Chapter 9

"Hay!"

For the third time Kahoko made another sigh while helping Manami in the kitchen chores.

Her fair headed friend stared at her, worried. "Kaho, if you don't feel like helping its ok, Try to take a rest you seem distress this past days."

"I'm fine Manami, It's just… no it's nothing," Kahoko cut as she sustained her works.

"Kaho-nee!" a little voice screech, echoing in the whole kitchen.

Kahoko turned around to welcome that person. "What is it, Shoko-chan?"

The girl recoiled as if shying away. "A-am A-Ane wants to see you Kaho-nee."

Kahoko strode where she was and smiled. "I'll be there soon. I have to help Manami-nee for our lunch first." She patted her head.

Little Shoko sheepishly smiled then gave a nod.

Moments later Kahoko approached the two siblings which by that time were in the garden.

Nami saw her. "Ah! There you are Kaho, can you get me juice, it's kinda hot in here," she said, fanning her hand to quench the heat.

"What? You should have told Shoko earlier!"

"It's too bothersome for my little sister."

Bother your face. Kahoko snickered.

"Did you say something?" Nami looked over her shoulder.

"No, nothing, what do you want?"

"Orange will be fine."

Kahoko scorned as she transferred her attention to the little girl. "Shoko-chan, do you want to come with me?"

The girl gazed back to her sister as though asking for permission and back to Kahoko. Nami made an abrupt approval in which the little kid accepted in delight.

"Let's go Shoko-chan," Kahoko invited holding the girl's hand.

When they returned they saw Nami nagging Len again. Both of girls sighed, somehow pitying the lad.

"Miss Nami, here's your juice." Kahoko placed the beverage on the side table.

Nami darkly glanced at her "I'm so sorry Kaho, I changed my mind…I'm not thirsty anymore."

Kahoko tried to restrain herself. Calm down Kaho, you've been undergoing this for quite some time now. You can cope with it.

"O-ok, Nami. We will be having our lunch soon." Kahoko clenched her teeth. Keeping those balled hands away from the roguish woman.

"Sure, we will be there." Nami looked at her prey. "Neh, Len darling…?"

Kahoko's brows twitched. "I'll be leaving you now with your darling." Kahoko spun around together with Shoko.

They started their lunch in which Kahoko and Nami never ended their activity whereas Nami kept on instructing Kahoko to do this and that.

"I hate this, I can't take her anymore!" she yelled while moving on the second floor.

She paused, hearing a faint sound coming from the place she knew that was always locked. I thought Manami said it's locked? She mulled, walking where the sound coming.

It became louder and louder but the sound never hurting her ears but rather making her at peace.

She halted arm-length from an oak door; she grabbed the knob and turned it. Her eyes met someone she didn't expect it to be.

"H-hi!"

The sound stopped, same bullion eyes seized at her standing stance. "K-Kahoko? What are you doing here?"

"Ryoutarou-kun, you're playing…?"

Ryoutarou rubbed his nape. The very most he wanted to hide was unexpectedly been revealed. "Well, yeah. It's been a long time since I last play the piano."

"It's beautiful."

"Huh?"

"Your music…it's beautiful." Kahoko commented with her heartening smile. "It is so relaxing, the sound is synchronized, every note blends with each other. It feels somehow longing … It's strange —" she paused. "S-sorry, I didn't mean it that way. What I mean is—"

Ryoutarou chuckled. "It's nocturne E-flat major."

"Hmn?"

"It's Fredric Chopin's composition. I always play it when I was a kid."

"Really? Was he the poet of the piano? He really deserves to be one. His music is like a poem with rhyme." Kahoko openly stated.

Ryoutarou looked at her, surprised. "How did?"

Kahoko sneered and cooed. "My former teacher is a music enthusiast. She keeps on telling us about older musician."

"Ah, I see." Ryoutarou smiled.

"So…who taught you?"

His smiled faded as he avoided her gaze. "Aunt Misa…"

Eyes significantly grew bigger. "I'm so sorry…" she stammered.

"Do you want me to teach you?" he asked instead.

Kahoko glanced at him before she weakly smiled. "Seriously?"

"Sure, why not? Come, I'll teach you."

