Chapter Ten: Guide and Boyfriend
Kousei sat across from Mami with a beaming smile and said, "I would love to be more confident. How do you do it?"
Mami smiled sweetly and said, "Well the secret is that truth about nervousness and confidence is that they are really both the same energy, it is just a question of focusing it, harnessing it, in the direction you want. We all have it within ourselves, to some degree, to control this energy. I know I do. Believe it or not…I was once quite shy."
"No way!" Kousei exclaimed.
"No, seriously I was when I was a lot younger. I'll never forget this moment: The circus was in town, and someone was greeting people in front of the circus entrance, a costumed performer, and it was The Pink Panther and though I knew instinctively it wasn't really a panther or even the cartoon character I was so shy! I had the biggest smile on my face and wanted to go say hi, but I was too shy and clung to my mother's leg. I felt such joy at that moment and yet so scared. It was a kind of "joyful fear," and I don't mean like enjoying a scary movie. It is like when someone brings something sweet, and you can't wait to taste it. Someone has given you fresh melon bread or a slice of chocolate cake and you can smell it. You don't know the taste, but you can almost taste it…you can almost taste it and you have this joyous, excited apprehension, and a kind of nervousness. You are so excited wondering how it will taste."
"I don't understand."
"Consider when we'd see a puddle of water as a kid you wanted to jump over it. You started calculating how hard it is to jump in your head and feel the joy, but you also knew if you were wrong, you'd get wet. Your sneakers, your socks, it would be uncomfortable, and you may even get in trouble…but in that moment you had nervousness and confidence running together. Eventually if you went through with the jump, you channeled that energy, taking control of the fear, and made it work for you! You took that energy and added to your confidence or belief you could make the jump and jumped. Whether or not you made it…you took the fear, that energy, harnessed it, and made it your own! You redirected it. Before that it was holding you in check, you didn't make the jump until you took control. You didn't walk away from the idea scared, you didn't make the jump yet either, and you know why? The energy was equal at that moment both ways, but the moment one direction is harnessed, and added to the other an action is made. Do you understand now?"
"Yeah. I kind of do. I get it! It sounds so simple."
"I know, that's the cool part. Obviously in real practice it isn't easy, but knowing what to do can make it simple. Do you have some time right now? Let's take a walk. I want to show you how much energy you can draw in and when you have it inside yourself, I will show you how to direct it. Come on."
Kousi remembered he was rented for two hours and said he could spend another hour with her easily and said he has another date in two hours. Mami smiled and said to follow her outside once they were done with their drinks.
Standing outside Starbucks people of all kinds bustled around. Kousei watched as people went about their business in suits, causal clothing, and everything in between. Mami smiled and motioned with her to start walking towards the local entertainment store and took his hand. Kousei sweated a little on his forehead, but Mami smiled and told him to relax. Mami smiled and squeezed his hand gently and told him to keep his eyes forward as she spoke.
"Kousei, at this moment every woman on the street is looking towards us. However, they're not really looking at us, they're looking at you. Do you feel it? Every one of them is wondering what makes you special. They are asking 'What does this guy have that is so special she wants to be with him?' They are all thinking I am way out of your league and don't take that the wrong way. It is just the see me walking with confidence and you don't have enough of it. It is time to harness the energy you have inside you," Mami said while smiling.
"I…I can feel their eyes. I can feel their eyes. I don't usually feel this way. It's almost eerie," Kousei said feeling just a little scared as he felt his heartrate increasing.
"Don't worry, that is good. Prepare yourself: It is about to get scarier. Kousei, right now every guy is looking towards us, but their eyes are not on me…they too are on you. Right now, every guy is wondering, 'What makes this guy so special? What does he have that I don't and how can I get it?' Every single guy is jealous of you. They are all amazed by you, all in shock, some resentful, some fearful, but all wantto be you."
Kousei walked and felt beads of sweat mounting on his forehead. He felt nervous and wondered, "Why did she have to point it out? Why did she make me all aware? It was enough when the women were watching me, now the guys too?!"
Kousei was a little short and even felt his arm shaking a little.
Almost out of breath and said, "Oh God, I can feel their eyes too. I used to have tons of people watching me, but this doesn't feel the same. I feel naked."
