LA CORDA D'ORO FANFIC

The Music I Heard

Description:

Hino Kahoko decided to quit music at the age of ten. Since then, she tried her best to distance herself from anything musical. But she was forcefully transferred to Seiso Academy by her mom. Later she joined the musical concours, of course also against her will. Will she return or run away?

[Not Edited]

Measure 01: Music Fairy

Her hands reached up to her ears even before the senior high school student enter the plaza. She was welcomed with a boisterous crowd as soon as she entered. The plaza looks festive with all the brightly decorated stalls and center stage. The student regretted not taking a taxi as she tried her best to get out of the crowd. The noise intensifies when a group emerged to the stage. Excited screams pierced her eardrums as that group waved at the audience.

"Hello, everyone! Thank you for coming today! We are N4N band and we hope…."

The high school student bit her lip in frustration as she quickened her steps away from all the noise. But luck isn't exactly on her side today. The screams tortured her ears even more when that band started singing. Those noises rang loudly in her ears even after she escaped the plaza.

"Damn! With that level of skills, they call themselves a band?" She scoffed while panting. "And they dare to call it music? The quality is so low that it can't be even compared to a simple children's school choir! The organizers must be deaf to even call them to perform. And what's with those group of brainless fools idolizing a bunch of incapable tone deaf idiots?!"

The girl continued to run while complaining. She pressed her palms harder on her ears but no matter how much she put pressure, she could still hear the horrible sounds from that band and the people.

"And why does that school have to be far from our house?! Why did Mom even transferred me to that academy?" Her complaints and curses did not stop until she arrived at the school gate. She made a mental not to always bring her noise cancellation headphones or else, her eardrums might burst sooner or later.

The girl removed her hands from her head but her ears are still ringing from the experience. She breathe out a sigh as she took out a comb from her bag. She fixed her hair and straightened the wrinkles on her clothes that was ruined by all the running. Checking herself from her pocket mirror, she nodded and entered the school ground.

Her name is Hino Hahoko, a second year high school student that was transferred into Seiso Academy a week ago. Turning seventeen on February twenty-seventh. She can be easily spotted because of her fiery red hair and amber colored eyes. And lastly, she has a very very sharp sense of hearing.

It is so sharp that she can hear a whisper from 15 meters away. This is one of the reason why she hates walking to school. She would often meet various kinds of noises on her way to and from school. She was doing just fine when she was still studying in a private all-girls school. It is also near too. But her mom and sister just have to force her to transfer in Seiso Academy that is located far from home. In her previous school, at least it is quiet because of the strict rules and regulations and her route doesn't involve that annoying plaza.

Kahoko sighed again. She hate it when her peaceful and quiet mornings are disrupted. Thursdays and weekends are not Kahoko's favorite days of the week. That is the time when the plaza gets all busy and noisy because of concerts and stuffs. She could chose not to walk to school on Thursday and lock herself in her room on weekends but her mom cut her allowance in half so that she can't call a taxi and her sister confiscated her laptop that keep herself from dying out of boredom.

"Hey, it's almost time to announce the participants for the concours." A girl, wearing a white uniform, whispered to her friend.

"Yeah. I wonder who will be chosen," the friend, who is wearing the same uniform, answered.

"I bet it will be someone from the higher class or someone with superior grades."

"Tsukimori-san would definitely be selected, right?"

"Ah, definitely."

Kahoko heard their giggles as she passed by them. Their topic changed into the hot guys that are attending the academy. Kahoko shook her head and ignored the noises around her. She walked towards the opposite direction that the girls in white uniform took. She joined the students wearing black uniforms.

Unlike any other high schools, Seiso Academy is different from a normal high school. It is divided into two departments; the Music Department and the General Education Department. The students wearing white belongs to the Music Department while the student wearing black belongs to the Gen. Ed. Department. Obviously, the studies music in Music Department while Gen. Ed. Department is just like any other high schools.

And speaking of Seiso Academy, there is a legend that she had heard from the girls she became friends with. It starts with a man traveling the world to learn music and everything that relates to it. One fine day, he met an injured fairy and helped him recover. The fairy took a liking of this man and they became friends. The man told him about his dream of building a music school and the fairy, in debt to him, promised to bless his school. And tada~ after a few years, the man came back to his homeland and build Seiso Academy.

