---

 

“, don’t forget your lunchbox!”

 

“Okay!” Grabbing onto the lunch bag her mother handed to her, ran quickly for the front door because she saw, from her bedroom window, that he was already here.

 

“Good morning[i],”

 

The moment stepped out the door, the tall, handsome youth greeted with a gentle smile as he calmly packed away the book he was reading.

 

“Sorry to have kept you waiting,” apologised quickly. “…Len.”

 

After Tsukimori Len’s confession to at Christmas, no longer just fellow members of the ensemble, Tsukimori and was finally a couple. Hoping to spend as much time as possible with the girl he loves, Tsukimori suggested that he would from then on escort to and fro from school.

 

Although it meant that Tsukimori had to get out of bed an hour earlier than usual, it did not matter. Being able to hear greet him with a soft ‘good morning’, and having her walk next to him all the way to school, it was all worth it.

 

“So this is the view you see when you walk to school everyday,” Tsukimori said softly. “It’s nice to know now I will be able to share this view. See what you see everyday, experience and live the life from your perspective.”

 

Blushing in bliss, lowered her head and realised no words could come out for she was too overwhelmed with joy. Even on a freezing cold January morning, felt her heart so warm.

 

As the pair walked on, Tsukimori took off his own gloves as he handed them to . “Your hands must be cold. It’s mid-winter and you do not have gloves on.”

 

“But what about your hands? You will be cold too.” Shaking her head asked quickly.

 

“I am fine,” smiling in response, Tsukimori replied. “Your hands are the hands of a great musician.” Gently holding ’s hand in his, Tsukimori helped put on his own gloves. “As I expected, my gloves are too big for you.”

 

Although Tsukimori’s gloves were too big, but it only helped to realise, although with fine, perfect feature, Tsukimori was after all a man. His big gloves that covered ’s hands were like a sign that he too would be there to shield her, protect her and keep her warm.

 

When the two arrived at the school gate, with a sigh Tsukimori said. “It’s a pity that the distance from your house to school is quite short. Not only so, the building of your faculty and mine are at different locations, we don’t even have any classes together…”

 

felt that she too did not want to be parted from Tsukimori so soon, unfortunately, knowing she was not a music faculty student like Tsukimori, there really weren’t much time to spend together during school hours. With the thought, suggested quickly. “In…in that case, Len, do you want to have lunch together? I packed two lunchboxes today, I thought we could eat together or something…”

 

To ’s surprise, she noticed a shade of redness came onto Tsukimori’s face. “You packed lunch for me?”

 

Lowering her head, nodded in shyness. “Yes, that is if you don’t mind eating lunch with me…”

 

“Of course not,” In genuine happiness Tsukimori replied. “I will see you then.”

 

Waving good-bye, turned and walked off towards her building. However from the corner of her eyes, she noticed Tsukimori walking out the school gate. “Len?! Where are you going?”

 

“I am just going to go sit at the park for a while.” Noticing the puzzled look on ’s face, Tsukimori explained. “I know there isn’t much time until class starts, but I need to go and cool my head down for a while.” Stopping, in a softer tone, Tsukimori whispered. “My face is still hot, I can’t go to class like this...”

 

Never expecting Tsukimori to say such a cute thing, felt her heart all fuzzy and warm. Knowing running up and holding him tight would only make it harder for Tsukimori to “cool” down, nodded in understanding and waved good-bye instead before she finally walked off to her classroom.

 

Throughout the entire morning, would look up at the clock over and over again. After a period that felt like a century, finally when the lunchtime bell rang, stood up from her seat and grabbed the lunch boxes.

 

“Ah, -san. Going to lunch?” Calling out from beside her was Kaji Aoi.

 

“Yes, I am.” Hoping to act as natural as possible, replied with a smile.

 

“Is it okay if I join you?”

 

could have sworn she sensed the smile froze on her face with Kaji’s question. With a nervous laughter, finally said. “Yeah…sure.”

 

Unfortunately, Kaji was not the only person as when and Kaji walked down the corridor towards the cafeteria, on came Tsuchiura. “Yo, and Kaji. Going to lunch?”