Kousei felt his pulse increasing more. Mami felt it too and again gently squeezed his hand.
"Relax. Time to take that nervousness, that energy, and make it yours. It is time to harness it. It is invisible, but you feel it. It is silent, but you sense it. Take hold in your mind: Accept the energy, the fact you're nervous since so many eyes are on you, and then remember they are on you for a reason: Right now, you're the hero. You're the hero from your favorite film or tv show, anime, book, story, or real-life suave guy…the one who gets the girl. After all, she is clearly 'on your arm'…".
"Who do you-,"
Mami smiled and let go of his hand before latching onto his arm, pulling him close, and laughed to herself as she felt him trembling and said softly, "It's okay, I'm right here."
Kousei turned to her attempting to smile before saying, "I know. Thank you. It is just so weird right now. I can feel all their eyes, just feel them. I am here with you, but know they are watching me, and—"
"Exactly: At this moment you have the excitement of me being here and the fear too. However, you're not running away and you're not wildly smiling. Kosie…right now the energy is equal in both directions. It is time to harness it, make it your own, and direct it the way you want. If you feel it is too much…then take hold the 'fearful' energy and tell me it's too much and we'll stop. We can go sit down on a bench in the park and talk for a while. If you feel you want to keep going, take hold of the 'confidant' energy,' look me in the eye, and smile-tell me you're having a good time. We're off the clock, you're not going to be graded or evaluated no matter what you choose. Take hold of the energy, harness it, and direct it the way you want."
Kousei smiled to himself as he felt the warmth of Mami's arm wrapped around his arm. He could feel her smile and almost felt a brightness sensing an aura around her at that moment. He felt joy and turned to her smiling.
"I am having a good time. I really, really am."
"I'm glad to hear it."
Kousei smiled like a little boy and Mami both felt again there was potential in him and found it funny at the same time saying she too was having a good time.
Mami loosened her arm and took his hand and smiled at him as they continued walking.
"Tell me, your coffee had chocolate sprinkles on the whipped cream. When you have ice cream do you prefer colored sprinkles or chocolate ones?" Mami asked with a smile.
"Oh! I love colored sprinkles. I mean…I prefer colored," Kousei responded
"Relax Kousei. I had a feeling. Little boys like colors, little girls like chocolate. Your tastes may change over time, but that little boy will always be inside you if you allow it. Some people over time like to make the little boy or little girl inside them vanish or no longer listen to the voice. I feel one should always keep that voice alive. I feel it keeps you young and, in some cases, grounded too. Believe it or not sometimes the 'child answer' is the right one as we make it based on gut feeling and aren't blinded by 'adult ways' of thinking."
"You're quite insightful. I can see why Kazuya likes you, I can see why he considers you important. I shouldn't really say this, but he speaks highly of you. He says you helped make him more confident at times."
"Is that so?"
Mami smiled and asked Kousei to elaborate as they continued walking. Kousei went on to tell her how he imagined being with her before acting out some scenes, thought of her help during tough times, and even used sadness they had together to help prepare for roles. He finished by telling Mami whether Kazuya used a good memory, a mundane memory, or a sad one he always ended with a smile.
"All this talk about memories, smiles, and ice cream is making me want ice cream. I remember that last one I had with my friend on a hot summer's night just before we each went off to school. We were talking about shared memories, some rather painful, but in the end each felt a calm. The ice cream kind of balanced out the feelings of the night. I guess that was a focal point to making us each direct the energy of the night into a fond memory and not lamenting a poor one."
"Now you're getting it."
Mami slowed down and pointed at a bench outside the entertainment store. Gently pulling him to sit down, Mami smiled at him.
"What? What are you smiling at Mami?"
"Do you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"Kousei…your heartbeat has slowed; your pulse isn't racing anymore."
"It isn't?"
"Check it."
Kousei let go of Mami's hand and realized his pulse had indeed slowed as he put two fingers under his wrist to check. Kousei happily smiled and nodded.
