Chapter Nine
Hihara Kazuki was never an analytical thinker. He wasn't exactly dense either. He was known to be a caring, kind person and could easily befriend anyone. It was almost impossible for anyone to hold a grudge against him. This was because; Hihara had a simple, straight heart. He doubted no one, held no negative thoughts toward any person, and Hihara had no real secrets. This was why, Hihara felt like an idiot when he discovered a shocking revelation regarding his best friend, Yunoki Azuma.Hihara and Yunoki had been close friends for many years. Through many years of friendship, Hihara learned one thing about Yunoki.
Unlike him, Yunoki held many secrets. If Hihara had found it impossible to hide his feelings, Yunoki was perfect at it. Still, Hihara respected that, and he would never intrude Yunoki's personal space, and would not ask him anything unless Yunoki was willing to tell.
Never in a million years though, would Hihara ever guess that one of Yunoki's many secrets would be the same as his one and only secret. Like him, Yunoki was also in love with Hino Kahoko for the past three years.
Yes, Yunoki still kept it a secret, but the night at the Christmas party, when Hihara saw the smile on Yunoki's face on the photographs, and the way he looked at Kahoko when he cleared her name for her, Hihara finally learned, his best friend had been in love with the same violinist as he had for many years.
Sinking his head deeply into his hands, Hihara cringed. How could he be so stupid and inconsiderate?! The many smiles and warm encouraging words Yunoki gave him, whenever he was depressed over the slump of his relationship with Kahoko, what was really going through Yunoki's mind? Was Yunoki pretending to care? Was Yunoki telling him one thing, but behind him did another?
Slowly lifting his head, Hihara frowned. No, although he could never truly understand Yunoki, there was one thing he was certain. Yunoki had not betrayed him once as a true friend. Although they were so different, there was one unique bond they had, it was the mutual care and respect as a friend.
But what now? As friends, should he step aside and let Yunoki go for Kahoko? What about Yunoki's fiancée?
"Ouch!"
While Hihara was lost in his depressive thoughts, the pain against his left foot brought him back to reality. As a reflex, looking to the source of pain, Hihara saw a thick hard cover textbook fell right on his foot. Before Hihara had time to figure out where it came from, he saw many more books falling his way.
In shock, Hihara quickly jumped away and saw, behind the text books, a girl on the floor and her belongings scattered all over the ground with her fall. Moving quickly up to the girl, Hihara helped her up but found, the girl's eyes tightly closed and her breathing short and rapid.
"Excuse me, are, are you alright?"
Unfortunately, there was no response to Hihara's call as the girl fainted right into Hihara's arms. Although Hihara was no doctor, but the paleness from the girl's face showed her condition to be serious. In haste, Hihara quickly reached for his phone and called for an ambulance.
"Her condition is stable now, but we need to keep a close eye on her for a night before we allow her out of the hospital."
After Hihara called the ambulance, as he was the person next to the girl when she fainted, he had been asked to accompany her to the hospital. In a warm smile, the doctor told Hihara. "You can go in and see her now."
"Err, I…" Not knowing how to explain to the doctor that he actually was not acquainted with the girl, Hihara hesitated. However, Hihara soon realised, it probably wasn't very gentleman to just walk away either.
After the doctor left, Hihara entered the ward and approached the bed where the girl was resting. To his relief, the white pale face Hihara remembered when he first found her, had now shown a little shade of pinkness on her stunningly delicate beautiful face.
Beautiful? Hihara blushed immediately with the thought. Indeed, there was no other word to describe this girl. The dark, shinning flowing black strands of her hair became a perfect contrast to her pearl white almost transparent skins. Her nose, her mouth, everything about her sat perfectly just where they should be.
"Excuse me sir," Coming from behind Hihara, a nurse asked. "We need to contact her relatives, would you know who we should contact?"
Quickly pulling his focus away from the girl, Hihara cleared his throat and replied quickly. "Well, I, actually, I don't really know her."
"You don't?" Surprised with Hihara's answer the nurse asked. "You two are complete strangers?"
"Well, not exactly strangers." Scratching his head Hiahra tried his best to explain the situation. "I do know her name though, it's Midou Namie."
Midou Namie, there was no one in Seiso University that does not know her, especially the boys.
Midou Namie had been elected as the Seiso University Idol for two consecutive years. Her beauty was beyond any words could describe, and adding to that, she was elegant, graceful, and despite all the boys on campus would die to win her heart, she kept to herself. Maybe a little shy or introvert, whenever an admirer approached her, she would immediately flee. And because she was so impossible to approach, it only caused the suitors to be more aggressive and insistent.
