I do not own La Corda d' Oro :)

Symphony Four: Compromise

"I will be late in going out of the classroom this afternoon." Kahoko told Yunoki on the roof top.

"I will wait for you." He replied.

"Are you sure?" She wondered.

"Do I still need to repeat myself?" Yunoki moved forward and trapped Kahoko on the railings.

"Yunoki-san…" She said in a hesitating tone. "Someone might see us here."

"Anyway Kahoko, addressing me in such a manner annoys me." He placed his hand on her waist and neared his head on her ear.

"But…I feel awkward." She looked down and blushed.

"Awkward?" He ran his hand to her hand. "You can't be calling me that forever."

"AH…yes." She replied.

"I'll give you until tomorrow to call me by my given name." He buried his head on her hair.

"Tomorrow…?"

"Tomorrow." He repeated. "We've been dating for two and a half week Kahoko and you still call me as Yunoki-senpai or Yunoki-san." He leaned down and placed his head on her shoulder. "You really are stupid."

Kahoko turned to him from the corner of his eyes. "Well, sorry for being stupid."

He chuckled. "This Saturday, we will be going to Kyoto, right?"

"What about it?" She tried to unfold what he was meaning.

"Be sure to come. I will surely be bored without you there." He pulled both of her hands from the railings and wrapped them around her stomach as his hand overlapped them.

That coming Saturday, the former concourse participants are going for an outing at Kyoto care of Yunoki. It will be occurring for two days.

"Get it?" He said in a low tone.

Kahoko looked at the vista. "Everyone is coming and I already have given them my word."

"I don't really mind them." He snorted. "I want you to be there because you want to be with me."

Kahoko blushed. "Do I really need to say it?"

"I want to hear you say it." He said in a low but demanding tone.

She gave a silent sigh and opened her mouth. "I'm coming for you."

That was true but its too awkward to say it since its just awkward. There are things that goes without saying right? But since you are dealing with Yunoki Azuma, he will demand you to say it if he wants to hear it.

•••

The former participants are waiting at the train station. It was already seven thirty in the morning.

"I can't believe that you decided to come ,Tsukimori." Tsuchuira said.

"Neither could I." He replied.

Suddenly, someone bumped Tsukimori from the back.

"Wha.—" Tsukimori reacted and turned his back. The sleepy Shimizu then looked up to him.

"Senpai." Shimizu weakly said. "Good morning Tsukimori-senpai."

Tsukimori curled his brows. Shimizu stared at him.

"Did I hit you?" He questioned.

"Yeah you—" Tsukimori replied but he was cut off.

"Sorry Tsukimori-senpai." Shimizu bowed.

"Hello everyone~!" Hihara greeted while waving his hand. "Hmm… is Yunoki here already?"

"Ah…are you…are you talking to me senpai?" Fuyuumi stuttered.

"Well, most probably." Hihara simpered.

"Eh…a-ano…he's not yet here." She looked down flushing deep crimson.

"I-I see." Hihara ran a hand to his head.

"By the way senpai, Hino has not yet arrived too." Tsuchuira informed him.

"If they won't be able to come at the desired time, we will be left by the train." Tsukimori said.

"So you are interested about Kyoto?" Tsuchuira smirked.

Tsukimori folded his arms and looked away sternly. "I was just stating a fact that the train won't wait for us."

"Oh," Tsuchuira turned to the crowded place.

•••

"Can't believe that you over-slept." Yunoki crossed his arms and gave her a look.

"I-I was not able to sleep early last night." She looked down, frowning.

Yunoki gazed at her. He then lifted his hand and cupped her chin. " Your look horrible." He noted.

"I know I do." She turned to her side.

"Your eyes are swollen and you have eye bags." He scrutinized her face. "While on the train, you better sit with me and rest."

Ten minutes later, the two arrived at the station. They searched their companions since the place was crowded.

"Yunoki! Kaho-chan!" Hihara loudly called.

Yunoki and Hino turned back and neared them.

"You don't have to call us like that Hihara-senpai." Kahoko simpered.

"Oh Hihara." Yunoki began. "Is everyone ready?"