"Kousei, you calmed down. You took hold of the energy, harnessed it, and made it your own… enjoyed your time with me. You took such control the energy becoming focused…so much so you calmed yourself down. It won't always be like this, it won't always be this easy, but you have proved to yourself you can do it. I may have been your guide, but that doesn't mean you didn't do it."
Kousei stood proudly and extended her hand to help Mami stand.
"Come on, let's go check out some stores."
For a moment Mami blushed, happily took his hand, and the two walked into the shop to browse.
The following evening Mizuhara was hard at work studying her business when a knock got her attention and thinking it was a delivery opened her door without thinking.
Standing in the moonlight was Mami with a disarming smile that Mizuhara didn't trust but didn't have any reason to be worried and asked what she wanted.
"Hi Mizuhara, I came by because I wanted to thank you for your gift this Christmas. I was able to put them to effective use helping to clean the house before family arrived that night," Mami said with a hint of sarcasm.
Mizuhara gave a semi-amused look and said, "Really? I got a gift from the 'people at Sapphire' of hand sanitizer. I put it on every time I am done dealing with something dirty. Now that we've exchanged appreciation for gifts this season what do you really want?"
Mami smiled and said, "I have a real gift for you: Someone we both know wants to see you again…and it is not the guy living one flight above."
Mizuhara looked her in the eye incredulously and asked, "Oh? Who?"
Mami gave a wicked smile and said, "Don't play games with me Mizuhara, you're not good at bluffing. I happen to know Kousei had a really good time with you…and would like to see you again."
"And how would you know anything about that?"
"Simple: Kazuya told me about Kousei saying so and he also told me you're interested in seeing him again."
"He told you?! How could he-"
Mizuhara suddenly felt sick to her stomach.
Mami laughed a little and shook her head smiling before saying, "You have to stop falling for that Mizuhara. Again: Kazuya didn't tell me…but you just did. However, I am coming here on terms to make amends for before. I honestly know he'd like to see you again…and I know you would too. The truth is I know that from him, and he confided in me he likes you, but is too shy to come forward. I told him I would be happy to find out if you liked him too, but the agreement was he would have to make the next move. We're in college, but he is acting like he is eleven…it is charming in some ways."
Mizuhara calmed and smiled saying, "It is charming. I do like him."
"Wonderful. Be ready to get a communique from him and think about it, I am not asking you out for him."
"Mami, why are you really doing this?"
"I told you: to make amends. I am sorry for acting immaturely in the past, that's not really who I am. I am a lot of things, but I am not immature."
"Uh huh. Why are you really doing it? Why are you playing 'matchmaker'? What's in it for you?"
"I can't do something nice for the sake of being nice? Not even to make amends? I did things to the two of you I am not proud of, and I have a chance…I have a chance to make both right and even bring two people together."
"Seriously, what's in it for you? No one does something for free."
"What would be in it for me? Don't look a gift horse in the mouth Mizuhara. I didn't have to come here tonight. I didn't have to run point for him or even say I would help. What's in it for me? If you're not interested…fine…forget it. I'll tell him you're not interested, and we can stop here. It was nice seeing you and-"
"Wait! I…I suppose I shouldn't always be so defensive or challenging. After all you're not charging either of us to play 'matchmaker'."
"That's good, I am glad to hear-"
"Besides, Kousei already told me he wants to go out again.' He worked up the courage, I just wanted to hear your 'spiel' as I always want to learn."
"…He did? That's wonderful. I need to-"
"Mami, he didn't ask me out."
"Why would you-"
Mizuhara smiled with clear sarcasm and said, "Because I too can bluff, but I cannot see any harm in your efforts as there is nothing to lose from your endeavor. I could get hurt, he could get hurt, both of us could get hurt, but neither will know joy if we don't try."
Mami nodded and agreed before saying, "Kazuya does think highly of you, he does feel you have strength. That he did tell me, and I am telling you honestly, I feel that way too."
Mizuhara told Mami Kousei is welcome to contact her via Sapphire for a date and thanked her for her kind words & gesture before she returned to her studies. Mami bowed with honesty and thanked her for her time.
Running upstairs Mami gently knocked on Kazuya's door. Kazuya jumped off from his studies, went to the door, and opened it asking what Mami was doing there.
