"The band is scheduled to play at an evening concert next month," Taki-sensei announced. "One of the organizers is a friend of the principal's. It was hard to say no."
"Eh?" Kanon uttered to her surprise. "What about SunFes? We haven't fully discussed it yet."
"That's something we can't reason to the principal, isn't it? Come to think, it's a chance for us to have more exposure," Taki-sensei said as he paced about the faculty area, pushing his glasses as he leaned against the window pane and browsed through the leather notebook in his hands. "I checked our schedule if we still have time. Since last year's batch has improved significantly, we should be able to squeeze in this one."
"You sound very confident."
"We should be," Taki-sensei stressed. "Clichéd as it sounds, confidence is key." He exhaled, putting down the notebook and turning to Kanon. "The principal also mentioned that other school bands were also sent invites to play."
"Sou desu ka…" Kanon suddenly felt pressure in her veins. Somehow, she was beginning to sense where the discussion was heading.
"Since you are assistant band director," Taki-sensei reminded Kanon. "I'm putting you in-charge of it while I reorganize the schedule and plan ahead for SunFes."
"Eh?!" Kanon uttered again, mouth open and eyes widened. In-charge? It was a tall order, even for someone like her.
"Please try to be more confident."
Kanon sighed. She was not so sure.
"You're not just any student," Taki-sensei reminded. "With your experience, I believe you'll carry out your responsibilities well."
"E… ee…" Kanon reluctantly nodded.
"I want you to start practicing next week, as much as possible," Taki-sensei said. "I'll note your progress and help you through it. Okay?"
Again, Kanon nodded.
Taki-sensei flipped over a page of his notebook. "Rikka didn't take last year's results in the Nationals very well," he said. "I'm anticipating a surprise. They'll try harder this year. I'm very sure of it."
Kanon knew of the runner-up finish in the Nationals while she was London. Though the club was unable to reach the goal of winning, they were able to knock other schools' rankings downward, including Rikka. It was a surprise, as the club was once described as one of the worst performers in the Kansai district. "I learned from someone that Rikka and some schools in the Kansai district also offered other graduates of the advanced study program," she said. "I'm not exactly surprised."
"We're not either," Taki-sensei said, again turning to Kanon. "But... it's going to be an intense year, isn't it?"
"This added 'flavor' was all Kira-san and Nicola-san's idea," Kanon confessed, somewhat vexed at the thought. "A lot of us are against it, but since they're somewhat powerful voices in the conservatory and in the agency, the board voted in favor. Mishkin-sensei said she was very much against it." She was referring to Dr. Sashura Mishkin, the current head of the conservatory.
"Mishkin hasn't been in its most outstanding form when other music schools started coming up with marketing strategies," Taki-sensei said. "Maybe it's their way of making the school's presence known without sacrificing its integrity."
Kanon shrugged. It was not the first time she heard it.
Taki-sensei cleared his throat. "There is… also one thing I need you to do, more of a favor for the club and for a friend, if anything," he said.
Kanon simply looked back at Taki-sensei but said nothing.
"Like last year, the new officers aren't exactly ideal leader material," Taki-sensei expressed with apprehension. "Not that I didn't expect it from a music club, but it's going to reflect on the other officers and the section leaders."
Again, Kanon nodded. Gotou Takuya and Yoroizuka Mizore were recently elected president and vice president respectively. She was able to meet both along with the other new officers and section leaders after her appointment as assistant band director yesterday. While she agreed with Taki-sensei, she believed the other members saw something in the them, reasons for them to hold such positions.
"The reason I appointed you as assistant band director is not just because you're capable of holding the club together in my absence," Taki-sensei stressed. "I also feel that Gotou-san, Yoroizuka-san, and the club's key personnel may be in need of support. This is where you come in."
Kanon exhaled heavily. She was reluctant. But for the third time, she nodded.
"Eto… about SunFes," Taki-sensei said. "If you can, I also want you to recommend something. Once we list our choices, we decide which ones to arrange. Wakarimasu ka?"
-0-0-0-0-0-
Fractions.
Algebraic Fractions.
Multiplication of Algebraic Fractions.
"The first step is to factor the equation…" Shoda-sensei's voice finally broke the long pause.
Kumiko observed as Shoda-sensei demonstrated the solution before the class. She understood the first three steps. But as Shoda-sensei progressed onward, Kumiko found herself gradually being buried by her confusion. Math has always been her worst subject. But she needed to maintain the grade requirement or higher. If she fell below it, she will be suspended from joining any club activities until she reaches it. The thought pressured her. But knowing pressure would not help, she opted to distract herself for a moment and looked about the classroom.
