dedicate more time for trumpet practice to cope with the void.
"I remember you being very lonely," Reina's mother recalled. "You two were inseparable."
Reina exhaled heavily. Lonely was an understatement, she remembered. She and Mojacchi kept in touch, but she gradually felt the distance as the months went by. She felt its worst when Mojacchi told her she needed to go to London after the program ended. Reina gradually cut off her communication with her. It was an impulsive decision, but at the time, she believed it was worthless to keep communicating with someone who was continuously drifting away from her. She no longer expected a reunion or a return.
"She said she'd come back, remember?"
Reina nodded, then sitting next to her mother. "Maybe I lost confidence in it," she reasoned. "Three years is a long time. Maybe she has already forgotten."
Reina's mother shook her head. "You were the first person she wanted to see," she revealed. "Hotaka told me."
Reina tilted her head, slightly reddening. She was quiet.
"Your father never kept it a secret," Reina's mother said. "Mojacchi's parents were having marriage troubles sometime after her father started working in Paris."
Her mother's words surprised Reina. If it was not a secret, how come no one told her? The weight felt heavier on her chest. If she had known, maybe she would have understood.
"Mojacchi knew nothing about the setup, why her father would only visit once or twice a year and why he would stay in a hotel when he could stay with them," Reina's mother continued. "Then, the offer in Tokyo came. She thought about leaving you and the life she had here. But then, her mother revealed the truth."
Reina suddenly felt angry. But she knew it was useless. It was too late. "Why tell me just now?"
"Because aside from learning the truth, your father urged her to accept Mishkin's offer," Reina's mother answered, referring to a private institute where Reina's father briefly taught, the Evgeni Mishkin Conservatory. It is a little-known arts school, but anyone who knows of it would likely say the same thing. It is one of the most difficult arts institutes to enter.
Mojacchi is special, Reina's father would sometimes say. Reina did not deny that. It was the trait that inspired her to be better... and special.
"You should talk," Reina's mother advised. "Perhaps not at the moment… but you should."
"Hai, Kaa-san," Reina said reluctantly.
"I know you're not prepared to see her yet," Reina's mother said. "And I understand." She stood, turning to Reina. "Let me know. I'll be downstairs."
-0-0-0-0-0-
[Mr. Barlow and the others have left. I'm still here at Mister Donut.]
'Mister… Donut?' Kanon thought upon reading the new message on her phone and raising a brow.
"Of all the known bakeries in Kyoto, Mr. Barlow picked Mister Donut," the lady next to her said, chuckling. She, too, received the same message. She was beautiful, pale-skinned, long, red hair tied into a ponytail, and deep green eyes. Besides her foreign features, she spoke with a slight accent.
Kanon chuckled, pocketing her phone as she slouched against her seat and glanced at the dark, moving view from the bus window beside her.
"It was nice of Dr. Minami to have your glasses delivered instead," the lady complimented. "Her practice is so prolific her clinic is often packed."
Kanon nodded. The contact lenses she wore while waiting for the new frames were uncomfortable. She looked forward to receiving them. She lost her old glasses in public three days before her first day in school that she needed to see Dr. Minami to have them replaced. Instead of having to wait for the weekend to claim them, Dr. Minami had the glasses delivered.
"How does someone lose her glasses in a restroom?"
Kanon scratched her head. "I sort of forgot them on the sink after washing my face, Kira-san," she answered awkwardly. Half of the truth was that she really lost them in the restroom. The other half was that someone must have taken them while she was washing her face. But she opted not to tell the other half. Who would even believe such a thing could happen?
"You're impossible," Kira said, shaking her head as she browsed through her phone. "Oh. Let me remind you of the meeting on Sunday morning."
"Sunday?" Kanon repeated.
"I already told them we're not to entertain anything until you've adjusted here," Kira explained, pushing back her glasses. "But Dioli Rico-san has been calling me day in and day out."
Kanon sighed. Of course, news catches on fast.
"I told Dioli-san it can wait, but…" Kira trailed. "He said PALM8 wants you to look into the offer early as now. I already asked him to send a copy, so we can just review it. But he wants to further discuss the terms before you agree to start."
"Dioli-san is very persistent," Kanon observed.
"You need to accept some things aren't as simple anymore, Kanon," Kira stressed. "A lot has changed. And a lot will continue changing."
