Chapter 6 – My Jealous Cousin

While Len and Kahoko were walking in the park, they didn't know someone was following them – he was the spy of Yunoki Azuma. He was assigned to follow Kahoko and Len. As a spy he must take pictures of Len and Kahoko, Azuma also said that if he was caught he will be fired.

With Len's sharp hearing he heard the spy following them. "Kahoko, do you feel something?" he asked.

"Do I feel what?" Kahoko asked back.

She doesn't feel anything. I must not ruin her mood. Len paused. "Sorry, it's nothing. Do you want to go somewhere?"

"Okay sure!" Kahoko said energetically.

"Where is that suppose to be?" Len asked, keeping his face calm so Kahoko won't notice he's getting very anxious.

"You decide." Kahoko smiled.

"Then, I know a place. Come with me." Len grabbed Kahoko's hand and ran to a restaurant without the spy knowing.

The two arrived in the restaurant, Len looked around. He was making sure the spy was already lost. When Len was sure the spy was already gone, he was slightly relieved.

"We're here." Len said.

"Len… why did you do that?!" Kahoko panted. Whew! I never thought Len's that fast!

"Sorry, it was inappropriate." Len apologized.

"Len, are you okay? You don't look so well, is there someone or something bothering you?" Kahoko looked worried. He's been acting like this since the time we went to the park.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Len remained composed and then smiled. He hid his anxiety to Kahoko.

"Okay." Kahoko was unsure. But her stomach is reacting, she was hungry. "I'm quite hungry now, can we eat?" Then her stomach growled. Oops!

"It looks like it." Len said.

The two walked into the restaurant, they sat at a table near the restaurant's window. Every person in the restaurant noticed the young couple, most of the ladies stared at Len even the ladies who have their own boyfriends. But Len didn't care, he focused himself to Kahoko. Kahoko looked around; she saw the girls in the restaurant were looking at her boyfriend.

Len seems to catch the attention of these girls. I feel kind of jealous. What are you thinking Kaho?! It's natural for those girls to look at Len like that, he's handsome and cool. Kahoko glanced at Len; he was staring straight at her. Kahoko blushed. And a waitress approached the two.

"Is there anything you like, sir?" the waitress handed the menu to Len. She didn't look at Kahoko.

Len browsed the whole menu, and then after he looked at it, he passed it to Kahoko. "I'll just take a glass of water and a regular carbonara. Kahoko, what's your order?" He ordered without looking at the waitress. He was still focused on Kahoko.

Kahoko hid her face behind the menu. Why is he focusing on me?! Kahoko gulped. "Well… I'll pick this." She showed Len the food she's going to eat.

"Linguine with pesto, regular." Len ordered.

"What about drinks?" the waitress asked Len, but the question is for Kahoko.

"Iced tea, regular." Len decided. Kahoko agreed.

"Are you sure, you're only going to order a glass of water?" the waitress asked Len.

"Yes." Len answered.

"Okay, just call me if want something else." The waitress said. The waitress left.

Kahoko was staring at her side of the table; she was still hiding her face from Len who is still staring at her. Then Len chuckled. "Why are you hiding your face from me?"

Kahoko blushed harder. "It's because it's embarrassing… you never took your eyes off me ever since we entered this restaurant."

"So you don't like me staring at you?" Len said. He looked to another direction.

"No! It's not that… it's just… all of the girls here are looking at you… and didn't you notice the looks of the waitress… they like you?!" Kahoko said.

"What's the connection?" Len asked.

"Well…" Kahoko paused. "You dazzle them, Len! And…"

"And…?" Len waited.

"For a simpleton like me to have a boyfriend that is as handsome as you… it's… very hard to accept!" Kahoko explained. "Every girl in this restaurant likes you… even the waitresses."

Len chuckled. She's jealous. Len touched Kahoko's face. In response, Kahoko looked at him. "Kahoko, do I dazzle you?"

Kahoko's face was red as a tomato. Kahoko nodded as reply.

Len took off his hand in Kahoko's face. He folded his hands on the table. He saw the waitress who took their order, coming towards them carrying their order.

"Here's your order sir, sorry for making you wait." The waitress said.

"Thank you. And can you give me the receipt when you come back?" Len requested.

"Yes sir. Enjoy your meal." The waitress responded. The waitress bowed then left.

Len started to eat. But Kahoko in the other hand didn't touch her food. Len stopped. "Is there any problem, Kahoko? Don't you like the food?"

Kahoko shook her head. Why am I like this?! What's your problem Kahoko?! Kahoko held her fork then spun it so she can get some noodles. She took a bite. The delicious flavor of the pasta changed her mood. "It's delicious!"

Len was relieved. She's okay… she's just spacing out. It's very nice to see her in her normal enthusiastic state. "Do you like it?"

"Yes, I like so much. Thank you, Len." Kahoko smiled.

The two ate. When the waitress came back with the receipt, Len gave the exact amount of money as payment to the food they ate. When they were finished, Len stood up first and lend a hand to Kahoko. When they reached the door one of the waitresses assisted to open the door.

"Thank you for coming, ma'am and sir. Come again!" the waitress smiled.

"You're welcome." Kahoko smiled back.

