Durch Leiden Freude Ending~Kaji Aoi Side

could not believe she chose snowboarding until she actually held one in her arms. Looking around her, suddenly realised she was definitely the odd one out. Not to mention how everyone skilfully locked their feet onto the board and as if they were flying, slid and hop they went down the ski field, whereas other than making sure the board doesn’t fall off her hands, had not the faintest idea what to do next.

Unlike her however, the tall handsome youth with magical green eyes stood confidently next to her as he comforted noticing the doubts in ’s eyes. “Don’t worry, -san. Learning how to snowboard is like learning how to ride a bike. Once you get the hang of it, you would be able to do it with your eyes closed.”

“Kaji-kun, I am really not sure if I should go straight into snowboarding, I mean, I have only skied for a few times, and I was not particularly great at that either…” Taking another look at the big board in her arms, felt herself turning into a gutless chicken.

“Don’t worry, -san.” Responding with a gentle warm smile, Kaji said. “I will teach you how to snowboard. Instead of looking at how the other people did it, we will spend the whole day today learning how to stand on the snowboard.”

“Stand?” A little surprised with what Kaji said, took another look at her board. “It takes a day just to learn how to stand on the snowboard?”

Just when thought Kaji was underestimating her ability, she immediately understood what Kaji was referring to the moment her feet were locked onto the board. Trying to stand up from the ground, realising how she was unable to keep her balance because both her feet were locked dead onto the board, with a scream, fell forward immediately.

“It’s alright, I got you.” Chuckling, Kaji held onto .

Not expecting to fall right into Kaji’s arms like one of those useless heroines remembered reading from storybooks, and most of all, to her horror, found her heart beating so fast being so close to Kaji.

Maybe it was because the supporting strength that came through Kaji’s arms reminded her that he had strong toned arms, or maybe it was because standing so close, could see how long his eyelashes were, and that he was truly beautiful, and in the middle of this icy cold surrounding, it felt really nice to lie in a man’s arms.

No, wait! What was she thinking?? In shock, pulled herself hastily away from Kaji. Unfortunately, had forgotten that her feet were still pinned onto the snowboard, losing her balance once again, fell right onto her bottom.

“Ouch...” Although it was soft snow she fell on, still moaned feeling her backside numb.

“-san, are you alright?” Crouching down next to , Kaji asked in concern.

“Yes...yes, I am fine!” Unable to face Kaji because of her own created romantic imagination a moment back, replied quickly. “I, I will try to stand up again!” Following her sentence, with all methods she could think of, struggled back onto her feet. Horribly, the moment stood up straight, against her will, she sensed the force of gravity pushing her forward right into Kaji’s bosom.

“I am so sorry!” wished there was a hole she could hide in. She bet that in Kaji’s eyes, it looked like she had done that on purpose.

“No, it’s okay.” Chuckling, Kaji comforted as he held onto ’s arms to help her keep her balance. “It is normal for people to fall backwards and forwards when they try the snowboard for the first time.”

“I find it hard to believe that you ever went through this, Kaji-kun.” laughed for she could never imagine Kaji in her miserable position.

“Of course I did,” laughing too Kaji replied. “I just made sure no one else was around me when I tried it.”

Trying to feel the stability with the help of her arms, said. “Alright, I think I got my balance, so you can let go now.”

“You’re sure?” A little worried, Kaji asked.

“Yup, I think I can feel it.” Although she felt some slight forces going forwards and backwards, but like riding the bike, felt she could control it. However, the moment Kaji let go, felt her control left with him too as with a scream she fell right into Kaji’s arms again.

“This is really embarrassing...” sighed.

Unlike her, Kaji did not seem bothered at all as he continued to smile. “It’s alright; we have an entire weekend to learn how to snowboard. You will eventually pick it up.”

Blushing with what Kaji said, lifted her head and apologised. “I am so sorry, Kaji-kun. You know what? You don’t need to waste your time here with me. Just go ahead and have fun, I will be able to learn how to stand on my own.”

“Fufu...but I am already having fun, -san.” Kaji said sincerely as he helped once again to stand still. Seriously, how could he not be having fun? Kaji felt he had won the lottery when decided to try snowboarding. To him, it was like she had made a choice to spend time with him instead of the other suitors. Maybe it was selfish of him to think so, but he had hoped that would not pick up snowboarding fast so she would continue to depend on him like this.

