Dispirited Sonata
SUMMARY: "With this series of calamitous events, it turned my life upside down, tossed and turned me, creating a whirling storm in me, and made me fall into ruins."
Of all the ordinary days, Hino Kahoko's life as a common General Education student turned into a life she didn't expected and didn't even bother considering. Living inside a very big and vast villa, wearing extravagant clothes and high heeled shoes, learning etiquette when eating at a five-star restaurant and what the hell? An engagement!
And where are the guys, anyway?
DISCLAIMER: I don't own La Corda D'oro and the characters.
Chapter 3 -
Kaho's POV
"Are you ready, Kaho?" Mother gripped my arms lightly, sighing in defeat. Surely, she's feeling pain right now, and she's probably scared of the outcome of this court session. I smiled at her, my face was painted with obvious wistfulness. I touched her hand gently. "I suppose." I answered softly. "We will surely win this, right? Stay strong Mom, alright?"
"We'll win, our heads will be up high." Kotoko-neechan muttered, squeezing my shoulders.
"We will not lose that easily, Kaho. We won't bear losing you to that cretin." Kenji-niichan whispered in my ear. I couldn't hold my tears, and I suddenly threw myself around my Mother. "Thanks guys, you people really are the best in the world!" I cried amidst my tears. "Dry those tears, Kaho. The court session will begin soon. You wouldn't want to look your worst in front of that cretin, right?" Kenji-niichan said. But I merely smiled, as I wiped my tears on my cheeks. "On second thought, he might reconsider my custody when he sees me messed-up and far from what he expected me to be, don't you think?" I said, almost laughing.
–
"...Hino Taiki-san, my client, would like to let Hino Kahoko, his child, to let her live a life she would certainly benefit from. Is there any reason for this court not to let her live a life like that?" His lawyer blabbered fluently. It was definitely sad, it looks like as if the judge was very pleased on the arguments his lawyer was raising.
"Give me a better reason on why she should stay here with her mother and her siblings." I shrugged slowly, it is as if my eyesight was getting blurry by the minute, it's like my ears were getting deaf every time I here myself losing in the sound of our defeat. I can only feel the soft touch of my mother on my hand, I couldn't register on what is happening in my surroundings. The people around me, as if they were only illusions that only exist in my imagination. "She already have three children to raise. Why not consider taking one and let the burden of raising three children be lighten?"
Gosh, pinch me now, slap me if you may. Wake me up from this nightmare.
They suddenly called me, an interrogation, perhaps.
"Are you satisfied in living with your mother, Hino Kahoko-san?" His lawyer asked. With determination, I nodded, and sighed slowly. "Yes, sir. I am." I answered. But he narrowed his eyes and walked towards the judge. "Please answer honestly, Hino-san. Living only with your mother, did you already have a chance to be with your father?"
I suddenly shuddered with the question he raised on me. I paused for awhile, and I was about to lie, but I couldn't. "No sir." I answered monotonously.
"But can't I choose between my mom and dad?" I suggested timidly, although I knew in the back of my mind this is the LAW that the court decides, is it not? "I'm the person involved in this mess." I raised my voice, the lawyers looked subsequently appalled at my sudden outburst.
"Hino Kahoko-san, it is not appropriate for you to be saying those words." Dad's lawyer scolded merciless. "Perhaps, her time is up in the interrogation. She may now return to her seat."
"No! Wait. Just, please! Please, listen to me." I argued hotly.
"Thank you, Hino Kahoko-san." He said, officially cutting me off. "Let me move on with my arguments." I felt my world stop at that moment, I couldn't bear to look at myself after answering those questions. "Hino Taiki-san still has the right to his daughter, and you will still deprive it from him?"
"He was presumed dead. Their child has been living her days, presuming that his Father is dead, which is in fact, a lie. Is that even a making of a worthy mother?"
I banged my fists on the table, maddened. I don't give a shit on whatever crazy things this freaking lawyer is raising. My mom has her own reasons for presuming Dad dead, and I definitely understand her. "Order in the court, young lady!" The judge threw at me. Emphatically, she was on Hino Taiki's side.
It was a collision of skepticism between our lawyers, heated arguments arising from both parties, definitely, the tension is building. I felt my feet melting, my heart thumping crazily inside me, giving me some sort of signal of breaking out from my ribcage.