"Of course," Kanon agreed.
"But… I'll tell you what Suoh-jisan once told me," Kira added, referring to Kanon's father. "You can float with the current or swim against it. Just don't drown."
Kanon nodded. "I'll… keep that in mind," she said, puzzled by what Kira meant. Her phone suddenly buzzed through one of her bag's pockets. She reached into her bag and took out her phone. There was a message alert on the lock screen. Kanon opened the message:
[Moshimoshi. Sorry, it's late. Where are you headed?]
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Solve for the unknowns.
Kumiko tipped her pencil on the page of her notebook. As expected, the last problem had the most unknowns. She hated math, her weakest subject. Sometimes, she would motivate herself by thinking the last problems are puzzle pieces or passage keys to freedom, freedom from ever doing a math problem or attending another math class. "Why should I look for X? Who even wants to know Y?" she complained, raising her hands.
"Your math teacher," her sister, Mamiko, answered through the door. "Wow. That was so old, it reeks."
"Damare!" Kumiko yelled back. Her sister had awakened from her nap. 'She just has to stay here,' Kumiko thought. She wished her sister would be away more often. It felt uncomfortable having her over sometimes. She slumped over and sulked on her desk. Matsumoto-sensei, the wind ensemble club's vice adviser, reminded her after the first club session of the new school year that she needed to exert more effort in maintaining her grades, especially in math. Or else, she would have to abstain from joining club activities until her grades improve. Somehow, she is relieved Taki-sensei has not returned from the convention yet. Club activities have been light so far, some brush-up practice sessions and discussions. She found time to focus on her lessons. Finally, she sat up. She stretched a little and tried remembering how it was done earlier in class, following the steps. Like magic, she scribbled the solution on paper. And like magic, she was done. She closed her notebook and slouched against her seat, sighing in relief.
Her phone beeps on her desk, and she quickly picks it up. "Reina," she uttered upon viewing the message notification and unlocked to read it:
[Done with homework, Kumiko?]
Kumiko replied:
[Hai.]
Before she could put her phone down, her phone began to ring. Reina was calling. Kumiko answered. "Moshimoshi," she greeted.
"Konbanwa, Kumiko," Reina greeted from the other end. "Sumimasen. Am I disturbing you?"
"Iie," Kumiko quickly answered. "I'm not busy at all. Are you done with yours, too?"
"Hai. I finished early. Kaa-san wanted me to finish early because we were expecting guests. But… they're not going to make it in time because something came up."
"Guests?"
"Just family friends."
"Ah… Sou desu ka," Kumiko approached and dove onto her bed. She was exhausted, but she found comfort simply hearing Reina's voice.
"Eto… I heard talks from my classmates that there's a new student in your class."
"Ah. That one…"
"You never told me about it."
Kumiko lay on her back, somewhat surprised about what she had just heard. She thought of Reina as someone who would not care for idle talk. "I thought things like that didn't interest you," she said.
"Warui ne! Of course, they do. Just… not always."
Kumiko giggled in response.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Because our rooms are on the same floor," Kumiko answered. "You haven't seen her yet?"
"Mada."
"You seem interested."
"Chotto desu ne."
"Hm," Kumiko uttered. "I can introduce you to her if you want. Actually, I want her to join our club since we need new members. But Taki-sensei isn't back yet. We did hand her a form the other day. She said she'd consider."
"Sou desu ka… You seem eager."
"Eh…" Kumiko chuckled uncomfortably. There was more than enough reason for her to be eager. But she was told to keep what had happened in the new music room a secret.
"Anou… Will you be busy later?"
"Iie. I don't have anything else to do later," Kumiko answered. "Why?"
-0-0-0-0-0-
The time on the electronic clock read: 07:34.
Haruka returned to the report before her, arranging the pages before stapling them all together. Then, she puts it on the side. She was done for tonight. Dinner at the dorm cafeteria would be ready in a while. She has more than enough time to rest and to prepare. Her phone continuously buzzes, slightly gliding and reaching the edge of her desk. Just before it falls to the floor, she catches it.
"1 New Message," it read. She has been waiting for a reply. She unlocked her phone to read.
[He has changed a lot if you remember him that way. He wasn't like that before.]
