DISCLAIMER: Don't own anything…

Author's Note at the Bottom… üöüöüöüöü

Mostly Len's POV.

Special Mention and Thanks at the Bottom. Please read.

Chapter 7- The Festival

*France- The night before Len's flight to Japan…

Len's POV

I smirked at my blue violin case across my dark room. The moonlight shining at my open window, the breeze entering my room. I couldn't sleep. Is excitement overcoming my senses or am I nervous because I'm seeing again the girl I love very much. "Kahoko, how I yearn so much to see you're face again." I never had given a thought on how our relationship ends. And how our relationship ended was too much for me. I can't move on. Being apart from her is already my sacrifice for my future, and possibly, also OUR future together. Wait. I guess I'm thinking too far already. I stared at the blank ceiling, picturing her smiling face. I can't help but to smile and at the same time, I can feel excruciating pain in my chest. Does she feel the same? Does she feel the pain in the chest? After our break up, I thought over and over, why does it have to be this way?

Flashback…

I performed in my concert in England a few months ago. My melody changed after meeting Hino Kahoko. It was full of content emotions. She was right, the only way you can fully express your feeling is in your music. I contently played 'Ave Maria'. Her favorite piece. I was so pleased, everybody enjoyed my music, and they felt what I felt when I played. When I exited the stage and entered the dressing room, mother and father were waiting for me. "That was a brilliant performance, Len." Mother said to me. I nodded. My father smiled happily. "Thank you." I said, smiling a bit. We were interrupted when an unexpected sound came from outside the door. A knock. Mother opened it, since she was the closest to the door. There was a man with a young teenage girl. A brunette haired girl. Her face is glistening with glitters. She has a tall stature and emerald eyes. Probably, many men are after her. She smiled at me but I didn't bother to remark it. I turned away from the door and approached my violin case. I smiled secretly when I saw the necklace similar with Kaho. The half heart pendant. "The other half is with her." I whispered lowly. How I yearn to see her.

"Ah, Hamai Misa-sama," The man said. "I would like to invite you and your family for a lovely dinner." Mother smiled as she looks at Dad beside her. "Ah, yes. It will be our pleasure." Mom replied. The man gawked at me. "Ah, isn't that Tsukimori Len?" The man said, smiling happily. "Len, please come here." Mother called out. At once I stepped in front and stood beside father. "Len, this is Saruwatari Arashi, the chairman of some music organizations across England, France and other European countries. He was the one who arranged your concert here in England." Mother introduced. "And this is his daughter, Saruwatari Miharu." The brunette haired girl winked at me. I smirked secretly. "She's nothing compared to Kaho." I thought. "Bonjour, Len." She said. Her voice is like a choir of soprano voices. It was too beautiful. No man can resist her. A beautiful lady. But only one kind of man can stop themselves from falling in love with her. A blind and deaf man. And that kind of man is ME; I may not be blind/ deaf physically but emotionally, yes. "She's nothing compared to Kaho." I thought again. "Bonjour." I replied coldly. "So, if I may ask, shall we proceed to the car and have a dinner?" The man asked. Mother and Father agreed and stepped out of the room. "Len?" Father called out since I just stood in place, motionless. At once, I stepped out of the room, closing the door gently.

End of Flashback…

I remember now. That's how I met Saruwatari-san and his father. That's why I'm in France now and Saruwatari-san followed me. Her father found my family as a music prodigy and he started organizing concerts for me and my parents. I bet mother and father is in Japan already since their music tour is over in Italy. The excruciating pain still lingers in my chest. And I'll repeat it once again, I don't like and I don't love Saruwatari-san. I only love my one and only Hino Kahoko.

Flashback…

The driver brought us in the most expensive restaurant in the city.

During the dinner, mother, father and Saruwatari Arashi were the people having the conversation. I just sat there, eating my dinner. Every passing minute, Saruwatari-san looks at me. How annoying. Very irritating. I was included in the conversation, together with Saruwatari-san when Mr. Saruwatari looked at me. "Tsukimori Len, a violin prodigy. It's expected since both of your parents are very amazing in the field of music." He commented. I just looked at him. "Mm." I said. "I hope you will have an INTEREST for my lovely daughter here." He hoped. I never thought that these two will be so annoying. Like father like daughter. Annoying. Saruwatari-san smiled at her dad. My parents paused and looked at me, knowing that I love someone already. Mr. Saruwatari waited for my answer. "I don't have time for such kind of interests. I'm sorry for my insolence." I said coldly. He smirked at me. And his daughter look hurt. "Still," He continued. "My daughter is a huge admirer of you." I ignored it. "Dad, it's fine." Saruwatari-san said. They finally ignored me again. Relief.

