Crying For You

by yunaaaaa

Love can hold them as close as hands clasped together yet unspoken reality prods to tear them apart. But no matter the distance, for fiery-haired violinist Hino Kahoko and cerulean-haired Tsukimori Len, love will still entwine them back together. Or so they think. /Chapter 1, edited.

10. Chapter 10 Time Limit

DISCLAIMER: I don't own La Corda D'oro

A/N: Another chapter for you to read. I know that all of you wants to kill Miharu (well, even me, actually), but that will make this story boring, right?? So please wait for the time that she will stop herself from chasing Len and ruining Kaho's and Len's life (yeah!). Don't worry, she will find her real love in the next chapters… (True, true…) and find her own happiness. And another favor, don't hate me because of this chapter, since I also hated making this one. My friends actually helped me with this one and they told me that it's more exciting if there a witch(yeah, I'm referring to Miharu) causing mayhem to the prince(Len) and the princess(Kaho). I hope you will like this chapter.

Another A/N: Yeah, for this chapter, it will be angst and the one or two following chapters. Please, if you have any comments for this chapter that I need to re-edit, please PM me. I will truly appreciate it. Arigatou!!

Chapter 10-

Len's POV

"I love you." I whispered softly in her ear as I feel her thumping heart inside her ribcage. She approached my ear, tiptoeing to reach it. "I love you too." She whispered back. I smiled; it was something I longed to hear every time. I missed her so much, after two years of not seeing her face. Two years of enduring the pain for not seeing her, for not hearing the carefree music she produces from her violin. How I missed it, so much. "I'll walk you home. It's dangerous for my Kaho to walk at this time of night." I said, tickling her chin. She laughed lowly. "Stop tickling, Len." She chuckled. Her laugh feels so nostalgic; it's been a long time since I heard it from her. It's not the same if it came from her but through the phone. From the city (where we ate dinner), her house isn't really far. I held her hand tightly, squeezing it between my palms. "Ne, Len. I'm just wondering, why are you in a suit?" She asked, anxious with how I am dressed. Now that I remember it, I didn't tell her what are my plans before meeting her. "Ah. We were invited to the birthday party of Saruwatari-san. To tell you the truth, I didn't want to attend. But I suddenly thought of you, that's why I have a reason to leave early even before the celebration starts." I explained. "So you left? Isn't that a risk of courtesy?" She asked, baffled. We continued our way to her house, passing the narrow streets of the neighborhoods. "It is. But I have another reason for leaving, apart from meeting you, actually." I said. I squeezed her soft hand again. "Hmm? What other reason?" She asked, tapping my cheek with two fingers.

I sighed frustratingly. Will I tell her about the stupid engagement? "Len? Are you okay?" She asked, snapping me back to reality. "Uh—yeah. I'm fine." I said, regaining my posture. "So, about that other reason. What was it?" She asked again. Shit. I'm dead. "Well, please. Promise me first that you will stay calm whatever reason it is." I said. She smiled. "I promise." She said childishly which made me laugh for a bit. I tighten my hold on Kaho's hand. "They announced my engagement with Saruwatari-san." I whispered. Her eyes widen with shock and her hand fell from my grip. "Pardon?" She muttered. I grimaced lightly. "Kaho, it's not that I accepted the engagement. I'll find a way to break the engagement, I promise." I said, assuring that I will not give in to the engagement. "Smile for me, please." I said, lifting her chin with one finger. She smiled. I love seeing her sweet smile. "Believe in me. I'll find a way." I said again. "Of course I believe in you. And I'll always be." She replied, hugging me. I hugged her back tightly.

"Good night, Len." She said, as we stopped in front of their gate. "Good night. I love you." I replied. I kissed her lips quickly. "Better go in. Your mother might be worried about you." I said. I waited for her to enter the house before going my way. I called Kabuki-san to pick me up here. Mother might be worried about me. And she seriously needs to explain the engagement matter. I seriously can't be married with a love-crazed French girl. I waited for minutes when a familiar black car stopped in front of me. An old man stepping out of the driver's seat. "Bochamma, I have come to pick you up." He said, bowing his head. "Thank you." I said lazily. I entered the car, throwing a last look on her window. I smiled lightly; I can see her looking at me from her room. "Take me home, please." I said. In a matter of minutes, the car dashed its way home.