"Perfectly natural for a girl you're 'in a complicated relationship' to stop by. I was on the way back from seeing a friend," Mami said as she came inside.
Kazuya looked her in the eye and said, "You can bluff to others, you can lie to them, but not to me. I know you better than that. So why are you really here?"
Mami smiled and rolled her eyes inviting him to the couch. Kazuya sat down and folded his arms asking again why she was there.
"Okay, fine. You're so good at reading me. The truth is I came by to see if Mizuhara was interested in seeing Kousei again as I know he is interested in seeing her."
"I see. So, you came over to what…play 'matchmaker'? What's in it for you?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
Kazuya rolled his eyes at her and, "You know the answer to that, rhetorical or not Mami."
Mami tried to bluff again adding the truth to it saying, "I ended up hurting Kousei and was hurtful to Mizuhara too. If I can do something nice for both that is atonement, and it just happens to involve the two of them. It's beneficial and efficient. It's ingenious."
Kazuya looked angry and said with dramaticism, "No, that is in-ci-dental. You're just trying to get Mizuhara out of my life, so she isn't a threat to you, even on a sub-conscious level. Ever notice as soon as one is desired by another…others desire them too?"
Mami looked Kazuya in the eye and asked what he meant.
"Mami, 'when it rains, it pours'…someone else may want to pursue her now too. If you're going to play 'matchmaker' I suggest you put some work into it. You may have competition and if you get into this game this is your chance. Don't drop out and give up half-way through. No matter what your motives really are, don't mess up. You end up getting either of them hurt, you'll be hurting a client or a colleague and hurting either one will not get my forgiveness. Keep that in mind as you set out on your little 'mission.'"
Kazuya pulled her in close for a hug and wished her well on her endeavor.
Kousei waited outside the mall checking his phone when Mami walked up with a smile.
"You ready Kousei? I have booked two hours and we're going to do a little learning today," Mami said with a smile.
"Yes, yes I am," Kousei said with some amount of confidence and still nervousness.
Mami smiled and told him to take her hand and the two walked into the Tokyo Dome City. Kousi felt his heartbeat rise and smiled over at her before looking forward and just enjoying the walk.
"That's it Kousi, 'glide' with me. We're walking, we're enjoying the mall, and you're with me. Every guy is watching you and so is every woman. Know it, feel pride in it, be scared, but most of all know you control the flow at any moment," Mami said like a teacher.
Kousei glimpsed at everyone in the mall from tweens to women the age of patrons at The Passionate Piano all gazed at him. Looking towards some of the men he saw from boys old enough to know what a woman was to men with their walkers gaze on him.
Almost whispering Kousei told Mami to come closer. Mami looked over at him and asked what was wrong.
Keeping his voice at a whisper he said, "I don't know what it is, but I feel excited. I feel excited with all the eyes on me. I feel like I am performing again on stage somehow."
Mami laughed a little and said in a soft voice, "Well you are being judged, but that is good! Embrace it Kousi, it is the energy you feel of being seen, you know what that is like. Remember right now it is flowing in both directions equally, but I'd argue that you you're controlling the confident side of it is more. You want to know how I know that?"
"How?"
"Because you're enjoying it, you're embracing it. You say it feels like you're back on stage. It's time for the encore."
Kousei looked over to Mami asking what she meant when she suddenly latched onto his arm and pulled him close again making the hair on the back of his neck stand on its end. Mami laughed softly and told Kousi to relax saying, "Careful Kosei she may do this some time. She can be forward."
Kousei quickly fought the shock, turned to her, and smiled. Mami laughed and went back to holding his hand and led him to a clothing store.
Kosei looked at Mami a little confused and said, "We're stopping in here? Why? Did you want to look at something?"
"Yes, I'd love to look at some clothing and I expect honest opinions, but we have a stop to make first," Mami said with a smile.
Unsure what she meant Kousei suddenly felt Mami's hand tighten a little, saw her smile, as she led him to the men's department. Mami said to check through the shirts for anything he likes.
"Oh, okay. I don't really have the money to buy anything at the moment, but I can surely look-"
"It's on me Kousei. It's time for a new wardrobe. Your youth ends here, no more outfits like you're playing piano on stage or going to school. It's time to dress like a real boyfriend, not a Sapphire. I am paying today so find something you like."
