Monday Afternoon, 29th of March 2010 – O.P.U.A. Shuri-Tonokura Campus
The university campus was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, a tranquil oasis of knowledge and potential. It was a week before the start of the new semester, and the normally bustling campus was unusually quiet.
Nanako walked through the quiet halls of the Art wing with Yukina and Yukari, her arms laden with books and pamphlets.
Yukina remarked, "Can you believe the holidays are almost over?"
Nanako nodded, a hint of nostalgia tugging at her heart. "Yeah, they went by so quickly."
As they entered the library, Yukari chimed in, "Well, we better make the most of this week before the lectures start."
Nanako agreed, her thoughts drifting back to the enigmatic encounter she had in the morning. The mysterious boy from the apartment still lingered in her thoughts, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Meanwhile, in the Music wing of the campus, Fabrizio sat in a practice room with his guitar, strumming out familiar chords from songs he and Clara had written together.
As he played, he muttered to himself, "Ok, let's try this one." Fabrizio reached for a song from the large ring binder where he stored his compositions.
His fingers danced across the strings, and he sang softly:
"As much as I can – G.E.M.I.N.I."
...
I who know about you
All the secrets you have
But how true is this lie
That you are still mine tonight
But what is this love?
There is no answer here
I have my life, you have your life
But what life without you
How can I now not have you always on my back
If I feel bad about it, feel good about myself
To find a way when you're not there
If I were still here now you know what I would like
Be a tear that comes from your eyes
Be the thought that smiles on your face
Be the night that makes you sleep
Be the road that takes you to the center of your soul
Now I'm talking to myself
There are those who call it madness
But what do I know if it will last
If you are now, if you are tomorrow
If this life you are there
If you will never be there
If you take this love away
What remains is a lie
How can I now not have you always on my back
If I feel bad about it, feel good about myself
To find a way when you're not there
If I were still here now you know what I would like
How can I not love you as much as I can now
And shout to the world that I feel good about myself
I miss you hard, I miss you inside
Tell me what is the road that takes me to the center of my soul
At the center of the soul
At the center of the soul
...
After finishing the song, Fabrizio let out a contented sigh and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. The music had always been a reliable refuge for him, a way to express his emotions and thoughts.
Just as he was about to put his guitar down, the door to the practice room creaked open, and a young woman stepped inside. She had an air of confidence about her, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity and appreciation.
"Your music is beautiful," she said in a voice that carried the warmth of Okinawa's culture.
Surprised but grateful for the compliment, Fabrizio nodded and smiled. "Thank you. It means a lot."
The young woman continued, switching to Okinawan dialect, "Nifee deebiru,"
Taken aback by her sudden change in language, Fabrizio blinked, then managed a polite response in the local dialect, "Haisai. Hajimiti wagunabira,"
The woman chuckled at his attempt, her smile growing wider. "You speak Okinawan well. I'm Hana."
Fabrizio nodded in greeting. "Fabrizio."
Hana extended a hand, and they shook in a friendly manner. "Nice to meet you, Fabrizio-kun. I couldn't help but hear your music from the hallway. It's rare to find someone playing here during this quiet week."
"Yeah, I find it relaxing," Fabrizio replied. "Helps me clear my head before the semester starts."
Hana's eyes sparkled with interest. "Are you a music student?"
Fabrizio hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Actually, I am. I'm studying for a Performance and Composition major."
Hana's smile remained warm as they exchanged a few more words about their interests and the upcoming semester. While there was no hint of romance in the air, there was a palpable connection between them, a shared appreciation for the art of music and the beauty of Okinawa's unique culture.
Monday Late Afternoon, 29th of March 2010 – O.P.U.A. Shuri-Tonokura Campus
Nanako, after leaving the library with Yukina and Yukari, found herself in the university courtyard, surrounded by the quiet anticipation of the upcoming semester. She clutched her stack of books and pamphlets close to her chest, feeling the weight of knowledge and potential in her arms.
