Chapter Nine: Practice & Boyfriend
In late afternoon the following Saturday Mizuhara stood at the top of the stairs from the local subway station when she heard footsteps coming up behind her. Dressed a red hoodie and jeans with hair in tight pigtails she turned around and saw Kousei looking nervous but standing straight and tall. Kousei wore a simple outfit for a causal afternoon with his glasses.
Mizuhara smiled a little attempting to give him a boost of confidence to start.
Looking her straight in the eyes Kousei spoke, "M-Mizuhara I presume?"
Mizuhara responded with a soft smile and said, "Yes."
Kousei sweat bullets and responded, "Y-you…you're more beautiful than I could have imagined, truly."
Mizuhara blushed knowing that was both her rental boyfriend and Kousei speaking at the same time and simply smiled and thanked him before saying they should be off. Mizuhara started walking and Kousei walked alongside her but had trouble making eye contact. Mizuhara kind of laughed to herself realizing Kazuya wasn't exaggerating. Kousei tried several times to slowly take her hand but couldn't. Finally, Mizuhara gently closed her hand around his during his latest attempt and looked over while smiling warmly at him and suddenly felt his pulse racing. She turned back forward and felt his pulse eventually slow and interlaced her fingers and felt his pulse rise again. While concerned about it a small she felt more amused and led him over to a newsstand and bought two bottles of Ocari and pointed to a nearby bench and sat.
Kousei opened the water and took a drink before thanking her.
"You know…you don't have to be so nervous with me. Kazuya asked me to help you. He trusts me and I trust him, I hope I'll gain your trust," Mizuhara said with warm eyes.
Kousei took a deep breath and said, "You already are and thanks. It's just that this is all still so new to me. I can talk to girls, young women even, but most reviews just say I am a great listener."
"Well…let's get some lunch at Kazuya's favorite tavern. You can listen to me there…maybe you'll have some nice insights. Kazuya tells me you're quite mature and insightful."
Mizuhara improvised the last thought in her mind, but Kousei responded to it well, and they walked to the tavern holding hands and this time Kousei had a slightly slower pulse. Arriving at their table Kousei pulled out the chair for Mizuhara to a smile & each ordered some light fare and Kousei dreaded what he most and looked up unsure what to say.
Clearing his throat a little Kousei spoke up and said, "Kazuya tells me you're a fellow musician."
Mizuhara smiled and said, "A 'musician'? He makes me sound so formal. I play the flute and love it for the simple reason to play, but I'm no musician."
"He told me you played at the local monastery, he says you held a concert and are starting a new series for events and such there. That's pretty cool."
"He gives me too much credit. I wouldn't say 'concert', but I suppose one could say that. I just played some music for the community. Maybe someday Kazuya could come and act out a scene from a play or such."
"That sounds nice, I'd surely come to see him perform. I have attended a few of his practice and workshops of his to watch him in action. He's really quite good. I honestly don't know if I could ever learn to really be at home with other people if not for him."
Mizuhara smiled feeling Kazuya does indeed build up one's confidence in things. The two spoke about some things around school until their food arrived and they started eating.
Putting her fork down with a thoughtful look Mizuhara said, "Perhaps…perhaps you could come by one night and play for us? I am sure the music department would allow you to bring a keyboard and we could set up a place—-"
Kousei looked down and Mizuhara stopped worried she'd said something she shouldn't.
"It's…it's a nice idea. I'll talk to Kazuya and have him contact you," Kousei said looking down.
"…So, what about student clubs?" Mizuhara asked while slightly angry at herself for asking that seeing his response.
Kousei looked back up slowly and gave a half smile before saying, "Clubs? Well, I have started doing kendo. It's really a lot of fun. I'm told I am great wielding my sword."
Mizuhara looked at him with a goofy smile to which Kousei blushed. Smiling normally with warm eyes she then asked, "What else?"
"Well, I am involved with a little club for humanities appreciation. I haven't been able to go on any trips with them just yet, I am usually booked on the weekends with other 'activities."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but not 'dating' all the time."