"Thank you," After a while the nurse approached Hihara again. "We actually have her name on the patient database. Poor girl had been in and out of hospital since she was small."
"She has?" A little surprised Hihara asked.
"Unfortunately due to privacy reasons we are unable to share anymore details with you," The nurse replied. "But I have contacted her parents and they would be here soon."
"Alright," Nodding in acknowledgement Hihara took another look at the girl on the hospital bed. He was starting to understand why she kept to herself, and why her face was always so white and fair. Although Hihara did not know the details, but from the sound of it, she must have been sick for quite a while. Despite not knowing Midou Namie personally, still, with all his heart, Hihara wished she would recover soon.
A few days passed and Hihara no longer remembered the incident until one lunchtime. While he was happily conversing with his friends, an unexpected visitor showed up. Upon the appearance of the visitor, all Hihara's friends gasped and awed when they saw the girl approached Hihara.
"Hihara senpai," With a polite bow, the girl greeted with a soft timid voice. "Thank, thank you for saving my life."
"Saving your life?" Hihara quickly got up from where he was and said quickly. "No, I didn't really do anything, I only called an ambulance…" Stopping, with a warm smile Hihara said to the beautiful girl. "Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes." With her head lowered in shyness, the girl handed a paper bag to Hihara. "I, I hope you would enjoy this." After her sentence, with another bow, Midou Namie turned and quickly left the place.
"Hihara!!" As expected, after Midou Namie left, Hihara's friends all huddled up in extreme curiosity and interest. "How did you, wow dude, you saved Midou Namie's life?!"
"No, seriously. I really only called an ambulance and ended up accompanying her to the hospital!" Blushing in embarrassment Hihara explained.
"Either way, wow, it's Midou Namie! I have never seen her at such a close range. She is so beautiful…" With stars in their eyes, Hihara's friends sighed.
"So, what did she give you?" Another asked pointing to the paper bag in Hihara's hand.
Wanting to know the answer too, Hihara quickly opened the bag and to his surprise found a lunch box. Opening it, Hihara saw a deliciously and perfectly presented home-made lunch.
"Hihara…" With envy beyond any words could describe, Hihara's friends sobbed. "What have you done to deserve this? The world is so unfair, why wasn't I the one that saved her life?"
"Can I take a bite? Even if you want my life in exchange it would be all worth it."
"No, not even a bite, can I just smell it?"
With his friends fussing and commenting around him, Hihara took another look at the lunch in his hand not knowing how to best comprehend Midou Namie's gratitude.
However, it was not the end of it. The day after that, and the many days following, Midou Namie would come visit Hihara with her own cooked lunch. As usual, she would just hand him the lunch and then would leave quickly in shyness leaving Hihara stunned and his friends awing in jealousy. Not knowing what he had done to deserve such a treatment from the most admired girl on campus, Hihara finally decided to find out.
"Midou-chan, can, can I talk to you for a second?" Scratching his head in awkwardness, Hihara stopped Midou when she just came out from a lecture.
Not expecting Hihara to actually approach her, Midou Namie took a nervous look around her as she lowered her head, avoiding looking at Hihara's eyes. Knowing Midou Namie was famous for being shy and introvert, Hihara made sure he was at a safe distance away from her, not too intimidating but friendly.
"I just wanted to thank you for the delicious food that you have prepared for me, I really enjoyed it." Hoping to sound approachable, Hihara said with a warm smile.
To Hihara's surprise, Midou Namie finally lifted her head as a beautiful smile that came genuinely from the heart painted her face, making her even more stunning. "You, you liked it?"
"Yes, did you make them?"
Nodding shyly Midou Namie replied. "Yes, that was the least I could do to show my appreciation."
"Oh, but really, I didn't do much. I just happened to be there." With a sigh Hihara said. "Anyway, I just wanted to say that I feel bad for eating your wonderful cooking when I really haven't done much. So you don't need to prepare anything for me anymore."
"Did I cause you trouble?" With obvious disappointment, the beautiful girl asked.
"No, no, no!" Quickly waving his hands Hihara said. "I just thought you have really done too much for me, so if there is anything I could do for you, please ask."
"In that case," Lowering her head again, Midou whispered. "Would you play the 'Entertainer' on the trumpet for me?"
"Entertainer?"
With a shade of pinkness flashed on her cheeks, Midou nodded. "I, I actually have always liked your trumpet performance, Hihara senpai. Is it okay…?"
