Chapter Two
I can't believe I did it!
Unable to control the rush of a million emotions inside him, Hihara gave a long deep sigh. However he must admit that he was somewhat relieved with Kahoko's reaction. He thought he would receive a smack on the face as an answer, never had he thought Kahoko would consider saying 'yes'. The moment that very thought of Kahoko becoming his girlfriend entered his mind, Hihara could not help but grin to himself like a dork.
"Good morning, Hihara senpai!"
Turning quickly to the voice, Hihara found Kahoko waving at him, with the kind, sweet smile she always carried. Hihara felt the weight in his heart dropped when without any awkwardness, Kahoko skipped up to him and asked. "What do you have for your first lecture today?"
"Classical Link to the Contemporary Theory, nothing interesting as usual." Smiling in response, Hihara asked instead. "How are you feeling today?"
Laughing in embarrassment, Kahoko replied. "Suffering from a headache, but I am alive. I am so sorry for being such a nuisance last night. So in order to thank you…" Taking two tickets out of her bag, Kahoko added. "I have two tickets to the premier screening of this movie, would you like to go with me?"
Staring at the tickets in Kahoko's hand, Hihara felt his heart pumping fast. "Is…is this like a date?"
"Eh?" Upon what Hihara said, Kahoko blushed immediately in embarrassment.
Noticing the surprised look on Kahoko's face, Hihara waved his hands quickly trying to recover the situation. "Ah, nothing! Of…of course not! Date is only something you do…do with your boyfriend right?!" Wanting to strangle himself, Hihara groaned inside. What's the matter with him? He and Kahoko have always gone out to various places together, it's not like it's something new or different. Why did he have to make it awkward by saying that?!!
"Date…" Seeing Hihara's reaction, Kahoko replied with a shy and understanding smile. "Maybe, we can consider it a date." Lowering her head, Kahoko added in shyness, "That is if you don't mind…of course."
"I don't mind! Definitely not!" It took Hihara less than a second to respond as he nodded again and again in case Kahoko missed his answer. "I will be there! I will even camp out there the night before so I won't be late!"
Bursting out laughing with Hihara's words, Kahoko nodded. "In that case, I guess I will meet you in front of the train station at around 10 o'clock?"
"Okay! No problem!"
With the joyful thought of his first 'real' date with Kahoko, Hihara sat inside the lecture theatre beaming and smiling in blissfulness.
"Hihara, your corny smile really scares me." Coldly Hihara's classmate Amai stated.
As if you can even see the flowers blossoming around him, Hihara continued to smile as he replied. "Really?"
"Yes, you do. I certainly hope it wasn't because you are all excited about the guest speaker we are getting for the lecture this morning." Amai replied in boredom. His reaction was like the total opposite of the expression on Hihara's face. "Apparently we are getting a guest speaker today, I think he is supposed to be some great musician from Europe, Maestro Desmond Schinkle."
"Maestro Desmond Schinkle?" For a second, Hihara thought the name sounded familiar. Unfortunately the question did not remain in his mind too long as he drifted off once again to the upcoming date he has for Saturday.
---
Would you be my girlfriend?
Kahoko felt her heartbeat increased when she was reminded of the question Hihara asked that night on Yunoki's engagement party. Looking at herself in the mirror, Kahoko found a shy, nervous expression that she never thought she would show when she thought about Hihara. Maybe because it was the fact Hihara and she had been such great friends that she had never really thought about looking at him from a different perspective.
She did once have a nerve wrecking moment with Hihara though. It was during their first Music Concur camp held three years ago in Fuyumi's family villa. Hihara and Tsuchiura were fighting over the fact, which should be the one to sleep on the couch, and whilst they were fighting, Hihara accidentally fell over, and wanting to help hold onto Hihara, Kahoko was pulled down by Hihara instead. With all the sudden outcomes and impacts, Hihara resulted in falling on top of Kahoko, and with his body on top of her, his face only a few centimetres away from her own, for the first time Kahoko discovered that Hihara was not just the happy friendly senior to her, but also a male, a person that caused the heavy thumping of her heartbeat, and the irregular flow of blood towards her face.
Looking through her wardrobe for a dress to wear to today's date, Kahoko's eyes stopped when she saw a sky blue dress.
"I have always loved looking at the skies.i" Kahoko remembered Tsukimori once told her when they spend the weekend practicing together. His tall figure stood next to her, his eyes looking towards the blue cloudless sky above them. "The broad blue sky has no limits. It doesn't matter where I am, which country I live in, whenever I look up at the sky I would remember that it actually linked me to you…"
Noticing tears forming in her eyes when that gentle lonely smile on Tsukimori's face appeared in her mind, immediately shaking her head, Kahoko picked the apple green dress next to it instead. I have to move on, it has been three years now. Kahoko kept telling herself. With the determination, Kahoko got dressed and looked up once again at the blue sky outside.
Good-bye, Len…
---
Arriving fifteen minutes before the meeting time, Kahoko found Hihara already there. As if he was memorising something, Kahoko found Hihara reading through a piece of paper, and then closing it he would repeat it to himself. "…After the movies, remember to take her to Café Aqua, and buy her the…"
"Hihara senpai?" Kahoko called in curiosity as she approached him.
