The Melancholy Schmaltz

•••

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: Until You

•••

"You're engage?" Leina questioned with a huge smile on her face. Suzuma just watched her as she conversed with his younger brother and his new fiancee.

"Yes." Azuma had his sweet smile on. He was holding on to Kahoko's hand under the table.

"Goodness! That's wonderful." She turned to her own man. "Don't you think?" Suzuma just nodded. "Say something." She held his arm.

"Congratulations." He bowed his head a little.

Kahoko couldn't help but admire the two couples. They were lovely and obviously in love with each other and they were supporting them.

"Does father know?" Suzuma questioned.

Azuma looked at him calmly. "Tonight. Kahoko and I will be meeting him tonight."

"I see." Suzuma sipped his coffee.

"Hey, Hino-san." Leina held Kahoko's hand. "Can I call you Kahoko instead?"

"Ahh..." She was surprised at the gesture. "Sure."

"Kahoko then." She smiled gorgeously, making Kahoko blush. "We must get along. We're going to be sisters soon. Hmm... that is, if someone here still plans about marrying me."

Suzuma glanced at her direction and cleared his throat. Leina ignored it.

"When's the big day?" Leina wondered.

Azuma turned to Kahoko and answered, "As soon as everything's done."

"You can't wed until we do." Suzuma said, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Who are you marrying?" Leina sarcastically asked.

"Who else?" He questioned in a nonchalant tone.

"Me?" She raised her brows. Suzuma secretly pinched her knee. She didn't budge. "We don't have a date yet."

"Its in our family's tradition. The eldest must marry first before the sibling who is following them." Suzuma explained.

•••

"Are you okay with the arrangement?" Azuma questioned.

Kahoko nodded. "No big deal." She smiled.

"Leina seems to like you a lot." He commented as he started the ignition.

"She's nice." She adjusted herself on her seat. "How come they are not wed yet?"

Azuma moved the car back then drove around the parking lot to exit. "Suzuma's a perfectionist. He wants everything done at the right timing. But I heard he wanted her to enjoy her life first before he tie her down."

"Why?" She smiled.

"Leina grew up in a strict, conservative family. She's the only child and everything around her were all dictated by her family so maybe that's why Suzuma didn't want to hurry." he said as they were finally on the road.

"I see but, Leina seemed to be willing to marry him already." She leaned her head on the headrest.

"They can sort that out." He said as he glanced at her. He then looked at her dress. "You look good in that."

"You're the one who picked it." She looked at her dress.

Kahoko was wearing an elegant light orange pastel colored spaghetti strapped dress which was merely an inch above her knee.

"But next time, you better wear something more conservative." He said, sighing.

"Why? I thought you like it?" She curiously asked.

As the traffic light turned red, Azuma turned to Kahoko and eyed her intently. The way he was staring at her was the way he looks at her when he wanted her.

"I don't want other guys to look at you." He leaned over to her shoulder. "Because I, as a man, with this mere dress, it makes me want to undress you." He licked her neck.

"Were on the road." She shrugged. Tickled at his action.

"Can we just stop here and do it?" He whispered sensuously.

"We can't do that..." She bit her lower lip. Azuma didn't mind. He was petting her despite knowing that it was still one in the afternoon and that they are in the middle of the road. The car is heavily tainted anyway.

Suddenly, Azuma immediately went back to his seat and drove. His poor Kahoko was caught in surprise. Her hair was already messy and her spaghetti straps fell at the sides of her shoulders. The traffic light then turned red and Azuma drove.

Kahoko sighed making Azuma smirk.

"Don't worry. We'll continue that later on." He said.

•••

Kahoko and Azuma were walking inside an expensive restaurant. Both of them were wearing their best outfits. Kahoko was wearing a black tube dress while Azuma was in business suit.

"We're late." Kahoko mumbled. "What took you so long anyway?"

"Kenji called me. He had to see me for some paperwork." He explained. "Are you mad because we didn't do it? Or mad because we're late?"

"Because we're late." She immediately responded.

At the desk, a butler neared them.

"Yunoki-sama is expecting you at the main hall." He bowed to them.

"Please lead us." Azuma smiled.

The butler led them. At the main hall, at the very middle, Kahoko saw a man who was dressed in a velvet black colored business suit who was seated alone on the table. It then ringed to her that it was Azuma's father.