Haruka slouched against her chair, typing out her reply.
[I worked with him closely last year. He was a perfectionist. Everything needed to be up to his standards.]
Taki-sensei being less of a devil than he is? She found it close to impossible. She was not alone in visualizing Taki-sensei as a charismatic devil. She admitted he is handsome and very popular among the ladies in Kitauji. But while he motivated everyone in the ensemble, he also had a nature of driving a student to tears without even raising his voice.
[Life is full of surprises. I didn't expect him following the older Taki-sensei's footsteps. He knew the pressure. He didn't want it.]
Haruka was familiar with the story. Taki-sensei happened to be the son of the older and noteworthy Taki-sensei who taught in Kitauji High School for ten years. Matsumoto-sensei once mentioned it during a closed-door meeting with the club officers. The pressure to create a similar impact must have been too much for the younger Taki-sensei. But enough about him, so Haruka thought. There was something she has been trying to say, and she has been holding it in over the past few days. She wanted to shift the conversation until she could open up, but she probably would get lost in the new topic again. She hesitated at first but started typing.
[Sou desu ne. Anou… Since you're here, there's something I want to ask.]
Angst took over after sending her response. She put her phone back on the desk and slumped over. "I'm not good at this," she fussed. She never was confident. She wished she could be even just a little bit.
They met during a convention in Osaka before starting her freshman year. It was instant chemistry, to put it simply. Though time had been brief, communication became constant from there. Even if they were both busy, they still manage to find time to talk.
Again, her phone buzzes on the desk. Still slumped over, she reached for it.
[Ah. Nani desu ka? ^_^]
Haruka felt her heart slightly pace faster. She took a deep breath. She felt as if she was preparing to die. 'Here goes,' she thought.
[Are you free next weekend?]
"She's probably going to laugh at me," she said to herself while staring at her phone's screen. She readied herself for the unpleasant response.
[Hai. I'm free. Naze? ^_^]
Haruka's eyes widened at the immediate reply. Her mind suddenly went blank.
"Dinner will be ready in a while."
"Eh?" The voice interrupted the silence and startled Haruka that she almost dropped her phone. She looked over her shoulder, discreetly putting her phone on the side. Asuka was standing by the door, hands on her hips.
"You didn't even knock?" Haruka said, slightly irritated.
"I don't, remember?" Asuka reminded approaching Haruka's desk. "What have you been up to?"
"Nanimou," Haruka answered, covering her discomfort. "I just finished my report." Asuka read people so well to the point that it was already disturbing.
"Sou desu ka," Asuka said, sitting on Haruka's bed.
"Kaori wa doko desu ka?" Haruka spun on her seat to face Asuka.
Asuka sighed. "She's still in her room," she answered. "Her mother called."
"She does call everyday," Haruka noticed. "Neither of them has adjusted to the distance yet."
"Honestly, I haven't either," Asuka admitted. "But I guess I'll be fine."
"Sou desu ka? It doesn't look like it at all."
Asuka whined. "Ah, I miss the atmosphere of a real home! This place is confinement where my brain nourishes, but my art and emotions suffer. What were you thinking?"
Haruka started laughing. Admittedly, there was this collective view of Asuka behind the allure. Besides the appalling narcissism, it was always about intensity, the intensity from her tireless rambling and music. Other than that, there seemed to be nothing else. One of the polarizing natures of a gifted musician, so to speak.
"Ha? Mugoi!" Asuka whined.
"Sumimasen," Haruka apologized, trying to stop her laughter. "I just find it funny, that's all." She cleared her throat.
"Anyway," Asuka said, her mood suddenly changing. "Since our visit to Kitauji was canceled the last time, I was kind of thinking we should plan it again next week."
"Next week?" Haruka uttered. Schoolwork was going to be a little lighter next week, as she anticipated. Two of her assigned instructors will be attending a conference overseas. If they would be leaving assignments, she assumed it would be brief reports again. "Hm. I suppose we could visit. Have you asked Kaori yet?"
Asuka shook her head. "Maybe later during dinner. Eto… besides that…" She paused for a while, then inclining and resting her elbows on her knees. "I was told Kousaka-san is a strong contender in taking your place this year."
