Chapter Three

 

Kaji Aoi was a man with a gift.

 

It was not the kind of musical gift that Tsukimori, , or the rest of the group had. To be quite honest, Kaji Aoi failed at being a successful musician. Compared to the rest of the ensemble group, he always had to practice twice as hard in order to cope with the progress of the ensemble.

 

He knew he was never a talented musician right from the beginning.

 

When Kaji was small, the first music instrument he learned was the violin. Not knowing his limits, Kaji happily attended the Annual Junior Music Eisteddfod. There he was defeated, mercilessly by a boy of his own age, a very talented, brilliant child who performed at a standard that exceeded by far what you would have expected from a child.

 

After the cruel defeat, Kaji never picked up the violin again. Instead, he became a violist, maybe because, viola was more known as a supporting instrument, so Kaji could still be a musician, but he would not have to compete. He would just be the background voice, better not to be noticed.

 

Despite the fact Kaji Aoi may not make it for a brilliant musician, he had the gift and ability that no one else in the ensemble group inherited. It was the gift of hearing.

 

With his perfect hearing, Kaji could tell a good music from what was not. That was why when he accidentally overheard ’s practice three years ago, he knew it was the music he had been looking for. Standing there amongst the gathered crowd, Kaji’s entire being was captivated and mesmerized by .

 

You could probably call it love at first sight. Although Kaji did not know who the performer was, but still, Kaji knew, she was the one.

 

Day after day, Kaji returned to Rinkai Park, where he first met her, hoping to hear her perform again. It was lucky for Kaji that the mysterious girl returned not many days later. This time from her school uniform, Kaji learned that this wonderful musician attended schooling at Seiso Gakuin.

 

Immediately and without hesitation, Kaji made arrangements to transfer out from his current elite, prestige school into Seiso Gakuin. Such decision was of course frowned upon and opposed by his family, but Kaji’s father supported his son’s idea.

 

“It would be good for Aoi to see things from a different view. It will help him grow.”

 

With elation, Kaji Aoi enrolled into Seiso Gakuin half way through second year of senior high school, a very odd time to be transferring for any student preparing for a university entrance exam the following year. However to Kaji it did not matter. He thought his life was starting to go uphill when he was the lucky boy that sat next to in class.

 

 

With his limited ability in music, Kaji was most joyous when invited him to join the ensemble. Hoping not to drag the whole team down, Kaji would always secretly practice harder than anyone. Unfortunately it only appeared clearer to Kaji that no matter how hard he worked, he could never be like the others in the group.

 

The torture for Kaji did not end there however. It was at the ensemble Kaji Aoi met the same boy that defeated him in the Junior Music Eisteddfod many years ago, Tsukimori Len.

 

“Kaji, are you serious about being in this ensemble?” In a strict and cold manner, Tsukimori put down his violin and asked in displease. “You made so many mistakes throughout the practice.”

 

Feeling a prick in his heart, Kaji quickly laughed along. “Yeah, you’re right. The viola was killing the entire ensemble. But that part was kind of hard…”

 

Unfortunately Kaji’s words only seemed to provoke Tsukimori further as in an unyielding tone, Tsukimori replied. “If you thought the music was too difficult for you, doesn’t it mean that you just have to work harder?”

 

It was at such a low, depressed moment like this, approached Kaji. It did not seem to bother her that he was not a great musician and he was dragging the whole group down. Instead, with a warm, kind and understanding smile, encouraged him.

 

“I really love music,” would smile and say. “Unlike the rest of the group, I did not know music until recently. There were of course times when I thought I couldn’t go on, but when I realised how deeply in love I am with music, I wanted to spread the joy of music to as many as possible.”

 

Looking at ’s beautiful smile, Kaji felt that he had fallen for her all over again. Endeavouring to keep that smile on ’s face, Kaji worked even harder. Everyday after school and after the ensemble rehearsal, he would practice in secret so that no one would see. If his original effort were not enough, he would just have to work twice as hard!

 

“You have indeed spread the joy, -san.” Smiling in return Kaji replied. “That is why I am your fan!”

 

Blushing with Kaji’s words, complained. “Kaji-kun, stop teasing me already. You and I both know that compared to everyone else, I am such an amateur. “

 

“That’s not true, -san.” Kaji insisted. “Although I may not make a brilliant musician. But I have perfect hearing. I know your music is although still raw, but there is something special, something marvellous that I have never heard before.”

 

“Really?” In embarrassment, asked quickly hoping to take the emphasis off her. “Does that mean you can understand everyone else’s music as well?”

 

Nodding, Kaji started to interpret what he had learned. “Tsukimori’s music was of course perfect, extraordinary, highly skilled, and already a musical genius, he still worked harder than anyone. I really respect his attitude towards music.