Azuma stopped. Kahoko looked at him. He was calm but his eyes were tightening. He placed a hand at the small of her back then continued walking. When they were near the table, Azuma then bowed. Kahoko was left, stunned.

"Father," He greeted.

"Azuma," He acknowledged then turned to the woman beside his son.

Kahoko snapped. She then bowed to greet him. "Good evening, Yunoki-san."

"Please take a seat." He merely said.

Kahoko was shaking. She was finally in front of the father of the person she loved the most and she feared that he wouldn't like her. She could just imagine if he didn't like her. That he would be against her and he would do something to separate them both just as how Azuma's grandmother interfered.

"What is it that you wanted to talk about?" His father asked.

"Father," Azuma began. "I would like... to marry the woman beside me." He paused for a brief moment. "I wish for your approval."

There was a long pause. The waiters finally served their meal. Kahoko was looking down while Azuma kept his calmness. He was looking at his father.

"Let's eat." He told them.

The three ate silently until Azuma's father began asking questions.

"What are you doing for a living?" He asked Kahoko.

"I-I am a violinist." She bit her tongue. She was mentally scolding herself.

"Oh. I heard you play in Vienna." he said as he patted his lips with a table napkin.

Kahoko looked up.

"What's your favorite violin piece?" He wondered.

"Ahh, Ave Maria by Schubert." She answered.

"I see." He nodded as he placed the table napkin down.

"Si-Sir? By any chance, are you into music pieces?" She dared to ask.

Azuma's father grinned.

"I play the piano my dear." He said.

So Azuma's father is also a musician.

"So, when's the wedding taking place?" He looked at Azuma.

Azuma's heart leaped. That question made him hopeful.

"After Suzuma marries Leina-san." He answered

"I see." was all he could say.

"Father, are you're giving us your blessings?" Azuma questioned, hopeful and doubtful at the same time.

"You're old enough to know what you want." He smiled.

Azuma's father smiled. Kahoko couldn't help herself but be stunned. His smile was that of Azuma's.

•••

"Are you sure you're going to marry me? Or you're forced to marry me because you want to see your little brother marry? Or that you're pressured because our marriage is pending and your little brother can't marry because you're confused about marrying me and he can't marry if you won't marry me?" Leina asked, then sighed. "Wow, that rhymed."

Suzuma ran his hand through his hair. "You question me big time."

"Okay I won't ask you anymore." She rolled to her side, facing her back to him.

"Its my time to ask." He leaned on the bed's headboard. "Are you ready to marry me?"

Leina focused her attention to her hand which she placed beside her head. "I won't be here with you if I am not ready to marry you. I won't stick with you if I don't want you. I will never ask you those question if I am not ready to be you."

"I'm just waiting for you, you know." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You're a spoiled brat."

Leina rolled to her back. "I don't know if you're trying to sound romantic because you certainly don't sound like one." She was frowning.

"Ich liebe dich?" he whispered.

Leina gently smiled. "You make me weak."

He leaned down to kiss her lips. "Let's plan the wedding day."

•••

"Can't-I-Can't breath..." Kahoko said between Azuma's kisses.

Azuma was very happy. He couldn't contain himself. His father gave them his blessings. He's free to marry Kahoko. She's going to be acknowledged. His future children will be acknowledged and there was nothing more beautiful than that.

He embraced Kahoko. "We're finally having it."

"Err.. My family does not know yet." Kahoko said it slowly.

"Oh, I forgot. Let's go and inform them now." Azuma dragged Kahoko to the parking lot then off they went.

•••

"You're getting married?" Kahoko's sister exclaimed.

Kahoko's parents were flabbergasted. Her brother was also wide-eyed.

"I've already asked her hand in marriage and she said yes." Azuma politely said.

"But—I- I thought Kahoko was going to marry Len?" Kahoko's mother was confused.

"We broke up..." Kahoko felt guilty at the sound of Len's name.

"How can you recover fast? You're with him for years and now you're marrying Yunoki-san?"Her mother shook her head. "Have some decency, Kaho." she sighed. "I can't believe that you've actually come here in the middle of the night telling us that you're going to get wed and to think it was not with the guy we thought was your boyfriend."

Kahoko looked down. This was not right. Azuma's father already approved of them and now her own family was the one messing up. She could feel her heart squeezed tight. She could not believe that this was actually happening.