"I'm home." I muttered. "Welcome home, Len." Mother greeted from the living room. "Please come in the living room." Father voiced out. "Ah, yes." I replied. I entered the living room. "Len, where have you been?" Mother asked calmly. She doesn't seem angry. "I'm reasonable for my leave, mother. You can't just engage me with Saruwatari-san just like that. I thought that you and father are already approved of Kaho." I said coldly, sitting on the solo futon beside the long one. "Len, your mother and I already approved of Kaho-san, but we are also reasonable why we agreed to engage you with Miharu-san." Father muttered calmly like mother. "What reason? Business?" I asked angrily. Mother immediately stood up from her seat. "It's not business, Len. It's about Kaho-san." She said, restraining herself to be angry. "Kaho? How is she related to this kind of matter, mother?" I asked, fury growing inside me. "Tell me, please." Mother heaved a sigh as she sit again beside father.

"If I tell you that the engagement is for the safety of Kaho-san, will you approve of it?" Mother asked. "Safety? What do you mean, mother?" I asked since I am confounded with mother who muttered such words.

Flashback…

Third Person Conversation

"Hamai Misa-sama, please allow me to be engaged with Len." Miharu muttered lightly. Miharu visited the Tsukimori Residence one day after the arrival of Len in Japan. "Engaged? I'm really sorry. I and my husband don't agree with the idea of engagement with someone you don't love." Hamai Misa said. "And this engagement you are talking about, Miharu-san is all about business." Miharu grimaced. "Then are you telling me that I don't love Len?" Miharu asked angrily. "No. No. I know you love my son but what does Len feel for you, Miharu-san. It will be inequitable for him. You know that he feels love for someone already." Hamai Misa said, calming Miharu. "Who!? Hino Kahoko-san?" She shouted angrily, standing up and bumping the coffee table in the living room, the tea cups falling to the floor. Miharu can be described as a violent, insolent girl with what she showed Hamai Misa. "So you know her." Hamai Misa said. "But that doesn't change a thing that I wouldn't want Len to be engaged with someone he doesn't love/like." Miharu glared. "That's terrible! Father always organizes your concerts properly and now that's the way you pay him!" She screeched.

"It was his initiative to help my family for our concerts in the first place." Hamai Misa snapped. "Then what if I let something happen to Hino-san if Len wouldn't accept the engagement?" Miharu said immorally. "You wouldn't have any choice in the end. Is it a deal?" Hamai Misa's eyes widen in shock after she said that. "Are you merely suggesting that if I give Len's freedom to you, you will never lay a single finger on Kaho-san?" She asked in distress. "Yes. I hope you can understand my request, as Len's mother and my future mother-in-law." She said childishly. "It leaves me with no other choice." She said, giving up. "Thank you mother-in-law!!!" Miharu shouted happily. "Oh yeah, if Len is not in the engagement party, I'll be pleased to do something bad."

End of Flashback…

Len's POV

My hand trembled and I accidentally dropped the tea cup I was holding on the floor, crashing to pieces. "And you left even before the party started." Father muttered. It's my fault? It's my fault that Kaho will be in such danger? How far can that love-crazed French girl do? "I'll pick her up in school. It's the only way I can protect her." I proposed. I can't let something happen to Kaho. That will take a great toll on me, emotionally. "It's my fault after all." I need to carry the weight of my sins. And this sin is far too great. If I just stayed that time. If I anticipated that this kind of thing will happen. "No Len. Please don't blame yourself. I and your mother are also at fault. We should have talked this over with your presence. Please forgive us." Father apologized. The world doesn't revolve in Saruwatari-san. If she thinks that way, then she's wrong. Must she take everything? I can't stand doing nothing. I have to do something, for the sake of those people that I love so much. Especially you, Kaho,