Most of the class seemed to pay close attention to Shoda-sensei, she observed.
Even Hazuki seemed focused.
Shoda-sensei drew a box to contain the answer on the board and presented it to the class. Then, she stepped to the side, turning to the board to write another example.
Sighing, Kumiko cleared her thoughts and lifted her pen, copying the solution on the board.
"Aotsuki-san?" Shoda-sensei suddenly called Kanon's attention.
"Hai?" Kanon answered.
"Please solve the next one on the board," Shoda-sensei requested as she moved to the side.
Kumiko paused from writing, watching Kanon as she stood from her seat and approached the slightly more complex problem written on the board.
Kanon took a piece of chalk from the ledge and began solving.
Kumiko watched Kanon solve the equation on the board. Kanon was mostly quiet but excelled in class, she observed. She should have no trouble solving. Again, Kumiko shifted her view to the first equation and resumed copying. But the rest of the solution and the answer were blocked from her point of view. She looked over Kanon's desk to see if she has the complete solution on her notebook.
The solution and the answer were written on the left page of Kanon's open notebook. But there was also something else scribbled along the margins of her notes, a list of names:
[Lalo Schrifrin
Mashima Toshio
Iwai Naohiro
Suzuki Eiji
Amano Masamichi
Alfred Reed
Philip Sparke
Klaus Badelt
Alan Menken]
Kumiko recognized some of the names. Then, below the list was a set of figures: a circle in the middle, connected by lines to six slightly smaller circles surrounding it. A diagram, Kumiko guessed, despite the lack of labels on the figures. She realized Kanon was not fully focused in class today. But while she wanted to feed her curiosity, the lesson was more important. She browsed and copied the rest of the solution and the answer on her notebook.
"Tadashii. Please box your answer," Again, Shoda-sensei's voice pierced through the silence.
Tadashii, Kumiko's mind repeated, her jaw slightly dropping. She quickly shifted her stare from Kanon's desk to the chalkboard. Kanon was done. And despite the lack of concentration, her answer was correct.
"Arigatou," Shoda-sensei told Kanon. "Please return to your seat."
Kanon promptly returned to her place.
"Good job!" Kumiko whispered smilingly at Kanon.
"Arigatou," Kanon whispered back, sighing. "That was a close call."
Kumiko chuckled in response.
"Pens down, please," Shoda-sensei ordered as she tapped on the board. "I'll explain Aotsuki-san's solution first."
-0-0-0-0-0-
"He is such a slave-driver," Kanon complained, slouching next to Reina on the train seat.
Reina chuckled. "Why say that?"
"Nobo-niisan will be announcing next week that we've been invited to perform at the evening concert on the unveiling of the Nishiyama Open Grounds," Kanon answered. "He put me in-charge while he prepares for SunFes."
"Nani?!" Reina exclaimed. The Nishiyama Open Grounds open early next month. The sophomores had tests scheduled the following week. Slighting it, the club barely had three weeks of preparation. Schoolwork was gradually becoming taxing. And SunFes was approaching. She may not entirely feel the pressure unlike the rest, but she knew it was going to affect most of the members… especially Kumiko. "Karai desu yo."
"I couldn't concentrate as much in class today," Kanon said, sighing heavily. "Even if we start something late next week, I don't know if we'll able to perfect it. Nobo-niisan has standards. I don't want to disappoint him or the club."
"Hm…" Reina stroked her chin, frowning. She did not want Kanon to disappoint or underwhelm either. "It's strange Nobo-niisan accepted an invitation on such short notice."
"The principal requested it," Kanon said. "It was hard to say no."
Reina sighed. Of course. "What are you planning now?"
"Prepare over the weekend, I guess…" Kanon shrugged. "I'll give time in-between to arrange something."
"We have tests next week, you know," Reina reminded Kanon. "You'll need to study for them. Scholars have different target marks, remember?"
Kanon nodded. "Of course," she said.
Then again, Reina did not need to worry about Kanon's academic performance. Kumiko told her Kanon had been excelling well so far.
"You have any preferences in what you want to play for the evening concert?" Kanon asked. "You know, so I won't have to surprise you with my choices…"
Reina shook her head. "Do what you need to do, Mojacchi," she urged. "Whatever your choice is, I'm sure it's going to be fun for everyone."
"Fun…" Kanon trailed, then went quiet.
