Act IV: Lesson time
Saturday came rather quickly, Len thought. He was currently surrounded by half a dozen eager-faced ten-year-olds, as he demonstrated how a particular part of the piece they were learning was to be played on the violin. These kids were very responsive though, and he was glad that he agreed to help tutor them.
He looked at the other side of the room where Kahoko was teaching the younger kids. She was good at interacting with them, and they in turn seemed to be really attached to her. No doubt it was because she came very often…
Towards the end of the lesson, Kahoko asked him to join her in playing a few pieces for the kids. He obliged willingly and everyone listened on in wonder. Some had their eyes closed and their heads moved slowly in time with the music.
As one song came to an end, Kahoko smiled at Len.
"What do you want to play next?" she asked.
"…Is Ave Maria still your favourite?"
"Always…"
"We love Ave Maria too!" one of the older girls said. The others nodded excitedly.
In fact they couldn't restrain themselves when they heard the opening bars of the music flowing from Len and Kahoko's violins. Those who knew the song picked up their instruments and, magically, the duo turned into a violin ensemble.
Len realised, as he moved his bow smoothly across the strings, that playing Ave Maria with Kahoko always had a freshness and spontaneity that he would probably not find even if he played with the world's best orchestras.
Everybody clapped after the last note. The younger ones had stars in their eyes; they wanted to learn this piece too…
While the boys asked Len questions about his career and how to become a great violinist, the girls were busy arguing amongst themselves whether "Tsukimori sensei was more handsome than Ousaki sensei". Actually it was a close call, but Len never found out that Ousaki only beat him by a smile…
Afterwards it was time to pack up. Kahoko locked the door of the hired practice room when the last child left. She couldn't help noticing Len's thoughtful expression as they made their way to her car.
"These children are so carefree, so unhurried… but they will do well… they are in good hands," he stated.
"Yes…"
He looks distant again; perhaps he's thinking of his own childhood, of how different he was from these kids. In fact, his seriousness and self-discipline were very pronounced from a very young age, his mother told me. Still, it's never too late to have fun…
"Tsukimori-kun, I'm really looking forward to the charity dinner and dance your parents are helping to organise next week. What about you?"
"Not really…" he answered laconically.
"Eh?? Why not? Aren't you willing to dance for a good cause?" she scolded. "Plus I think you're a very good dancer, Tsukimori-kun!"
"Thanks… but…"
"Oh, could it be that you're worried about finding a dance partner? I can imagine you wouldn't want to dance with someone you hardly know…"
"so… so how about asking someone like… someone like Nami!" she added in a flash of inspiration.
"Amou-san??!"
"Ah, I know what you think, but she's not so bad Tsukimori-kun! Also, I thought the two of you really stood out when I saw you at the airport…"
At this point she couldn't stifle her laughter anymore.
Len got into his seat and shut the door impatiently.
"Hino… can we just start this driving lesson now?"
"Hai! Hai!... I'm sorry Tsukimori-kun, I was only trying to help… But think about it, will you?!"
Think about it he did… for forty-eight hours.
Len sighed as he opened the telephone directory and searched for the Amous' residence.
He had to remind himself why he was doing this. Yes, it was because his parents expected him to attend, and he didn't want to stand out by being anti-social and not dancing. The other alternative would be to ask unknown guests to dance with him, in which case he would probably find himself answering the same questions about his career and his time in Vienna all night long. He winced at the thought.
At least with Nami, he wouldn't have to force himself to be polite.
A clear voice answered his call.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Hi, it's Len…"
"Oh, Len…what a surprise! For you to call at this hour… I hope you've got big news! When's the wedding?"
Wedding?
He cleared his throat.
"I have no idea what you're talking about Amou-san… I called to see if you wanted to attend a charity dinner and dance event in favour of the Children's hospital and…"
She cut him off excitedly.
"Sure, I heard about it, your mother is one of the organisers isn't she? In fact, I had been thinking of introducing myself to her and offering my services as a freelance journalist and photographer to cover the event!"
Len scowled.
"That won't be necessary Amou-san; I believe that media coverage of the event has already been arranged…"
"Oh…" She sounded genuinely disappointed.
"But you can come as a guest… if you want."
"Alright, thanks Len, I will."
It suddenly hit her.
"Hey, why are you asking me? How about Kahoko?"
"…She… She'll be there too…"
"I see…"
A few seconds later Len put down the phone and frowned. He was beginning to have second thoughts about inviting Nami, plus why was she asking about a wedding earlier?
To be continued
Author's note:
This story first came to me complete with a dancing finale. I'm afraid it's not very original, but it's topical due to the manga plotline… so, if you've come this far, please bear with me to the end, as the story has a will of its own and refused to let itself be written any other way.