Yukina grinned, breaking the silence. "I can't believe we'll be starting our first year of university soon. Ready for the academic adventure, Nanako-chan?"
Nanako chuckled. "As ready as I'll ever be. At least we had a memorable time getting to know each other."
Yukari nodded in agreement. "True, and now we're going to conquer this first year together."
As they walked through the campus, discussing their schedules and the courses they were looking forward to, Yukina suddenly gasped.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Yukina exclaimed. "Tonight there's an evening organized by the university at Club Homura. All of our classmates will be there. We have to go!"
Yukari chimed in, "You're right. Nanako-chan, you're coming, right?"
Nanako smiled and nodded. "Of course, Yukari-chan. It sounds like a great way to start the year and get to know everyone better."
Yukina, ecstatic, said, "Perfect! But before we go, would you like a coffee?"
Nanako nodded. "I'd like a coffee. I'm up for it."
Yukari chimed in, "Me too!"
With their plans for the evening set, the trio headed towards the cafeteria, ready to enjoy some coffee and continue their discussions about the upcoming semester and the adventures that awaited them.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio, after the brief encounter with the fellow musicist Hana, wrapped up his practice session and decided it was time to head out. He had a plan to apply for the singer position at the club, and he needed to get ready. Exiting the Music wing, he headed towards the campus exit. The sun cast a warm, golden glow on the surroundings, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
After the coffee break, Nanako left the campus cafeteria, her laughter still echoing from the enjoyable break with Yukina and Yukari and headed with them towards the exit.
As the two young souls moved closer to each other, their paths converged. They were unaware of each other's presence, their worlds separated by the bustling campus grounds. They continued walking, not realizing that their paths had briefly crossed, their names unspoken, but a sense of connection lingered in the air.
Monday Late Afternoon, 29th of March 2010 – Homura Music Club
Standing before the club's entrance, Fabrizio took a deep breath to calm his nerves. This was it—the opportunity he'd been seeking. He pushed open the door and stepped inside, the lively ambiance of the club hitting him like a warm wave.
He made his way through the crowd and reached the manager's office. Taking a moment to compose himself, he politely knocked on the door three times.
"Come in," a voice called from within.
Fabrizio entered and found himself face to face with the manager, a stern yet discerning figure who looked up from his paperwork with a raised eyebrow.
"Inisai suminjiku," Fabrizio greeted in Okinawan dialect, a greeting that conveyed his respect.
The manager, clearly taken aback by the greeting, raised an intrigued eyebrow. "You speak Okinawan?"
Fabrizio nodded. "Yes, I've been learning some."
The manager smiled, his curiosity piqued. "Impressive. What can I do for you?"
Fabrizio straightened his posture and introduced himself. "Watashi no namae wa Fabrizio desu. I saw the flyer outside and wanted to inquire about the singing opportunity."
The manager leaned back in his chair. "So, Fabrizio-kun. Can you sing?"
Fabrizio nodded confidently. "Yes, and I also write my own songs. I can play the classical and acoustic guitar, as well as the battente guitar."
The manager's interest was piqued. "You certainly have an impressive resume. We rarely get applicants like you."
Fabrizio felt a surge of hope. "I would be honored for a chance to prove myself."
The manager leaned forward, studying Fabrizio intently. "We have an event organized with the university this evening. It's a good chance for you to showcase your skills. Are you available to perform tonight?"
Fabrizio couldn't believe his luck. "Absolutely. I won't let you down, Homura-sama."
The manager leaned back again and chuckled. "I rarely make mistakes in choosing talent. I have a feeling you won't disappoint. See you in two hours."
Fabrizio smiled and thanked him once more in Okinawan dialect before exiting the office, his heart soaring with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity that lay ahead.
Monday Evening, 29th of March 2010 – Fabrizio's Apartment
Returning home with a heart full of excitement and anticipation, Fabrizio carefully placed his guitar case in his room. It was a comforting sight, a symbol of the journey he was about to embark on. He then headed to the kitchen to grab a beer, the cool liquid a welcome relief against the warmth of the day. His co-tenant, Hiroto, sat at the kitchen table, engrossed in a book.