-x-

The next day…

Kaho's POV

My alarm clock ringed so loudly beside my bed which made me cringed. It's so loud, for Pete's sake. Another day at school, and for what I remember, Tsuchiura-kun and I have a practice after the first subject. I dressed myself with my uniform and I faced my mirror and smiled. It's been days since I was able to smile so happily. I retrieved my necklace from Len and wear it around my neck, took my bag and violin and exited my room. I walked down the stair slowly to see a familiar ocean blue haired person sitting on our sofa. Tsukimori Len. "Hey! Len!" I whispered. In an instant, he faced me, a smile filled his face. "Good morning, Kaho." He greeted. "What are you doing here?" I whispered again, continuing my way down the stair. He stood up from the sofa and approached the stairs. He stretched out his hand to me, telling me to take his hand. I smiled lightly as I take his hand and he walked me down the stairs. "Thanks." I said. "Ohayou Kaho!!" Sister called out from the kitchen. I entered the kitchen with Len, his hand entangled with mine. "Ohayou, onee-chan!" I greeted, facing her. I felt weird since a wide grin is facing me now. She stood up from her chair, approached me and pulled me farther away from Len. "Hey, Kaho. I never thought your boyfriend will be that hot!!" She said, peering at Len's face. "You knew all along that I have a boyfriend?" I asked. "Yes! And you know, he even had the initiative to formally introduce himself to mother! He is such a gentleman!" She squealed, loud enough for Len to hear in the kitchen. I looked at him; a smile marked his cool face. I never wondered that the ice prince of Seisou Academy would smile warmly.

"Kaho, you don't want to be late for school, right? Hurry up and eat breakfast!" Mother shouted from the dining room. "See you at the table Kaho." Sister whispered, running to the dining room. Len approached me and took my hand. "You ate already?" I asked him. "No. Your mother insisted that I should eat together with the rest of your family." He said, squeezing my hand as we enter the dining room. "Ohayou, okaa-san." I greeted. I pulled him slowly to the available chair beside me. Breakfast went smoothly as the conversation only involved Len and mother, who interrogated him like a crime suspect. I snapped mother to let Len to, at least, eat breakfast but sister would just stopped me even before I can say a word.

"Please take care of my little Kaho, Len-kun." Mother favored, smiling happily at the man beside me. "Mom! I'm not a little child anymore." I objected. Len smiled at my reaction. "Thank you for the meal, Hino-san." He said, bowing his head. "Oh no. It's our pleasure Len-kun." Mother said, placing a hand on her cheek, blushing. I guess you can call my mother a die-hard fan of the Tsukimoris. Really. "So, we will be on our way. Excuse us." He said, pulling me gently outside the house. "Take care!" Mother waved.

-x-

Len's POV

I squeezed her hand lightly. It's been a while since we were able to walk like this. "Len? Why are you waling me to school today?" She asked, hugging my arm. I placed my free hand on her cheeks. "You don't know how much I yearn to see you." I said. I guess I'm being tacky for what I just said. "Sorry. I guess I'm too tacky for what I said earlier." I said honestly. "Not really. I'm so happy that we're like this." She replied, hugging my arm tighter. By that time, we were in front of the school gates. "Should I take you to your own building?" I asked, stopping by her side. She shook her head. "No. I'm fine until here. Thanks." She said, taking her violin case from me. "I'll pick you up later. What time, perhaps?" I asked, tapping her cheek. "Hmmm? Maybe around 3 pm?" She replied. I nodded. "I'll see you then. I love you." I whispered. A usual wide grin marked her angelic face that made me happy, the least. She waved goodbye as she walked inside the campus of the school.

I stopped in front of the empty park when I realized I'm still being followed.

"Len? You're so vigilant, aren't you?"

"Why do you care, Saruwatari-san?" I said. While Kaho doesn't know that we were being followed a while ago, I kept her close to me. I hope she didn't notice how cautious I am a while ago. "Oh? Did I forget to mention that you're my fiancé?" She said. I smirked. "Since when did I agree to be your fiancé?" I barked. I turned my back at her and started to walk away. "Len! Wait!" She shouted as she run and hug me at the waist. "Please. Don't leave me." She said. "Hey, let me go!" I shouted and broke free from her arms. Tears started to run from her eyes to her cheeks. "Why can't you love me like the way you love Hino-san!?" She bellowed. I grimaced. What is she saying? How can I love someone like Saruwatari-san when she ruined my life and Kaho's life? I remained silent, unmoving. "I'm rich, I'm smart, I'm beautiful, and I'm everything that no man can resist!" She said, describing herself. "How can you love someone like Hino-san who is such a low-life?!" With what she said, fury started to build up inside me.

"Take back what you said." I muttered angrily. She paused and looked at me in the eye. "Pardon?" She said, pretending. "I SAID TAKE BACK WHAT YOU HAVE JUST SAID!!!!" I shouted angrily. "HOW DARE YOU CALL HER 'LOW-LIFE'?" She was taken aback. "It's true anyway. She doesn't even have a pedigree. She is just a commoner who just appeared in your life, ruining every—"

"Shut your mouth!"