"T-Thanks."

Ryoutarou stood from his seat and allowed Kahoko to sit there. "Why don't you familiarize first with the notes?" Ryoutarou began, leaning forward to press some notes.

"I'm so sorry."

"For what?" Ryoutarou looked at her.

"For asking…I know I should not be asking that things, especially that you—"

Ryoutarou grunted "Kahoko, it's all in the past, we can't change anything."

They continued their piano lesson for a while. Kahoko doesn't have any idea what was majors and minors was, even what was abcd's connection to do-re-mi. Instead of giving her a long lecture Ryoutarou decided to play another piece for her.

"I suppose I'll agree with Len." He mocked between laughs.

"What do you mean?"

"You're so dense."

"Hey!"

"Just kidding."

"No, I won't consider it."

"Hush, Ok, I'll play for you." Ryoutarou laughed and sat beside Kahoko.

He began with soft heavy notes and followed by smooth low notes as both tone blended and harmonized with the fluttering of his fingers to the ivory keys. Time to time he would just use the heavy notes then back to the low ones.

His music was calmer with passion engulfing the music more. Kahoko smiled, closing her eyes to feel the music's true intended.

"Wow, that's beautiful! What is it?" Kahoko asked after the piece.

"It's Salut D'amour of Edward Elgar. So how do you find it?"

"It's so sweet…" Kahoko looked at him. "Really it is."

"You're right. Well for a girl, it's sweet. Elgar dedicated it to his girl."

"Yeah, so sweet." They both chuckled afterwards.

"Thanks."

"And why do you suddenly thank me?" Ryoutarou inquired.

"If you only know, that girl drives me nuts again." She huffed, folding her arm to prepare a sulk stance. "Good thing you play for me."

Ryoutarou chuckled. "She and Shoko are the daughters of grandfather's colleagues."

"Yeah, she said that to me."

"And their company is the top three to the largest company here. Well, Hasegawa is the first and the second one is kinda well-built as well. I forgot the name." Ryoutarou laughed as he forgot the name of the second company.

"Sugoi! Perhaps since that girl is overly pampered that's why she is so full of herself. Aren't you get ticked at her sometimes?"

"It's ok. We've been used with her pompous character ever since, especially Len. I suppose he grew tired of avoiding her. You'll cope with her too. Hope so." Ryoutarou ridiculed.

"It's unfair, why does that haughty guy never paid more attention when she's nagging him but when I simply look at him he will start ranting."

Another nickname for him ei! "Like I said he grew tired. Everyone will if we're in his position. It all started when we're just nine." Ryoutarou walked to the window and scrutinized the view.

"It was a big party in the mansion. Grandfather's colleagues were invited as well with Nami's parents. If I could still remember she is the most outstanding back then." Ryoutarou paused to stifle some laughter.

"And why?"

~FLASHBACK~

"Stupid people, I'm not weird. Mother said I look wonderful." Little Nami sobbed in the corner. Many children were making fun of her clothes. She was not to blame nevertheless. Her mother compelled her to wear a pink, full of sequins clothes.

She gazed at her side to see the blue haired boy, staring at her with impassiveness. "What are you looking at, go ahead laugh, mock me more."

"Why should I?"

"Because I'm weird…." She hiccupped.

"There's nothing unusual with your clothing."

The little girl's façade lit. "Y-you don't find it weird? Why aren't you laughing?"

"Well, yes, it's not. And why should I laugh, there's nothing funny about it."

Little Len was not easily impressed in his surrounding, he consider everything as dull. However Nami took it seriously and seemed she misinterpret his tediousness.

"Really?" she muttered with those shimmering blue eyes. "Y-You're the first one to say it…" she stared at him. He's so cute, he looks like a prince. He tried to make me feel better. "Thanks."

"You don't have to."

Oh! So down to earth. "I-I think…I like you!"

~END OF FLASHBACK~

"What? That's it? How weird," Kahoko complimented. "I thought, they both—"

"No, I doubt it. Len will fall for her, not in a million years!"

"So rude!"

"Well, ever since that party, she didn't leave Len alone though how he hated people following him. Do you know she tried to confess to him so many times, not to mention in front of us."