"Honma-ni?" Haruka said. On the contrary, she was not at all surprised. But she anticipated the bad light Taki-sensei is going to be put in again if it happened. She once admitted to herself during the incident last year that it would have been better if Reina conceded. But the artistic side of her told her that the now-sophomore trumpeter exceeded her friend, Kaori. In the end, truth prevailed. Reina earned her respect after that. "I thought you didn't really care for those things."
"Hm. Maybe I don't," Asuka said. "But in case it does happen, the club is going to be divided again. I used to not care, but… things have changed under Taki-sensei's supervision. Any distraction or division among groups is going to show. More eyes are on Kitauji this year…" Again, her mood shifted. "Come to think, it sounds a lot like a movie plot."
Haruka sighed. Of course. She already knew. "But… come to think," she said. "In the short time I've known Kousaka-san, I think she wouldn't want such a post."
"Eh? Why say that?"
"Eto… She may be more direct than you'll ever be," Haruka reasoned. "But... like you, she's likely to put herself and her music before everything else."
"Mmm…" Asuka nodded. "That is… exactly as I thought."
-0-0-0-0-0-
Reina heard the doorbell ring from her room. 'They're here,' she thought, her heart suddenly picking its pace. She closed the book in her hands and placed it before the lamp on the side table. She inhaled and held her breath, counting to ten before exhaling heavily. She stood from her bed and approached the mirror, taking a glance at herself and flattening her flowing pale yellow dress with her palms. She exited the room, slowly closing door then walked quietly along the hall. She could hear their gradually-loudening voices as she approached the stairs. She kept right as she descended quietly, pausing three steps before the landing. That position along the stairs allowed her to partially peek into the living room without being seen.
There were two people seated on the couch, a man and a woman. Both of them, Reina recognized. The young man sitting on the left end is Mojacchi's cousin, Hotaka. She has seen the beautiful woman on the right end in pictures. She is a well-known figure in Mishkin. Reina's father once mentioned the woman was said to be one of the heirs of the conservatory. Reina was more curious than captivated by her presence.
"Reina wa doko desu ka?"
Reina gasped, immediately pulling to the side as she heard Mojacchi's voice.
"One of her friends called that she needed to step out for a while."
Reina overheard her mother answer and sighed to her relief.
"Sou desu ka. Will she be back soon?"
Reina slowly inched her head to steal a glance at the guests again. Mojacchi stood on the carpet in the middle of the living room, facing the part of the living room concealed by the wall. Mojacchi is now taller than her, she noticed.
"She said she'll be home late. But she left her phone number for you in case you come over."
Again, Reina gasped, eyes widened in shock, both hands covering her mouth. She pulled to the side and slumped on the steps. She was red. 'I did not say that!' she reacted internally. What is her mother brewing?
"Arigatou gozaimashita, Ba-san. I'll leave mine for her too, just in case. Maybe we can talk some other time."
Reina lifted her head, her brain signaling sudden interest. She tried shaking the thought of it. 'Chigau!' she protested. She wanted to burst into the living room to make her mother stop. But her mother had already covered for her. Defeated, she stood and made her way back to her room.
-0-0-0-0-0-
"Gah!" Kumiko hurriedly made her way down the stairs. She fell asleep minutes after eating dinner that she woke up late, barely having time to prepare herself that she only slipped into the first clothes she saw in her closet, washed her face, and stuffed a few effects into her satchel. She was supposed to head out several minutes ago. Sitting on the foot of her stairs, she slipped on her red sandals.
"Doko e iku no?"
Kumiko looked to her right. Mamiko stood a few steps away from her with a mug of coffee on one hand. Kumiko had no time to argue. Nor is she in the mood to start any. "Heading out to meet someone," she answered.
"Kiotsukette," Mamiko said. "Be back soon." Then, she headed to the living room.
Kumiko watched her sister leave, somewhat wondering. Then again, maybe her sister has become used to being verbally attacked. She stood, tapping the toes of her sandals against the floor, and headed out the door.
-0-0-0-0-0-
"Sorry to impose on such an hour. I know it's late."
Kumiko heard Reina's words while waiting in front of the vending machine watching the paper cup fill through the glass. It was not that late, but tomorrow is a school day. To be asked on such an hour to meet up is unusual that she assumed it had to be important. "Ki ni suru na," she assured, lifting the glass and taking the hot cup with her. "I had a feeling it's important." She headed back to the bench.