"Wah!" Jumping up in shock, Hihara quickly turned around, embarrassment written all over his face. "Hino…Hino-chan!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Kahoko apologised quickly. "You arrived so early," Pausing, with a teasing smile Kahoko added. "You didn't really camp out here the night before did you?"
Laughing along in embarrassment, Hihara scratched his head and quickly changed the topic. "Well, it appears we both arrived earlier than scheduled meeting time…" Stopping suddenly, Hihara's eyes fixed on Kahoko as he stated. "Hino-chan, you wore a dress today…"
Blushing, Kahoko replied. "Well, you know, I thought since it is a 'date' today, maybe I should dress up a little." Lowering her head, Kahoko asked cautiously. "It doesn't suit me, right?"
"No, no, no!" Quickly shaking his head Hihara replied. "Of course it does!" With a gentle warm smile Hihara added in sincerity. "Thank you, Hino-chan for dressing up today. It means a lot to me."
With such sincerity and genuineness, Kahoko felt her heart all warmed up with bliss. Only a few minutes into their first date, Kahoko could tell already that today was going to be another wonderful day spent with Hihara Kazuki.
The entire day continued on without any awkwardness, after all, Kahoko and Hihara had been great friends for many years, so spending time with Hihara was never a chore for Kahoko. Even when they took sticker photos together at the game centre like any other couples would, sat next to each other in the movies sharing the same box of popcorn, exchanged their views of the movie they just watched at a café near by, nothing was odd, the atmosphere between the two was only harmonious and pleasant.
"Hihara senpai, thank you for walking me home. I really had a great time today." It was not until the end of the day, when Hihara walked Kahoko back to her home, Kahoko finally noticed the air changed between them. To her surprise, there was a look of sadness on Hihara's forever-cheerful face.
"Hino-chan…" With a sigh Hihara replied. "I have planned to make today's date a special one, but sorry I seem to have failed."
"Failed? Of course not," Kahoko shook her head and said quickly. "I really enjoyed today!"
"But, it was no different to any other days we spent together right?" Hihara looked away and asked in disappointment.
Kahoko did not reply when she finally understood what Hihara was referring to. Indeed although the date went smooth and wonderful, but it really was just like any other day she spent with Hihara. There was hardly a nerve wrecking moment, where Kahoko's heartbeat would increase, or how her heart would be moved with compassion like she would with any little thing that Tsukimori used to say to her.
"Hihara senpai," Knowing although Hihara did not make her react the same way, as when she was with Tsukimori, Kahoko knew she did not toil through one single moment spent with Hihara. "I guess it felt like any other day we spent together because," Pausing, with a warm happy smile Kahoko concluded. "I was spending it with you, Hihara senpai. You have always been the person beside me and supported me throughout the past years. I guess it was only so natural for me now to have you around as a part of my life."
Upon Kahoko's words, Hihara felt a huge thump against his heart. Turning back to look at Kahoko, Hihara felt his cheeks burning hot and his heartbeat pumping fast. He must admit that he had not expected that from Kahoko, that somehow, after three years of selfless waiting, he had now earned himself a spot in her life. "Thank you so much for including me into part of your life." Stopping, Hihara took a deep breath and finally took courage. "If, if it's okay, can I call you Kaho-chan from now on?"
For the first time throughout the entire day, Kahoko finally sensed her heartbeat increasing in nervousness. Lowering her head in shyness, Kahoko smiled and nodded in consent. Upon the nod, Hihara felt his heart in ecstasy and rapture. In embarrassment, Hihara suggested, his voice so tender. "Thank you, Kaho-chan, you…you can call me Kazuki too from now on."
With Hihara's request, Kahoko blushed as she attempted, "Ka…Ka…Kazuki…senpai." Although it was just a simple change in the way they address each other, immediately Kahoko felt a breakthrough in their relationship, a breakthrough Kahoko recognised as a positive thing.
Hihara did not know how to describe the warm fuzzy feeling inside him when he heard the girl of his dreams finally addressing him in such a personal way. All he knew was, his body reacted first as he leaned in closer to Kahoko, and landing a gentle kiss on her soft, tender cheek, he whispered. "Good night, Kaho-chan."
Not expecting that, Kahoko found her heart pumping like crazy, and the blood flow in her body started to rush towards her face again. This was like the feeling she got three years ago at Fuyumi's family villa, the incident where Hihara accidentally fell on her. Although Hihara said earlier that today's date was like any other days they spent together, but now Kahoko must admit it finally felt different. It was a special date, where Kahoko was reminded once again that Hihara Kazuki was not only a great friend she had known for many years, but also a man, an attractive person that could throw her off like this.
"Good…good night." With her head lowered, Kahoko said too, her voice thin and soft.
Shocked with his own action too, Hihara was originally regretting for taking it too far. However when he saw the shy, sweet expression on Kahoko's face, Hihara held in the urge to want to kiss her again, and said quickly instead before he turned to walk away. "Good…good night, I will see you soon."
