Before Urahara Miyako started to learn piano from Hamai Misa, she attended the piano school held to accommodate the children of the upper class families in the city of Yokohama. Unfortunately to Miyako at the time, she hated every moment spent in those classes. Playing the scale practices to her was nothing but mere torture, she could never understand what was so wonderful about music, and what benefits she would gain from these practices.
It was so until one day, Miyako sneaked out of the classroom when her piano teacher left her to practice alone. Walking along the corridor that leads to other classrooms, Miyako heard a most beautiful performance coming out from one of them. In curiosity, Miyako looked through the window and saw a beautiful boy of her age, maybe a few years older than she, performing a most beautiful and wonderful piece of music.
Not knowing whom the boy was, Miyako returned to listen to his piano everyday after that. It was as if his music had some magical powers that captured her to return everyday. She would simply sit quietly outside the classroom, with her arms wrapped around her legs, closing her eyes, she would find herself smiling to the music. Deep inside, Miyako would remind herself that she one day could be able to play like this too. Don't know when and how, the boy had become her inspiration and incentive.
Unfortunately, a certain day came.
Miyako sat outside the same classroom but found no one inside. Rather, the boy never returned to the piano school again. Unable to hear that wonderful performance, Miyako realised her motivation had disappeared together with the boy.
"What's the matter, Miyako-sama? You couldn't seem to concentrate today." Miyako's piano teacher asked in concern.
"Mizubashi sensei," Miyako finally asked the one question she had always wanted to ask for a while. "Who was that boy who practiced in classroom 104?"
"The boy who practiced in classroom 104?" Mizubashi thought for a while. "Oh…that was Yunoki Azuma-sama."
"Yunoki Azuma?"
"Yes," Nodding with a smile, Mizubashi continued to explain in excitement. "He is the third son of the Yunoki Group. Absolutely talented boy, he was able to perform at a standard beyond any boy his own age! If you would ask me, I believe he is a musical genius."
"Then where did he go? How come he doesn't come to the classes anymore?" Feeling a little influenced by Mizubashi's excitement, a sense of admiration whirled up inside little Miyako towards this 'Yunoki Azuma' boy.
With a sigh, Mizubashi shook her head in pity. "He won't be returning anymore, Miyako-sama."
"How come?!" Miyako's cute round eyes widened in shock with the bad news. "Didn't you say he is a musical genius?"
"It is because he is so talented that is why he will not be allowed to continue," Mizubashi replied in sympathy. "He has two older brothers above him, to perform surpass them was prohibited."
"But that is stupid!" Miyako called in disagreement. "If he is that good, they should allow him to progress and become even greater right?"
Although Miyako did not agree with the treatment Yunoki Azuma received from his family, it did not mean she had the power to change someone's life. Urahara Miyako and Yunoki Azuma did not come in anymore contact until Miyako was in high school.
One of her friends invited her to listen to an annual music concur held in a school called Seiso Gakuin. Looking through the performance schedule, Miyako's eyes landed on the name 'Yunoki Azuma.' In the beginning, Miyako thought it was just some random person with the same name, but when she saw the beautiful face appearing on stage, and the standard of music that came out from his flute, Miyako recognised immediately that he was the same boy from her old piano school.
However, an unpleasant frown came onto Miyako's face when she discovered the attitude Yunoki had while he was performing. Unlike the rest of the candidates who thrived to perform to their best in this concur, Miyako could tell immediately that Yunoki was holding back. Whatever talent and skills he had, he had only put forward 50 percent. That 'Yunoki Azuma' she knew a long time ago, the talented genius boy who captured her heart when he performed no longer exists.
"Isn't Yunoki-sama marvellous?" At the conclusion of the concur, Miyako's friend gave a sigh of pleasure. "He is so beautiful, so elegant, and his performance was magical, he is just perfect."
"Is he…?" Lifting her eyebrow in disagreement, Miyako mocked.
"You didn't think so?" Her friend asked in surprise. "You were not touched by that beautiful sound?"
Miyako kept silent and did not say anymore. Somehow, she understood the reason Yunoki performed the way he did. Years ago when he was still a little boy, he knew not the ways of life and placing no restraint on his ability, Yunoki was mercilessly shot down. Taking another look at the beautiful boy on stage, Miyako felt her heart sympathised with him. Although he was smiling, Miyako knew he was not happy. From within, Miyako hoped one day, this boy will finally be free to do whatever he wanted. He would no longer need to put on such a façade in front of people.
Despite how much she did not approve of Yunoki Azuma's performance in the Seiso Gakuin Annual Concur, Miyako returned again with her friend to watch the third competition. Upon the traumatic scene of the female violinist, Hino Kahoko, whose violin strings broke half way through her performance, and because the audiences were fussing over the accident, the atmosphere of the concert was ruined.