Fabrizio offered him a beer with a smile. "Hey, Hiroto-kun, care for a beer?"
Hiroto looked up from his book, surprise evident in his expression. "Beer? What's the occasion?"
Fabrizio couldn't contain his excitement as he delivered the news. "I got a chance to perform at the club tonight. They're having an event with the university."
Hiroto's eyes lit up with joy. "That's incredible, Fabrizio-kun! Congratulations!"
They clinked their bottles together, celebrating the opportunity that had come Fabrizio's way. As they finished the beer, Fabrizio stretched and got up from the couch.
"I need to have a shower and get ready for the night," Fabrizio announced, his enthusiasm palpable.
Hiroto nodded. "I'll be there to support you. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Grateful for Hiroto's encouragement, Fabrizio headed to the bathroom, his heart filled with gratitude and excitement for the performance that awaited him.
Monday Evening, 29th of March 2010 – Nanako's Apartment
After parting ways with Yukina and Yukari, Nanako returned to her apartment, her mind still buzzing with thoughts and anticipation for the evening ahead. The bath called out to her, a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the day. As the warm water enveloped her, she couldn't help but let her mind wander. Thoughts of Clara, her dear friend from Italy, who she had yet to receive a reply from, tugged at her heart. She wondered how Clara was, thousands of miles away.
"Clara-chan, please write soon. I miss your stories." she said.
Then, her thoughts shifted to the mysterious boy from the morning encounter, whose face she couldn't quite forget. Who was he, and would their paths cross again? What's his story?
"I wish I had the chance to talk to him more." she thought.
Her thoughts led her to think of her friends from Ohashi, the place where she grew up. She missed him dearly, the laughter and shared memories that now seemed like distant echoes.
"I hope they're okay. It's weird not having them here with me." she thought again.
But then, her thoughts were interrupted once more by the familiar ringtone of her cellphone. She glanced at the screen, and it was her mother calling. With a smile, she answered the call.
"Hello, Mom." she said.
"Hello, dear," her mother's voice came through, warm and familiar. "How was the rest of your day? Did you get to talk to that mysterious boy from the morning?"
Nanako leaned back in the bath, closing her eyes as she began to recount her day. "The day was good, Mom. I spent some time with Yukina and Yukari, the new friends I told you about this morning. They're really nice."
Her mother's tone was filled with curiosity. "That's wonderful, Nanako-chan. I'm glad you're getting along with them. But what about the boy?"
Nanako sighed softly, her thoughts drifting to the encounter with the mysterious boy. "I haven't had the opportunity to talk to him yet, Mom. Our paths didn't cross again after the morning."
Her mother's voice carried understanding. "Well, these things take time, dear. Just be patient. Sometimes, the most unexpected friendships form when you least expect them."
Nanako appreciated her mother's reassurance. "I know, Mom. I'll keep an open mind."
Her mother's voice turned affectionate. "That's my brave girl. Don't forget, we're always here for you, no matter how far away you are."
As they were about to end the call, a thought crossed Nanako's mind. She couldn't help but ask, "Mom, did you receive any mail from Italy recently?"
Her mother's voice carried a tinge of regret. "I'm sorry, dear. No, there hasn't been any mail from Italy."
Nanako's heart sank slightly, and she couldn't help but bombard her mother with questions. "Not even a letter from Clara? I've been waiting for her reply, Mom. It's been a while, and I'm starting to get a little worried. What if something happened?"
Her mother's reassuring voice came through the phone. "Nanako, I'm sure Clara is just busy. These things take time, and there could be delays with international mail. You have to be patient, dear. I'm sure her letter will arrive."
Nanako nodded, even though her mother couldn't see it. "You're right, Mom. I just miss her a lot, and I can't wait to hear from her."
Her mother's tone remained comforting. "I understand, sweetie. I'm sure Clara-chan will write to you as soon as she can. Until then, stay positive and enjoy the adventures and new friends you're making in Okinawa."
