The Melancholy Schmaltz

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CHAPTER NINE: WHEN LIFE GOES ON

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Five years had passed ever since Kahoko had recovered. She was already holding several concerts independently. Often, Len would be doing duets with her.

"What should I do right at this moment?" She asked Len. She was running along the street while holding her phone on the right hand and the violin on the left.

"I guess… You have to settle down." Len told her.

"Settle down? What do you mean by that?" She wondered.

"You need rest Kahoko. You've just arrived from Austria." He said.

"I know but—" She tried to reason out.

"Working hard is good but working too much is not good." Len quoted. "Now, do something that can relax you. Shop if you want to. Go to a spa or whatever as long as you can relax."

Kahoko tried to think for a while. "I guess you're right."

"I am right. Don't push yourself too much."

"Hmm, I get it. Thank you Len." She said. "When are you going to return? New York is just too far from here than Austria."

"I don't know yet. But after this, I guess I will still be going somewhere." He said.

"I see. Good luck to you then." She wished him.

"Thank you. Ah—Hino, I have to go. I still have to see my manager."

"Okay, take care." She gently spoke.

"You as well." He returned her wishing.

The two ended their conversation. Suddenly, another incoming call came.

"Yes?" She asked.

"Hino." Kanazawa said.

"Yes? What is it…manager?" She curiously asked. "I'm going to be off today you know."

"Off? You mean, you'll be going to have your day-off?" He clarified.

"Exactly." She answered.

"I see but you have to know this." He said, monotonously.

"What? Tell it to me here."

"Nah, I will just tell you when you're not on your day-off." He refused to tell.

"Can't you just—" Kahoko was interrupted.

"No, it would be perfect to discuss it with you personally." He explained. "If you're taking your day-off then I'll be taking mine too. Being a manager of a hard-headed girl is pretty tough."

"I am not hard-headed…" She said. She then smiled. "Well then, enjoy your day-off."

"But, tomorrow will be an over-loaded day okay?" He informed her.

"I can't say anything…. it's my obligation." She shrugged.

"Good thing you know. Bye to you." He hanged-up.

Kahoko indeed relaxed herself. It's really true that she's always at work. She kept herself busy. She does not even go to parties and stuffs due to her hectic schedules too. She shopped and many more just to redeem her al-so tired body.

•

NEXT DAY

•

"What is that important something that you wanted to discuss with me?" She asked Kanazawa.

"Important thing? Is there an important thing that I need to tell you?" He questioned.

"Yes. You said that you will tell it to me today. So what is it?" She demanded.

"Hmmm… Kahoko, someone wants you to play at a party." He said.

"Really? Well okay. So, wants so intriguing about that?" Her brows curled.

He chuckled. "So you are going then." He did not answer her.

"Yes, yes." She nodded.

"Don't worry; I will be there for you." He leaned on the couch.

Kahoko tilted her head. "I can manage myself you know."

"I am your—"

"Manager." Kahoko finished his sentence. "Okay, okay. You can come as my manager."

"Good." He smiled. "So when is your Len coming back?"

"He said he does not know." She took her violin.

"I see."

"When is the party going to be? And what is it about?" She wondered.

"It will still be next month." He answered.

"Next month? They are really preparing early." She gave her opinion.

"Of course, the party is big. It's actually a big victory party." He informed her. "And with you there to play, is a big opportunity."

"Why is it a big opportunity?" Kahoko became curious.

"The party will be filled with influential people and this would be another great exposure for you." Kanazawa folded his arms.

Kahoko thought about it then turned to her violin. Suddenly, the door opened, revealing their visitors. They were Ousaki Shinobu, Kaji Aoi and Kiriya Etou.

"Hino-san," Kaji greeted. Kahoko smiled at him.

"Hino, I brought you this." Etou handed her a box of cake.

"Thanks." She smiled.

"So, shall we begin Hino?" Ousaki asked her as he opened his violin box and took his violin out.

"Okay." She nodded.

Ousaki trains Kahoko. He corrects her by listening or by playing with her.

"What piece are you practicing now?" Kiriya asked.

"Praeludium and Allegro." Kahoko said.

"Fritz Kreisler, huh?" Kaji sat down.

"Shall we begin?" Ousaki asked Kahoko.

"Hm." She nodded.

Kahoko and Ousaki started playing. She watched her hands move. The three gentlemen just watched her.

"Lousy…" Kanazawa said as she finished the last note.

"Lo-lousy?" Kahoko was surprised.

"What were you thinking? You seemed to be preoccupied." He was able to notice.

"Kanazawa," Ousaki alerted him.

"Hino, what were you thinking? Did I not make it clear? When you play, you should focus?" He stood up.

He was right. Kanazawa always reminds her to stay focus. He does not want her to be too lax.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about something." She looked down.

Kanazawa turned to his side. "Do it again. This time, stay focus."

"Okay." She nodded.

"Now, proceed." He sat back.

Kahoko obeyed him. Kanazawa was not having any mood swings or anything. He was just her manager and because he wants her to achieve her goal, he is training her to do her best.

Finally, the song was finished. Kahoko then turned to him. She was examining his expression.

"Well done." He uttered.

Kahoko sighed.

"You can't do well if you don't focus. If you want to be successful, give your all." He reminded her. "You understand me, don't you?"

"Yes." She answered.

"Good." He turned around.

"You are a bit harsh, Kanazawa." Ousaki said.

"I am just doing my job. She chose to be her Manager so she has to bear with me." He looked at the window.

"I am sorry again." She placed her violin down.

"It's okay." Kanazawa answered.