"I can't have you do that."
Mami gave a semi-strict look and said, "I believe it is Sapphire policy to accept gifts clients give you and do so with appreciation."
Mami gave a golden smile as Kousei bowed and said he appreciated her gesture in advance.
Together they looked through the racks and Mami stopped and gave a soft gasp at seeing a magenta red silk shirt and grabbed Kousei's arm and said he had to try this on. Mami suddenly heard herself and toned it down saying she'd like to see him in it. Kousei heard the change in tone, but smiled and said to wait a moment as he grabbed a pair of black pants to go with the shirt. Mami waited outside the changing area on a bench and when Kousei came was taken aback saying he looked stunning.
Kousei blushed a little and said, "You think I look good in this? Thank you."
"Yes, you do! Hold on."
"Okay…"
Mami walked away and found two girls about her age and told them to come with her back and they walked over wondering what was going on.
"Doesn't my boyfriend look good in this outfit? He's modest and thinks I am just saying that, so I wanted your opinions."
Kousei turned the shade of his shirt and Mami gave a wide smile and laughed to herself.
The first girl said, "Yes, he looks very cute in it."
Kousei bowed and thanked her.
The second girl said, "Absolutely. You look very nice in it. I'll have to bring my guy here; he may look good in a dark blue shirt; it would go well with his eyes."
Kousei bowed and thanked her saying he appreciated their time. Both girls walked away and Mami gave Kousi a look with a wicked smile Kousei didn't see and took him to another area and had him try on a few other outfits before he settled on a charcoal grey hoodie, the dark pants, the red silk shirt, and a black silk shirt. Taking a cue from the girls Mami motioned him to come over and had him try on a royal blue collared shirt.
Mami started adjusting his collar and Kousei instantly looked up the way when a girlfriend starts adjusting her man's clothing. Mami then let go and admired him saying he truly looked very regal. Kousei motioned the cashier over to check out when Mami smiled and told the cashier to simply take the tags off. Kousei looked confused when with a smile Mami took his hand and said he needed to break the shirt in and to wear it while with her. The cashier removed the tags and smiled telling Kousei he looked very sharp.
Walking to the lady's room Mami said it was time to learn another lesson. Holding her hand Kousei realized that although excited he wasn't with a racing pulse and felt lessons were working.
"Ready for the next lesson Kousi?" Mami asked.
"Sure, what is it?" Kousei asked.
Mami led him to the rack and had him choose some clothing he liked and when he settled on a long golden colored dress with stitching which glinted in the light and took it off the rack smiling. Mami smiled at his child-like enthusiasm and said she'd try it on. When she came back, she graciously accepted the excited praise Kousei quickly gave her and then looked him I the eye.
"Kousei, why do you like this outfit? Tell me why it looks good. That's the lesson: It is easy to say someone looks good, but why do they look good? The red silk shirt on you brings a flare out, a fire I can sense inside you when you get excited. The blue shirt makes you look regal, a royal color. Why do you like this dress on me?"
"…It looks wonderful on your because it matches your golden hair…your beautiful golden hair."
Mami honestly blushed and said, "Th-thank you…thank you very much."
Kousei nodded and said, "I also like that white sweater with the yellow teddy bear on it…it reminds me of your pendant.
Mami laughed and agreed as she pulled the sweater off the rack and put it down by Kousei and his bag of clothing. Kousei smiled and said he was going to pick up one other piece of clothing.
Kousei picked up a lovely blue gown and Mami was impressed noting he did have good taste, left to change, and said she would be right back. Mami returned to Kousei to see his draw drop and smiled to herself as he said she looked amazing.
"Okay Kousei go: Why do I look good in this outfit? What makes it unique for me?
"You, Mami, look great in this outfit because it is sky blue, like your eyes, and it enhances the beauty of them."
Kousei nearly choked on his own words, but smiled seeing Mami dazed for a moment, but quickly said that was very sweet and a great answer. Kousei blinked hard and in his mind thanked Kazuya for having him read Essays in Love.
