I'm updating! Maybe the last one before classes, then the story will be hanging there. :( Anyway, forgive me for updating late. No laptop for me from now on. :| Just the computer. Hope this satisfies the long wait! REad and review people. =]
Chapter dedicated to Nerizu. Read her story. Love you girl. :)
La Corda isn't mine. :(
Len was silent the ride home. His mind was still absorbing every single thing that he heard from the girl. He never knew it happened that way. It was not his intention to hurt her, to forget those things that meant the world to her. And to him, probably, before whatever happened.
His head throbbed as he replayed what happened to his mind. He could still feel the cold wind that hit his could clearly see the stars that shone around the full her pale face, flushed because of the temperature. Her expressive eyes. Those amber orbs showed him how a shell of a person is she. Her sweet strawberry scent still filled his lungs. Then the crystal -like tears that fell down her porcelain face. All of them showed how much he hurt her.
'Will this answer your question?' Her melodious voice rang in his ears repeatedly, as if he's right beside her. That broken sob tugged his heart, breaking through that ice cold thing. How her simple tears, the gesture she showed to him, her pained smile, they seemed to hit him hard. Now, his questions were answered.
She was his sun, the thing that shine so bright it blinded him of the fame and praises. A shadow, someone hidden, yet would always be there by his side. The kiss showed him that there's something more in that red-haired violinist. whether it be part of his past, or his present, none mattered. Something big. Something different. Something.. familiar? That action opened his heart to something he never wanted to feel.
Love. His heart skipped a beat when he thought of the word. Why that emotion, so strong not even him could resist? The feeling was strange, not new, but very comfortable. Like he's in cloud nine. It made him happy and content. Though it's not foreign to him because of the unknown familiarity, it made him feel whole. So this is how it feels when you're in.. love.
The blue-haired prodigy entered the mansion in a daze. The helper's were worried about the expression in their boochama's face, but the driver, the one who worked for the family for decades, assured them he's fine. After all, he's already seen the boy smitten and lovestruck before. There were no surprises for him.
Hamai Misa emerged from the kitchen, a tea tray in her hands. The elder woman looked expectantly to the man in formal suit. She motioned her hand to the sitting room, gesturing him to follow.
"So, what happened to my son during the ride home? He looked dreamy." Misa sighed, sipping her cup of tea. Nervousness and enthusiasm was flowing in her. The man chuckled at her expression.
"Let's just say that someone got kissed in the lips for the first time in years. Apparently, both young masters enjoyed that moment of intimate closeness." Misa clapped her hands happily. It's not like she planned for something to happen between the two tonight. She just observed the changes in his son since Kahoko returned to Seisou. There's the uneasiness, confusion, self-hatred, then voila. Mother's really have that instinct.
"Wonderful. Something like this should happen again. It's not everyday I see my son blushing." The blue-haired woman added teasingly. The expression of the man in front of her changed into a frown. She looked at him, bewildered.
"I think, madam, he's remembering things. By his actions, it is obvious. I just hope that he'll recover soon enough. Hino-sama has been through a lot." The man looked somewhere distant, trying to erase the red-head's look a while ago when he saw her running away.
"Kahoko's a strong girl. She looks at the worst things with positive thoughts. I wish that's be enough for now."The pianist brushed her hair with her fingers. It's hard to say something like that easily when you knew that every thing's not right. Memories from the last dinner at Yunoki's main house flashed in her mind. The battered looking Kahoko, the murderous Azuma, the helpless Sayori, the frightened Miyabi, the cruelty of the matriarch. If she could only fight and help them..
"I share the same sentiments, Misa-sama." Silence filled the room as both parties think over the current situation. They're still unsure if Len will regain his memories, but they have to wait. Through this chaos, there'd always be hope.
---
Len was sitting at his comfy bed, his blue tresses damp from the recent shower. Thoughts from the car ride would never leave his mind, making it hard for him. He couldn't blame himself for thinking about it over and over.
It intrigued him, catching his were unexpected for him. Love wasn't one of his choices; he didn't intend to love her. Maybe when he's older, when the time comes that he's established himself. Not now. Not when he's unprepared and he's not yet happy with his achievements.
The familiarity of her lips to her was the most interesting thing among everything. It's like they've done is a million times before. Well, she mentioned that they're a couple before. And most couples used to kiss..
What happened to me? Why can't I find anything about my past? What went wrong? He thought, resting his head on the pillow. It wasn't easy to remember, knowing that no one would be willing to lend a helping hand. He closed his eyes, letting the sleep took over, wishing in his dreams, he'll find the answers to his questions.
Len was standing at the edge of a beautiful meadow, with the grass short and cherry blossoms in full bloom. Smaller flowers were surrounding the other side of the sacred place, where a small waterfall was situated. It looked like mid-afternoon, because the sun was partially hidden behind thin clouds. He could see everything from his position. The place was really a sight, but only one beauty caught his attention.
