MYABY Chapter 20

Kahoko and Len didn't bring up the kiss they shared for the rest of the day though the memory of it, despite having their lips touch for just about 3 seconds, bothered both of them greatly.

Kahoko didn't know how to feel about the kiss knowing Len is gay. She tried forgetting it but she keeps on being reminded every time she looked at her teacher.

On the other hand, Len has been kicking himself in his brain for his choice of words. He didn't really want her to know that he wanted her respect. How could she respect him when he's been acting like a pervert? He kissed her twice already and he has no other reason for it other than simply just wanting to do it. Plus, she'd hate him if she finds out he's using her even if they both benefit from it.

"Where exactly are you taking me?" Kahoko finally asked after a while of awkward silence. They'd been walking slowly at the park since they last had physical contact. And Kahoko had noticed that they seem to be walking in circles.

Len took his time before answering. "I'm looking for something," he answered, looking around but not finding what he wanted.

"Something?"

"More like someone," Len replied.

Kahoko looked around as well, wondering what Len was talking about.

"I think I found them," Len suddenly said.

Kahoko looked at the direction where Len was looking and found a group of old men sitting on a bench. There were three of them and they looked like they're enjoying their afternoon peace. All of them wore a hat so Kahoko wasn't sure who they were but they looked awfully familiar.

"Them?" Kahoko asked.

Len didn't make a move to approach the elders but he did grab Kahoko's arm and led her to a nearby bench. He sat on the bench then waited for Kahoko to sit as well.

Kahoko hesitated sitting beside Len but she did sit and made sure there's enough space between them that would grant her comfort. She's still overly conscious of Len and what he did earlier that every move he made makes Kahoko anticipate for something. She mentally shook her head when her thoughts lead her to wanting more closure with her teacher.

He's gay! Kahoko reminded herself. But he's good looking. Kahoko frowned. Of course he is. He's GAY! Kahoko scowled. Why did he kiss me so suddenly?! What is it for? To tease me? Kahoko glared at her shoes. If he's making fun of me he sure does know how to keep a poker face.

"Do you hate being with me that much?" Len asked Kahoko. He's been watching her.

Kahoko lifted her head in surprise. "What?" Kahoko asked, not meaning to sound angry.

Len opened his mouth to reply but then he decided to shut his mouth and shake his head. He turned his attention to the old men.

"Seriously, why did you call me out?" Kahoko asked seriously. "To insult me?"

Len pressed his lips tighter to refrain from replying. He didn't want to make more damage by opening his mouth.

"Len Tsukimori!"

Len threw Kahoko a glare, his patience wearing thin. All he wanted to do was to distract her and he meant good. Seems like what he does best is upset her.

Kahoko opened her mouth to rant, ready to throw all her anger and stress at Len, when the beautiful melody of Ave Maria floated in the air.

Both of them threw their attention to the group of old men who were now holding string instruments and playing them like they're performing at a concert hall. There was a violin, a viola and a cello. Their melodies blending with each other.

"I called you out to show you this," Len finally answered. He remembered passing by the park with Damon, catching these men playing in public with great music. "I wanted to divert your attention to keep you from stressing yourself. I'm sorry if I'm making your condition worse."

Kahoko heard what Len said and was touched by his thoughtfulness. But during the song she's reminded of why she liked Ave Maria. Six years ago she heard the same song and was captivated by the beautiful music, inspiring her to take a violin as well. Now she is sure that Shinobu wasn't the person that really made her want the violin. She tried remembering where she heard the song but it escapes her whenever she tried remembering.

When the song ended both Kahoko and Len, along with the old musicians took their time to embrace the last note. Then all enjoyed another song. A waltz making the kids around dance with the cheerful melody.

"Does listening to other musicians distract you?" Kahoko asked, curious about Len. She wanted to know him more now that she's conscious that she's been misunderstanding the man when all he meant was good. Like the time she thought he was belittling her, all he wanted to do was help her improve. At least she's slowly seeing that.

Len leaned back, enjoying the music. He didn't know where the conversation will lead but he answered, "Most of the time. When I was younger and wanted a distraction from thinking about an upcoming performance I used to look for things to put my mind into other than my performance level. Toys… books… they all helped but what helped most was listening to other performers, getting inspiration from them and making myself try to relax." Len gave out a short laugh. "Sometimes it is depressing you end up comparing yourself with others but with the right music and musicians, you'll do well."

Kahoko nodded slowly. "Don't you feel like you still need to practice and improve other than distracting yourself before a performance?" Kahoko asked next. She wanted to know why he likes distracting himself and even her before a performance.

Len caught the fact that Kahoko was slowly loosening up to him. She's finally admitting she is nervous. "I'm not sure if it works for all people but cramming and forcing yourself makes you overly think to the point during a performance you'll forget something you know you've memorized over and over again." He crossed his arms and furrowed his brows. "Damon said it is like taking a written exam. One is easy to remember things when the mind is peaceful. Brains also needs rest. If you crammed studying, yes, you'll remember things but it won't guarantee you a perfect score unlike when you take your time studying and give yourself enough rest."