"Fine. Whatever stupid reason that existed for you to love her, I don't care. Just be reminded of what you have done wrong that can finish everything." She said, leaving. "After all, I'm not the one regretting in the end." Then she left, riding a black limousine. I don't care if you are a rich, smart, beautiful person. What I saw in Kaho is more than that. She was the one who tried her best just to melt the ice surrounding my heart. If I didn't meet her, I'm still that cold, icy person, showing minimal emotions to everyone, even to mother and father. I would have regretted every single day that pass like the wind. But thanks to the concours, the thought of being a cold, icy person disappeared. She's the one who showed what the meaning of music and life is really. Music isn't really about perfection, it's about the feeling you are putting in it. That's what I learned from her. My love. My one and only. Hino Kahoko.

-x-

Kaho's POV

Where am I? It's dark and I can't see a thing. The last thing I remember is that I was heading for the rooftop to look for Tsuchiura-kun for us to practice our piece for the Annual School Productions. But where am I? Why do I feel something painful around my wrists and I can barely speak a word. Wait. I hear faint whispers. Faint voices, whispering with each other.

"What are we going to do with this child?"

Child? I'm no child. I'm not even a child anymore. I'm just a regular teenager who doesn't know anything about what's happening at this very moment.

"Nothing. After all, we are only ordered to kidnap the girl."

Kidnap? I'm kidnapped? Wait, wait. Don't tell me I'm in a place somewhere and there will be a ransom in exchange for my life??

"How much is the ransom anyway?"

I'm right. There is really a ransom, or is it?

"She doesn't cost a single coin."

Really? I'm worthless, in terms of money. I'm scared. Who would do this to me?

"Really? But who cares? Boss paid us with a high amount of money than we expected."

They are paid for my kidnapping.

"We just have to silence the girl."

"Miharu-sama must be proud of us."

Miharu-sama? Don't tell me it's Saruwatari-san, I mean there are a lot of people named Miharu all over Japan. It's true. She could do something unimaginable. I'm really scared; my hands are trembling despite the tight ropes on my wrists, my whole body shaking in fear.

"The money is a motivation for us. But it really prompted us to do our job smoothly."

"Yeah. Not a single person noticed that we're kidnapping this girl. Everybody thought it was just a girl who fainted and needs to be brought to the doctor's office."

"But if there's no money as motivation, would you still do it?"

Well, that proves it's really Saruwatari-san. Money really makes the world go round. But it can never buy true happiness. Saruwatari-san used money to motivate these kidnappers to kidnap me. She's really rich that she can even use money to kill.

"Bleah! Of course. Everything is for Miharu-sama. Why ask such questions?"

They like Saruwatari-san?

"No reason. It's just I wanted to do something for Miharu-sama. It's the least I can do for her. After all, she was the one who gave us jobs in her company. And now we are very successful."

"You're right."

"Quit discussing. Let's check the girl."

Then the faint voices disappeared. Tapping of shoes echoed in this place. Then my vision became clear. Light appeared from above my head.

"She's awake."

I feel uneasy and frightened. I wanted to cry so much. I want someone out there to help me. My body is trembling. I can't even speak a single word.

"Should we contact Miharu-sama?"

Saruwatari Miharu: a girl that can even go beyond the unimaginable for love. Revenge is everything that lingers deep in her heart. How can I possibly fight someone who has everything? She has everything, and she wanted to have more. She wanted to have Len, taking me as hostage, threatening me that she will destroy my violin, Corda, so that I will give up Len. What weighs more in my heart? My violin whom I love so much, the one that gave me the bonds I have now? Or Tsukimori Len, the one who made me realized what true love is?

"No. She's probably taking care of the last details. She will arrive anytime now."

"But the girl—!"

"Please, quit worrying. I have arrived anyway. Thank you for your hard work."

"Miharu-sama!" The men shouted happily in unison. "Please, you may leave us for now. You may evacuate to the next room." She said confidently, approaching us from the door. "Ah! Yes!" They echoed. Then they disappeared into the next room, leaving me and Saruwatari-san alone.

She smiled mockingly at me. "You don't look good, Hino-san." She said. Do you expect me to look good after being abducted from school and gaining consciousness in an unknown place? "Oh! I forgot you can't speak." She loosened the knot on the handkerchief and it fell around my neck. "Bonjour, Hino-san!" She greeted. Though I have the ability to speak already, I ignored her. "Hey, you're so audacious. I greeted you and you won't greet me back." She complained. Am I going to sit here all day long to hear all her complaints? No way. "Or do you even know how French people greet?" Hey, I'm not ignorant!