End of Flashback…

Because of that, Saruwatari-san now chases after me. Shit. That is annoying. I carelessly doze off to sleep, just to stop thinking of what happened to me after I met Saruwatari-san. It's very annoying. It's because of her that my life and Kaho's life are despondent.

-x-

*Hino Residence… (Third Person Conversation)

8:00 AM

Hino woke up from her slumber; sunlight peeping from the indent in the windows. She sat upright from her position, trying to register what was happening. She grabbed her cell phone from the drawer beside her bed and checked out the time. "What? 8:00 AM?" She said, startled. "Ah, right. Kaji-kun will be picking me up at 9 AM. I better get prepared." She unenthusiastically got up from bed and entered the bathroom, yawning. After a while, she stepped out of the bathroom, and changed her clothes. Her everyday clothes, a pair of jeans, a plain sleeveless shirt, jacket and her sneakers. "It's not a very special day." She said. "So why will I dress so formally. It's just a festival." She finished preparing at 8:45 AM. Fifteen minutes early. She decided to go down from her bedroom.

"Okaa-san, onee-chan, good morning." She said, entering the dining room. "Ah, Kaho." Her sister said. "You're going out?" Her mother asked. "Yes, I'll be back a little bit late." Hino said, informing them. "I'll be at the festival in the park." They nodded. "Sure, take care." They both said in unison.

She stepped out of the house, closing the door gently from behind. She looked around outside, seeing two familiar boys. The other one standing across the street, leaning on the post and the other one standing in front of the gate, waiting patiently. "Tsuchiura-kun! Kaji-kun!" She called out, waving her hand. The two boys were surprised, hearing the sweet voice of the girl they like. "Hino!" Tsuchiura called back as she steps out of their gate. "Good morning!" She greeted, beaming at their expressions. They didn't reply, which made Hino confused. "Am I late?" She asked, perplexed with the boys' quiet expression. "NO!" Tsuchiura and Kaji answered in unison. Hino peered at their expressions. "Well, come on." She said, pulling the hands of the boys.

As they walk towards the park, their group remained silent, for some unknown reason. "Tsukimori-kun…will return to Japan today." Hino broke the silence by saying that. She stopped and looked at the boys behind her. "But—I'm fine. As long you two are here for me." She said. Tsuchiura smiled. "Mah, I guess there is no reason to be worried now." He said. Kaji, on the other hand, since he doesn't know what happened, looked baffled. "What happened, Hino-san?" He asked. "Well, it's hard to explain. But it's simple as this. We broke up." She said, simplifying things. "I'm sorry." Kaji apologized. "I shouldn't have reminded you. I know it hurts." Hino faked her smile. "Oh no, that's fine. Yes, I know it hurts so much. But I'm fine." She muttered. "It's hard to move on. Not even time can heal it that fast."

-x-

*Airplane towards Japan (Japan Time: 6:00 PM)

Len's POV

I'm finally returning home. My home, Japan. I'm finally seeing the one I truly love, Hino Kahoko.

"Please fasten your seatbelts, we are landing."

That fast? I'm really here? No, I must be dreaming. I stepped out of the airplane, claimed my baggage in the airport and waited for Kabuki-san. Yes, I informed mother and father that I'll be arriving. At last, here comes an old man. "Len-bochamma!" He called out as he approaches me in full speed. "Welcome home." He said. I peered at him. I gave him my suitcases full of clothes. But I never gave him my violin case. I walked together with Kabuki-san to the exit of the airport. "Len-bochamma, for two long years, you have been far away from your hometown. I must say you might have missed a lot of things." He said. I just nodded in agreement. It's true I missed a lot of things. Her smile, her laughs, her tears, her voice, I just think that there might be changes that happened. I wonder how she is today.