"Thank you." She returned his gratitude.

Kaji and Kiriya were just listening.

"Hino-san, do you want to go out and eat?" Kaji asked her.

"Okay." She smiled. "Manager?" She turned to him.

"Your treat." He answered.

"Deal." She smiled. "Ousaki-sensei?" She asked him. He stood up bringing his violin case.

"I'll come." He decided.

"Let's go. By the way Hino, don't forget the cake that I brought you." Kiriya reminded her.

"Oh…" She took it with her violin on the other hand. "Now, shall we all go? I'm hungry now."

They dined ate at a restaurant. After that, they separated ways. Kahoko then returned to her house.

•

Kahoko was sighing in her practice room. Kanazawa glanced at her. Ousaki smiled.

"What's with the face Kahoko?" Kanazawa asked her.

"I'm tired and bored." She answered her as she closed her eyes.

Suddenly, the door slowly opened. Ousaki and Kanazawa turned to the person standing on the door.

"Kahoko, I guess you have to compose yourself now." Kanazawa told her. She did not reply.

"I guess you have a visitor Kahoko." Ousaki said.

"Hm?" She wondered with eyes still close.

"Kahoko," A familiar voice made her open her eyes. She sat down then turned to the owner of the voice.

"Len." She said. "When did you...."

"Just this morning." He answered.

"Are you really going to look like that while talking to your boyfriend?" Kanazawa asked her in a mock. Kahoko then turned to herself.

"Ah—sorry about this Len." She fixed herself.

"It's all right." He answered her. "Here, I brought you something." He handed her a violin case.

She took it then opened it. "But—I have my own."

"It's from a famous violin maker in Vienna." He said. "And I bought one for you."

"I see, thanks." She gave him a smile.

"Don't mention it." He answered.

"Kahoko, you can have leave now." Kanazawa stood up. "Let's call it a day."

Kahoko watched him, wide-eyed.

"I guess you did great today, Kahoko. You can go now." Ousaki approved.

"Let's call it a day then." Kanazawa said.

"Okay, thanks for today then." She gave the two a smile. She then stood up. "Let's go?"

"We'll leave now." Len stood up.

The two then went out. Len opened his car then let Kahoko enter.

"Welcome back." She gently said.

"Thank you." He responded to her. "Where do you want to go?"

"You make the decision." She shrugged.

"I'll bring you to my house. My mother wants to see you." He informed her.

"She wants to see me?" She became curious.

"Yes and I guess I have to obey her wish." He turned the engine on.

"I am fine with it." She assured him.

Len then drove.

"How are you so far?" He asked her.

"Good." She answered. "I am asked to play in a big victory party next month."

"A victory party?" He repeated.

"Yes. Kanazawa told me that."

"Oh, I hope he knows what he is doing." Len gave her a glance.

"I guess he know what he is doing so far. He's my manager after all. As what he always say." She smiled at the thought.

"So what are your plans for this week?" Kahoko wondered.

"This week, I'll be staying here." He held her hand.

"How about next week?"

"I'll be off again."

Kahoko looked at the highway. "Pretty busy, huh?"

He looked at her from the corner of his eyes. "You understand that I have other priorities too, don't you?"

"I do understand."

Len then placed his fingers between her own.

The car then stopped. Len went out then opened the door for her. Kahoko then turned the house. It was big. Len then took her in. When they entered, Len's parents greeted her.

"Kahoko," Len's mother neared then together with his father.

"Good evening." She bowed.

"Good evening too. I'm glad Len brought you here. Shall we go to the dining table then?" She and her husband led them to the dining table.

The two then settled themselves.

"So, how have you been Kahoko?" His father asked her.

"I'm doing well." She smiled.

"I heard that you just went to Austria for a musical recital?" He questioned.

"Yes." She nodded.

Len watched her. "Can we eat now?" He asked his parents.

"Of course." His mother smiled.

They then ate. After that, they went to the living room to talk about things.

"Here Kahoko, eat this." Len's mother gave her a piece of cake.

"Thank you." She gladly accepted it.

"You're welcome." She smiled in response.

Kahoko turned to Len. "You want?" She asked in a low tone.

"No, just have it to yourself." He answered her.

With what they saw, Len's parents just smiled.

An hour had passed and Len told his parent that he has to take Kahoko home since it's getting late.

"Your parents are nice." She mumbled.

Len remained silent.

"Len," She said his name in a questionable tone.

He turned to her. "Do I still need to say anything?"

Upon seeing his surprised face, Kahoko giggled.

"What's wrong?" He wondered.

"Nothing." She shook her head.

Len became conscious. "Don't just giggle there." he looked straight.

"I miss you…" She finally said it. Len was caught off guard. He wanted to hear that from her after all. He closed his eyes then opened them again with a satisfied smile on his lips.

Len might be stern at times but he has a wonderful side. He smiles, he appreciates and he shows affection…especially to the girl beside him.

He leaned to her then kissed her. Len made her move on and she love him. She gave him the chance to love her. He was her second love but it did not matter to him. He knew all about her past relationship with his senior but it did not matter to him. The kiss did not last that long but it was made to be his sign of appreciation.

"I'll bring you home now." He said. Kahoko nodded.

•

A week after…

The airport was busy; securities were pretty busy due to someone's arrival. The airplane door then opened. The man went down.

'Japan…' He thought.

Many backed him up. He then walked. As he arrived at the lobby of the airport, many bowed before him. He gave them a smile.

"Yunoki-sama…" A lady bowed before him.

""It's good to be home." He said in a pleasing manner. "How is everything going?"