I updated! [: I'm so happy and hyper. HAHA. Anyway, glad about the reviews I received on the last chapter. Read and review!
Cheers for the reviewers of the previous chapter: Kechii, IceDollSayaka, Barbieblair, Pathetic Rainbow, Music3, Asianpearl, Saiunkokulover, Anangelwithnoname, Claire195, Emjhey, and Momoko Vesperina Hashimoto. [:
Disclaimer: Don't own La Corda, just the idea of this fic. (: Read notes below.
Kahoko stretched her arms as sunlight washed her room. It was early, around 6:30. She stood up, took her robe and towel, and rushed to the restroom. Kahoko was eager to take a shower. After sleeping while wearing her school uniform, she thought she'd smell bad.
Memories from that quiet moment yesterday flooded her mind. She repeated the scene again and again. They looked just as the same as before, two lovers who have their own world. A defeated sigh escaped her lips. Of course, because of things happening right now, those memories wouldn't be repeated. Kahoko wouldn't be surprised that one day, she opens her eyes, her mind blank as she tried to search for those things inside her brain.
She stepped out of the shower, wrapping her robe around her petite form. She walked to her closet and pulled out a uniform. She dressed slowly, letting her laziness win. When she finished with her uniform, she put her shoes and went to the balcony.
Late summer breeze blew Kahoko's hair. She used her ponytail and fixed her hair, putting it in a messy bun. Her chin resting in her face, she stared at the sky, admiring the light blue and reddish orange color of it. It reminded her of their past. One of the best memories they've had. The first time they spend time at the beach as a couple.
Flashback
Kahoko was wrapped in a towel, her hands crossed in her chest as she glared at Amou-san. The gossip queen hid her one-piece suit and gave her a bikini set. She wasn't that revealing when it comes to bathing suits. How the hell is she going to show it to her friends? To Len? She gulped. Len haven't seen her wear those small things before.
"Kaho-chan. Better get out now or I'll pull your butt here!" Amou-san scolded, knocking loudly at the bathroom door.
"Nami-chan! Are you mad? This thing didn't even cover me! This is too much! I refuse to wear these slutty things!" She shouted, facing the door. Amou-san was good at arguments, for sure Kahoko wouldn't win.
"You get your ass in here! Those aren't slutty. FYI, they're sexy and perfect to show your curvaceous figure!" Amou-san finally used the key to open the bathroom door. The door banged loudly, causing Kahoko to jump.
"Okay. Give me that damn towel and show those hotties some body!" She quickly took the towel from Kahoko's trembling hands. Kahoko didn't have time to pull it back.
"Goodness gracious Kaho-chan. For sure, the boys would be drooling and removing your suit with their wide eyes." Kahoko was pulled by Amou-san out of the bathroom and into the living room. There, Mio, Nao, and Shouko were drinking some lemonade.
Mio was wearing a striped orange two-piece set with matching plain orange flipflops. Nao was in a green set with brack stings. Her flipflops was green, but there's black detail. Shouko's look shocked her. It was violet, with black flower detail. Same goes for the flipflops. Amou-san's was black with colorful dots.
"Kaho-chan! You look great!" Mio commented as both her and Nao attacked her with a big hug. Her friends looked decent with their bathing suits.
"K-Kaho-senpai. Y-You l-look b-beautiful." Shouko stuttered, blushing at her own comment. Kahoko gave her an apologetic smile.
"Oh ladies, we're going to have some fashion show to show to those boys that we are not to be ignored. Come on." Amou-san took Mio's hand, Mio took Nao's, Nao took Shouko's, and Shouko took Kahoko's. Amou-san was strong, because she managed to dragged the other four to the door. She faked cough to get the boys attention.
"Oh boys. Are you ready for some hot bodies?" She said seductively, walking down the stairs before giving her beloved Ryoutaro a passionate kiss. Mio followed, then Nao. When Shouko's turn came, she didn't look up until she reached the sand. As she lifted her head, her violet orbs met Keiichi's sparkling blue ones. Both stared at each other before realizing what they're doing, causing them to blush.
At last, Kahoko's turn arrived. She closed her eyes and held on the railings, afraid that she might find a way to humiliate herself, like tripping. As she started walking down the small stairs, she heard catcalls and whistles. The last thing she heard was a sharp intake of breath as she accidentally bumped someone.
"Gomen gomen!" She started apologizing, but was silenced by a peck on the lips. She opened her eyes and met golden orbs.
"A-Ano. L-Len.." She stuttered, blushing dark red. Her cheeks would could put her hair color into shame. Len pressed Kahoko tightly on his chest. Kahoko relaxed to his touch and listened to the slightly fast 'thump thump' sound from the chest. She faced Len's chest, and nearly gasped on what she saw. That six-pack, ohh. Some not so good thoughts entered Kahoko's mind, but she shook her head slightly to push them away.