"Sure," Taking his trumpet out from the case, Hihara said cheerfully. "If there are any other song requests you have, just let me know!"
To be honest, Hihara was rather relieved Midou's request was what he does best, to play a song on the trumpet to make people happy. Knowing the beautiful girl before him had been troubled by illness for a while, with his whole heart, although it was only a little thing he could do for her, Hihara hoped his performance could bring some joy and hope to her life.
"Thank you," Hihara gave a bow as Midou applauded after his performance. Lifting his head again, he noticed the true happy expression on Midou's face.
"This is," Softly, Midou said as she gave Hihara a grateful smile. "This is the second time I heard you perform this song."
Surprised with what Midou said, Hihara sat down before her and asked in curiosity. "You have heard me perform this song before?"
Nodding, Midou continued to explain. "The first time was three years ago, when I was spending majority of my days in the hospital." Her beautiful eyes looked afar, and there was a tone of sadness in her voice.
Seeing the sorrow, Hihara felt his heart sympathised with the fragile girl immediately. "I know maybe it was none of my business, but when I was in the hospital, the nurse kind of mentioned that you have been in and out of the hospital for many years…"
"I, I was born with a heart condition." With a weak smile the girl replied. "I have been receiving treatment for many years and three years ago, I had my first surgery."
"Oh…" Although knowing Midou Namie was troubled with some sort of illness, but never had Hihara expected it to be something so serious. Most of all, he had not expected her to tell him this much.
"Putting aside the physical sickness at the time, I was also tired and weighed down mentally for living a life spent majority at the hospital. The doctor had told me before the surgery that if I do not have a strong will to live, to hope, even though I would undergo all these treatment, I could not recover." With a soft sigh the girl continued on with her story, maybe the first time she had ever spoke this much to anyone.
"But I was really tired, I knew my parents had spent a fortune on my medical costs, and with the thought that I would only continue to burden them, I actually had hoped to die."
"No, you must not think that way! It's wrong!" To Midou Namie's surprise, Hihara interrupted immediately. "The reason your parents were willing to spend the money was because they love you! Even if there was only a little chance of you recovering, they were willing to try."
Noticing the astonished look on Midou's face, Hihara blushed and apologised immediately. "Sorry, I was out of line…"
However, instead of the displease Hihara was expecting, Midou chuckled softly. "Fufu, you were right and definitely not out of line." Looking away in shyness again, Midou smiled. "Three years ago, when I was filled with negative thoughts, I saw you performing the "Entertainer" in the park with the children. The moment I heard the sound, I could sense the message you were trying to convey."
"Message?"
Blushing in response, Midou replied. "I know it sounds abstract, but at the time, from your music, I sensed hope, joy. It gave me the courage I needed that I didn't have."
"Midou-chan…"
"I was actually glad when I found out, the person who brought me to the hospital was the same person who gave me courage and strength three years ago…" Turning to look straight at Hihara again, the soft and sweet girl asked. "If it's okay, would you be able to play again for me in the future, Hihara senpai?"
---
"Oh, have you heard? Apparently Midou Namie has finally got a boyfriend!"
"No way, serious? Who was the prince who finally won her heart?"
Surrounding Kahoko was the daily gossip she hears from her classmates. One day it would be about this person, another it would be about the other. As usual, Kahoko was never a person that was interested in gossip, so packing up her books Kahoko got up from her seat.
"Oh, Hino-san. Are you going to join us for lunch at the cafeteria?" One of her classmate asked.
"Actually, this morning I got lucky and managed to buy some freshly made katsu sandwich ifrom Nomiya." With a polite smile Kahoko explained.
"Say no more, we understand." Her friend grinned and teased. "I am sure Hihara senpai will be overwhelmed with joy. The katsu sandwich from Nomiya is heavenly and almost impossible to get."
Chuckling, Kahoko nodded in agreement. "I know. That is why I am sure Hihara senpai will love it."
Seeing Kahoko's smile, her friend gave a sigh. "You know what, Kaho. I don't understand how you and Hihara senpai could remain close friends for so long. I mean, how come you guys haven't advanced into the couple stage yet? You both get along so well, have been there for each other all the time."
"Hihara senpai and I are not…!!" As a reflex Kahoko denied immediately. However, she was reminded of the confession Hihara made a few months ago, and to be honest, he had asked a question that she had not yet given an answer to.
"Yes, yes, we believe you." Her friend grinned even more and said. "Go on, go deliver him the heavenly sandwich."