Mami said he was a quick study and asked if it came from his piano playing.
"I am not sure where I have this skill to pick up things fast, as you say, but I am guessing it is part of building upon whatever you learn in life. You learn the notes, you learn to play, and other songs are built upon them. The same chords, the same overall structure, but things just build in complexity. Maybe learning to date, be comfortable around women is like learning music, and much less like acting suave or such. I don't know."
"That is insightful. I can see why Kazuya likes spending time with you outside of being an instructor and mentor, you too have insightful thoughts. Just remember you're not here to 'play a woman' with deception, rental boyfriend or not."
Kousei turned flush and said he'd never do that.
Mami smiled and asked him what he'd like to do next.
"You mentioned my youth ends here. Can we still get a hot pretzel?"
"Sure. The little boy in you shouldn't grow up. You can dress as a man, act like a man, be a man altogether, but never let the voice of the little boy go silent. Staying young at heart is important in life."
Mami then said she wanted his opinion on the sweater also and tried it on. Kousei gave a little boy's smile ear to ear and said, "You-you look very cute in it."
"Oh, you like it?"
Kousei nodded and watched Mami call over the salesperson to box up the box when Kousei stopped her and said she should just have the tags removed and walk with him. Mami smiled and agreed.
Walking back into the main hallway they happened upon the pianist playing for all the mallgoers. Mami pulled on Kousie's hand a little to walk over there and put their clothing down and stood to listen a while. The pianist was playing no specific song, just background music reminiscent of an opera.
"Do you like that kind of music?" Kousei asked.
"I don't know, I am just enjoying it. I figured you may want too also. Come on, let's sit down. I'll watch our stuff, get us each a pretzel," Mami responded.
The moment Kousei walked away Mami had to shake her head a little and tried to stay focused on the music being played. Mami suddenly looked up hearing a sound other than the mall walkers and music.
Mami looked up and saw a guy about her age as he looked down at her saying. "I said, 'Hey, beautiful. Are you alone?' Are you awake?"
Mami was about to say something when a voice from her right said, "Excuse me, she's with me. I didn't know if you if you wanted mustard to go with it so I-"
The guy said to Kousei incredulously," She's here with you?"
Mami was about to say something when Kosei jumped back in saying, "Yes, she is and we're about to enjoy our pretzels. If you're interested in listening to the music too there is a nice bench right over there. You'd have plenty of room."
Kousei pointed to the far end of the main hallway. Looking at Kousei again incredulously the guy backed up, turned, and walked away.
Mami was again taken aback and said she was proud of him when Kousei extended his wrist towards her and turned it upside down. Mami smiled and checked his pulse feeling it heightened, but not racing and complimented him on his confidence and energy before patting the space beside her.
"I am used to that kind of attention. It never gets old, and it isn't flattering as the thing about confidence really is sometimes it is held by bad people."
"I know. I had some colleagues I played against who although were exceptionally good musicians were also such jerks. They have confidence, but they played …almost spitefully. That must seem like a cartoonish idea: Someone playing piano angrily, spitefully well. It seems like something Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck would do. I must sound weird."
"No, you sound human. Being one of the 'pretty girls' in school you'd think I could have anything I wanted, but we were vicious in school. It wasn't that long ago, but it seems like years and years ago. I was part of 'the mean girls' and we competed with each other…viciously. If one of us didn't like another girl we'd steal their boyfriend just to spite them. We'd break people up, even if the guy hadn't done anything, just to attack the girl. It was horrible. I remember once even getting a guy and girl together so I wouldn't have deal with the girl going after the guy I-"
Mami stopped dead in her tracks with a cold sweat.
"Mami? Are you okay?" Kousei asked.
After swallowing for a moment Mami regained her composure and said she was fine. The two finished their pretzels.
"Okay Kousei, let's take a walk. It's time to continue practicing. That pretzel left me wanting more food. Let's get some lunch."
Kousei stood and offered his hand to help up Mami which caused her to smile again. Standing up Kosei grabbed the clothing and Mami took his free hand with a smile as they left the mall and started walking down the street. Once again everyone's eyes went to the two of them and to Kousei who breathed deeply and kept his eyes forward.