"I see. Kousei…why do you feel you need to practice with me? We're having a nice conversation, you're doing great. You seem down to earth, polite, smart, and more. Why do you think you need to practice?"
"Mizuhara, you're very kind, but I know I am practicing with you. The only reason I am okay is likely because I know you're not an actual client. I just lack the confidence to be with anyone our own age and I wish I knew why. Actually, that's not true…I know why, I just don't know what to do about it. I am just trying to keep getting out there, but along the way I kind of fell into being comfortable with people older than us. I imagine Kazuya told you some of my past before sending you out to practice with me."
Mizuhara nodded. Kousei began to open up and speak more of his past and told her of his relentless learning prodded on by his ultra-strict mother. He spoke of hardships, lack of feeling of any love, and more like a project by his mother. He twitched as he remembered the physical "motivation" his mother gave him and relented about his father often being away and unable to help. Lastly, he spoke of how his mother would guilt him into learning, making him feel that learning was the only way to alleviate any pain from her physical ailment, at least in his mind. In addition to that Kousei went on saying how she pushed him to learn so hard by making him fearful over the future as it seemed the only career she could see fit would be to be a pianist.
Looking on with gentle and sad eyes, Mizuhara listened to every word with care.
Meanwhile at a table in the back of the tavern, unseen by either, was Niko with a friend of his drinking. Niko watched from afar and when his friend asked what he so distracted by he pointed for him to turn around with an angry look. Niko's friend looked back at him bewildered at the sight.
Unable to really go beyond speaking of his hardships Kousei apologized for being bad company to which Mizuhara said he was great company.
"What? You're having a good time? I am lamenting my past and you're just listening to it," Kousei responded with some shock.
"Some would call it 'sharing themselves.' I am honored you trust me enough to tell me these things. I know you haven't shared this with other people. You're showing me your genuine side and it's nice…too many of us wear masks…seemingly all the time. I know you're seeing a lot in life right now…seemingly all your life. You're facing a struggle, quite a few actually."
"I am. It's funny, my muse once said of the struggles we face: 'Aren't you going to struggle too? We're so good at struggling! We risk our lives to struggle, because we're musicians, remember'?"
"That's quite poignant, full of passion and resolve. I can see why she meant so much to you."
Kousei nodded and looked down. Mizuhara moved her chair closer and took his right hand with both of hers and said, "Maybe you could tell me about her sometime."
Kousei winced slightly hearing the same words Mami uttered to him outside Kazuya's apartment and didn't say a word. Attempting to gather courage he felt Mizuhara's warm hands on his as he started to look up with a small smile and gave a nod.
Finished with their meal Kousei suddenly stood up as he had a thought and looked Mizuhara in the eye with determination and said if she wants to learn more about his muse, she needs to come see him play. Mizuhara couldn't help but smile seeing a fire suddenly lit inside him and held her hand out and said to lead the way. Kousei took it with a smile and started heading for the cocktail lounge. Unseen by either Niko followed them down the street and looked bewildered as he saw the name on the sign of the lounge they entered: "The Passionate Piano."
Upon entering the manager ran up to Kousei and happily ushered them to a table and said she would be right back. The lounge was packed with people, food was being brought out, drinks being served at the bar, and more. Mizuhara was amazed at the crowd and appreciated how much live music was truly being enjoyed at the establishment.
At the same time Niko had come to the door and was initially rebuffed by the host saying he wasn't dressed for the evening and to come back later. Niko was shocked, but removed his biker's jacket and said he heard the club was nice. Niko apologized to the host and said he didn't know the establishment was as beautiful as she was causing her to quickly smile, roll her eyes, and take him to a table in the corner and said a server would be along any moment.
The manager returned with two bottles of Ocari and gave Kousei a tight hug. Exclaiming happily the manager said, "I didn't expect to see you tonight! Whatever you'd like is on the house. My normal guy is playing all evening, but if you'd like to play give me a wave."
