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MYABY Chapter 13

3 years later…

~Kahoko's POV~

"Do you love him?"

I woke up with a jolt. Do I love Len Tsukimori? I asked myself as I remember what happened three years ago back when I worked at RozenTech Industries. Damon asked me that question and I answered 'no'. Ever since that day I didn't see Damon, my co-worker, ever again. It's like he disappeared like a bubble. My work also changed from a typist to an all-around assistant. If people wanted me to photocopy something I do it. If people wanted me to print something, I do it also. If someone wants coffee I buy it for them. That's how I worked until now even if I'm already a university student and a third year at that. They pay me high, enough that I can avoid noodles and eat rice twice a day.

My cellphone rang and I answered it.

"Good morning, Kaho," Shinobu greeted. I smiled. Shinobu has been performing in and out of the country. He sometimes teach young students violin. Then when a competition comes, he joins. He's also a member of a famous orchestra making him have less time for me.

"Morning Shin!" I greeted. "Are you at the airport already?"

Shinobu laughed at the other end. "Yeah. My plane lands there in… twelve hours."

I frowned. "I'll be in my part-time job by then."

"Call them. Take a leave. I'll take you out for dinner," he said.

"You'll be tired by that time," I told him. "I'll take a day off but you're not allowed to take me out for dinner."

"Why not?" Shinobu asked. "I was looking forward to this date."

I felt my cheeks warm up. I know I have a crush on Shinobu. Actually I found out the moment he went out to Vienna three years ago but I never told him. I missed him too much back then. I always slept on his bed whenever he's overseas. He often goes out of the country so I was always in his bed. I still stay at his apartment since it's a walking distance from the university.

"Kaho?"

"Fine. But if you're tired I'll cook spaghetti."

"The pasta might tell you, 'I'm not rice'," Shinobu teased, reminding me of how I used to dread noodles.

"Oh shut up," I told him but laughed.

Shinobu chuckled. "It's been four years since you last complained about cup noodles. You're about to graduate soon."

I nodded. Time flies. My friends are already musicians or businessmen. Shouko got a letter asking her to join an orchestra. Kazuki got the same offer but from a different orchestra. Keiichi now studied overseas. Azuma went to America to study business. Ryoutarou is now like Hamai Misa, a famous pianist playing at special events around the world.

I look at myself and what? I'm still here. A violinist who has no future. Well, I said I wanted to be a violinist but the more I practice and work hard, the more I get the feeling I'll never reach it. I still couldn't help my parents as much as I wanted to. I still haven't paid the Tsukimoris and Shinobu. I feel like a failure.

"Kaho?" Shinobu called me.

"Yes?"

"You became quiet."

"Sorry, I was thinking."

"About what?" Shinobu asked.

"About what will happen to me in the future," I answered him. "I'm graduating but… I feel like I have no goal."

"You're aiming to become a violinist, right?" Shinobu asked.

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "But aiming for that seems… too good."

"Don't think that way," Shinobu said. "You'll be okay. Just do your best and God will take care of the rest."

"Thanks Shin," I said even though I'm losing hope. "I'll do my best!"

"That's the spirit. Kaho, I have to go. See you later," Shinobu said.

"Bye, take care! See you later! I miss you."

"I miss you too Kahoko," Shinobu replied then hung up.

I smiled. He misses me and later we'll see each other.

I got out of his bed then opened the television to see the news while I prepare for school.

After classes I went to work, bringing my violin with me. My boss told me I can practice my violin and normally I practiced at the park near the office building. Shinobu had suggested I practice outside where I'll have an audience so I can be comfortable. Now I'm fine with people watching me play. Since no one asked for my help and everyone seems to be in leisure in the office I decided to practice at the park.

I played some pieces I've been practicing for my practical exam. They were hard but slowly I'm getting used to playing them.

I saw some kids stop by to watch me. Whenever a group of them watches me I switch to performing nursery songs so they can sing. I liked it when kids enjoyed my playing especially when they decided they want to play the violin too. It just makes me happy I can affect people with music.

"Aren't you supposed to be working?" someone asked me after I played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for the kids. I turned around to see a man in a black suit. His blue eyes looked at me from head to toe making me uncomfortable. "You haven't changed Miss Hino," the man said.

Who is he and how did he know my name? "Excuse me but who are you?" I asked.

The man smiled. He's actually handsome like those men in books. He's tall, fair skinned, dark haired, lean figure… he looks familiar but I couldn't tell where I've seen him. He was about to answer me when his phone rang and he answered it. He left after that without answering me or excusing himself.

I shrugged then continued to practice.

When I got back in work everyone were suddenly busy. People are running here and there and some were even making phone calls in a hurry I've never seen them like that. To make sure I was really in the office I work at I went back out of the floor to see if I'm in the right floor. When I confirmed it as the same floor where I work at, I went out of the building then stood there as I stare up at the tall, glass building. Surely the front says RozenTech. I checked the neighborhood.

Yup. I'm here alright.