When they were out of the restaurant, as the two walked they were chatting.

"So where's our next itinerary?" Len asked. "Now, it's your choice Kahoko."

"Hmmm… let me think…" Kahoko paused. "I know… what about to Minami Instruments!"

"Yes, but why?" Len asked back.

"I want to visit Minami-san." Kahoko answered.

"Very well then…" Len agreed.

"Thank you, Len!" Kahoko was pleased.

~YUNOKI MANSION~

"You lost track of the two?" Azuma said.

"Uhhh… I'm very sorry Azuma-sama." The person in the other line said.

"You better find the two or else…" Azuma threatened. "This is your last chance."

"Y-Yes sir." The other line replied. Then Azuma cut off.

"I want to smash this cup in his face!" Azuma said angrily. He smashed the cup to the saucer.

"You know you better calm down." Aoi advised while sipping his tea.

"How would I calm…" Azuma tried to do what Aoi said.

"I can't believe a guy so calm like you will be so uncontrollable like now." Aoi laughed.

"Why are you laughing? Aren't you jealous?" Azuma asked.

"Jealous? Why would I? Oh… so this is about Tsukimori and Kahoko issue…" Aoi said. "Actually I'm not jealous. In fact, I'm happy for Kahoko."

"You're happy? You're happy that Kahoko is with that guy!" Azuma insisted.

"Yep, besides Kaho loves Tsukimori and Tsukimori loves her back." Aoi sipped his tea again.

"I disagree…" Azuma glared at Aoi. Aoi-kun, I know deep inside your heart you want to destroy Tsukimori-kun and take away Kahoko from him.

"Fine, it's your decision… but I'm not rooting for you." Aoi glared back. I love Kahoko, that's why I accept that she's happy in the arms of Tsukimori. Aoi exited the room and went home. He abandoned Azuma in his family's mansion.

He doesn't understand a thing… Kahoko will only be happy with me. Azuma thought. Anger, jealousy and revenge filled the room. Azuma's eyes looked like the eyes of a killer.

~MINAMI INSTRUMENTS~

*Cling! Cling!*the door opened in the store of Minami Instruments.

"Oh. Hello, Hino-san. It's good to see you again." An old man greeted. The two walked in the store, they both heard the sound of a piano.

Kahoko waved. "Is he here?" she whispered, enough for the old man to hear.

The old man nodded and pointed the boy who's playing the piano. Kahoko peeked and saw her close friend whom helped her ever since she entered the concours. Len was right behind her, he knew the guy who's playing the piano, and it was his rival. Kahoko approached the boy quietly so she won't disturb him, Len followed. After the piece was done, the boy stopped playing and opened his eyes. He was shocked because Kahoko was there all along, but with the guy he hated so much.

"H-Hino, what are you doing here?" the boy asked.

"I just want to visit the store, why?" Kahoko asked back.

"You want to visit the store with that guy?!" the boy reasoned.

"You're so rude, Ryou." The old man said.

Ryoutarou scratched his head. "By the way, why are you two together? Did you two take a violin practice together?"

"Nope!" Kahoko smiled.

"Then why are you two together?" Ryoutarou asked again.

"Kahoko is my girlfriend." Len said coldly, his arms were crossed like usual. When Len said the word girlfriend, Kahoko blushed. Her face was as red as her hair. Ryoutarou was shocked; he didn't know Kahoko and his rival are already dating.

"Since when?" Ryoutarou asked. His hands were clenched to fists.

"Since yesterday…" Len said confidently. The two young gentlemen were fierce; it was like the store is going to burn.

"W-Wait, will you two calm down." Kahoko interfered. The fire was extinguished as Kahoko spoke.

Ryoutarou sighed; he almost punched Len's beautiful face.

"Let me explain." Kahoko said. She explained everything that happened after their performance and Ryoutarou understood the situation. He knew Kahoko liked Len but she always rejected it. She always says that his playing was the one she admires but it was the person who plays all along is the one she admires and loves the most.

After a long explanation, Ryoutarou's serious expression didn't change. He was still angry at Len, because he lost. He lost in their battle. Len was the lucky man who was picked by Kahoko.

"Is it okay now, Tsuchiura-kun?" Kahoko reassured.

"Yes, I totally understand. You don't have to worry, I won't hurt him." Ryoutarou said. Nevertheless I can't control myself. His hands were still clenched to fists, but loosened up when Kahoko suddenly held his hand.

"Thank you, Tsuchiura-kun." Kahoko was pleased.

Len was looking at Ryoutarou with his stoic expression. After that Kahoko and Len, with Ryoutarou headed home.

"Why are you following us?" Len rudely asked.

"What? Following you, why in the world will I follow you!?" Ryoutarou replied.

"But why are you taking the same route as ours?" Len asked.

"My home is this way…" Ryoutarou said. "JERK." He muttered. "Hino, I'm going this way. Bye."

"Bye!" Kahoko said.

As Ryoutarou passed Len, he whispered to him… "Don't ever dare to hurt her or else." Ryoutarou threatened.

"I'll take care of her, don't worry." Len whispered back.

Len and Kahoko went home together, but parted ways when they reached Kahoko's house. They both said their goodbyes.