I'm a master of breaking my promises to myself but that's good news for you lovely people. I'm sick; been down with a cold for a week. I'm supposed to be studying but heck, who the hell wants to study when she's sick? Not me, definitely. Some ranting: I suspect the inverter or whatever in my laptop is broken; I have been having difficulty trying to get the light on in the screen. Irritating lappy trying to tell me to study eh, well I'll do that, eventually… I swear, if I botch my exams, it's definitely because I can't keep my paws off the computer. Sighs. Much thanks to Xrucious, angelg0722, invisible-gurl, Lura Elsworth, Red Enchantress and KL93 for their reviews (:

Don't be shocked by the title, because you'd be getting a surprise~

Higher than the Wind

House Visit, Duet and Date

Quite unlike his fans' speculation, the real Yukimura residence was vastly different from the "regal five-storey mansion which gates are made of gold and embellished with precious jewels situated amidst two acres of perfectly trimmed evergreen garden containing exotic plants and roses of all colors (though, this was partly true for she found out that Yukimura was very keen about gardening and owned quite a number of rare plants). As you walk down the fluffy, posh red carpet, two rows of butlers and maids will be neatly lined up on either side and the walkway will be overseen by a series of Greek-style archways. At the end of the path, two magnificent gargoyle statues —one white and an embodiment of purity; the other black and a representative of all things abominable in life— will stand guard by the palatial double entry doors, behind which a panoply of antiques will unfold before you once you step beyond the entrance" proposed by a senior girl who was at the top of her class for English Literature. In reality, the Yukimura residence was a humble three-storey bungalow which was about the same size as the Yanagi residence area-wise, and not at all that different from the house of a typical middle-class Japanese family except perhaps they were at the higher end of the income group.

Certainly, there must be some wealth to the Yukimura family since they were able to afford a bungalow, but his family wasn't obscenely rich like what some of their schoolmates in Rikkai Dai postulated about the 'Child of God'.

Even though Tsugi was curious about Yukimura's family, she respected his privacy and didn't attempt to probe. But she must have been too blatant about it, because Yukimura glanced at her and answered the question in her mind.

"In contrast to what the rest of the school would like to believe, I'm not the son of a low-profile billionaire or family of a powerful political figure in disguise. My father merely works as the chief of the personnel department in his company. Are you surprised, Yanagi?" To someone as adept at mind games as Yukimura, Tsugi practically wore her heart on her sleeve.

Sanada had an odd expression on his face. Since when did Yukimura become so… sociable? He looked over at Renji and noticed that he had an enigmatic smile put on, a strange smile which suggested that Renji knew something which he didn't. Then again, Renji always had a knack for figuring out the most obscure of things. But it had never occurred so vividly to Sanada until now. Something was definitely going on here. Sanada lowered his head, lips pressed together in a thin line. It seems as though he had been left out on many things...

He looked at Yukimura who was conversing with Tsugi, and he noticed that there was a gleam in those ocean-blue eyes that once only appeared when Yukimura was holding a racquet. Sanada closed his eyes as an absurd thought formed in his mind, could it be—?

"Kaa-san, I'm home," Yukimura called out as he stepped through the doors.

"Welcome back, Seiichi. Are your friends here? I've left the slippers by the doors, do give it to them," The voice of Yukimura Nadeshiko rang from the kitchen and there was the sound of pots and woks.

"Yes, they are," Yukimura replied as he passed out the slippers.

"Genichirou and Renji, it's always nice to see you two. Ah, Seiichi, so this is the girl you've told me about?" Yukimura Nadeshiko dried her hands on her apron as she came out from the kitchen; an elegant smile very similar to her son's adorned her face. The little ladylike smile widened when she saw Tsugi.

"Good afternoon, Aunt Nadeshiko," Sanada and Renji bowed respectfully to the blue-haired lady.

"Yes, kaa-san, this is Yanagi Asaitsugi. Yanagi, this is my kaa-san," Yukimura briefly introduced the two to each other.

"I'm so glad to see you, Yanagi-chan! Thank you so much for saving Kurumi at the Firework Festival last year; I never had the chance to express my gratitude to you. You can address me as Aunt Nadeshiko if you'd like, that's what Genichirou and Renji call me too," Yukimura Nadeshiko took Tsugi's hand and beamed brightly at her.