However it was then, amidst such an unpleasant air, Yunoki Azuma came onto stage and the moment the sound of his flute travelled through the air, like a miracle, every single person present were captivated by him. Feeling her heart pumping fast, Miyako's eyes fixed deeply on Yunoki's beautiful face.
This was it! This was the music she heard from Yunoki when she sat silently outside his classroom everyday!
Unlike his pretentious, half-hearted performance last time, it was as if Hino Kahoko's accident had triggered something within Yunoki. The passion and love Yunoki lost, returned to him once again. As expected, Yunoki Azuma's performance earned thunderous applause and cheers and convincingly placed him on the first spot in the third concur.
"So, how would you rate Yunoki-sama's performance today?" In tease, Miyako's friend asked.
A little embarrassed, Miyako looked away and muttered. "Well…I guess, he wasn't too bad."
Giggling, Miyako's friend leaned over and whispered. "You are attracted to him aren't you?"
"What?" Denying almost immediately, Miyako moved away from her friend. "No way, where did you get a crazy idea like that?!"
Smiling mysteriously, Miyako's friend continued to explain. "Because you are always cold and unfriendly to the endless suitors that tried to impress you. Not once have I ever seen you keep your focus on a man for so long." Stopping, she added on purpose. "You have no idea what facial expressions you have when you look at him. You are so attracted to him."
"Don't be ridiculous! Who will be attracted to a sissy looking man like that?!" Feeling her cheeks burning hot, Miyako denied once again.
Although in denial, Miyako found herself attending every concert Yunoki Azuma participated with the group of musicians he met through the Seiso Gakuin Annual Concur. Miyako told herself she was only attracted to his performance, purely the music and nothing else. She was most glad to see, Yunoki was no longer pretending when he performed in the ensemble. She could see from his facial expressions how much he was genuinely enjoying what he was doing.
Unfortunately, Miyako soon heard news Yunoki Azuma dropped his pursuit in music after he graduated from Seiso Gakuin. Rather, in order to assist with family business, he turned to study Business Management. With the news, Miyako pondered what had caused Yunoki to return to his pretentious way of life? Was he shot down once again by his family?
Miyako soon learned the answer to all these questions when she was called into her father's office one day.
"You have agreed to the engagement without consulting with me first, daddy?" In shock Miyako asked. Shocked, because she had never expected her life to eventually become this closely linked with Yunoki Azuma, shocked, because she learned, she was the reason that ruined his life.
"You are not happy, Miyako?" The elderly asked in return. "I was under the impression he was the man you love. I approached the Yunoki Group for this marriage because I thought it was what you wanted."
"What…?" Miyako was speechless. "Why, I mean, where did you get an idea like that?"
"You went to all his concerts right? And you once said there was a musician you admired and I believe it was him." Smiling the old man replied. He had indeed heard many reports that his beloved daughter, who was known to have no interest in any eligible bachelor around her, had only ever lingered over one gentleman, and he was Yunoki Azuma.
"That is not true, daddy! I am not interested in him at all!!" In dead embarrassment Miyako denied.
Unfortunately, it did not appear that convincing to old Urahara. In understanding, the old man suggested. "I have arranged a dinner for you to be formally introduced to him. If after the dinner, you are still convinced that you do not want to marry him, let me know and I will cancel the engagement for you."
---
"Good evening, Miyako-san."
On the night, that beautiful perfect face Miyako used to watch from afar was actually there within reach as Yunoki Azuma greeted with an amiable smile.
Seeing the smile, Miyako discovered mixed feeling within. To be honest, she hated that fake pretentious smile. She knew unlike how she had actually known him for a long time, Yunoki Azuma had never learned of her existence until the recent announcement of the engagement. He must not be as friendly and calm as he had appeared. Like seriously, who will genuinely happily accept an arranged marriage to someone you have never met?
At the same time, Miyako discovered the hastening of her heartbeat when she saw that charming beautiful face. To her embarrassment, Miyako finally learned, she was indeed attracted to this youth for a long time.
"Why did you consent to this engagement?" Miyako heard herself asked; her voice was unfriendly and cold. "I am a woman you have never met, so the only benefit I can see is the money."
Yes, the money.
Miyako felt her heart ached with the word. Indeed, the only reason Yunoki would marry her was because of her family's money. He consented only because it was the duty he must perform as one of the sons of the Yunoki Group. Just like how he stopped learning piano many years ago, Yunoki was once again performing a duty, living an obligated life to his family.
Knowing although Yunoki does not love her, Miyako was unable to free Yunoki from the engagement. Bitterly Miyako realised she was not a wonderful person. Even if it was only out of obligation Yunoki Azuma consented to the engagement, Miyako knew it was the only way she could keep him beside her. Miyako convinced herself, if they were married, she would allow him to pursue music, she would let him do whatever he wanted. It was her way of granting Yunoki the freedom he needed.