"I love him. Please, give us your approval." She said, trying not to sound broken.

Kahoko's sister looked at her in pity. She understood her little sister. She knew she had love the man next to her eversince.

"Hino-san, Kahoko wa-" Azuma tried to interrupt but Kahoko's mother cut him off.

"Yunoki-san, I know you're a good man but this is something I cannot tolerate. I don't want people to think that my daughter is a gold digger of any sort. I love her so much to hear those stuffs." She said.

"I am not a gold digger and I don't care what they say!" Kahoko looked up with tears clouding up her eyes.

"Kaho, don't raise your voice at your own mother!" Her father demanded.

"You don't know what we went through." She was starting to cry. "You have no idea how hard it was to be separated from the one you love just because his family cannot accept you because you are nothing but someone in the middle class. And now that his family had come to accept me after so many years, my own family is the one preventing me from finally having my own happiness? We're justice?"

Kahoko's parents did not understand. They knew nothing.

Azuma gripped her hand tight.

"If you won't give your blessings, then fine!" Kahoko stood up and walked out of the house, leaving Azuma inside as her hand slipped his.

Kahoko's sister immediately went out.

"So you're finally marrying him?" She smiled.

Kahoko was wiping her tears. It wouldn't stop flowing.

"Come now Kahoko." She went near her and took her in an embrace. "They were just surprised. They will accept him for sure."

"How come this is happening to me?" She wrapped her arms around her sister and cried. "His family accepted me already... but why can't mine?"

"Its nothing like that." her sister shushed. "Just wait and see. They will accept him."

Azuma went out. He was accompanied by Kahoko brother.

"Stop crying you crybaby." Her brother neared her and patted her head. "Is that how a soon to be married woman act?"

"Get away from me!" Kahoko continued crying.

"If they won't walk you down the aisle, I will." He said nonchalantly.

Azuma was amazed at how close they are as siblings. His own was nothing like theirs.

Kahoko looked up. "Seriously?"

"Yeah yeah." He rolled his eyes playfully.

"Ahh, thank you!" She embraced him.

"Stop crying now, will you?" He patted her head.

"See? You need not to cry. We're here for you...including Azuma-san." Her sister looked at Azuma and smiled.

•••

On their way to the apartment, Kahoko was just silent. She was still thinking about everything that had happened. Everything was going too well until—her family disapproved.

Kahoko immediately went to her bed and sat down. Azuma followed her. He wanted her to feel better but he couldn't summon the right words. He sat beside her and just kissed her lightly on her lips.

"Everything will be alright." He whispered.

"How do you know?" She questioned.

"I don't." He replied. "But as you've said, we've been through a lot so there's nothing that can stop us now."

Now that he mentioned it. They've been through a lot and it was true. She truly believed that since they're back together, they're made for each other. They were destined to be together.

"Do you believe in us?" She muttered.

"I didn't believe it in full until today happened." He smiled. His nice Azuma smile. His gentle side.

The feeling was mutual. She didn't believe in them until today. Until he told his family about their marriage plans. Even the proposal didn't feel real. She didn't have much faith in them until today.

"I love you Azuma." She said in such a soft tone. "I never stopped."

"Show me." He kissed her lips passionately.

He didn't want her to talk. He didn't want to hear her sad voice. He didn't want to see the sadness in her eyes. He didn't want her to think about everything that's breaking her heart. He wanted to protect her. Everything about her.

•••

8 months after

•••

Finally, it was Suzuma and Leina's birthday. It was going to be a big celebration. Grander than you'd ever imagine. It was lavish because the sole heiress was marrying a young, powerful bachelor. Everything was all going as planned.

"Do you solemnly swear to take this man as your lawfully wedded husband. In richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and till death do you part." the priest questioned.

Leina looked at Suzuma's eyes and flashed him her ever sweet smile.

"I do." She answered.

"Do you, Yunoki Suzuma, take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife and promise to love her and cherish her all the days of your life?"

Suzuma didn't take his eyes off her. She was the most beautiful woman who had ever caught his eyes. From the very moment he laid his eyes on her, he figured that she would be the one he'd share his life with.

"I do." He answered.

"With the power vested to me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." the priest said as he patted the two couple.