Kahoko was standing under one of the trees, in plain white summer dress. Her hair fanning on her back like fire, the light casting a halo in her body. She looked like a porcelain doll. The light color made her look paler.
Len started walking where the red-haired was, trying to gain pace. She was going farther as seconds passed by. "Kahoko! Kahoko!" He shouted her name, but to no avail. He couldn't hear his own voice, but he's sure he's shouting at the top of his lungs.
"I.. I love you."Breathless, merely audible, though he said it with all the energy left in him. What he shouted, what he feels. Finally she faced him, her face showing such sadness.
"Why didn't you tell it sooner?" He looked down, following where her slender hands landed. His eyes widened a little. Those hands he used to hold on to were caressing her swollen stomach.
"Ho-- Why?" He tried to keep calm, but the words ended up stuttered. He searched for the emotionless facade he'd use with those circumstances. Those were nowhere to be found. Instead, his body started to rock with heartbreaking sobs ripping from his chest. Kahoko walked slowly in front of him, her own tears falling too.
"G-G-Gomen, L-L-Len." She reached to touch his face, but as her hands touched him, she started to fade. Len leaned in her touch, but she's gone.
Len rolled to the opposite side of his bed. He couldn't find a place where he would just zone out. He tried to wake up, but her efforts were futile.
Len was sitting at one of the benches of a certain garden. He watched as a couple appeared from the exit door of a nearby building, looking in love. The boy looked familiar, like he's younger self. As if he's watching one of his memories. The younger Len was walking beside a red-haired girl. Kahoko. They were holding hands, stealing glances once in a while. Kahoko's mask was already removed, unlike his other dreams. He could see her face. The two stopped at the middle of the garden.
"Why are we here?" Kahoko started, playing with the dress part of her dress. The dress is of the same color like the one she wore today.
"I just want to spend my remaining time here with the girl I love most." The younger Len took Kahoko's hand and twirled her. The two looked exquisite under the moonlight.
"I'll miss you, know that?" Kahoko traced the younger Len's jawline, and planted a trail of kisses there. The blunette tried hard not to moan. It was his soft spot. The girl then started showering kisses on his forehead, the tip of his nose, then his cheeks, anywhere but his lips.
"Don't make this hard for me." The younger Len gulped, wrapping his arms around Kahoko's small frame He was drawn to the warmth of her body. The present Len remembered how harshly Kahoko pushed him away a while ago.
"H-Hard? E-Eto. I'm just giving you my farewell gift." Kahoko played with him again. The younger Len groaned. Finally, he lose his self control.
Frustrated, with a determined and desperate look in his face, he attacked her by suddenly catching his lips. Len hungrily kissed Kahoko, securing her face by cupping it with his hands. Kahoko was taken by surprise, but she gave in. The lust was unbearable; they couldn't control the need. She gripped the black suit tightly, and kissed him with the same level of hunger.
In a flash, the younger Len was gone, and the present Len was lip-locked with Kahoko. He returned the kiss with desperation. He wanted to feel her in him so bad, but Kahoko pulled away from his grasp. Her eyes were closed, and there's a small smile gracing her lips.
"Promise me. Promise you'll come back for me." Her finger was over his lips. He breathed deeply, not believing if this is true. Len wanted to remove her hand, and return to kissing her senseless.
"Yes. I promise." His voice was filled with promise and conviction. Everything he's missing was coming back to him. It's overwhelming, yet exciting him at the same time.
"You're a liar, Tsukimori Len." The voice was pained, yet strong,. Then she's gone in a flash, like any figment of imagination would be.
---
The darkness engulfed him. There's nothing he could feel around, not a sound could be heard. As if he's stuck into emptiness. He didn't count the the time he spent here. Seconds. Minutes. Hours. Days. Weeks. Months. Years. Eternity. It didn't matter to him if this is the price to pay, just to remember his past.
Then the glass broke, the barrier that hid what he wanted. Like flood, the memories started flashing in his head, like those of the movies. It started from his childhood, which was blurred.
The blunette kid holding a golden violin happily with wide eyes. An older version of the same kid, bowing with pride after a performance that astounded the elite crowd. He was given a standing ovation. Then the kid again, receiving nothing but praises and commentary from famous musicians.
More memories from his indifferent childhood passed, the the start of Len's teenage years entered the show. The teen blunette looked attractive at first sight, but his stance and facial expression showed that he wanted them to back off. Then, glares were being given to him by the other contestants, but Len just returned his intimidating death glare.
More uneventful things happened in his life. Endless competitions. Exhausting practices. Complicated pieces. Then his first day at Seisou Gakuen took the spotlight.
The first year was a bore. There's nothing much to tell. Then his sophomore year.. Then the concours. Memories hit him like storm. Everything was passing clearly. The time his name was posted at the bulletin board, the first meeting were he met the others. Kahoko..