Mizuhara was again shocked and when asked if she wanted anything just asked for a glass of grapefruit juice. The manager smiled and when she wanted something else let her know and ran off to get her a glass. Several mature ladies waved and smiled to Kousei and a woman who walked past gave a big smile to Mizuhara to her confusion.
"Everyone here seems to know you. Are these all fans of your music?" Mizuhara asked.
Kousei kind of gave an embarrassed smile and said, "Well yes, that's part of it."
Mizuhara took a drink of water and giving a warm smile said, "I see…so are you going to play something for me?"
Kousei nodded while smiling feeling the trust between them growing as they were both musicians. After a break in the evening's pieces everyone could be heard murmuring. The manager came out with a glass of grapefruit juice when she saw Kousei give a wave. Kousei started walking towards the piano and people started to applaud louder and louder as the manager stood smiling at Mizuhara and said she doesn't have to even announce his entrance. Mizuhara watched in awe more and more people applauded and a tall fellow whistled as he sat down and put his hands on the keys.
The manager sat down, gave Mizuhara her drink, and gestured at her patrons. With a wry smile she said, "Kousei loves almond milk, this is his 'regular.' Now watch what happens when he acts his 'regular' way."
Looking back at Mizuhara for a moment a smile crossed his face as started to play Debussy Arabesque No. 1. Kousei had the smile of a ten-year old as he played happily. Everyone in the club watched intently as they listened as they smiled and ate with their friends and dates. Mizuhara shook her head seeing what a drawing power her "boyfriend" had and smiled all the more enjoying the show.
When he finished the room gave healthy round of applause. People immediately asked him to play something else. Looking back towards his table he noticed Mizuhara wasn't there. A moment later he felt a light tap on his shoulder as Mizuhara handed him his drink and sat down in an empty chair close to the piano with some patrons after they gave her a nod.
As Kousei started to get up Mizuhara motioned him to come closer so she could make a request.
Kousei shrugged and said, "I don't know that song very well, but I could try for you."
Mizuhara nodded with a smile.
Sitting back down Kousei took a drink as he looked at the keyboard. He closed his eyes for a moment playing the tune in his head before he started to play Carol of the Bells. The room was captivated by the tune of the heavy and yet light piece of music. Kousei had the look of intensity of a blizzard and played as if the notes were snowflakes falling fast.
When finished Kousei stood and bowed to loud applause. The two finished their drinks as people smiled and nodded. While expecting to hear another request people noticed Kousei had a lady at his side and all smiled. Kousei extended his hand to Mizuhara to walk back to the table while she felt quite flattered at his playing her requested piece and heavily blushed as she felt every eye in the club on her as she walked.
Kousei and Mizuhara sat down at their table where they found a second drink each. Mizuhara excused herself to go to the lady's room. As she got up and left a figure from the corner got up and started heading towards Kousei.
Mizuhara looked at herself in the mirror, still quite flush from all the eyes on her, before splashing some water and drying it with a paper towel. She smiled at the good time she was having and upon walking towards the table saw Kousei seated looking uncomfortable as Niko sat in front of him with a smug face.
With a wry smile Niko said, "Welcome back Mizuhara. I was just getting to know your escort for the evening. I asked him how well he knew you and he just said he met you recently. What does he mean?"
"Hi Niko…Kousei and I met recently. We were introduced by a mutual friend," Mizuhara said as she nervously sat down.
"Just met recently huh? He seems pretty at home with you and you with him for someone who just met. I didn't ever get to have you play your flute for me and here he is playing piano for you in a cocktail lounge full of people on Saturday night. He is surely someone whom you have known for more than a night. Who is he?"
Kousei looked a little agitated and said," Excuse me, please, but you can direct your questions at me. I'm right here."
Niko looked at Kousei with a degree of annoyance and said, "Excuse me…I am speaking to her."
Kousei looked at Mizuhara who nodded a little and said she was okay.
