---

knew she was going to receive this sort of reaction after that incident this morning. It did not help when she arrived at the restaurant together with Tsukimori. Unlike her of course, Tsukimori knew nothing of the drama, naturally he helped to pour a glass of apple juice, ordered a cup of coffee for her, yet, it was only that was particularly aware of the strange atmosphere around the table.

Actually to be exact, only two people acted particularly strange and they were Tsuchiura and Amou. Tsuchiura was avoiding her eyes, well, what do you expect, he walked in on her in bed naked with Tsukimori. Amou on the other hand was strangely cheerful, even more talkative than usual. All these peculiarities did not escape Yunoki and Kaji’s eyes.

“-san,” With a beautiful smile, Yunoki asked. “Amou-san was very worried this morning looking all over for you because you have not returned to your room. Is everything alright?”

“Ah, yes, everything is fine.” quickly responded with a polite smile.

“Amou-san asked for a master key to get into Tsukimori’s room, they didn’t find you in there did they?” As if he was making a joke, Yunoki asked again.

PU!!

Yunoki raised an eyebrow to the interesting reaction from Amou, Tsuchiura, and…Tsukimori. From the way he and exchanged a look quickly and turning bright red together like a cute sweet couple, Yunoki’s hand on his napkin tightened.

Kaji saw it too and felt his heart ached. But he soon allowed that smile to genuinely come onto his face because, it has been a while since he saw smile like this. She was finally happy again, just like she was three years ago…

---

Receiving the thunderous applause from the audiences who stood up one by one, moved by the magical and phenomenal final performances of the Madama Butterfly production, in contrast, felt her heart sinking slowly. It was supposed to be a glorious and joyful moment, but her heart felt so sad when her eyes followed the tall handsome violinist who went forward together with Maestro Schinkel receiving the even louder cheer and applause so convincingly deserved as the concertmaster.

was indeed proud and happy for Tsukimori, he led the entire orchestra together with Maestro Schinkel to come forth with such a performance. Yet, knowing having completed the final performance meant also to that the date of Tsukimori’s return to Vienna had drawn near.

“, is everything alright?” Walking alongside , Tsukimori asked softly noticing the girl had been awfully quiet during their walk towards the after party.

“I am fine, really.” Not wanting her sadness to destroy such a beautiful night, replied.

Observing the gleam in ’s eyes, Tsukimori gently held her soft hand in his. “, let’s make a detour before we attend the party.”

To her surprise, Tsukimori actually brought her to the beach close to the concert hall. As it was at night, there were no one else at the beach, and looking behind her, felt her heart so lost when she could see both their footsteps being slowly washed off by the waves. It was like telling her, although she has him by her side now, soon, this would all disappear.

“,” Tsukimori stopped walking as his eyes looked out into the sea. “Do you remember the last time we were here?”

Upon Tsukimori’s question, nodded. She remembered receiving an invite to Hamai Misa’s concert directly from Tsukimori, and before the concert she met him here. Seeing nodded, Tsukimori continued. “That was the first time I have taken a detour from my ordinary daily schedule. It was then I realised, I could see things differently, have a turn in my life because I have met you.”

“Len…”

Turning to face her, Tsukimori’s perfect handsome face beamed with contentment as he gently held up her hand. Reaching inside his pocket, Tsukimori took out a small box and placed it in her hand. Upon such gesture, found her heart pounding as she opened it to find an astonishing, elegant diamond ring.

“I know although I may not be by your side in the next few years, but still, I would ask if you would be willing to be there to welcome my return? And be there for me for the rest of our lives?”

Never expecting Tsukimori to propose, felt tears of joy forming rapidly in her eyes. “Of course I will!” Leaping, held onto Tsukimori tightly. How could she ever possibly say no? Overwhelmed by joy beyond explanation, wept in joy like a little girl believing that there was no one else in the world as lucky as she was.

Responding to ’s embrace, Tsukimori gently dried her tears with his fingers as he stooped and caught her soft lips with his. Softly moving his lips onto her ear, Tsukimori whispered. “Do you want to skip the party and come to my place instead?”