Squeezing out a smile, Kahoko nodded and left the lecture theatre. Walking along the lively campus ground, Kahoko felt her heart so lost. Yes, how come she and Hihara had not advanced onto the next stage? They have been close friends for so long, and to be quite honest, Kahoko could only get through her toughest times because Hihara was there for her, altruistically.
However, was it fair to Hihara that she continues to rely and spoiled by his selfless sacrificing care? He had popped the question a few months back, yet, she was unable to give him a response.
"Katsu sandwich?! Oh wow!"
As Kahoko walked closer to the garden where Hihara would usually have his lunch, the bright cheerful voice of the very senior brought her mind back to reality. Lifting her head, she saw Hihara sitting there on the bench, and he was not alone. Rather, there was a most beautiful girl sharing the bench with him, and with a shy sweet smile, the girl said.
"I heard that katsu sandwich is your favourite food, so I made them this morning." Stopping, the girl added a little hesitated. "I, I am not sure if this was the taste you were used to…"
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it!" Hihara beamed in blissfulness as he took another look at the sandwich in his hand. "I totally trust your cooking skills."
Actually, Kahoko had not expected to see this. No, to be exact, she had not seen Hihara smile and converse so intimately to another girl. Yes, he was a friendly person, always smiling and greeting people with a bright cheerful 'hello'. However, Kahoko knew immediately, this was different.
"It's so delicious!" Hihara praised after he took a bite. "Wow, I can seriously eat this everyday and won't ever get sick of it."
With Hihara's complement, Midou lowered her head in shyness. "If, if Hihara senpai likes it so much. I don't mind making it for you everyday."
"Oh, but you don't need to." Hihara shook his head. "If you wanted to thank me, you have really done enough. If you continue to do so, people are going to misunderstand, and it would bring unpleasant rumour onto yourself…"
"I don't mind to be misunderstood!" To both Kahoko and Hihara's surprise, the timid girl lifted her head and said. "I, I actually wanted to, I mean, I enjoyed making lunch for you, how you were always so happy when you were eating it, and most of all…" Lowering her head, Midou's beautiful eyes looked away as she whispered. "I had hoped to be here with you everyday…"
"Eh?" Not really understanding the hidden message Midou was trying to convey, Hihara scratched his head and asked. "But you have your friends too right? Don't you eat lunch with them?"
"No, I mean…' With her face turning even redder, Midou took a deep breath and finally took courage. "Is, is Hihara senpai seeing someone?"
Not expecting that question, Hihara jumped up from where he was and stuttered in dead embarrassment. "What….what, what do you mean?"
"I, I was wondering, if, if Hihara senpai is not seeing anyone, would you, would you…" Although Midou was too nervous and failed to finish her sentence, it was obvious enough to Hihara what she was implying.
"Midou-chan…"
"Ah, you, you don't need to give me an answer now." Seeing the stunned look on Hihara's face, Midou said quickly. "I, I can wait."
"Actually, Midou-chan, I, I'd rather that you not." In a most sad and tender voice, Hihara gave a sigh. "For I know what it is like to wait for an answer that you know would never come. To be given a false hope, knowing no matter how much you give, there was really nothing to grasp."
Upon Hihara's words, Kahoko felt as if a lightning struck her. Feeling her hands shaking, Kahoko felt her heart tore into pieces when she saw the expression in Hihara's eyes; there were such hurt, such pain. Unable to bear such guilt, Kahoko turned and ran quickly away from there in self-hatred finally discovering how much she had managed to torment the wonderful friend and senior who had always been there for her.
How foolish of her to think that Hihara would always be there for her. The more Kahoko had taken Hihara's kindness for granted, the more she was actually torturing him. She is a horrible person, a nasty selfish brat.
Not knowing Kahoko had heard it all, Hihara gave a sigh as he sat back down sinking his head into his hands. "I am sorry, forget, forget what I said."
Midou remained silent as she continued to observe Hihara's reaction. She was no fool and discovered immediately, there was another girl in Hihara's heart. However, in understanding, the kind girl approached Hihara.
"Although knowing maybe it was only a false hope, you were still willing to wait right?" In a most gentle voice, Midou asked.
Slowly lifting his head again, Hihara's eyes stared at the beautiful girl next to him.
"That is why, Hihara senpai," When Hihara's eyes met up with her own, Midou added in affirmation. "No matter how long it may take, I am willing to wait."