There is a statue of a fairy with his wand at the entrance of the school. That must be the reason why those legends about Fairies started. There is also a rumor that the same fairy still lingers in this school, blessing and protecting it. Though it is still unknown whether or not that is true.

But Kahoko still cannot comprehend why there is a Gen. Ed. Department in Seiso when it is originally intended to be a music school alone. The red-haired girl shrugged and abandoned the thought. She made her way to her classroom and she can hear the laughter from all the rooms even though the doors are closed. She took in a breath and flashed a smile before entering the room.

"Good morning, guys."

She made friends when she transferred. They are Mio and Nao. They both sit beside her. At least school life in Seiso for Kahoko is enjoyable thanks to them. Mio is the sporty kind while Nao is chatty, nothing can really stop her mouth.

"Kahoko, you're on time for one!" Her friend, Mio, teases her as she placed her bag on top of her desk. Kahoko jokingly rolled her eyes. She took out her notebook and pencil case to ready herself for the first class.

"Kaho-chan. Kaho-chan! Do you know about the hidden story behind the concours?" Nao asked her in an excited voice, her eyes are twinkling enthusiastically. Kahoko raised her eyebrow, signaling her friend to continue even though she has no interest in it. Besides, their opinion do not matter as long as their dear Nao wanted to speak. And from the glint of her eyes, Kahoko and Mio was sure she will talk about something related to romance.

"Here we go again. What is that concours you're talking about?" Mio asked, rolling her eyes but she still lend her ears for her friends 'tea'.

"Concours! It is the musical competition organized by the school. I heard the participants are only selected from the music department but…." Nao giggled bashfully, prolonging her last words in suspense. With a smirk, she held Kahoko's hand and sighed dreamily.

"There is a fairy that is hidden in this school and that fairy helped in the romance of two participants! Two violinist, playing with all their strength to win while loving each other! Love between two rivals! Kyaah! How romantic is that?"

Kahoko pulled her hands away and hid behind Mio. The two of them sweat dropped at the sight of their day dreaming friend. She is fantasizing how great it would be to happen in real life. Mio and Kahoko looked at each other and tacitly agreed to just ignore their hopeless rambling friend. Not long after, the teacher came and they started homeroom.

Concours. As said by Nao, it is a musical competition organized by the school. But unlike what others believed, it is not only limited to the music department students. Kahoko has read the handbook and it is clearly stated that all Seiso students are welcome to audition. However, the standards of the concours are known for being strict during auditions and the judges of the concours are all well-known critics and professional musicians. That is why fame and opportunities awaits those who passed the auditions, especially the winner.

And about the fairy they are talking about, Kahoko doesn't believe in entities only seen in fantasy movies and novels. They are living in the 21st century. She doesn't even believe in ghost, much more about a fairy.

Kahoko threw all the legends at the back of her mins and put her attention to the teacher. She's no longer related to music anyway so she better leave it. She tried listening to the teacher but noises from other classes keeps on bugging her. Kahoko silently clicked her tongue and leaned on her desk.

How boring.

-o0o-

Kahoko sighed in defeat on her way to the faculty room to receive her punishment. She failed to do her homework and she got caught by the teacher doing it in class. She successfully convinced the teacher to accept her finished and rushed homework but she still hadn't escaped her punishment. She is really unlucky today.

"Hino-san, perfect timing. As your punishment, take these to the Music Department. Class 2-A, okay?" Their English teacher saw her at the door and shoved a stack of paper and books on her arms before running out for her next class.

Dumbfounded, Kahoko stood thee for a second, contemplating what just happened before sighing in annoyance. She is really unlucky today. That teacher is a bit much. Her back's already hunching because of the heavy load she passed on to her. The red-head lass let out a grunt and straightened her back while still holding the papers and books.

"To the Music Department, huh."

Kahoko never entered their building. They're at the opposite side of their own building so Music and Gen. Ed. students never really crossed paths except for the entrance of the school. Kahoko honestly didn't want to go but she knew she would be in big trouble if she doesn't deliver these papers to that classroom. That teacher is really strict and terrorizing so she better not offend her.