Then they called my mother in the same box where I was interrogated.
"Personally speaking, what is your reason for depriving this young girl from her own father?" His lawyer asked sternly.
"Is he even worth it to be called their father?" Mom retorted angrily. "Because I think he's not. He left me, leaving me our children for me to raise. Now that I have the ability to raise them, will he just whisk one away from me?"
"Thank you for giving your side, Hino-san. I have enough evidences to help me convict my final decision." The judge soothingly said, almost lessening the tension that build up ages ago.
...
–
"Court session adjourned."
The people stood up, approached the red-headed man and began quiet conversations with him, the media suddenly followed him, camera flashes began to flash in the area , while I felt so cold and angry at myself. A moment suddenly passed, the people around him formed a semi-circle like shape, with him looking at me intently. "Mom, I—" I said, but then she cut me when she hugged me tightly, her tears were evidently falling.
"Don't say a word Kaho." She whispered softly. "Don't say a word." I'm so angry at myself, why didn't I exerted more effort in fighting for my right to stay with my mother? I want to slap myself, even punch myself. Why? I felt two arms around my neck, hugging gently.
"Kaho." Kotoko-neechan voiced out softly.
"We did everything we could. That imbecile—I can't forgive him, swear." Kenji-niichan said. "Don't worry, there will always come a time that we will see each other again, right?"
I felt so voiceless, I couldn't even say a single word from my mouth, and I realized that all I can do now is to hug them, savor the final moments I can spend with them before I will live with that father I can't even take as my own.
–
He visited us at home, giving us a sympathetic smile. "Why is it that whenever I see your face, I can see trouble brewing, Taiki?" My mom muttered, her voice, rather, was cracked from the crying, but the way he called Dad, was actually intimate. I didn't realize until now that she called him in the first-name basis. "The last time you showed that same fine-looking face at me, you almost took Kotoko away from me and Kenji and now this."
He chuckled softly, his manners actually impressed me. "Right. I am, after all, a cruel man. In all odds, still, I am taking Kahoko away from you, and it is merely an act of kindness for you." He said severely. I rolled my eyes, leaning harder on the wooden frame of the door. I simply waited for him to call my attention and pull me away from this house while his bodyguards take all my luggage.
"You cretin." Kenji-niichan shouted, banging his fists on the wall. "Act of kindness, you say? I call this shit. If you didn't reappear in our lives, we still have Kaho—" He was cut short. I widened my eyes. I guess it is probably time.
"She'll be flying to where my family is. Don't go yelling at me that she will live a sluggish life inside my house." Father said, his face flaring in anger. "And to call me a cretin. I'll have you know, I can just wipe you out of existence, young man."
"Dad, don't." I whispered hoarsely, enough for him to hear. He looked at me, his expression suddenly became soft and gosh, he smiled innocently as if nothing happened in the past few minutes of heated arguments. "I thought everything ended in the court."
"I'll take you to Seisou, then. We'll finish your drop-out papers at the end of the day." He said. He clapped twice, and all of his bodyguards entered the house and took my luggage, well, except for my shoulder bag and my violin case, and loaded it inside the black Lamborghini car of my father. I suggested that I also take my Seisou Gakuen uniform, and you know what? He gave me a full NO. But the Lamborghini, it never ever crossed my mind on how he could buy those expensive cars, when it registered at the back of my mind that he was born in a very rich and famous business family, inherited all their riches and fame, plus started his own business. His face also reached international magazines and other entrepreneurship magazines and documentaries.
He shot an innocent smile once again, which made me roll my eyes angrily, irritably and involuntarily. I repeat, involuntarily. "Dad, will use please stop shooting those innocent smiles, as if nothing happened?" I retorted angrily. "So what if you have taken my full custody, it doesn't mean I am not particularly angry at you."
"Mind you, Dad, I might even start a rebellion this very moment if there is no shred of respect residing in me, but be thankful, because I have." I said, almost turning into a full scream, while pointing my index finger on the floor. But he just chuckled. "Young lady, Kaho, dear. It doesn't matter if you love or hate me, what matters most is that you will now have a father, which I think is something you desire ever since I was revealed to be dead in your part." He answered back at me, completely crushing me. "Besides, the Lamborghini parked in front of their house will be yours once you learn how to drive. Doesn't it sound appealing to you, child?"