I went back in and double checked the number displayed at the elevator before I left it to head back to the office. I came back and everyone were still in a hurry… as if their lives depended on something. No one even asked me to do something. They just ran around. Some typing furiously, some talking through the phone as if they'll never talk again. I watched as two of my co-workers bumped onto each other in a hurry. The papers they held scattered around making papers fly around the room.

"I think I fell asleep in the park," I said as I turn back to leave.

Someone grabbed my arm. "Not so fast Kahoko!" Mio, a schoolmate of mine also a friend, told me then started dragging me to my table. "Arrange these papers in alphabetical order," she said as she drop a huge pile of papers on my table. She is usually cheerful but this time she looked scary as if she's in flame. She ran away to her part of the office.

Not knowing what's up I just obeyed and tried to ignore the noise my co-workers are making as they hurriedly do what they needed to do.

While combining all letter T's I noticed everyone became quiet. As in you would hear if someone dropped a pin. Thinking I might be deaf at the moment I took some papers and heard them rustle as I drag them close to me. I definitely am not deaf.

What if everyone already left?

I looked behind me and saw everyone. I looked back to what I'm doing. Odd. I looked back again at everyone. They're all frozen in place…

All looking at me.

They all have a horrified expression on their faces.

I gulped.

Maybe I'm dreaming. Or I'm just tired. I looked at my watch and saw I still have three hours to excuse myself and go to the airport for Shinobu. I forgot to ask for a day off.

I looked up and, still, everyone is there… frozen, horrified.

"What's wrong?" I asked. I can feel Goosebumps rising on my skin.

Mio is the only one who moved. She walked towards me then hugged me. "You're being called," she told me.

"By who?"

"The president of the company," she answered me then gave me a forced smile.

"Why?" I asked.

"He's going to fire you!" someone shouted. I stopped breathing.

"He's going to fire us all!" another shouted. Everyone panicked.

Huh?

I saw Mio roll her eyes. "He just asked you. I hope it's good," Mio said. "Who knows, maybe you'll get a raise?"

Uhh… I don't think the president of the company would tell me, a part-timer, I'll get a raise personally.

But I went with her attempt to cheer me. "Then why is everyone panicking?" I took a look at everyone and saw their ashen faces as if they just saw a ghost.

Mio looked uncomfortable.

"He was said to be a scary man. A tyrant," Nao said with a calm face. She's also a schoolmate and a friend. Both Mio and Nao were my classmates when I was at the general department. "They say people who sees him gets fired and never gets a job ever again."

My eyes bulged. I can't get fired. I still have a few weeks till graduation. What did I do to deserve that? And I can't have a job?! I wanted to cry as panic attacks me. I need a job! Even if it's far from what I'm studying!

"Are you sure he's asking for me?"

Both girls nodded the pointed at a man wearing a black suit. "He said so."

I nodded.

"Don't make him wait Kaho!" Mio said as she pull me up and to the man in a black suit. "Here's Kahoko Hino."

I gave Mio a look. You've got to be kidding me! You're just going to give me like that?!

Mio and Nao gave me apologetic looks before the man in black suit dragged me in the elevator.

While in the elevator the man in black suit pressed the highest number for the floor. Not trusting him I ended up moving away from him until I felt the cold wall of the elevator. I wanted the walls to just suck me up. What did I do? What does the president want from me? I'm only a part-timer! A poor violinist!

I looked at my watch. I wonder how long it will take this man to stay unconscious after I bang his head on a wall. He looks like a model. His brown hair is cut short and combed neatly. His black suit fitted him well. He's tall. What if I just knee him? I looked down to his pants. I'll make it fast and hard. Then I'll have the elevator take me down and out.

"I hope you're not thinking of kicking me hard on my…" the guy in the black suit trailed. His dark eyes were focused on me. I can tell he's amused by the smirk on his face.

I cautiously watched him as he face me. He didn't make an attempt to come close but if ever… I'm prepared… I think.

Oh how I wish I have my violin with me. The case is hard enough to knock a person down.

The elevator dinged and then the doors opened showing me a room decorated in black, gold, red and white.

"The president awaits you Miss Hino," the guy said as he held the elevator door open.

I stepped out and before I can even turn, I heard the elevator door close.

"You must be Miss Kahoko Hino," someone said. I look at a beautiful blonde woman wearing a business suit. "The president awaits you," the woman repeated making me shudder.

I get the feeling I'm being called by the guidance counselor.

"Please follow me," the blonde woman started walking and I followed her towards a black double door. She knocked then opened a door slowly. I thought I'll hear a creaking sound like those in horror movies but… I was wrong. "Miss Hino is here," she announced inside.

The blonde faced me then nodded at me while holding the door open.

I nervously walked in.

This must be a joke. I'm not getting fired.

The moment I was in I took in everything I saw. The walls to my left and right are full of books, from floor to ceiling. In front of me is a large wooden desk and behind it is a glass wall viewing the dark blue skies. The floor is covered with a thick red carpet muffling every step I made.

"Please sit," I heard a familiar voice of a man.

I looked up behind the desk and to the man sitting on a large chair as if it's a throne.

"Welcome sweetheart."

Thanks for reading :D

Thanks for the reviews XD I'm glad people are liking it so far.

Sorry I had to jump 3 years LOL and sorry for the late update.