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Author's Note at the Bottom… üöüöüöüöü

Please read (yet again) the author's note at the bottom!!!

Chapter 8- The Rainy Afternoon

Len's POV

I arrived later than expected since I stopped at the festival and I looked for her. My face depicts an if-only expression. I somehow felt a pang of guilt since I didn't stop Saruwatari-san from slapping her. I stared into space, doing nothing as Kabuki-san drive me home. Kabuki-san stopped the engine of the car but I remained in my daze. "Bochamma," He voiced out which quickly snapped me back to reality. "We have arrived." He said, carrying my suitcases out of the trunk of the car. "Ah, yes. Thank you." I muttered. I opened the door of the car and stepped out, the evening breeze blowing from every direction. Somehow, the night feels so cold but I missed this breeze. "Bochamma?" Kabuki-san voiced out again, but alerted now. I snapped back to reality again. "Yes?" I answered, staring at him with my glare. "Madame is waiting for you inside the house together with your father." He said. I instantly looked at the house. It was well-lighted, like before. "Yes. I'm coming." I replied. I closed the door of the car, carrying my violin and entered the gates of the house. I smiled. "It's been years." I said, smiling at my house or mansion (since Kaho calls it a mansion) where I used to live. I entered the open door of the house; closely behind me is Kabuki-san who carries my suitcases. I expected my parents to be welcoming me when I entered the house, but they weren't in front of me now. They weren't welcoming me. I faced Kabuki-san who just stood there, arranging my suitcases. "Where are they?" I asked coldly staring at the old man who easily carries my suitcases despite his old age. "I believe they are in the living room. They have been waiting for your arrival, bochamma." He said, smiling.

I entered the living room, carrying my violin case. I smiled lightly, seeing them both sitting on the futon together. "I'm home, mother, and father." I said. But they didn't look at me; somehow the way the both of them looked is that they were hit with something. Their pained faces. Mother's puffed eyes. Why? I placed my violin case on the firm carpeted floor and approached them. "I'm home." I repeated. I shot a glance on mother's lap. A familiar jacket, a familiar necklace, pictures and a letter. "Len." Mother said. I looked at her as I sit on the futon of the living room. "I'm very disappointed." She continued. Father nodded. Am I being reprimanded for something? I know why. "I'm sorry." I said apologetically. I took the things that lay on my mother's lap. "We're not done yet, Len. What happened?" Mother asked. Her voice was edgy. I heaved a sigh. "Please, I want to rest." I pleaded tiredly as I stand up from my sitting position. "Ah, yes." Father said as he holds mother's trembling hands. "Good night, Len." Mother said, looking at me, smiling a sad smile. But I stopped from moving. "But if there's a necessity that I should tell it now then maybe I can stay and talk." I said coldly but neither of them responded. I sat down again, annoyed this time. "Mother, father, I am really sorry for what happened. But we broke up. Hino-san and I broke up already." I explained, wincing when I said 'Hino-san' rather than the usual 'Kaho' or 'Kahoko'. Mother looked at me, saddened. "Why?" Father questioned me. His tone is somehow cold like mine. I bet he doesn't want Mother to be so tearful like that. "Do you know how much it pains me to see what was written in that letter, Len?" Mother said, before I was able to say why.

"The way I treat Kaho-san now is really special. I already treat her as my own daughter." She continued, her voice reprimands me already. "She already sacrificed a lot for you, ever since the she ever liked you. And now you're even giving her pain which is too much for her? She's—she's damaged beyond repair. Not a simple sorry can't make up what you have done, Len." Mother bellowed as Father rubbed her back, comforting her. "Please, let me explain first." I said, looking away. "I don't know or how should I clarify this though." Father hugged mother. "Son, please tell us now. Or should you rest?" Father asked but I shook my head. "No, please. I'll talk first." I said softly. I relaxed myself into the futon. "I—I. The reason she broke up with me is that she thought that I was dating Saruwatari Miharu-san." I explained, disgusted of saying Saruwatari-san's name. They looked at me surprisingly. "What?" They both said in unison. Mother's eyes lighten a bit but still it still look pained. "But I will fix it, no matter what will happen. I love Kahoko and that will never change." I said, standing up, carrying my blue violin case and all the things I took from mother's lap. "Now, I have clarified everything. Please excuse me." I said, bidding them good night and climbing the stairs.