Kahoko pouted unintentionally. "That girl has the guts. Why does Len-san never reciprocate her feeling? They seem to know each other very well."

Who will not… it appears wherever Len goes that girl follows. "I don't know. We're not that close. Try asking him instead." He mocked.

"Shut up." she hit his arm. "I have to go. Manami must be looking for me." She stood up and bid goodbye.

"Bye Kaho…."

Kahoko closed the door and turned around but just to see another form blocking her way.

"Will you mind?"

Her brow twitched.

"What are you doing here?" the person went on.

"It has none of your concern." She walked, somehow using his words felt well.

"Yes it is. You just told nonsensical things about me when I'm not around, I have some concern in that matter."

Kahoko paused. "How did…? You're eavesdropping, aren't you?"

Len gave her a start respond but hid it in his impressive stoic mask. "I'm not!"

"Denial!" Kahoko completely altered the topic. "So how did you know?"

"I heard it." He averted her stare, knowing how his eyes could be so readable in her perception. "What are you doing with Ryoutarou anyway?"

"He's teaching me how to play the piano."

"That's preposterous, you learning to play piano…" his face was impassive yet his word was sarcastic. "I'm certain you can't even produce a simple note."

"I can!" Kahoko breathed. "I must say Ryoutarou-kun is far better than you are. He knows how to appreciate music rather than you!"

Len's forehead crumpled threefold, he narrowed his eyes. "Don't compare me with that guy."

"Why, is it because he is outshining you?"

"No, because we're different. I have my own perspective regarding music and he obviously has none. "

"Why did you say that?" Kahoko asked.

"Teaching a dense like you is such a despicable view."

"As if I'm going to ask help from you, never." Kahoko fumed in anger.

"Well, I'm surely will never help you."

"Fine!" Kahoko stomped away.

Bothersome, why did I let myself waste another time with her. Len shook his head and continued on his walk. He should have gotten to his room earlier if he was not eavesdropping. Len halted. I'm not eavesdropping, I just heard it.

~NeKo Meow~

Why does Len-san never reciprocate her feeling? Kahoko shook her head, up until now, her head screaming the same statement all over again. She sighed. Certainly he is too egoistic to care. She hissed.

School days started and now it's time to look for their test results. How she hoped she at least got a good grades.

"Kahoko what's with the grumpiness?" Manami asked after class.

"Manami, I failed history!"

"Oh! Shoot, Ms. Akane's class? Oh! You done it Kaho, you know she got an eye on you."

"Yes, I know what will I do?"

Manami cupped her chin and prepared her thinking position. "This is bad. She already warned you that she'll tell Mr. Shouzaburou about your performance."

Kahoko nodded, her hands were shaking beneath the test paper.

"Speaking of Mr. Shouzaburou, why is he here?" Manami glanced over Kahoko.

"Manami-chan…." Kahoko muffled.

"Oh! Manami, Kahoko, is something wro—"

"Mr. Shouzaburou, I'm very sorry I failed history! I promise I won't do that again," Kahoko squeaked without stopping.

Mr. Shouzaburou just stared at her. Eyes grew wider and jaw quite parted. "Kaho-dear, even you?"

His statement made Kahoko to think twice.

"W-wait, what do you mean even me? There's another?"

"Yes, there is. And both of you need to meet me on my office." Trailed by a very silky voice.

Kahoko, Manami and Mr. Shouzaburou glanced at him.

"Mr. Akihiko it's nice meeting you." Mr. Shouzaburou greeted when they got to the office.

"Nice meeting you as well Mr. Hasegawa. You know by now why you are here."

The old man nodded.

"This two young people have failed their respective subjects. Although it was not vital you have to take this seriously." Akihiko paused, laying his hand at the table. "We decided to give them another retake since their other grades are quite imposing. It'll be two days after. I suppose, this given date is enough for them to prepare."

After saying those words Akihiko dismissed them.

In their way home, Mr. Shouzaburou talked to Kahoko.

"Dear, you have to review for your examination. You may ask the other for your aid." Mr. Shouzaburou said and turned to another.

"Son, this is quite bothersome in your part. You've been excelling your study ever since but what do you find so difficult with this simple subject? Try to talk to Ryoutarou for your problem."