Reina sat on the bench, inclined with her hands pressed against the seat. To Kumiko, she seemed to glow in the dimness, like a new moon outshining all the stars in the night sky. A moon maiden, Kumiko imagined. 'Come to think, she is beautiful in almost anything,' she thought.
Reina looked back. "Nani?" she asked.
"Eh?" Kumiko uttered. Reina caught her staring again. Oops.
Reina chuckled, moving aside and making room on the bench for Kumiko.
Kumiko smiled awkwardly. "Doozo," she offered the other cup to Reina.
"Arigatou," Reina said, taking the cup with both hands.
"You didn't go through meeting her after all, ne?" Kumiko said, taking her seat.
Reina shook her head. "I couldn't bring myself to do it after all," she reasoned. "I thought I was ready."
"You'll be," Kumiko said. "Maybe not now."
"Kaa-san said the same thing, you know," Reina said.
Kumiko sipped her coffee before putting it on the side. 'What else is there to say,' she wondered. "Can you tell me a bit about her?" she asked. "If it's okay…"
Reina put her coffee down and paused for a moment. Then, she spoke. "Mojacchi's mother and my father have been good friends since middle school, that's how I was told. Mojacchi and I have known each other since we were little. We grew closer as we grew older. We were often together. But… one day, she received a grant in a music school in Tokyo and took it. The school then sent her to London. I was told her parents are trying to work things out, as her father is based there. Kaa-san thought she was going to stay there for good, but…" Again, she paused, looking at night sky, and taking a sip of her coffee. "She turned down the offer to stay there. And now, she's here."
"Maybe it's just me," Kumiko said. "But you seem to feel strongly about her returning."
"Because I thought she'd never come back," Reina reasoned, putting her cup aside. "And I thought she'd forget."
"But she didn't. Shouldn't you be happy?"
"Shitte imasen," Reina answered, inclining to her lap and cupping her face.
Kumiko glanced at Reina. She could sense that Reina has not told her everything. There was more to it. Her curiosity was growing. But she did not want to go ahead of things. "How was she like?" she asked.
"She was terrible, like you."
"That was too direct," Kumiko said, her face twitching. Ouch.
Reina chuckled, then cleared her throat. "Awkward at some parts, too," she described, smiling. "But she knew me well, what I wanted, what I hated… everything. She was effortless."
'Effortless,' Kumiko's thoughts echoed. The tone of Reina's voice and the way she described her old friend… it was indeed a giveaway. "And Taki-sensei?"
Reina shrugged. "My attention turned to him in her absence," she explained, suddenly turning serious. "They were different from each other, but both of them were very talented. Things change, I learned. Maybe I was looking for someone who wouldn't remind me at all of her."
Kumiko reached for her cup and took a sip. She thought of it differently. "Oh, I don't know," she disagreed.
"What do you mean?"
Kumiko looked at Reina. "If things have changed at all, you wouldn't be contemplating on it right now," she answered.
Reina fell quiet for a moment, as if thinking. "So… what do you want me to do about it?"
"Eto… You are Reina," Kumiko shrugged. "You'll do as you please."
"You're terrible."
"Eh?" Kumiko uttered. "What did I say wrong this time?"
Reina sighed, inching closer, and resting her head on Kumiko's shoulder.
Kumiko slightly turned red. Reaching for Reina's head, she gradually slouched against the bench. "I know you miss her," she said.
"She's awful," Reina scowled. "She shouldn't have come back."
"Is that what you really want, for her not to have come back?"
Again, Reina sighed. "Aren't you supposed to be on my side?"
"I am," Kumiko affirmed. "I'm helping you think."
Reina reached for Kumiko's hand, placing it over her lap. "Okotte desu yo," she admitted. "I'm angry at her, but angrier at myself for making such a high wall between us when there shouldn't have been one in the first place." She paused for a moment. "My normal reaction is to avoid her at all costs, but…"
"But?"
Reina said nothing but squeezed Kumiko's hand in response.
Kumiko kept quiet and looked up, contemplating on what to say. She experienced something similar. She and Shuichi have not been the same since the misunderstanding, and it had been her choice to keep a safe space from him. But unlike Reina, Kumiko has not regretted anything.
"You and Tsukamoto-kun used to be close, ne? I kind of remember that."