Am I ready to face her now? For some reason, the ice cube of Seisou Academy during high school is scared to face the person whom he hurt so much.

I sat upright in the back seat of the car, placing my violin case beside me. Is she still playing the violin? I hope so. I know we're talking every night when we are still together, but she never mentions a thing about her college life. She didn't even tell me what course she is taking. I have finished college already, considering I'm an advance student and a violin prodigy, or so they call me.

"Bochamma, are you alright?" Kabuki-san asked.

I'm tensed. And I can't even tell if I am fine or not. "Yes." I lied. "Kabuki-san, is there anything happening in the town?" I asked, perplexed with the population of the people going to the direction of the park at this hour. "A festival." Kabuki-san replied. "A festival?" I asked, still perplexed. "Yes." He said, nodding without looking away from the road. "A certain festival organized by the company of the clan of the Yunoki and other associates of the said clan." I looked outside. "Yunoki?" I said. As we pass by the overcrowded park, I feel something. Something in my instincts that makes me wants to stop the car, go down in the park and find something/someone. "Stop the car." I ordered hesitantly. Kabuki-san looked at me, confused. "Bochamma, where are you going?" he asked me wearily as I open the door of the car. "I need to go down." I replied coldly. "But—but" He stuttered, unable to continue because I am already walking to the park. I left my violin case in the car. I walked among the crowd of people going to the park, gazing over the crowd. Why do my feet take me down with the crowd to the park? Is there something I need to see down there? But I can feel. It's very, very important. It's something that I can't ignore.

As I land on the park, it's filled with different kinds of people. After all, the Yunoki clan is famous after all. As I look around the place, I was shocked to see a red head figure. 'Kaho?" I whispered in shock. My body is filled with ecstasy. "Is that really Kaho?" I whispered as I walk through the crowd and approached the red head figure eagerly. As soon as I am capable of reaching her, I touched her shoulder. She turned around and all of my hopes shattered. She is not Hino Kahoko. She watched me in awe. "Sorry, I thought you're someone I know." I said, looking away. The girl smiled widely. "It's—it's Tsukimori LEN!!!" She shouted. All the people around us looked at me. Their faces are awestricken in my presence. They gathered around me in excitement. "Tsukimori-sama, can I have your autograph???" They shouted in unison. I sighed. I didn't know that I am famous in Japan. Well, after all, I am a world renowned musician. I faced them, looking at them coldly. "I don't have time for this." I said coldly. I stepped out of the berserk crowd. "Maybe next time." I said. I can hear them sighing in frustration and whispers of discontentment. But at least they agreed.

I searched in the crowd for that 'thing' or that 'someone' I'm supposed to look.

Third Person Conversation

"Hey! Tsuchiura-kun! Kaji-kun! Check this out!" Hino shouted as she stops in front of a game booth. "Hello there Miss." The man in the booth greeted. "Hino seems so lively today." Tsuchiura said, looking at Hino as she stares at something that fascinates her. "Yeah, I wonder." Kaji said. "Mou! Kaji-kun! Tsuchiura-kun! Hurry up!!!!" She shouted again. "I guess it can't be helped, right?" Kaji muttered. He faced the pouting Hino and smiled. "So, what fascinates you, Hino-san?" Kaji asked. Hino smiled. She pointed at a miniature violin figurine. "You can have it, if you knock the bottles there." The man in the booth said. "Well, I'll get it." Tsuchiura said. The man in the booth gave three balls to Tsuchiura. He threw the first ball, knocking five out of five bottles. The man stared in awe and Hino smiled happily. The man gave them the prize. The mini violin figurine was shining. A golden violin. "THANK YOU, TSUCHIURA-KUN!!!" Hino exclaimed happily. He smiled. "It's time for the fireworks display, shall we go?" He said, still smiling. Hino smiled, removing her pouting expression. "Yes!!" She exclaimed.

They walked in the crowd, looking for the best place to watch the fireworks. At the same time, Tsukimori is also walking in the crowd, looking for someone or something. "Kaji-kun, Tsuchiura-kun, thanks." She whispered, gazing at the boys behind her, and walking backwards, not looking at where she was walking. "Hino-san, it's fine. As long as you're able to smile." Kaji said, smiling. Not knowing where she is walking, she accidentally bumped into someone. She almost fell, though Hino is very lucky.

