“Aoi-sama, how are you feeling today?” Approaching the handsome youth who sat quietly by the window in a wheelchair, the nurse greeted with a warm smile. Gently placing a vase of fresh flowers on the table the nurse smiled. “A new bunch of flowers again today, your friend has really made this room into a flower garden.”

However the youth did not respond as his clear emerald green eyes continued to look out the window through the small opening between the curtains, his eyes followed a girl who unknowingly of the gaze walked calmly out of the front gate. Observing the youth’s reaction, the nurse secretly gave a sigh as she attempted once more. “Aoi-sama, should we try to stand up again today? You never know if you could do it unless you try.”

Finally, when he no longer could see the girl, the youth closed the curtains as he said softly, “Please, I would prefer to be alone right now.”

In understanding, the nurse nodded and left the room. As she returned to her station, another nurse asked when she saw the look on her face. “How is Aoi-sama today?”

“The usual,” With a sigh the first nurse replied. “He would sit by the window and watch the girl leave, yet he refuses to meet her when she comes.”

“I really feel for the two of them. That girl despite numerous rejections continued to visit with a bunch of new flowers everyday, and knowing she would be here, Aoi-sama would wait, and sit by the window and watch until she leaves.” The second nurse sighed too in sympathy.

“It’s so sad to see them like this,” The first nurse groaned. “I don’t understand. It is clear that Aoi-sama cares and misses the girl, but why wouldn’t he meet her?”

“Maybe,” The second nurse replied in pity. “Maybe Aoi-sama could not bear to let her see him in his current condition? What if she was disappointed? I mean, who would be willing to spend time with a paralysed man?”

---

Stretching forth his right arm, Kaji attempted to touch the vase of flowers with his fingertips. Frustrated with how much effort it was for him to accomplish something so simple, Kaji sank back into the wheelchair as he closed his eyes in despair.

It was a punishment.

Kaji knew he was chastised because he had desired something that was not his. The sin of covetousness was one of the top ten sins and he was guilty of it. Already clear of the moral behind the Greek myth of Icarus, the man who flew too close to the sun, Kaji did the same thing. Like Icarus, his wings melted and he had also resulted in the sea of death.

Although he no longer required the instruments to help him breath, or keep the heart pumping, Kaji’s legs remained paralysed. The doctors advised that due to the prior failure of his peripheral nervous system, it must have affected the rest of his body. He could recover again, but he must endeavour to work hard on the rehabilitation, forcing his muscles to move again.

Unfortunately the progress had not been positive. Doctors were unable to help further because, if Kaji had lost the will to fight, he could never recover. No one knew the reason why Kaji had given up on hope except himself. He had accepted the result, and felt it was a punishment he deserved.

The next day, when returned to the rehabilitation centre with another bunch of flowers, the nurse stopped her before she walked away. “-san, today when you leave the premise, remember to look up to the left when you walk pass the main fountain.”

Before could ask further on what she meant, the nurse turned and walked into the building. Tilting her head, repeated the sentence in her head, and as she walked pass the main fountain, as told, she lifted her head to the left.

It was then, felt a huge thump when she saw the face of the special friend she had not seen for months. When her eyes met up with those magical green eyes through the window, ran up in haste. “Kaji-kun!”

Unfortunately it was only for an instance as Kaji quickly closed the curtains. Seeing that, knew she was not going to let this chance go so easily! Running back towards the front door, before anyone had a chance to stop her, head straight for the door she knew connected to that window.

“Kaji-kun!” Knocking anxiously on the door called. “Kaji-kun, please open the door!”

felt despair, melancholy whirled up within when she realised no matter how she called and knocked, Kaji did not open the door for her. It was then, the question she had for the past weeks was finally answered. learned that it was not Kaji’s father who shut her out, but it was Kaji that refused her visitation.

When that idea hit her, felt all the strength left her as she collapsed before the door weeping. “Why...? Why? Kaji-kun. Why won’t you see me? Did I do something wrong? It was my fault right? I knew I was the one that did not help you when you were sick, I know you are angry at me, but please...” Sobbing bitterly pleaded. “Please don’t shut me out like this...please...”

On the other side of the door, Kaji felt his heart tore into pieces with what said. How she wept so bitterly, how she blamed herself for the result of his sin. Placing his hand against the door Kaji closed his eyes as tears rolled down his face.

“...-san...”

’s body jumped when she finally heard the tender voice that she thought she could never hear again.

“…Please do not blame yourself, it is not your fault.” heard Kaji said, his voice sounded so hurt. “If you still treat me as a friend, please do not come back to see me again...”

“Why? Why?” Shocked with Kaji’s request asked. “I want to see you, I want to know if you are okay...”

