Ultra A/N:

This is an alternate retelling of Bridging the Gap. It's uploaded here as it was meant to be read before I realized I was getting nowhere with this plot. This story ends at Chapter 8; I do not plan to continue writing it.

Chapter 5: Disaster at the Konbini

A/N:

I have yet to write anything that's concise. It's embarrassing to admit that even at this length, my story has yet to unfold. Then again, maybe that's because I didn't really plan ahead – I'm just 'writing as I go'. I want to apologize for my lack of direction, although I have to admit, I love this fanfic very much. I'm determined to see it through even if it takes 30+ chapters. *makes the sign of the cross* Just as I've never written anything brief, I have also never finished a full-blown chaptered story. I intend to change that with this though. Anyway! Filler chapter up ahead!

Disclaimer:

I do not own La Corda d'Oro; the whole concept belongs to Kure Yuki-sensei.

Previously:

Chapter 4: Old Habits Die Hard

"Tsukimori," Oribe said, gripping his arm. "You're not drunk, are you?"

"No, Oribe, I'm not," Tsukimori assured him, completely aware that half the guests were now watching the scene he was making. "I just have to find someone..."

"There's no need," said a smooth, female voice. "I'm right here."

Chapter 5: Disaster at the Konbini

Hino Kahoko hugged herself, walking blindly after her inebriated friends. It was past three in the morning, and because Nami had insisted that her apartment had run out of toilet paper, they were headed towards a 24-hour konbini a few blocks away. Nao had gone home early to prepare for work the next day, which Kahoko considered a blessing, because Nao, when drunk, was a nightmare to deal with. The worst Nami and Mio could do was sing at the top of their lungs.

She sighed, hoping she could be as carefree as the two of them. Right now, however, a huge problem had arisen because of Tsukimori Len's homecoming, and she needed to be alert even though Erika said she would handle things.

"I'm sorry for breaking my promise, Kaho-senpai," Erika had said when Kahoko called to tell her what happened. "I didn't know he was coming back so soon. It was an uncharacteristic move on his part, and I'm still trying to figure out his reasons."

"Maybe it's a family problem?"

"His father's company is doing well, so we can eliminate that motive," Erika deduced. "Regarding the health of his family members, all of them appear to be fine. I'll try to investigate a bit further, but it might take a while."

"How are you going to do that?" Erika asked suspiciously. "You're not going to do something illegal, are you?"

"That's my problem," Erika said. "Speaking of which, you don't have to think about this incident with Len. I'll smoothen things out, so don't worry. Jaa."

My head's starting to hurt, she thought, massaging her temple.

"Kaho?" she heard Tsuchiura ask. "What's wrong?"

Kahoko snapped out of her thoughts and found Tsuchiura looking at her with concern.

"Nothing," she denied, as cheerfully as she could.

Tsuchiura didn't seem to believe her.

"Something's been bothering you since you got back from Okinawa," he observed. "Even though you try to hide it, and you make it look as though you're okay, I think you're trying too hard to be cheerful. That's one sure sign you're worried about something."

Kahoko laughed.

"I can't hide anything from you, can I?" she said, smiling. "But… although I appreciate your concern, this is one thing I have to face on my own."

"If it's about that Ojousama-"

Kahoko shook her head.

"Please stay out of it," she begged him. "I'm not in any danger actually. There are just some personal matters that I have to… smoothen out."

Tsuchiura sighed.

"If you need anything," he began, looking away, "just tell me, okay?"

Kahoko nodded, smiling genuinely this time.

"I'm… here."

Kahoko looked away. She didn't know how to respond.

"Kaho-senpai," a sleepy voice said from behind her. She turned around and saw Keiichi, still lugging an unconscious Shouko on his back. "Is it okay if we go on ahead…? Shouko's parents will have a fit if I don't bring her home."

"Of course, Keiichi-kun," Kahoko said, guilty that she had been too immersed in her worries to notice him. "I'm sure you're tired after today. Will you be all right?"

"Yes… We'll be fine."

"I'll go get you a cab," Tsuchiura offered.

"Congratulations again on your engagement," Kahoko said with a smile. "If I had known that's why we were celebrating, I would have gotten there much faster!"

"Thank you, Kaho-senpai," Keiichi said, his face angelic.

"I wish you happiness-"

"Save it for the wedding," Tsuchiura interrupted, his eyes twinkling. "The taxi's waiting."

"Goodbye then, Kaho-senpai, Tsuchiura-senpai," Keiichi said, getting into the cab. "Please tell Mio-san… and Nami-san… that we went ahead. And, if you could… please inform us if Hihara-senpai… gets back from filming."

Kahoko laughed nervously. Does Keiichi think that, too?

Waving the taxi goodbye even long after it had disappeared, Kahoko mulled on Keiichi and Shouko's engagement. Apparently, he had proposed during their world tour, on top of the Empire State Building. I never thought Keiichi would be such a hopeless romantic, Kahoko thought, smiling. But finally, he's proposed!

"Jealous?"

"W-what?!"

"Kahoko! Ryoutaro!" Mio called, waving. She and Nami were already in front of the konbini. "You're so slow! Come on!"

Grimacing inwardly, Kahoko ran after them, Tsuchiura at her heel.

There were no other customers in the tiny konbini. At the counter, the two cashiers were watching something out of a tiny TV, giving Kahoko and the others brief bows before returning to their show. Giggling, Nami swayed past the first few shelves, heading towards a shelf filled with wine.