"Good afternoon, Aunt Nadeshiko, do call me Tsugi. Please don't mention it, Yukimura must've exaggerated things. I didn't do much. Is Kurumi-chan at home?" Tsugi smiled back politely.

"I only told her the truth," said Yukimura as he dropped his bag down on the sofa, "just leave your bags here."

"You're too humble, Tsugi-chan. I know you're a brave young lady. Kurumi is in her bedroom I believe; you can see her later during dinner. I'm sure she'll be delighted to see you as well," Yukimura Nadeshiko shook her head and said.

"Kaa-san, I'll be bringing them into the music room," Yukimura took Tsugi's bag from her and put it on the sofa.

"Of course, Seiichi. I'll send Kurumi to get you all when dinner is ready. I hope to see you around more in future, Tsugi-chan," Yukimura Nadeshiko nodded at them.

"Thank you, Aunt Nadeshiko," Tsugi wasn't used to being fawned over, but Yukimura Nadeshiko made her feel at ease. She had a magical charm about her that made everything seem so right and comfortable. It was no wonder she raised a son like Yukimura.

The Yukimura's music room was situated on the first floor and there was a huge bay window which overlooked a neat little garden filled with beautiful plants. A black grand piano sat in front of the bay window and an electronic keyboard was placed not far off from it. There was also a drum set covered by a piece of black cloth, and a classical guitar was leaned against the wall. Across the classical guitar, a wooden string instrument which Tsugi was only too familiar was placed there. The numerous instruments scattered around the room made the music room seem a little cramped.

"The keyboard belongs to Kurumi, but she wouldn't mind if any of you'd like to use it. The drum set belongs to my father; I've sought his permission already. Ah, Sanada, there's your guitar. That over there is my mother's koto(1)." The Yukimura family was a musically-talented one.

Renji turned his head around and looked briefly at Tsugi through shut lids when Yukimura mentioned 'koto'. Tsugi whipped her head away, waves of her unpleasant memory with said instrument flooding her mind like a water catchment which was unplugged.

Since the noble surname 'Yanagi' was bestowed upon her, it was only natural that Tsugi was forced to pick up Japan's national instrument - the highly complex koto. It was something her grandpa yet again forced onto her, and it was the only thing her grandpa arrived at a consensus with her mother that she should stop. Like Art, koto was something which Tsugi lacked the natural talent for. Even Sachiko, the defiant granddaughter who possessed the uncanny ability to set Yanagi Ichijou's blood boiling every time they interacted without fail, was much more adept at koto than Tsugi who truly loved the instrument but unfortunately lacked the flair for it. After their failed attempt to get Tsugi to pick up koto, Tsugi's mother decided to let her try the piano instead. Thankfully, she was decent enough on the piano.

Yukimura noticed the momentous interaction between the two cousins but he was raised with better etiquette than to be nosy so he merely asked, "Yanagi, would you like to try out the piano first?" He was curious about her piano skills. Tsugi took the grand piano into her vision, and delight immediately surfaced in her eyes, overriding her unease from before.

"Lovely grand piano, is that a Steinway and Sons' Model B?" Tsugi briskly walked up to the piano and regarded the classy instrument with adoration. Her fingers lightly grazed over the keys and she tentatively pressed a key down, relishing the clear, sophisticated note produced. As expected from a world-class piano. Tsugi always, always had an unexplainable infatuation with grand pianos. There was something about the regal instrument that kept her hanging in there even when she abhorred it at one point in time. Of course, her favorite instrument would always be the koto. Piano was a close second.

"You have sharp eyes, Yanagi."

She smiled at Yukimura, and sat down on the piano bench. Gently, she lifted her hands and a smooth melody began flowing from her fingertips.

It was J.S. Bach's 'Air on the G string', one of his most influential musical compositions. Most of Bach's pieces were technically-friendly but emotionally-challenging. Her tune was a little unsteady at first, but she soon got the tempo under control. The most striking part of her playing was perhaps her interpretation of Bach's composition. Like Tsugi, Yukimura had always thought that Bach's 'Air on the G string' was more of a sweet melody but most modern men had been playing it as though it was a mellow piece. Hearing Tsugi's playing was a refreshing, emotionally-stimulating experience which he thoroughly enjoyed.