That was the most awaited part. Leina was excited for it. It was not as though he never kissed her but she was excited for the fact that he'll be kissing her as his wife and there's nothing more beautiful than that.

As the two newly wed kissed, Kahoko herself brought herself to tears. Azuma turned to her and lightly pinched her arm. She was again becoming sentimental.

Kahoko looked beautiful in that peridot green colored gown. She had flowers around her hair and she was carrying a bouquet of white lilies. Azuma on the other hand was wearing his white suit. (still as handsome as ever)

The maid of honor which appeared to be Kahoko, was way too busy during the reception. She was the one making sure that everything was going well and that nothing will be overlooked. She was also hired to play violin sonatas for that night.

Kahoko took her violin and sighed as she waited for the emcee to mention her name as their violinist as everyone was having their dinner.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up, for the gorgeous violinist of the night, the maid of honor and the soon-to-be bride of the youngest bachelor of the Yunoki brothers, Miss Hino Kahoko."

As the spotlight went to her direction, Kahoko smiled and walked up to the stage. She took the microphone and started to give out her speech.

"Ah, Good evening everyone. I am Hino Kahoko and tonight is a beautiful night for the two lovely couple who are blessed with love and finally tied together in marriage. A beautiful bond with symbolizes eternity." She smiled at them. "So tonight, I'm going to play you songs that will inspire you. To your new life."

Kahoko gently placed her violin on her shoulders. She had decided to play the piece "Song to the Moon" when she notice someone approach her. She looked up and saw Azuma carrying his flute.

"You're playing?" she asked.

"Yes." He smiled.

He knew what she wanted to play and he wanted to join her. Kahoko just smiled then there they made a duet. Everyone was fascinated. They were being talked about but the two didn't care. They could talk all they want but they cannot separate them.

•

"Azuma—ahh!" Kahoko muttered as she was pushed to the wall of the changing room. Azuma's mouth was already on her breast and her hands were pinned to her side.

He's on her again.

"Someone might hear us..." Kahoko struggled.

Azuma licked her nipple before glancing up to her. "Yes. If you keep moaning." Kahoko was all red, making him wonder how long will he be able to tease her that way.

"Not here Azuma..." She whispered, biting her lower lip.

"Where do you want to do it my love?" He was teasing her. He placed his hand under her dress, caressing the front of her underwear.

Kahoko grinted her teeth. "Just not here. Your whole family is here."

He knew how much she value being liked by his family and he won't argue about it. Its just that he's ready to devour her already.

"Prepare yourself when we get home. We'll do it till morning." He stood up properly and cupped her chin. "I won't kiss you now. I might make the wrong move."

Kahoko gazed at him blankly then smiled.

Azuma closed his eyes and sighed. "How troublesome. Don't give me that face. Fix yourself so we can leave."

"Leave?" She reiterated.

"Yes." He answered. "I can't afford to look at you anymore. The more I do, the more I want touch you."

Kahoko quickly fixed herself. The two went to the newly wed and gave them their excuse. They then drove off.

•

"Are you tired?" He asked.

"I'm asleep." Kahoko replied without opening her eyes.

Azuma smirked. "You're talking."

"You're imagining things." she continued pretending to be asleep.

On their way home, Azuma had pulled somewhere, kissed her and made love to her inside the car. When they've arrived to his residence, the same thing happened. He made love to her.

"You looked gorgeous out there." He commented as he played with her hair. "More beautiful than the bride herself."

"Of course not. She's the most stunning bride that I've ever seen." She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"You are. For me at least." He shrugged.

Kahoko tilted her head. "Okay, I know I'm not stunning."

"You are for me and you must be grateful." He answered blankly.

"Well then, thank you." Kahoko gathered the blanket around her then sat up and laid her head on his shoulder.

The two were silent until Azuma broke it.

"I'm thinking..." He held her hand. "When can I take you to the altar?"

Kahoko, feeling like it was her first time to hear it, straightened. Yes. The deal was they will be wed after Suzuma's wedding and their wedding was through.

"Anytime!" She smiled.

•

It has been decided. The wedding will take place the a month after the new year, which was technically 3 months after but Azuma and Kahoko were already making the said preparations all according to Kahoko's liking.

Azuma was inside a coffee shop, meeting his high school best friend, Hihara Kazuki.

"Whoa. You're marrying Hino?" He had a huge smile on.