---

“I did it!!” raising her arms up into the sky, felt like she could cry when finally, without Kaji holding onto her, and without falling back onto her bottom, she stood firm on the snowboard.

“Well done, -san.” Kaji applauded for ’s achievement. “Starting from tomorrow, we will learn how to break and turn.”

“Tomorrow? We are not learning that now?” It was not until Kaji said that did realise that the sun had already set, and she seriously and honestly took an entire day just to learn how to stand on the board. Feeling really guilty, took a look at Kaji’s snowboard that lay so lonely beside them. “Oh, but Kaji-kun, you did not have fun at all today. Just go ahead and have a last run before we return to the resort for dinner. I will wait for you down here.”

“Are you sure?” Kaji asked.

“Of course,” Nodding, chuckled. “Besides, I am dying to see you on the snowboard. Prove to me that snowboarding means more than falling forwards and backwards all day.”

“Fufu...okay. Hopefully it will regain your interest in snowboarding.” Turning to his own snowboard, after locking his feet onto it, unlike , without a single struggle, Kaji stood up straight.

Seeing that, sighed. “Geez Kaji-kun, you really made me look bad.”

Laughing, Kaji waved goodbye as skilfully he moved his way to the lifts. After Kaji left, finally freed her sore feet from the board and sat down on the snow. After about a few minutes, saw a very skilled snowboarder skiing down the hill fast and swift.

“Wow, check that guy out!” heard the people beside her called out. From the clothing, recognised immediately that the snowboarder was Kaji.

For the next few minutes, thought she saw magic as Kaji flipped and literally flew his way down the steep ski field so amazingly that could not keep her eyes off him. Finally with a smooth sharp turn, Kaji stopped right before as the people around applauded Kaji for his stunning performance. However did not respond as she continued to keep her eyes on Kaji, captivated with how handsome and intrepid he was just like the day she saw him compete on the tennis court.

“-san?” Noticing ’s blank stare, Kaji called as he took the goggles off his face in case she did not recognise him.

“Ah, hi!” Finally realising that she had been so rude by staring at Kaji, cleared her throat quickly and said. “That was stunning, Kaji-kun! I am so envious of you.”

“Fufu...don’t worry, -san. You will be able to do it too.” Beaming beautifully Kaji encouraged. “Shall we return to the resort? I believe we are both very hungry by now.”

Nodding, followed Kaji as they returned to the resort. However, could not help but notice all the other girls awing and admiring Kaji as they leave the ski field. knew Kaji had always been extremely popular with girls, and she had no trouble finding that out when she went to attend Kaji’s tennis match. Yet, for the first time discovered, all the admiring focuses were starting to bother her.

---

“Dinner was delicious.” Amou rubbed her tummy in fulfilment as they all sat down at the private lounge reserved just for Yunoki and friends. Relaxing on the soft couch with the fireplace lit right before them, this trip was not only lavish but also romantic somehow.

“So did you have fun today?” Tsuchiura asked as both he and were at the mini bar making a nice warm cup of hot chocolate.

Laughing dryly gave a sigh, “I was on snowboarding all day today. It would be fun if I knew how to stay on the board.”

Laughing, Tsuchiura teased. “I guess you wouldn’t have much of a luck considering you were never that athletic.”

Blushing, puffed her cheeks in complaint. “Yes I know I am not as athletic like you, but still, I bet if you had tried it, you would too fall flat on your bottom!”

“Sounds like you spent all day falling onto your bottom,” Tsuchiura laughed even more. “I feel for poor Kaji. I bet he didn’t have much of a fun except helping you stand all day.”

blushed even more knowing Tsuchiura was dead on. At the same time, felt guilty that she had wasted an entire day for Kaji. With the thought, took out another mug and decided that the least she could do was make him a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Returning to the lounge, found Tsukimori reading on the couch, Yunoki and Ousaki were having a normal conversation, but Kaji was nowhere to be found. Approaching Amou, asked. “Amou-chan, have you seen Kaji-kun?”

“I think he is out on the veranda.” Amou replied whilst keeping her eyes on the magazine she was reading. “Not sure why he would rather be out there in the cold than to be in here enjoying the nice cosy fireplace.”