Blushing with Tsukimori’s ‘rebellious’ statement, giggled. “Maestro Schinkel will think I am a bad influence on you…”

Smiling, Tsukimori gave her another sweet loving kiss as he added. “Well, you did change me…”

---

Despite that conversation, Tsukimori and still showed up at the party knowing how fearsome Maestro Schinkel’s rage could be.

“Tsukimori and -san,” Their attempt to enter the venue secretly failed when Yunoki immediately approached them with an amiable smile. “You guys were late to the party.”

“Ah, yes, I left something behind so we had to return to the concert hall to get it.” said quickly.

“I see,” As an observant person, Yunoki immediately noticed the diamond ring on ’s hand. Still maintaining the beautiful smile, Yunoki said. “Maestro Schinkel had been looking for the both of you.”

“Both of us? Not just Len?” asked a little surprised.

“No, I believe he actually was looking for you, and asked Tsukimori to join you.”

With what Yunoki said, felt cold sweat forming in her palms. Was she being summoned by Maestro for corrupting Tsukimori?

“Well, good luck.” With that sentence, Yunoki nodded to leave. However as he walked pass , he whispered. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

thought her ear malfunctioned as she turned to Yunoki in surprise. However giving her another smile, Yunoki walked off to greet other guests. Feeling her cheeks red in shyness and joy at the same time, held onto Tsukimori’s hand. “Let’s go. Time to get grilled by Maestro Schinkel.”

---

“Miss , you are aware that Len and I will be returning to Vienna in a week’s time?”

Upon Maestro Schinkel’s question, felt a twitching pain in the heart. In sadness she nodded. Maybe Tsukimori did spent a little too much time with her recently, but that does not give Maestro the right to remind her of it and make her miserable!

“Would you ever consider joining us in Vienna?”

“Eh?” Not sure what Maestro was asking, looked up at the old man puzzled. However unlike her, an astonished joyful expression painted Tsukimori’s face instead. “Maestro, you mean…?”

Nodding, the elderly smiled. “Yes, I would like to offer Miss a scholarship, personally trained by myself.”

“Eh? Ehhhhhhhhh??” Still was what could say.

“From the past months, I have noticed extreme gift and talent from your performance. Despite the fact your experience was limited, I see a future in you and would like to offer to train you personally.” Like receiving an early Christmas present, Maestro Schinkel told the wonderful news.

“But, but I…” Overwhelmed with the news, still could not recollect herself.

“, there is no need to be stunned.” Tsukimori smiled and held onto her hand in encouragement. “I have already told you numerous times that you inherit a talent and it would be a total waste if you do not become a professional musician. And to do that, you must come to Europe because it will so open your eyes.”

“So would you like to take up the offer?” With a caring and kind smile, the old man asked again.

Epilogue

“I can’t believe the world’s two most famous violinists actually live in such a normal house like us.” Amou stated before she pressed the doorbell.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, Amou, Kaji, Hihara, Tsuchiura, Ousaki, Yunoki, Shimizu, Fuyumi, Mio, Nao and the close friends and family were invited to ’s home for a special celebration.

“I still cannot believe it even when I can see the sign ‘Tsukimori Residence’ on the door.” Tsuchiura stated.

“It just goes to show the Tsukimori family is expanding.” Kaji added.

“That was exactly my point!” Tsuchiura groaned. “I hope the stuck up, self-righteous personality doesn’t expand…”

While they were talking, the front door opened as the beautiful face of their friend was there to greet them with a warm smile. “Good morning everyone, please come in!”

“Hello, , err, no I mean, Tsukimori…arghh!” Tsuchiura groaned again.

Laughing, said as she led the group into the house. “It’s alright, I know it’s hard to get use to.”

“Wow, this is actually quite a nice house.” Hihara stated as he looked around.

“Well, Len and I had only just returned to Japan to settle down. We didn’t have much of a time to do research, but since we both like how this was a simple, clean, decent size house. Not to mention the rooms that actually has sound proof facilities for music practice…” stopped when she noticed everyone staring at her. “What, what’s wrong?”

