DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.
Thank you for the people who reviewed chapter 11 (whether you are registered or not). Ten more reviews and there will be an epilogue! If it can't reach the 100 reviews, well, anyways. Acknowledgments will be at the last chapter (or epilogue ^^). So, for now, I bring you, CHAPTER 12!!!! I guess this is the end already?
Chapter 12- Reminiscing the Past
Kaho's POV
Move. You're in my way.
I always think about those words that entered my ear that time when I laid my eyes upon the ice prince of Seisou Academy. Yes. That was the Tsukimori Len of before. Cold-hearted, Mr. Perfectionist, emotionless Ice Prince. 'The world doesn't revolve around such people like him that he can get his way when he says he harsh words on them. Mr. Perfectionist, Tsukimori Len, violin prodigy, time-conscious jerk who only thinks about perfecting his music, cold-hearted person, and he doesn't even watch his mouth. He doesn't care about what others feel when he says harsh words. And I can't stand for it.
It's just a waste of time. I rather play my violin than to spend the day idly.
He wouldn't take a break from his violin practicing. That's to be expected when you are a son of two famous musicians. But, is violin playing the only thing he does? Is he stuck in a soundproof room 24/7 playing countless music sheets? I pity him. I guess he didn't even have a chance to live his life to the fullest. Spending the time playing and playing the violin without doing other recreational stuff. Maybe that's why he doesn't know what steamed buns from the convenience store are. Maybe that's why he is not used to riding trains and other public transportation vehicles. Maybe that's why he doesn't even know how to reheat food that's already prepared. I pity him, really.
Are you for real… or aren't you?
I was a bit frightened when he told that to me in Fuyuumi-chan's summer villa. 'The magic violin has been discovered?' I thought. His harsh words pierced through me. Because of that I lost every ounce of concentration I have.
What matter most as a participant is your attitude towards music. Then I can't accept you, Hino.
Who does he think he is? He only thinks about the quality of the competition and he didn't think about my feelings back then. I was deeply hurt back then. He doesn't know how I loved the violin so much that time. And to tell that…
I love you.
It was my first to here those loving words from his mouth. He loved me, and I love him. I was lucky that the person I love doesn't love somebody else. I was so happy that those kinds of words came from the lips of the person I love the most. 'I love you too.' I replied. And everything started there. He hugged me from behind. I wanted to break away but he tightens his hug. 'Let me remain like this for bit longer.' 'Y-yes.' I stuttered.
'I love you and nothing will change that fact. Only you.'
'It was you who melted the ice that surrounds the heart of my son, dear. And we are most thankful for it. Now, there is something in the world that he will cherish other than his violin. And that's you. He will cherish you so much. I can see the joy in his eyes that he can already freely express his feelings.' Hamai Misa muttered, her smile so real. She's really thankful that their son, Len, is already showing his emotions.
Every kiss we share, every hug we share. I can feel his feelings. Every stroke of the bow on his violin, everything, I can feel the feelings. His emotionless, cold music turned to be filled with emotion in the end.
I'll be leaving for abroad.
My world shattered when I heard it. But I kept my smile. 'Sure. Besides, it's you who will create your own future.' I said hesitantly. 'Are you sure?' He asked. I nodded. 'I am certain. I don't want to be hindrance for your future.' I said. He smiled. 'Thank you for understanding.' He said.
Every tear I shed for him, every night I cried myself to sleep. Everything I worthwhile after all.
Kaho, I missed you.
The festival, so memorable. The first time I saw him after two years. But I didn't expect someone like Saruwatari-san would crash that moment.
I will fight for you because I love you so much. So don't ever say 'no'.
I felt my heart skipped a beat when I heard him said that. He's fighting for me because he loves me and I love him too. So I must do something. What could I possibly do? Maybe I need to…
…Open your eyes, for me.
That's reasonable. It's the least I can do for him. And I know he's waiting for me, to open my eyes, to call his name with my voice, to say 'I love you', to hug him tightly, to kiss him, to hear his music and to say 'I opened my eyes for you.'
0-0
I slowly opened my eyes, the bright, white light blinding my eye sight. My senses started to work when I heard a very beautiful music produced by the violin of… Len. I looked at him, his face so clear and handsome, every movement of his hands and arms, every position, every note that comes out of it. It's just so brilliant. I stretched my hand then I held his arm.
"Len…" I said as I face him with my smile. "I opened my eyes for you."
"Ka-hoko." He stuttered. "I opened them for you, because I don't want you to worry and you asked me to." I said. He reached out for my face, caressing my cheek with his soft, cold hand. "You made me worry. But the wait was worthwhile. I can finally hear your velvet voice and I can now see your golden voice. And that's enough for me. You're smile is the best gift I received." He said. "Then I'll always smile for you, so that everyday, you will receive the best gift." I said, smiling widely. "That smile has always been a part of me. And it will never be erased, forever." He whispered.
'I love you' I mouthed.
'I love you more.'
0-0
Len's POV
Move. You're in my way.