Mizuhara looked back at Niko angrily and said, "You're being rude. Where is that 'Niko' I saw only a few days ago? I'd like to see him again…if he is still in there."
Niko gave a wry smile and said, "Kousei…could you give us a moment?"
Kousei looked towards Mizuhara who nodded and said, "I'll be right here if you need-"
Niko had kind of a condescending smile and gave a gentle shooing with his hand as he said, "She won't need you. It's okay 'Beethoven', nothing bad's going to happen."
Kousei looked back with a slightly angry look as nodded and stepped away and went towards the host station. The manager came over and asked if everything was okay. Kousei explained what happened as best he could, and she rolled her eyes saying she has seen this kind of thing before. At that moment the tall whistling patron, who was also the establishment's unofficial bouncer, stepped over with his wife. He looked angry and told Kousei to give the word and he'd toss "that guy talking to his girlfriend" out into the traffic outside. Kousei smiled and said he would call upon him if needed.
Mizuhara gave an icy start back to Niko and said, "What do you want? This split personality thing you're doing lately is starting to annoy me. You're civil, you're confrontational, you're hurtful, you're nice, you're humble, and now you're being a jerk. What do you want? I gave you privacy as a gesture, but I don't think the establishment will let you stay if you don't act with decency."
Niko looked at the tall and angry patron by the manager as he crossed his arms with a look of little patience. It was that look of someone daring one to do something.
"Seems like your 'second boyfriend' here has quite a fan club. Sorry for the abrupt greeting. I just wanted to ask you if Kazuya knows you're here with another guy. If so, you're really turning around. I didn't think you'd date two guys at the same time, let alone one. The new year is surely showing a new part of you. I must say that is impressive, if not inspiring."
Mizuhara looked at him incredulously and said, "Oh? My dating people is inspirational?"
Niko looked back with a firmness and said, "It is actually. While I don't seek your acknowledgment or appreciation, nor should you feel obligated to give it, know that it is there. I am impressed with this new side to you. You know…you don't have to like someone to respect them. Maybe you'll respect me in the future as I respect you more now. I'd offer to buy you a drink, but I can see you already have one. Next time we get together as a group I owe you a glass of wine. Have a good night."
Niko stood and bowed and nodded at Kousei. The manager & Kousei watched as Niko grabbed his jacket and walked towards the door as they returned to their tables. The club's unofficial bouncer asked, knowing full well, if that was Mizuhara's ex. He then shook his head wondering why the nicest among us always seem to attract the worst. Kousei shrugged and felt if he knew that answer, and how to combat it, he'd write a book and pay for the rest of his education on pre-sales alone.
Just as Niko reached the door, he was stopped by an older lady in a lovely fur coat at the door.
"You're not trying to muscle in on 'his turf' are you young man? The ladies here don't like 'bad boys', they like gentlemen," she said.
"Excuse me?" Niko said bewildered.
The lady in the exquisite fur coat looked at him and said, "Sorry, perhaps that wasn't the right way to greet someone like you. Can I buy you a drink? Join me back at my table. Maybe a few of my friends would like someone like you."
"Excuse me? W-what do you mean? I wasn't looking forward to meeting anyone here. I was just-"
"Oh, you're cute when you're confused. You don't have to pull the act on me. We know he really is young man, but he is quite mature. Virtually every woman in here has had a date with him. He's quite mature for his age. Are you the 'bad boy' of Sapphire? Some of my friends might like you."
"I'm not looking to meet anyone here. What are you talking about? What's 'sapphire'?"
"Oh…are you not a Sapphire? Well…some of my friends may still like you if you'd like to have a drink."
"Uh…another time perhaps. It was nice meeting you, I need to go. My friend and I are meeting for a drink later."
The lady in the fur coat gave a smile, told him to come back sometime, and turned to leave. Niko was dumbfounded and left The Passionate Piano wondering and headed back to his apartment.