I shot the door closed and I looked at my room. It never changed except for the bed covers and the curtains. Kabuki-san must have changed it ahead of time. Really, that man. And all my suitcases were placed neatly beside my closet. Kabuki-san never changes. I took a quick shower, changed my clothes and went directly to bed. After all, I'm really tired and all I want is to have my sleep and to dream about her. I'm aggrieved when I saw her wounded expression a while ago in the festival. Her eyes show that she can also feel the excruciating pain in the chest like me. Her tearful face. I told her I'll be in the park again. And I hope she will come…

-x-

Kaho's POV

I walked around the park. He said he will be there, waiting for me. I have prepared myself. And I am ready to see him again. As I happily sprinted towards the same spot, I can't help but to cry out my tears of obvious joy. "Len." I muttered happily. I looked at the same spot where he told me. But I saw something. Something that shattered my heart beyond repair. The agonizing pain lingered again in my chest. I fell to the ground but he didn't react. I saw him, his hands I intertwined with Saruwatari-san. His body so close to hers. She reached up to his face and pecked his face. "Kaho. I'm sorry" He said, smiling intently at the girl beside him.

Am I seeing things?

Monday morning…

I walked down the road to school, the dream's keep on bugging me. I pleaded myself never to think of that again. No. I wish that will never happen. I yawned a bit, covering my mouth with my hand. Surely, the day will pass uneventful since the day's weather already sucks. Dark clouds fill up the sky. And the sun is no where to be found. Rain will fall like tears any moment now. Shit. I forgot my umbrella. But who cares? I'm nearing the school anyway. As I enter the golden gates of Seisou College, trickles of rain drop from the darken sky. Shoot. Is there anything worse? I mean, the music department where my classes are is far from here, the farthest from the gates, actually. I started to run, preventing myself from tripping in the puddles of water around the campus of the school. Monday rain. Where are Mio, Nao, Tsuchiura-kun, Amou-san and Hihara-senpai? I haven't seen them since last week/festival. When I stopped by at the Hotel and Restaurant Management building, I was drenched and cold. Who wants to be soaked first thing in the morning? And more importantly, how can I go to my own respective building?

"Hino?"

I sighed in relief hearing the familiar manly voice.

"Tsuchiura-kun!!" I said, wiping my hair with my handkerchief. He laughed at me. And I pouted, "What the hell's funny?" I asked, looking at myself. "You're drenched. Did you forget to bring an umbrella?" He asked as he gestured at his own umbrella. I smiled. "Well, yeah." I admitted. He threw his spare jacket. "You can't get sick you know." He said, pulling my hand. "If you do, I will not have a violinist to play music with during class." I smiled. At least someone is worried about me. "Thanks." I said. He pulled me under his umbrella. I blushed secretly. We walked together towards our building silently. Tsuchiura-kun broke the silence when he coughed sarcastically. I looked at him, puzzled. "What's with the coughing?" I asked, bewildered. "Well, during the festival. What happened? You were like gone before the firework display even started." He said. His tone seems to be suspicious. Obviously, I acted suspiciously last Saturday since Tsukimori-kun came home from somewhere in Europe. "I—I went home." I lied. He stopped walking. "You even forgot the violin miniature." He said, picking it from his pocket and showing it to me. "Huh? Really? And I was bugged yesterday night because I thought I lost that." I said in disbelief as I take it from Tsuchiura. "You're the worst liar ever, Hino." He commented. "Just tell me what's bugging you since this morning. Don't forget that I'm your big bro, okay?" I smiled at him. My eyes want to cry my heart out. "Well, I—I saw Tsukimori-kun. It's nothing special, really." I said, purposely hiding the thing about Saruwatari-san. "Nothing special?" He echoed suspiciously. "So you mean he's in the festival?" I nodded. By that time, we were in our building, to my relief. Tsuchiura-kun took his jacket that he lend me and placed it over my lean shoulders.