With Amou’s answer, smiled in understanding as she opened the back sliding door that leads onto the porch. Just as Amou described, the moment sensed the freezing cold wind brushing against her face, she found Kaji sitting comfortably on the outdoor couch, wrapped in a large woollen blanket.

“-san? What made you join me in this cold?” Upon ’s appearance, a stunning joyful smile painted Kaji’s handsome face.

“Well,” Approaching, handed Kaji the mug of hot chocolate she had prepared for him. “I thought you might like this.”

Never expecting the girl of his dreams to make a cup of hot chocolate for him, Kaji wrapped his hands tightly around the mug, just like the comfortable touch of his freezing cold hands against the heated cup, his heart felt really warm too that he had forgotten to say thanks.

Not knowing the thoughts inside Kaji of course, seated down next to Kaji as she took a sip of the hot chocolate from her own cup. “Wow, it is really cold out here, but kind of nice and refreshing.”

“Oh here,” Pulling himself together, Kaji took the woollen blanket off and wrapped it quickly around .

“But then you will be freezing,” shook her head and returned the blanket to Kaji.

“In that case,” Knowing there is no point pushing the blanket back and forth; Kaji placed the large blanket around them both. “I guess we can share.”

With her body right next to Kaji, sharing the same woollen blanket, for some reason no longer felt cold. It was like the heat from Kaji’s body transmitted subtly onto her own, and although the icy cold breeze was still blowing onto her face, she had only sensed her cheeks burning.

“So, so how come you are out here by yourself?” Trying to act normal asked.

“I am looking at the stars.” Kaji replied softly turning to the starry sky. “Different from the city, here in the mountains of Hokkaido, you can see it so much clearer.”

Looking up too into the sky, ’s eyes widened in astonishment, “Oh wow, it is so beautiful!” Indeed, it was like what Kaji said, even better than when he took her to a romantic outdoor dinner under the stars. Sinking gently onto the couch, was really starting to enjoy spending her night here in the cold too. “Kaji-kun, do you have any more constellation stories to tell?”

“Of course,” Most willingly Kaji responded to his girl’s request. “Let me start with the one relating to that set of stars over there.”

As listened on to the enchanting myths spoken from Kaji’s gentle tender voice, once again sensed peace and serenity just being with Kaji. How long had it been since she felt so safe and protected like this? Not needing to think too much, but just be simple and appreciate all the wonderful things that were around her.

However, just when was appreciating the tranquillity and beauty of nature, she noticed Kaji suddenly stopped talking as his body leaned into her own. Unsure if Kaji did it intentionally or not, did not know how to react whether to move away or pretend she did not notice and just let it be.

To ’s surprise, not sure what had gotten into Kaji as it appeared, instead of leaning closer to her, Kaji’s body fell right on top of her as he pinned her down onto the couch.

“Ka, Ka, Ka, Ka, Ka, Kaji-kun?? What...what are you...? Wait, wait, Kaji-kun!!” In horror startled feeling her heartbeat thumping so hard with Kaji’s sudden outrageous action.

---

is not here in the lounge.

Yunoki noticed it a long time ago as a displeased frown came onto his perfect stunning face. It already bothered him that she had decided to spend an entire day snowboarding with Kaji, and yet, for some unknown reason, and Kaji were both again missing from the lounge room.

“Amou-san,” Calmly with a smile Yunoki approached Amou Nami. “Have you seen -san?”

“Oh, I think she is on the veranda with Kaji.” Tilting her head Amou replied. Then with a grin she added. “They have been out there for a while actually; maybe we should not disturb them?”

Not disturb them? Yunoki cursed within. He did not plan this ski trip so Kaji could make his move on . However, still maintaining his beautiful smile of course, Yunoki replied. “I am just worried they both might catch a cold staying out there for so long.”

Unfortunately Amou did not pick up on Yunoki’s true intention as she joked. “I am sure they both were willing to catch a cold for it.”

From the other side of the room, Tsukimori although kept his eyes on the book he was reading, Yunoki and Amou’s conversation entered word by word into his head. Secretly moving his eyes onto the sliding door that he remembered seeing opening a while ago, Tsukimori felt his heart ached recollecting the night when he saw Kaji confessed to .

“I am sure they wouldn’t mind catching a cold together,” Making sure he was still smiling Yunoki chuckled with Amou’s joke. “I will just go see if they want some more hot drink or some more blankets to keep warm.”