I always thought about this. Why will I tell someone something like that even if I don't know that person? Since I have those feelings for Kaho, I regretted everyday. Why did I tell her something like that. So somehow, she, falling in love with me, is a miracle. I left her with the impression that I am a cold, icy person. But because of her everything changed.
'Len, I wonder, you somehow, became nicer.'
Our Ave Maria duet that night…
'That's right. Their music is… in all respects… heartwarming…"
Her music that night captivated my heart so much that my mind floated around and my feet walked by itself and I started playing that piece with her. After that…
'Don't you think a beautiful sound came out just now!?' She chirped. "Right, Tsukimori-kun!?"
But what did I do? I walked away from her. I never answered her question. I started to regret it. Why didn't even answer it even now? Why am I so stupid that a simple question like that I can't even answer? It's just a mere answer of either 'yes' or 'no' and I can't even do that. But that chance is long gone. Maybe I can make it up now. I want to answer it already. And my answer is 'Yes. It's a very beautiful melody. It's a melody I never heard before. And it can only be produce by two mere people like us. Because I love you.'
'I was able to hear something quite good, but… somehow… that music is unlike you." Yunoki-senpai muttered. My eyes widen.
O-o
"Kaho," I voiced out. "Yes? Is there any problem?" She asked. I sat down on the edge of the hospital bed. "Do you remember the night on Fuyuumi-san's villa? When we played 'Ave Maria'.?" I asked. She smiled. "Of course, I remember it vividly. The wind was blowing that time and Sakura petals blew with the wind. Is there any problem with it?" She said. "Yes. Did you remember what you told me after the duet?" I asked.
"Wait." She paused for a moment. "I asked you a question, but you didn't answer it. You just ran back inside. I always thought about your answer." I placed my hand on her hand. "I already have an answer for that." I said. I caressed her face with my hand. "I thought long and hard for it. 'That's right. Their music is heartwarming.' I thought of that when I heard you playing. Your music is so carefree that it captivated my heart that time. And my answer is that, the music we played that time is so beautiful. A very beautiful melody."
0-o
In the music room…
"Don't cause such nuisance, Hino." I said as I caught her wrist before she stands up and ask for help from someone because I'm sick. And without knowing, I involuntarily rested my head on her shoulder. Then I woke up, noticing that she's beside me. I don't know what to feel that time. I really don't. But now, just by thinking about that memory, no wonder it made me smile. You were always worried about me. And I just realized it now.
The Ocean Park…
'The director here is an acquaintance of my father. He asked me a favor.' I said. 'Favor?' She muttered. 'Yes. According to him, the world-famous dolphin isn't feeling well, and they asked me to play the violin for it.' I said.
'I hope that straightforward music you have will reach that dolphin, Hino.'
'Tsukimori-kun! Did you see that? The jump of the dolphin was so high!'
'Len, I'm so happy for you, now that you found someone to cherish and to protect. I advise you that you shouldn't hurt Kaho-san. She gave you the opportunity to let your music be the media for your feelings and you gladly accepted. I'm so proud of you Len. I wanted you to have your own happiness with Kaho-san, without the tears and heartbreaks, only smiles and laughter, joyful moments.'
'Len, let your music reach out to the people you love.'
'I love you, Len. More than anything else. Heartbreaks don't matter as long as you're here with me. If it's possible, I will shout to the world that I, Hino Kahoko, is in love with you, Tsukimori Len.'
'And I will never let go of you, Kaho. Even if my life is on the line, I'll say "I love you" with my last breaths rather than saying goodbye to you. If I say 'sayonara', then I'm leaving you heartbroken, in tears and in pain. But if I say 'I love you', you will always remember how much I love you until the day I die. I won't leave you heartbroken.'
'I will protect you with these hands, Kaho. Even I don't know how to fight, I will protect you.'
The warehouse…
'… And I'm not easily giving up, Kaho. Besides, I love you so much and that will motivate me even more to save you from her.'
'Don't you dare die.'
O-o
"She's asleep already." I said, smiling. "I will do nothing, but to love you every second." I caressed her face slowly like she's a mere child who was lost for a long time and now she was found unharmed by her father. "I thought I almost lost you. I'm scared. But when you opened those eyes, I felt relieved."
"I will sleep if you're going to sleep too. You will do nothing, but to love me? Then shall I do the same for you, huh, Len?" She opened her eyes, smiling at me. "I thought you're asleep, Kaho. I'll rather stay awake to watch over you than to fall asleep." I said as I intertwined my hand with hers. "You are already my world, Kaho. And that won't change." She grinned wider. "If I lose you, Kaho. I will feel that I lost everything." "Don't be so tacky. I won't die or I won't leave you. Besides, where will I go?" She said. "Speak for yourself. I'll always be here for you if you leave me. My arms are open wide." I said. She laughed. "As if I'll leave you. There's no reason for me to leave you. Because I already have the best and the best is already beside me, his hand is interlocked with mine. Well, isn't it obvious, Len?" She chuckled. "Oh, it's obvious alright." I replied.