Too soon for him, the pieces of his broken relationship flashed. It started with a simple 'walk' one Saturday afternoon, which ended with a small yet sweet peck on the lips. The simple kiss was followed by more 'walks' and 'practices'. The scene changed, and a big revelation from both him and Kahoko took place. Len was leaving for Europe to study, and Kahoko was linked to Azuma Yunoki and Aoi Kaji as her cousins.
Len started shouting, weaving his hair in his blue tresses. The pain was rushing in his head, not anything that he's ever felt before.
He was struck by another memory. Wearing simple white polo, jeans, and slippers, he made his way along the shore. Len kicked the waves as it went nearer. He looked up, and saw Kahoko staring at the setting sun.
The dress she's wearing was thin, showing her swimsuit and curvaceous figure. The sun casted yellow-orange light. She was at peace, unmoving. He was mesmerized by the sight. He didn't deserve an angel like her.
"The end of the day, making way to the night. Beautiful." She mused, showing her amber orbs. Kahoko bounced happily to Len's direction, then their bodies slammed. She took his hand. They shared a silent moment. Word's weren't necessary. Enough was mentioned.
"Is there anything bothering you?" Kahoko asked, her eyebrows furrowed. Again, he reached for her, and this time, she didn't disappear. He snaked his arms to his waste, pulling her in his chest.
"Can we just stay like this?" He blurted out, burying his face in her hair. Len could see the goosebumps in her arms. Kahoko rested her head, sighing heavily.
"We can't Len. Pretending that we're going to be content in our current state won't change a thing. You're still leaving." She stared in his eyes, playing with his hair. Her eyes were shining with unshed tears.
"We're not pretending,. We're really here." He insisted. Kahoko shook her head, wiping the tears. Len felt the guilt kick in. He made her cry again for the millionth time.
"Not that. We really can't." She looked away.
"I'll be back. We'll always talk aver the phone, or via mail. We have our ways." Len reasoned out.
"Lies." The word hurt. He couldn't find a word against it. And this wasn't what happened. He knew it.
"I.. I" He started, stuttering."
"I.. I understand everything. Don't have to explain. I know music is your first priority."She cut him, then she ran away. He knelt in the sand, sinking with his own tumult.
That didn't happen. It's different. He chanted in his mind.
---
Len was at a limousine, sitting casually while looking outside. His baggage were there inside the vehicle. He refused to put it at the trunk, because there's only few. His violin case was beside him, untouched.
"Where to, boochama?" The driver asked him. It's not him. Len noticed. He wasn't his assistant.
"To the airport. You should know." He answered sharply. His assistant would never forget about the flight.
The vehicle sped through the highways of Yokohama at full speed. Len was alarmed by the driving way. He didn't drive like this. The man knew how to abide the traffic rules.
"Are you scared, Tsukimori Len?" "The man grinned mischievously, sensing his nervousness. Len just scowled at him.
"You know you have to be scared, because you might never see Hino-sama again." The car tires screeched, and it stopped. The same time, a trailer truck hit Len's side of the car.
---
Len jolted from his bed, sweating and catching up with his breath. His hand was still clutched in his hair. Everything was clear now.
When he returned to Seisou, everyone was looking at him expectantly. The guarded looks from his friends, the pitiful looks from the gossipers. The way people carefully talked around him, as if hiding a secret. The glares from Azuma, then the recent arrival of Aoi. It all made sense.
Quickly, he ran silently at the hallway of their house. There's only one place where he'd find those. The storage room was near the kitchen. He turned the door knob carefully, and gave the door a little push.
Dust-covered boxes were scattered on the room. Everything was open and full, with photo albums, journals, clearbooks, and unorganized music sheets. His eyes searched for something important. They landed at the box across him at the farthest side of the room. In s few strides, he's in front of it.
Pictures of him and Kahoko were there. He emptied its contents. There's the compilation of pieces he dedicated for her, pieces they played together, and unfinished songs. His failed attempts in composing a song. Also,. some pieces of paper which listed details for their 'walk' was present. Someone coughed behind him.
Hamai Misa was looking at his son with sad eyes. He knows, she thought, gazing at his determined expression. She walked to him and nodded her head, as if answering an unspoken question.
He stood up, ignoring his mother and ran to his room. Looking frantically around, he reached his study table. He took his mobile phone from the drawer, and searched for someone's number.
"To what do I owe this early morning call?" The person from the other line answered formally. There's no hint of sleep in his voice, like he's expecting him to really call.
"We need to talk." Len stated. A bit of silence followed, then some shuffling of bed covers.
"Tomorrow. 10 am. Same place." Then the line ended.
Good or not so good?
I reached 3000+ word mark! (dance dance) Not the usual 2000+ plus for me. =]
School starts Monday, which can kill me. If I survive the first day, I'll probably update next weekend. Hopefully, there'll be few homeworks for the first week.
Love you guys! Don't forget to review. I accept anonymous reviewers. 'Til here. *hugs
Oreo. =]