"What's with the shaking of the head, love?" Kahoko blushed deeper, if that's possible. His chest was muscular and let her mind wander into fantasies, then the way he called her love. If Kahoko didn't know Len much, she might've swooned and fainted on spot.
"C-Can you c-cover up honey? Y-you were pretty much.. D-Distracting." She touched Len's chest with her soft hands. Len's heartbeat sped up with that simple connection. He didn't think about the stuttering part. Len himself couldn't even form a coherent thought.
"I would cover up if you would cover up. You're showing a little too much skin for your own good. If our friends aren't here, I would've carried you to my room and show you how much of a man am I." He smirked, wiggling his eyebows suggestively. Kahoko's mouth was agape, surprise written on her face. He never used that kind of statement to her before. And the eyebrows?! She smacked his chest.
"I never thought that my boyfriend who happened to be the stoic violin prodigy would be such a pervert." She whispered and touched the back of his neck slowly. He groaned, gripping on her body tighter.
"Kaho.." He warned, his voice cold but playful.
"Let's go to our friends before I changed my mind and drag you to my room, which is nearer by the way, and let you show me how manly you are." She brushed her feet in his legs. He loosened his grip on her as she started to walk away.
"Tell me when you change your mind." He muttered. Len thought Kahoko didn't hear that, but she did. She didn't react, because changing her mind might follow it.
End of Flashback
Kahoko smiled at the memory. She never thought that Len was perverted in his own evil way. She was used to the stoic and emotionless him. Whenever his wall were down when they together, he would comment about this and that. Len was a good person to talk to, even though he's a man of a few words. A great listener, and a wonderful lover.
"Kahoko-sama." Someone called from the door. The maid was looking at Kahoko with a smile.
"Hai?" Kahoko asked politely, returning the warm smile to the househelper.
"Azuma-sama is downstairs with you okaa-san, having breakfast. They want you to come down and join them." She answered. Kahoko nodded, a sign that the maid was dismissed. She took her bag, and give one last look at the picture at the top of her closet.
It was a picture of her and Len. She was at his back, and he was holding her hands. Kahoko had a goofy grin on her face, while Len showed one of his rare smiles. They both looked picture perfect, just like normal couples. Unlucky for them, normal wasn't at their relationship's vocabulary.
---
Breakfast was silent for Kahoko. Her mom and Azuma were in a conversation about her mom's work. Azuma sure knew how to divert Sari's attention from her depressed daughter to some sensible talk. Kahoko tried to put more effort when the two include her in their talk, but she wasn't in the mood to talk. Those 'reliving the memories' thing made her a lot more sad.
After minutes of talking and eating, it's time to go to school. The teenagers bid goodbye. As they entered the car, tension filled the air. Azuma, as usual, had the guts to start a topic.
"Don't think I don't know anything about yesterday's act." Azuma's voice was cool, irritation could barely be noticed. Kahoko didn't face him; she just stared at the view outside.
"So what?" She retorted. Sometimes, Azuma got to Kahoko's nerves. As much as she loves her purple-haired bishounen cousin, his nosiness made her feisty and angry.
"Well. May I remind you of certain things dear cousin. If obaa-san hears about this, you're sure gonna get a earful from that woman." He reminded her. Kahoko sighed. He's right; since when did her evil grandmother stopped messing with her life?
"The question is: Will she know about this? Maybe if you tell her, or Aoi-nii chan does. But if you will keep your mouth shut, maybe no one will be informed about that incident." She said, glaring at the bishounen. He smirked at her. Azuma always knew what to say so he'd hit something big about Kahoko.
"Well, you have our word that we're keeping our mouths closed about that matter. But dear Kahoko, do not forget. Our grandmother has evil minions. One might've spot you with ice cube." He pointed out. Azuma was right; their grandmother sent some people to watch over them, even to Miyabi. Kahoko had every right to be informed about this.
"So. She's not only ruining my life, eh? She's going to play with yours too. Typical grandmother. I would be luck if I escaped from her hold. That woman has lots of connections. But I don't give a damn about it. I live my life, I have my life, so she better stop messing with me." Kahoko simply said. She was one of the rebellious ones who were members of the Yunoki clan, which includes her mother, Aoi, possibly Azuma, and a lot more. A lot more people who's life was ruined by the head of this strong family.
"Remember who you're talking about." Azuma sipped his tea that was at the table. He was amused by Kahoko's reaction. Feisty, rebellious, bad mouthed when needed, but still sweet, innocent, cheerful, and loving. The accident might've hardened her heart, but her care for people special to her would never change.
"I do remember who I'm talking about, and I would rub in her face the moments I spent with the one I love." The limousine stopped in front of Seisou gates. Kahoko quickly walked out of the vehicle. Azuma smirked, finishing his tea. Kahoko's courage just added to the fire. He would watch in amusement as things unfold right in front of him.
