Chapter Six

 

felt her life had been turned upside down in the past few days. Too many unforeseen, outrageous, unpredictable incidents happened in her surroundings, wasn’t sure she was able to handle all the changes.

 

First of all, due to the unexpected return of her first love Tsukimori Len, Hihara Kazuki, ’s closest friend and senior started to maintain a distance from her. No, of course they were still good friends, but there was no denying Hihara had recently preferred to spend more time with his friends than he would with her. knew she must have broken Hihara’s heart and therefore she would not blame him for wanting some time away from her.

 

Then comes Kaji Aoi, another close friend, out of the blue, caught unaware and confessed his affections to her. The good thing was though; Kaji had not expected anything in return. He had only wanted to let know his heart, for he knew ’s hidden secret, how her heart still has feelings for the man she once loved three years ago, Tsukimori Len.

 

Although in denial, knew Kaji was right.

 

Look at her! The moment the name Tsukimori Len popped up in her mind, felt her heartbeat increased, and her mind in such a big mess. Most of all, when she was reminded of the ‘accident’ that night, could literally feel steam coming out of the top of her head! Why was it when she had finally decided to let go and move on, something like this had to happen?! Although it was only the slight touch of their lips, it was enough to carve a deep impression into her memory. was reminded of the touch of Tsukimori’s kiss three years ago, the intimacy and loving bond she once shared with him.

 

Still, all these were in no comparison to the absurd, illogical, unfounded action Yunoki Azuma took against her that night.

 

Arghh!! Wanting to pull her hair out, felt she was going to die even to be reminded of it. Although it was not her first kiss, but it was nothing like had ever experienced. It was passionate, lustful, a contentment purely physical. covered her mouth in embarrassment and shame with the recognition that against her will and preference, her body had actually taken pleasure in the act, reminiscing over every detail of it even now.

 

No! It was not a kiss!

 

wrapped her arms around herself and shook her head madly. It was purely an act to concur, a point Yunoki wanted to make. It meant nothing to the both of them! Unfortunately, discovered, against her own will, whatever Yunoki did to her that night had a greater impact on than she had liked.

 

“Ah, -san, going to the orchestra practice now?” As was walking towards the school gate, coming from behind her a classmate asked.

 

“Well, I…” lowered her head and took a look at the violin case in her hand. To be honest, had not the slightest desire to go to the practice today. How was she going to face Kaji, Tsukimori, and…Yu…

 

Wahhhh!!! wanted to bang her head against the wall even to have that name pop up in her mind.

 

“Hey, -san, look! That guy standing at the school gate is so cute!” While was in her mental disaster, her classmate suddenly elbowed her in tease and whispered.

 

“You’re right, he really is!” Another girl joined in. “Wow, and he has a bunch of flowers! I wonder whom he came for? Lucky girl!”

 

Following the direction her classmates were pointing to, ’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw the man’s face. Noticing the focuses on him, the man standing at the gate turned around and when his eyes met up with ’s, a beautiful smile came onto his already stunningly handsome face. Immediately walking towards in eagerness, the man greeted. “Good afternoon, -san. How were your classes today?”

 

“Kaji-kun! How come you are here?” could not help but asked in astonishment. Knowing Kaji studies in Keio University in Tokyo, it was rare for him to suddenly appear at her university in Yokohama[i].

 

“You know him, -san?” As expected, the girls that were admiring Kaji’s charm a while ago asked in envy when they discovered the lucky girl they were referring to, was apparently .

 

“Ah, are you both -san’s classmates?” Immediately greeting in politeness, Kaji beamed in charm. “My name is Kaji Aoi, nice to meet you.”

 

“Nice, nice to meet you!” Unable to handle the beautiful attractive smile, the two girls quickly lowered their heads in shyness.

 

Turning back to , Kaji asked. “Shall we go?”

 

“Go?” blinked.

 

“To the orchestra practice.” Kaji replied. “You have finished class for the day right?”

 

Nodding to Kaji’s question, asked in curiosity. “Have you finished for the day as well? You must have finished early today to be able to rush here from Tokyo.”

 

“Fufu…no, I didn’t come from Tokyo.” Kaji smiled. “For the next few weeks we are on our prac session, so I will be attending classes at the nominated hospitals here in Yokohama instead of on the Keio Campus.”

 

“Oh wow, that is something different.” replied. “You must be excited.”

 

“Yes I am,” A mysterious smile came onto Kaji’s face. “Oh yeah, before I forget,” Kaji said quickly as he passed the bunch of flowers in his hand to . “These are for you, -san.”

 

“For me? How come?”