We walked on the hallways which seem to be more populated than usual. Obviously, classes at this area of the school campus starts later compared to others. As we pass, we can hear those mumbling gossips and rumors. Tsuchiura smirked when he heard his name but he didn't mind them. Well, we can't stop them from gossiping, right? I clutched my violin case tighter when I heard his name. All I thought is that the place is found is a secluded place, but I'm wrong with that. It wasn't secluded as I thought. Gossipers are really found everywhere. You never know that they are already listening/watching your every move. And I learn my lesson with that.

"Hey—hey, did you hear? Tsukimori Len, the violin prodigy from Seisou Academy who moved abroad to study there returned yesterday here in Japan?" That's what I heard. Well, he's really popular. Tsuchiura-kun pulled me closer to him and we stopped by the window. "Someone saw him with a brunette girl together in the festival. The brunette girl is Saruwatari Miharu-sama, right? The opera singer in Europe and other places there." The two ladies gossiping looked at me and walked away. "And they even saw her flirting with him when Miharu-sama went away." The other girl carrying a music scores glared at me disgustedly. "What a bitch." She mouthed and faced the other girl. "She didn't hear that Saruwatari Miharu-sama is dating Tsukimori Len?" The other nodded. I looked at Tsuchiura-kun, his eyes burning with fury. The people around those ladies were able to hear it. Sama? So she has fans. "Sorry." I whispered, and I pulled him to out classroom. I sighed frustratingly. "I didn't even flirt with him." I said. "So the 'nothing special' is just a cover-up, eh?" He whispered. Eyes were settled on me when I walked to my chair. So they did hear the rumors. "Sorry." I said again. The ladies covered their mouths when I passed by and they started to mouth words such as 'bitch' and 'slut'. I guess that they believe that Tsukimori-kun and Saruwatari-san are together and I'm the antagonist ruining the relationship. So here comes me, the witch, trying to steal away the prince form the wonderful princess. Maybe it was publicized in media (which I didn't bother to watch in the television) and the newspapers and tabloids.

Tsuchiura-kun sat down on his chair beside mine. What an awful start. I buried my face in my hands. I wanted to cry, but I can't. It's a school filled with gossiping students. If I cry, it will just prove that the gossips are true. Tsuchiura-kun placed a comforting hand on my back. "Hino, get a hold of yourself. Classes will start soon." He whispered as I regain my posture. Minutes later, our sensei entered the room. He fixed some papers before he sat down on his chair. "So, as requested by the headmaster of the school, an announcement will be made for the first subject." He said, gazing around the room. "The school will hold its Annual School wide Productions in 2 months time. The different colleges will perform in different days and there is a need for an audition. All of you are eligible to enter the selection screening this day." The class roared in excitement. "Hey, sensei, can we already go for the selection screening?" one asked, feeling the surge of excitement. Sensei nodded. "Yes. The screening starts now and it will be held at the auditorium. The whole day is given for the selection screening." He said, standing up from the chair and approaching the sliding door. "Off you go youngsters"

-x-

"Annual School Productions?" I muttered as I walk with Tsuchiura-kun and Hihara-senpai to the auditorium. "Is it a show-off of talents of all the departments in the whole university?" Tsuchiura-kun shook his head. "Well, no. According to what I have heard, the Annual School Productions is an event held in the school every year for all students. It's like a production to show what the specialty of each department is. Or something like that." He explained. "Ne, Kaho-chan, do you plan to enter?" Hihara-senpai asked through the lollipop in his mouth. I nodded. "It doesn't hurt to audition right?" I said, chuckling. "How 'bout you, Tsuchiura-kun?" I asked. He nodded. "Yeah." He said. "Hihara-senpai?" I asked again. "Yup! And I'm prepared for it!" He exclaimed happily through the lollipop. We entered the auditorium which is filled with excited/nervous/ hopeful that they will be accepted. I'm not that confident with my skills yet, but it's worth the shot.