"Let me go, now!" I shouted at her. My wrists felt numb already, and I can't feel them. "Wait. Wait. Let me ask you first," She muttered, placing her hands on her hips. "Give up Len or feel my hatred for you." I smiled. I expected this question from her anyway. And I already knew the answer. "I wouldn't give up Len that easily. And I am prepared for this. Even though I will suffer for Len, I wouldn't give him up." I said boldly. I looked directly at her glaring eyes. "That's terrible! Who would choose the man she loves in exchange for her own life?" She shrieked. I laughed and smiled at her. "Me." I answered. Annoyance, and at the same time anger filled her eyes.

"Damn you!" She shouted, slapping me. "What you feel is terrible! People like Len should love people who have equivalent status as him! How can he love a commoner, low-life like you when such ladies like me existed?" Despite how vulgar her words are, I know that I can still defend myself because the way she pictures love is physically that includes status/image/riches/pedigree. But my perspective about love is far from her. It's how you understand the person. It's how you can love the person unconditionally despite how rich, how beautiful, how handsome, how poor, how ugly this person is. "What you think about love is wrong. Why don't you ask Len the answer? I can't answer that." I snapped confidently. By now, I'm sure she's really angry at me that she could deliver a million slaps on my face.

"Give up Len or else…" She threatened. I still smiled at her despite the tense of the argumentation between us. "I'm really sorry. But that's not possible." I said; my head held up high. Her eyes widen in shock because of my answer. "Could you repeat that??" She muttered angrily, the tense of the heated argumentation rising. "I said it's not possible to give up Len." I repeated, emphasizing every single word. She laughed. "You're way out of your mind. That's very stupid of you." She mocked. "I don't care how much you call me stupid or idiot. Because I already knew that right from the start." She slapped me again. "We'll see when he arrives…" She whispered.

-x-

Len's POV

3:20 pm… Seisou University Gates

I waited patiently for Kaho to appear from the gates but I feel something weird. I never felt this feeling before, it's like something bad is happening now. And I can't understand why. I sighed as different students entered the gates while others exited the gates concurrently. I waited, leaning on the walls of the school gates. If I'm not mistaken, I remember telling Kaho I'll prick her up by 3. Or did she forget all about it? I waited there, until a black car stopped in front of me. An old man stepped out of the driver's seat and approached me. "Bochamma, please hurry home. There is an alerting emergency that you must tend to." Kabuki-san muttered breathlessly. Is this the wrong sensation I'm feeling? Kabuki-san sped up way beyond the speed limit. I feel tensed. He stopped when we were already in front of the gate.

"Where are mother and father?" I asked, tensed. "I'm sorry, bochamma. Your parents went to an immediate flight to Hong Kong this morning after you left for Hino-san's house." He said, opening the gate quickly. I forgot about mother and father's flight. But that doesn't change that an emergency is happening at this very moment. I stood in front of the house, waiting for Kabuki-san to retrieve the mail we received for today.

"Bochamma," He said, handing me a piece of envelope. I opened it slowly, my hands trembling in tense.

Oh, Len?

Are you reading this letter already?

I wish you are because time is moving quickly.

By midnight, she's already gone.

I hope I'll see you giving her up.

For her life's at stake.

Come to the warehouse by the beach before midnight.

Come alone.

Miharu

My hands are shaking in fear and I involuntarily dropped the paper. "I overlooked something." I muttered. "Pardon, bochamma?" Kabuki-san muttered. "I overlooked Kaho's protection at school!!" I continued. "Don't tell me that—" Kabuki-san stuttered. I nodded. "Yes. She has Kaho." I stated.

"Kabuki-san," I said. "I have a favor to ask of you."

"Yes, bochamma?"

"Please locate the house of the Tsuchiura Ryoutaro and Kaji Aoi."

"As you wish."

"But, please, make it furtively. No one will know about this except me, you and the two males."

He nodded.

_-tO bE cOnTinuEd-_

A/N: It's an angst chapter… Die Miharu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahh!! Sorry if this chapter sucks because of Miharu. Next chapter will be so dramatic, I promise that!

~tC guys and gals

~miyako45