 

Seeing the puzzled look on ’s face, Kaji smiled beautifully in reply. “Because I am wooing you, -san.”

 

Not expecting Kaji to openly declare his affection like this, felt blood rushed to her face and she could feel her ears burning hot. At the same time, ’s classmates all awed in envy hoping they too could have such a man pursue them, for it is any girl’s dream to be pampered like a princess.

 

“Kaji-kun,” sighed softly to all the tenderness and care Kaji provided. “I don’t know what to say, you really didn’t have to…”

 

“Am I troubling you?” Kaji asked quickly as a saddened expression came onto his face.

 

“No, no, it’s not that!” shook her head immediately when she saw the disappointment on Kaji’s face knowing he really was trying to do something nice for her. “I just never thought I deserve such kindness, I am not a wonderful person.”

 

“Fufu…but you are a wonderful person to me, -san.” Smile returned to Kaji’s face as he replied. Although Kaji’s shameless sweet words always made blush, he too knew when to stop as he asked instead. “Are you going to the orchestra practice now?”

 

Uncontrollably gave a sigh upon Kaji’s question. “I, I don’t know, I don’t really want to go today…”

 

Kaji understood immediately the reason why hesitated to attend the orchestra practice. Although it was pure accident, Kaji knew that ‘kiss’ would have rekindled and Tsukimori’s feelings for each other. Taking another look at the beautiful girl before him, Kaji sighed secretly within when he saw the lost expressions in her eyes. “Sure, you don’t have to go to the practice if you don’t want to.” In a most tender tone, Kaji suggested. “Want to go get something to eat instead?”

 

Knowing although Kaji’s suggestion was tempting, did not want Kaji to skip the practice too because of her. Besides, she could not picture what Maestro Schinkel’s facial expression would be like if both the first seater of the second violin and viola did not show up at practice. Slowly shaking her head, gave a sigh. “No, we should go to the practice.”

 

With her final decision, both Kaji and said good bye to the classmates as they walked out the school gate side by side. Other than the envious focuses from ’s classmates, there was another pair of sad lonely eyes that watched the beautiful couple leaving the campus together.

 

“Hihara, are you going straight to the orchestra practice or do you want to join us to grab something to eat?”

 

Not reacting to the question addressed at him from his friends, Hihara continued to stare blankly at the direction where and Kaji had left. Noticing the miserable look on Hihara’s face, his friend gave a sigh. “Stop being so depressed, Hihara! What do you expect when you just sit back and not do a thing? Look at that guy, he came with flowers, he was all sweet and kind. I was honestly surprised how you never really spend time with -san anymore.”

 

“It is better this way…” Hihara gave a sigh.

 

“Better for whom?” Hihara’s friend scorned. “Definitely not for you, look at you now, you are such a wreck.”

 

Hihara made no reply to his friend’s ridicule for he knew it was the truth. Hihara had decided to repress his love for when he noticed the sealed, hidden love she had for Tsukimori revived upon Tsukimori’s unexpected return. Not only so, Hihara was horrified to know, Kaji Aoi had come out of his shell and confessed his heart to too.

 

Hihara actually quite admired Kaji’s attitude. Knowing too ’s heart lingered towards Tsukimori, unlike him, Kaji was honest with his feeling. It was worse for Hihara since he never was a person that could hide his feelings. Having to hold back the urge to want to spend every moment with , it was slowly draining Hihara’s life away. Yet, there was nothing he could do about it because he knew he would only make it more awkward for if he lavished his feelings on her.

 

With such a decision, Hihara kept a distance from hoping as time pass, his feeling for her will gradually disappear. Unfortunately, Hihara discovered, that it was impossible.

 

 

---

 

 

To ’s relief, showing up at the concert hall was not too bad. Tsukimori kept to himself and did not make eye contact with at all. Such action although saved and Tsukimori from awkwardness, it did bother somehow. To be treated as a stranger or appear to be invisible to Tsukimori was way worse than the original discomfort had expected.

 

“Yunoki-sama has not arrived yet, he usually would be here listening to our practice.”

 

overheard one of the female orchestra member commented in sadness. Nodding secretly agreed. Ever since Yunoki introduced himself as the project manager, he had not been late nor missed out a day of the orchestra practice. It was towards the end of the practice already, still had not seen that perfect fine countenance.

 

It was a relief.

 

felt all the nerves in her relaxed with the discovery that Yunoki might not actually show today. Knowing unlike how Tsukimori would ignore her presence, had a feeling if Yunoki was here, he might actually approach her and tease her just to see her reaction.

 

Unfortunately was wrong.