"Geh?" Kumiko uttered to her surprise. Reina knew.
"I also know what happened. I overheard it from the boys in the ensemble," Reina added. "I did find it very rude of him."
Kumiko sighed. 'Is nothing secret anymore,' she thought. "Ah… that," she said. "We were kids, I guess. Maybe I embarrassed him or something. It doesn't matter now."
"But it has affected your friendship."
Kumiko nodded. What happened then put a strain on their friendship. While Shuichi never seemed to think much of it, Kumiko chose to maintain the effects of the strain to some extent. "I thought," she said. "If we were really friends, he wouldn't have reacted that way. I was upset enough to choose not to be close friends with him anymore."
"Sou desu ka. But you are still friends with him, ne?"
"Hai," Kumiko answered. "But that's just it. Yours is a different case. Things beyond your control happened." She paused, giving Reina's hand a light tug. "But you can still fix it. It's not too late."
-0-0-0-0-0-
Kanon's fingers playfully hopped along the fingerboard. While her right hand gracefully slid the bow across the row of tuned strings, the sound from the amplifier was intense. Vivaldi's "Storm" on electric violin. The violin was introduced to her some years ago in middle school when her club needed new string instrumentalists. She managed to adapt, though slow. And before the end of that year, she was already performing solos. She developed a special form of love for the violin. She loved getting lost in it and its music. If it were a journey, returning would be the least on her thoughts.
The laptop on her desk suddenly beeps twice, interrupting her playing.
Kanon sighed, slightly irritated upon snapping back into reality. She turned off the wireless connection of her violin before unplugging everything. She placed the violin and bow back into their respective molds in the case. Then, she proceeded to her desk. Two windows of the instant messenger were open, both from the people she previously expected.
One was from a family friend. She opted to open it first.
[Moshimoshi. Sumimasen. I just arrived home. Give me a few minutes to get dressed. I'll message you when I'm done.]
'I wait,' Kanon thought, clicking on the other window.
The other window was a message from her best friend since preschool, Shiroma Tara.
[I just arrived in Tokyo. Nicola is briefing me on the schedule ATM. It's horrid, as expected. TTYL.]
'And again, I wait,' Kanon thought, eyes narrowed, then sighing. 'Maybe I should go and get some milk downstairs first.' She stood from her seat, stretching a little, before heading out the door. As she headed out, she noticed the guest room Kira occupied was left open and empty. The open door meant she was either downstairs or in the bathroom. Kanon made her way down the stairs, then noticing Kira reading a file in the living room. Before her, is a short pile of paperwork.
"Working late?" Kanon asked, approaching the living room.
"Just reviewing the documents Nicola sent me," Kira said, eyes still on the paperwork. "I haven't touched them since we arrived."
"Nicola and Tara are already in Tokyo," Kanon informed.
Kira paused and looked back perplexedly at Kanon.
"Let me guess. Nicola didn't call you," Kanon said, chuckling.
Kira and Nicola were classmates in college. And as far as the story went, or at least, based on how Kanon heard it, the two have established a "healthy" rivalry. Nonetheless, the two have remained close.
"That sneaky rat," Kira said, laughing. "It's good that you and Tara are best friends. I can still watch her moves."
"Tara and I aren't affected at all by the rivalry, Kira-san," Kanon reminded Kira. "But knowing both of you, you have the tendency to play dirty."
Kira laughed again. "I know."
"Such a shame that you're about to extend such muckiness to the kids," Kanon said half-jokingly.
"Hm... about that," Kira said, pausing and placing the document on the desk. "Nicola and I agreed that we wouldn't. We know our limits."
"Ah, sou desu ka. I do hope so," Kanon said. "Well, then, let me leave you to your work. I'll just get some milk in the kitchen."
"Oh that," Kira said. "I forgot to tell you earlier. We're out of milk."
"Oh," Kanon uttered, already taking a few steps before the thought sank in. Then, she stopped. "Wait… we're what?"
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Reina glanced at her watch as she made her way along her neighborhood's sidewalk. It was late, and tomorrow is a school day. She told her mother she would only be out until she received the message that the guests have left. She has received the message and replied to it, but her conversation with Kumiko lasted a little longer than she assumed. With Kumiko, time always seemed to fly so fast.