 

Shimizu inherits perfect skills like Tsukimori. He could precisely play any piece like how it was written on the textbooks, and the fact that he was always seeking to learn more really impressed me.

 

Fuyumi-chan’s music although sounded soft and timid, but it is one of the most beautiful performances I have ever heard. She just needs to boost up her confidence, and it would be perfect!

 

Tsuchiura’s piano performance although outwardly appeared powerful and strong, yet I could hear the smallest detail and preciseness that he input into his performance. In a way, he is very similar to Tsukimori also. Despite having the talent, Tsuchiura worked hard to achieve his skills.

 

Oh, and Hihara-san’s music always made me smile. It was the kind of music that can touch people’s heart, because you could tell Hihara-san really enjoyed it, and his joy was able to influence those around him.”

 

Nodding, must admit that she agreed with Kaji’s interpretation. In curiosity, asked. “How about Yunoki senpai?”

 

“Yunoki-san?” To ’s surprise, Kaji hesitated a little upon her question. Then squeezing out a smile he asked instead. “Err…that flute Yunoki-san has was quite an expensive flute wasn’t it?”

 

“Yes, I think it was.” nodded, but in astonishment she asked quickly. “You don’t think Yunoki senpai’s music is beautiful?”

 

“No, no, that’s not what I meant.” Kaji justified quickly. “Of course Yunoki-san’s music is beautiful. He is as talented and skilful as the rest, it’s just that…” Pausing, Kaji did not know how to best describe the odd impression he had with Yunoki’s music. “I don’t know, but whenever I listened to Yunoki-san’s performance, it felt kind of like, err…you know, like he is glaring at you? There was something dark and bitter beneath that beautiful sound…”

 

“Really? It’s sad to know that my music gave people that kind of feeling.”

 

Before answered, a familiar voice appeared from behind Kaji. All the blood in Kaji’s body immediately rushed to his feet in terror when he recognised the owner of the voice. Feeling cold sweat in his palms, with few dry laughter Kaji whispered to . “Is…is Yunoki-san standing behind me?”

 

“I have tried my best to perform, but if my music really gave people that feeling, I must say, I am really saddened.” Pretending he did not see the fear in Kaji’s eyes, Yunoki sighed as sorrow painted his face.

 

“Err, I, I must have been wrong.” Quickly turning around, Kaji explained. “I am sure Yunoki-san’s music is wonderful, so ignore what I just said. Anyway, I got to go!” Like fleeing from there, Kaji gave Yunoki a bow and quickly ran off.

 

“That Kaji is one arrogant prick.” After it was only Yunoki and left, immediately the smile faded from Yunoki’s face as he turned to in irritation. “Especially the way he wags his tail around you like a puppy dog…” Stopping, Yunoki concluded with a smirk. “Maybe I should squash him before he grew wings...”

 

Not knowing what to say, laughed along. Deep inside, must say, Kaji indeed has perfect hearing. He was a hundred percent right about Yunoki!

 

 

---

 

 

So, that small incident triggered a long prolonged cold war between Yunoki Azuma and Kaji Aoi. Unlike everyone else, that is, every single person that studied in Seiso Gakuin, Kaji Aoi was the only person who did not seem to buy Yunoki’s forever-perfect gentle smile.

 

Yunoki knew that of course and to him, Kaji Aoi’s presence was like a thorn in the side. Now they have all grown up, unfortunately like a cruel joke, Yunoki and Kaji ended up in the same university.

 

“Kaji-san, you’re the best!”

 

“Kaji-san!!!!!!!!!”

 

A mocking smile crept onto Yunoki’s lips as he watched the girls screaming and cheering around the campus tennis court. In the middle of the court was a tall youth with beautiful green emerald eyes returning every shot coming at him in a most skilful way. In a polite manner, the youth nodded and smiled in return to the girls only to cause more screaming and cheering from his female audience.

 

“Kaji-san,” Yunoki saw one of the girls approached the youth as he walked out of the tennis court at the end of the game. In a sweet smile, the girl lowered her head and stuttered in embarrassment. “I…I was…wondering if…”

 

Yunoki knew immediately what kind of scenario was happening, maybe because he himself had too many similar experiences. “Thank you for flattering me like this,” As expected, Yunoki saw Kaji Aoi apologised with a charming smile after the girl had confessed. “But I am really not the kind of person you are looking for…”

 

“I knew you would reject me…” The girl sobbed and interrupted before Kaji could finish the sentence. “Everyone said you already had a girlfriend.”

 

“That’s not true,” Kaji replied still in his kind gentle smile. “You have been misinformed.”

 

“You…you don’t have a girlfriend?”