Unfortunately, when the man came to her with photographs taken of Yunoki and his high school junior coming out of the hotel room together, Miyako learned, Hino Kahoko was the girl in her fiancé's heart. She was the reason he could smile so genuinely in the concerts Miyako attended. She was also the reason Yunoki could perform so well on the Music Awards Night on Christmas Eve.
Throughout the night, although Yunoki managed to play the role of a wonderful fiancé, Miyako knew his eyes followed Hino Kahoko. Though it was faint and hardly noticeable, Miyako saw the unpleasantness in Yunoki's eyes when Hino Kahoko danced with Tsukimori. With that, Miyako was forced to see her own presence a hindrance to Yunoki's true happiness.
"You don't really need to be here if you don't want to. I am sure this party bores you as much as it bores me." Miyako finally said to Yunoki when they both had to attend the Christmas party together. Knowing Yunoki's heart did not exist in the party, Miyako would rather see him spend Christmas with the girl he really wanted to be with.
I do not want to become his burden, I do not want to be one of his obligations!
In despair Miyako screamed within. If she had a choice, she would rather be seen as a spoilt rich girl than to be treated as an obligation to Yunoki.
"In that case," Giving Miyako a beautiful smile, Yunoki replied. "Let me escort you home."
It was just another one of those smiles Yunoki always had, but to Miyako it was different. She liked the fact he seemed relieved with her request, she was glad that she could make him happy somehow. After Yunoki dropped her home, secretly Miyako stood by her bedroom window as she watched Yunoki drove away in his car. Smiling softly to herself, Miyako whispered.
Have a happy Christmas, Azuma-san…---
"There he is again, Hino-san!" Whispering in excitement, Kahoko's classmate elbowed her the moment they saw the handsome youth waiting by the school gate again.
"Oh my god, Hino-san. You are so lucky, it's unbelievable that renowned Kaji Aoi is wooing you." Another classmate also joined in with a sigh.
"That's Kaji Aoi? The Keio University Prince??" The first girl gasped and took another look at the youth standing by the gate. "No wonder…he is really, really cute."
Kahoko could not help but think, these two girls were definitely more excited than she was. It's not that she did not appreciate Kaji from accompanying her to the orchestra practice, it's just she still could not adjust to the idea, her close friend Kaji Aoi would take an interest in her.
Most of all, from the Christmas party, Kahoko was stunned to learn Kaji had actually seen her and Yunoki come out of the hotel together. Instead of despising her, Kaji treated her the same, if not, only nicer.
Walking alongside Kaji, Kahoko took another look at the stunningly handsome face hoping to find a logic to all this. Noticing her focus, Kaji smiled. "What's the matter, Hino-san? Are you thirsty? Want to go and get something to drink?"
Blushing, Kahoko quickly shook her head. "No, I am fine." Looking away, Kahoko finally asked. "Kaji-kun. Why do you not look down on me? You knew about my hotel incident with Yunoki senpai. I am sure at the time, you would not have believed nothing happened between us, but still, how could you treat me with the same dignity and respect? Not only that, you must have also…" Pausing, Kahoko blushed even more as she muttered. "Also know my past relationship with Tsukimori-kun…"
Yes, that's right. Kahoko remembered Kaji once asked whether she still has feelings for Tsukimori. That was a clear indication he had known all along. Knowing all these ugly facts about her, against all logic, Kaji confessed his feeling to her.
For the first time Kahoko really hated herself as she whispered deeply. "I am a horrible person, I don't deserve to be treated this way, I don't deserve to be loved and treasured by anyone…"
Observing Kahoko's reaction, Kaji gently gave a smile. "Hino-san, whatever happened, what choices you have made does not change who you truly are. It does not change the fact you were the person I fell in love with at first sight."
"Kaji-kun…" Hearing her heart pounding hard, Kahoko finally turned to look at Kaji.
"Actually," In a slight embarrassed smile, Kaji chuckled. "Ironically it was because I have seen you and Yunoki-san at the hotel, have I then decided to reveal my feeling to you." Looking away, Kaji added. "I was frightened. For the first time in my life I realised I wanted more, I have become greedy. It was no longer enough if I just admired you from afar, rather, I wanted you by my side, I wanted to make you mine."
Kahoko became speechless upon Kaji's passionate, possessive words. As a long time friend, Kahoko had never heard anything like this from Kaji. Yes, he was always a sweet person, and would always use wonderful words on her, but this was a different type of confession. Instead of being troubled, Kahoko found her heart rate beating rapidly as her emotion was greatly moved.
Turning back to look at Kahoko deeply, Kaji asked. "But is it really that bad to want something? Just because you have a desire for happiness, does that make you a bad person? If so, Hino-san, I too am a terrible person."
"Kaji-kun…"
"In fact," With a sheepish smile, Kaji said. "I am so greedy that spending all these time after school with you was not enough, so I was wondering whether you could spare a day for me?"