“Wait, wait, what, what, what are you...Ka, Ka, Kaji-kun?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

As Yunoki turned to head for the sliding door, to everyone’s surprise they heard screamed at the same time. Knowing the tone of ’s voice did not sound normal, everyone in the room exchanged a look as the same thought hit them—did Kaji just attacked ?

With the thought, even Tsukimori put down the book he was reading as all got up from where they were and ran straight for the veranda.

“-chan??” Running onto the balcony Amou called quickly. “Are you okay?”

Instead of the Kaji attacking image they had in their minds, when everyone arrived at the balcony, they saw kneeling on the floor as her arms wrapped tightly around Kaji. Lifting her head, fear and panic were shown in her eyes as she sobbed. “Please, someone help, Kaji-kun is, Kaji-kun is...” Not able to put together a proper sentence ’s eyes turned to look at the man in her arms again as terror took over.

Not sure what had happened, everyone’s eyes landed on Kaji when they saw, Kaji had collapsed on the floor, his breathing heavy and rapid, his eyes opened but it did not appear he was seeing.

“Hello? Can you send an ambulance over immediately?” Yunoki was the first person to respond as he took out his phone and called for help immediately. Despite the fact he was cursing Kaji a while ago, Yunoki knew when it was time to do the right thing.

watched in panic as the ambulance showed up, after some kind of emergency procedure, a helicopter arrived because according to the medical staff, Kaji’s condition was critical and needed to be flown to a major hospital.

“Can, can you please tell me what is happening to him?” Shaking, approached one of the medical staff. “Is he going to be okay...?”

“We are unsure of the cause yet, but there seems to be a failure in his peripheral nervous system.” The staff replied giving an answer that although did not make sense but indicated the severity of Kaji’s condition.

“A what system?” Amou interrupted. “Can you please explain in a way we can understand?”

“It basically means due to the attack on his peripheral nervous system, his brain was unable to smoothly send signals to his nervous systems and therefore caused his whole body to be severely paralysed.” Patiently the medical staff explained.

“Paralysed?” took a deep breath with the word. All of a sudden, recalled the incidents where Kaji accidentally dropped his tennis racquet, or how he was making odd mistakes in the middle of the orchestra practice.

“We have to leave now!” Before the medical staff could explain further, another staff called out from the front of the helicopter.

With a nod, the medical staff that was talking to left quickly leaving her in fear and confusion as she watched the helicopter took off causing a wave on the snowfield that was once peaceful and beautiful.

---

It has been a week already; had not seen Kaji after that night when she watched him collapse. Due to the startling incident, the ski trip was cut short as the group returned to Yokohama with heavy hearts. It was worse for because she was with Kaji when it happened. Although it was a week ago, could still vividly remember the detail, and the pain and discomfort that was going through Kaji as held him in her arms.

She remembered wanting to help Kaji but there was nothing she could do. She knew he had wanted to say something but he was unable to express it. Returning from the ski trip, learned that Kaji’s family had taken over the situation and hospitalised him in the major hospital owned by the family.

To her horror, the moment she went to the hospital, the entire place was swamped with the media. Apparently as the only son to the famous Senator, Kaji Aoi’s sickness was no longer a personal matter. Not wanting his son’s personal life to be published all over the country, the Senator had placed a strict order that only hospital staff were allowed anywhere near his son’s ward. As a ‘nobody’, therefore had no chance of visitation, and as any news on Kaji Aoi’s condition was closed, felt she was left out in the cold.

“Some of you were already aware that due to illness, Mr Kaji Aoi will no longer be performing with us in the Yokohama Symphony Orchestra.” With a saddened voice Maestro Schinkel said. Turning to another youth he added. “Mr Moriyama, you would be taking over the position of head of viola from now on.”

With Maestro Schinklel’s announcement, felt her heart sank even deeper into despair. It was all her fault; she had already seen the symptoms but how come she never picked it up? Maybe if she had noticed earlier, Kaji’s sickness might not have gotten to this stage!

“Are you going to the hospital again, -san?” Ousaki asked when he saw packing her things immediately at the end of the rehearsal.

“Yes, although they still might not let me see him today, but I will keep trying.” Squeezing out a smile replied.

