The Melancholy Schmaltz

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CHAPTER ELEVEN: PREPOCCUPIED

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"One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering."

"Will she be okay?" Ousaki questioned.

"She'll be fine. Yunoki promised to take good care of her and it is not in his characteristic to hurt anyone." Kanazawa simply answered.

"What do you think happened?" Ousaki leaned on the sofa.

Kanazawa puffed the smoke from his cigarette out. "I barely have any idea."

•

Kahoko ran. She was crying while running away from the man who haunted her entire being. She ignored the pain of her sprained ankle and continued escaping the mirage that she had just encountered.

'Kahoko covered her lips with the back of her right hand. 'Why was he there?'

Kahoko wandered around. She needed time to think about that things that had just happen to her especially about the encounter that she and Yunoki had.

•

"Let go of me!" She pulled her arm.

"…Hino." He tightened his grip. "We need to talk."

"Talk? What talk? Let me go, Azu..." She got cut off of what she was about to call him.

"You still act as stupid as before." He let her go. Sarcasm was vivid in his tone.

Kahoko was caught off-guard. He called her stupid. "Don't you call me as such."

Yunoki stared at her. His eyes displayed the true him. "Why can't I? You haven't change. You are still stupid to my sight."

"Don't talk as if you know everything about me." Kahoko retorted.

"You ran as if you saw a monster." Yunoki watched her intently.

Kahoko turned to her side.

Yunoki pressed his lips. "You haven't change."

Change? "A lot changed." She lowered her eyes.

"Give me an example." Yunoki crossed his arms.

"You need no example." Kahoko looked away. "If you would allow, I want to leave." She turned around.

"See you again soon." Yunoki said.

Kahoko was held in place. She was somehow surprise to hear that statement. Who wouldn't be? He had just said absurd words.

She went away without further adieus. She could not stop thinking about what he said. She just wants to get out of there and leave his presence behind. She was walking slowly, then all of a sudden, when she was sure that she's out of his sight, she walked so fast as if she was chased by someone.

•

'What did he mean when he said that I did not change?' Kahoko thought. "A lot changed. I, myself, had changed."

Was that even correct? For six years, indeed a lot changed.

"See you again soon."

She could hear his last statement repeating inside her head. She was clueless on what he actually meant. The meaning was clear, but was he taking that statement literally?

'If that happens, I don't know if I will be glad.' She held her purse tight.

Suddenly, her cellphone rang, disrupting her busy thoughts. She stared at the caller I.D and answered it.

"Kahoko." Kanazawa said.

"…Yes." She responded in a weak tone.

"How was your performance?" He wondered.

"Oh, that…It's okay somehow." Kahoko looked up and watched the cars passing along the road.

"I-Is that so?" Kanazawa heard that forlorn tone. "Kahoko, are you… are you alright?"

"Kanazawa-san, my phone is low on battery. Let's talk some other time." She pulled the phone off her ears and continued walking.

•

Kanazawa stared at his cellphone. He was sure he heard her voice cracking.

"How is she?" Ousaki asked.

"She's okay according to her." Kanazawa returned to his seat. Somehow, he was troubled by what he heard.

"Is that so?" Ousaki gazed at him.

•

Yunoki stared at a photograph that was lying on his office table. He actually left the party after Kahoko went. It was just troublesome for him to put on an act to be glad and happy even if he feels the opposite of it.

"She always mess my rhythm." He sat on his leather chair.

He was ought to entertain the guest at his party since each one of them are special clients of his. But, when Kahoko left, everything has become very dull. His bright and smiling side can't be put to use, no matter how he push himself to, so it would be best for him to leave.

He was use to pretending, but why can't he do it now? Is that because of Hino Kahoko alone?

Kahoko was the sole person who could always pull the mask out of his soul. Ironic it seems but she can always bring out the truth that he kept hiding inside him. His true self.

The smile on her face was something he can't deny to be true. She was carefree and optimistic. The determination to do something was what drew him closer to her back then.

'I will surely do my best Yunoki-senpai.'

She would say with a smile. She was the only person who can say that even at the most complicated time. No matter how it annoys him, he let her be. She was just the complete opposite of him. She was not fraud, unlike him. She could always show her emotion completely without any hesitations. She was well liked, a thing that causes him to wonder how and why.

Hino Kahoko had changed a part Yunoki Azuma. She thought him something that he can never unfold from the people whom he cannot show his true self to.

Yunoki suddenly smirked as he remembered his last statement during their encounter.

'See you again soon.'

He stared at the violin box in front of him and ran his hand through it.

•

Kahoko opened her condo door and went inside. She flopped herself on her bed and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she plopped up.