---
Maestro Schinkel nodded in consent as the orchestra has finally, after a few months of practice was starting to reach the standard he was looking for. Waving his conductor baton to the beat while leading the orchestra, Maestro Schinkel raised his left hand as an indication that the music has now reached the climax. With the sound of the strings accentuating the intensity, Maestro Schinkel allowed a smile to come onto his face in approval. Unfortunately, just when he thought all was going the way he wanted, from his sharp hearing, he noticed a faint and irregular beat that destroyed the whole beautiful setting he was trying to put together.
"Stop, stop!" In frustration, Maestro Schinkel halted the orchestra as he pointed his baton at a youth orchestra member. "Viola, you, Mr Kaji! Why are you three beats behind?"
Standing up from his seat quickly Kaji gave a bow of apology. "I am sorry, maestro."
"Just because viola is a supporting instrument, you think it would not make a difference if you made a mistake?!" In a strict voice, Maestro Schinkel scolded. "Most of all, as the person leading the viola group, your little mistake will destroy the whole group!"
"I am terribly sorry, maestro." Kaji gave another bow.
Although knowing Maestro Schinkel was a strict conductor, and many times she too had been scolded by the maestro personally. Still in concern, Kahoko took a look at Kaji. That was when she saw, as Kaji finally sat back down onto his seat, with a frown, Kaji took a look at his hand as he moved the fingers in rotating motion as if to check something.
With that, Kahoko was reminded of Kaji's odd actions too at his tennis match. However, before Kahoko had time to think further, Maestro turned to her instead. "Miss Hino."
As a reflex, Kahoko quickly stood up too in nervousness. "Yes…yes?"
"Show me how you interpreted from bar 250 to 380."
Not sure if she was in trouble or not, timidly, Kahoko placed the violin against her shoulder and did what she was told. After she finished her performance, slowly putting down her violin, Kahoko looked up at Maestro Schinkel for the verdict.
However instead of saying anything, Maestro Schinkel indicated for her to sit back down. Just when Kahoko thought she was safe, the elderly approached her at the end of the practice.
"Miss Hino, meet me at my office when you have finished."
"Yes, maestro…" Kahoko noticed all the sympathetic looks on her as if to say, 'good luck, I hope you are still alive by tomorrow'. Hoping she too would survive after been grilled by the maestro, with nervousness Kahoko packed her music books and things and headed for the maestro's office.
Coming closer to the office, Kahoko noticed someone waiting outside the office as well. Hearing her footsteps, the person looked up and when both their eyes met, the same surprise and uneasiness came onto both Kahoko and the youth.
"Len…? How come you are…?" Kahoko asked hearing her own voice shaking with uneasiness.
"Maestro asked me to come see him after practice today," Tsukimori replied as he too tried to act calm. "And you…?"
"Yes, he asked me to come see him too." Kahoko answered as she stood a distance from him.
"I see." Tsukimori nodded in acknowledgement but said no more.
With Tsukimori's cool distant attitude, Kahoko felt her heart sank. The last encounter she had with Tsukimori was actually that sweet intimate kiss underneath the Christmas tree. It had been merely a month, already that touch and sensation she experienced felt like a lie.
It was odd, they see each other at the orchestra practice, but there was this wall, this barrier between them. Just like now, when he is there right in front of her, Kahoko could not bear to be close to him. Maybe this was the exact reason they avoided being alone knowing they could never return to what they once shared. This discomfort will always be there, this heavy pressure she felt against her chest, causing it hard to breath.
Luckily before it got any worse, Maestro Schinkel had returned and invited the two musicians into his office. With the three gathered, Kahoko pondered what Maestro Schinkel had in mind. Taking a peek at Tsukimori, she could tell he probably had the same doubts.
"Miss Hino," Finally after he seated down at his desk, Maestro Schinkel spoke. "I remembered you once said you had only started to play the violin since high school?"
"Yes." Nodding quickly in nervousness Kahoko answered.
"Play me a piece." To both Tsukimori and Kahoko's surprise, Maestro Schinkel requested.
"Eh?"
"You are probably the most inexperienced musician of the entire orchestra." His face still strict and not showing any friendliness, the old man stated, "I wanted to know how you managed to gain the position you have now."
"Maestro," Before Kahoko responded, Tsukimori suddenly spoke up in defence. "Hino-san although did not play the violin as long as the others, but she had worked twice as hard, and she has the gift that no one else has."
In disbelief, Kahoko turned to look at Tsukimori. That was when she saw, a most determined and protective look on Tsukimori's handsome face.