I sighed tiredly, and glared back at him. "Doesn't matter. I just hate you." I answered indignantly. "And I don't need cars to buy my attention and love, Dad. I am not as low as you think of me."
He smirked visibly, and carefully returned his innocent smile upon his face.
"Kaho, let's go." He said, pulling me gently, as if he never heard the complaints and insults that I rubbed on his face. While I struggled to shake away the strong grip of my Father around my wrist, my Mother pulled me to a tight hug, stopping Taiki from proceeding further out of the house. He sighed impatiently and through gritted teeth, he muttered, "I will wait for you in the car until you are finish with that melodramatic scene with your mother and your siblings, Kaho."
And being able to hold long enough my tears, I burst out like a fountain. "Mom, I don't want to go" or "Can't there be another court session about my custody?" were the only things I mumbled and say while they were hugging me tightly. They didn't answer, and all I can think about now is what awaits me in an unknown place I will be flying to in 24 hours.
It's the law, after all.
He won, fair and square, or so I think. I mean, he wouldn't have any dirty trick up on his sleeve, right?
–
"Kira-rijichou." Hino Taiki, or should I say, Dad greeted with a wide smile and a gentle handshake. I just sat on the red futon just in front of his table, motionlessly listening to their conversations, and with eminent joking every five minutes. It came into me, that the minute I brought out my cellphone from my pouch, they were already speaking about my departure in less than twenty-four hours. I smiled inwardly to see that Kira-rijichou was hesitant signing my papers, since a few moments ago he raised his voice and said, "She will be participating in an ensemble in less that two months. And yet you will allow her to move somewhere at the verge of that ensemble?" or something similar. But he signed, finally.
"Kira-rijichou, I don't mind being replaced in the ensemble." I quietly murmured. "Besides, someone else can either take over my place or forget about it." But he just rolled his eyes in annoyance, much to my relief. So, to say the least, I wouldn't feel guilty about leaving the concourse participants, well, at the verge of the ensemble.
"My secretary will be delivering these papers of yours to your professors, indicating every single detail of your departure." Kira-rijichou muttered softly, in a very business-like manner. "But, perhaps, they might have predicted this one coming."
We took our bows and excused us tardily, and walked out of the doors of Director's office. His secretary smiled at me, sympathetically, actually, but definitely, I returned the smile. This will probably be the last time I will walk the hallways of Seisou Gakuen, considering the time, no students will be out since classes are still in session, but who cares, might as well take the chance of saying farewell to this place before I burst out crying again.
"Uhm, Hino—oh, Dad." I said. "Do you mind if I walk around Seisou before the departure?" I tried to be as sweet as possible to this cretin, and I am hoping that it will work.
He shot his innocent smile again, much to my annoyance and said, "No problem. You're not a prisoner." He answered. "I'll wait in the car, take all the time you need."
–
I quietly sat on the benches on the rooftop, the airy atmosphere almost calms my nerves. The whole day, seems like it is so nerve-wrecking, that I couldn't even let my mind rest on its own. I am definitely saddened by the fact that I will never sit on this smooth benches on the rooftop, or even play musical pieces in the quiet music rooms. I can't believe it, my life is like a Cinderella story, from just being a normal teenager to a big-time multimillionaire daughter of some rich guy. I didn't expect that it will happen in real life, I thought it only happens in movies and stuff.
"Rather than escaping your classes and act like a know-it-all, why not practice with for upcoming ensemble with the rest of us?" A chilly voice told me, startling me from of the door of the rooftop, meters away from the bench I was sitting on.
I turned my head to the direction of the door, and saw a man leaning on it, looking at me suspiciously.
"Tsukimori-kun," I mouthed, turning my face away from his menacing look. "To be honest, I already backed-out from the ensemble."
His gentle footsteps were audible on the tiled floor as he walked towards me, but he stopped when there was at least a meter between us. "You already had the chance to participate in an ensemble, yet you threw that opportunity. Could you give me a reason?" He said quietly. "And why aren't you in your uniform? I believe your quarterly exams are already near and you still have the guts to escape your classes?"