-x-

Third Person Conversation

Hihara registered his name and the names of his two kouhais. He faced the stage where students play a piece with their trusted instrument. Others received applause while others receive jeers and mocking laughter. The waiting area is separated by year levels. "I guess we should go by year level from this point, Hihara-senpai." Tsuchiura said, pulling Hino closer to him. "Yeah. I'll see you later." He said, as he run to the waiting area of the third years. Hino and Tsuchiura walked towards the waiting are of the second years (college). People in the waiting area were deciding what piece they will perform for the audition. Others were already practicing. Different music can be heard from all directions. There were chairs available in the waiting area. "Would you like to sit, Hino?" Tsuchiura asked, handing the chair to her. She shook her head. "No. It's fine." She said, refusing to accept the chair. She approached the wall and leaned on it, sighing. Tsuchiura followed her. "Is there any problem?" He asked, leaning on the wall beside her. She didn't respond. "I'm just thinking." She said after a moment of being quiet. "Thinking? About what?" He asked, perplexed. "Uh, what piece I'm playing. Nonetheless, I'm still nervous on whatever piece I'm playing since I'm still an amateur." She said, shakily. "Tch. I know you can do it, Hino." Tsuchiura encouraged, grinning at her widely.

"Hino Kahoko-san."

It was her time to play. Hino picked up her things, with Tsuchiura closely following her. The backstage wasn't bad at all since the only people staying there is backstage manager and another teacher. She placed her bag and violin case on an empty chair and opened her case. She smiled weakly as she picks up her violin. She took deep breaths and smiled. Tsuchiura placed his hand on her shoulder. "Good luck. I'll be right here." He said, encouraging her. "Thanks." She said. The teacher-in-charge for the auditions motioned her to enter the stage already. Hino nodded as she smiled at Tsuchiura.

Kaho's POV

Okay. I know I can do it. I trust my violin. I trust my Corda. I entered the stage with my hopes gathered. I looked in front, seeing what was facing me. Closely in front of the stage is a group of music teachers who were seated comfortably. Behind them was nothing but an empty auditorium. So my guess is that all the people who wanted to audition were in the waiting area. "Please start." The brown haired man said from the group of the music teachers. I nodded. I positioned my violin and started playing Canon instead of the usual Ave Maria. I have some memories I want to remember in that piece, Canon. The second selection, when I was in high school. I was able to tell Tsukimori-kun how much I wanted to hear his music when he was locked in the closet. Yes, those vivid memories. I smiled as I remember those memories, but the same familiar agonizing pain in my chest suddenly lingered. But that didn't changed the way I played the piece. Yes, I can do it. I didn't know that I was already finished. I stood still as I hold my violin firmly in my hand. The group of teachers in front of the stage smiled at me. And they stood up, clapping. What? They're clapping? I looked at the back stage. Tsuchiura-kun was also clapping, smiling widely. Then I faced the group of teachers.

"It was an excellent performance, Hino-san." The first one commented. I just nodded. "It has a high precision and the flow of the music was just magnificent. It was carefree. So carefree that it moved me. Congratulations for that wonderful performance." I smiled weakly. I played like that? I exited the stage and it seems that Tsuchiura-kun is the next one to audition. "Nice performance." He commented, tapping my back. "Thanks. I was nervous. Stage fright." I mumbled, keeping my modesty.

"Tsuchiura Ryoutaro-san."

"Hey, you're next. Good luck!" I said, as I keep my violin in the case. He smiled. "Sure." He said happily. "I know you can do it!" I added. I stood closely by the stage and listened carefully. I suddenly recognized the piece Tsuchiura-kun's playing. La Campanella. It was the piece he played during the last selection. The preciseness of the music, and the intensity of the music. But you can still feel the gentleness of each note. It's a remarkable performance. Like me, he also received applause though it was louder compared to mine. He exited the stage with a wide beam. I smiled. "It's a very amazing performance, Tsuchiura-kun!" I expressed. He was grinning widely. "Thanks." He said happily. The backstage manager approached us. "The results will be announced this afternoon. Please come by this afternoon here in the auditorium." She said, smiling. We nodded.