"A day?"
"Well, actually, there is an inter-college tennis game this Saturday, and the player that was supposed to represent my university actually had an accident, so I have been asked to compete on his behalf…"
"Wow, you are going to compete in a tennis match representing your university?" In astonishment Kahoko said. "I never knew you played tennis that well!"
In a charming smile Kaji explained. "I used to compete before I enrolled in Seiso Gakuin, but I am really not that great a player. Although I might end up embarrassing myself in front of the girl I love by losing the game, but I probably won't lose so badly if you could come and watch me compete."
Upon Kaji's words, Kahoko burst out laughing. All the melancholy and depressive negative thoughts that were weighting her down disappeared with that laughter. "Alright, I will come. Although I doubt very much you will lose."
"Oh? Should I be flattered that you have such high hopes in me or should I feel pressured?" Seeing Kahoko smiling again, Kaji smiled too. Although he loves Kahoko whether she was smiling or not, still, Kaji believed it was best when she smiles. That smile was always able to mesmerise him to want to do many more things for her.
"Flattered of course, no pressure whatsoever!" Placing her hand against her lips, Kahoko continued to smile. From deep within, Kahoko really thanked Kaji for being beside her at times like this. Too many things have happened to her recently, not knowing how to act in front of people anymore, Kahoko was glad she was able to be just who she was in front of Kaji.
While Kaji fell looking at Kahoko's beautiful happy face, there was an item adorned on Kahoko's hand that caught his focus. Noticing the look, as a reflex Kahoko hid her hand behind her back.
Unfortunately it was too late as Kaji clearly saw on Kahoko's fourth finger, there was an elegantly designed ring. As a boy born into an upper class family, Kaji recognised immediately the ring was of fine value, not an item easily found on the streets.
However as understanding and caring as he always was, pretending he saw nothing, Kaji changed the topic as he asked. "Should we stop by a café before we head over to the orchestra practice?"
"Sure." Nodding to Kaji's invitation, Kahoko's right hand unintentionally caressed the ring on her left. She should have known, if she were to wear the ring on her fourth finger, it would surely attract attention. Knowing the consequences, unable to explain the reason to her own action, Kahoko did not take the ring off.
That night after the disastrous Christmas party, alone in her room, Kahoko opened the present Yunoki gave her. Like magic, Kahoko fell in love with the gift immediately. Underneath the paper wrapping was a small box that contained a beautiful ring. The sophisticated design indicated high quality handicraft, adding to the classy design was a stunning petite pink diamond. Placing the ring through her fingers, not sure whether it was coincidence or not, the only finger the ring sat perfectly on was her fourth finger.
Feeling blood flowing to her head, Kahoko's eyes looked once again at the ring on her fourth finger. What was the meaning of this ring? Why did Yunoki give her a present like this? To propose? Immediately shaking her head at the idea, Kahoko scolded herself. Yunoki already has a beautiful fiancée, how inappropriate for her to even hold the thought! Still, why can't Yunoki prepare something less suggestive?! Like a teacup, a book, a photo frame?
With all the questions clouding her mind of Yunoki's choice of gift, Kahoko turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. From the reflection, the necklace she received from Tsukimori beautifully sat around her neck, also reminding Kahoko of their intimate, touching moment which Tsukimori so easily denied, breaking her heart once again.
Covering her face, Kahoko exhaled deeply hoping to release the pressure and pain against her chest. She knew not what to think anymore. If her presence only meant trouble for Tsukimori, why did he kiss her so tenderly? Why did he prepare her such a beautiful present, why is he making it so impossible for her to forget?
---
Kaji Aoi, the Keio University Prince.
Kahoko finally learned the meaning of this term when she arrived the Keio campus. No, it's not that there were photographs of Kaji hung up everywhere on the walls, rather, when Kahoko approached the tennis courts, she could hear girls screaming out his name, and guess what? Some girls even made banners!
Laughing dryly, Kahoko remembered seeing the same scenes back in high school. Only the name the girls screamed out, the name written on the banners were, 'Yunoki Azuma'.
"Ah, Hino-san! You really came!"
Upon her arrival, Kaji immediately spotted her and called out in joy. At the same time, Kahoko noticed all the fan girl's shocked, curious, unhappy glances landed on her.
Skipping up to her, Kaji beamed in bliss. "Now you have come, I guess I really can't lose this game." Smiling in charm, Kaji added. "Because it would be totally embarrassing for a man to lose a game, when the girl of his dreams have come to support him."
As Kahoko expected, upon Kaji's words, the already unfriendly looks she sensed upon her have all turned into gasps of jealousy, anger and bitterness. As a reflex Kahoko rubbed the back of her head feeling it starting to hurt from the fuming glares.
"Well…good, good luck." Trying to smile in encouragement Kahoko said. "I am sure you will win."