Nanako smiled, grateful for her mother's words of wisdom and comfort. "I will, Mom. Thanks for always being there for me."
With those words of assurance and love, they said their goodbyes, and Nanako felt a renewed sense of hope as she prepared for the evening ahead, her thoughts drifting once more to Clara and the cherished letter that she hoped would arrive soon. As Nanako got ready for the evening, she couldn't resist stealing a glance outside her window. Her apartment building was quiet, with the gentle breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees.
Her gaze fell upon the kitchen balcony of the mysterious boy's apartment, directly across from hers. To her surprise, the door leading to it was open, revealing a tableau she hadn't expected. The mysterious boy was seated at a table, sharing a beer with his co-tenant.
Intrigued, Nanako couldn't help but watch silently, hidden in the shadows of her own room. The two young men seemed to be engrossed in conversation, their laughter carrying faintly through the open balcony. As she listened, she caught their names in the course of their discussion. The mysterious boy was named Fabrizio. The name stirred something deep within her memory, a familiarity she couldn't quite place.
Then, like a jolt of recognition, it hit her. Fabrizio, the very same Fabrizio who had been Clara's boyfriend in Italy, the one she had written about in her letters. It was a name Nanako knew all too well from those heartfelt correspondences.
Her heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. Could this be the same Fabrizio who had held a special place in Clara's heart? The pieces of the puzzle seemed to be coming together.
The doorbell's unexpected chime broke Nanako's moment of revelation. She quickly turned away from the open balcony and rushed to answer the door, her mind filled with questions and the possibility of a profound connection that had been right under her nose all along. As she opened the door, she was greeted by the smiling faces of Yukina and Yukari. She greeted them with a warm smile as they stepped into her apartment, their presence was a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts about Fabrizio and Clara.
"Hey, you two!" Nanako exclaimed, ushering them inside. "I'm almost ready. Just give me a moment."
Yukina grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "No rush, Nanako. We're just as eager for this evening as you are."
Yukari chimed in with a playful tone. "Yeah, we've been looking forward to it all day. And, by the way, you look lovely tonight, Nanako."
Nanako blushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Yukari. You both look great too!"
The three friends chatted animatedly as they prepared to head out for the evening's event. Yukina and Yukari's presence added a layer of excitement to the night, and Nanako couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships she was building in her new home of Okinawa.
As they stepped out of the apartment, their laughter and camaraderie echoed through the hallway, setting the tone for a memorable night ahead.
Monday Night, 29th of March 2010 – Homura Music Club
Outside the club, the vibrant energy of the evening pulsed through the air. Neon lights illuminated the night, casting colorful hues across the crowd that had gathered. Nanako, Yukina, and Yukari stood in line, their excitement palpable.
The anticipation in the air was electric, and Nanako couldn't help but glance around, taking in the diverse group of people who had come to enjoy the event. The music thumped softly in the background, a tantalizing preview of the night's entertainment.
Yukina leaned in, her voice filled with excitement. "Nanako, this is going to be amazing! I can't wait to see what surprises this club has in store for us."
Nanako nodded, sharing her friend's enthusiasm. "Me too, Yukina. It's my first time at a place like this in Okinawa."
Yukari chimed in, her eyes scanning the club's exterior. "I've heard they have live performances sometimes. Wouldn't it be cool if we got to see a local artist tonight?"
As they continued to chat, the line slowly inched forward, bringing them one step closer to the unknown adventures awaiting them inside.
Inside the club, Fabrizio stood in the backstage area, his heart still pounding with a mixture of nerves and exhilaration. The opportunity to perform was just moments away, and he couldn't shake the sense of destiny that had brought him here. As he watched the crowd gather in the main hall through a gap in the curtain, he couldn't help but wonder if someone special might be among them. The memory of the girl he had met in the morning, the one with the captivating eyes, lingered in the back of his mind.
Hiroto, his co-tenant who had decided to attend the event, stood beside him, offering words of encouragement. "You ready for this, Fabrizio-kun? You've got some serious talent."