Reina immediately sensed Kanon's uneasiness through her voice. She playfully jabbed Kanon's arm. "You're at an advantage, Mojacchi," she reminded, smiling. "Mishkin equipped you with something. You should at least use it."
"You sound like Kira," Kanon expressed in a distressed, off-key tone.
"N-No, I don't," Reina opposed, somewhat offended. "I'm not like her."
Kanon laughed, shaking her head. "I didn't mean 'that.'" She sat up and glanced at Reina before looking ahead. "You're way better, you know…" She turned to Reina and smiled.
Reina slightly tilted her head, her cheeks reddening as she felt a slight discomfort in her chest. She wanted to say something, but she could not bring herself to do so.
"Eto… Didn't you say you were going home with Kumiko today?" Kanon asked. "I just remembered."
"The bass section decided to celebrate Gotou-san's victory in the elections," Reina answered. "They'll be home a little late."
"Ah… sou desu ka," Kanon said. "I forgot to thank him for taking me to the clinic last time."
"I voted for him because of it," Reina confessed. "Such a gesture means a lot. He would make a good president."
"Ah…" Kanon nodded. "It would've been interesting if you hadn't declined the nomination. A lot of members respect you."
Kumiko said the same the other day, Reina recalled. But the respect did not come as easy. Fearless as she may be, she admitted to herself that what had happened last year was a nightmare. Her talent questioned, she needed to prove she was worthy. And when she managed to do just so, she earned respect. To be president however, was a different case. She saw herself as someone innately ill-equipped to handle such a task. "I choose my battles, Mojacchi," she said. "It's not exactly something I'd want to be immersed with."
"Because?"
Reina sighed. "You know the answer already," she stressed.
"Hm…" Kanon uttered. And then, she fell quiet.
Reina glanced at Kanon, wondering what she was thinking.
"Eto… would you want to eat something when we get off?" Kanon suddenly broke her silence. "It's still early."
-0-0-0-0-0-
Haruka looked about as she and her friends walked along the narrow alley. The establishments in the area seemed unfamiliar to her that she wondered if she was still in Uji. They were supposed to go to the newly-opened café that was heavily advertised on their dormitory's bulletin, but they somehow ended up in an unrecognizable place. "Doko..." she trailed. "...desu ka?"
"Please tell us we're lost," Kaori said. "Haruka won't get mad."
"Me?" Haruka uttered, still looking about. She was too tired to be upset. Again, she tried accessing the map from her phone. But it still would not update her coordinates because the area seemed to be a dead spot.
"We're not lost," Asuka stressed. "The roads just look different."
"That doesn't make any difference," Kaori argued. "It still means we're lost."
Asuka's stomach growled loud enough for both of them to hear.
"Are you sure it's really in these parts?" Haruka asked. She, too, was hungry. She wished for even an unfamiliar street sign to appear just so she would know they were not at all going in circles.
"Matte," Kaori suddenly said, stopping.
The other two stopped next to her.
"I think I remember that street," Kaori pointed to the street corner ahead of them, where there was a pedestrian signal post and a waste bin.
"Are you sure?" Haruka asked.
Kaori nodded. "The café should be two blocks away from there."
"Okay," Haruka said, feeling a gush of relief. "I trust your instincts."
"Asuka," Kaori turned to Asuka. "Let's... not take your shortcut again, okay?"
-0-0-0-0-0-
Kanon pushed one door of The Yellow Mochi Café, gesturing Reina to enter first.
"Arigatou," Reina said and entered.
Kanon followed after her closing the door behind her. She tailed after Reina as they searched for a seat for two.
"Kanon-chan! Kousaka-san!"
Kanon turned to the direction of the voice and noticed Sapphire calling them. The bass section was at the set of seats next to the window. "Midori-chan," she uttered.
"They're here," Reina said.
"Ah…" Kanon nodded at Reina.
Takuya stood, approaching them.
"Congratulations on your victory, Gotou-san," Reina greeted.
"Thank you for your trust, Kousaka-san. I'll do my best," Takuya said. "And please, Kumiko is your friend. Takuya is fine."
"Hai, Takuya-sempai…" Reina nodded. "Reina is fine, too."
"Hai, Reina-san," Takuya nodded, then glanced at Kanon. "It's good that you're here, too, Kanon-chan," he said. "Please join us."
"Hai. Arigatou," Kanon said, nodding.
Kumiko walked past Takuya and greeted the two with a smile. "Kitte," she said to Reina.
Reina nodded.