"See…see ya!" Quickly waving back, Kahoko stood by her house door as she watched Hihara walk off. Finally when she was alone, Kahoko's hand caressed the cheek that Hihara had just kissed as she discovered her speedy heart rate had not slowed down one single bit.
---
"Azuma-san, how is it going on between you and Miyako-san?"
Sitting before Yunoki Azuma was a strict, authoritative looking elderly woman, calmly placing the flowers in her hand into the vase before her. Just like she how she had control over where the flowers in her hands should be placed in the vase, which direction they should be facing, which stems are to remain, and which are to be trimmed, her simple question addressed at Yunoki Azuma was of the same nature.
Knowing so, with a calm composed smile, Yunoki replied. "It has been going well, grandmother."
"Really?" Obviously not buying what Yunoki said, the elderly asked again. "Why then did she not show for the engagement party? Need I stress the shame and embarrassment it is to the Yunoki family, when the third son of the family is not even able to ensure that his future bride was to show for such an occasion?"
Upon such harsh words, Yunoki's perfect beautiful face remained calm as he continued to smile not showing any signs of his true emotion. "Yes, grandmother. I will take a trip to visit Miyako-san this afternoon. There is no need to worry as I will ensure that no shame will come upon the Yunoki family because of me."
"I certainly hope so, Azuma-san. Do not forget as the third son of the family, your role was merely to do all you can to assist your older brothers." Calmly putting down the flowers in her hands, while wiping her hands clean with the cloth beside her, the elderly added coldly. "Your marriage to the heiress of the Urahara Corporation will definitely strengthen your brother's success. So I am sure, you will abandon your boring, childish desire to marry the girl you love."
For an instance, a frown appeared on Yunoki's face with what the old woman said. However, making sure that the elderly did not see that, Yunoki replied again with the same calm, artificial smile. "Of course not, for I do not believe in such immature, impractical ways of life."
As if the smile fooled the old woman, once again, she returned to her flowers and said. "Very well, you may leave now."
With a bow, Yunoki got up from where he was and headed for the door. However, just before he stepped out, the old woman stopped him. "One more thing, Azuma-san."
"Yes?"
"It's about time you cut your connection with Hino Kahoko." Although in a normal voice, the tone of threat and demand was shown. "So you would not even think about what you planned to do three years ago."
"Hino-san is…" Knowing the fake smile might disappear any time soon, with the remainder of the control within him, Yunoki replied before he walked out of the room. "Hino-san is just a junior from my old school. Nothing more."
The moment Yunoki returned to his room, an icy coldness painted his face with a certain discovery. Although he had managed to hide his feeling well, that old woman had ways of setting eyes around him. Walking up to one of the cupboards in the room, opening a small drawer, Yunoki took out a small box. Opening the box was a necklace, the pendant made in the shape of a key. The first and last gift he had ever bought for a woman not out of obligation. It was the Christmas gift he had bought for someone special three years ago and never managed to give out.
Yunoki only allowed himself a very short moment when he closed the box and placed it back into the drawer. Picking up his jacket, as if nothing happened, Yunoki headed for the front door.
"Azuma-sama, where would you like to go?" The moment he appeared, the butler bowed and asked.
"To the Urahara residence," Calmly Yunoki replied. "I need to pay my fiancée a visit."
---
Upon his arrival, the maids immediately led the way for Yunoki as they came before a massive, grand lounge room. "Miyako-sama is inside," In well trained manner, the maid explained to Yunoki.
"Thank you," Smiling back in response Yunoki thanked. As expected, the maid lowered her head and blushed in joy totally mesmerised by Yunoki's unstoppable charm.
As he entered the lounge, Yunoki found a young beautiful girl sitting calmly on the sofa reading a book whilst a piano concerto was played in the background through the speakers. The moment Yunoki heard the piano piece, his eyes landed on the collection of CDs and music scores on the shelf. With a mysterious smile, Yunoki asked as he approached the girl. "Miyako-san, I did not know you were a fan of Tsuchiura Ryotaro?"
With Yunoki's question, the girl lifted her head and blushed. "So what if I am? Although my father had commanded me to be polite to you, but if you dare to say anything critical about Tsuchiura Ryotaro, then I might not be able to keep that promise."
Yunoki continued to smile as he observed the girl's reaction. Indeed it was a rather interesting discovery. His fiancée, Urahara Miyako, the heiress of the Urahara Corporation, also a beautiful, innocent and naive girl well looked after and protected like a flower in a green house. Although she was to inherit a fortune, it was amazing that like any other girl, she has an admiration toward an idol, and not just anyone, but an old acquaintance.
Noticing the smile on Yunoki's face, Miyako moved her eyes very quickly back onto her book as she asked coldly. "Don't' you have better things to do other than wasting your time here? You and I both know that the only connection between our relationships was the money."