"Really? In that case I am interested to know what gift she has." Unmoved the elderly said coldly. Turning to Kahoko, he challenged. "So are you going to prove it to me or not?"
In fear and trembling, Kahoko took another look at Tsukimori. However, when she saw the expressions in his eyes, how there was such understanding and trust, Kahoko felt all the strength she needed was given to her. Even if the whole world doubted her ability, there was at least one talented musician that had always believed in her.
With a nod, Kahoko took the violin out of her case as she placed it against her shoulder. Closing her eyes, Kahoko performed the 'La Campanella' by Paganini. The moment the music was produced from Khaoko's hands, Tsukimori felt his heart and mind captured. Indeed, different from three years ago, Kahoko's techniques and standards have improved a lot. Unnoticed, a smile of pride came onto Tsukimori's face as he fell looking at the beautiful girl.
"Miss Hino," At the conclusion of Kahoko's performance, the elderly said. "Your techniques, did you have the same violin teacher as Len?"
"Eh?" Not expecting that, Kahoko blinked. "What, what do you mean by that, maestro?"
Taking a look at Tsukimori, Maestro Schinkel stated his observation. "The techniques and styles you had, it is the same as Len's."
Upon such a statement, both Kahoko and Tsukimori blushed. In embarrassment, Kahoko lowered her head and replied, her voice hardly audible. "It was because, Tsukimori-kun was the one who taught me all the techniques."
After she finished her sentence, unintentionally, Kahoko took a look at Tsukimori and found him also looking at her. It was like a reminder to the both, that it did not matter if they were walking on separate paths now, that link, that bond, what they once shared would always be there.
Unlike the two youngsters, the elderly had no particular reaction as he nodded in acknowledgement. "But that is not your own music, Miss Hino. Show me something that belongs to you."
"My own music?" Not understanding what Maestro Schinkel was trying to get, Kahoko took another look at Tsukimori for help.
"Len, the reason I asked you to be present was because I had long noticed Miss Hino's similarity in technique to yours. You are a gifted musician, but that gift should not be shared." In a cold voice the old man said. "Unless Miss Hino could give me something unique, something that belongs only to her, then I do not need another musician like you in my orchestra."
Noticing the paleness on Kahoko's face with his teacher's harsh words, Tsukimori replied. "I agree with you, maestro. I have known Hino-san's music for a long time. She performs not to show how talented she was, but she performed because she believed in something. Yet, if she had lost that belief, you were right, there is no need of another musician like me."
As if she suddenly saw light, Kahoko noticed the hidden message Tsukimori was trying to put across. Yes, the reason she decided to continue onto her path in music was because she had fallen in love with it. The belief she had was to show her love, and to spread that love to others.
"Maestro," Placing the violin onto her shoulder again, Kahoko said. "I will play another song, if that is okay?"
"Please do."
Closing her eyes, Kahoko was reminded of the time when she performed with no pretence but just who she was. The first song she ever performed on her own without the help of the magic violin given to her by Lili. The first song she heard from Tsukimori that taught her the beautiful sound of a violin, 'Ave Maria'.
When that simple tune, without the glamorous techniques, something raw, something so pure was produced, Tsukimori noticed the expressions in Maestro Schinkel's eyes changed. Moving his eyes back onto Kahoko, a tender smile came onto his face when he was reminded of their duet at Fuyumi's villa, this was the same sound that touched his heart, that made him fall in love with her...
---
"You did well."
Tsukimori said softly as both he and Kahoko left Maestro Schinkel's office.
"No, I thought I was going to get fired…" With a long sigh Kahoko said. "I knew I was really pushing it with my limited experience to be a member of the Yokohama Orchestra. And Maestro was right, I have forgotten what my own music was." With a smile, Kahoko said wholeheartedly. "Maestro Schinkel is a good teacher."
"He is." Tsukimori couldn't agree more. Maybe many may misunderstood Maestro Schinkel as a mean monster, but Tsukimori knew only he was a true lover of music. Taking a look at Kahoko, Tsukimori said softly, his voice sounded tender. "Although it had been a while since I heard you perform 'Ave Maria', like I remembered, you still manage to move my heart with the sound."
Immediately, against how Kahoko would have liked, she noticed her heart rejoicing with what Tsukimori said. At the same time, sadness came upon Kahoko hating how her emotion was always so easily swayed by every little kindness Tsukimori showed. The more moved and touched her heart was, she knew it would only hurt more to know Tsukimori would just walk out of her life again.