But for someone who valued time, Reina did not mind at all. Time with Kumiko, no matter how spontaneous or trivial, mattered like all her other priorities.
Walking past the streetlight, she noticed a few heavy drops on the concrete ground. She looked up the dark, starless sky. 'The rain is coming,' she thought. She opted not to bring her umbrella, as there was no forecast of rain. She also assumed her meet up with Kumiko would be brief. Her house is three blocks down from where she stood. And the drops were starting multiply, falling fast and dampening the ground. Without much thought, she began to run. Just before reaching the next block, it began to pour. Reina stopped under a tree. She could vaguely see the way through the heavy downpour. She felt the drops of rain escaping through the gaps of the tree. The light breeze was also making her cold. Again, she decided to keep running, blindly and unmindful of her surroundings. And just as she reached the next streetlight, she collided against a stranger passing the opposite direction. She found herself knocked a step back but managed to land on her feet. "Sumimasen," she apologized automatically, bowing. She had no time to argue or linger. She needed to get home before she is drenched.
"Rei-kun?"
Reina's eyes widened upon recognizing the stranger's voice. It was no stranger. Immediately, she stood upward. "Mojacchi…" her friend's name escaped her lips.
"You're wet," Mojacchi said, stepping up to Reina and putting the umbrella over her. "Doozo," she offered her a small towel.
"Arigatou," Reina said, wiping her face. She saw Mojacchi up close through the slight dimness but immediately turned away. She felt something in her chest she could not understand.
"Doozo," Mojacchi offered her umbrella as Reina finished.
"You'll get wet," Reina declined, still turned from Mojacchi. She felt Mojacchi take her hand and clasp it on the umbrella handle. Her grip felt cold like the weather, Reina thought. She found herself holding onto the umbrella.
Mojacchi slipped off her coat and placed it over Reina's shoulders. Then, she took the umbrella from Reina's hands.
"You can still fix it. It's not too late."
It was in her nature to protest. But Kumiko's words echoed in her head. Reina could not bring herself to do so. She slipped into the coat, her arms barely making their way through the sleeves that she pulled them to her wrists.
"Kaerimashoo ka?"
Reina nodded.
"Kaerimashoo," Mojacchi said.
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He is back.
Kumiko sat with her group, glancing over at Reina's before looking ahead. Taki-sensei is back, and it will be the ensemble's first meeting of the year with him. Like some of the old members, Kumiko is expecting another crazy year under his supervision.
"I wonder what surprise he has in store this time," Natsuki whispered over Kumiko's shoulder.
Kumiko sighed. "Something crazier?" she suggested.
Natsuki chuckled. "Musicians can be so intense," she commented, slouching on her seat.
Taki-sensei walks in, and the room hushes in an instant. He walks up the podium and glances at everyone. "Konnichiwa, minna. O-hisashiburi," he greets everyone.
"Konnichiwa, Taki-sensei. O-hisashiburi desu ne," the ensemble greets back in chorus.
"I know it had been a colorful year previously," Taki-sensei began to speak. "And I will say it again; you have all done exceptionally well. It will be the same this year, hopefully, this time with new members."
The club has gained recognition after last year's performance, Kumiko and the rest noticed. A significant number of students have applied already, surpassing the number of the members who have graduated. Knowing Taki-sensei's meticulousness, it was no surprise to Kumiko if he will soon be adding other instruments to the ensemble as well as auditions for aspiring applicants.
"I already have a schedule lined up for everyone," Taki-sensei declared. "But before we go through it, I would like to introduce someone…"
"Eh?" Kumiko uttered.
"Here it goes," Sapphire excitedly whispered, wringing her hands.
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Kanon reclined against the wall. 'Just a few more minutes, and school will be over,' she consoled herself. Her phone buzzed from her pocket. She took it out and read on the lock screen: 1 New Message. She swiped and unlocked to read:
[We're in a café not far from there. I can take you home if you want.]
Kanon shook her head. It was not at all necessary. She tapped to reply:
[Daijobu. I can manage. Please focus on your discussion. We can talk when you're not busy. ^_^]
She sent her message and slipped her phone back into her pocket.
"Ready?"
Kanon glanced to the direction of the doorway on her right. Taki-sensei was approaching her. She stood to her attention, exhaling to slightly relieve the lingering unease in her system.