Unmoved with Miyako's unfriendly statement, Yunoki replied calmly, still not forgetting to smile in politeness. "That was a harsh thing to say. But of course, since we will be spending the rest of our lives together, it might be nice to get to know each other more." Stopping, the smile on Yunoki's face deepened as he added. "Would you like to meet me again tomorrow?"
Not even bother to look up, Miyako declined immediately. "No, thank you. I wish to keep my duty as your fiancée to minimal."
"Are you sure? If you spend more time with me, you might actually discover that I am an old friend of Tsuchiura Ryotaro." Still with the same smile, Yunoki added.
"…What?" Just as Yunoki had planned, Miyako gaped at the shocking statement.
With a victorious smile, Yunoki concluded. "Shall we meet tomorrow 10 am in front of the Aquarium at Rinkai Park?"
---
Hino Kahoko's big brown eyes stared at the unexpected visitor's face, her hand still on the front door handle, or rather, her pose had not changed for the past twenty seconds. However, unlike her, the visitor smirked, enjoying her reaction.
"That happy to see me?" Yunoki Azuma asked on purpose, glad to know he always managed to throw Kahoko off guard like this. Then with a sigh, Yunoki reminded. "Are you just going to continue to stare at me like an idiot, or are you going to let me in the house?"
Finally responding, Kahoko stuttered. "Yu…Yunoki senpai! What…what a pleasant surprise! What brought you to my house today?"
Instead of answering Kahoko's question, Yunoki's eyes studied her from head to toe. Noticing the scanner like focus, Kahoko quickly took a look at herself. Of course not expecting visitors on a Sunday morning, she was dressed in just a pair of jeans with a violet knitted v-neck top, nothing spectacular, just casual.
"I guess that will do," With another sigh, Yunoki instructed. "Go put on a jacket, we are going out."
"Sorry?" Blinking, Kahoko asked to confirm in case her ear malfunctioned. Did, did Yunoki just indicated that he rocked up at her house without prior notice, and plan to take her out? Unfortunately it appeared that was exactly what Yunoki was implying as he commanded again. "I will give you five minutes to get ready. We are already running kind of late."
Hino Kahoko groaned secretly inside while she put on a white jacket, and packing her handbag, Kahoko ran quickly back towards the front door. Why? Why was it always like this? Why was Yunoki always this demanding, he doesn't give her a choice, and would just expect her to do this and that. Most of all, why can't she say no? Why would she find it so difficult to decline any of Yunoki's demands?
"I didn't know you drive? Don't you have like your own chauffer or something?" Different to their high school days, where Yunoki would drag her to ride with him in his family prestige car, today Yunoki came to pick her up in his own black Aston Martin car.
"If I was to attend a business affair, yes, I would ask my chauffer to drive." Keeping his eyes on the road, Yunoki replied. "But of course, I would prefer to be able to do personal stuff without having everything reported to my grandmother."
Kahoko felt her heart ached for Yunoki the moment his grandmother was mentioned. Three years ago, Kahoko had one encounter with Yunoki's grandmother, and knowing what kind of person she was, having a conversation related to her may not be pleasant. "So…where are we going?" Kahoko asked quickly changing the topic although knowing Yunoki probably will not tell her the answer.
"You have not changed one bit, Kahoko." Yunoki mocked. "Not even knowing where we are going, you would hop in the car with a man?" His beautiful eyes moved onto Kahoko and with a dangerous smile, Yunoki added. "I certainly hope you are not like this with every guy."
"Of course not!" Blushing, Kahoko defended immediately in anger. "It's because Yunoki senpai was always this demanding and forceful! I will never go anywhere like this with anyone else!" All of a sudden, Kahoko stopped realising she had made it sound like, that it was only because it was Yunoki, she would be like this. To Kahoko's surprise, she noticed a delightful satisfied expression on Yunoki's face with her answer as he said no more.
---
"Hino?"
"Tsuchiura?" After Yunoki finally parked the car, Kahoko found herself in front of an the aquarium, and when both Yunoki and she approached the entrance, there was a tall familiar figure waiting for them.
"Seriously, what's the occasion?" Kahoko asked Tsuchiura again hoping unlike Yunoki, Tsuchiura would give her some answers.
Shrugging his shoulders, Tsuchiura replied. "I don't know, I just received a call from Yunoki senpai to come here, sounded really important so…" With that, both Kahoko and Tsuchiura's eyes landed on Yunoki wondering what game he was playing.
Unfortunately, as if he could not see the enquiring eyes, Yunoki's eyes landed on the girl that approached them upon his arrival. "Ah, I guess we are all here." Finally turning to Tsuchiura and Kahoko, Yunoki introduced the beautiful stranger. "Let me introduce you to my fiancée, Urahara Miyako."
Upon the word 'fiancée', immediately both Kahoko and Tsuchiura stood up straight and greeted quickly. "Hi, nice to meet you!"
Unlike the images and impression Kahoko had of Yunoki's past 'fiancée candidates', Miyako greeted with a friendly bright smile. "No need to be so stiff! Besides," Stopping, Miyako rolled her eyes at Yunoki. "I would prefer not to be introduced as 'Yunoki's fiancée'. Need I stress the fact that the engagement was not consensual?"