"That's right. Eyes forward and know you belong here. Bring the confidence to the front, harness the energy…eventually people will wonder why I am with you. What does this 'random blonde' have that this charming prince wants? What makes her so special?"
"You're making me feel like a superhero. I am not all that."
"That's correct…you aren't…for now."
Mami squeezed Kousei's hand and smiled at him, making him turn red. Mami smiled and told him to relax and just walk and know he belongs.
Arriving at an outdoor café Kousei quickly put the bags down and pulled out Mami's charge. Mami once again felt he had much potential and thanked him.
Ordering some light lunch Mami asked him of the rest of the day.
"Well after our date ends, I am taking a breather before a two-hour date. After that I am studying for a while and taking a break. Later tonight I am playing tonight at The Passionate Piano.I-I can cancel if you want, this is important to me."
"No, keep your date and study. Tonight…tonight I want to see you again. We're going to go to The Passionate Piano. I want to see this place, maybe Kazuya and I will go …tonight you're gonna wear your brand-new red silk shirt. It is time to break it in…unless that doesn't work for you."
"It will be great. I am sure the club owner will love it. It's like Kazuya teaches me 'The customer is king' so I'd be happy-honored-to wear your gift."
"Wonderful. We'll dovetail your evening, when our date is over you can 'go to work' playing for the club."
Kosei nodded and the two set out to enjoy lunch
Mizuhara sat at her desk studying when her Sapphire app gave a notification. Reading over it she smiled and went outside and walked to the back of the building and a moment later Kazuya walked up in his college attire complete in beret and sunglasses.
Kazuya smiled and said, "Hey, thanks for coming. I wanted to tell you I am getting ready to premier a new kind of date: stargazing! I have been using my telescope, reading up on advanced techniques, and figured you should be the initial date."
Mizuhara smiled and bowed before saying, "I'm flattered, but I don't really have the budget-"
"It would be at no-cost. As in the past I would trade you evaluation for the cost of the date, besides, it is me practicing and not a paid date…at least for now. If you have fun, I hope you'll book one, leave an honest review, and such."
Mizuhara gave kind of a goofy smile and said that sounded great.
Kousei went through his afternoon date happy it was a movie and coffee and kept on thinking of the night ahead with Mami with all kinds of excitement and apprehension. He could sense the direction of the two thoughts pulling equally and kept on focusing on an enjoyable time and found himself lost throughout the movie. Finished with the movie Kousei was overjoyed just to listen to her gush over her favorite actor's bringing a character to life.
The client looked up from her cup of coffee and told Kousei she was attending classes in Osaka next semester.
"I am studying engineering and hope to work in automotive design. I think I could well be part of something huge," the client said with a smile.
"That's wonderful! That sounds like an illustrious career which could allow you to truly use what you've learned and even improve the world. You could well be part of the team which creates the next great innovation-the next great leap. We went from horses, to steam power, to dirty engines, to cleaner ones, electric ones, hybrids, hydrogen power, and now fuel cells. It is an exciting field, and you could well be part of the 'dream team,' part of the group that makes a dream a reality, a vision on paper into something on the road, and drive off into the sunrise."
"Thank you! What are you studying?"
Kousei responded with a thought, "Studying? Well just general classes for now. I play piano, some would say well, and may go into teaching music. I may end up working with a local symphony and collaborate with community outreach, bringing beautiful, classical music to a younger crowd. I feel it can be beautiful and…even rejuvenate the soul. I…I know it is for me."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, I am sorry, I hope I wasn't getting too personal."
"No, it's okay, I'd love to learn more. I have had one other 'date,' and it was with a really nice guy. He gave me a picture with my name and its meaning. He was charming, but I knew it was an act. He is a skillful actor and believable…but you don't seem to be playing a role-you're playing yourself; you're being yourself…or so it seems to me. I hope you are being yourself. You…you are charming."
Kousei smiled ear to ear and thanked her.
Standing outside The Passionate Piano under a streetlamp a taxi pulled up and Kousei raced over and opened the door and held out his hand. Mami smiled brightly and stepped out wearing the golden dress. Offering his arm, she took it with a small smile. The club's host opened the door seeing them and gave Kousei a huge smile figuring this had to tonight's client.