She finished up with a beautiful finale, and she turned around to look at her three audience. Renji nodded affirmatively at her, and Sanada, as per normal, wasn't looking her way at all. Yukimura applauded politely.

"Your interpretation of his piece was very thorough, are you a fan of J.S. Bach?"

"He's my favorite composer of all times. I don't consider myself terribly adept at piano… His music resonates with me and the difficulty of his pieces is just nice," Tsugi nodded and replied honestly, on the piano, she could hardly be considered a precocious child.

Yukimura thought for a moment and turned around to dig amongst his music sheets. Soon, a smile emerged on his face.

"Would you like to this try this piece?" He was holding the scores to Bach's 'Aria from Suite in D'.

"Ah! I've play the solo version before, but the duet version is too complex. I can't play it by myself," Tsugi briefly looked through the scores and shook her head. If one looked at each part separately, there was no doubt the individual parts were less complex than the solo version, but the combination of both was far more elaborate than what she was accustomed to.

"Who said you're going to play alone? I've wanted to try this song with someone for a long time," Yukimura laughed in response.

"I've never done a four hands piano with anyone before," Tsugi blinked. Was Yukimura asking her to play with him?

"Neither have I, but we could try if you'd like," Yukimura put the scores on the music stand. "Sanada and Renji, is it alright with you if we just digress a little?"

The purpose of their visit was to practice for next week's duet, this was procrastination.

"No, not at all," Renji shook his head. He was anticipating their duet as well. This was going to be another brilliant addition to Yukimura's data. With Tsugi, he could always get the best insight into Yukimura.

"It's your choice," Sanada replied, jaws clenched tightly like he was displeased but then again, Sanada always looks stiff. For Yukimura who knew Sanada like the back of his hand, he could infer the approval embedded within Sanada's cryptic message.

Upon receiving their agreement, Yukimura turned and looked expectantly at Tsugi.

"We could try it out, I'm doubtful that I'd be a good duet partner though," Tsugi nodded at Yukimura and agreed.

"Nobody was born specifically for something. We'll take it slowly. Would you like to take Primo or Secondo?" Yukimura assured her.

Tsugi glanced through the scores. "Primo." Even though she was familiar with the song, Tsugi quickly decided that 'Primo' was a sounder option when she saw the complex pedaling demanded upon the Secondo player. Pedaling had always been a major weakness of hers. She wasn't sure about Yukimura's piano standards, but if he owned a grand piano, he couldn't be that bad a pianist.

"I'll play Secondo then," Yukimura sat down on the left side of the bench. He played a slow, experimental tune. "Is the tempo alright?"

"It's great," Tsugi tried out a couple of lines herself to get the feel, "shall we start?"

"We'll start on the second '1'. 1, 2, 3, 4, 1—"

The duet began. 'Aria from Suite in D' was a languid melody, but Yukimura would think of it more as adagio even though the musical term denoted by Bach was largo. In Yukimura's interpretation, the piece really wasn't that slow. Clearly, Yukimura was the dominant player in the duet. His playing had a refined, sophisticated edge to it which masqueraded over the subtle prowess hidden within, but it remained tangible to the ears. His music procured visions of an Emperor receiving his people and a panther prowling in the night. It was queer that a gentle piece like 'Aria from Suite in D' could give people such an impression when Yukimura was playing it.

Initially, Tsugi's music was completely eclipsed by Yukimura's, but she was soon immersed in the song and her music began to compete with Yukimura for the lead. Renji was unsure whether it was intentional or unintentional, but Tsugi's music was matching and challenging Yukimura's. Their music's were so different, yet at the same time so compatible.

Tsugi's music, like her personality, had always been mild. Yet when faced with an aggressive competitor like Yukimura, he was able to appreciate the hidden power in her melody which would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Her music may be light, but it stood strong through tides and storms. Yukimura's music brought out the covert beauty weaved into Tsugi's tune. Amiable as Tsugi was, one could tell, through the contradiction and unity of her music and Yukimura's, that there were things she wouldn't yield.