"My VIOLIN!" She exclaimed, upon remembering that she had left her very own violin inside the party hall. She closed her eyes and fell back to the bed. "I won't mind getting it then."

•••••••••

"After your recital here, we will be going to Vienna." Kanazawa informed her.

"Vienna?" Kahoko repeated.

"Yeah, you are to play there." He said.

Kahoko sighed. "Okay."

Kanazawa stared at her. "Don't give me such face Kahoko."

"I'm tired." She closed her eyes.

Kanazawa crossed his arms. "You can rest then. You had a tough day…Hmm... I think I had a tough day too, as your manager, we deserve a rest."

"Really?" Kahoko stood up quick.

"Yeah, yeah." He shoo her.

"Thanks." She went away.

Kanazawa and Kahoko are in Germany because of Mister AndrewMüller, the German guy whom she met at Yunoki's party. Mister Müller had just become her sponsor after he and Kanazawa had talked.

•

Kahoko was sleeping on the plane. She was just too tired. Kanazawa on the other hand was reading a magazine to kill time.

As soon as the plane landed, Kanazawa turned to Kahoko who was sleeping like oil.

"Kahoko." He called but he received no reply. "Hino." He used her family name. He became impatient and gave her a weary yet annoyed stare. "We have arrived Hino Kahoko." He shook her.

"W-what's the big idea?" Kahoko opened her eyes.

"You are troublesome." Kanazawa stood up. "Get up. We have arrived. If you won't stand up, then get lock up inside this plane." He left.

Kahoko stood up and followed him. She rubbed her eyes and went out of the plane. They went at the airport's lobby and saw a lot of foreigners wandering around. Kahoko blinked her eyes and tried her best to stay conscious. She was lazily pulling her luggage and followed her manager.

"Tsukimori said that he can't meet you right now, but he said he will be meeting you tonight since he is busy." Kanazawa informed.

"Oh," Kahoko weakly said.

As soon as Kanazawa and Kahoko went out of the airport, they checked-in, in an expensive hotel which was already booked by Tsukimori's assistant.

After that, they went to somewhere to meet an important person. Kahoko had the chance to practice in a private music room with Kanazawa and her Viennese host. She was playing the song, Serenata by .

"You are good Miss Kahoko." Mister William Schmidt clapped his hands. "I am somewhat happy that you entertained my request for you to come here to Vienna and have a recital."

"You are welcome." Kahoko said in English. "I am happy to be here once again."

"I heard that you've been here before, and that you rarely do some recitals here." Mister Schmidt said with interest.

"Yes, I rarely get the chance to do recitals here, but I know someone who is pretty known here. A virtuoso of music." Kahoko smiled.

"Do you happen to mean, Len Tsukimori?" Mister Schmidt guessed it.

"Absolutely." She replied.

"Mister Tsukimori is an independent musician. His family backs him up." The Viennese tilted his head. "How are you related to him?"

Kahoko blushed, surprise at the sudden question. "Uhm…He…He…" She found it hard to say.

"Mister Len Tsukimori is Kahoko's boyfriend." Kanazawa said it in her place.

The Viennese businessman was taken by surprise. "So you are in a relationship? A wonderful couple of music then." He complimented. "That's romantic."

Kahoko looked down, flushed. "No-not quite." She raised her hands and waved it coyly.

When twilight came, Kahoko was given a signal by Kanazawa to go back to the Hotel and prepare herself to meet Tsukimori, who already have asked him the permission to take Kahoko out for dinner.

Upon arriving at the Hotel, Kahoko took a bath to freshen herself. After that, she wore a satin dark metallic blue colored formal A-styled top paired with white pants. She tied her hair in a half moon style, powdered her face and placed a light pink lip gloss on her lips. Simplicity was what she likes, and Tsukimori does not mind her to be that way so it's not a problem.

When the clock struck seven, the doorbell rang. She wore a white ballet shoes and opened the door. Kahoko was sure that it was Tsukimori since he was the kind of guy who always lives up to his words. If he will say that he will come at seven, he will really come at seven. If complications will come, he will do a compromise.

"Len," Kahoko smiled.

"Are you ready?" He asked. He was wearing a white button down shirt whose first three buttons were left often. He also paired it with a crease black pants.

"Len," Kahoko gazed at him.

"Yes?" He returned her stare.

"Can I hug you?" She asked. It was somewhat peculiar for Len's part but he closed his eyes and sighed. Kahoko had just said it like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He opened his arms, allowing her to have him. Kahoko moved closer and embraced him. She had been feeling lonely for these past few weeks after experiencing the troublesome encounter with Yunoki which had set her thoughts to grow confuse.

Len embraced her back and observed her. The two of them have not seen each other for three and a half weeks. Long distance relationship somehow works on them but you can't really deny the longing that would come in between especially if you are lovers.