Fabrizio nodded, his thoughts a whirlwind of anticipation. "Thanks, Hiroto-kun. I hope I can do Clara proud tonight."
Hiroto offered a supportive smile. "You will, man. Just remember, we're all here to support you."
Then, a club assistant entered the backstage area, bringing the countdown to Fabrizio's performance. "Five minutes, Fabrizio-san," the assistant announced.
"I'll be in the audience, good luck!" Hiroto said.
"Thanks," Fabrizio replied, feeling a surge of gratitude for his friend's presence.
As the curtain separating the backstage from the main stage rustled, Fabrizio couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and uncertainty. Little did he know that fate was about to bring him face to face with someone who would change the course of his night and perhaps even his life.
After five more minutes of waiting, Nanako, along with Yukina, Yukari, and a group of enthusiastic classmates, had successfully made their way into the club and secured a cozy booth right beside the stage. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and the group was ready to spend an evening enjoying drinks and the promise of good music.
As they placed their orders with the attentive waiter, the announcer's voice cut through the buzzing chatter of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our next performer to the stage, Fabrizio!"
Nanako froze for a moment, her eyes locked on the figure who emerged into the spotlight. It was him—the mysterious boy from the apartment building. Her heart raced with astonishment and curiosity as she watched him step up to the microphone.
With the crowd's eager applause and cheers filling the air, Fabrizio stood on the stage, feeling the warmth of the spotlight wash over him. He couldn't help but smile, grateful for this opportunity to share his music with an audience.
"Thank you, everyone!" he greeted the audience, his voice filled with appreciation. "I'm Fabrizio, and I hope you're all ready for a great night of music."
As he began strumming his guitar, the hushed anticipation in the room grew. Fabrizio started with a soulful cover, his fingers dancing over the strings with precision and passion. The audience was captivated, their eyes locked on the talented musician before them.
With each note and every heartfelt lyric, Fabrizio's voice resonated through the club, carrying with it a depth of emotion that seemed to touch the souls of those who listened. He moved seamlessly from one song to another, each one met with applause and admiration. For Nanako, who watched from her booth beside the stage, the shock of discovering that the mysterious boy from the morning could be Fabrizio, added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the evening.
As Fabrizio continued to captivate the audience with his covers of famous songs, he could feel the energy in the room surging with each chord he played and each note he sang. But now, he wanted to share something deeply personal, something he had composed with Clara, a song that held a piece of their shared history.
With a soft smile, he addressed the audience. "I'd like to take a moment to share a song that means a lot to me. It's a song I wrote with someone very special, and it's called 'Paradise' "
He took a deep breath, his fingers gently strumming the opening chords of the song. The audience fell into a hushed silence, their attention fully captured by the heartfelt melody.
Fabrizio closed his eyes for a brief moment, allowing the memories of composing this song with Clara to wash over him. Then, he began to sing, his voice carrying the emotions and longing embedded in the lyrics:
PARADISE by Fabrizio Calafiori
…
How are you?
I don't know
If you've been asking me for a while
Don't you see I'm quiet?
I prefer the risk
Of a shady dump
And I don't know
If I go home standing or fall
In the hands of a sip I don't drink
The truth is I don't see myself
Only but then I deny
I'm in heaven with you
And you tell me that love
That love is not love
If love
It's a vertigo (babe)
And I repeat myself
That love that love ill-love
But my heart has rust
And again
That love is not there but you repeat
That the love for you
It's my message in the night you wake up Don't get angry
You answer me
"I am in paradise"
PA PA PA PARADISE
...
Don't hate me
If I haven't
The same ease in bed
I tell you stop,
Instead I want
Your "good morning"
I blush but then I laugh
Give me a condom and I can't say no
I turn red in my face
You say, "open your eyes, you can't see it blocking me."
I'm out of mind
There is nothing wrong
If you kiss me on the mouth
I kiss you over the nose
I feel almost always in the wrong place and now...
...