"HINO!"

"HINO-SAN!"

"A-AH!" She exclaimed, as someone caught her hand. She faced the person, and gasped involuntarily as she peered into the man's face.

"Yunoki-senpai!" She said. "Yunoki-senpai?" Kaji and Tsuchiura questioned in unison.

"Well, it's a pleasure to see you guys here." He said, smiling. "What are you doing here, senpai?" Hino asked, backing away from Yunoki. "My family's company and another associate company sponsored this festival." He explained, plainly looking happy. "Another associate company?" She asked. "Yes, the company of the Ijichi clan." He said. "So, Ijichi-san's here?" She asked. "Yes. And perhaps you're finding a place to watch the firework display?" He said, still smiling. "Well, yeah." Tsuchiura admitted. "Come this way please." He said, leading to where the organizers are staying.

"Yunoki-senpai's obaa-san…" Hino thought pessimistically.

When they arrived there, Miyabi, Ijichi and Hihara are there, sitting on the grass, staring at the starry sky.

"Hihara-senpai!!" Hino exclaimed, waving her hand. "Miyabi-chan! Ijichi-san!"

They looked at the direction of Hino, Kaji and Tsuchiura.

"Eh? Kaho-chan!?" Hihara chirped happily as she approach at in full speed. Miyabi and Ijichi just smiled at them. But Ijichi's smile was full of happy emotions. "I can see her again. Hino Kahoko. How I missed her" Ijichi thought happily. "You can stay with them." Yunoki said. "Ah. Thank you, Yunoki-senpai." Hino thanked. She sat in between Kaji and Tsuchiura together with Hihara, far from Ijichi and Miyabi. "So, Kaho-chan. Are you okay?" Hihara asked. Hino can't help but to bury her face in her hands as she break into tears. "Do you think I am?" She asked coldly. "No." Tsuchiura answered. Kaji just sat there, unspeaking. "Then why do you bother to ask?" She asked again, agitation in her voice.

"Everybody, the fireworks display will start in 5 minutes." The organizer announced.

"Hey, Hino, you can't stay like that. I mean, why can't you move on?" Tsuchiura asked harshly. Hino flinched. "You just don't understand, do you?" She whispered angrily. "You just don't understand how hard it is to move on and forget everything." She stood up; wiping her tears away with the back of her injured hand and ran away. "Oi Hino! Wait up!" Tsuchiura shouted, enough for Yunoki and the others to hear. "Let her go, Tsuchiura-kun." Hihara said, soothingly. "She will come back." The others turned their heads in the direction of Hihara's group. "Where did Hino-san go?" Yunoki asked eager to know where Hino went. Hihara sighed. "Sorry, Yunoki, I don't know."

KAHO'S POV

No. No. What did I just do? Tell me, what did I just do? Am I running away? Am I? I'm always like this. Running away when I'm going to face something, because I'm a coward! A stupid coward! But I love him. I want to see him. I walked, farther and farther away from the crowd, looking for a secluded place to space out.

"Everybody, the fireworks display will start in 1 minute."

I walked still, I sighed in relief to found a place, where no one can bother me.

"30 seconds."

I stopped in the middle.

"10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5"

"Kaho—ko." I paused for a moment.

"4… 3… 2…1… Here we go!"

Suddenly, bright colored lights filled the dark sky. "Kaho," I can't look at him. "I found you." The voice kept on going closer, closer. "I was looking for you." I looked away from him. From Tsukimori Len who is inches away from me. Different shapes of light engulfed the dark sky. "I missed you." He said. I turned away and started to walk again, slowly. "Kaho, don't leave me." He whispered, walking closer. "Leave me alone!" I shouted, but he never stopped, he just moved towards me. He grabbed my arm gently but I brushed it away. He hugged me from behind, encircling his arms around me, but I never faced him.

"Kaho, I love you." He whispered in my ear.