So, since we have a day off, I don't know what to do. Besides, it's cloudy outside. "Hino, where will we go now? We have the day off." He asked. I shrugged. "I don't know." I said but I paused suddenly.

I'll be here tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you.

"Hino?" Tsuchiura-kun called out, waving his hand in front of my face. I snapped back to reality. "Eh? Why?" I said, perplexed. He sighed frustratingly. "You're spacing out, you know?" He choked. I laughed nervously. "Sorry." I said. "Ne, Tsuchiura-kun. I'll go back this afternoon, I'll see you later." I run towards the exit of the music department without looking back at Tsuchiura-kun before he shouts at me. You probably know where I'm headed. He's waiting for me. I need to face him, seriously. I want to see him. No, I want to talk to him. I rushed to the exit of the school premises until I was on the street, the empty, quiet street. Dark nimbus clouds filled the sky, making it impossible to wish not to rain. I headed to the park where the festival was held last Sunday and last Saturday.

What am I telling him, anyway? Am I telling him the countless nights I cried myself to sleep because I miss him terribly? Or am I telling him how heart broken am I when he left me? That's stupid; I wouldn't burden him with my problems. After all, I'm the person who doesn't want to hinder him to pursue his dream. I stopped before the park when droplets of rain started to pour down from above my head. I hesitated to go to where he is, and he is not that stupid to stay under the rain to wait for someone like me. Or will he? He's crazy if he will wait for me under the rain. I walked down the slippery stairs of the park and headed to the place where he promised me to wait. I gasped involuntarily.

He's there. Tsukimori-kun's there, standing in the middle of that place under the rain, unmoving. Is he crazy? "Tsukimori-kun…" I muttered. He looked at me, as he smiled. "You came." He said happily. He approached me eagerly, his arms open wide. "I have been waiting for you." He said when he was in front of me. I looked away. "Are you crazy? Who would wait for a person like me under the rain?" I bellowed angrily. But he just smiled. "I missed you." He whispered as he wrap his firm arms around me. "You can call me crazy now, if you want." I burst into tears. "Crazy person." I whispered. I pushed him away. "There's no reason for you to be hugging me like that." I said. He frowned. "We we're finished—that time." I turned my back at him. He approached me again, hugging me from behind. "You haven't answered my question last Saturday. Did you let me explain?" He whispered in my ear. I shivered. "There's no need for explanations. You—you—you. People already know that you and that French girl are dating. And besides, if I ever stayed beside you like this, the more the people in school will call me a bitch and a slut. I want to protect your reputation." I stuttered. He hugged me tighter. "Let them be. All of those are lies. You were never a bitch or a slut. When did you become like that?" He said serenely. I shook my head. "I can't risk your reputation, Tsukimori-kun!" I bellowed. He placed his hand on my mouth. "Never call me 'Tsukimori-kun'." He said coldly. His hand calms me; somehow this feeling is a bit nostalgic. The rain got harder and harder.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!"

I looked around to see who's telling Tsukimori-kun to get away from me and I saw that person.

-_to be cOnTinuEd_-

A/N: Gomen! I'm really sorry for the late update since I have an author's block and I can't think of anything to write!!!!!!! It was hard for me to write this chapter. But well, here it is. Is it good? Please mark that as a review. Well, I was thinking. Do you love this fic? Because I am planning to make another La Corda D'oro fic which involves fantasy things (magic/princes/princesses/fairies/kingdoms/castles/other fantasy stuff). I already have ideas. So if you agree with me, please mark it as a review OR PM me. Thank you very much! And I am accepting anonymous reviews.

~tC guys and gals

~miYaKo4riYoUji :)