Tsugi certainly couldn't match up to Yukimura in terms of technical expertise; then again, who could ever be called an equal of the 'Child of God' when they were talking about technical expertise? But Tsugi's music was strong in her own sense, and she was oddly matching up to Yukimura.

Renji was pretty sure Yukimura had noticed it himself, the glint in his eyes was hard to miss, and Renji realized… Yukimura allowed Tsugi to take the lead.

This duet was literally Yukimura's most pleasant experience with piano. He was a master of his instrument, but he always knew that there was something lacking in his music. Skills-wise he was flawless, but he never quite fathomed the exquisite emotions demanded upon him until now. It was an enriching lesson, and as the notes that flowed from their fingers mingled with each other, the way their melodies were entwined together and harmoniously weaved into each other accelerated his heartbeat.

Would it be correct then, to claim this as a crush? Yukimura turned his head and glanced at Tsugi who was completely focused on the song. That was a question he'd have to figure out the answer to.

Tsugi's phone began ringing the second the song was completed. After sending an apologetic look to Yukimura, she picked up her call.

"Hello, Yanagi Asaitsugi speaking," she blinked upon hearing the other person speak, a startled expression on her face. "It's you. Ah – you're coming to Kanagawa? Meet up? Why'd you want to meet me? …Alright, I'll see you there."

She hanged up.

Hmm. Yukimura looked at her thoughtfully. His curiosity was piqued, but he didn't ask about the phone call.

Why should he, when she didn't look particularly fond of the caller?

So practice resumed.

Evening soon came about, and Sanada, Renji and Tsugi joined the Yukimura's for dinner at the earnest request of Yukimura Nadeshiko. It wasn't Sanada and Renji's first dinner at the Yukimura's, but it was certainly Tsugi's first. It was also her first meeting with Yukimura Hayato, the final member of the Yukimura household - and it would not be the last. Like most Japanese fathers, Yukimura Hayato appeared rather strict. He merely nodded at his son's friends over the dinner table in response to their greetings, but he did express his gratitude to Tsugi in his own discreet way. Knowing her husband, Yukimura Nadeshiko kept putting food in Tsugi's bowl.

It had been almost a year since Tsugi last saw Kurumi, and the young Yukimura had been delighted to see her. After dinner, they talked for a while and made plans to go to the Firework Festival together this year before she left.

"Seiichi, she's the one who gave you the Valentine's Day chocolates, isn't she?" Yukimura Hayato suddenly asked, catching his son by surprise.

"So she's the one. She's a nice young lady, Seiichi. You should stake your claim soon or she might just be whisked away," Yukimura Nadeshiko smiled fondly at Yukimura. Tsugi was the first girl she had ever seen her son interacted with, fortunately, she was a likable girl.

"We wouldn't know what's going to happen in future, kaa-san," Yukimura shook his head. If he was going to make a move, he'd formulate an immaculate plan first, but he wasn't going to strike yet.

"You've always known what's best for yourself, so I'll leave it up to you to settle this. Just remember Seiichi, school always comes first," As long as it didn't interfere with Yukimura's performance in school, Yukimura Hayato allowed his son to do whatever he wished.

"I understand; tou-san," He didn't tell them that their concerns were quite unnecessary; he didn't have plans to date anyone yet. But perhaps, in the near future… he might start thinking about it.

~x~

Three days later, Tsugi went to the café at the local mall. She looked around for the person she had an appointment with, and a wry smile crawled onto her face when she saw him.

"Of all people, Mizuki… I least expected you to contact me," Tsugi made her way towards the dark-haired boy and remarked lightly, left hand cupping her right elbow.

That was right. Tsugi's date of the day was Mizuki Hajime, the very same Mizuki from St. Rudolph. Before Tsugi enrolled at Rikkai Dai, she was from St. Rudolph and Mizuki, the narcissistic manager of St. Rudolph boys' tennis team happened to be both her classmate and class rep.

She was never very well-acquainted with him. The moment she saw him she knew, she just knew that their personalities would clash, and indeed, the way Mizuki snobbishly paraded himself around and grabbed at every opportunity to show off his so-called impeccable tennis skills was testimonial to his arrogant character which Tsugi thoroughly detested. Throughout Tsugi's short one month stay in St. Rudolph, the two of them never exchanged a single word, so one could imagine how appalled she was when she received a phone call from Mizuki asking her to meet up.