"Fufu…thank you, Hino-san." Kaji smiled in genuine happiness as he led Kahoko to the bench. "Having you say that to me means a lot."
After Kahoko seated herself at the bench Kaji brought her to, she heard immediately whispers of jealousy and anger.
"Who is that woman? How come she gets to sit at the player's bench? She is not even from this university is she?"
"Not only that, did you see the way Kaji-san treated her?"
"No way, don't tell me she was the girl that Kaji-san had been in love with since high school?!"
"You mean the one no matter how much Kaji-san loved and adored, she did not even take a second look at him?!"
"No way!! I thought she would be like some super model, not someone so plain like that!"
Although Kahoko tried to pretend she did not hear any of these comments, but since they were spoken on purpose to attack her, it was impossible for Kahoko to not hear it. Telling herself to stay calm and ignore these stupid immature remarks, Kahoko focused her concentration on the game before her eyes.
The more Kahoko watched, the more astonished and amazed she became. Knowing Kaji to be a handsome, good looking male, Kahoko found her mind and heart caught with the valiant, heroic Kaji on the court. Although Kahoko had no much knowledge of the sport, but from every stroke, every shot played by Kaji, she discovered for the first time, Kaji Aoi is indeed very charming and attractive. The manliness about him caused Kahoko's heart to start racing as her eyes followed him closely on the court.
"Oh my god, Kaji-san is going to win the game!"
"He should have been the player to represent our university from the beginning!"
"He is so hot, so gorgeous!"
Once again sentences of praises and admiration entered one by one into Kahoko's ears as the game progressed. It was rather embarrassing for the opponent to actually play such a suppressed game by a reserved player. Kaji Aoi won the first two sets, and already winning 2-0 on the third set, Kahoko knew Kaji would win the game soon. Smiling, Kahoko discovered, unlike how he had to practice twice as hard than others in music to keep up the standard, it was obvious Kaji's talent lies in his sporting abilities.
Unable to take the strong flat shot from Kaji, the opponent reached forth his racquet and only managed to return a high lobe across the net. Seeing this, all the Keio University supporters yelled out, "Smash! Smash!"
Moving forward to the ball, Kaji stretched forth his left arm towards the ball in the sky, as he tightened his grip on the racquet, ready to smash. By this time, Kahoko was successfully made into Kaji's tennis fan too as she cupped her hands in excitement.
When to everyone's bafflement, Kaji's racquet did not swing down and smash hard on the ball. Rather, Kahoko saw, Kaji remained where he was as the tennis racquet dropped from his hand onto the ground.
"Kaji-kun…?" Kahoko called in surprise as her eyes landed on Kaji. Like everyone else, there too was a puzzled look on Kaji's face as he took a look at his arm.
"Are you alright? Kaji-san?" The umpire asked.
"Yes, I am fine. Sorry about that." Kaji replied quickly as he picked up the racquet and returned to the receiving line.
Luckily, the one incident did not seem to destroy the game for Kaji as he soon won the next few games easily.
"40-15, match point."
Upon the score, all Kaji's fans cheered even louder knowing he was going to secured the victory for their university with just one more point. Clapping with the crowd, Kahoko was also joyous for Kaji's stunning performance.
Releasing the ball high up into the sky, Kaji leaned back as he set the perfect position for a powerful serve. When Kahoko saw with her eyes, without warning, Kaji's racquet dropped from his hand again as a confused look came onto Kaji's face as he held onto his arm.
"Kaji-kun?!" Kahoko stood up from the bench as she called in concern.
However, quickly picking up his racquet, Kaji apologised to the opponent as he released the ball once again and this time successfully served the ball into the court. Despite the strange incidents, the serve came fast and swift at the opponent, and unable to return the shot, Kaji won the game convincingly.
"Congratulations, Kaji-kun. That was a marvellous game!" Wholeheartedly, Kahoko said upon Kaji's return.
"Thank you," Smiling beautifully as usual, Kaji thanked as he received the towel and drink Kahoko handed to him. "I am honestly glad that you came, Hino-san. I could never play this well unless you were here."
"I am glad I came too." Smiling in response, Kahoko teased. "I never knew you were such a charming man on the court. It's no wonder all these girls are head over heels for you." Kahoko always knew Kaji was an attractive man, but seeing him compete like that, it was a brand new charm she had discovered of him.
"You, you thought I was charming?" To Kahoko's surprise, a shy, little embarrassed smile that Kahoko had never seen from Kaji came onto his gorgeous face as he asked in joy.
"Of course you were," Nodding, Kahoko replied innocently. "The determination to win, the competitiveness, really made you shine on the court."
From Kahoko's expression, Kaji knew immediately the attraction she indicated towards him was not the type he had hoped. "Even if it was only by little bit," Giving Kahoko a tender smile, Kaji uttered sincerely. "If I could by any means make you take a second look at me, Hino-san, I have made great progress."