"Anyway, thanks for helping me out in there." Clearing her throat Kahoko said quickly to Tsukimori as she moved a distance away from him. "I, I will see you later."
"Are you going to go catch the train now?" Tsukimori asked. "It is quite late now, I will walk you to the station."
"No, it's okay." Squeezing out a smile Kahoko declined. "It is not that far, I will be fine."
"But,"
"Please," Before Tsukimori said anymore Kahoko interrupted. Lowering her head, Kahoko bit her lower lip in frustration noticing the yearning in her heart for more kindness from Tsukimori. "Please, do not be so kind to me anymore if you didn't mean it."
With such tone of hurt in Kahoko's voice, Tsukimori felt a thump against his heart.
Without saying another word, Kahoko turned and ran quickly away from there knowing if she did not, she would break down in front of Tsukimori.
---
After few months of the intense practice, the Madama Butterfly Production has finally reached its stage of rehearsal for both the opera singers with the orchestra combined. Finally with the two sides rehearsing together, the beautiful face that the female orchestra members have not seen for a long time has finally rejoined them at the practice.
"Yunoki-san is back."
"It has been only two months, but it felt like forever…"
Maybe it was because of the appearance of their prince, or maybe because Maestro Schinkel really brought the best out of his musicians, the orchestra performed beautifully, supporting the singers through the rehearsal smoothly.
Sitting amongst the orchestra members, Kahoko also took a look at that perfect beautiful face of her senior. As usual he was smiling, he was polite and amiable to everyone around him. However Kahoko remembered the lonely sad look on Yunoki's face when she last saw him.
You are a cruel person, Kahoko…When that lost, forlorn sentence reappeared in her mind, Kahoko noticed her heart in a mess. As Yunoki had declared that night, he really kept his distance from her; he really cut himself from further contact with his old friends. For some reason, Kahoko felt really lonely when she realised to Yunoki now, she was no different to any other female orchestra members here. She could only look at him from afar, he was merely a celebrity she knew in a superficial way.
Just when Kahoko was weighed down with the lonely thought while she slowly packed up her music books at the end of practice, she noticed a person standing beside her. Looking up, Kahoko felt her heart nearly jumped out of her mouth when she saw Yunoki standing right there with a big smile on his face.
"Good afternoon, Hino-san."
"Good, good afternoon, Yu, Yunoki senpai!"
Not showing what his true intentions were, as usual, Yunoki continued to smile as he asked. "It has been a while, how has your life been?"
"I, I have been well, thank you." Kahoko replied a little annoyed how her voice sounded so uptight compared to Yunoki.
While Kahoko was still trying to understand why Yunoki had suddenly approached her, and most of all, from Kahoko's instinct, every time Yunoki smiled like this to her, he was up to something. As expected, Yunoki suddenly called out to the youth who was also quietly packing away his things. "Tsukimori, do you have a minute?"
Not expecting Yunoki to be calling him, a little surprised Tsukimori lifted his head and his eyes finally looked over. However, when he saw Yunoki standing next to Kahoko, uncontrollably a displeased frown came onto his face. However, Tsukimori kept his cool as he walked up to Yunoki.
"What is it, Yunoki senpai?"
Noticing the three gathered together, Kaji and Hihara could not help but also turned their focuses toward the same direction. Although no one said a word, all five people knew this was not a simple 'hello, how are you' type of conversation.
Smiling secretly within, Yunoki was no fool and knew he had managed to attract attention from all the people he needed. Calmly taking an envelop out from his briefcase, Yunoki handed it to Tsukimori. "Congratulations, Tsukimori."
"What for?" With a frown Tsukimori looked to the envelop Yunoki handed him.
The expression on Yunoki's face did not change at all, as still with the same calm smile, he explained. "The prize coupon you and Hino-san won for a romantic ski trip away."
""Eh??""
Yunoki's smile deepened when he saw just as he had predicted, the stunned look on both Tsukimori and Kahoko's faces. Of course, not showing particular emotions, Yunoki continued to explain. "Actually, the campaign was sponsored by the Yunoki Group, and I must say, I was more than happy that my friends were the lucky couple who won the prize." Pausing, Yunoki added in emphasis. "So, I have upgraded your package to the Honeymoon Suite. You will be able to enjoy the complementary fruit basket, deluxe breakfast in bed, and of course rose petal spa baths in your own room…"
"Wait, this is…" Feeling his cheeks burning hot in embarrassment, Tsukimori quickly justified.