And I tell myself that love
That love is not love
If love
It's a vertigo (babe)
And I repeat myself
That love that love ill-love
But my heart has rust
And again
That love is not there but you repeat
That love for you is my message in the night
That wakes you not angry
You answer me
"I am in paradise"
PA PA PA PARADISE
PA PA PA PARADISE
…
As Fabrizio sang the heartfelt lyrics, Nanako couldn't help but feel a jolt of recognition. The words and melody struck a chord deep within her memory. They were the same lyrics that Clara, her dear friend from Italy, had shared with her in their letters. The realization washed over her like a wave, leaving her breathless.
In that moment, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The mysterious boy from the morning, Fabrizio, was indeed Fabrizio Calafiori, Clara's boyfriend. Her suspicions were well-founded, but the discovery brought with it a profound sadness and a flood of questions.
What was he doing here in Okinawa? What had happened to Clara? Did they break up? What had become of her dear friend, the one who had penned these lyrics with so much passion and love?
Yukina, ever perceptive, noticed the discomfort etched on Nanako's face. She leaned in closer and asked gently, "Nanako, is something bothering you?"
At first, Nanako couldn't find her voice amid the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. But as the haunting melody of the song continued, she managed to mumble something, her voice barely audible.
"Clara-chan... Fabrizio... He's Clara-chan's boyfriend." she mumbled.
Yukina's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "Clara? Your friend from Italy? What's he doing here?"
Nanako could only shake her head, her heart heavy with the weight of the unanswered questions that now hung in the air.
As Fabrizio finished the song, a round of applause came from the audience. But amidst the appreciation, his eyes were drawn to a booth not far from the stage, where a young girl sat, her expression etched with sadness and confusion. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
His heart sank as he watched her turmoil, realizing that the song had touched a deep chord within her. Fabrizio couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.
Torn by emotions she couldn't fully comprehend, Nanako felt the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the present converge upon her. She needed a moment to collect her thoughts, to process the flood of emotions that had surged within her.
With a trembling voice, she whispered to her friends, "I... I need some air."
Yukina and Yukari exchanged concerned glances but nodded in understanding. Nanako slipped out of the booth, her heart heavy with the mysteries and revelations of the night.
With a sense of urgency, Fabrizio knew he needed to follow her. He glanced at the manager, who nodded in approval, and then he addressed the audience over the microphone. "Alright, people! Give me five minutes of a break, and I'll be back with some more songs."
With that, he set his guitar aside and left the stage, determined to find Nanako and understand the emotions that had overtaken her. Fate had once again intertwined their paths, and he couldn't ignore the pull of destiny that had brought them together in this moment of shared sorrow and uncertainty.
Monday Night, 29th of March 2010 – Outside the Homura Music Club
Nanako stormed out of the club, her heart heavy with the revelation she just experienced. The cool night air provided some solace as she waited near the club's entrance, her eyes scanning the crowd for the familiar face that had caused her heart to ache. It wasn't long before Fabrizio emerged from the club, his expression a mix of confusion and concern.
She wasted no time, her voice trembling with a mixture of emotions. "You! You're Fabrizio Calafiori, Clara's boyfriend, right?"
Fabrizio nodded slowly, unable to find his voice.
"I'm Nanako," she said, her voice quivering. "Clara-chan's best friend."
Fabrizio's eyes widened in shock as he realized the significance of the connection. He uttered something in a hushed tone, a mix of disbelief and anguish, "Nanako..."
Nanako's anger and frustration boiled over, and she began firing questions at him with relentless intensity. "What are you doing here in Okinawa? Did something happen to Clara? Did you two break up? Why didn't you tell me who you were this morning?"
Fabrizio tried to answer, but each time Nanako mentioned Clara, he found himself unable to reveal the painful truth. His silence only fueled Nanako's anger further.
"What's wrong with you? Can't you speak?" Nanako's voice wavered as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
Fabrizio's shoulders slumped, his gaze falling to the ground. "Nanako-chan, it's... it's complicated. I can't..."