 

For the next four weeks, Yunoki Azuma did not show his face at the orchestra practice at all. Neither did he call like how he usually would, nor did he suddenly pay her uninvited visits at her house. It was like; Yunoki Azuma had disappeared from her life, and that night when he kissed so passionately, so intimately, it was like an illusion ’s mind created.

 

To ’s horror, she noticed the change within her. The dread and fear of meeting Yunoki again had now turned into desperate anticipation. A month ago, was panicking on meeting Yunoki again after that night, after that unexpected conquering act from Yunoki. She was not sure she wanted to face him, and she was not sure whether she could forgive him for such a mean joke he played on her.

 

However, after Yunoki’s disappearance, realised she would look up every time a person entered the concert hall. She would also stop and listen to the conversations amongst the female orchestra members every time Yunoki’s name was mentioned.

 

“I finally found out the reason why Yunoki-sama had not come to see us practice.” heard one of the girls gave a sorrowful sigh. “For the next months or so, he will be overseeing the opera practice instead.”

 

“For the next months or so?” Another girl joined in the grieving. “But I guess it makes sense, since Yunoki-sama is the project manager for the entire production, the orchestra is only a part of the entire production…”

 

Knowing that she might actually not see Yunoki for quite a while, noticed against her will, there was a sense of lost and loneliness that whirled up within. Although she had Kaji escorting her to the orchestra practice everyday from school, and was able to see Tsukimori at the orchestra practices, realised, from time to time, her mind would be thinking of that evil, patronising yet mesmerising smile.

 

 

---

 

 

Hihara Kazuki grabbed his jacket tight when an unexpected strong wind swept passed the campus ground. It was mid-December and to Hihara, this year’s winter seemed colder than usual. Jogging towards the university library, Hihara hoped to hideout in the warm heated library and do some study for the up coming exams,

 

“Please, I have to find my laptop, my entire assignment is saved in it!”

 

The moment Hihara entered the warm cosy library, he heard a familiar voice talking to the librarian. Hihara felt his heartbeat raced immediately in excitement when he saw that it was .

 

“I am sorry, -san. But no one has handed in a laptop, nor has anyone spotted anyone suspicious, so there is not much more we could do.” With a sigh the librarian shook her head and looked at sympathetically. “But we will let you know once anyone hands in a lost laptop.”

 

Unlike Hihara, there was no smile on ’s face, but rather, Hihara noticed was about to breakdown in tears. Forgetting that he had wanted to keep the distance from , in haste Hihara approached the miserable girl. “-chan? What’s wrong?”

 

“Hihara senpai…” Looking up at the tall senior that approached her, covered her face in frustration. “I was typing out my assignment here in the library on my laptop, and I left the desk for a second just to pick up some more books from the shelf, and when I returned, the laptop was taken…” Taking in a deep breath sobbed as she stated the disastrous news. “My months of research and notes were all saved on the laptop, and with the report due in three days, I don’t even have time to re-write another one!”

 

Hihara felt for immediately. As a university student too, there was no way Hihara does not share ’s pain. Having your months and months’ worth of work vanish like that, and not enough time to re-write it, it really would be a dead end for any university student.

 

“-chan,” Hihara called gently as his eyes looked to the sad, depressed girl before him. Knowing although there seem to be no more hope for , Hihara knew as a close friend and senior, he must do all he could to help her out. He knew this sort of support was something that only he could do, not Tsukimori and not Kaji. “Which paper was it for?”

 

“It’s Music Reinvented 201.”

 

In acknowledgement Hihara nodded. “It is the curriculum for second year students. I am sure I still have the notes and report saved on my computer. We can work on your assignment together.” Cheerfully Hihara suggested. “Although I may not look like it, but I am actually quite a fast typist. Since there are less than three days now to work on the report, we might be able to get it done on time if you dictate the report to me and I type it out for you.”

 

“But, I cannot possibly…”

 

“-chan,” Before could finish her sentence Hihara interrupted. “We have been friends for many years; I know you would have done the same for me if I was in your shoes.”

 

With what Hihara said, felt her heart greatly touched. She thought she would have lost Hihara’s friendship forever, but when it was time that she needed help the most, he was there for her. He was always the help needed at the most desperate times just like when they first met three years ago. Finally looking up at the wonderful marvelous person, gave Hihara a sincere smile. “Thank you so much, Hihara senpai.”

 

 

 

---

 

 

“Kazuki,” With the tray of coffees in one hand Hihara Haruki knocked on his younger brother’s bedroom door. “I got the coffees here.”

 

Not long after his knock, a girl opened the bedroom door as she apologised. “Sorry for the trouble, I should have come down and picked it up myself.”