"I love you…"
"I love you, too, Kaho…"
-x-
Kaho's POV
"Hey sleepyhead, I thought you're going to sleep more there."
"Huh? What do you mean, it's morning already?" I shrieked. They all laughed. "I guess it can't be helped. Your senses are still flying." Tsuchiura-kun joked. "Stop joking around me. I'm not yet fine. Do I look like it?" I grumbled. "Of course you're fine. You were babbling and babbling last night, Kaho." Len muttered happily. "Not you too Len!" I complained. Then they all laughed. "By the way, why are you gathered in this small hospital room?" I asked, pointing my index finger on them. "Really, Kaho-chan. Did you forget what day this is?" Mio asked. I'm dumbfounded. Don't tell me my IQ is somewhere and my senses are not working properly. "It's proven, Hino-chan. You're mind isn't working properly. Did you have internal bleeding or whatever?" Amou-san asked. "I hate stupid jokes like this. Won't you please, pretty please tell me?" I pleaded, my hands are also pleading. "Hino-san, are you sure you're alright?" Kaji-kun asked, waving his hand in front of my face. "Of course I am! Len told it himself." I said, pointing all of my fingers at Len. "Stop this stupid charade!" I shouted, annoyed. "Well, shall we tell it? Kaho looks pretty annoyed already." Nao asked. "I guess it can't be helped, right, Kaho-chan?" Hihara-senpai said.
The suddenly, the lights were turned off.
"Oh come on guys! Stop it!" I whined.
"Happy birthday!" They shouted, as the lights were opened.
"Did I really forget about my birthday?" I asked. They laughed. "Yeah. You should have a look on your face a while ago. It's so funny." Len joked. I pouted. "It's out of my mind. After what I have been through, right? I know you people have a little consideration." I said. "We know." Kaji-kun said. "And you also have special guests outside. They were dying to see you." Hihara-senpai muttered as he open the door.
"Hey come in."
"Ah! Kaho-senpai!"
"Fuyuumi-chan! Shimizu-kun!" I said in amusement. "It's been a long time!"
"Save the greetings for later, I know Kaho is dying to know how special this day is, right?" Len said. I smiled. "You really wanted to start it, Len?" I asked. "Of course. None of us ate breakfast for the sake of this party. And I'm sure Hihara-senpai wouldn't like his tummy grumbling." Tsuchiura-kun joked. "Hey, Kaji-kun, can you pass me that?" I said pointing at the party poppers on the table. "Party poppers? For what?" He asked. I smiled wider. "Just hand me one, please." I said as he threw it to me.
"Hey, Len." I said, and then faced me.
"Thanks." I said, as I popped the party popper in front of his face, glitters and party streamers covered his face. "Why, you look funny." I joked. Then everyone started to laugh. "I'll get back at you, Kaho. Just you wait." He chuckled as he removes the glitters and streamers. "Just start with the party, okay?" I said.
I named my violin 'Corda' which means bond. Because if that violin, I got the chance to encounter people like Tsuchiura-kun, Yunoki-senpai, Hihara-senpai, Shimizu-kun, Fuyuumi-chan, Kaji-kun and especially Tsukimori Len. I also made bonds with Mori-san and my bond with Amou-san, Mio and Nao grew stronger, thanks to my violin. We were able to share tears, laughter, joy, pain. And I suddenly realized that I developed real feelings of love. If I didn't meet Lili, my life would seem so incomplete. Without realizing it, I grew to love the violin. And thanks to Lili, I was able to love, love and protect and treasure the person I love the most, Len Tsukimori.
Lili, thank you.
Corda, we've been through thick and thin, hard and easy moments. At first you're a magical violin given by a magical fairy, Lili. But you turned to be a normal violin when the strings broke. I wanted to give you up that time, but my hands won't move. Without realizing, I suddenly liked the fact that I can create music with you. You gave me bonds so strong and coming across didn't bring me any regrets. My violin, Corda, thank you.
-x-
A/N: The italicized words in Kaho's first POV are the one that Len is saying for her. And the italicized words in Len's POV are the ones that Kaho, Hamai Misa and his father says and the bold-italicized are the places/events that happened between Kaho and Len. Kaho's second POV where there are italicized words shows how much she is very thankful in meeting Lili and encountering the violin. I will be updating for the first week of classes since it is still pre-class but for the second week, maybe no. I guess I will update once or twice a month, if you can wait that long. It depends on my schedule or my homeworks (or ) if I can update or not. But I wish you can read it, still. Thanks. I would really like to thank the people who read and reviewed my story this summer and those who waited patiently for the release of a new chapter (because I'm lazy…xP) and those who added the story on their favorite lists and story alerts.
So, this chapter is a recap of the anime, manga and the story itself, just so you won't be confused. And even though this fic won't reach 100 reviews (though it's very close already) I will make an epilogue. Two-part epilogue. First part is Kaho and second part is Len. And I forgot to tell you, sorry for the cheesy chapter. I really can't think of anything!
There is another story i made though it's not a La Corda fic. Please read it. you can find it in my profile. The title is "The Stars is Where I Will Wish". Arigatou!!!