 

 

---

 

 

Outwardly looking calm and cold as usual, Tsukimori made sure he looked like he was concentrating on the book in his hand although his eyes would constantly look towards the cafeteria entrance for someone.

 

The moment the familiar figure of the person he was waiting for walked through the entrance, the stern, stiff expressions on his face softened. However the frown returned immediately onto Tsukimori’s face again when he noticed the group that rocked up together with .

 

“Oh, hello, Tsukimori!”

 

“Hello, Tsukimori. It’s rare to see you at the school cafeteria. Mind if we sit next to you?”

 

Trying to look as normal as possible, although the usual grimace on his face deepened, Tsukimori still greeted. “Good day, Hihara senpai, Yunoki senpai.” Then moving his eyes to the other two boys Kaji and Tsuchiura, crossing his arms, Tsukimori let out a sigh.

 

“Hey, not that I want to eat lunch with you either.” Irritated with Tsukimori’s attitude, Tsuchiura groaned.

 

“Sorry…” Whispering softly in guilt, seated down next to Tsukimori as the rest of the boys also joined them at the table.

 

“Ah, having a mini party? Mind if I join?” Popping out from behind them, Amou asked. Then waving to the two first years that just entered the cafeteria, Amou invited. “Shimizu-kun and Fuyumi-chan, over here!”

 

“Sorry…” Knowing their wonderful lunchtime together had turned into a crowded party, apologised again.

 

“It’s alright…” With another sigh Tsukimori whispered in return. “Tomorrow onwards, I will come find you instead…”

 

 

---

 

 

“Your violin skills really have improved,” With an encouraging smile Tsukimori said to . Although knowing he will soon leave for Vienna, still, both and Tsukimori treasured the remaining time they had together. In diligence Tsukimori would assist in her afternoon practice. Picking up his own violin, Tsukimori placed it on his shoulder as he instructed. “The quick change between bar 58 to 60 would be easier if you switch your fingers this way.”

 

watched in admiration when the same melody she played a few minutes ago came out from Tsukimori’s performance a hundred times better and more skilled. Placing her own violin against her shoulder too, tried to play the music once again in the new skill Tsukimori just taught her. To her joy, the melody that was produced was now more smooth and soft.

 

“I did it!” In joy turned to Tsukimori. “I didn’t know just by changing the order of how my fingers move could affect how smooth the rest of the melody would follow.”

 

“There are a lot more techniques and skills you have not yet learned. Although they may be basic, but practicing the techniques over and over will help you play any piece easier.” Unlike how he was towards anyone, Tsukimori explained patiently to .

 

Knowing Tsukimori was never a person that would waste his precious practice time on anyone, yet day after day, Tsukimori would accompany her after school, train and teach her the basic techniques and skills that never knew. Unlike everyone else, never had a teacher that taught her how to play the violin. It was only after spending time with Tsukimori like this, for the first time understood why Tsukimori spend so much of his time practicing, for there was much to learn.

 

Smiling in tenderness to ’s accomplishment, Tsukimori suggested. “Let’s try it again from the beginning, this time, I will be the piano accompaniment for you. This will help you better grasp the mood and feeling of this piece.”

 

Following his sentence, Tsukimori seated himself in front of the grand piano in the practice room. watched even more in amazement when she saw Tsukimori’s fingers that produced the beautiful melody on the violin a while ago now performed a magical and beautiful tune on the piano.

 

Closing her eyes, allowed her fingers and bow to move along the violin as a most beautiful music was produced together with Tsukimori. It was totally different compared to when she practiced with her piano accompaniment. Like how they performed the violin duets together, discovered her music and Tsukimori’s music harmonised so perfectly. Knowing Tsukimori’s main instrument was not piano; felt her respect for him grew.

 

At the end of the song, with a sigh put down her violin, “It’s amazing you could play the piano so perfectly too.”

 

“It is no miracle for music students like me to know how to play more than one instrument.” Calmly Tsukimori replied. “Yunoki senpai also knew how to play the piano, Hihara senpai knew how to play the drum, and Ousaki senpai could play piano and viola too.”