Nanako's frustration reached its peak, and she clenched her fists, tears welling up in her eyes. "You can't what? Can't tell me the truth about Clara? Can't explain why you're here? Can't give me a straight answer?"
Fabrizio's voice cracked as he struggled to find the words, his own eyes filling with pain. ""Nanako, I had no idea who you were when I saw you in the courtyard this morning. If I had any idea this probably could have… would have gone differently. But… look, I have so much to tell you, but now is not the best time. Can we, maybe, talk after the show or tomorrow, …please?""
Nanako's patience wore thin, and she felt a mixture of hurt and anger. "Just leave, Fabrizio-kun. I need some time alone."
Reluctantly, Fabrizio obeyed, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. He turned and made his way back into the club, leaving Nanako standing there, her emotions in turmoil, as she tried to let off some steam and make sense of the tangled web of emotions and unanswered questions that now surrounded her.
The night at the club had come to a close, leaving Fabrizio with a mix of emotions. He had poured his heart into his performance, receiving praise and admiration from the audience, but his thoughts remained consumed by the unexpected encounter with Nanako and the weight of the unspoken truth about Clara. He and Hiroto walked home together. Hiroto continued to sing Fabrizio's praises, recounting the audience's enthusiasm and appreciation. But Fabrizio's mind was elsewhere, haunted by the unspoken truths that had lingered between him and Nanako.
On the other hand, Nanako had left the club with her friends, Yukina and Yukari, with a heavy heart from unanswered questions and a growing sense of confusion. Her friends bombarded her with questions about Fabrizio, hoping to glean more information about the mysterious boy who had left Nanako in such emotional turmoil. But she remained silent, her thoughts a tumultuous sea of confusion and pain. The revelation that Fabrizio was Clara's boyfriend had opened a flood of emotions and left her grappling with the mysteries surrounding his presence in Okinawa.
Tuesday Early Morning, 30th of March 2010 – Fabrizio and Nanako's apartments
After a long, emotionally charged night, Fabrizio found himself back in his apartment, the weight of the evening's events settling heavily upon him. The night was quiet, the stillness of the apartment palpable as Hiroto had retired to his room for the night. Fabrizio couldn't sleep; the events of the evening had left his mind in turmoil. He decided to seek solace on the balcony, where he could contemplate the starry sky, hoping that the vast expanse of the cosmos would offer some clarity.
As he settled into a chair, gazing at the twinkling stars above, a familiar pang of guilt tugged at his heart. His thoughts drifted to the unsent letter that Clara had written for Nanako, a letter that had remained untouched in a box in his room since Clara's passing. He had been unsure about when, or even if, he should give it to Nanako.
The weight of his indecision pressed upon him, and he wondered if now, with their unexpected reunion, was the right time. Should he finally deliver the letter and allow Nanako to have the closure that Clara had intended for her? The stars offered no answers, but Fabrizio knew he couldn't delay the decision much longer.
Meanwhile, Nanako, after parting ways with Yukina and Yukari, returned to her apartment, her heart heavy with unanswered questions and the ache of missing her dear friend, Clara. She couldn't understand why Fabrizio was in Okinawa while Clara was not. She yearned for the comforting presence of her best friend, the one who had shared her secrets, dreams, and laughter.
Tears welled up in Nanako's eyes as she gazed at the framed picture of her and Clara on the shelf. They had been inseparable, sharing their lives across continents through heartfelt letters. The void left by Clara's absence was immeasurable.
Unable to bear the weight of her emotions any longer, Nanako hurried to her room. She lay in bed, hoping that sleep would provide a brief respite from the flood of thoughts and emotions. But as she closed her eyes, her mind remained restless, haunted by the mysteries of Fabrizio's presence and the longing for her beloved friend.
As the night deepened, both were left to wrestle with their own inner storms, each longing for answers and closure.
Author Note: The Homura Music Club is fictional.
Glossary:
Nifee deebiru: "You're welcome" in Okinawan language.
Haisai: "Hello" in Okinawan language.
Hajimiti wagunabira: "Nice to meet you" in Okinawan language.