 

“There is a girl, but she is not my girlfriend.” Kaji replied as a blissful smile came onto his stunningly handsome face. “She is a wonderful, fantastic person. Although this admiration was only one way, from me to her of course, but I believe I will continue to admire and adore her for the many years to come.”

 

In sadness, the girl sobbed as she turned and ran off. Not expecting Yunoki to be standing there, the girl covered her mouth in shock and embarrassment. However, as smooth and polite as he always was, Yunoki gently handed the girl a handkerchief. “Here, please use this.”

 

“Thank…thank you Yunoki-san!” Immediately, the sadness on the girl’s face was replaced with indescribable joy for she could never imagine being rejected by Kaji Aoi could win her Yunoki Azuma’s handkerchief! Knowing she won herself a pretty good deal, the girl skipped off in joy.

 

“A polite gentleman as always, Yunoki-san.” Kaji gave Yunoki a smile. “Sorry to have to let you see that embarrassing scene.”

 

Unmoved, Yunoki replied Kaji also with a smile. “It’s a pity such a popular person like you would decline all these admirations over a girl you knew that does not love you.” Pausing, The smile on Yunoki’s face deepened as he added. “That girl you were referring to, I believe her to be -san?”

 

Kaji knew Yunoki’s simple question was of a deeper meaning. He noticed a slight challenging, displeased tone in Yunoki’s voice. And why would Yunoki show such unpleasant attitude towards him when was mentioned? Kaji knew, there was only one reason.

 

“Of course the girl I referred to was -san. She was the reason I transferred to Seiso Gakuin in the first place.” To Yunoki’s surprise, Kaji made no attempt to deny as he replied shamelessly. “It was love at first sight. Everything about her mesmerised me.”

 

“I see,” Yunoki nodded, the smile still has not left his beautiful face. “Are you really satisfied with just being a friend and admirer that you never planned to make a move?”

 

“No.” Shaking his head Kaji replied. “I knew that I was never good enough for her, so I would not even dream about being the match of her life. However,” Kaji stopped as the smile left his face. “I have determined to make sure I would do anything to protect her from pests that try to go anywhere near her.”

 

“Pests?” An icy coldness came upon Yunoki’s face upon what Kaji said. “Would you care to enlighten me?”

 

Not at all intimidated by the black aura shooting out from Yunoki, Kaji continued. “Such as engaged man who could not fight for what they want, or man who walked out on her years ago.”

 

“Walked out on her?” As if he did not hear the sarcasm aimed at him in the first part of Kaji’s sentence, Yunoki asked instead. “Was it Tsukimori that you were referring to?”

 

Kaji did not respond to Yunoki’s question, as he kept quiet. Three years ago, he had already noticed the change in Tsukimori’s music as time went on. Initially, Tsukimori’s music was, sharp, skilled, yet it lacked the power that could move people’s heart. However, as all of them assisted in the ensemble, Kaji noticed the change in Tsukimori’s music. Whenever he practiced with , Tsukimori’s music transcended into another level. What astonished Kaji the most was that this change was not one-way but mutual. Whenever and Tsukimori performed together, there was such a bond, a connection that spoke clearly to Kaji of their mutual attraction.

 

Knowing although a cold, unfriendly person, Tsukimori was more sincere and absolute to what he was passionate about than anyone, Kaji believed Tsukimori’s love towards would be the same. Unfortunately it appeared Kaji was wrong when Tsukimori abandoned and went to Vienna.

 

It destroyed Kaji when he saw how tried so hard to stand strong when deep inside she was so hurt and devastated with Tsukimori’s departure. It was at the lowest times, Kaji noticed one person that stood by selflessly and brought her through. That person endeavoured to make smile again, and his energy and cheerfulness really placed that genuine smile and happiness back on ’s face again.

 

Finally turning his eyes to look at Yunoki, Kaji stated in determination. “-san’s happiness means everything to me. She was hurt three years ago, but now finally she was able to smile again, I don’t want her to lose that.” Stopping, Kaji added. “No one should come in between -san and Hihara-san, not you, or even Tsukimori.”

 

With Kaji’s open challenge, Yunoki’s beautiful eyebrow lifted a little. If it was a battle that Kaji had declared against him, with gladness will he take it.

 

 

---

 

 

Feeling her heart heavy, let out a sigh as she left the train station heading towards the concert hall where their daily orchestra practice was held. Although it was just another day of the routine orchestra practice, knew it was no longer the same.

 

First of all, the man that occupied her entire being three years ago had once again returned to her life. Whether liked it or not, that man would be there at the practice, performing with her just like how they once did three years ago. Unfortunately that anticipation and joy from long ago had now turned into bitterness and dread. Knowing Tsukimori would remain only for a short time, did not want to be hurt again. Seeing the person you love walked out of your life once was enough, did not want to taste that devastation again.