 

“Really?!” In astonishment called. “How is that humanly possible?”

 

“Of course it is,” Tsukimori explained. “It is a requirement for any music major student to know at least two instruments.”

 

Nodding replied. “I remembered Yunoki senpai told me the same thing as well. He mentioned that if I was to continue onto the Music Faculty in Seiso University, I have to know at least another instrument other than violin.” With a sigh, added. “If I had known, I should have said yes when he offered to teach me piano. Now there is only one year to go, I might not be able to make it.”

 

The frown came onto Tsukimori's face with what said. “Yunoki senpai offered to teach you piano?”

 

“Yes, he even gave me all his old piano books.”

 

Tsukimori kept silent for a while but the look of unpleasantness remained on his beautiful face. In cautiousness asked, “What’s wrong, Len?”

 

“Nothing,” With a sigh Tsukimori replied. “Are you free this Saturday?”

 

“Yes, of course.”

 

“Would you like to come over to my house?” A shade of redness came onto Tsukimori’s face as he asked softly, embarrassment shown. In a soft lower voice, Tsukimori added. “I will teach you piano, so you don’t need Yunoki senpai to teach you…”

 

Wait? Is Len jealous? couldn’t believe her ears when a person like Tsukimori, someone who never reveals his emotions to people would make a possessive statement like that. Feeling her heart so warm and joyful, uncontrollably a blissful smile came onto ’s face as she nodded. “I understand.”

 

 

 

---

 

 

“Ara, -chan, good morning.” Opening the door to the massive Tsukimori mansion was a beautiful lady that has the same beautiful eyes as her son Tsukimori Len.

 

“Good…good morning!” Not expecting Tsukimori’s mother to be the one opening the door, bowed quickly as she greeted with nervousness. With an understanding and beautiful, kind smile, Tsukimori’s mother, Hamai Misa [ii]invited into the house. “Nice to have you come visit, Len should have invited you earlier.”

 

“,” Standing behind Hamai Misa was Tsukimori himself. Different to how knew him at school, not in his school uniform anymore, Tsukimori wore a pair of beige pants and a blue knitted top. felt her heartbeat increased when she finally discovered that she had stepped into Tsukimori’s personal space, his family, and his home. Although this was not the first time visited his house, last time she came with Tsuchiura and Hihara returning Tsukimori’s school blazer. However, this time, knew it was different.

 

Seeing and Len’s expression, Hamai Misa smiled secretly in perceptiveness. Although her son had not mentioned a word about his relationship with , but to a mother, it was not hard to see what progress her son had made with . Most of all, throughout her son’s life, not once had he invited a friend over, so Hamai Misa knew immediately how important was to her son, Len.

 

Noticing the smile on his mother’s face, Tsukimori turned and explained. “ and I will be practicing piano in my room. She had decided to enter the music faculty of Seiso University, so she would like to learn another instrument.”

 

“I am sure you will be a good teacher, Len.” With a beautiful smile, Hamai Misa replied. Turning to , she added. “I also have some piano lesson books that Len used to use when he was a child, I will ask Len to hand them to you too.” Knowing her presence will only make more nervous and embarrassed, Hamai Misa left the two youngsters to be.

 

When they were finally alone, gently reaching out his hand, Tsukimori held ’s tiny soft hand in his own as he led the way. “Let’s go.”

 

’s heartbeat was already rapid the moment she entered the Tsukimori residence, now feeling Len’s big warm hands holding onto her own was making it worse. Despite that, still hoped Tsukimori would not let go of her hand. She liked to hold hands with Tsukimori, it was always like a silent confirmation that he will protect her and he was beside her.

 

Every weekend and everyday after school, would learn to play the piano in Tsukimori’s bedroom. It first amazed how Tsukimori’s room was big enough for a piano, but Tsukimori explained since he would usually practice til late, his parents thought it would help if he had a piano in his own room.