Upon her statement, Kahoko and Tsuchiura did not know how to respond as they both looked at Yunoki. However, totally unmoved, the beautiful smile remained on Yunoki's face as he continued on with the introduction, skilfully smoothed out the situation. "Miyako-san, these are my friends from back in high school. Hino Kahoko and of course," Pausing on purpose, Yunoki concluded. "Tsuchiura Ryotaro."
"Eh?!" Covering her mouth in shock, Miyako stared at the tall, sportsman looking youth. "Tsu…Tsuchiura Ryotaro?"
A little surprised at the girl's reaction, Tsuchiura mumbled ambiguously. "Ugh…yeah,"
Totally different to her attitude towards Yunoki, Miyako cleared her throat and gave Tsuchiura a polite bow. "Nice to meet you, Tsuchiura-san, your work has been an inspiration ever since my piano teacher introduced it to me."
"Your piano teacher?" Tsuchiura blinked. He never thought any professional pianist would recommend their students his work.
Nodding, Miyako explained. "Yes, she said she had known your work for many years and she had always thought of you as a great musician." With a smile, Miyako added. "You might know her, her name is Hamai Misa."
"HAMAI MISA?!!!!" Upon the name, Tsuchiura immediately stood up straight in respect. "She…she is your piano teacher?!"
"Yes, as a professional pianist, she doesn't usually teach, but as a personal favour to my family, she has been my piano teacher since I was a kid."
"Wow…so, what is it like to be taught by Hamai Misa? It must be a great experience…"
"She is a wonderful teacher as well as a performer…"
Watching the two suddenly entering into their own little world of conversation, Kahoko could not help but smile. This was probably the first time Tsuchiura has ever had a proper conversation with a female willingly. While Kahoko was pondering on whether to leave the two to continue their conversation or to remind them of her existence, she suddenly sensed the presence of another right next to her. Turning around, she found Yunoki's grabbed her arm as he silently pulled her away from there.
"Wait, Yunoki senpai…where…?" Kahoko stopped immediately when she saw Yunoki placed his finger before his lips as a sign to tell her to be quiet. Before she had a chance to figure out what Yunoki was doing, she found herself back in Yunoki's car as without wasting one more second, Yunoki took her out of there.
"You have private recordings of Hamai Misa's performances?!" Still not noticing that Yunoki and Kahoko had already left, Tsuchiura called in excitement when he heard Miyako had a huge collection of his favourite pianist's private home performance.
"Yes, of course. She used to record these for me as samples so I would know how to practice my pieces," Miyako nodded with a smile. "You are welcomed to come and have a look."
"Probably not today, since Yunoki…" Stopping, Tsuchiura finally realised that it was just the two of them left. "Eh? Where's Hino and Yunoki senpai?" As if to answer his question, a text message came through Tsuchiura's phone. Opening the message, Tsuchiura read, "Hino-san is not feeling well. I will take her home. Sorry guys, from Yunoki."
"What?!" Finally realising the situation, Tsuchiura called.
---
"Yunoki senpai! I can not believe you left the both of them there on their own like that!" After Yunoki took her away secretly, Kahoko ended up here at this beautiful harbour view restaurant having lunch with Yunoki. "How can you do this to your own fiancée?"
"I am sure she would prefer to not have me around." Unrepentant, Yunoki replied.
Kahoko did not know what to say to that. She must admit that she was surprised too when she heard what Miyako said about her engagement to Yunoki. Finally with a softer tone, Kahoko comforted. "I am sure she will eventually consent to the engagement. There will be no girl in this world that would not want to be married to you." Indeed from her memory, Yunoki was never short of admirers and fans. She even recalled that there were so many fiancée candidates fighting to be able to become Yunoki's wife. Not to mention the admiring focuses from the ladies in this restaurant already!
"Not a girl in this world?" Yunoki asked, his perfectly shaped eyebrow lifted a little. "Does that include you?"
"EH?" Kahoko nearly chocked on her cup of tea with Yunoki's question. Lifting her head, Kahoko felt a huge thump against her heart when she found Yunoki looking at her, his face most serious.
"If I had asked you to marry me, would you have said yes?" Once again Yunoki asked, a hidden sadness showed through his beautiful eyes.
Upon such beautiful, sad, lonely look, uncontrollably Kahoko turned her eyes away feeling her heart pumping fast and her cheeks burning hot. "I…I…"
To her surprise, suddenly Kahoko heard Yunoki's chuckled. Looking up, she encountered the evil, teasing smile on that beautiful face as he said. "Just teasing, Kahoko."
Holding the urge to want to throw something at Yunoki, Kahoko complained. "Yunoki senpai! I was trying to be nice and cheer you up!"
"I know," Yunoki replied calmly. Slowly, his eyes looked towards the harbour view next to their table, as if to himself, Yunoki whispered. "I already know your answer, three years ago…"
---
Madama Butterfly is an Opera written by Giacomo Puccini, portraying a beautiful yet tragic love story of a young beautiful Japanese geisha and her marriage to an American sailor who later abandoned her and returned to his home country, living a new life with his new wife in America. Not knowing the cruel facts, the young Japanese geisha waited day after day, believing her husband will eventually return, for between them, a child was born.