"Kanazawa won't be joining us." Hihara informed him. "But—"

"Hello everyone~ " Amou neared them. "Would it be okay if I come?"

"It wouldn't be a problem Amou." Yunoki smiled.

They went inside the train. Yunoki sat down and hoped for Kahoko to stay with him but Hihara dominated the empty space beside him. Kahoko stopped upon seeing Yunoki talking to Hihara. She sighed and went to another seat. Amou was beside Fuyuumi. Shimizu was beside Tsuchuira while Tsukimori was alone with no one beside him.

"Tsukimori-kun, would you mind if I take this seat?" She asked.

"No." He replied.

"Thank you Tsukimori-kun." She smiled.

"Oh," Tsukimori averted his attention to the window.

'He would not be mad at me would he?' Kahoko sighed.

"You don't look good." Tsukimori said making Kahoko turned to him.

"Well, I haven't slept much last night." She forced a smile.

"You should take good care of yourself more." He seriously said.

Kahoko nodded. She was already used at his concern towards her health since she was lax on herself. "Thanks for the concern Tsukimori-kun."

He stared at her. "You maybe hard-working but you are oblivious about yourself."

"Thanks for worrying about me." Kahoko smiled.

The two was silent. Tsukimori was intently enjoying the view outside while Kahoko was drifting herself to sleep. Her head was heaving. Suddenly, it landed on Tsukimori's shoulder, causing him to be caught off guard.

Tsukimori turned to his shoulder and returned his gaze to the scenery outside but his thought was on the lady beside him whose head was on his shoulder. He looked back to her again and held her head. He lifted it up and moved closer to her. He then placed it back into his shoulder and leaned back comfortably.

'How uncaring can she be to herself?' He thought.

After that long ride, the train stopped. They already have arrived. Hihara and Tsuchuira then neared the two sleeping guys.

"We have arrived Hino-chan, Tsukimori-kun." Hihara said, waking the two up.

"Wake up." Tsuchuira seconded.

Yunoki went to then to see what was going on but the sight of Kahoko sleeping on Len's shoulder while he laid his head on her head was too intimate that it surprised him. Such an intimate position. It irked him.

"Hino, Tsukimori." Tsuchuira shook them.

Suddenly a camera flashed. Len opened his eyes in the same time that Kahoko did. They lifted their head up and was startled to see everyone staring at them like something.

"I caught that in my camera." Amou giggled.

Kahoko and Len turned to each other and suddenly straightened themselves up.

"We have to go." Yunoki told them. "My chauffer must be waiting outside." He cheerfully said.

Kahoko stared at him. Len stood up and followed them.

"Let's go Hino." Len said.

"Ah…yes." She went with them.

Yunoki looked back at her as she pulled her luggage. "Let me help you Hino-san." He offered with his ever sweet smile.

"It's okay senpai." She refused.

Yunoki's expression then became stern. "I'll deal with you later." He got her luggage and pulled it, leaving Kahoko frozen.

'Oh my…' She thought before following.

All of them went to the Yunoki's Japanese style Manor. It was huge and beautiful, a reminder that the Yunokis are really into their culture.

"Hino, you look troubled." Tsuchuira commented.

"Well, yeah." She forced a smile.

"About?" He wondered.

"Nothing." She shook her head.

"Ha?" Tsuchuira raised a brow.

"Oh, I will be going to my assigned room. Yunoki-senpai told me that he will take me to my room." She moved forward and left Tsuchuira.

"She acts strange." Tsuchuira ran a hand to his hair.

Kahoko went to Yunoki who was talking to Hihara and Tsukimori.

"Ah…senpai." She began.

"Hino-san." He smiled. "Hihara, Tsukimoti, I will just introduce Kahoko to her room so she could rest."

"Okay." Hihara nodded.

Tsukimori turned to the garden. "You better rest well."

Kahoko blinked. "Oh…thanks Tsukimori-kun."

"Now, Let's go Hino-san." Yunoki gestured her to follow.

They went around silently. Kahoko was already tense since she must have irked him. She knew that he's a possessive type. Even if those 'boys' do not like her (she's oblivious about it though.).