"Take a seat please, Tsugi-chan."

Tsugi twitched upon his self-proclaimed familiarity, but out of politeness, she didn't retort Mizuki.

"So, to what grace do I owe this… meet up?" Tsugi inquired, picking her words very carefully.

"Wouldn't you order a drink first, milady? Rest assured I'm paying so just order whatever you like," Mizuki stirred his coffee and offered in an obnoxious manner. Tsugi twitched again.

That guy never changed, did he? He made Kirihara seem like an angel in comparison. No wait... scratch that. Tsugi inwardly apologized to Kirihara for even putting him together with Mizuki.

"Profligacy is a sin, Mizuki," Tsugi took a deep breath and said, "Besides, I can afford to foot my own bills, thank you very much." Her family may not be as wealthy as the Mizuki's, but her parents could support her very well.

Tsugi never really liked the dude, he was as sinister as it could get, but she didn't find him half as annoying as he was now back when she was still attending St. Rudolph.

"Oh shush, Tsugi-chan, you know I don't mean it that way," Mizuki twirled a strand of his hair and he purred at Tsugi, voice so seductive that you'd think he was involved in a certain trade which couldn't come under broad daylight.

Tsugi shuddered.

"I don't think we're on first name basis, Mizuki. Could you please just tell me what do you need from me?" Tsugi finally decided that she didn't like the way her name rolled off Mizuki's tongue at all and politely hinted to him to stop acting like they were chummy-chummy when they were not. Translation: Hurry up so that we can get done with it and part our way.

"You break my heart when you say things like that, Tsugi-chan," Mizuki smirked, but he didn't attempt to continue pushing Tsugi's buttons. "So I've heard, you're sharing a rather ah, intimate relationship with Yukimura Seiichi?"

"From whom did you hear this from?" Tsugi didn't answer immediately, but she tapped her finger on the table.

"I have my sources, now tell me, is it true that you're dating the 'Child of God'?"

"And if that's indeed true…?"

"Name a price," Mizuki took a small sip of his coffee in an attempt to appear classy, but to Tsugi, he just looked like a boy trying to play adult.

"… Come again?"

"Since you're dating the 'Child of God', you must have insight into his team. How much do you want in exchange for the information about the Rikkai regulars? As long as it's within my level of acceptance, I'd take it."

Tsugi looked at Mizuki like he just sprouted a second head.

"Mizuki, you must be terribly ill-informed. Don't you notice something? Perhaps my last name and the 'Data Master' would ring a bell?" Tsugi crossed her arms across her chest and told him.

Mizuki was taken aback by Tsugi's subtle insult. He pondered on what she had just said, hmm, 'Yanagi' and the 'Data Master' Yanagi Ren –

Oh, oh, oh.

With strained gentility, Mizuki took another sip of his coffee to cover up for his chagrin.

It seemed that he realized it, Tsugi stared at Mizuki. He wasn't totally hopeless yet.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. Good bye, Mizuki," Tsugi picked up her bag and stood up. She didn't want to waste another second with Mizuki.

"Hold on for a moment! Are you sure you don't want to strike up a deal with me?" Clearly, Mizuki wasn't used to being denied what he wanted.

"No matter how many times you ask me this question, Mizuki, the answer is 'no'. I'm busy; please contact me only if you have urgent affairs," In short, don't bother me with frivolous things like asking me to tip information about my current school to my ex-school when I'm not even the least bit acquainted with you. That was the full translation of Tsugi's message to Mizuki. "Good bye, Mizuki."

With that she left, leaving behind an astounded Mizuki.

~x~

Tsugi thought that that will be the last situation she'd ever find herself caught up with Mizuki, but fate had other plans for her.

"I'm cheating on Yukimura with a boy from a rival school?" Tsugi looked mortified when she was informed of the latest gossip on the school forum by yours truly, Geishi. "How can I cheat on Yukimura when we're not even dating? Besides, I'm not even dating anyone at all!"

Hadn't the school made a big enough fuss about the relationship she shared with Yukimura last year already? It was really getting pretty old.