Unfortunately, when her husband returned, he did not return alone but with his new wife asking to take custody of their son. Madama Butterfly took the news in calmly, agreed to hand over her child to her ex-husband's new wife. Returning to her room, she took out the dagger that her samurai father left her and ended her own young, yet tragic life.
"Poor girl…" Kahoko whispered after she read through the brief storyline in her hand.
"I believe that we all are aware that Madama Butterfly is a world-class opera. Decision has been made that this opera will be launched and performed in Japan. Therefore, Yokohama Symphony Orchestra has been chosen to participate in this major production." Sitting here in the boardroom were the first seaters of each of the instrument of Yokohama Symphony Orchestra.
"On top of that, an honourable guest has been invited to overseer and conduct the Yokohama Symphony Orchestra during the period of production," The businessman explained as he gestured to the authoritative, stern looking elderly standing beside him. "From today onwards, Maestro Desmond Schinkle will be your new conductor."
"Maestro Schinkle?" Upon the name, Ousaki whispered in pleasant surprise. "What an honour to have the head conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra to lead us!"
"Vienna…?" Kahoko frowned immediately with the city mentioned.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen." The elderly man came forward as he greeted. "As mentioned, my name is Desmond Schinkle. From today onwards, I will be your head conductor for this major production."
Everyone in the room immediately bowed in politeness to greet their new leader. Nodding back in acknowledgement, Maestro Schinkle turned and looked around the room. "Who is the first seater for first violinist?"
Quickly standing up from his seat, Ousaki replied. "I am, Maestro."
"Ousaki Shinobu," The old man nodded. "I have heard your performances when you were in Vienna. You are indeed a great violinist."
Blushing, Ousaki bowed quickly. "Thank you, Maestro."
"We both know the importance of your responsibility as a first seater for the first violinists. You will be the person that leads the entire orchestra, so that is why I hope you would understand what I am about to tell you." Smile disappeared from Maestro Schinkle's face as he explained. "As your new conductor, I prefer to work together with someone I trust. Therefore, I have to ask you to step down."
Immediately upon what Maestro Schinkle said, everyone including Ousaki was shocked with the news. Just as Maestro Schinkle had described, Ousaki had always been the leader of the orchestra. Everyone was already used to follow his leading, coordinating with him, and all of a sudden, they are replacing him?!
Not at all surprised with everyone's reaction, Maestro Schinkle turned to the businessman standing behind him as he nodded. Bowing in acknowledgement, the businessman opened the door as a youth entered the room.
Thud!
Upon the entrance of the youth, Kahoko dropped the book in her hand as she felt the world had stopped around her. Who would have guessed, it was going to be like this? Yes, it was because of music that once again brought them together.
I know music might perhaps lead me to the path of bitterness ahead. Yet I still believe if we were joined together by music in this fate, by continuing down this path together, one day we will be united again.
Kahoko felt her eyes were unable to move away from the familiar, beautiful, perfect face that she had not seen for three years, yet she remembered every detail of it. The only difference was, the aura of a teenage boy had matured into a grown man that, unfortunately seemed more mesmerizing to Kahoko than he already could three years ago.
"Tsukimori…?"
Kahoko was not the only person stunned and shocked with the appearance of the youth. Hihara Kazuki felt his world entered into darkness when he saw the look in Kahoko's eyes the moment Tsukimori appeared.
"This is Tsukimori Len, my most trusted student. He will be the violinist that I would ask to replace Ousaki Shinobu as the first seater." Maestro Schinkle continued to explain not noticing at all the change in atmosphere among the people in the room. Looking through the name list before him, the old man lifted his head again. "Hino Kahoko? Which one is Hino Kahoko?"
Quickly pulling herself together, Kahoko stood up quickly from her seat as bowed. "I am Hino Kahoko."
Nodding, the old man asked. "So you are the first seater of the second violinist?"
"Yes…yes." Kahoko replied quickly hoping to act normal but only discovered that she failed because, Tsukimori's eyes were on her.
"Very well, as you will be the second person in charge, I hope you will coordinate and work closely together with Tsukimori from now on during this entire period." As if to rub it in, Maestro Schinkle instructed.
"Maestro Schinkle!" Lifting her head, Kahoko interrupted immediately. "I am not sure that I am able to take on such a strong responsibility. Please have Ousaki senpai take my place instead!"
"Not a chance." The old man declined Kahoko's proposal immediately without second thought. "This is not a democratic choice. No one knows the second violinists as well as you do. "
"But…" Kahoko bit her lower lip in frustration not knowing what she was doing. She knew deep inside the only reason she asked to step down was because she was not ready to be this close to Tsukimori again. She did not want him to know that her life have not moved on, and most of all, she did not want Tsukimori to know that he still has such an affect on her.