Kahoko turned to the corner and was about to step down the stairs when someone suddenly bumped into her, causing her to lose balance. She let go of the papers and tried to reach for something that would stable her but her hands cannot reach anything. Losing all hope, she closed her eyes and covered her head with her arms, praying that she'll come out of it alive and with no bone fractures.

"Aaah!"

"Watch out!"

Kahoko felt her feet leaving the ground as something strong snaked around her waist, lifting her. She opened her eyes in shock when pain didn't come to her as she expected. She noticed the arms that was securing her and the books and papers scattered on the stairs below them.

"Whoa. That was close." A relieved whisper came above her head and Kahoko can smell the mint scent coming from the person behind her. Kahoko froze as her brain processed the whole ordeal.

"Waah! That scared me!" She exclaimed once she realized what happened. She couldn't believe she nearly fell down the stairs. The guy placed her on the ground while Kahoko immediately bowed in apology.

"Sorry!"

"Oh, no. I should be the one saying sorry. I was the one who bumped into you." The guy answered. "Uh, let me help you collect those."

The two of them hurriedly picked the materials and clean the mess. Kahoko was about to get the papers from his hands when he suddenly hid them away. Kahoko raised her head and look at him, confused. She tilted her head in question.

"Where will you deliver these to? I'll help you." The guy answered her silent question. Happy that someone had lessen the heavy load, the red-head girl smiled and bowed her head again. This time, in gratitude.

"Really? Thanks! I am Hino Kahoko, by the way. From Class 2-2"

"Tsuchiura Ryotarou. Also a second year. I am in Class 2-5."

Kahoko stared at him. Now that she had a clear look on the guy who saved her, she couldn't believe how tall he is. His limbs looks so long and strong. No wonder he can easily lift her up. He must be part of the track team or any club that requires physical training. But something is so familiar about him. Did she passed by him in the hallway once or twice? They do study in the same building. But Kahoko was sure that is not it.

The two of them walked towards the music department building. Kahoko was again disturbed by the students' giggles and chatters. Kahoko can even hear the questions about them being here on their building. She wish she could cover her ears right now. Not long after, they arrived at the second floor where the classrooms of the second years are located. Even before they arrive at there, Kahoko can already hear some music playing from all rooms. It was so ear-piercing that Kahoko couldn't help but to complain.

"…the rhythms's not right… pressing the wrong key… it's okay since she had only been practicing for a week? Don't make me laugh. Even a kindergarten can play that piece. She made five mistakes for only seconds. You call that music? How pitiful." Kahoko muttered under her breath, cruelly evaluating each performance that she heard. Those students must be practicing for a class performance or something. Most rooms are closed but the sounds can still be heard by Kahoko's sharp pair of ears.

"…no-san… Hino-san. Hino-san!"

Kahoko snapped out of it and raised her head. Tsuchiura was looking at her in worry with one hand grabbing her right arm. Kahoko was about to ask him what is wrong when a cold baritone voice suddenly came from behind them.

"Could you move aside? You're in the way."

The two students in black uniform instantly jumped and made way for the student. Kahoko apologized right away while Tsuchiura saw the classroom in front of them and it is Class 2-A.

"Excuse me. Since you're entering this class, can you take these in?" Trsuchiura asked the guy and even offered the papers but the guy in white uniform just gave them an uninterested and cold gaze.

"Take them in yourself. It has nothing to do with me." He answered before turning his back towards them. Tsuchiura's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, noticing his rude tone. Even Kahoko noticed it and felt annoyed too. Tsuchiura was about to confront him but the guy in white uniform already entered the room and took his seat.

"W-what was that? The heck!" Tsuchiura tried to complain but he couldn't find the right words to say. He was left speechless by that rude guy.

Kahoko stared at the rude guy. He has a beautiful silky cerulean hair and a pair of yellowish brown eyes. He would be indeed be called handsome but he lacks the attitude to match his looks. He is also very familiar. But unlike with Tsuchiura, she knew where she had seen this guy. It was about five or six years ago in a local stringed music competition. Kahoko had seen him perform and won the first place. If Kahoko remembered correctly, he was took in as a disciple by that famous musician.