Again, Kahoko felt her heart moved greatly with Kaji's earnest yet lonely words. "Kaji-kun, I, I…"
"It's alright," Kaji stopped Kahoko knowing what she needed to say. "I know flying too close to the sun would only burn myself, yet, it was a path worth taking." Turning away, Kaji's eyes looked towards the beautiful scarlet sky of the sunset. "For if I never took this path, my world would be without the sun, lifeless and cold…"
"Kaji-kun…" Whispering the name softly, Kahoko bit her lower lip in self-hatred. Why is she constantly hurting people? Why could she never do anything right?
"Is my sun going to set too, or is she willing to stay a little longer and accompany me to dinner?" Turning back to look at Kahoko once again, the charming smile returned once again as Kaji invited.
Squeezing out a smile, Kahoko replied with a nod. "Of course I will join you for dinner."
---
Kahoko was expecting to go to a restaurant when Kaji invited her to dinner. However, she had found herself on a mountain path after both Kaji and she got off the bus stop. Taking another look around her, kahoko asked in curiosity. "Kaji-kun, where are we going?"
"Fufu…we are nearly there," Smiling in response Kaji reached out his hand. "Sorry, the walk is kind of steep right? Here, hold my hand."
Not sure what Kaji had in mind, Kahoko reached out her hand too and grabbed onto Kaji's. However when Kahoko felt the strength from Kaji's hand as he led her up the mountain path, to Kahoko's surprise, she found her heart so warm and at peace.
"Here we are." Finally stopped walking, Kaji said as he let go of Kahoko's hand.
Kahoko couldn't believe her eyes when she saw a delightfully decorated hut with candlelight, flowers, and of course basket of food on the table. Turning back to look at Kaji, Kahoko asked in amusement. "Kaji-kun, how did you…I mean, wow, I could have never guessed this!"
"Fufu…I thought instead of the noisy restaurants, it would be so much more romantic, if it was just the two of us with the stars as our only attendants." Knowing Kahoko would be pleasantly surprised, Kaji replied.
"Stars…" Kahoko immediately lifted her head towards the sky and in happiness found, unlike in the city, she could actually see the shining stars. "Oh wow…they are really twinkling shining!" Still keeping her eyes on the stars, Kahoko asked. "You know, I have always wondered. How did the Greek manage to invent the star constellations? All I can see are thousands of starts in the sky…"
"Not only that, each of the constellations has a beautiful story linked to it." Kaji replied.
"Really? Do you know any that you could tell me?" Finally turning her eyes to look at Kaji, Kahoko asked.
"Of course," Leading Kahoko to sit down on the wooden stool, Kaji said. "In that case, let me tell you the story that relates to music, the star constellation Lyra."
"Lyra?"
"Yes, it was derived from the harp like instrument, lyre. According to the Greek myth, there was a man called Orpheus, he was a man extremely talented in playing the lyre." In his tender clear voice, Kaji started to tell the story. "His music was so beautiful that it was said, with his music and singing, he could charm wild beasts, coax the trees and rocks into dance and even divert the course of rivers."
"Wow, he must be a genius musician then." Chuckling Kahoko said. "If he was chosen as a candidate in the Seiso Gakuin Concur, none of us would stand a chance!"
"Fufu…it might not be the case, Hino-san." Smiling too in response, Kaji added. "Your music has the same power as Orpheus'."
Blushing with Kaji's words, Kahoko waved her hands quickly and said in disagreement. "No way, you always flatter me too much, Kaji-kun."
Feeling his whole being captured with Kahoko's beautiful shy face, Kaji whispered softly, "I am not trying to butter you up, just like how Orpheus had Eurydice who admired, and loved his music to the soul, you have me, Hino-san."
Lifting her head upon Kaji's statement, Kahoko turned to look at Kaji whose face seemed even more stunning under the moonlight.
"Oh, but in the love aspect, I think I am more like Orpheus." Smiling mockingly to himself, Kaji said. "Orpheus loved Eurydice with all his heart, and Eurydice would just sit by Orpheus and listen to him play the lyre. The couple understood each other like no one else, and they were really soul mates.
Unfortunately things did not last as Eurydice was bitten by a poisonous snake and died. Appalled with her death, Orpheus travelled to the underworld and performed his lyre for Hades. Moved by his magical music, Hades agreed to let Eurydice return to earth with Orpheus."
"That is great right?" Kahoko asked quickly already captivated by the story, "They can finally be together again!"
"Under one condition though," Kaji continued to explain the story. "Orpheus had to agree to not turn around and look at Eurydice the entire walk back to earth. For if he did, then she will vanish forever."
"So…"
Nodding, Kaji told Kahoko the sad ending. "Orpheus obeyed the condition the entire long way back home to earth. The moment his foot landed on earth, Orpheus turned around in excitement and said to Eurydice, 'We are home, Eurydice, we are back to earth!"