 

Just as Hamai Misa said, Tsukimori turned out to be a very good teacher. It was amazing how he was so intolerant toward others, yet when he was with , he taught her in a most clear, patient way. Only a month from her first piano lesson, already, was able to play a few simple Bach pieces.

 

“Chopin?”

 

Nodding, smiled as she pleaded. “I know it is still too hard for me to play Chopin’s pieces, but I know Chopin songs were only meant for piano, and I have always loved them. And not being able to play them on the violin, I really wanted to be able to play it on the piano.”

 

Walking up to the bookshelf, Tsukimori took a book off the shelf as he flipped to a page. “In that case, you can try this piece. Although it is one of the easier Chopin pieces, but you would still need to practice twice as hard to be able to master this piece.”

 

“Thank you Len! Thank you so much!” In joy immediately placed the music on the piano. Swallowing a big gulp of saliva, discovered that it was indeed a lot harder than the Bach practice pieces she learned before.

 

“You play the right hand notes, and I will play the left hand with you.” Sitting down on the long piano stool next to , Tsukimori instructed. Although the piece may be a little too hard for at the moment, but since Tsukimori assisted her in the left hand accompaniment, managed to play the main melody in a slow yet smooth way.

 

To her joy, when Tsukimori’s harmony joined ’s main melody, a most famous and familiar tune was produced. Unable to believe that she was able to also perform a famous Chopin piece, concentrated harder to make sure she wouldn’t drag Tsukimori’s left hand harmony down. Unfortunately, when she came to the next page, when the keys made a sudden change, found it hard to follow.

 

“Here, use the second finger instead of the third, and you will be able to follow on.” Gently, Tsukimori advised.

 

“The second instead of the third…” repeated to herself as she tried to play the tune switching her fingers as Tsukimori instructed. Unfortunately, when she switched the fingers, realised she had lost the rest of the flow.

 

“No, it’s like this…”

 

To surprise, Tsukimori’s right arm came around her shoulder as he overlapped her hand with his own. Immediately found her heart thumping hard and her face turning hotter when she felt Tsukimori’s breathing right next to her. Not sure if Tsukimori knew the effect he had on , Tsukimori moved ’s fingers along the piano keys as he continued to explain. “Use the second finger here and now switch to the thumb and over to the second again…” Finally as if he also discovered how close the two bodies were against each other, Tsukimori stopped suddenly. noticed that Tsukimori did not move away, but instead, his hand that was holding onto her own tightened.

 

Unable to make out a word, found herself leaning deeper into Tsukimori’s embrace responding to the heat that came from Tsukimori’s body making her dizzy and taking away her consciousness.

 

It had been more than a month since they have become a couple, although both Tsukimori and had tried to spend every moment together, but Tsukimori had always been a gentleman and never was he this close physically to .

 

Tsukimori was surprised with his own action too when he held ’s soft tiny body in his arms. Worried that he had frightened , Tsukimori was about to quickly let go of her when totally unexpected, responded and leaned deeper into his bosom. To make it worse, the slight natural fragrance that came through her hair, and the warmth from her soft tiny body transmitted directly onto his own, threw his remaining logic out the door.

 

Leaning down, Tsukimori’s lips landed softly against ’s soft cheek. To his horror, that soft little touch seemed to have released something more from within him as out of his control, he found his lips moving softly from ’s cheek onto her forehead. In obedience and without any sign of struggle, slowly closed her eyes as she allowed Tsukimori to kiss her so gently, so lovingly. As if the temperature in the room had suddenly heated up, and Tsukimori’s kisses were like magic that took away her strength, ’s fingers overlapped Tsukimori’s that were on her hand as she allowed Tsukimori’s lips to kiss her eyelids, and then finally…her lips.

 

When the two lips touched, felt her body sinking, and time had stopped around her. No longer were their minds in control when Tsukimori and responded to each other’s kisses, longing to be closer, to be more intimate. Unnoticed let out a soft sigh between the kisses when she discovered for the first time, how strong and passionate love could be. As if Tsukimori felt the same way, his arms held her tighter as he leaned in deeper, kissing with the passion he never knew he had.