"It's alright, Hino-san." Ousaki quickly interrupted with a smile. "If it's Tsukimori, I am totally fine with it. Besides, I am still in the orchestra as a first violinist. Nothing much has changed for me anyway."
"Very well," Maestro Schinkle continued not wanting to waste another second on this topic. "Today's meeting will end here, tomorrow I will be meeting you all separately in instrumental groups."
---
"Wow, Tsukimori! How come you never told us that you were back?!" At the end of the meeting, Ousaki immediately approached Tsukimori.
"I have only just arrived this morning." still with the same emotionless face, Tsukimori replied.
"How was life in Vienna?" Kaji also approached Tsukimori and asked.
With the normal, welcoming conversations going on, Kahoko felt it was only her that found it impossible to approach Tsukimori normally like everyone else, like a friend, in a most normal way.
"Kaho-chan," Only Hihara knew the mess Kahoko was in as he approached her. "Are you alright?"
"I am fine!" Quickly squeezing out a smile Kahoko replied immediately. "Should we go soon? We might be late."
"Oh yeah, that's right." With what Kahoko said, Ousaki turned to Tsukimori again. "Are you free after this? We are having a farewell party for Fuyumi before she leaves for Germany next week. You should join us! It's like a reunion altogether!"
Kahoko felt her heart skipped a beat with Ousaki's question. Does this mean that she will be forced to spend more time with Tsukimori? Praying deep inside, she hoped Tsukimori will decline like how he usually would saying that he has no time for social occasions.
"I guess I am free…" To Kahoko's horror, Tsukimori actually said yes.
---
"You guys are finally here!" The moment Kahoko and the rest of the orchestra group entered the restaurant, Amou was there waving at them. Sitting there already at the table were Fuyumi, Tsuchiura. As Amou approached the group to lead them to the seats, her eyes stopped in astonishment when she saw Tsukimori's face. "Tsukimori-kun?? Wow!!"
"Tsukimori?!" Standing up from his seat, Tsuchiura called in shock too. As expected, with Tsukimori's unexpected return, everyone was joyful, all except Kahoko, and of course, Hihara.
No, he shouldn't think that way. He should be happy like everyone else that an old friend has returned. But how could Hihara smile when he saw the sadness and disturbance in Kahoko's eyes? It was as if to tell him that his three years of wait was all wasted with Tsukimori's sudden return.
"Ah, Hino-chan, your seat is here!" Signalling to the chair beside her, Amou invited Kahoko. Pretending everything was okay, Kahoko nodded and sat down next to Amou. However, with a strange smile, Amou pointed to the empty seat on the other side of Kahoko. "Oh, and that seat is reserved for Hihara senpai!"
"Eh?" Not expecting that Hihara looked towards Amou.
Grinning, Amou repeated. "Go on, Hihara senpai. That seat is yours." Not sure exactly what Amou had in mind, Hihara took a peek at Tsukimori as he finally sat down at the seat next to Kahoko.
After everyone seated themselves, Ousaki asked. "Has Yunoki not arrived yet?"
Before Amou answered, in came Yunoki through the door. "Sorry I am late guys," As usual, with his beautiful smile Yunoki approached the table. His eyes narrowed a little in surprise when he saw the unexpected visitor. "Tsukimori?" However it was only for an instance, when the smile returned very quickly onto Yunoki's face as he greeted. "What a pleasant surprise, Tsukimori. When did you come back?"
"Just this morning." Still simple and wordless, Tsukimori replied.
"I see, so how was life in Vienna?" Yunoki asked as he seated down at the remaining empty seat.
"Yeah, share with us!" Amou joined in too, then still like to stir up a little gossip, she asked with tease. "Have you finally got a girlfriend?"
Kahoko felt her heart skipped a beat with Amou's question as uncontrollably her eyes looked over at Tsukimori.
"It's none of your business." Unstirred, Tsukimori replied coldly and unfriendly as usual.
"Hehe, Tsukimori has not changed on single bit. Never want to talk about his personal life." Already expecting that answer from Tsukimori, Amou grinned.
Kahoko felt her heart ached with Tsukimori's response. Although like Amou said, Tsukimori just never wanted to talk about his personal life, but deep within, she had hoped that Tsukimori would just give a straight, "No, I don't have a girlfriend." answer. But because the answer was not definite, it could also mean, that he has already met a girl in Vienna…
"Well, although it appears after three years Tsukimori had no changed one bit, but some of us have changed already." Amou continued as she looked over at Yunoki. "Yunoki senpai is now engaged, Fuyumi-chan and Shimizu-kun are now also a couple, and of course…" Stopping, Amou suddenly elbowed Kahoko softly in tease. "Something has changed right?"
"Eh?" Not sure what Amou was referring to, Kahoko looked up at her in surprise. "Changed?"
Winking, Amou grinned. "When are you and Hihara senpai going to tell us the truth?"
With his name mentioned, Hihara nearly fell off the seat. "Me…me?!"
"Don't deny it now, Hihara senpai." Amou shook her head. "I saw you and Hino-chan on a date last Saturday!"