"I wish not to seek help from him."

Mr. Shouzaburou massaged his temples. The kid was being conceited again. "Then who will?"

"It's much better if they help each other," Manami suggested.

"What?" the two said in unison.

"I know the Ryoutarou is good in cooking but it seems he has no time to spare because of his soccer practice. And the only person I know besides Ryoutarou that knows how to cook is Kahoko." Manami went on.

"What about me? I need to review my lessons too." Kahoko pried.

"Well, sorry Kaho, I can't help you because of our meetings. You may ask Azuma-san or Kazuki but if I were you, I'll choose the topnotch when it comes to European history and you know who it is. Len can help you there." She smiled.

"Wait…but…" I hate him! Kahoko's forehead furrowed.

"Very well said Manami, it's much better. Kahoko, teach Len, and son, help Kahoko. Problem solved, exam to go!" Mr. Shouzaburou closed.

"I won't ever help that dense girl."

"I won't either help a good-for-nothing, don't-even-know-how-to-cook lad."

"That supposedly the purpose of teaching… to learn," Len shot back.

"Very well, so Len already agreed."

"Wait, I didn't say I agreed."

"You said that you want to learn."

"Yes I want to, but not with the help of that dense girl."

"Oh! As if I will surely help you…" Kahoko murmured.

"Enough!" Mr. Shouzaburou cut their words. "This is a serious matter. I won't let any of you to fail another subject. If helping each other is the only solution, then be it. No buts…no complaints. It will just make your problem worst. If you failed, you know it will end up teaching each other again, so if you want to distance, try to cooperate this time."

"Bu—"

"Eh…just this time being…" Mr. Shouzaburou stated firmly.

The car stopped at mansion and Mr. Hasegawa and Manami went out, leaving the two all problematic.

"Your discussion will start tomorrow," Mr. Shouzaburou muttered before completely left them.

~NeKo Meow~

Early in the morning Kahoko prepared the things they needed in their little cooking lesson. It was not in her accord she would coincide but for the sake of Mr. Shouzaburou, she contemplated…she will. Len went afterwards.

"Good morning Len-san," she greeted which he kindly responded with a nod.

That's new, much better than glare. Kahoko mused and proceeded to their lesson.

She got the knife and supposedly the bowl when Len did the same thing. By chance her hand grazed on his. It seemed bolt somehow trailed in her hand that moment.

"Hey! What are you going to cook?" came by a loud voice.

Too surprised with the commotion, Kahoko threw the knife, not even bothered where it could fly off. It landed millimeters away from Kazuki's pastel cheek, some green locks dropped dead on the ground.

"I'm so sorry Kazuki-san!" Kahoko raced at the lad.

"What's wrong with you? You're going to kill me…" Kazuki yelled and ran.

It's an accident. Kahoko shook her head and spun to where her companion was. It seemed he was in his trance as he backed few steps when she moved forward.

Kahoko scowled. "I'm not going to kill you!" she screamed.

Len grunted. One wrong move and this is the last of me. He gazed at her with indifference. "I'm waiting for your instruction girl."

"First." Kahoko raised her hand.

"What?"

"Call me in my proper name and second…I'm your sensei for the day, you'll do what I tell you."

Len brows twitched, setting himself to retort when Kahoko stopped him. "No, retorting."

After a while…

"Why can't you do it right! You need to crack a small portion on the egg and not break it in the bowl."

"If you just explained it properly then I wouldn't have misinterpret it."

Kahoko sighed. She needed lots of patience this time. "Here, let me help you."

She held his hand, assisting him in how to do it. "See, isn't it easy." She smiled.

Len just stared at her, bewildered. His lacked of response made Kahoko to peek at him.

"Is something the matter Len-san?"

The lad blinked twice before shaking his head. What's got into him all of the sudden. He mentally slapped himself before focusing in their activity. "What's next?" he nonchalantly queried.

"Ah! Can I help you darling?" Nami disrupted at the door.

Kahoko reserved herself not to care as she fixed her attention at the vegetables. Chopping it mercilessly as it appeared more outrageous than Len's work by now.

"No!"

Both Kahoko and Nami dragged their head elsewhere.