Yunoki stopped in front of a huge door. He opened it and turned to her. She looked down. He then went inside and she followed.

"Wow…" Kahoko was amazed. "It's nice."

"Why don't you rest?" He looked away and neared the door in an attempt of leaving.

"Azu—Azu—Azuma—san…" She blushed.

Yunoki looked back with his stern expression. "You better rest."

"Hihara-senpai took my seat beside you so I have no choice but to…sit beside Tsukimori-kun." She pressed her lip and looked down. "And…I could not help being sleepy."

"So?" He curled his brows.

What a sarcastic answer. "I must have irked you." She said in a low tone.

"Just sleep. I won't be talking to you now. I prefer you to sleep." He opened the door and left.

Kahoko sighed. She hoped that they will be able to compromise. She was not at fault but Azuma was surely annoyed.

She sent to the futon bed and laid down.

•••

Kahoko opened her eyes. She sat down and rubbed her eyes. She yawned and slowly stood up. She turned to the west direction and saw a set of silk kimono being hanged. She neared it and ran her hand through it. She then decided to wear it since it was placed there with a purpose. To be worn by her of course.

She pirouetted. The red kimono with sakura pattern was beautiful. She also saw a hairpin (Japanese hair pin of course.). She fixed her hair and placed the sakura styled hairpin on her hair.

After all has been done, she went out and wandered. She was trying to locate her companions as well as exploring the place. It was indeed magnificent. The landscapes were awesome.

"You're awake." Tsukimori met her.

"Uhm…" She looked at him from head to foot. "You look good Tsukimori-kun."

"Ah…" He turned away. She was commenting on his Kimono.

Kahoko giggled. "Anyway, what time is it?"

"It's already four in the afternoon." He replied.

"What?" Kahoko reacted.

"You have not eaten lunch." He noted.. "Are you hungry?"

"Well, yeah." She nodded.

"Let's go. Perhaps we can find something to eat." He led her.

They arrived to the kitchen but no one was there.

"Uhm… Tsukimori-kun? Where are they?" She wondered.

"They went somewhere." He responded. "No one's in here. We might as well go out and find some restaurant so you can eat."

"Sorry for the trouble. But you don't have to make it a problem. I am fine." She simpered.

"What are you talking about? I bet you have not eaten breakfast and lunch and it's not desirable to crush diet." He crossed his arms.

'He seems to care a lot.' Kahoko thought.

"Let's go." He went. Kahoko had no choice but follow him.

The two went to a ramen store.

"Here you go." The chief gave to her, her special ramen which Tsukimori ordered.

"Thanks." Kahoko pulled her chopsticks and began eating. Tsukimori was just watching her from the corner of his eyes. "Tsukimori-kun, don't you want to eat?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." He said.

"Their ramen taste good. Why don't you try some? Here you go?" She pushed her bowl to him.

"No, Hino-san. Please eat it. You haven't eaten yet so mind yourself." He pushed it back to her.

"Okay." She nodded then ate.

After eating, the two of them journeyed back to the Yunoki House.

"Wow." Kahoko neared a store. Tsukimori followed her. "Look Tsukimori-kun. It's a cute Lanqourware."

"It's made fine." He commented.

"Yeah," She nodded.

"You like it?"

"I do but… I won't buy it." She placed the lanqourware back to its place. Tsukimori wondered. "Oh, what a cute comb." Kahoko held the lily flowered comb but she placed it back down. "Let's go back Tsukimori-kun." Kahoko went out of the store.

Tsukimori stayed behind. He picked the lanqourware and the lily comb and neared the person selling it. After buying it, he went out.

"What took you long?" She questioned.

"I looked at something." He answered.

"Let's go back?" She smiled.

"Hm," He nodded.

They walked back to the house. Amou then met them and took a picture of them. Fuyuumi was beside her.

"What a great shot!" Amou joyfully said. "The first one was when you slept together on the train and now this one! Violin romance!"

Tsukimori and Kahoko just watched her.

"What are you doing Amou?" Tsukimori curled his brows.

"I'm going to publish this one." Amou smirked.