"Let me go. Let me go, Tsukimori-kun." I said, resisting his hug. "Don't call me with my first name!" He tightened his hug. "Why?" He asked. "Don't you love me anymore?" I didn't respond. I placed both of my hands on his arm, pulling it away. He seemed to notice it. "What happened with your hand?" He asked, worried as he place his hand on my injured hand. "Let me go, please." I pleaded. He let go of me. He placed both of his hands on my shoulder and turned me to face him. "Why, Kaho?" He asked. "Why are you avoiding me?" I broke into tears. "Did you ever think I can forget what happened that night, Tsukimori-kun?!!" I shouted at him. He looked away, probably hurt. "Did you ever let me explain, Kaho?" He asked in a low tone. I flinched away but I didn't answer. "Please, listen to me." He pleaded again as he encircle his arms around me. "You're the only one in my mind." He said. I didn't believe. "Just let me go." I said, pushing him away.

"Hmmm, you must be Hino Kahoko?"

I looked away from Tsukimori-kun's chest and peered behind me. A brunette haired girl is standing away from us. Her voice is like a choir of high soprano voices. She smiled sarcastically, though her smile depicts a disgusted face.

"I never expect that you'll be someone that looks like that." She said, brushing away her hair away from her emerald eyes. She smirked disgustedly at me. Her hair which is until her waist is glistening under the moonlight. Her emerald eyes glared at me, her eyes saying that I should get away from Tsukimori-kun.

She approached me slowly, smiling sarcastically.

"Bonjour, Hino Kahoko." She said, placing her hand on my cheek. I pushed Tsukimori-kun away from me. I just looked at her. "You now, Len, pére (father in French) wassurprised when you unexpectedly left for Japan." She said as looking at Tsukimori-kun but her hand remained still on my cheek. "You should have informed your Ma petite Amie (girlfriend in French, am I right?), right?" I froze for a bit. "Ma petite Amie?" I whispered. She looked at me, her face angered. "Tsukimori-kun, Saruwatari-san's correct." I said, shakily. He looked at me, deeply hurt. "You should have told her that you will be going to Japan. After all, she's your—" Before I am able to continue what I was saying, pain covered my cheek. She slapped me.

"SARUWATARI-SAN!" Tsukimori-kun shouted angrily.

Saruwatari-san faced Tsukimori-kun smiling happily then she faced me again, placing both of her hands on my cheeks. She glared at me, though a smile painted her face. "Lâche. Les gens qui renoncent juste et s'enfuient. Je déteste les gens qui renoncent juste et s'enfuient." She said, her voice ringing in my ear. Her French accent emphasized every French word she said. I shook my head. "I'm sorry, I didn't understand." I admitted.

A/N: I guess you're wondering what Miharu said, right?

Translation:

"Coward. People who just give up and run away. I people who just give up and run away"

Tsukimori-kun placed his hand on the shoulder of Saruwatari-san. "Stop it." He bellowed angrily. She brushed his hand away. "Stop it? No." She replied. He glared deeply. He approached me and stayed behind me and pulled me gently, away from the grasp of Saruwatari-san and hugging me tightly from behind. "Get away from us." He ordered sternly. She laughed. "Appréciez vous êtes le temps avec lui, la chienne." She snorted, walking away from us. When she disappeared, he placed a hand on my cheek where Saruwatari-san slapped me. "Are you alright?" He asked me.

"Get away from me." I said, teary-eyed. "I can't face you right now. No." He loosened his hug. "Prepare then." He said, holding my hand. "But don't forget, je vous aime. I love you. I'll be here tomorrow. I'll be waiting." I stepped away from him, not responding. I run away, leaving him standing there.

Here I go again, running away.

I stopped instantly, looking back. I still see him there, looking at me, unmoving. My feet want to go back, be in his embrace. "Je vous aime. I love you." I whispered, looking at him, tears flowing from my eyes. He smiled at me. His smile hopeful. How I yearn to see that smile again. His feet moved, taking a step forward but I moved farther away.

~End of Kaho's POV

"I'll be waiting for you, Kaho." Tsukimori whispered as he stands motionless.

-_tO bE cOnTinuEd_-

A/N: So… how was it? Was it good? Mark that as a review. Please review it.

Special Mention and Thanks:

saiunkokulover- Arigatou!! I really appreciate every review you sent for this story. Please wait for more. I wish you enjoyed this chapter.

barbieblair- Thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Pathetic Rainbow- Thank you for reviewing the other chapter. I have many ideas about the drama.