Kanon watched as Kumiko took Reina by the arm, towing her away, while she tailed behind them. She immediately felt it, the unusual atmosphere Kumiko carried, something that seemed to draw Reina to her. She was pleased to know that Reina has gradually been opening herself to other people and to other things. But there was something in her system that bothered her. And most of the time, she would choose to neglect it.
"Aotsuki-san!" Yoshikawa Yuuko greeted with a wide smile on her face. She was suddenly right in front of Kanon.
Kanon fell a step back to her surprise. "Y-Yuuko-sempai..." she stammered. She did not expect Yuuko to be here as she belonged to the trumpet section with Reina.
"Kawaii!" Yuuko said as she reached both hands to pinch Kanon's cheeks.
Kanon felt pain from both sides of her face. Yuuko would have the occasional urge to do such that the expected it. Then again, Reina's grip is more painful. It actually tops her list.
"Yamette!" Natsuki told Yuuko, taking her hands off Kanon's cheeks. "Sumimasen. Daijobu desu ka, Kanon-chan?"
"Daijobu…" Kanon answered, pressing her face with her palms. Her cheeks felt hot against her cold hands. She glanced at Reina. She was busy with Kumiko and the others that she saw none of it. Kanon felt relieved. The last time Yuuko pinched her cheeks, a slight tension ensued between her and Reina.
"Oi!" a voice suddenly greets from behind.
Kanon turned around and noticed a beautiful, bespectacled girl with long black hair approach them.
"Asuka-sempai!" Natsuki greeted, turning to the others. "Minna, Asuka-sempai is here!"
Asuka approached them. She was with company.
"Kaori-sempai!" Yuuko exclaimed and hurried past Kanon.
Kanon immediately recognized one of the girls that her eyes widened.
Finally.
-0-0-0-0-0-
"This is an odd way to finally meet, isn't it?"
Haruka nodded, rubbing her sleeves as she sat on a tree bench outside the café. She glanced at the others through the café window before turning to Kanon, who sat next to her.
Hers and Kanon's conflicting schedules had been preventing their plans of meeting. But by unusual circumstance, they were finally able to cross paths. Haruka wanted to thank Asuka for getting them lost earlier. But contributing to her friend's perpetually swelling egocentricity was the last thing she wanted.
"How are you?"
"Fine, I guess," Haruka answered. "How has Kyoto been treating you?"
"Warmly?" Kanon answered somewhat reluctantly. "Taki-sensei made me assistant band director."
"Sou desu ka?" Haruka said eagerly.
Kanon nodded.
"That's a good thing, isn't it?" Haruka said, smiling. "At least, you get to show your talent."
"Am I the only one who isn't optimistic about it?" Kanon asked, inclining and cupping her head.
"You should be confident," Haruka said. "Your experience will help you."
"We now share the same impression of Nobo-niisan when it came to music," Kanon said, lifting her head and turning to Haruka. "He would squeeze out the impossible out of everyone."
"Mmm… you too, ne?" Haruka knew what Kanon meant.
Kanon nodded. "I still wonder what made him change all of a sudden," she said. "He wasn't like that before." She paused, reclining against the bench. "Then again, people change…"
Haruka nodded. She turned to the café window again to check on the others.
Kaori glanced out the window, eyes meeting Haruka's. She smiled, thumbing up, then waved, as if telling Haruka to go on.
Haruka slightly blushed at the gesture, simply nodding.
"Your friends seem fun."
Haruka looked to Kanon's direction. She was also looking through the café window. "They are," Haruka agreed.
"Eto… You never told me you were last year's president…" Kanon said.
Again, Haruka felt embarrassed. "They told you?"
Kanon nodded. "And… I saw the pictures."
Haruka chuckled uncomfortably. "Let's… not talk about that," she requested. It was not at all a horrible experience. But she felt it was something she preferred not to discuss with anyone. At least, not yet.
"Okay," Kanon said, reclining against the bench. She inhaled heavily, exhaling as she looked up the starless city sky. She was quiet.
Haruka looked over to Kanon. She was like that sometimes, suddenly falling quiet in the middle of a conversation. It made Haruka curious sometimes that she wanted to ask. But silence next to Kanon felt idyllic… like now. Breaking it seemed foul. Breathing out, Haruka relaxed herself against the bench and appreciated the silence.
But after a brief moment, her peripheral vision catches a glimpse of the café window that made her turn.
Asuka was looking at them. And as she and Haruka looked at each other, she smiled widely, joining both hands and flashing a heart-shaped sign.