Kahoko shrugged and pulled Tsuchiura into the classroom. Tsuchiura was a bit surprised when the girl pulled him in. It was a bit inappropriate to enter another's classroom but he still followed the girl inside.

"Excuse me but you are not allowed to enter!" Another student in white uniform came but Kahoko didn't answer him and they both placed the materials on top of the teacher's table.

"Excuse me?!" The student spoke louder, upset that he was ignored. It annoyed Kahoko since it is painful for her ears.

"That student gave us permission to enter." Kahoko answered that student while pointing to the blue-haired guy that was sitting at the back. She rolled her eyes and pulled Tsuchiura out of the room.

"Tsk. That guy is really rude. I hope I will never have to deal with him again." Kahoko said as she massaged her arms that are tired from carrying.

"Yeah. Me too." The guy beside him answered as they walk down the stairs. "But the atmosphere here is really different from ours."

"Yeah. The building itself is different. It looks old and the architectural design is totally different. Their uniform also have different style." Kahoko agreed. The Gen. Ed. Department building was designed like any modern building while the Music Department building looks like something out of a historical drama. And they use scarf ties to their uniforms while Gen. Ed. Department uses neck ties. Their color is shows what year one student is.

"Anyway, thank you for helping me carry those materials."

"No problem. You're pretty cool back then. Can't believe you the responsibility to that guy." Tsuchiura said while chuckling.

"Well, he did say 'Take them in yourself' so he really did gave us permission one way or another." Kahoko smugly shrugged with a smirk on her face.

"You're right." Tsuchiura agreed and gave her a thumbs up. He noticed the time and saw that his next class will begin in fifteen minutes.

"I gotta go. See you around."

"See you later. Thanks again." Kahoko answered with a light bow. The guy waved his hand and ran towards their building.

Her next class is P.E. and their teacher's not in today so she have an hour to roam around in leisure. She didn't walk towards the building. She knew she would be assaulted by the noise if she entered now. She went to the garden and planned to stay there until the next class. At least there is no people there.

"Why can't anyone see me? Why?! Please at least hear my voice. I am running out of time!"

Kahoko frowned at the tiny voice that entered her ears. The voice seems to belong that of a child but she couldn't find a single shadow of a child in the garden. That voice sounded so close. She looked around again, concentrating in case she heard that tiny voice again.

"Oh no! It's almost the deadline!"

Kahoko snapped her head up, she is sure the voice came from above her. She knew it was impossible to hear a voice from about since there are no trees nor building near her but she still raised her head to check. There she saw a glowing creature with a glittering pair of golden wings on its side. It is holding a small wand with a star on the tip of it.

"Kyaaah! You can see me! You can see me, right? Perfect! I am Lili. You'll be the sixth per–"

Kahoko didn't bother listening again as she ran away from the garden. She convinced herself that what she saw was just an illusion or a bug –a glowing bug or a firefly. But she had never seen a bug that can speak! She may not trust her eyes but she is very confident in her ears. She was sure she heard something. Her ears could never go wrong.

"Kaho-chan! Are you alright? What's wrong with you?" Nao worried asked her as soon as she opened the door to her classroom. Kahoko's face is so pale that it was almost devoid of blood as she staggered to her desk. The strength she used to run completely left her.

"Kahoko-chan?!"

"Hino-san!"

"What is happening?"

"Is she alright?"

Kahoko can hear her classmate's voices, mostly asking what happened to her. She wanted to answer but her head is spinning and is making her dizzy. She recalled what happened but she shook her head immediately to throw that experience out. She forced herself to calm down and as soon as she raised her head to answer her classmates, she saw that little creature again.

"Ah, so your name is Hino Kahoko? You have no manner at all. You can't just leave when someone is talking to you."

"…t-that…. Nao, M-Mio… that…" Kahoko tried to speak and ask her friends if they could see that creature but she couldn't bring herself to speak clearly. Her hand is pointing to that bug but her legs gave up, making the people around her worry.

"Kahoko-chan? You look so pale!"

Kahoko tried to speak again but the creature came face to face with him and smiled. "No one else but you can see me, Kahoko-chan."

The poor high school girl gasped, feeling suffocated seeing the creature up close. It look like a human but just small and glowing. It was not long before all she can see is black. He prayed that all of it was just a part of a weird dream.