"Yes. In 3 months." Azuma chuckled. He was in his bright self.

"There's something which I would like to tell you Yunoki." Hihara held his cappuccino mug.

"What is it?" He encouraged him to say it by listening attentively.

"Ano...Hino was my crush during high school." He gave a mirthful laugh.

Azuma laughed along with him. "I am aware."

"Really?" Hihara was wide eyed. Very amazed at what Azuma had just said.

"You blush a lot when she's around and you even stutter." Azuma chuckled.

"But she's going to be your future wife now." Hihara pressed his lips.

"Yes. And you're going to be my groom's man at the wedding." Azuma smiled warmly.

"SERIOUSLY?" Hihara's smile was beaming. He was still the old Hihara that Azuma knew.

"Yes." Azuma nodded. "But please don't tell anyone. The wedding was bound to be kept a secret. Kahoko wanted an intimate one."

"Sure sure. Don't worry." Hihara swore. Suddenly... "Yunoki! Your nose!"

Azuma was alerted. He placed a hand to his nose. There was something moist. He then pulled his hand to see what it was. There was blood. He was having a nosebleed.

"Yunoki, are you alright?!" Hihara was still panicking despite the fact that the nosebleed was gone.

"Yes. Don't worry." he still kept his smile. Suddenly, Azuma felt his world turn. He shook his head. Trying to ease himself.

"Yunoki! Are you alright?" Hihara asked as he watch Azuma struggle.

"Yes. I'm just...ah." Azuma tried to stand up but as he did, he collapsed. Fortunately, Hihara caught him.

Hihara rushed Azuma to the nearest clinic.

"What should I do? What should I do?" Hihara kept asking himself for the nth time. He was really nervous about what happened to his best friend. This guy ought to be one of the healthiest person he knew and now he's lying on a hospital bed.

Azuma slowly woke up. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he began looking around. It was there that he saw Hihara walking back and fort, looking all so problematic.

"Hihara?" He called.

Hihara stopped then turned to him. "Finally!"

"What happened?" he asked.

"You had a nosebleed then you collapsed. Seriously, what is wrong with you?" Hihara questioned.

Azuma smiled. "Well, I have not much sleep. I might be experiencing fatigue."

"Yunoki! You must not disregard your health." He scolded.

"Ahh, yes. Don't worry now." He tried calming him down. "Uhm, Hihara?"

Hihara sat on the chair beside his bed. "Yes?"

"Can you promise me not to tell Kahoko about this?" He asked.

"Why?" he curiously asked.

"Well, I don't want her to worry." was all he said as he turned around and looked at the window. 'This is nothing serious.'

•

"Sir?" Azuma's secretary neared his table. "I have scheduled your early meeting tomorrow at 8. The Hitachi corporation also called. Their vice-president would want to ask you out for a business lunch."

"Ahh, I see. Thank you." He smiled. "If there's nothing left for you to do, you can already leave."

"Thank you sir." She bowed. Suddenly, the secretary noticed something unusual. "Sir, you look so pale. Is everything all right? Have you eaten?"

"Actually, I don't have any appetite now but I'll manage. Thank you for the concern. Please excuse me. There's something I have to finish." He said.

"Yes Sir." His secretary smiled then left.

Azuma had so much to accomplish and as perfectionist as he was, he wanted everything done at a rightful manner. He didn't notice the time as it struck 2 when he was making his presentation for tomorrow's executive meeting.

As he was staring at his laptop, he suddenly felt some tenderness around his arm. He felt his grip weary. He stopped typing and trying opening and closing his palms. He could also feel a sudden pain in his head. He leaned back to his seat and closed his eyes.

'Not again.' He thought as he could feel that excruciating pain in his head. The world around him was spinning.

•

Azuma was inside his Physician's clinic.

"I'm glad you came. I thought you will not come." She smiled.

"I made a promise, did I not?" He smiled back.

"Soo," Dr. Renge sat on her chair with a stethoscope around her neck and a ballpen on her hand. "I had finally received your laboratory tests from last week and there's something which I would like to discuss with you."

"Please continue." Azuma nodded, a sign that he wanted to hear what she had to say next.

"I'm afraid that," There was a brief pause. "You have an advance stage of leukemia."

Author's note: I made an update because its my birthday but I am not allowed to go out because there's an earthquake. :(

I'm up for the final chapter.