Unfortunately when arrived at the hospital, as expected, the security guards immediately sent her away. “Please, I am not some suspicious person, I am Kaji Aoi’s friend and I really need to know whether he is okay!” In plead gave another bow in sincerity.

“No, we cannot let you through.” Unmoved the security guard said.

“Please, I really need to know...” Feeling tears forming in her eyes sobbed. “I was there next to him when he collapsed, he was suffering terribly at the time, I just...I just wanted to know if he feels better now...please...”

“I am sorry, but we were given strict orders that only his family was allowed to visit him.” A little softened the security guard gave a sigh.

“What’s going on here?”

When at this time, a deep voice appeared from behind . Turning to the voice, saw a middle-aged gentleman with emerald green eyes, and there was this aura of power he carried.

“Kaji sensei!” The security guard bowed immediately in respect upon the appearance of the gentleman. “This girl insisted on visiting Aoi-sama...I am just sending her away.”

With the security guard’s reaction, learned immediately the tall authoritative looking gentleman was Kaji’s father. Hastily with a bow too explained. “Sorry, sorry to cause such a fuss, my name is . I am a friend of Kaji-kun, I, I was with him when he collapsed so, I really would like to know if he is okay...”

“So you are ...” To ’s surprise, the man walked up to her as his eyes examined her.

“Yes…yes.” In extreme nervousness lowered her head and nodded.

“Very well, I will let you see him.” Finally with a warm smile that resembles his son Aoi, the elder gentleman consented. “Follow me.”

Upon the consent, was overwhelmed with joy as with another bow, followed quickly after Kaji’s father. When they came before the ward, Kaji’s father turned to once again, this time there was a most serious look on his face.

“Before you enter, there is one thing you must know.” Looking straight at the young girl before him, the elder said. “Men are strange creatures with stubborn pride. Before the girl they love, they have only wanted the best of them to be shown. Knowing Aoi at his prime time, would you still care for him after you see his current condition?”

“I,” A little surprised with what Kaji’s father said, lowered her head and replied. “I know Kaji-kun is a very attractive person, but to me, he was more than that. I am not sure how to best put it, but I know he is my very special friend, and no matter what happens to him, I will never forget that.”

“I am sure Aoi would love to hear that from you personally.” Nodding, Kaji’s father finally opened the door.

Entering the room, was stunned with what she saw. Lying on the hospital bed was indeed Kaji, but it was nothing like how had remembered of him. With a tube down his throat and many other instruments plugged into Kaji’s body, that wonderful gentle smile had remembered of Kaji was like a memory from a generation ago. Instead, there was a human body, merely kept alive by the advanced medical equipments.

Unable to handle the cruel scene before her, covered her mouth as she whimpered in grief. “Kaji-kun…oh my god…”

“Due to the attack of his peripheral nerves system, his brain could no longer send signals to his body, paralysing all the muscles in his body including the heart and lungs. Without the machines you see here, Aoi would have died.” In a bitter voice, Kaji’s father explained.

“Is…is there no cure?” asked.

“The surgery is scheduled this Saturday, although we are unsure how successful it would be, but it is our only hope.” His eyes fixed on his beloved son in sadness, the elder replied.

“Can, can I be there when the operation is carried out? I know there isn’t much I could do, but I just wanted to be there for Kaji-kun.” Wanting to be Kaji’s support one way or another, requested.

“It would be a long surgery though, could be for several hours.” Touched with ’s sincerity, Kaji’s father was starting to understand the reason why his son was so attracted to this girl.

“I don’t mind.” Almost immediately responded. “I will be here!”

Turning to his son who lay silently on the bed, the old man whispered. “Did you hear that? With her support, it would be embarrassing now for you to lose this battle...”

---

There was one important thing forgot though. After the rehearsal today, Maestro Schinkel reminded everyone that the first dress rehearsal would be on Saturday, the same day Kaji was to have the operation. In fear and trembling approached Maestro Schinkel and told him of the situation and asked to be excused for the day.

“No.” Was the Maestro’s simple answer. “Need I remind you that although a dress rehearsal, the tickets have already been sold to schools for excursions? It is the same as a full house open performance. As the head of the second violinists, Miss , you must not be absent.”

“But, Maestro...”

“If you do not show on the day, Miss , there will be no more need for you to show for the rest of the production.” Still in his strict unyielding voice, the Maestro warned.