“Wow, -chan. You really have become a happy housewife. I thought being a world class violinist will turn you into a different person…” Nao stated.

Blushing, complained. “I am of course still me, I haven’t changed one single bit.”

“All the trophies up there tell a different story.” Yunoki smiled as he pointed to the numerous awards and trophies on the shelf. “They don’t all belong to your husband.”

After accepted the scholarship offered by Maestro Schinkel, although the training and study was hard, Maestro really was able to polish up and make her shine. In a few years time, another world-class violinist was born, .

Despite both being extremely successful in their career, and Tsukimori wedded after their graduation from Maestro’s care. Completing a few rounds of concert and performances, the couple was finally able to return to Japan and settle down.

As brought out the drinks and food for everyone, Amou finally asked the question. “So, where is he? Can we see him??”

Smiling beautifully in bliss, nodded. “He is in the back room. Len had just finished giving him a bath.”

“The almighty Tsukimori Len is giving someone a bath??” Tsuchiura burst out laughing and stood up from his seat. “Oh my, this is a MUST see!”

All laughing and teasing, the amused group followed to the back and the moment opened the door, everyone thought their eyes malfunctioned when they saw the familiar face of their friend helping a baby put on a nappy.

“, I think we need more baby powder….!!!” Turning around, Tsukimori’s face froze when he saw the stunned faces of his evil friends.

“Oh my God!! This is priceless!!” Amou laughed and immediately took out a camera from her carry bag.

“Wow, you really have changed, Tsukimori. I remembered you didn’t even used to know how to use a microwave.” With a smile, Yunoki joined in.

“Tsukimori! You really are a genius at learning everything!” Hihara exclaimed too, but his praise was genuine.

“Wow, the baby has Tsukimori’s eyes…” Kaji started to inspect the baby in Tsukimori’s arms and then a look of admiration appeared when he added. “And -san’s nose and lips….”

“…” Trying not to explode, Tsukimori lowered his voice.

Giggling, came to the rescue as she picked up the baby in her arms. “Well, I think it was absolutely adorable for Len to help take care of the baby. I am so proud of him.”

As the group finally returned to the living room, all eyes landed on the beautiful baby in awe as held the tiny body sitting on her laps.

“You know, you should definitely give him a brother or sister.” Mio said.

“Agree. Or else he will grow up to be an anti-social snob like his dad.” Tsuchiura added.

“Who did you call anti-social snob?” Tsukimori asked annoyed.

“Well, weren’t you the elite musical faculty student who was too good to be friends with anyone?” Tsuchiura responded with a crude smile.

As usual, the two glared at each other for a while and with a cold hum turned the other way. Seeing this, could only laugh and shake her head. It appeared that both of them have not changed one bit.

---

After the group have left, Tsukimori gave a long sigh. Seeing this, teased. “Already tired? It was only a three hour visit.”

“It appears that none of them have changed, still the same.” With another sigh Tsukimori said.

wanted to say, you haven’t changed either, but held it in. Instead, she came up to her handsome husband and wrapped her arms around him. “Well, I was telling the truth when I told them that I am absolutely proud of you. You make a wonderful dad.”

Blushing, Tsukimori responded as his arms came around ’s waist. “You know, I was thinking. Maybe they were right, it would not be good for to be a single child. He needs a brother or sister.”

“Why? You are really worried that he will become anti-social?”

“You agree that I was anti-social?” Surprised by ’s statement, Tsukimori asked.

“No, no, no…” shook her head immediately.

“Well, even if becomes an anti-social like I was,” A tender smile came onto Tsukimori’s face as he fell looking at his beautiful wife. “I am sure there would be a girl that would come and rescue him from his monotonous world too…”

Fin Tsukimori Side

 

Yes!! Completed! The official Durch Leiden Freude ending! Yes, I know this one is corny and full of cheese, and totally different tone and mood compared to the other endings.

Still I hope you have enjoyed it and thank you all for reading!