“Please just go...” Kaji pleaded again, there were sorrows he could not explain. “Please just remember me as before any of this happened. My only desire was to remain in your memory as who I was. That simple foolish admirer of yours...”

Yes, if there were one last wish Kaji had in this world, it would be that he could remain forever in ’s memory in the best times she had known him. He would rather die than for her to see him so destroyed, so useless...

became speechless upon Kaji’s request. All of a sudden she was reminded of what Kaji’s father said to her. It was a man’s stubborn pride wanting the girl they love to only see the best of them.

“I understand, Kaji-kun...”Slowly rising onto her feet again, calmly dried her tears. “But I just want you to know, no matter what happens, you are already wonderful in every way to me.”

When Kaji heard what said, all the morose, heartache took over as Kaji wept silently.

When she heard no more response from the other side of the door, gave a bow as she turned and walked out of the building. The question Yunoki asked her returned once again to her mind. This time, discovered, she might finally know the answer.

---

“-san,”

After the performance, while was quickly packing away her things again, a man approached her.

“Le...Tsukimori-kun?” called in surprise when she saw the person. Ever since the ski trip, although they meet at the production everyday, discovered that she actually had not conversed with him.

“Have you collected all the member survey from the second violinists?” Unlike her, calmly Tsukimori asked.

“Ah!” It was not until Tsukimori mentioned it did realise that she had totally forgotten that as one of the duty of the head of each instrumental group, she was to collect member surveys for business purposes. As the violinists, was supposed to work together with Tsukimori to come up with a combined report. Holding onto her head, gave a sigh. “I am sorry, I have been caught up with Kaji-kun’s situation in the past months, I have totally forgotten about it.”

Observing the expressions on her face, Tsukimori finally asked. “How is he doing?”

Responding with a smile, replied. “He is doing better now. After the surgery he can breathe and eat on his own now. I even managed to talk to him yesterday.”

“Managed to talk to him?” A little surprised Tsukimori asked. “The past months where you visited him everyday, you have not been able to talk to him?”

“Well, as you know there were strict access to his visitation, but I finally got through yesterday and managed to speak a few words!” Trying to act as positive as possible, explained not mentioning any of the sad, depressive truth behind her effort in the past months, because to her, being able to finally hear Kaji’s voice again was really all that mattered.

Noticing the genuine happiness in ’s voice, Tsukimori felt his heart ached with the discovery. “You will be able to remain beside him, for there is no way Kaji could turn away since he finally earned your love in return.”

“Eh...?” Not expecting the statement from Tsukimori felt her mind so clear. So, that was the reason why she spent the past months day and night, every moment thinking about Kaji.

“I will collect the surveys for you then.” Without exploring further into the topic, Tsukimori said as he turned and walked away.

’s eyes followed Tsukimori’s tall figure as a gentle smile came onto her face.

Thank you Len and good-bye...

---

She is really gone and will not return.

Kaji sat in the room as the thought continued to eat him up inside. But, this was what he wanted her to do right? At the same time, the look on ’s face when she saw him through the window, the ecstatic joy, the way how her already beautiful delicate face lightened up immediately when she called his name made Kaji think otherwise.

How could he be so foolish? He knew already that she does not belong to him and why wouldn’t he stop longing after her? Without anything to offer her, what right does he have? Yet, none of these reminders and warnings could stop Kaji from hoping, from anticipating ’s return. If he could hear her music again, he was willing to enter into hell again.

As if his sinful longings were answered, Kaji heard the sound of violin travelled in the air. Although Kaji may be paralysed, his perfect hearing remained. Every note played by the violinist created ripples of emotions inside him until they resulted in crashing waves that severed all the barriers within him.

“You are cunning, -san. You knew there was no way I could resist the sound of your violin.”

stopped immediately when she heard the voice from behind her. Feeling her visions blurring because of the tears that formed rapidly in her eyes, saw the handsome stunning youth there, a most tender smile on his face.

“Kaji-kun...” sobbed and approached him cautiously, scared that he might disappear again.

With a self-mocking smile, Kaji said looking to his wheelchair. “Yes, I am still paralysed and I am far from worthy of you...”

“It’s not true, Kaji-kun.” shook her head quickly as her arms came around Kaji, holding him tight. “It’s not true...”

Upon the touch of ’s embrace, Kaji finally gave in as he slowly closed his eyes and leaned his head against her shoulder. Whispering with a most sincere and tender voice, Kaji asked. “But as pitiful as I am, am I still allowed to love you?”

Feeling her heart so moved by Kaji’s words, held him even tighter as she said. “I remembered once you said, if I was Eurydice and you were Orpheus, you would be willing to follow me to Hades. But now,” smiling, gently placed her hands on Kaji’s face as she whispered with all her heart. “I am going to be your Orpheus. This time, I will follow you to Hades.”