Not knowing what to do, felt her heart in a mess. She had promised Kaji that she would be there for him, although he may not be aware, but she felt he needed her support.

“-chan,” Hihara saw the whole situation from where he was, although he was not present when Kaji became ill, as a friend, he too had been worried about Kaji’s wellbeing. “Maybe you could try talking to Yunoki about it. Although Maestro said no, but as the project manager, he should be able to grant you the time off.”

Knowing what Hihara suggested was a good idea, immediately approached Yunoki. To ’s surprise, after she had explained the situation to Yunoki, instead of the empathy she was expecting, Yunoki frowned as he asked coldly. “Why do you think Maestro Schinkel declined your request in the first place? Do you think he did it just to be mean?”

“Eh?”

Seeing the puzzled look on ’s face, Yunoki sighed. “Or let me ask you from another angle. Why do you need to be there for the operation? Are you a medical staff? Is your presence going to make a difference to the medical procedure?”

“I, I...” Unable to answer any of Yunoki’s questions, lowered her head in shame. “I know there isn’t anything I could do, but, but I,” biting her lower lip in sadness said, her voice thin. “I just know that I need to be there...”

Yunoki kept silent as he observed . She was always like this, always wanted to be helpful not knowing her kindness could at the same time be cruel. Although knowing he would regret it, but Yunoki knew like in the past years, he needed to point her to the right direction.

“You need to be there?” Lifting his eyebrow in mocking, Yunoki asked. “Why? Because he collapsed before you so you felt responsible?”

“No, it’s not about the responsibility...” shook her head quickly. “Kaji is a very special friend, I couldn’t...”

“Friendship?” Yunoki smirked when he heard what said. “You are not Kaji’s only friend, so what makes you so special that you need to be there?”

became speechless upon Yunoki’s cruel statement knowing although sharp and harsh, he was right. As one of Kaji’s many friends, what made her so special? She knew Kaji has feelings for her, but what about her? If what existed between her and Kaji was only friendship, shouldn’t she visit him during normal visiting hours bearing flowers and gifts?

“I will have a word with Maestro Schinkel to work out an arrangement.” Knowing what he said had an effect on , Yunoki gave a sigh. “But I certainly hope this day off was worth it.”

“Thank you so much, Yunoki senpai.” Although she still does not know the true reason why being there for Kaji was so important to her, gave Yunoki a bow and thanked him with all her heart.

---

Just as Kaji’s father said, the surgery went on for several hours. sat silently outside the operating room with the same questions repeating in her mind. The questions Yunoki raised, asking her why was it so important to her that she is there for Kaji while he battled his illness? What was the reason she sat there for many hours, her heart and mind filled with the thoughts of Kaji, eagerly anticipating and hoping that she could just hear him speak, to see his kind gentle smile that always brought her peace. Even though his flattering words always made her blush, it did not matter. discovered that she would give and do anything to have him make her blush again.

It was not until the doctor approached Kaji’s parents did finally pull her wondering mind back to reality.

“How is Aoi? Is he going to be okay?” Kaji’s mother asked the one question everyone present was dying to know.

“We are not sure of the answer yet.” The doctor replied as he gave a sigh. “We are keeping him in ICU under close watch until his condition shows improvement. I recommend that you all return home and we will be in contact with you the moment anything happens.”

“I understand.” Kaji’s father nodded and turned to . “It has been a long day for you so you should go home before it gets too dark.”

“But I,” felt she could not just leave not knowing the outcome.

“It’s okay, once the doctor contacts us, we will keep you updated too.” In a warm smile Kaji’s father said. “Besides, I did not raise him to be a weakling. He is a strong boy, I am sure he will pull through.”

Nodding, gave Kaji’s parents another bow. “Thank you for letting me be here.”

“No, we should thank you.” Kaji’s mother replied. “It meant a lot to us that you are here for Aoi.”

With another bow, said goodbye to Kaji’s parents. The entire way home, felt an indescribable discomfort pressing against her chest. On the train, on the walk back home from the station, the whole time ’s mind thought about Kaji. Everything Kaji used to say, everything he did swamped ’s head and she did not like that. It was as if she knew she may not share any more memories with him, it was like good-bye…

---

Without receiving any news on Kaji’s status for three days, before die of anxiety, finally the call came through on the fourth night. “Aoi had just regained his consciousness,” Kaji’s father told , obvious indescribable joy showed through his voice.