I smiled inwardly. It's as if he's concerned, is he not? Or is it really my imagination? Either way, I feel happy someone is talking to me till the time I will officially leave Seisou.
"I have no particular reason." I said monotonously, trying ti stop myself from the urge to let my tears fall.. "I guess I am really playing a person who knows everything. Besides, I'm marked absent for today." I heard him heave a sigh, an annoyed sigh to be exact.
"I always thought, from the moment you tried hard in the concourse and showed that music is something to be enjoyed, you were a competent person. You always try toy best at everything until your very own limitations, but, unfortunately, I was mistaken. You are not as competent as I expected you to be." He scolded coldly.
"I never thought you would take music so lightly like a child's play." He added.
His words badly pierced me. It is as if, he was trying to say I didn't take music as seriously as I can, and I have been living my life in a white lie just to please everyone around me. To be honest, I faced music in the sincerest way I can..
..and probably, this will be the greatest opportunity to be honest with myself, not only with music.
"Tsukimori-kun, I am definitely apologize for greatly disappointing you, but I really have my reasons for backing-out in the ensemble. My dad will be taking me out of this country in less that twenty-four hours. I already dropped from Seisou Gakuen before I proceeded here." I said, and then I smiled. "Not all people likes be scolded the way you scolded me, but, the truth is."
I stood up from the bench and quickly faced him with a hint of timidity and nervousness painted on my face. "I couldn't help but to wonder why do I fell happy when you say those cold words to me."
"I always thought that inside that cold facade of yours, there is a part which is capable of love." I continued. The way he looked at me right now was hurting, since it appears that I am not the persuasive or what I am blabbering right now is totally nonsense, but I know an opportunity to say these things rarely comes. "And at least now, I want to make up for disappointing you by being honest, not only to music, but also to myself." I said, as tears raced their way on my red-stained cheeks.
"In every language, I love you, Tsukimori-kun."
Moments later, I covered my face with my hands, and wiped all the tears that still run along my face. "There, I said my piece." I finally said through my hoarse voice. I picked up my bag from the bench and walked towards him, and slowly mouthed the words. "Farewell, Tsukimori Len. I love you."
Walking hastily towards the door, a cold hand circled my wrists and pulled me to a firm body. My initial reaction was that my cheeks burned like hell and my heart raced wildly inside me, threatening me that it will break out of my ribcage any moment now.
The sweet smell of scent fills my nose, his strong arms around me petite body, his head nestled on top of mine, the beating of his heart synchronizing with mine, and the confusing feelings I am experiencing, I wish that time would freeze at this very moment.
"You're so crazy, Hino Kahoko. So damn crazy." He mouthed after several moments of silence. "I can't continue living my days without being true to myself. Heck, what the hell did you do to me!" I kept on registering in the back of my mind on what really is happening. It never ever came to that this sort of things would happen in real life. My life.
He tightened his hold around me as he journeyed towards my lips, completely locking mine with his. His lips were soft and gentle and I can feel passion flowing through it. His scent completely covered me, like a drug completing every single piece of my entire life. He suddenly parted from my lips and traveled to my ears.
"In every language, I love you, Hino Kahoko."
With that, he covered my lips again with his, giving me barely enough time to catch my breath and lovingly locking my petite body in his firm arms. "Don't leave me. Just stay here, with me. Please, don't leave me." He whispered between his kisses.
"I have no idea on how will I live if I cannot see you. Please, just for me, don't leave me."
Life's so demented, I couldn't get over the fact that I lost every single opportunity because of leaving, that I will leave the man that means everything to me. Despite him holding me lovingly, I can't help but to cry my heart out. No matter how much I wish and pray that time would eventually freeze at this moment, it is already inevitable that I will leave.
Gosh, why is life really unfair?
"Kahoko. I'm begging, don't leave me." He whispered again, hugging me tightly. "Please."
"Beyond the sea of people, I'm sure we will meet once again, won't we, Len?" I whispered soothingly, and I can hear him sob sadly. "I'm sure, if we really are for each other, love will always find its way for us. Just believe in love, I guess."
I traveled my hands along his cerulean-colored hair, while I hear him cry in despair. "I promise Len. We will see each other again, no matter how long it is."
"I love you. I love you. I love you." He whispered continuously in my ear.
–
Third chapter's done. =) I apologize for the very long update. :D