Unfortunately, he had forgotten the condition applies to both parties, so even when Orpheus had already returned to earth, and Eurydice was only one step away, it still violated the condition Hades set. So before Orpheus' eyes, Eurydice vanished."
"Oh no," In sympathy Kahoko remarked. "That is so sad, it was only one step!"
"Yes, it was only one step, but a step enough to make a person regret so much that he would turn mad." With a sigh, Kaji replied. "There were many different sayings of Orpheus' death, but it did not matter because to him, life without Eurydice was not worth living."
Kahoko did not say a thing as she dwelt into that sentence. Yes, she empathises with Orpheus knowing how dark life could be when you lose the person that meant everything to you just because of one little step you have forgotten to take.
"After his death, his lyre was lifted into the sky and became the star constellation the Lyra." Calmly, Kaji said to conclude the story. Turning to look at Kahoko, Kaji said wholeheartedly. "If I was Orpheus, I would have done the same for you, Hino-san. If I had to follow you into Hades, I will."
With Kaji's sincere, passionate words, Kahoko could hear the sound of her heart thumping hard by her ears. Looking at Kaji, Kahoko discovered, there was no girl in this world that would not be moved by a confession like this from a wonderful man like Kaji Aoi.
"Anyway, should we start on the food? I am sure you are very hungry by now." Once again, not wanting to add more pressure onto Kahoko, smoothly turning away, Kaji smiled and changed the topic.
"Thank you, Kaji-kun." Sitting opposite Kaji in the hut, accompanied by the beautiful candlelight, Kahoko finally spoke, a peaceful grateful smile came onto her face. "I shall never forget tonight."
---
Taking another look at the basket in her hand, Urahara Miyako gave a sigh. She could not believe she is doing this. Her? The heiress to the Urahara Corporation, who had never taken a second look at any male, not bothered to speak more than a sentence to any suitor has actually hand baked some cookies for a man? Not only so, she actually travelled all the way to the office he works at to deliver it?
Over and over again, Miyako had the urge to turn and go back home, but the other side of her made her stay. She wanted to see the smile on Yunoki's face when he found out she hand baked these cookies for him. She wanted to see him outside any planned activities the Yunoki Family had planned for him.
Upon her entrance into the state of art looking office, the receptionist immediately approached her. "Good afternoon, Uraha-sama."
"Is," Clearing her throat, Miyako ensured she put on a cold unfriendly face. "Is Azuma-san available?"
"Yes, I shall check that for you now." The receptionist replied politely.
It did not take long, almost immediately Miyako saw Yunoki coming out to greet her at the lobby. As usual, the polite, business smile on his face, he greeted. "Miyako-san. What a surprise. Is everything alright?"
"The executive Yunoki Azuma came down to the lobby personally," Miyako replied coldly. "Because I am a very important business client?" Immediately after saying those words, Miyako regretted every bit of it. Why does she always have to make it sound so negative? Why can't she just greet him back with a sweet hello?
"Of course I have to come down personally," Calmly Yunoki replied. "You are my fiancée right?"
Knowing although it was just another lie, Miyako still felt her heart pumped fast like a little girl in love. Looking away in shyness, Miyako shoved the basket into Yunoki's arms.
Not expecting that, Yunoki took a look at the basket of cookies. "Miyako-san? This is…"
"Throw it away if you want." Against her will Miyako said. "I just happened to find some flour that is expiring soon, so I might as well use it."
With what Miyako said, Yunoki knew immediately it was a lie full of flaws. Urahara Miyako, the heiress that was to inherit an empire needed to bake something herself to use up items that are expiring? Observing the embarrassed look on his fiancée's face, for the first time Yunoki discovered, maybe she wasn't really a spoiled rich girl.
"Miyako-san," In a grateful smile Yunoki invited. "Would you like to have some afternoon tea with me. I would like you to enjoy these cookies too."
With Yunoki's invitation, Miyako blushed even more as she finally nodded.
---
"What were the ingredients you put in this? It's really delicious." Yunoki asked as he poured Miyako a cup of tea.
"Just some white chocolates and macadamia nuts." Sitting here in Yunoki Azuma's prestigious office, Miyako couldn't believe she was actually having a normal conversation with her fiancé for the very first time. Taking a look at the beautiful man before her, she felt her heart ached.
Wearing an executive suit, although still a student, Yunoki Azuma was already responsible for the operation of the business. Everyday, putting aside the busy school work, whenever he was available, he would be spending his time here in the office.
The sad thing was, Miyako already knew Yunoki Azuma lived according to the many burdens his family cast on him, however, it was only recent she noticed the very last remaining hope in his eyes had vanished. He was not like this before Christmas, yet, in front of her, Miyako saw no life in her finace's eyes. He had returned to the person she saw performing in the Seiso Gakuin Annual Concur. Nothing in his life mattered anymore.