Composure broken, Haruka immediately sat upward, eyes widened, face flushing with embarrassment.
A glaring Kaori came from behind Asuka and dragged her away by the collar.
Haruka suddenly heard laughter. She looked over her shoulder and realized that Kanon was watching the whole time. Kanon's reaction confused her all of a sudden. Was it Asuka's gesture or was it the idea of the gesture? Either made her somewhat uncomfortable.
"Omoshiroi ne," Kanon said.
Haruka sighed, chuckling. It did not seem as if Kanon read into Asuka's actions at all.
"Haruka-san."
"Hai?"
"It was nice meeting you again."
Haruka smiled. "Watashi mo…" she said, trailing. Again, she reclined against the bench. Her mind argued whether or not to continue. The rest of what she wanted to say hung anxiously from her tongue. She closed her eyes and exhaled heavily. "Eto…"
"Hm?"
"You will…" Haruka said, turning to Kanon. Again, she stopped as her eyes met Kanon's. She felt her chest skip. "See me again… ne?"
Kanon smiled, nodding.
-0-0-0-0-0-
Reina watched Haruka and Kanon by the café entrance. Neither could see her as the steel column on the right of the entrance hid her from view.
"Reina-san."
Startled, Reina glanced behind her and noticed Natsuki exit the café entrance door and approach her. Natsuki caught her again. She groused under her breath but said nothing.
"No wonder you weren't back from the restroom," Natsuki said. "What are you doing here?"
Reina shook her head. Normally, she would tell someone off or apologize, but she could not bring herself to say anything.
Natsuki glanced at Haruka and Kanon. "A different chemistry," she remarked, smiling. "…But still works."
Reina frowned, feeling irked. She was not amused.
Natsuki sighed. "Omoimashita," she said.
"Eh? Nani?"
Natsuki chuckled.
Reina shook her head. "It's not what you think," she immediately defended herself.
"Is it?"
"Why do you care so much about it? It doesn't involve you," Reina attempted to shut Natsuki down. But her tone was apparently tense.
"Sono toori desu," Natsuki said, shrugging. "Maybe it doesn't involve me. But…" She paused, looking straight into Reina's eyes. "I know a look when I see it."
"Anou… minna," a voice suddenly interrupts their conversation.
Natsuki and Reina turned to the entrance and saw Kumiko peering from the door.
"Asuka-sempai wants us all to come back to the table," Kumiko said. "The café will be closing earlier."
"Okay," Natsuki said, glancing back at Reina. "I had fun talking to you. I wish we could talk a little longer next time."
"Same here," Reina said, nodding as she kept a straight face. "Let's talk again sometime." While the brief moment with Natsuki relieved her, she was not prepared to let anyone else know… not even Kumiko.
"Sumimasen." Natsuki excused herself, stepping back inside as Kumiko exited.
Kumiko approached. "It's nice to see you getting along with Natsuki-san," she remarked.
"She wasn't as bad as I expected," Reina said.
"She isn't. She's pretty supportive."
"Sou desu ka?"
Kumiko nodded.
"Ah…"
"Anou... You should try to interact with some of the club members more once in a while," Kumiko suggested. "You don't have to get all close to them… or anything."
"I already am," Reina said. "I'm here, remember?"
Kumiko scratched her head. "Ah… sou desu ne."
"Eto… we probably should tell Ogasawara-san and Mojacchi to head back inside," Reina said.
"Asuka-sempai said she messaged Haruka-sempai already," Kumiko said. "They'll head back inside soon. Let's leave them alone for a while." She offered her hand to Reina. "Ikimashoo ka?"
Reina nodded, taking Kumiko's hand as they headed back inside.
-0-0-0-0-0-
Asuka and Kaori headed out the café first. Asuka paced a few steps ahead, pulling an about face to the café doors to watch the rest of the group exit. Natsuki and Yuuko followed after them, Kumiko and Reina, then Hazuki and Sapphire. Takuya and Riko exited hand-in-hand with Haruka and Kanon just tailing behind them.
Asuka raised her hand, counting them. "Eto… I guess that's everyone," she said, clapping.
"Thanks for the wonderful evening everyone," Takuya said bashfully as the rest gathered around him. "I promise to do my best."
"I'm sure you will," Haruka assured.
Takuya turned slightly red, scratching his head.
Riko laughed as she gently squeezed Takuya's arm.
"If you and Mizore-sempai need help with the club, I'm here, Takuya-sempai," Kanon reminded.