“Real…really?” felt all the weight, all the miseries from the past weeks vanished in one phone call as she held onto her head not knowing what to say.

“Yes, he just opened his eyes a few minutes ago, and without the help of the medical instruments, he was breathing fine…” With great relief Kaji’s father explained. “Would you like to come see him tomorrow?”

“Of, of course!” held tightly onto her phone. “I will come over first thing in the morning!”

Hearing the happiness in ’s voice, Kaji’s father smiled. “Don’t worry, just come over when you are free. As I can recall, tomorrow was supposed to be the first opening day for the Madama Butterfly opera right?”

Knowing Kaji’s father was right, gave a sigh. Unlike the dress rehearsal, there was no way could take tomorrow off. Not to mention, for the next few months, she probably would be spending majority of her time at the production. “Yes, it’s true. I will come over once the performance is finished.”

After his conversation with , Kaji’s father turned to look at his son with a big smile. “Aoi, that was -san on the phone.”

“…-san…?” As if it took all the strength in his body, Kaji repeated the name, the first word he had spoken since his recovery.

“Yes,” Sitting down next to the hospital bed, Kaji’s father said. “She was here with you the whole time when you were in surgery. Now you have finally regained consciousness, she will be here tomorrow.”

“Father…” Whispering, his eyes looking at the ceiling Kaji said. “I have one request…”

---

The opening day of Madama Butterfly was a success. Thunderous applause, endless words of praises, but none of these mattered to . Immediately packing her things, left the theatre as fast as she could and head straight for the hospital.

“No, no one is allowed to visit Kaji Aoi-sama.”

thought her ears malfunctioned when the security guard stopped her at the door. Squeezing out a smile, explained patiently. “My name is , I am a friend of Kaji Aoi. I was here just yesterday to visit him…”

“No, access is strictly limited to family members only.” Like starting from scratch, the security guard told the same sentence that she had heard a thousand times already.

“Please double check with Kaji sensei, he knows I am his son’s friend.” A little frustrated said.

“I doubt it,” Shaking his head the security guard said. “He had only just re-enforced the rule this morning. From the list of names he gave me, I am sure is not on it.”

Like a bucket of cold water poured down on , she felt her body turning colder. What had happened? She had only received the call last night to come and visit Kaji because he has finally regained consciousness, how come all of a sudden she was shut out?

Sensing her head spinning, left the hospital feeling like the whole world had gone crazy. When at this time, a man approached her. Lifting her head, recognised him to be the guard that she met on the day Kaji’s father gave her permission into the hospital.

“-san?” Taking a look around him to make sure no one was around, he whispered. “Aoi-sama is actually no longer in the hospital.”

“Eh?” Not expecting that, asked quickly. “What, what happened? Where is he?”

“He had been transferred to a rehabilitation clinic by the Yokohama Harbour,” Kindly the guard explained. “But for some reason, when Kaji sensei gave us the restricted name list this morning, your name was not on it.”

“Did, did he forget to put my name on it?” asked although she sensed already something was going on.

“I am not sure, but I doubt it because Kaji sensei is not a careless person like that.” Shaking his head the guard said. Noticing how ’s face turned paler with the disappointing news, in sympathy the guard handed a piece of paper. “This is the address of the rehabilitation clinic, maybe you could go and find out for yourself what had happened.”

“Thank you so much!” In joy gave the kind guard a bow.

Following the direction on the paper the guard gave her, came to a beautiful, serene Victorian building that outlook into the ocean. Seeing the surroundings, was glad that Kaji would be recovering here.

“I am sorry, but this rehabilitation centre is not opened to the public.” Unfortunately received the same treatment as she approached the entrance. “It is crucial for us to keep a tranquil and soothing atmosphere for our patients.”

“No, I am not a suspicious person. I am not with the media or anything,” in eagerness explained. “My name is , I am a close friend of Kaji Aoi. I was advised that he has regained consciousness so I could come visit him. If you are unsure, please double check with Kaji sensei.”

Shaking her head again, the nurse repeated. “I am sorry, but I cannot let you in. Kaji sensei has left for the day, I will check with him once he returns tomorrow.”

“I see...” Not wanting to cause any trouble finally gave in. “I am not sure what happened, but I will try again tomorrow. But please do double check with Kaji sensei for me.”