"Azuma-san," Holding the teacup tightly in her hands, Miyako whispered. "Are you really never going to continue music again?"
"Eh?" Not expecting the question from Miyako, Yunoki lifted his head.
"Are you really going to continue to live your life like this, Azuma-san?" Not sure if she noticed the surprised look on Yunoki's face, Miyako asked again. "A life without passion, without hope and dream. Was there really nothing worth fighting for?"
"Miyako-san," Finally returning to his calm, polite expressions. Yunoki replied. "What made you suddenly ask such questions? Don't we have a wedding coming up soon? Is that not something worth looking forward to?"
"Do you really mean it?" Putting down her teacup Miyako asked, there was a tone of loneliness in her voice.
Yunoki Azuma had always been a clever observant person, there was no way he did not notice the sadness in Miyako's voice. At times like this, Yunoki learned it was best that he not over do it as he kept quiet, wanting to find out more the reason to Miyako's questions.
"If you look forward to our wedding, what about her? Does she not wish to spend the rest of her life with you too?" Miyako asked, concerns showed through her eyes. "Was she not the person that brought light back into you life? Was she not the one who told you how to be true to yourself? Who accepted you knowing you were not perfect?"
…She? A frown immediately came onto his face with Miyako's question.
Luckily before Miyako could ask further, there was a knock on the door as a man entered the office. Seeing the people present in the office, the man apologised immediately. "I am sorry, I shall return later."
"No, it's alright. I am about to leave anyway." Standing up from her seat Miyako reached for her bag, also embarrassed of all the inappropriate questions she asked. "Do not let me interrupt your work."
"What is it?" Turning to the man that entered the room, Yunoki asked.
Walking up to Yunoki, the man handed him some documents as he explained. "It is regarding the campaign we launched sponsoring the Yokohama Square."
Nodding Yunoki replied. "The campaign to promote the new ski hotel we recently built, what about it?"
"As one of the promotions for the grand opening of the hotel, we are providing free accommodation to lucky shoppers at Yokohama Square, a three day two nights holiday package at the hotel." Pointing to the document in Yunoki's hands the man explained. "The names have been drawn, and these are the lucky winners. We just need you to sign off on the campaign."
"Tsukimori Len and Hino Kahoko…" Reading through the document, the names of the winner caught his eyes. Seeing the names, Yunoki felt as if the emotions he had hidden deep within was about to overturn. The beautiful kiss scene beside the Christmas tree of these very two people was replayed in his head.
Taking in a deep breath, Yunoki said. "Heh…these two are the winners that require me to sign off on their romantic trip away."
Unlike the other man, Miyako immediately noticed the change of tone in Yunoki's voice. Looking up quickly at Yunoki in concern, Miyako saw, although it was only for a second, the gleam in his eyes changed before he was able to force the smile back onto his face.
"It is indeed a small world," Yunoki returned the documents back to the man as he said calmly. "The winners are my close friends. In this case, can you upgrade the winning package to the honeymoon suite?"
"It shall be done." Nodding in acknowledgement, the man gave both Yunoki and Miyako a bow as he left the room.
Finally when it was the two of them left, Miyako gave a sigh. "Azuma-san, I despise you."
"What's the matter now?" Smiling in response Yunoki asked patiently.
"You are not a man. You do not fight for what you want, and giving up on many opportunities that came your way had brought you to the state you are in now, and there is no one to blame." Turning to the table, Miyako picked up the plate of cookies she baked and threw them into the bin. "You are not the Yunoki Azuma I knew you to be, and I do not want to be married to a loser like you!"
Throwing those harsh words at Yunoki, Miyako stormed out of the room in despair. She knew part of her wanted nothing else but to marry Yunoki, yet, it was more heartbreaking to see, the only way to bring Yunoki down that path with her, was when he had come to the dead end of his life.
Yunoki stood where he was as he slowly closed his eyes in self-mocking. He knew Miyako was right when she said those words. He would not blame her for despising him for he did not even dare to take a look at himself. She was right when she called him a loser. Opening his eyes again, Yunoki looked at the cookies in the bin as he gave a sigh.
You are wrong Yunoki senpai! Dream is only beautiful because it can come true!
The words Kahoko spoke to him on Christmas night echoed over and over again within Yunoki. Why when he finally was ready to give up, she would say something like that to him. Why was she able to still give him false hope?
But was it really only a false hope? When Yunoki kissed Kahoko that night, the way she responded told him that the feeling might not be one way. Finally, the hope and life returned to Yunoki's beautiful eyes. Yes, maybe it was still too early to give up.
Picking up the phone, Yunoki dialled an extension.
"Yes, Azuma-sama."
"The campaign we were just discussing before," The dangerous beautiful smirk came onto Yunoki face once again as he said. "I will be handling this personally."