"You can't do that Amou-san." Kahoko said.

"I won't forgive you if you would do such thing Amou." Tsukimori sternly said.

Amou just giggled.

The four of them entered the residence.

"Where have you been?" Tsuchuira wondered.

"Fuyuumi and I strolled around and met this two along the way." Amou smiled.

"Where were you two? I thought you were sleeping Hino?" Tsuchuira wondered.

"Tsukimori accompanied me to a restaurant. I ate." Kahoko explained.

Tsuchuira gave Len a short glance. "I see."

They all went inside the house and saw Yunoki talking to Hihara. Shimizu was just watching the landscape. All of them were wearing a Kimono.

"Where were you two?" Hihara said as a greeting.

"Tsukimori came with me and I ate outside since I am hungry." Kahoko explained.

"They had a date." Amou interrupted.

"Amou-san, would you please don't talk nonsense?" Len favored.

Amou giggled.

Evening came. The boys went to the hot spring while the girls separated themselves and went to their own hot spring.

"Kahoko, are you and Tsukimori-kun an item?" Amou curiously asked.

"We are not." She blushed.

"You Fuyuumi-chan? Are you and Shimizu-kun M.U?" Amou turned to Fuyuumi.

Fuyuumi blushed. "Eto…eto…what is an MU?"

Amou chuckled surprised at the girl's innocence. "Don't you know what M.U means?"

"What is an M.U Amou-san?" Kahoko curiously asked.

"What?" Amou did not expect that Kahoko does not also know. "Geez… It means mutual understanding."

"Oh…" Kahoko played with the water.

"I can't believe you two." Amou lowered her shoulder. "Anyway, during the last selection, Shimizu seems to be attracted to you Fuyuumi-chan."

Fuyuumi blushed. "I—Iie."

"You look good you know!" Amou teased. "Tsukimori and Kahoko too."

"Amou-san…" Kahoko blushed. 'Constant teasing. Why is she always doing that? She's paparazzi.'

An hour later.

"See you tomorrow." Amou told them.

"Oh, good night." Kahoko tightened her rode. "To you as well Fuyuumi-chan."

"Arigatou Kaho-chan." Fuyuumi gave her a faint smile.

The three separated ways and went to their rooms. Kahoko opened her room door and wandered around. She opened the door to the koi garden located at the back of her room and squatted on the room floor. The moon was half.

"Such a beautiful scenery." She complimented.

"Beautiful?" Yunoki went out from the side of the garden.

"Azu-Azuma…" She muttered.

"You and Tsukimori seem to be getting along." He said.

"It doesn't mean anything does it?" She lowered her gaze. "He's just concern."

'Concern.' He thought. "You annoyed me."

"He had just accompanied me to a ramen shop since I haven't eaten." She explained.

'That guys getting on my nerves.' Yunoki thought as he went up to her.

"Azuma-san, how did you get there?" She questioned as he sat beside her.

"My room is that one.'' He pointed. "And this garden is only for this room and for that room."

'So he gave me a special room near his?' She was glad.

'That guy is mysterious and it seems that he's…perhaps not.' Yunoki turned to Kahoko from the corner of his eyes. He doubted the thought of Len liking Kahoko. 'But if ever he's taking his move for her. She would surely be oblivious about it. She's dense after all.'

'He's still upset.' Kahoko looked down to her hands. 'Len is just my friend. He cares for me.'

'How come that violinist is so concern towards her? He doesn't usually mind other people's business, does he?' He reflected.

'But, Len seems different this time. He's too caring and his expression changes towards me. Was that just my illusion when he's expression will soften?' She was also reflecting.

The two were reflecting. It's just hard to share these thoughts to each other even if they are into a relationship.

Kahoko wrapped her arms around his waist and embraced him. Yunoki looked down to her and allowed her.

'It's nice to see Tsukimori-kun smile but…Azuma is different.' She inhaled his sweet yet mysterious scent. "Sorry Azuma-san." She apologized. "I irked you."

Yunoki gazed at her with a serious look. "I want you to initiate a kiss for me." He said.

"Ha?" Kahoko pulled back and looked up to him.