"Arigatou," Takuya replied. "Ore mo. If you need our assistance, Mizore-san and I will do our best."
"Hai," Kanon nodded. "Arigatou, Takuya-sempai."
"Ne, we're here too," Asuka said, hooking Kaori and Haruka closer to her with both arms. "We'll be happy to assist you."
Kanon suddenly felt her phone buzz that she lifted it from her pocket. Kira was calling. "Sumimasen," she told the group. "I should get this." Walking a short distance, she unlocked her phone and answered it. "Moshimoshi," she greeted.
"Moshimoshi, Kanon. Are you still outside?"
"Hai," Kanon confirmed. "I had dinner with some friends. Naze?"
"Anou… Bando-san called me earlier. She wants to meet me tonight. But I can't."
"Bando-san? Gen-G's rep?" Kanon asked. Gen-G is a known local symphonic pop act. She remembered there was a proposal submitted to Kira for review. It was a side project with one of Gen-G's members, Kusumoto Mana.
"Hai," Kira answered. "She's in Café Nova Hadrianna right now. She said she'll wait for you."
Café Nova Hadrianna, Kanon knew it was not far from where she was. She was going to meet someone about a project, and Kira will not be with her. Kanon suddenly felt anxious.
"You'll just talk about the project," Kira explained. "You're not going to say yes right away."
Kanon exhaled heavily. "Okay," she said.
"I told Bando-san you're following a curfew. You're not to stay long. That should be convenient for you."
"Hai," Kanon nodded. Indeed, it was convenient.
"Ganbatte," Kira said. "I need to go. I'll talk to you again later."
"Hai. Ja."
"Ja." Then, Kira hung up.
"Mojacchi."
Kanon looked over her shoulder as she pocketed her phone. She turned around as Reina approached.
"Daijobu desu ka?" Reina asked. "You look pale."
Kanon nodded. "Kira called," she answered. "She wants me to go to Nova Hadrianna."
"Eh? Naze?" Reina asked, somewhat frowning.
"Urgent meeting," Kanon replied briefly. "I was offered to work with Kusumoto Mana of Gen-G for her side project. But Kira-san left for Tokyo this afternoon. I need to discuss with the rep on my own."
"Sou desu ka…" Reina said, tilting her head, eyes narrowing and looking to the side.
"I'll tell you about it afterwards," Kanon assured. "You'll walk home with Kumiko-chan, ne?"
Reina nodded. "Will you take long?" she asked, lifting her head to Kanon.
Kanon shook her head. "Just an initial discussion," she said. "Kira-san will talk to them again in case nothing's agreed upon."
"Okay," Reina said. "Message me when you get there, and when you're heading back."
Kanon nodded.
-0-0-0-0-0-
Kumiko watched Reina and Kanon from a distance. 'What are they talking about,' she said in her thoughts. But while she could not hear them, she had known Reina long enough to know that her body language expressed apprehension.
"Midori-chan is right. They look good together."
"Aik!" a startled Kumiko exclaimed with wide eyes and turned around. "Asuka-sempai!" she called and hushed Asuka.
Asuka chuckled. She took a few steps forward and paused next to Kumiko. "Childhood romance can be beautiful, can't it?" she said.
Kumiko sighed. She felt a slight nip in her chest upon hearing so. "I thought you didn't care as much for those kinds of things," she said, again turning to Kanon and Reina's direction.
Asuka nodded. "True. But sometimes, we just have the urge to stop and smell the flowers," she said.
"Eh?" Asuka's words confused Kumiko.
After a brief moment of silence, Asuka tapped and gripped Kumiko's shoulder. "I sense a war coming," she said.
"War?"
Asuka simply chuckled. "Let's gather everyone," she said. "It's getting late." She walked past Kumiko and approached Kanon and Reina.
Kumiko glanced at Asuka as she called Kanon and Reina. Asuka's cryptic words lingered in her head. But she knew better than to dwell on them. She turned to Takuya and the others, who seem to have found themselves enjoying each other's company. Shrugging off the confusion, she decided to join them again.
Asuka, Kanon, and Reina soon followed.
"Minna," Asuka called everyone's attention.
Everyone turned to Asuka.
"It's getting late," Asuka said. "While it's the weekend, our dorm has a curfew. We need to go. We'll be taking this way." She pointed to the way behind her. "Who else is taking this direction?"
Everyone raised hands except Kanon.
"Doushite, Kanon?" Natsuki asked.
"I need to meet someone over a project," Kanon answered, pointing the opposite direction. "I'll be taking the other way."