The host took them to a nice table and Kousei pulled out Mami's chair. Before they could even say a word, the owner came over and greeted them both. The owner quickly told them their first drink of the evening was complimentary. They ordered drinks and Mami smiled as she realized every eye in the club was on her. The owner looked at Mami and said Kousei looked smashing and said someone with taste must have chosen it for him. Mami looked at him and said he chose her dress. The owner smiled and went to put in a drink order.
"Are these all clients of yours Kousei?" Mami asked with a smirk.
"I couldn't say," Kousei answered.
Mami told him he sounds like Kazuya. Their drinks came and Kousei found it increasingly easy to talk to Mami and knew it would be an arduous journey, maybe one which never ends, but felt could traverse the road to be less awkward and more confident like Kazuya or Mami. Together they listened to the music of the club's official pianist who when taking a break walked past Kousei giving a smile and quick bow to Mami.
Kousei nodded back and Mami excused herself. Heading towards the lady's room a woman in an exquisite fur coat stopped Mami and said she looked lovely.
"Thank you very much," Mami said with a bow.
"He's really quite something isn't he? He's quiet, a good listener, but when he plays, I feel like I am your age again. It's odd, I must sound silly."
Mami smiled and said, "No, you don't sound silly at all. He is something…he truly is."
Entering the lady's room Mami splashed some water on her face and told herself to just get a grip and return to teaching.
Enjoying a meal & music from the club's pianist, Mami smiled and said he was doing great. Suddenly Kousei's phone vibrated notifying him time was up. Looking up he saw a colleague at the door with a girl who looked like a high school senior wave a little. Waving back Kousei saw him tap his wrist and Kousei smiled and shook his head motioning him over. The Sapphire also looked high-school age, and both came over and sat down. Kousei introduced Mami as a friend of his, as their time was up, and said he was going to play soon. The Sapphire said they couldn't wait and followed the host to a table in the back.
Kousei looked at Mami saying colleagues knew he played there some Saturdays. The club's official pianist stood and bowed to rapturous applause and bowed to Kousei as passed their table. The club went back to the sound of conversation and softer background music.
Mami nodded to the pianist as he passed and with a wry smile said, "Okay Kousei: It is time. I am buying two additional dates with you. Kazuya is too busy with a small production of which is part, some classes, and more to see a movie I want to see. He is only available for small pockets of time these days. In addition, there is a wonderful place for brunch I want to check out. The dates are for us to enjoy together, and you get the benefit of learning more. There is just one thing you need to do. May I have your phone for a minute please?"
Mami turned to her phone and went to the Sapphire app to arrange the dates.
"Okay…what do I have to do?" Kousei asked as he handed his phone to her without thinking twice.
With a wry smile Mami looked up, held his phone out to him and said, "You have to ask Mizuhara out."
Kousei sweat and Mami said he could do it and gave him a nod.
Anxiously Kousei dialed the number and listened to Mizuhara's phone line ringing.
"Hello, Kousei?"
"Y-yes. How did you know it was me?"
"You're calling me through the app. Mami told me to expect a call. What's up?"
Kousei froze for a moment. Mami looked at him with eyes like a teacher and put her hand out in the air and closed her first and brought it back to her slowly.
Feeling the energy in his mind Kousei took hold of the excitement and said, "Would you like to go out some time…and not as my client?"
Kosei held his breath and Mami looked intently at him.
"Sure! I'd love to…I'll see you my personal phone number. Text me later times you're free. Sounds like a nice crowd tonight. Tell the owner I say hi."
Kousei tried to stay cool and said it sounded great and hung up the phone. Mami got up and gave Kousei a hug saying she knew he could do it.
"And now everyone our beloved guest pianist Mr. Kousei Arima!" the club owner said into the microphone on stage.
Kousei stood up to a large amount of applause and smiled and Mami could read his mind as she laughed feeling like The Passionate Piano itself was cheering for him asking out Mizuhara.
Smiling like a princess Mami stood and took hold of Kosei's arm and asked Kousei to play for her.
"What would you like me to play?"
Mami smiled and said to play something romantic.