Mizuhara smiled as Kousei returned to the table with that look of someone who feels they're owed an explanation.
"Listen, you want to get out of here?" Kousei asked a little apologetically as he sat down.
"Don't worry about that, I am sure that's not typical, but I would like to leave. I enjoyed our time here, but let's get going. There are other things we can do. I have an idea or two."
Kousei looked confused, but stood up, thanked the manager and his fans for their help, and opened the door for Mizuhara as they left.
Outside Mizuhara walked along side Kousei and smiled and looked at his hands trying to be subtle about wanting her hand to be taken. Kousei reached out with greater confidence and took it as she led him down the street. Mizuhara smiled to herself feeling there was potential within him.
Kousei smiled and said with some regret, "I am sorry for that back there. I was really hoping for a better time. I hope this date isn't going downhill, I feel like you're not having a good time, that-
"Don't worry, I am having a good time, truly I am. It's not every night I get free drinks, meet groupies, have a musical request played for me by a famous pianist, and even get into a confrontation where I held my own against someone who doesn't always make me the happiest," Mizuhara said.
"I…I uh take it that your ex back there?" Kousei asked already knowing the answer.
"Yes, yes it was. When you find a real girlfriend make sure you don't have a level of awkwardness when it ends. Either stay friends fully or cut them out like a tumor…that guy seems to be a cancer lately. He causes pain, goes into remission, and then comes back. I don't know, I hope I am not sounding too dramatic."
"No, not at all. Please tell me more about him."
Mizuhara laughed and told the stories of when Kazuya met him at his favorite tavern and bowling. Kousei smiled and said he was ready to tell her of his ex.
"You don't have to if you don't want to you know, this shouldn't be a trade-"
"It's okay…it ties into my muse: I tried. I tried to date a childhood friend, I figured there had to be at least one story in life where the childhood friend wins the love of the other. I know there has to be at least one. My muse told me in her last will and testament that she knew I loved her and she me…and I needed to come forward. It took time, but I was guided-by her in spirit-to reach out. I did, and it was great…"
"Until?"
"Until…until she got a call from the athletics department of a major university offering her a scholarship if she played on their baseball team."
"That's great news! Why would that be bad? If one gets—-"
"It was at a university in the United States."
"Oh…I see."
"We had a tearful discussion, but I told her that her dreams of playing in a professional league coupled with a great education should come first. She smacked me and accused me of not having genuine love. I told her that it was genuine love which made me tell her to pursue her dream and that someday she may return, and I'd be waiting. She accepted the scholarship, and I received a 'Dear John' letter a few weeks later, but I figured it would come eventually. I knew we couldn't really make such a long-distance relationship work, even if we just 'temporality broken up', were 'taking a break', or some other euphemism."
Kousei started to cry softly as he walked and dried his tears. Kousei apologized for his emotions worried it was making for a bad experience with him.
Mizuhara frowned and stopped him and asked if she could give him a hug. Kousei agreed and held her for a few moments crying softly and lamenting the past. Mizuhara thought and thought and released her hug when she felt him calm as she asked if he wanted something sweet.
"Something sweet? What do you mean?" Kousei asked.
"You know…like a cookie or a slice of cake, just not candy from a store," Mizuhara said.
"It's kind of late, I doubt any bakeries are open at this hour and I am not eager to get coffee or the like at a cafe."
Mizuhara gave a smile and eagerly led him to her bakery holding his hand happily the entire time. Arriving at Mizuhara's family bakery the lights were out, the door locked, and the sign in the door saying it closed.
"Here we are."
"Decadent Delectables? It's a great name for a bakery, but it is closed like I thought it might."
Mizuhara smiled and pulled out of her pocket her keychain and jingled it as she took out a key and opened the door.
"Come on in!" Mizuhara said excitedly.
"You work here? Are you allowed here after hours?" Kousei exclaimed in wonder as he walked in, and Mizuhara turned on the lights.