"Kiotsukette," Natsuki and the others bade.
"Kiostsukette, minna," Kanon said in return. She took a step back and turned around.
-0-0-0-0-0-
Kaori suddenly nudged Haruka.
"Eh?" Haruka uttered, glancing back at Kaori.
Kaori slightly shifted her head to Kanon's direction, not saying a word.
Haruka knew what Kaori meant. She stared as Kanon walked away, hesitating. The longer she stood still, the farther the distance grew.
Kaori took Haruka by the shoulders and turned her around. "One proper goodbye," she whispered over Haruka's shoulder before giving her a light push.
Startled, Haruka tottered out of the group's circle. She exhaled heavily upon regaining her balance, releasing the unease. Though unsure of what to say, she quickly made her way past the group. "Kanon," she called as she attempted to catch up. "Chotto matte."
Kanon paused and turned around. "Haruka-san," she said.
Haruka stopped and looked up at Kanon. "I… had a good time," she said shyly.
"W-Watashi mo," Kanon said, scratching her head, as if embarrassed.
"Good luck with the meeting."
"Arigatou," Kanon said. "Careful on the way back. And please get some rest."
"Hai," Haruka nodded. "You too…" She felt a sudden surge in her system, tangling her thoughts.
"Doushitano, Haruka-san?" Kanon asked.
Haruka shook her head.
"Okay…" Kanon said. "Eto… I need to go."
Haruka instinctively grabbed Kanon by the arm just before she could leave. She slightly pulled her close, hugging her.
Kanon turned red, frozen for a few seconds before hugging back.
"See me again soon, okay?" Haruka whispered.
"Hai…" Kanon whispered back.
-0-0-0-0-0-
Reina tilted her head as she tightened her grip around the bag handle. She could not seem to contain it, the discomfort in her chest as she watched them.
"They look lovely, don't they?"
Reina glanced to her left and noticed Kaori was standing next to her. She shifted her eyes back to Haruka and Kanon, saying nothing.
"This evening was a surprise for both of us, wasn't it?" Kaori expressed. "I never knew how secretive Haruka can be."
Reina shook her head. It was a surprise to her too. Kanon never told her anything. "Kanon told me nothing," she admitted. "You can say the feeling is mutual."
Kaori nodded. "Maa."
"Kanon is a wonderful person," Reina described her childhood friend. "There's nothing to worry about."
"It's…" Kaori trailed. "…not exactly that."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
Kaori sighed. "If the feeling is indeed mutual," she said. "Then, you know exactly how I feel."
Reina side-glanced at Kaori, but again, said nothing. Exactly how she felt, her mind echoed. It did not take much for her to understand what it meant. The tone of Kaori's voice itself is a giveaway.
"We should get going," Kaori said. "They're done."
Reina looked ahead and noticed Kanon had started walking away from Haruka. "Hai," she nodded. She turned around, spotting Kumiko with Hazuki and Sapphire. Exhaling heavily to shake off her thoughts, she made her way to them.
-0-0-0-0-0-
The Nishiyama Open Grounds stood not far from the park and a few blocks away from the nearest department store. An old, gated complex once stood there, but it was demolished months after the Nishiyama Group acquired the property, the surrounding area being transformed into an open area for concerts and important occasions.
Kumiko and Reina paused as they reached the open grounds. The entrance was still barricaded. The grand opening will not be until next month.
"It looks big," Kumiko remarked, lifting her head to the steel arch of the stage with the "Nishiyama" logo in the middle, the "trademark" of the open grounds. She could see it from outside.
"It is," Reina nodded, drawing closer to the metal fence and peeping through the gaps.
"They've been passing flyers about the opening," Kumiko said. "Wanna go?"
"We've been invited to play on opening day," Reina declared bluntly.
"Uwaaa!" Kumiko bawled in horror. "Honki desu ka?!"
"Honki desu ne," Reina confirmed. "The evening concert, Kanon told me. But Taki-sensei won't be announcing it until next week since we have tests."
"D-Demo…" Kumiko trailed. If they were invited, it means they only have little time left to prepare. SunFes is coming, too. It meant that if they'll be busy preparing for opening day, they will have less time to prepare for SunFes. "You could've at least told me after we've taken the tests…" Her tone showed obvious distress. She wondered how Reina could stay so calm.
"Gomen ne," Reina apologized. "I guess I couldn't keep it a secret from you after all."
Hearing such words somewhat calmed Kumiko. "Daijobu," she said. "I just feel a little pressured because my grades need to reach their target so I can still play for the club."