"An anonymous person posted that under the alias of Pseudonym01. He or she well I suppose Pseudonym01 must be a she, since the entire post was a personal attack on you, uploaded a whole string of photos of you sitting in the café down at the local mall with that St. Rudolph boy," Geishi shrugged her shoulders, "but honestly, whoever is the person trying to smudge your name must be stupid like, stupid. Why'd you cheat on Yukimura when I doubt that St. Rudolph boy can even hold a candle to the 'Child of God'?"

Which girl fortunate enough to snag a Prince Charming like Yukimura Seiichi would bother to flirt around with other boys who were likely to be way below Yukimura's standards? Boys like Yukimura Seiichi were hard to come by.

"That's not the focus of the problem here, is it?" Tsugi massaged her temples and sighed exasperatedly. Her middle school life in Rikkai Dai Fuzoku had been a thrill ride. This was her second scandal since her transfer and both scandals have to do with the same person. She wouldn't have dreamt about being at the top of the gossip chart if she was back in St. Rudolph - a feat she achieved not once but twice in Rikkai Dai Fuzoku. "Just let it be, it'll die down soon enough," Tsugi waved it off. She didn't have the time and energy to deal with trivial affairs anymore. The Prefectural Tournament was beginning soon, and training had been crazy since two weeks ago. Besides, there was also students' council duty she had to attend to…

It had been almost a month into her term and Tsugi still wasn't very sure how she got the role of publicity director when she hadn't submitted any application form to the students' council, especially since she sucked at Art – she was someone who couldn't even differentiate fuchsia from magenta. They were just… pink to her, or were they purple? She couldn't be so sure. Yes, her standard is really that terrible. She asked Renji about it, since he was elected as the secretary, and he told her that it was because of her role in the skit during last year's Ocean Festival. Her performance had earned her the adoration of quite a fraction of the school population, and amongst those she left a deep impression on; the previous publicity director was one of them. She had insisted that Tsugi should be the one to take over her office.

Tsugi didn't see the link between her role in the skit and her capability to take on the role of publicity director. Art was simply not something she did well in. She tried wriggling out of it, but it was too late. The name list had been submitted to the school authority and they already endorsed it. With no escape left, Tsugi had no choice but to embrace her new responsibilities. Her first task was a grandiose assignment – she had to prepare the floor plan and layout as well as all publicity materials pertaining to Rikkai Dai's 112th anniversary. Along with schoolwork and tennis practice, Tsugi was literally being worked to the bones. She simply didn't have the energy to focus on anything else. So scandals, as long as they weren't too derogatory, could fly around for as much as the perpetuator would like, Tsugi wouldn't bother about it.

In fact, Tsugi decided, she should get back to working on that poster for Rikkai Dai's 112th anniversary now. She'd need all the luck she can get.

~x~

Likewise, Yukimura wasn't the least bit bothered by the scandal.

"Mizuki Hajime eh? He must be stupid if he's trying to steal Tsugi-chan from our buchou," Nio laughed when he saw the photos. Mizuki couldn't even match up to a strand of their buchou's hair.

"Mizuki-san and Yukimura-kun are on completely different levels," Yagyuu shook his head. An attempt to make a comparison between Mizuki and Yukimura was like trying to differentiate between diamond and false plastic gems that little girls used to play princess game. Obviously, Yukimura was the diamond.

"But Yukimura, what are you going to do if it was true?" Marui grinned and he popped his gum.

"There are no 'ifs' in life," Yukimura replied as he unwound the grip tape around the handle of his racquet. "If you're done slackening off, we will begin practice now."

"Seiichi seems to be in high spirit today," Renji noted. A little too hyped up about practice, in fact.

"Tarundoru," Sanada muttered.

Or was he really not?

(1) Koto: The koto is of Chinese origin and it was brought into Japan somewhere in the 7th-8th century. It is a string instrument about 180cm long which bears resemblance to the zither, though its closer cousins are the Chinese zheng, Mongolian yatga and Korean gayageum. Traditionally, Chinese zhengs consist of 21 or 25 strings, but the kotos generally have 13 or 17 strings. 13 strings kotos are the more popular version in Japan.