Upon ’s confession, Kaji felt the sunshine he had lost returned to him, and this time, it was here to stay. “Thank you...” Gently overlapping his hand over ’s, Kaji gave her the warm charismatic smile she had missed for so long. “-san.”  

---

“I am going to miss you -san,” With the soft sea breeze brushing pass both he and ’s faces Kaji said wholeheartedly. “Every time I close my eyes I will think about you, nothing would be the same if you are not here with me.”

Feeling her heart so warm and sweet with Kaji’s loving words, gently leaned her head against his shoulder and whispered in shyness. “I will think of you too, Aoi-san.”

After and Kaji had finally learned of each other’s feelings, Kaji regained his strength to recover. Working closely with Kaji, contributed greatly to Kaji’s rehabilitation. After another month of hard work, Kaji can finally walk now with the assistance of a walking stick.

Unfortunately, as the Madama Butterfly Production is coming to an end, will be spending the coming two months performing in another city, Kobe.

“But it is only two months!” said quickly. “After two months I will be back here, so during my absence, you must not slack on your rehab.”

With a long sigh, Kaji muttered in disappointment. “As your number one fan, I cannot believe I could not attend any of your performances and already the production is coming to an end.”

Blushing, justified. “It’s not my performance. I am just a member of the orchestra. You won’t even hear my part in the entire opera.”

“Fufu...you underestimate my hearing ability, -san.” Beaming Kaji chuckled.

Not sure if Kaji was exaggerating or not, giggled too as she held onto his hand. “You can always call me while I am in Kobe, then once the production is over, I will be on the first flight back to Yokohama to see you.”

Although stressed that it was only two months, but it felt like the longest period ever to her. Counting down the days, finally, accompanied by thunderous applause, audiences standing from their seats in appreciation on their final performance, was glad that in less than 24 hours, she would be able to see Kaji face to face again.

“Where do you think you are going?”

Before could secretly sneak off hoping to not having to attend the celebration party, Yunoki caught her.

“Good evening Yunoki senpai,” With a bow greeted. “I was just going to go now since the production is over, and, I didn’t think the celebration party was compulsory...”

“Did you not receive the message that the guest in VIP Box 21 wished to congratulate and complement the head of each music instrumental group?” Ignoring what said, Yunoki asked instead.

“Do, do I have to go?” In disappointment asked.

“Are you not the head of the second violinists?” Yunoki asked coldly. “Get over there now since everyone else already left ten minutes ago.”

Totally unenthusiastic, headed for VIP Box 21. Seeing that no one else was around, realised like Yunoki said, she was really ten minutes late. Hoping she could sneak in without being noticed, quietly opened the door.

To her surprise, after she opened the door, none of the other orchestra members were in there. Rather, there was only a gentleman dressed in a tuxedo standing right by the balcony of the VIP Box that looks right down at the entire theatre.

“Thank you for coming, -san.” Calmly, the gentleman turned around as he greeted with a warm smile. Noticing the stunned look on ’s face, the gentleman walked up to her as he handed her the bouquet in his hands. “Would you accept the congratulation and admiration from your number one fan?”

Holding the bouquet in her hand thought she was dreaming. In joy ran up and held the gentleman tightly. “Aoi-san, Aoi-san!”

Responding, Kaji’s arms came around ’s tiny waist as he held her firmly and closely to him, sensing her presence right there in his arms. Too overwhelmed with joy, still could not believe that Kaji was standing before her, here in Kobe, fully recovered and not only that, he made it to her performance.

“Are you really here, Aoi-san?” whispered in disbelief although she could hear his heartbeat, sense the gentle touch of his fingers against her cheek.

“I am here,” Kaji replied softly. Lovingly brushing his thumb over ’s soft lips, Kaji knew he was beyond help. The more he was with , the greedier he became. “Is it okay if I kiss you?”

Feeling her heart pumping crazily like a little girl in love, blushed and nodded in shyness to Kaji’s request.

When Kaji’s hand lifted her chin, in nervousness closed her eyes. The moment she sensed the gentle touch of Kaji’s lips against her own, thought she was going to pass out. As a reflex, her hands gripped onto Kaji’s sleeve as she leaned back into his supporting arms allowing him to stoop deeper into the kiss.

Different to any of the kisses she experienced before, this kiss with Kaji was something deeper and more solid. A manifestation of what they have gone through together. It was not a puppy love, but something more assuring, something and Kaji knew no matter what happens, they will be there to support each other forever.