 

The second difference was, arrived the concert hall today alone. Week after week, it had been so normal and natural that Hihara would accompany her to the practice together. Unfortunately, the person that would greet her with a warm, cheerful smile first thing in the morning was not there when she arrived campus this morning. Throughout the day, no matter where ’s searched, that familiar, tall figure was nowhere to be found.

 

Of course and Hihara did not have prior arrangements to meet up on campus, so there was nothing odd if did not see him today. Still, could not help but hold the thought that Hihara was avoiding her. Especially the look of sadness on Hihara’s face last night when he asked Tsukimori to walk her home, it was not hard to see what Hihara was thinking.

 

Yunoki once told that Hihara was like a piece of white paper. Whatever was going through his mind, it would reflect straight away on his face. was not foolish and noticed the change in Hihara occurred upon Tsukimori’s sudden return. With that, was confirmed, Hihara knew about her past relation with Tsukimori.

 

With another sigh, gently opened the door to one of the preparation rooms. To her surprise, the moment she opened the door, she saw the face of the person that she was looking for all day.

 

“Ah…-chan…” Immediately the look of sadness came on Hihara’s face, as he looked away avoiding ’s eyes.

 

“Hihara…senpai.” greeted softly not knowing what to say.

 

Upon the way addressed him, Hihara felt his heart sank as despair took over. The night when called him ‘Kazuki senpai’, where he thought their relationship had taken a step closer had now returned to it’s starting point. To , he was nothing more than a senior, a friend. Therefore, the best thing he could do was to step aside now, his desire to have as his girlfriend must be abandoned.

 

Quickly squeezing out a smile, Hihara said in abnormal cheerfulness. ‘It’s wonderful isn’t it that Tsukimori has returned! He is now a most successful, brilliant violinist and was entrusted with such an important role as the first seater of the first violinists. That’s why…” Stopping, Hihara felt his heart bled as he clenched his fists tight. “That is why -chan, the request I made earlier…please pretend it never happened.”

 

Although Hihara’s voice toward the end of the sentence was soft, hardly audible, still to it felt like a lightning had hit her. Hearing her own voice shaking, replied. “Tsukimori-kun and I…we are not…” Unable to continue further, apologised. “I am sorry, I…I suddenly remembered something, I…I will be back later.” Before Hihara could stop her, ran quickly out the room frightened Hihara would see her tears.

 

“-chan!” Hihara stood up from where he was when he saw the look in ’s eyes just before she ran out of the room. Self-hatred and frustration immediately flooded Hihara as he collapsed back into the seat. What had he done? How could he upset like that?! No matter what happened, had always smiled for him, and yet he managed to take that away from her!

 

Slowly taking out his mobile phone, Hihara felt his heart twitched in pain when he saw the sticker photo that and he took when they went on their “first date.” On the photo, was smiling, she was happy…

 

When at this time, the door opened as a person entered the room.

 

As a reflex, Hihara immediately hid the phone behind him as he looked up quickly. However when he saw the face of the person, Hihara greeted with a weak smile, “Hi…Tsukimori.”

 

“Good afternoon Hihara senpai,” Not knowing the storm that occurred in the room before his entrance of course, Tsukimori greeted calmly as he placed the violin case gently on the table.

 

“Err…Tsukimori,’ Hihara stuttered, his head remained low. “Did…did you see -chan on your way here?”

 

“…?” Not showing any sign of emotions, Tsukimori replied simply. “No, I haven’t.”

 

“I see…” Hihara held onto his head in frustration. What had he done? How could he say that to ? Sinking his head deep into his hands, Hihara asked the questions again and again inside him.

 

“…Something happened?” Unstirred and without looking, Tsukimori calmly took the violin out of its case as he asked. To Tsukimori’s surprise, Hihara suddenly stood up from where he was.

 

“I…I will go look for her!” Without wasting a single second there, Hihara ran quickly out the door after .

 

Finally when it was no one left in the room, slowly Tsukimori turned around as his eyes also looked towards the door. Although he knew not what had happened before he entered the room, but from Hihara’s reaction, Tsukimori knew it was related to . Something had gone wrong, and must have stormed out the door.

 

At this time, something on the chair caught Tsukimori’s eyes. Walking up to it, Tsukimori found it to be a mobile phone. Although suspecting it probably was Hihara’s property he had accidentally left behind, to be sure, Tsukimori picked it up.

 

Tsukimori sensed his heart ached when he saw the sticker photo on the back of the phone. On the photo, together with Hihara, was smiling. It was so different to what Tsukimori remembered of . Together with him, did not smile, rather, she was weeping…