 

Hihara Haruki smiled as he entered the bedroom, “Nah, you guys have lots of work to do. I certainly hope the coffee will help you stay awake.” Placing the cups of coffee on the table, Haruki’s eyes moved onto his younger brother who sat before the computer typing away.

 

With the scene before him, Haruki smiled secretly within. , his brother’s junior, the girl that his brother had been in love for more than three years. Not sure how his brother did it, but Haruki was most impressed when Kazuki returned home yesterday with . Not only that, the two had not left the bedroom ever since. From the look on their faces, the two probably have stayed up the entire night working on the assignment.

 

Well, it did not matter if the cute couple weren’t doing anything romantic. After labouring through all those hours together, Haruki was sure would be touched by his brother one way or another.

 

“Thanks heaps, aniki[ii].” Hihara thanked too knowing it was basically the coffee his brother made that kept them still awake. After came over to his house and started working on her major assignment, both she and Hihara had not rested or slept for over thirty hours now. Although he was so mentally drained and physically tired, knowing he was able to help was all worth it.

 

“How much more have you guys got to do?” In curiosity Haruki asked. From the looks of it, might be here for at least another night.

 

As expected, replied with a bitter smile. “We are only half way through, but at this pace, we might be able to get it done just before the deadline.”

 

“In that case,” Haruki shrugged his shoulders. “I guess I better not interrupt.” With a grin Haruki exited the room and left the two to be. Noticing the funny smile on his brother’s face before he left the room, Hihara blushed as he took a look at .

 

Hihara felt his heart so at peace. Compared to the past few weeks of emotional dread, this was like heaven to him. Although Hihara was so tired, it did not matter because it was him that could provide help to in her greatest need. Not that he was taking pleasure in ’s suffering, but if he could, Hihara hoped this moment he has with would never end.

 

Unlike him though, did not seem to notice as she continued to read through the book in her hand. “Ah, Hihara senpai!” Lifting her head pointed a phrase on the book. “I would like to add this quote into the report.”

 

“Sure!” Quickly turning back to face the monitor Hihara felt his ears burning hot in embarrassment as he sat up straight and started typing once again when read out the phrase to him.

 

 

---

 

 

Ding-dong.

 

Hearing the doorbell rang, Hihara Haruki headed for the front entrance and opened the door. Standing outside was a youth with beautiful long hair that matched his perfect delicate beautiful face.

 

“Oh hello, Yunoki.” Recognising the person to be his brother’s best friend Yunoki Azuma, Haruki greeted.

 

“Good morning, Haruki-san.” In a beautiful polite smile Yunoki greeted too. “Your brother and I are meeting for lunch to celebrate his birthday today, is he ready?”

 

“Ready?” With a grin Haruki replied. “I doubt it. He had only just fallen asleep a few hours ago from a typing marathon.”

 

“Typing marathon?”

 

“Yup, they have stayed up for three days working on the report and when I went to deliver more coffee this morning, I saw the both of them finally sleeping.” Haruki laughed. “From their peaceful blissful sleeping faces, I believe even the earthquake won’t be able to wake them.”

 

“Oh, who else was here?” In curiosity Yunoki asked.

 

“Well, go see for yourself.” Pointing towards Hihara Kazuki’s bedroom upstairs, Haruki teased. “But don’t wake them; the poor couple deserve a good rest.”

 

With a soft bow to thank Haruki, Yunoki headed for Hihara’s bedroom as told. “Hihara? Are you awake?” With a gentle knock, Yunoki asked softly as he opened the door. The first thing Yunoki saw when he entered Hihara’s bedroom was precisely as Haruki had described, a beautiful couple sleeping next to each other on the single bed, so peaceful, so serene. With Hihara’s tall body already taking up most spaces of the mattress, the other girl’s tiny body leaned closely and deeply into Hihara’s arms.

 

However, Yunoki Azuma did not share the same tranquillity when he recognised the face of the girl that was lying next to Hihara. An icy coldness came onto his beautiful face as he continued to stare at the scene that looked like a beautiful painting.

 

“See? I told you right? Nothing can wake them up now.” Coming from behind Yunoki, Haruki entered the room too and whispered in tease.

 

Smile returned to Yunoki’s face as he asked softly, “How come -san is here?”

 

“Oh, something about ’s laptop was stolen, and therefore she lost all her notes and the report she had typed out. So Kazuki offered to lend her his notes from last year, and helped her type out the report while she dictates the content.’ Not knowing the dark jealousy arousing within Yunoki, Haruki explained. “They literally collapsed onto the bed together after sent out her completed report. But I wouldn’t blame them, three days without sleeping and rest!”