---
The day passed uneventfully for Kahoko. Len wasn't talking, as usual. They might be sitting beside each other, but nothing happened. During lunch time, Len just disappeared and she went to the cafeteria to sat beside her friends. Lunch was filled again with silly jokes from Kazuki-kun, laughter from the boys, some comments from the girls, and more laughing. This time, the one who's acting sweet to Kahoko was Azuma, who did his job perfectly.
All throughout lunch, she was receiving glares from Azuma's fans. She didn't look at them with hatred though. Kahoko was never a fan of violence, even though she could be violent in her grandmother's presence. The girls acted as if they've forgotten the biggest news last semester. Did they really forget that Yunoki Azuma, Hino Kahoko, and Kaji Aoi were blood related and cousins?
As lunch ended, everyone rose from their seat. Ryoutaro escorted Nami, Shouko and Keiichi held hands, Kazuki and Aoi escorted Mio and Nao. Azuma took the liberty to drag Kahoko to the practice rooms. When they reached one, Azuma locked the door and imprisoned Kahoko with his strong arms.
"What are you doing? I still have to practice." Kahoko complained, squirming uncomfortably in front of Azuma. She couldn't understand him; one minute, he was lovey-dovey, then he's back to the dark side when they're alone.
"You really love him, don't you?" It's more of a statement as it escaped Azuma's lips. Kahoko stopped trying to get out of his hold. She took a deep breath and nodded.
"Okay dear cousin. Just inform me if you're going home along with me and Aoi." He kissed her forehead for a while before releasing his hold on her. As he exited the room, Kahoko sweatdropped. She took her red violin case which was on the ground and went to their practice room.
Music from the golden violin could be heard as Kahoko entered the room silently. Len was too engrossed with his playing, he didn't hear the door close and open. That's a first from the person who had sharp ears. Kahoko stared at his standing figure, slightly swaying with the beat of his music. The notes were precise, and there's emotion in it. The feeling of being.. Lost?
"Hino-san." Len greeted the red-haired girl standing behind him. Kahoko opened her eyes and nodded at him, smiling slightly before taking her instrument from the case. She positioned herself, looked at the blue-haired man beside her before playing the most important song in her life.
Ave Maria's notes hung in the air. Len was listening to the song, too carried away. He involuntarily lifted his instrument ans started to play with Kahoko. The notes from his violin were different. It was the complicated form of the song. Every note she made matched his, as if broken halves met again to make a whole. That song, forbidden in Kahoko's ears for the longest time in her life, warmed her ice-cold heart and broke her barriers. It's all because of this song that her guard was down.
As the last notes esaped from the instrument, both opened their eyes. There's this feeling while they played that made them satisfied with the music they've created. For Len, it was new, the passion in playing and pouring out his feelings for a girl he barely knew, or so he thought. Kahoko, on the other hand, was smiling a true smile. The missing piece of her broken heart was healed the second Ave Maria was played.
"Hino-san." Len whispered. She turned around and was met by Len's face, just inches away from hers. It made her stomach clench. She badly wanted to pull him and let their tongues dance.
"H-Hai?" She stuttered. After all this time, his voice's effect to her was still the same. Stuttering and nervous.
"Can you eat lunch with me tomorrow?" Len was a nervous wreck. He just blurted out his thoughts. He was waiting for the slap, yell, or laughter. She looked at her and saw a sweet smile gracing her lips.
"Of course." Two simple words. Her yes. That's all he needed to hear.
good or not so good?
Reviewers! :D
Kechii - It's fine. Hyperactive means good reviews! I miss LenxKaho fluff that's why that chapter is overloaded with it! And I wanna touch his hair too, like you do. Hehe. Line was present because I'm a Twilight fan too. Nyehe.
IceDollSayaka - I'm glad you like the flashback part. I'm gonna put more!
Barbieblair - More evil plots coming up! (:
Pathetic Rainbow - Len feels sick. Haha. Lame excuse. [:
Music3 - I agree with you about the hot thing. Eek!
Asianpearl - Interruptions are good at times. They leave you hanging and wanting more! (: Thanks for the review!
Saiunkokulover - It's fine. [: More flashbacks soon!
Anangelwithnoname - Thank you!
Claire195 - Thank you! Glad you think the stories awesome.
Emjhey - Yup. Lots of things.
Momoko Vesperina Hashimoto - Thanks! LenxKaji fights won't always be present. Sorry. I'm not really good with writing those scenes, and neither of the two are warfreaks.
Me talking again. [: HAHA. The flashback is OOC, isn't it? Len was obviously not perverted and Kahoko wasn't the flirting type in the real story, but I thought it's necessary to put a little scene like that there because they're already a couple there. Azuma confronting Kahoko about her actions with Len wasn't that good for me, I think. It's not enough, and I couldn't find anything good in my brain! Ugh~ It's really a sign I'm getting older. And then Len + Kahoko + Ave Maria = Love. Okaay, Enough from me.
Anything in connection with this fic, feel free to PM or review. :]
Stay tuned for mooooooore~ :]