"My grandmother owns the place, she's likely asleep upstairs, so keep quiet. I am her top baker and will inherit it one day. Now then we have all kinds of treats in the display case, some boxed goods, and so on. What would you like?"
Mizuhara stood with warm eyes and smiled as Kousei had the look of a "kid in a candy shop."
"My muse's family owned a bakery too. I loved their canelés…she did too. Do you have any or ever make any?"
"My grandmother makes them on occasion, usually on special request. If…if you want…we could try to make them together tonight. How does that sound?"
Mizuhara smiled warmly watching Kousei happily ponder the offer.
"How…how long would it take? Do you have that kind of time? I don't want to intrude."
"Relax, relax. Let's look at the recipe first."
The two of them did what most people would do today to find information: pulled out their phones and found a recipe for Canneles de Bordeaux and went into the kitchen to get the ingredients.
Tossing Kousei an apron Mizuhara had him get some supplies from the large cooler in the kitchen as they started mixing flour, eggs, sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and dark rum. Kousei smiled as he said he had never seen them being made before but felt like it was somehow familiar.
"I know this may sound cliched, but I feel like a part of her is here now. I hope I don't sound crazy," Kousei said scratching the back of his head.
"No, not at all. She is here. She's here in spirit. She's here too," Mizuhara said smiling and pointing at his heart touching his shirt with the tip of her finger.
Kousei smiled as they continued mixing and told more of the story of his muse, her illness, and her eventual loss.
"It was during my final competition, one she was to play alongside me on stage, that she passed. I cried inside, I cried in the darkness alone at home, and I really cried when my, then future, girlfriend kicked me pretty damn hard in the shin proclaiming she'll always watch over me and be there for me. Every time I have any pain in that leg I think of her, virtually any pain really. I guess she is always watching over me."
"Do you ever talk to her?"
"Of course, emails here and there, but not as many as before. Come to think of it, I haven't heard from her since mid-fall. I guess she has been focused elsewhere too much to write."
The two placed the mixture into freshly basted molds and put it into the oven. After the first baking they set the oven for the second part of baking and checked the recipe again.
"Come on, it will be about an hour. Let's go for a walk, the stars should be out by now."
Together Kousei walked along side Mizuhara and took her hand and held it warmly feeling some amount of stress being lifted from his shoulders. Under the sky the stars were indeed out, and Kousei looked up with inspiration and thanked Mizuhara for joining him. Walking down the street they turned into a local park and sat down on one of the benches. Mizuhara told more stories of Niko's brief, albeit erratic, time with her as her boyfriend and knowing him as a friend. Kousei said he knew, all too well, how starting out as a friend-even a very long-term one-can seem like a great idea but isn't always as possible as stories and even dating "experts" say.
Gazing up at the stars Kousei told her of his muse's final moments likely during a failed medical treatment. He lamented never having had the chance to say goodbye, not even leaving on the best of notes, but in the end felt he did all he can.
"I suppose the best part is to live well, honor a memory, and not be held down in sadness, and build upon it. That in the end the best thing is to carry her spirit on, recapture the joy and passion, and to not look back. Kazuya helped me come to grips with that. It is that which brought me to really be a Sapphire, I wanted to strike out on a new adventure into the world. I wanted to carry on her spirit, but something was really holding me back. I feel this, in the end, really was it: I embraced moving on in concept only, but never really acted on it. In the end I think I was just holding myself back. I didn't know what to do…but sometimes the answer is in front of you. I didn't speak to my friends really about it too much, I was too inward focused. My girlfriend was wonderful at the start, going forward didn't want to hear about it feeling I was hung up on her, I didn't know what to do, but I knew I couldn't give up."
"Moving on can be harder than dealing with the situation from which you're attempting to move on."
"Quite right. Anyway, I came across Sapphire while looking up what to do when getting over the loss of a loved one. I saw support groups, activities and the regular set of tips & things, but the search engine also came back with ideas of getting back out there; dating. It also gave the name of a few 'rent a girlfriend' sites and one for the chance to rent a boyfriend. I was amused and read up on it figuring it would be a great way to constantly get out there, maybe grow my people skills, and eventually move on and find love. Kazuya warned me it is not a dating service, but I feel I could get a lot of experience and maybe even be paid."