Kahoko was amazed at the amount of words Len had uttered in just less than five minutes. She giggled at the thought of a talkative Len. Who knew he can say more than one sentence.

"There's nothing funny about it." Len frowned at Kahoko. "And yes, I feel the need to practice more but I learned young that not giving myself a break before a performance will ruin me."

"You're talkative," Kahoko pointed out.

"Trying to distract you," Len said.

Kahoko groaned. "You reminded me again what tomorrow is."

"Then remember I kissed you," Len said. Better than tomorrow's performance, he thought, feeling slightly embarrassed and somehow happy he was able to think an excuse for the kiss.

Kahoko opened her mouth to say something but the memory of them kissing made her stop and just gape at Len.

Now he brought the topic up. He looked in Kahoko's eyes, trying to read her thoughts. He just saw a flash of anger so he moved to look at her lips. Being a bit bold won't hurt, right? "I can do it again… if that will keep your mind from tomorrow's performance."

Kahoko's eyes widened. Her face turned red. "A-are y-you…"

Len licked his lips. Control. That's what he needs and he'll do it. Even if he wants to just… touch her.

Damn! Who cares about respect? She'll hate him either way. "I'm serious," he said, moving closer to Kahoko.

Kahoko raised a hand. "D-don't you dare," she warned. "I'll slap you."

Len looked at her hand, unsure if she was serious. He prepared himself to block it. Playing around a bit wont be that bad, right? He already kissed her anyway. Feeling a bit playful, Len thought up of something that will really keep her mind from the exam tomorrow. He hesitated at his idea since it wasn't really his style but he still said it with enough confidence to try convince Kahoko he's not completely gay. "I've got a better idea," he slowly said, feeling nervous about what he was about to say. He saw Kahoko lean back as if terrified. She would be after what he has to say next. He smiled at her reaction. "Spend a night with me."

~oOo~

"Fine." Was what Kahoko said.

And it was like a trip to memory lane. Only this time they were completely alone. No maids. No extra bed or a futon. Only a big bed that could probably fit in 5 people.

Kahoko inwardly winced at the idea of sharing the bed. She already slept with him but the idea still gave her a bad feeling. Living with him for 1 and a half week taught her he is a good man. But what about now? Is he safe or is he a wolf? She giggled at the idea. Right. Like he'll attack handsome me. I'm so stupid to say yes.

"You informed your boyfriend you're not going back, didn't you?" Len asked as he enters the room with more pillows and blankets.

"Boyfriend?"

"Shinobu Ousaki."

"Oh."

"Inform him before I'm suspected a kidnapper."

Kahoko frowned but did as she was told. Shinobu will worry after all. She dialed Shinobu and hurriedly went to the next room where she wont be overheard.

"I'm staying over at a friend's place."

"Which friend?" Shinobu asked on the other line.

Kahoko said the first name that came to her mind. "Mio's."

"Should I pick you up tomorrow and get you to school?"

"I'm not in grade school Shinobu," Kahoko whined. "I'll be home tomorrow morning."

"Okay. Don't forget to eat dinner and brush your teeth," Shinobu continued making Kahoko groan. Good thing no one can hear him.

"I'm not a kid."

Shinobu laughed. "I'll miss you. Don't stay up too late."

Kahoko smiled. "I'll miss you too. Goodnight."

And now she's safe. She didn't think it would be this easy to ask permission from overprotective Shinobu. If he knew she was staying at another man's place, he'd be against it.

Kahoko paused. What did she want to prove by staying over Len Tsukimori's place anyway? To say "Fine" without thinking and now not having a courage to back out?

She silently peeked in his room to see what he is doing.

Len is talking on his phone.

She stared at him. He grew up to be a heartbreaker, huh? Too bad he is a heartbreaker once you know his interests. Good-looking, rich and talented. What a waste.

Kahoko paused. She shouldn't be thinking that way, right?

Len turned to look at Kahoko but she hid behind the wall surprising him. What is she doing? He thought.

"I'll talk to you again later," Len said then ended the call. He had his eyes to where Kahoko was hiding. After a full minute of silence he decided to break it.

"What are you hiding for?" he asked loud enough for Kahoko to hear.

Kahoko peeked again then waived a hand. "I didn't interrupt you on your call, did I?"

Len shook his head and motioned his hand for her to come in. Which he thought was stupid for a second. But she complied, pleasing him.

What does he want from me? Kahoko thought while entering the room. She immediately paused, remembering the kiss they shared for the first time… on Len's bed. She gulped. And she became aware of the conflicting emotions she's having about that bed and the owner of it. She even lied to Shinobu.

Len wondered why Kahoko stopped as if someone just commanded her to freeze. He realized she was looking at something behind him. And it clicked.

The bed.

They first shared a kiss there.

Len suddenly felt uncomfortable and got a need to explain himself.

The hell do I have to explain myself! I'm a healthy young man. This is normal! Len thought. Though a part of him yelled he was a gentleman and it wasn't in their tradition to just…

He opened his mouth but Kahoko cut him.

"Please tell me I'm not crazy," she said, audible enough for Len to hear.