Do you feel me now?
Burning like a flame.
If you touch me -
I may disappear…
Even though her back is towards him and she know he's looking at her, she can't help but wonder but… why do you have to ask for so much you idiot Kahoko!
I know that our relationship together cannot be like other people. I know that I have to suffer with him being over half a world away, doing things that I would only dare to dream of…
I know this! But why? Why do I still have this hope…
"It's normal, you know."
Kahoko's brain stops thinking and she finds herself listening to his voice.
"When I got this chance… to be with you like this, Kahoko… I… I never want it to end. I want to be able to make you stay here with me. I want to be able … to make you … happy…"
Her breath hitches in her throat.
Len? Is that… really you saying that?
"I never thought… following my dreams would hurt me so much. I…"
She can hear his footsteps, and looks up to see his blue eyes look straight into her. She gulps.
"If you want me to quit doing violin professionally in Europe and come back to Japan with you… I will."
She gapes wordlessly, unable to describe or make sense of the maelstrom of emotions that hit her with those precise words.
Even after half an hour and his persuasive talk over and over again, even the promise of money for the University… Edward couldn't convince the other Dean.
Why? Why won't he take her? What is it that I'm missing…?
He recalled one of the many bittersweet moments with Kiyora.
"Don't think that being able to throw money around means you can get everything that you want!"
He put his head in his hands.
"I know… I know that there are things money won't do… but why now?"
Kahoko was still stunned. He had said… everything that was on her mind… and more. He smiled softly after declaring to her he would quit the violin professionally if she wanted him to… even touching her cheek softly, before leaving her alone with her thoughts…
If Len comes back home with me… we'll be able… we'll be able to be like a normal couple! Holding hands, going out, laughing and soaking up every moment of happiness.
But… if he does… he'll quit doing the violin professionally… and how… how will it feel… for his family, who are all professional musicians; for Saotome-sensei who encouraged him through his harsh teaching to take up professional violin over in Austria… I'll be tearing him away from everything he's known… just to make him fit with what I want from him…
But if I leave Len here… when will I see him again? Will I just have to hope that long-distance calls are enough, that being able to see his performances on TV, read his letters… will they be enough? Will he try to push me away again, thinking that I'm better off not waiting for him to come back to me?
She slumped to the ground, and put her head in her hands and began to sob.
I don't want to be the one who has to choose any of these decisions! I can't do this!
Len snuck a peek into the room Kahoko was in, and the one which he had left her. He saw her stand up a few moments before falling to the ground in a slump, crying.
I… I'm the one doing this to her. I can't… I can't console her or tell her I was kidding with what I said or…
He slowly stopped looking, and headed downstairs to see Edward.
I need to talk to someone logical about this.
As soon as he steps outside and locks the door to the room, he stops in his tracks immediately with 3 figures standing in front of him.
"That's a troubled expression, Tsukimori-san."
The first of the trio speaks to him. He smiles at Len, hoping that the troubled expression that is evident on the youngster's face disappears.
"Ahh… It's nothing much."
"It is your muse, Tsukimori-san? We heard she's originally from Japan."
All three of them can see him tense up immediately.
"What are you here for – Bergen, Franz, and Wilfred?"
Len addresses the trio by name, and is annoyed that they have to suddenly be present at a time like this.
"We can assist, Tsukimori-san. Offer her a place within a music college in Austria, allow her to stay by your side. On some conditions."
He raises his eyebrow.
"Come and join me for some coffee, gentlemen. If your deal is reasonable I will consider it."
Edward raises his head in the nick of time to see Len pass by with the trio in trail.
This isn't the time to be talking about musical arrangements, you idiot of a cousin! If I can't find a way for Kahoko to stay here with you, your relationship – no, everything – will be ruined!
Even though I say that I'll consider only if the deal is reasonable… the truth is right now I would do anything. Anything… to make you…
Len's mind drifts again to Kahoko falling down and crying…
Anything… to make you happy.