 

Just when thought she was really about to faint from the heat and craze, she sensed Tsukimori left her lips. Holding her tightly in his arms, Tsukimori whispered gently and deeply, “I love you ...”

 

Although as usual Tsukimori did not say much, but upon such sincere tone, felt tears filled her eyes as she also held Tsukimori tight. “Me too, Len. Originally I blamed Lili for bringing me into the music concur, but now I really thank him with all my heart. It was because of Lili, I have come to know music, and now, I have met you Len…”

 

Feeling his heart moved in great compassion with ’s sweet confession, Tsukimori leaned down once again as he kissed ’s forehead with love. Smiling in bliss, closed her eyes and enjoyed the love only Tsukimori could give her.

 

Unfortunately, when felt she was in heaven, and could not be happier, a thought popped into her head and made her shiver. But will this happiness last? The deeper you fall in now, the harsher it would be on the day when Len leaves for Vienna.

 

Noticing the soft tiny body in his arms shook a little, in concern Tsukimori asked. “? What’s wrong?”

 

Quickly shaking her head, responded with a smile. “Nothing, nothing’s wrong.”

 

Although said there was nothing wrong, from deep inside, Tsukimori kind of knew what was thinking. When the thought of leaving her entered his mind, an indescribable pain and misery struck him. But why should he feel this way? When he made the decision to study abroad, he already knew such choice required his whole being.

 

Not knowing how long he would spend studying in Vienna, how could he ask to sacrifice her future for him? As much as he desired after , Tsukimori realised he could not ask her to wait for him. But was it really that bad to be selfish for once? Would really despise him if he had asked her to wait for him?

 

With both their minds in such chaos and confusion, and Tsukimori continued on normally in the next few weeks as they have always had. Hoping not to be reminded of the day when they finally had to be parted, neither of the two ever mentioned the topic again.

 

One Saturday morning, as usual came to learn piano at Tsukimori’s house. Opening the door to welcome her arrival was Hamai Misa again. Although by now was not as nervous as when she visited for the first time, still with a quick polite bow greeted. “Good morning, sorry to bother you again.”

 

“Not at all, do come in.” With an elegant smile, Hamai Misa invited in. “Len is in his room, so just head straight up.”

 

Feeling her cheeks turning hot in embarrassment, with a nod and shy smile, headed up the stairs for Len’s room. Knocking gently on the door, called softly. “Len, it’s me.”

 

“?” Tsukimori’s voice came from inside. “Come in.”

 

Opening the door, to ’s surprise, she found cardboard boxes all over the room, and Tsukimori was standing in front of the bookshelves placing some books into one of the empty boxes.

 

“This is…?”

 

“I am just packing,” While looking through his bookshelf Tsukimori explained. “Since I do not know how long I will be in Vienna, so I am not sure what things I will need.”

 

Sensing a prick in her heart, asked, “You know your departure date already?”

 

Tsukimori did not answer ’s question. Silently putting the books in his hand into the box, Tsukimori finally gave a nod. As if a lightning struck her, felt darkness came upon her. Although knowing this day will eventually come, but when it actually happened, it was a harsher blow than had ever imagined.

 

“Wh…when…what is the date?”

 

“Next Wednesday…” Tsukimori replied softly as if it will also ease the pain in both their hearts. Noticing how pale and white ’s face had become, Tsukimori walked up to her. “, I…”

 

“Wow, so soon!” To Tsukimori’s surprise interrupted with a big smile. “In that case I guess there isn’t much time left to pack. Need a hand?”

 

Seeing ’s reaction, Tsukimori kept quiet. Maybe it was best not to talk about it. Tsukimori had a feeling that both of them were not ready to face it yet. Although both and Tsukimori conversed normally as if nothing had happened, helping Tsukimori pack away the boxes, help him decide what to take and what not, there was an awkwardness travelling in the air.

 

“We have run out of sticky tape.” said as she helped sealed up on of the boxes.

 

Standing up from where he was, Tsukimori said. “I will go get some more from my father’s office downstairs.”