"Are you okay?" Len asked.

Kahoko inhaled his scent. "I am fine." She replied.

"We need to talk, but for now, I have to take you out for dinner." He pulled back, for him to see her face. She looked up to him.

"Okay." She nodded with a faint smile printed on her lips.

Len took Kahoko to an expensive Hotel. The two of them ate with in silence. Len was aware that something is bothering her and he can't help wondering on what was going on with her, though he can't display any emotion that he was concern.

"Are you all right?" He questioned with his normal stiff voice.

"I am doing fine." She replied in a faint tone.

Len was not convinced. He was very observant so there is no way for her to hide it. "No matter how you say you are fine, your expression itself is far from being fine."

Kahoko turned to the window of his car. The place was empty. 'I am absolutely not fine.' She thought. She wanted to tell him that but she does not want to go into details, because for sure, Len will ask her several questions.

Will she tell him? A queer question kept hitting her head.

'I want to be honest.' She thought. She actually wants him to know how bothered she was since she has no one to talk to regarding these matters. And besides, he is her boyfriend; it would be very unfair for his part if she will keep things to herself.

"Len," She began. "I met Yunoki."

Len gazed at her. So Yunoki was the one bothering her?

Kahoko told him everything that had happen. Len was patiently listening but Kahoko did not tell her about Yunoki's last words, because for sure, it will upset him.

"Are you very bothered?" Len questioned.

"I would lie if I say no." She admitted.

Len pressed his lips. His brows were knitted in a confuse way. "It's been six years Kahoko."

Kahoko did not mind looking at him in the face.

"You will be in such a defeat for lying low and bothering yourself with the thoughts of him." He held the steering wheel.

Can't she just think how unfair she was to Len? She should have forgotten about the past that she had with Yunoki and move on with Len. Is she not even thinking that by speaking about Yunoki, she is scratching his pride as her boyfriend and as a man?

"Len… let us not talk about it." She hesitated to look at him.

"Six years have been long enough Kahoko. You can't just lock yourself up with that past of yours." He gave his opinion. He was obviously not happy about it.

Kahoko lowered her gaze. 'I am too much of being unfair. I should have not told him about Yunoki…'

The two fell silent. Len was so upset but he can never tell her that he wanted her to look at him alone. Somehow, he doubted if she loves him.

"…Sorry." Kahoko weakly said.

Len fixed his gaze on the empty playground in front of him.

"Len…" She wanted to hold his hand, but she felt very guilt to do so. "Can you…Can you help me?"

Len turned to her.

"Can you help me forget about him?" She questioned as her hand landed on his.

"If you want someone to help you, don't lock yourself up to your past." He replied.

"I will do my best…" She trailed off. "I can't move on alone."

Tsukimori Len was softened because of the no one else but Hino Kahoko. She broke the ice within his heart. She was the only person who can deal him without backing out nor giving up.

What makes Hino Kahoko special for Tsukimori Len? Well, it's something that Len can never tell through words.

"I am sorry." Kahoko mumbled as she squeezed his hand.

The gentleness in her face was something that he cannot bear no matter how stoic he can be.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry." She bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the tears that were forming in her eyes.

Len squeezed her hand. "You don't have to repeat yourself all over again."

Kahoko started crying.

Len pulled her into his arms and ran his hand to her hair.

"I will watch your performance three days from now and I don't want to see you on stage playing you're your violin carelessly." He said in a low tone.

"I will do my best." She swore.

"Do me a favor Kahoko."

Kahoko pulled back a little to look at him. "What is it?"

"Use the violin that I gave you." He requested. "I heard from Kanazawa that you've been using it."

She got hit bulls eye. How can she tell him that the violin that he gave her was left at Yunoki's party?

"I-I left it back home." She lied.

Len stared at her.

•••••••

"On June 18, prepare a musical party to be held at the big opera house in town." Yunoki informed Alexandra.

"Yes, sir." Alexandra went out of his office. "London is very big. Which opera house will it be?" She thought.

•••••••

"That was wonderful." Mister Schmidt said.

"Thank you." Kahoko smiled.

"Kahoko," Tsukimori called. He was wearing a black tuxedo and was holding a bouquet of red full bloomed roses on his hands.

"Len," Kahoko neared him.

Mister Schmidt and Kanazawa just watched them. Len handed to her the bouquet.

"Thank you." She smiled.

"You were able to play well but you it was obvious that you were thinking." He noted.

"Sorry…" She apologized.

"Stay focus when performing Kahoko." Len said.

"I'll remember that." Kahoko smiled.

"Mister Tsukimori, Miss Kahoko, I would like to invite you out for dinner if you would allow." The Viennese wondered.