"Mou, Nami-chan," Mio complained loudly, unsteady on her feet. "The tissues are here; where are you going?"

Kahoko paled as her friends disappeared behind the noodle section.

"Will they be okay?" she whispered to Ryoutaro.

"I'm pretty sure they will be," he replied. "Do you want to buy something?"

They walked over to the refrigerators at the back of the store, facing a wide assortment of drinks and beverages. While bickering over which was the best brand of orange juice, Kahoko and Tsuchiura were interrupted by the sound of several objects hitting the floor consecutively.

"Nami-chan? Nami-chan, are you okay?"

Rushing to the source of the noise, Kahoko and Tsuchiura found Nami lying on the konbini floor, surrounded by cup noodles. She was unconscious.

"Nami?"

"Here, let's pull her up-"

"Where's Mio?" Kahoko said suddenly. "She was here a moment ago."

They heard Mio's shrill laugh coming from the counter area.

"Go look after her," Tsuchiura said. "I'll deal with Nami here."

Now my head's really starting to hurt.

She found Mio entertaining the two cashiers with an impromptu song and dance number. The two men were clapping along with her, grinning as though they were humoring her. For some reason, Kahoko felt they were used to this sort of behavior. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her head, she reached out to Mio.

"Mio," Kahoko said as her friend began flapping her arms. "Mio, don't do anything you'll regret in the morning."

"Kaho-chan," Mio said, singsong-like. Kahoko cringed, remembering Erika. "These guys are really nice. Let's come here again, okay?"

"Okay, Mio. Now come along. Nami's collapsed so we have to bring her home-"

Mio was not listening. She was looking at something behind Kahoko, her mouth hanging open. "Is that-?"

Kahoko turned around. Entering the konbini at that exact moment was a group of people, talking and laughing loudly. At the front of the pack was a man in a leather jacket, shaking his magnificent black head with a grin on his face. Behind him were two men, one blond and one grey haired, laughing with their arms around a scowling lady with flowing orange locks. At the rear of the pack, engaged in conversation, was a couple. The man had cerulean blue hair; the girl was a brunette. She had her arm linked around his.

"Come on," Kahoko demanded, pulling Mio with more force than she had intended.

Miraculously, Mio kept quiet as Kahoko dragged her to hide behind one of the shelves. Surreptitiously, they watched the new customers scatter and head towards different directions. The couple had gone to the refrigerators at the back of the store.

Kahoko paled. Tsukimori Len. What was he doing here?

Knowing the best course of action was escaping as soon as possible, Kahoko straightened up and decided to look for Tsuchiura and Nami. Wordlessly, she felt for Mio's hand.

But her friend wasn't there!

"Mio!" Kahoko groaned softly. She began to walk as quietly as she could, hoping she would find Mio before anyone else did.

Her prayers went unanswered.

"Miss, are you all right?" came a man's alarmed reply.

Slapping her forehead, Kahoko ran towards the speaker's voice, unmindful of the noise her heels were making. She found Mio behind the electronics shelf, slumped in the arms of the grey haired man, who was looking at her with concerned eyes.

Kahoko bent to talk to him.

"Anou, sumimasen," she began softly. "That woman is my friend. Thanks for your help, but I'll take things from here."

The man nodded and tried to shift Mio. But she wouldn't let go of his shirt.

"You smell good," she muttered unconsciously. And then she threw up.

Shocked at vomit landing unceremoniously all over him, the man yelled. Almost instantly, several pairs of feet scuffled to get to where Kahoko gazed at the scene before her in alarm.

"What's going on here?"

The speaker was the man in the leather jacket. Together with the two cashiers and the blond guy, he surveyed the commotion from one end of the shelves.

"Is something wrong?" Kahoko heard a woman's voice ask.

Tsukimori and Erika walked over and stood behind their friends. Kahoko saw Erika's eyes widen in shock, her lips parting in surprise.

"Kahoko?" Tsukimori asked, disbelief etched on his face.

"You know her?" the blond asked his friend. A strange expression was on the face of the black-haired man as he met Kahoko's eyes.

"Kaho!"

Tsuchiura Ryoutaro appeared on the other end of the shelves, carrying Nami on his arms, the orange-haired girl standing beside him.

"Tsuchiura?"

"Tsukimori?!"

"What's going on here?" the grey haired man asked in confusion. "Do you guys know each other?"

Tsukimori looked at his friend.

"We went to the same high school," was all he said, averting his gaze suddenly.

That's it?

Kahoko felt her fists clench. Taking her gaze off the floor, she stood up.

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble," she said, addressing the grey haired man with a deep bow. "I'll go find a towel, excuse me."

She turned to Tsuchiura's direction, feeling several pairs of eyes fixed on her back. As she took one step forward, however, the world titled to the right. The floor split into two and Tsuchiura's worried face blurred. Oh no.

Someone called her name before she crumpled to the ground.

A/N:

True-blue filler chapter. It wasn't that important, but I felt like writing it in. I had trouble with Shimizu. I can't imagine a still narcoleptic Shimizu at age 23.

Next:

Chapter 6: The Morning After

"Since when have you been standing there?" Kahoko muttered in a low voice, hugging herself involuntarily.

Tsuchiura looked at his hands.

"I have something to say," he said, "and I'm only gonna say it once."

"Ryou…"

"I know you only think of me as a friend," he began in a low voice, "but to me, you never were and you never will be just a friend. Even though it's obvious that you're still in love with Tsukimori," he took a deep breath, "I just can't stop thinking about you."