 

After Tsukimori left the room, let out a deep breath as she closed her eyes. She must smile, she must not become a burden for Len. Len had mentioned already that to him, music requires his whole being, and therefore he was ready to study abroad and pursue music despite the sacrifices.

 

While was still trying to convince herself to stay strong, she saw a few rolls of sticky tapes covered underneath one of the books. Knowing that they actually have more sticky tapes here already, went out the door after Tsukimori to call him back.

 

“Len, have you really set your mind now to go to Vienna? What about -chan?” As walked along the corridor, she heard Hamai Misa’s voice. Since her name was mentioned, as a reflex stopped moving and stood still while she listened on.

 

“ is…” heard Tsukimori replied, after a pause, he added. “I have made up my mind to pursue music further in Vienna before I have met her. So her presence will not interfere with my study.”

 

Although Tsukimori’s voice was calm and cold as usual, to it was like thunder that hit her head on. Although she knew Tsukimori always had an absolute and determined attitude towards music, but it was devastating to know that her presence meant nothing to him. She had hoped that maybe somehow and somewhere within Tsukimori, she would be as important to him as he was to her. Not wanting to hear anymore cruel words, ran quickly back into Tsukimori’s bedroom. Not knowing that was outside of course, the two people continued the conversation.

 

With a sigh, Hamai Misa shook her head. “No Len, that’s not what I meant. I have no doubt that you will concentrate on your study abroad. But have you left -chan any promise?” In an even tender tone, Hamai Misa added. “You are my son, Len. I know you have never bothered to waste time or emotions on anything else other than music. However in the past few days, I could tell how much she means to you. I am sure even if you have gone to Europe, your heart will think of her every single day right?”

 

Tsukimori did not respond knowing her mother was right. He had known , captivated by her in every way; there never could be another girl that would mean as much to him as ever could. Finally with a sigh, Tsukimori replied. “ is…she is not like me. My whole life had been just music, the same thing after another, day after day. I could live with loneliness but I cannot place the same requirement on her. She will need someone to protect her, be there with her when she is happy, be there for her when she is upset. But since I am in another country, how could I be that person?”

 

“Len…”

 

“I have nothing more to say.” Not wanting to dwell further on this topic, Tsukimori gave his mother a nod as he left the room. Closing his eyes, Tsukimori let out a deep sigh. Maybe in everyone’s eyes, he was a cruel, heartless person. But he knew, this was the best for . If he could not be there for her, he must not place the burden and restraint on her future.

 

Returning to his room, he found sealing up another box. Upon his return, she smiled. “I found some more sticky tapes in your room, so I just went ahead sealed up another box for you.”

 

“Thank you,” Sitting down on the floor next to , Tsukimori helped placed pressure on the box so it would be easier for to seal the box. When suddenly, Tsukimori noticed droplets of tears rolled down ’s beautiful face as the tears landed drop by drop onto the box.

 

“…??”

 

Unable to pretend anymore, broke into tears as she sobbed. “I can’t do it anymore, Len…I can’t…” Covering her face wept bitterly. “I am so sorry…Len, I can’t go on like this. If you are not beside me, I will feel insecure, doubting whether you have forgotten about me. I can’t imagine spending days thinking about you not knowing whether you will return to me…”

 

Tsukimori did not know what to say as he felt his heart tore into pieces seeing weeping so bitterly. He had known that no matter what happened, even when all the strings broke on her violin in the middle of the concur, even when everyone attacked her of her music, never shed a tear. She always worked harder, endeavouring to smile for others. How ironic that it was him that finally broke . He was supposed to be the man that protects her from harm, yet he was the man that caused to weep like this.

 

“I am sorry, .”

 

’s whole body jumped when she heard Tsukimori apologised. Looking away, Tsukimori whispered trying his best to endure the indescribable pain within him. “I did not know I hurt you so badly…if I,” Secretly taking a deep breath Tsukimori finally said. “If I am not the person to make you smile, I am sure there will be another.”