"Ah. Wakarimashita."
After a brief moment of silence, the two resumed walking.
Reina placed her arm around Kumiko's as they made their way along the sidewalk.
Kumiko felt her cheeks burn at the gesture but said nothing.
"I could help you study if you have trouble understanding some things," Reina suggested.
"Eh…" Kumiko uttered, embarrassed at the thought. She was tempted to accept the offer. But she knew she would not be able to focus at all if Reina tutored her. "Kanon-chan teaches me when I can't understand something," she said. "She sits next to me, so it's helpful. And Midori-chan helps me out with homework sometimes."
"Hidoi yo!" Reina playfully pulled Kumiko's arm downward. "You're rejecting me?"
Kumiko laughed. "It's not that," she explained. "I just don't want to burden you… or anything."
"You're not," Reina said, turning serious. "If I can do something to help you keep playing for the club, I'll do just that…" She paused as she squeezed Kumiko's arm. "…Okay?"
Kumiko nodded. "Okay."
The two kept walking, quiet as they covered one block after another and passed along the riverside.
Kumiko noticed her usual spot by the riverbank was empty. She wanted to stop by and appreciate the view with Reina. And there was something on her mind.
But it was late.
"Ne, Kumiko," Reina said.
"Hai?"
"I had fun today."
Kumiko smiled, chuckling. "I'm glad you did," she said. She thought again about what she wanted to ask. But she did not want to be too direct. "Eto… I was happy Asuka-sempai and the others came in the café too. I didn't expect that…" She paused for a moment. "I missed them."
Reina sighed heavily but said nothing.
"Kanon-chan never told me she and Ogasawara-sempai were friends. Everyone was surprised there. Did you know about that?"
"Iie," Reina answered. "I was just surprised as you are."
The two stopped at the junction as vehicles started passing along the street before them.
"It's funny when you think about it," Kumiko said. "I mean, even if they weren't able to meet in school, they were able to meet somewhere else…"
"It is," Reina said. "But… it could just be a coincidence. Anything can happen, you know."
"Ee," Kumiko nodded. Of course, Reina had a point. But besides it, Reina's voice seemed to carry a hint of tension.
The pedestrian signal lit its "GO" signal, and the two made their way to the other side, their last stop before parting ways.
-0-0-0-0-0-
Kanon made her way along the sidewalk, headset fixed in one ear as she listened to Kira. The initial talk between her and Kusumoto Mana's representative fell through as both parties did not agree on several conditions.
"So she wants two more compositions submitted before summer, is that it?"
"Sou," Kanon replied.
"That's not feasibly possible at the moment, don't you think?"
"It's not, unless I wake up one morning with instant tunes in my head," Kanon agreed. "School and the recording sessions with Grégoire-Babin haven't blocked out my schedule entirely just yet, but besides the scheduled appearances… with the club activities lined up, I might not be able to accommodate any more responsibilities."
"So you declined?"
"Hai…" Kanon said with a heavy tone of regret.
"Good. You're beginning to be better at it. At least, I don't have to worry when I'm not present during your meetings."
"I do admit having a hard time turning down the offer," Kanon confessed. "Gen-G is a symphonic pop act. I've never worked with one before."
Silence fell on the other end for a moment. "Would you like to have them called back?"
Kira's question prompted Kanon to stop. Her mind backtracked on her choice.
"Kanon."
Kanon sighed. "Let's leave it for now, Kira-san," she decided.
"Okay. Should you reconsider, remember what I often tell you. And let me know."
At the end of the day, Kira is still a music instructor. That nature would sometimes slip through the cracks of her manager's image. Kanon would be reminded of Kira's bits of wisdom: priorities, school, formal training, experience… and time. "Hai, shitte imasu,"she said.
"That's good to hear." A brief pause followed. Then, Kira spoke again. "Anou… I need to go. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Hai," Kanon said.
"Bye." Kira hung up from the other end.
Kanon pocketed her phone and resumed walking. She finally caught glimpse of her house from a distance that her feet picked up their pace. But as she reached the walkway…
Reina was just ahead, curled up along the steps of the front porch.
Kanon noticed Reina was still in uniform. It meant she had not returned home yet, despite living nearby. It also meant she had been waiting for quite some time. "Rei-kun," Kanon called out as she approached. She felt it, the sudden, heavy atmosphere that seemed to grow as she drew closer.
Reina immediately lifted her head to Kanon, purple eyes meeting gray.