"Make it passionate." He smirked.

She never had initiated a kiss for him. Its always him who kisses her senselessly. He's her first boyfriend and she lacks experience.

"Passionate?" Kahoko repeated.

"Do it with your tongue. Don't tell me you still don't know how to do it even if we've kissed a lot of times?" He raised a brow.

Kahoko barely have any idea how to do it since he was always the one leading. She would just mildly follow him so he won't get frustrated. In other words…she's still a novice and is clueless.

She looked deep into his eyes and lifted herself to her knees. Yunoki stayed still and observed her. She trembled. She placed her hands on his shoulder and lowered her head to kiss him.

"Can you close you eyes?" She requested.

"No one usually close their eyes yet just because of this distance." He corrected.

"Just…Just close your eyes." She blushed.

He pressed his lips and closed his eyes. He did no longer interrogate. Kahoko watched his serene face and became tense. She closed their distance and kissed him….steadily. Yunoki felt her tremble. She pulled back. She looked to her side , embarrassed.

"I don't know how to do it." She muttered.

"It can't be helped." Yunoki pulled her nape and kissed her. He was the one initiating instead of her. "Open your mouth…" He said on her lips. Kahoko shyly obeyed. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth, exploring every inch of her. Kahoko responded to him. She felt very awkward. (She usually is after they became a couple.) "Don't pull your tongue back…" He embraced her back and pulled her closer. "Just follow me…and don't be tense."

"Mm~" Kahoko couldn't breathe.

"Kahoko," He gave her a little space then went back to kiss her. "You'll faint… if you won't breathe." He said as he tilted his head and stroked her tongue with his own with eyes closed.

"Mm…" Kahoko began breathing but she found it hard.

Slowly, she was able to cope up with him. Suddenly, Yunoki dragged her down to the floor. In one swift motion, he was already on top of her before she could open her eyes. He buried his face on her neck and began kissing her there. Kahoko became tense once more.

"Azuma…wait—wait…" She was alerted but Yunoki ignored her protest. He sucked her skin and planted butterfly kisses on her neck. "Azuma…" She panicked nervously.

"Let's do it Kahoko." He said huskily on her ear.

Kahoko gulped. "W-What will we do?" She stuttered.

"Don't you really know what I mean?" He brushed his lips to her ear.

She shrugged at the feeling. He then kissed her jaws down to her shoulder blades.

"I'm not ready yet." Kahoko said in a low tone.

Yunoki smirked. He then lifted his head and sat up. "Aren't you sleepy yet? It's getting late."

Kahoko sat right up. Yunoki stood up and held out his hand for her to take. Kahoko held his hand. He then pulled her up.

"Come." He led her to the futon bed and sat down. Kahoko just watched him.

"Azuma…" She was wondering if he was really planning to do it to her.

"Let's sleep." He pulled her down in one quick motion.

"Ah—" She groaned with eyes closed.

Yunoki laid down and embraced her tight. Kahoko lifted her head and met his gaze.

"Good night Kahoko." He pulled her head on his chest.

Kahoko blinked. "Go-Good night." She responded.

Yunoki ran his hand through her hair and smelled it. Kahoko took time to make herself comfortable with the warmth of his body resting beside her.

•••

The former concours participants enjoyed their stay at Yunoki's place. They did lots of things like camping, picnic and a lot more.

After that, they went back home.

•••

Tsukimori was playing his violin inside his room. The sound of Schubert's Ave Maria dominated the silence of the serene night.

He closed his eyes and remembered the time when the moon was at its fullest. He went out of the balcony and heard the same piece being played by a red haired lady. Her body swayed at its rhythm. She bathe herself with the moon's illumination. He was bewitched with her music and decided to follow her lead. They made a magical duet.

Len ended the piece gently and looked at the lanqourware and lily comb resting on his nightstand. He pulled his violin down and sighed.

'Would she accept it?' Len thought as he picked the comb up ran his hands to the details of it. "Hino Kahoko." He muttered.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading. I hope you will review as well and would let me know how you feel. Reviews are my inspiration. It makes me keep on going. Take care!