"You really look pale," Taki-sensei remarked. "We can do this some other time, you know."
"I'm fine," Kanon assured in an exhausted tone. "I'm keeping my end of the bargain for Kira-san."
"Set me up with Kira sometime," Taki-sensei reminded her again. "We really need to talk."
"Hai," Kanon nodded.
"Let's head inside," Taki-sensei gestured. "They're waiting."
Kanon approached and joined Taki-sensei.
"I appreciate your acceptance, Mojacchi," Taki-sensei whispered as he opened the door. "Honma-ni…"
"Nan demo nai, Nobo-niisan."
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Taki-sensei returned to the room and again, stepped up the podium. This time, Kanon followed behind him.
"Aotsuki Kanon?" Natsuki uttered.
"Eh? You know her?" Kumiko asked. She suddenly heard whispers around the room that she suddenly felt as if she was missing out on something. She immediately looked over to Reina's group. While the rest were whispering among themselves, Reina was staring with her mouth slightly opened. The expression alone told Kumiko there was more to it besides surprise.
"She's a composer, Kumiko," Natsuki said. "Still up-and-coming. A couple of her compositions have been included in a soundtrack just recently. I got to see her during an event in Tokyo during the break. She's very good."
"Everyone, this is Aotsuki Kanon," Taki-sensei introduced Kanon.
Kumiko looked at Kanon. She had been pale since that morning that it bothered her more than knowing who she really was.
"Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu," Kanon said, bowing before the group.
"Before tales start sprouting across campus, I will clear things now," Taki-sensei declared. "Aotsuki-san was one of the few students who were offered scholarships by our school to boost some of its programs. Though a little delayed, she has accepted the offer. She will be joining us from now on."
'Scholarships?' Kumiko's brain echoed. She has not heard about that story before. That aside, maybe the confrontation last year did cause an impact on Taki-sensei after all.
"Aotsuki-san has played for string and philharmonic orchestras," Taki-sensei continued. "Since we are a wind ensemble, it may be a little bit of an adjustment on her end. But we can work on it. Ne, Aotsuki-san?"
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Kanon nodded back at Taki-sensei. Among the crowd, she saw Reina staring back at her. Surprise had turned into worry, Kanon noticed. Reina would likely know on-point if she is unwell. Kanon took a glance at the ensemble and decided to say something brief for everyone. But her head felt heavy as she felt the room grow cold all of a sudden. Her vision seemed to spin. She reached for her head, shaking it a little, and took a step back. Her vision darkened. Her knees could no longer carry her.
"Aotsuki-san?!" Taki-sensei exclaimed.
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Kanon dropped unconscious on the podium floor.
"Mojacchi," Reina uttered under her breath, standing up. Without much thought, she rushed through the aisle and hopped up the podium. Taki-sensei was bent over next to the unconscious Kanon. But Reina did not care for his presence. Knees on the floor, she placed her palm on Kanon's forehead. Kanon felt very warm. If Reina had known she was sick, she should not have allowed her to leave home. "She's very sick, Taki-sensei," Reina said.
"I wanted her to go home," Taki-sensei said. His worry cracked through his usually-calm and formal nature. "She insisted."
Gotou Takuya stepped in. "Sumimasen. Please, let me take her to the clinic, Kousaka-san," he offered. Kumiko was behind him.
Reina slipped off Kanon's glasses and stood. Stepping aside and turning to Takuya, she said, "Please be careful, Gotou-san."
Takuya nodded and bent over carefully scooping Kanon with both arms. Then, he descended the podium and exited the room.
Reina clutched Kanon's glasses. She wanted to blame Kanon. But deep within her, she knew she carried her own share of the fault as well.
Kumiko placed her hands on Reina's shoulders. "Do you need to go?" she said.
Reina looked over her shoulder and nodded at Kumiko.
"I think you should," Kumiko urged.
"Kousaka-san," Taki-sensei called Reina.
"Hai," Reina responded, turning to Taki-sensei.
"See to it she's okay," Taki-sensei said.
"Hai," Reina nodded. "Sumimasen." She bowed at Taki-sensei and hopped off the podium.
"Minna, please take your seats," Taki-sensei declared, clapping to dispel the sudden restlessness in the room. "Let's continue."