"It does kind of sadden me though," Not allowing Tsukimori to finish his sentence, Yunoki gave a sigh. "I have wondered when you and Hino-san were going to finally reveal to us that you are now a couple. You know, we have all known each other for many years. There is nothing merrier to see the two of you finally getting together."
"Wow, Tsukimori-kun and Hino-san is finally a couple?" Making it worse, the innocent pure senior Ousaki joined in. "Congratulations!"
"Ousaki senpai, it, it is not…" Kahoko felt she was about to faint especially she could sense the intense focuses on both her and Tsukimori from Hihara and Kaji.
"We are not a couple." When at this time, Kahoko heard a cold voice as Tsukimori said firmly. "Our names were written in the draw because the shop assistant insisted so."
Slowly looking up at Tsukimori, Kahoko felt as if darkness overlapped her when she saw the cold, emotionless look on his face as he confirmed once again. "There is nothing between Hino-san and I."
"Tsukimori-kun is right." Kahoko heard herself said as hopelessness and despair took over. "Sorry to have caused the misunderstanding, Yunoki senpai. Please give the prize to someone else…"
"I see…" Yunoki gave a sigh as he apologised. "Sorry if I have embarrassed the both of you…" Seeing the look on both Tsukimori and Kahoko's faces, Yunoki added. "In that case, how about this? Since this resort is owned by the Yunoki Group, as an invitation, I would like to invite all of you to spend a weekend away at the ski resort." Stopping, Yunoki turned to Ousaki, Hihara and Kaji. "It would give me great pleasure if you all could come."
"Wow, sounds great!" In happiness Ousaki said. "Are you going to invite Tsuchiura-kun and Amou-san as well?"
"Of course." Smiling politely Yunoki said. "It would probably be my last chance of spending time with my old friends before I get married. I hope we will have lots of fun."
"I," Taking a look at Kahoko, Hihara spoke up as he squeezed out a smile. "I won't be able to make it, Yunoki."
With Hihara's words, Kahoko looked up at the usual cheerful senior in shock. Avoiding Kahoko's eyes, Hihara added quickly. "I actually have to work on my graduation composition piece. So I will be pretty flat out the next few months…"
"Hihara…"
Seeing the disappointed look on his best friend's face, Hihara said quickly. "Ah, don't worry about me. You guys go and have fun. Remember to take lots of pictures and show me when you guys come back!"
Secretly Yunoki took a look at the pale saddened look on Kahoko's face. Deep within, Yunoki made up his mind.
I will gasp at any opportunities or strategies to make you fall in love with me, Kahoko. Even if it means, the way is dark…---
"Oh wow, this is an amazing resort! Glamorous and state of the art, not to mention we each get our own suite with hot spring spa bathtubs!" Amou cheered when the group arrived at the ski resort as per Yunoki's invitation. Turning to Yunoki, she exclaimed. "Seriously, Yunoki senpai, how rich is your family?!"
"I take it that you so far liked our new resort, which is a pleasant feedback." Smiling in response Yunoki said.
"I guess it is not a bad idea to relax and have some fun for a weekend." Taking a deep breath of the cold winter air, Tsuchiura said.
"That's right, Hino-chan!" Giving Kahoko a smack on the back Amou winked. "We are here to have fun, so don't look so miserable!"
"Eh? I, I am not miserable!" Justifying immediately, Kahoko blushed.
"Wow, I can do snowboarding here too!" Looking through the guide, Kaji said in joy.
"Are you going to ski, Tsukimori-kun?" Ousaki turned to the blue haired youth who had been silent the whole time.
"No, I will be fine. I will do some reading in the room." As usual, uninterested Tsukimori replied.
"Have you decided on what you are going to do?" Handing Kahoko the guide, Amou asked. "There is a ski school here too."
To be honest, Kahoko was not in the mood to ski, but since it has been a while since the group actually do something together, maybe she should give it a try.
~***~
Dear readers, starting from here will be the different routes to your favourite character, as Hino Kahoko, what would you like to do?
Actually, I am more concerned that Hihara senpai is not here --Hihara Ending Chapter 10
Snowboarding, I don't mind trying that out! –Kaji Ending Chapter 11
Ski school, maybe I should learn how to ski first…--Yunoki Ending Chapter 12
To be honest, I have always wanted to try out the advance route. --Tsukimori Ending Chapter 13
Life moves on, I didn't pick anyone -- Kira and Tsuchiura Ending Chapter 14
i katsu sandwich is a deep fried pork fillet sandwich