"Kazuki-nii, what is it?" Nami asked.

"She's dangerous, don't go near her," he stated dragging Nami away.

Kahoko sulked more, racing to where they were.

"I won't do th—" she tripped stupid vegetable. Knowing her fall, she closed her eyes however just to open it again as it seemed she was not actually inclining and one arm wrapped around her waist.

Her breathing deepened in unison with a warm respire fondled her cheek down to her neck.

"That's close…" his voice stirred her out from trance.

After the long pause between them, the lad never freed her but rather tightened his hold and closing the gap between. Kahoko's face turned redder

She gulped "L-L-Len-san…y-you can let go of me now…." She gently muttered.

As if it was a bolt of lightning, Len distanced in speed, his usual pale cheeks ever so slightly hued pink.

Kahoko swiveled to gaze at him.

"I-I'm so—" he paused before his expression turned tough. Glare flashed in his eyes. "You stupid woman!" he began.

"H-hey, you don't have to…." Kahoko trailed off when she realized his look. It was something uncanny for him.

"You almost stab yourself, what will you do if I'm not here?"

"I-I'm sorry." she blinked.

Len sighed rubbing his temples as though doing it calmed him. "Let's just continue," his voice suddenly softened. I don't want somebody to get hurt in front of me again…

Kahoko gaped at him… did she hear it right? She shook her head…it must be her imagination; she decided to sustain their works instead.

The awkward silent remained in both of them. No one bother to talk, up to the last minute they had for cooking.

Kahoko initiated the last discussion.

"We're finish, isn't it easy?" she tried to be cheery.

The lad nodded the last reply and left her alone.

"Let's try if they'll like your cooking."

Her statement made Len to paused and frowned at her. "Not in the slightest you will embarrass me again, Hino."

"Shocks, it's not embarrassing, it taste nice they will love this." She countered.

The lad moved where she was and stole the platter.

"Hey give that back to me!" Kahoko complained but Len raised his hand in which Kahoko couldn't reach.

"Very funny, don't make fun of me. I know I'm not that tall."

"I'm aware of that…." Len muttered leaving Kahoko.

"Mr. Shouzaburou!" Kahoko shouted when she saw the old man. Len stopped; he knew what will happen next. "We're finish cooking, mind trying it?"

"Sure dear, where is it?"

"Since you're tall, you can get it from Len-san he doesn't want to give it to me." Kahoko pouted.

Mr. Shouzaburou laughed and signaled for his grandson to near them. "Son, let's see if you improve."

Reluctant but there was no other option. Len obeyed his grandfather, scowling at the girl as though he could kill her by doing so.

"It's not bad at all," Mr. Shouzaburou complimented.

"See, I told you so." Kahoko smiled but immediately faded when she saw his weird expression again. Was it possible she can only see his restrain sentiments?

~NeKo Meow~

The day ended. It was part of their negotiation that Len will tutor her every night since she has many chores to do every day.

Kahoko grabbed her belongings and went towards Len's room. The door opened before she could knock.

"Hi!" she said.

"What are you doing here?"

"Well it's my turn, you need to tutor me." Her eyes were fluttering between the words.

"It's obvious that you're tired, let's start tomorrow."

"Don't be silly, I'm fine Len-san. Besides I have to teach you tomorrow."

Len examined her, arching a brow nonetheless he allowed her to come in.

"Where are you going?" she asked when he was leaving.

"I'll be back soon."

Kahoko shrugged and opted to sit in his bed. She stared at the ceiling. It was blue, blue like the sky. For further scrutinizing of the ceiling she slightly rested in the bed.

"So cute…It looks like it's actually a sky!" she commented, raising her hands as if reaching for it. Her eyes were closing until she fell asleep.

The door creaked open. "Hino, I'm sorry I—"

Len sighed and drew nearer to her. "What will I do to you?"

He lifted her up to place in the middle of the bed and pulled the blanket to drape on her.

Kahoko mumbled seemingly resemble to thank you before twisting at the side. Len sighed once more and by chance, brushed the crimson strands blocking her face before walking to the couch to make himself comfortable the least.

He grabbed the book he supposedly be using for their lesson and read it instead. Not until tiredness crawled to his psyche as well.