---

“How come Yunoki senpai told me that the head of each music instrumental group need to be here?” Sitting on Kaji’s laps, asked in curiosity. From the looks of it, Yunoki senpai should have known that it was Kaji waiting in this room and not some random VIP guest.

“To be honest, I was quite surprised myself that Yunoki-san would actually really pass the message on…” Kaji said as he thought to himself. “Considering how he actually was…” Stopping, Kaji smiled in understanding as he concluded. “I guess his love was genuine after all.”

“Huh?” Clueless to the secret battle between Kaji and Yunoki, blinked.

“Nothing,” Smiling, Kaji leaned in and gave another kiss on her cheek causing her to blush again. “I had wanted to make it for your performance no matter what, so I worked extremely hard on the rehab while you were away in the last two months, and I contacted Yunoki-san for a ticket but he said that the only ticket left was the VIP one.” Chuckling Kaji added. “It cost me a fortune for this room. Made me think whether Yunoki-san purposely tried to rip me off.”

“But was it worth it?” Giggling too asked. She could just picture Yunoki making Kaji pay for last minute tickets.

Fondling ’s soft hair in love, Kaji smiled and leaned in to kiss once more as he whispered. “It was worth every yen…”

Epilogue

“As the head of the Seiouka Hospital, I, Kaji Aoi sensei welcome you all on board, and I believe we will have a wonderful working relationship together.”

It was just another year of new recruits in the Seiouka Hospital, as usual, whenever the head of the hospital makes the welcome speech, he would attract numerous admiring glances from ones who were too busy awing at his charm and handsomeness than to hear what he was saying.

“Is Kaji sensei married yet?”

The senior nurse sighed when she heard one of the new nurses asked. The question she would hear every year from new recruits.

“No, he is not married yet.”

“Oh my god, that is so great! I wonder what type of girls does he like?”

Same response as well. But this time, the senior nurse knew she could finally give a different answer. Grinning, she turned around and said. “Don’t event think about it. Kaji sensei is not married yet, but he would be this weekend.”

“Eh?”

Seeing the stunned look on the new nurses, the senior nurse smiled. “Don’t forget that all the hospital staff are chipping in to buy him a wedding gift, so I will come and collect the money later today.”

---

“-chan, you are so beautiful~” Amou felt she would be in tears soon seeing how stunning looked in her wedding dress. Adding on to that, the blissful smile, and the genuine happiness that expressed from made Amou truly happy for her.

“I knew you and Kaji would end up being together.” Mio and Nao, ’s two best friends since high school said too. “I remembered how the two of you sat next to each other in class, how he was always admiring you…”

“Mio…” blushed even more reminded of the time when she first met Kaji. Never could she imagine that she would soon become his counterpart forever. Quickly changing the topic, asked. “Has all the guests arrived?”

“Yes,” Amou nodded while she helped straightening her veil. “Tsuchiura-kun, Ousaki senpai, Kanazawa sensei, Shimizu-kun with Shoko-chan, Hihara senpai, Yunoki senpai and his new wife Miyako-san.” Stopping Amou concluded. “Tsukimori-kun cannot make it but you know that already.”

Nodding felt her heart ached a little when Tsukimori’s name was mentioned. After the completion of the Madama Butterfly Production, Tsukimori returned to Vienna with Maestro Schinkel, and since then he remained there. Now a world-class violin soloist, Tsukimori had been very busy with his concerts.

“Excuse me,” While the girls were talking, the door knocked as one of the wedding event staff entered with a exquisite elegant bouquet. “This has just arrived for you, -san. A gift from overseas.”

“From overseas?” Receiving the bouquet saw a card in it. Picking it up, she saw in refined handwriting a short and simple message.

Wishing you all the happiness in the world,

Tsukimori.

“?” Noticing tears forming in ’s eyes, Nao asked in concern.

“Ah, I am fine.” Quickly replying with a smile said as she took another look at the bouquet in her hands. “I want to use this bouquet as I walk down the aisle, is that okay?”

“Of course.” Everyone nodded agreement.

With another knock, ’s sister and mother entered. “It’s time. Can’t keep the groom waiting.”

Nodding, took a deep breath as she felt like the happiest person in the world. Especially when she walked down the aisle, when she saw how Kaji smiled at her, how he held onto her hand throughout the ceremony, knew from deep within, although it was a long journey, but now she could say—I do.

Fin. Kaji Aoi side

As such an unworthy man like me, am I still allowed to love you? ~Kaji Aoi

---

 

Yes, Kaji ending finally done! I hope you enjoyed it! Please give me your feedback on how you have enjoyed this series and I hope you will enjoy the other endings too!

I felt for Kaji, Kahoko is a "eaten hamburger" compared to him XD

~The wonderful art of Kaji and Kahoko drawn by Moe~