 

Tears once again flooded down ’s face with Tsukimori’s words. No, this was not the kind of things she wanted to hear from him. She only wanted to know that Tsukimori would miss her and think of her while he was in Vienna. It did not matter how long she had to wait, as long as she knew Tsukimori loves her, she was willing. Unfortunately Tsukimori did not give her the words she wanted hear, instead, with a soft sigh, Tsukimori whispered. “I will take you home now.”

 

The entire walk back home was in silence. Although her heart was wounded in despair, knew what she had to do. Just before Tsukimori turned to leave after he escorted to her front door, stopped him.

 

“Len,” Not able to look into his eyes, said softly, for she had no more strength left. “I think it is best for the both of us if we do not contact each other anymore.”

 

Tsukimori kept silent as he finally turned and gave a smile. “I understand.”

 

Returning to her bedroom, collapsed onto the floor as once again tears rolled down her face like mad. Wrapping her legs with her arms, locked herself in the room and wept for several hours. All she knew was, she had lost Len’s love, and this pain within was unbearable.

 

There was also another that experienced the same agonising pain. After ran inside the house, Tsukimori did not leave as he stood outside the house, just underneath ’s bedroom window…

 

 

---

 

 

Yes, three years ago, before he left for Vienna, that was Tsukimori’s last memory of . How she wept so bitterly before him pleading him not to contact her anymore. They were like strangers even until the day of his departure. As they never had classes together, and since they were both avoiding each other, there was no chance of seeing each other.

 

Well, it was better that way for Tsukimori anyway. Knowing how deeply he had hurt , how could he face her? Returning once again to Japan with his teacher Maestro Schinkel this time, Tsukimori was glad to see smile again. He was glad that because he had not contacted her, he had not bothered her, she could be happy again. From what Amou said last night at the party, and from both Hihara and ’s expressions, he knew it was Hihara that could give what he could not.

 

Holding Hihara’s phone tightly in his hand, Tsukimori knew what to do. Walking out the door, he found Hihara still running all over the place looking for . “Hihara senpai,”

 

Hihara held onto his head in frustration when he saw Tsukimori approached him. “I can’t find -chan, she must be very upset.”

 

“I am sure any misunderstandings between the both of you will be solved.” Tsukimori replied as he handed the phone to Hihara. “I believe this is yours?”

 

With Tsukimori’s question, Hihara blushed and panicked immediately when he remembered that there was the sticky photo of him and on it, and Tsukimori must have seen it! “Ah, Tsukimori, you saw the sticker photo right? That…well, that was, I mean,”

 

“You do not need to explain, Hihara senpai.” Without showing any emotion, Tsukimori interrupted. “It is none of my business who you take sticker photo with.”

 

Not expecting that response from Tsukimori, Hihara stopped all of a sudden. “What? You mean, you didn’t mind that -chan…”

 

“Hihara senpai,” Tsukimori stopped Hihara before he went on further. “I am here to assist my teacher to ensure this major production would be successful. I do not have time to waste minding people’s business.”

 

A little shocked with how cold Tsukimori was, Hihara asked in anger. “You are saying that you do not care about -chan at all? After all these time, after how you have hurt her, you are just going to pretend nothing ever happened?!”

 

His face still stern and cold, Tsukimori replied. “Nothing ever happened. And if there was nothing else, I need to return to practice.” Before he turned and walked away, Tsukimori added. “Don’t forget that both you and need to show for the practice too. Do not be late.”

 

Hihara felt anger aroused within at how heartless Tsukimori was towards . Immediately a courage that Hihara did not know he had whirled up in him as he called out to Tsukimori. “If that is the kind of heart you have towards her, then you do not deserve her!”

 

Although sensing a pricking pain in his heart with what Hihara said, not letting the slightest sign show on his face, Tsukimori walked off pretending he did not hear any of it. That is right, he knew he never deserved her, for how could someone that makes weep so miserably like that ever be her match…?

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[i] This going to school together was an actual event from the game Kiniro no Corda 2.

[ii] Tsukimori Len’s mother Hamai Misa is a famous world class pianist. She was Tsuchiura’s inspiration and idol, and as mentioned in chapter 2, she was also Urahara Miyako, Yunoki’s fiancée's piano teacher