Kousei laughed a little and Mizuhara did too and after an alarm went off on her phone happily said it was time to go back. Mizuhara was especially anticipating her first attempt at a new product to sell.
Inside fresh from the oven they quickly removed the pasties, set some aside to cool on a wire rack, and took a few to a table with two cups of mint tea.
Mizuhara urged Kousei to try the first one and with a look of uncertainty and excitement bit into it.
"It's good…it's really good," Kousei said kind of laughing while crying tears of joy.
Mizuhara smiled and ate one saying, "Mmmmm…these are good. I'll have to start making them more."
"To new items to bake," Kousei said with a small smile.
Mizhara smiled and said, "To new items to bake. Kousei, what was her name? What was your muse's name?"
"Kaori…Kaori Miyazono."
"To Kaori Miyazono and memories which will always live on happily."
"To Kaori."
They each held up a warm cannelé in a way "toasting" her before each bit into it. They clinked their cups of tea finishing before finishing their treats.
Kousei continued to cry a little while laughing. Slowly getting up he asked Mizuhara to stand and asked if he may hug her. Mizuhara smiled widely as she stood up, opened her arms, and the two held each other tightly. After releasing with a smile Kousei sat down enjoying the last of his treats with Mizuhara thanking her for her passion and compassion, but mainly for giving him a chance to tonight to finally have the chance to talk to someone beyond a jealous girlfriend and friends who just couldn't understand.
Mizuhara walked back to the wire rack and taking some gently she placed them into a waxed paper bag and handed it to Kousei. She then went to the cooler and grabbed a box of Moo Moo Milk and handed it to him saying they were for later and motioned him to the door. Mizuhara hailed a cab and as Kousei stepped into it his tears fully gone thanked her for her time.
Mizuhara smiled and said, "Oh I had a great time, truly I did. Thanks for sharing yours with me."
"Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me tonight. Thanks again and Kaori would surely be thankful for such a 'sweet sendoff' tonight…and would also compliment your baking," Kousei said while smiling.
Back at his home Niko sat watching TV wondering whether or not to text Mizuhara when he kept on wondering what the woman at The Passionate Piano meant asking if he was a sapphire. Looking up the word "sapphire" , as he expected, brought up a definition of the stone, images of various kinds, ads of places to buy them, and he looked for any slang, but didn't see. As he scrolled down a little further down an ad for the Sapphire rental boyfriend agency and his eyes widened. Amazed at what he found he saw Kousei in the featured position, Kazuya's gift in action. Stunned, he started looking through some of the featured people reading all about their lives. Reading about Kousei amazed him, and it made him ponder what else goes on in people's lives behind what we know. Intrigued at his discovery and innate curiosity he decided to look further and found a classmate of his among the boyfriends. Niko smiled and figured if his friend didn't tell him, it wasn't something he likely wanted to be known and pondered trolling him in the future. Niko was about to close the app when he saw a pop-up suggesting he check out the professionals now that he viewed the rookies and dropped his phone seeing Kazuya listed as the featured professional.
Across town Kousei stepped into his apartment and hung up his jacket. At that exact moment his phone went off and saw Kazuya calling him.
Kousei rolled his eyes as he picked up the phone and heard, "How did it go 'grasshopper'?"
Smiling with a nod Kousei responded, "I had a great time, thank you. So much happened. It went well, it went really well. She is truly a kind and compassionate soul…thank you for the date."
"Hey, don't thank me. I'm just doing my role as your teacher."
"No, this is something for which I am truly thankful. I am sure there aren't a lot of people you could ask for this special help. You told me training normally is just role-playing in classes and if lucky, ladies from the support and operations department. I once heard even actors were brought in from local drama departments at schools nearby."