Immediately, Kahoko and Hihara's faces turned bright red with Amou's statement proving what Amou said was actually true. However shaking his head, Hihara justified quickly, "Ah…that…Kaho-chan and I were just..."
"Oh? Calling her Kaho-chan now?" Not letting go, Amou caught what Hihara said as she asked on purpose.
"Ah…I, I mean…" In total chaos, Hihara did not know what to say as for some reason, his eyes looked at Tsukimori.
Kahoko felt her mind in total disarray too when she could not help but notice Tsukimori's focus on her with Amou's shocking revelation. At the same time, Kahoko also noticed a different kind of look coming from Yunoki as he watched the whole drama in coldness as if he was enjoying the whole soap opera like situation.
"Ah, Tsukimori!" Suddenly out of the blue, Kaji interrupted as he turned to Tsukimori. "How long will you be staying? Will you be going back to Vienna after the end of the production?"
"For a year," Moving his eyes away from Kahoko, calmly Tsukimori replied. "Once the production is finished, I will be returning to Vienna with Maestro Schinkle."
"So soon? You really have no plan to return to Japan?" Kaji asked again.
Luckily with Kaji's question, everyone's focuses returned to Tsukimori. Not knowing if it was accidental, Kahoko's eyes looked over at Kaji as she smiled with relief. Whispering secretly inside, Kahoko thanked Kaji as to her relief, the topic regarding her and Hihara never returned throughout the night.
"So there is one more person that wishes to join the party…" Whispering softly to himself, Yunoki's eyes landed on Kaji Aoi. He should have known, there was always another person that was always around Kahoko, and he had done it in such a natural way that no one ever even thought that it was odd he should be around.
---
"Fuyumi-chan! All the best for your study over there in Germany!" Amou said as she held Fuyumi's hands in her own.
"Thank…you, Amou senpai." With a sincere bow, Fuyumi thanked.
"Let us know if Shimizu did not take good care of you." Kahoko teased as she also held Fuyumi tight. Blushing, Fuyumi lowered her head and nodded. "Thank you, Kaho-senpai."
As everyone waved good bye to return home, Amou suddenly returned to the original topic as she teased Hihara. "Are you going to walk Hino-chan home?"
On the previous occasions, it was natural that Hihara always walked Kahoko home. For some reason, tonight it suddenly became unnatural and awkward for both Kahoko and Hihara. Squeezing out a smile, Hihara turned to Tsukimori and said instead. "Ah, it only makes sense now for Tsukimori to walk Kaho-chan home since they live in the same direction."
Shocked with Hihara's statement, Kahoko lifted her head and looked up at Hihara. However, Hihara did not say more as he quickly waved good bye and ran off. Tilting her head at Hihara's reaction, Amou turned to Tsukimori. "Well, in that case I guess it's your job to take her home."
"Ah, no, it's alright. I will be fine." Before Tsukimori replied, Kahoko interrupted. "Besides, Amou-chan is going home by yourself as well right?"
"No," Shaking her head Amou pointed the Tsuchiura, Kaji. "These boys are on the same direction as me, so I am going with them." Turning to Tsukimori Amou insisted. "Tsukimori, don't tell me that you are going to let her go home by herself at this time of the day."
"I will take her home." Kahoko felt all the blood in her started to boil when she heard Tsukimori replied calmly. Turning to her, Tsukimori added. "Let's go, Kahoko."
Not knowing what to say, Kahoko nodded as she waved good bye and followed Tsukimori down the other road.
After Tsukimori and Kahoko left, Amou scratched her head. "Did Tsukimori just address Hino-chan as Kahoko?"
---
On a November night, the air was cold and dry. Feeling her fingers freezing cold, Kahoko could not help as she rubbed them softly hoping to keep a little warmth. The walk was silent, with the sounds of their footsteps echoing the quiet street.
Both Tsukimori and Kahoko remained quiet as the air between them was tense and nerve wrecking. It was like this the entire way until Kahoko finally reached her house. Knowing she had to break the silence after all, with a bow Kahoko thanked, her voice soft and mild. "Thank you for walking me home."
"Kahoko,"
Uncontrollably tears came onto her eyes when she heard the same deep, tender voice called her name. Not wanting Tsukimori to see her tears, Kahoko quickly put on a big cheerful smile. "What is it?"
"Are you and Hihara senpai…" Tsukimori stopped immediately as he shook his head. "Sorry, you do not have to answer my question, because I do not have the right to ask." Instead, Tsukimori took a box out of his pocket and handed to Kahoko.
"This is…?" Feeling her heart beating fast, Kahoko found it to be a beautifully wrapped present.
"I did not know what to get for you as a souvenir from Vienna…but I hope this is okay." Tsukimori explained, his voice was tender, the same voice that he spoke to Kahoko three years ago, the kind of tone and voice that he would never show in front of anyone.
"Len…" Without knowing, Kahoko whispered the name that she would never speak of in three years.
"Good night," Giving Kahoko the gentle smile that she remembered him of, Tsukimori nodded as he turned and walked off.
i This was an actual conversation from Tsukimori's love event in the game Kiniro no Corda 2