 

“That does sound like something your brother would do,” Yunoki chuckled softly. “In that case I guess I will let them have their sleep.” Placing a paper bag on Hihara’s desk, Yunoki turned to Haruki. “I will just leave his birthday present here.”

 

“I will let him know once he is up that you were here.” Haruki nodded in acknowledgement.

 

“Thank you.” Yunoki gave Haruki a polite smile and turned to take another look at the sleeping couple on the bed before he walked out of the room.

 

 

---

 

 

“I am so sorry, Yunoki!”

 

Yunoki…? slowly opened her eyes when she heard Hihara’s anxious voice, and most of all, the name mentioned.

 

“No, it’s not okay! We already made plans for today, and you came all the way, but I was sleeping…”

 

Rubbing her eyes, slowly sat up from the bed while her mind gradually recaptures the place and time she was in. Looking around, she saw Hihara talking to someone on the phone, and from the tone of his voice, he sounded kind of anxious.

 

“No, no. You even bought me a present! Let me buy you dinner instead, how about that?”

 

Present…? Upon the word quickly took a look at the calendar on the wall. Jumping off the bed finally remembered that it was Hihara’s birthday today, and she was apparently supposed to be the person that organises a party for the group. Due to her disastrous week, had totally forgotten about it!

 

“Alright, if you say so....” With a sigh Hihara finally gave up. “But thanks for the present, Yunoki. I will catch up with you next week.”

 

After Hihara got off the phone, approached Hihara immediately and gave him a big bow of apology. “I am so sorry, Hihara senpai! I was supposed to organise your birthday party for today and instead I made you labour for three days with me working on my assignment. I am so, so, so sorry!”

 

“No, no, it’s really alright!” Hihara waved his hands quickly before him to stop from apologising. “I wanted to help you, so it wasn’t like you forced me into it or anything.”

 

“But, please, let me make it up to you!” insisted. “How about this? Are you free tonight? Would you like to come over to my house, and I will cook up a home made meal and bake a cake for you to celebrate!”

 

Although Hihara felt bad to have do something like that for him, but it was really tempting to be able to taste ’s hand cooked meal. It was like a man’s dream, to have the girl they love cook a heartfelt meal for them. With the thought, uncontrollably a happy smile came onto Hihara’s face as he blushed in joy. “In that case, let’s go grocery shopping!”

 

With walking beside him, placing the groceries into the shopping trolley, Hihara felt he was the luckiest man alive. He wondered whether they looked like newly weds shopping for supplies to the house. The more he thought about it, the warmer his heart felt as he took a peek at . How long has it been since they spent time like this? To Hihara, it no longer mattered that Tsukimori had returned from Vienna, neither could Kaji’s unexpected confession to intimidate him anymore. For he knew, it was only him that could be her friend, her support whenever she needed someone.

 

“Alright, here is the last dish.” said as she placed another plate of food on the dinning table.

 

“Wow…” Hihara gaped at the banquet before his eyes. “You, you really have done too much, -chan.”

 

Smiling in response, replied. “This is the least I could do for you, Hihara senpai. If it wasn’t for you, I would have failed the subject already.” Sitting down opposite Hihara, added. “Happy birthday, Hihara senpai.”

 

“Thank you, -chan.” Feeling his heart so touched, Hihara whispered gently. Then with a sigh Hihara added. “I am genuinely happy that I can be here celebrating my birthday with you. But I also feel really bad that I stood Yunoki up this morning when he came.”

 

’s movements stopped immediately upon what Hihara said. Slowly looking up asked noticing her voice shaking a little, “Yu…Yunoki senpai came this morning…? “

 

Hihara did not notice the uneasy tone in ’s voice as he nodded. “Yes, I was supposed to meet up with him for lunch today, but when he arrived, both of us were sleeping, so he left not wanting to wake us.”

 

Immediately felt all the blood inside her body started to boil with the thought that Yunoki saw her sleeping next to Hihara in his bed. Most of all, having not seen Yunoki for a month now, noticed an unexplainable sense of disappointment when she realised she had missed out on the opportunity to see the beautiful face that haunted her, constantly reminding her of the strange intimate experience they shared that night.

 

“-chan?” Noticing the edginess from , Hihara called in concern. “What’s wrong?”

 

Quickly shaking her head, squeezed out a smile. “Nothing, I just thought it has been a while since I have seen Yunoki senpai. I wonder how he was doing.”

 

“Oh, in that case do you want to join us next weekend for lunch? We were going meet to make up for today.” Still in his simple, kind heart Hihara asked.

 

“No, it’s alright.” declined almost immediately in defence. A little surprised with her own reaction, asked quickly changing the topic. “Should we start before the food gets cold?”