"Where you'd hear that? I'll have to consider that for the future."
"I heard it from Ashai, though he did say it was when he was learning and fresh from signing up."
"Cool. So…tell me about your date."
"I feel like I am 13, but if you have the time take a seat."
"I already am seated and have a cup of tea."
Shaking his head with a smile Kousei spoke of the highlights of his date. Kazuya was happily listening until the part with Niko and quite concerned, but ended quite encouraged and happy at the story of his getting to enjoy a sweet send off. Kazuya said she will make sure to show Mizuhara extra appreciation and invited him to his first ever workshop he'd be holding on Friday.
On Friday afternoon Kazuya spoke in a training room at Sapphire's office downtown. Seated in chairs all around were boys from their first year of high school right up nearly end of university years. All looked at Kazuya as he cleared his throat and took a drink of Ocari.
"Hope everyone enjoyed the first half of orientation. Second half starts now and I know a number of you may have heard about other training sessions of the past while being interviewed, but I am starting a new method today: I am going to condense mentoring a little into training as it will save a little time. I'll introduce your mentors when we meet again Monday. So, we covered basics of dating and clientele and now it is time for profiles. I am handing everyone sample receipts. These are crucial! You must sign the customer copy as if there is any need to contact customer service, the receipt is their only proof the date was official. Make sure the client initials your copy too if you feel you need to report anything about the client. Please pass these around. When you go on actual dates the app will automatically order you new receipts, but you can manually order them too."
"How does this tie into profile creation?" a first year college student asked.
"Give me a chance. Okay so everyone has one? Good. Okay, turn it over. We're going to create your profile; I would just like to make sure to use all resources. So, you…tell me a hobby of yours."
"A hobby?"
"Yes, a hobby. What do you like to do when you're not in class?"
The student pondered for a moment and said, "Archery?"
"Are you asking me or telling me? Relax, relax. I'll make one too, we'll all make one together. For every answer maybe you'll find one. So…I'll put down 'archery' here. What about you?"
Kazuya pointed to the new sapphire next to the archery fan and he said, "Ummmm…I like watching popular videos on 'Wetube'."
"Something better than that. Say 'Staying active on trends.' What else?"
"I like bowling."
"Good. 'Bowling.' Someone else."
A Sapphire in his senior year of high school raised his hand and said, "Rock-climbing wall."
Kazuya smiled, "Good! Good…another one you can add?"
"Yeah, I love playing video playing video games."
"Okay, great. Put down 'Gaming'."
The students all smiled and continued to give various hobbies. Kazuya wrote down each one and together they all made up a few profiles. Kazuya suddenly felt his phone vibrate and looked down. It was a notification for a date for later tonight. Smiling Kazuya said to all email him their profiles and he'd evaluate them tomorrow morning. Kazuya finished the lesson saying the best lesson one could teach is that be ready at all times with the ability to go on a short-notice date as they carry a premium. He noted the best times are Friday nights and Saturday mornings.
Kousei looked at Kazuya and tapped his wrist. Kazuya nodded with a small smile and tapped his wrist. The rookies all looked to Kousei who said their mentors would explain later.
Standing outside the Starbucks by the local subway station Kazuya stood checking his phone as the cold evening wind made him close his jacket.
"If you're cold we should get inside," a patronizing voice said.
Kazuya knew in a nanosecond who it was and turned around with a boyfriend's smile as he said, "Mizico, I presume? You're a lot cuter than your description makes you sound."
Niko looked back incredulously at how Kazuya didn't blink twice that it was him. Standing now dumbfounded Niko said, "Y-yes. Ummm…care to join me inside for tea? It's cold out here."
Kazuya smiled and said, "I'd love to, please after you."
Dashing a few paces ahead Kazuya opened the door for Niko.
Niko smiled awkwardly and thanked Kazuya as he went inside and got in line for a drink before asking, "What do you want?"
Kazuya looked at Niko with a sly smile and said, "No, what do you want?"