"That would not be a problem." Kahoko nodded, grateful for the invitation. "Are you fine with it Len?"

"It will be an honor." Len accepted the request politely.

"Hey Manager, are you going to?" Kahoko asked.

"Of course." Kanazawa pressed his lips.

After dinner, Len excused Kahoko from the two men.

"If you would allow Kanazawa-san, Mister Schmidt, I would like to take Kahoko out." Len said.

"That would not be a problem." Kanazawa nodded.

"Thank you." Len slightly bowed his head.

"Thank you for everything Mister Schmidt, I appreciate your gratitude." Kahoko smiled at the Viennese man.

•

Len toured Kahoko around the city since she will be leaving the next day.

"I won't be back home till next next week." Len told her.

"I will wait for you then." She smiled.

"You understand my priorities, don't you?"

"I understand your dreams and all so don't worry about me." She placed her head on his shoulders.

Kahoko understood everything. She knew about his dream ever since they were in middle school. Somehow, it was not a bother at all, though they are maintaining a long distance relationship.

•

Kanazawa and Kahoko returned to Japan. Their week was less stressful until the previous weeks.

"Hino-san, how was everything somehow?" Kaji asked.

"Fine." She replied.

Kanazawa then entered the room after answering a call from his cellphone. "Kahoko, your trip to Hong Kong has been cancelled. We will be off to Britain then."

"Oh, that's nice, since its will be my first time there." She mumbled. "Uhm… I think I have to go back home early. Is it okay Manager?"

"We have nothing to do so you can go." Kanazawa permitted.

"Can I walk you home, Hino-san?" Kaji questioned.

"Thanks Kaji-kun." She smiled.

•

Kahoko went home to her parent's house.

"Mom, I am done washing the dishes. Do you mind if I go to my room and rest?" She asked.

"No, Kahoko." Her mother answered.

"Thanks." Kahoko took her apron off and went upstairs. "Onee-san, my room is off-limits so don't barge in."

"Don't worry, I won't kill you if I go in." Her sister replied.

Kahoko entered her old room and scrutinized the place. It has been a while since she was home. She wandered around and ended up in front of her old study table. She opened its drawer and saw an old photograph. It was a photograph of her and Yunoki which was taken by Kotoko at the beach.

She tried not to think about their last encounter but she can't just help it so she closed her drawer and sighed. She finally have promise to move on so she will try living up to what she vowed and continue moving on.

The thought of Len's violin then came across her head.

"How can I take the violin back?" She mumbled.

•

"Kanazawa-san, on June 18, can you come?"

"Don't worry, Kahoko and I will surely come." Kanazawa confirmed.

"I will expect you two then." Yunoki smiled.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry for the late update. I was very lazy since I found it hard to think on what will happen next. It was just so hard. I hope this update is okay for you.

Anyway, please let me know your reactions. Did I just make Len, Yunoki or Kahoko OOC? Please don't hesitate to tell me. I am kinda worried.

Please review. How do you find it? Because I am basing the continuation from your reviews.

I was happy to hear something from you base from my last update. They're great! I love them.

Hey guys, I am reading the manga of Kiri no Corda since I want a vivid example on how Len could possibly act around Kahoko. Somehow, I based his acts from what I saw.

Oh I love LEN but I love YUNOKI too.

I have a follow-up question: If you are in Hino's place, will you forget about the puzzling past that you had with Yunoki and move on with Len or you have to seek the reason of his sudden disappearance before moving on?

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sagittariusleo: You are awesome. You guessed it right! You thumbs up for you! KUDOS! You are right, there are a lot of bishounen, its hard to choose. If these guys are to exist in real life, can you choose only one? You are a wonderful reader. I love your reviews. Thanks! You are the best!

Jiyu22: Your feeling is right! What a pretty sharp instincts you got there! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Shadow's Tears: Yunoki was not able to clear up things yet. It is not easy to explain though since Kahoko refuses to hear him out. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Animeloverxxx: Stories needs some spice. I have to put a little excitement. I hope you are happy with my update. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

darkweb47: I've updated. I hope you have read this one. I will absolutely not stop if you guys won't let me. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

season's call: You've got some nice thoughts there. Well, it really is confusing. Even I am confused. Your guess is right! Sorry for the long update though. It was because I am confuse on how I will go about this chapter. But somehow, I've updated! Who will you support now? Len or Yunoki? You know, I like your realizations. It really is something. I salute you! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Vids: Thanks for appreciating. Thanks for reading and reviewing too!

Reiha No Arashi: I am kinda confused on your review but thank you for liking Hinoki in this fic. Sorry for the sooooo late review. I must have been a slow poke but I am really confused, that's why. I hope you like my update. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

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