Durch Leiden Freude [Chapter Seven]

Yet if that wish was towards me, . I am willing to do everything, sacrifice all, my future, my life, and my everything to ensure that wish will come true.

“Yunoki senpai…” whispered secretly within when those words spoken by Yunoki Azuma a while ago continued to repeat itself inside her mind. Once again discovered something that was considered by Yunoki as a mere joke troubled her severely.

Waiting alongside on the train platform, Tsukimori observed the troubled girl silently. The same forlorn and lost gleam had expressed throughout the night returned once again after picked up her coat from concierge. Not sure of the details, Tsukimori discovered somehow must have had some sort of interaction with Yunoki. A frown came onto Tsukimori’s face when he saw, as if a mindless robot, followed the crowd and stepped onto the train carriage when it arrived at the station.

“,” Reaching out his hand, Tsukimori grabbed onto ’s arm and pulled her back onto the platform. “That is an express train; it doesn’t stop at the station we are getting off.”

“Ah…” Quickly taking a look at the display on the train, blushed in shame and apologised. “I am sorry, Len.”

Tsukimori did not respond as he continued to study the beautiful girl before him. Sensing his heart heavy and restless, Tsukimori knew these uncomfortable, weighty feeling all came from his concern for . Yes, it had been three years already, unfortunately it did not give Tsukimori the excuse to forget the girl who touched his heart so deeply three years ago. Although he had declared to that he no longer should involve himself into her personal affairs, over and over again, Tsukimori had found himself doing the opposite.

It did not matter how many times Tsukimori reminded himself strictly that he was the man who caused to weep so bitterly three years ago, whenever he saw how frail and feeble was, he could not make himself walk away.

“,” Finally opening his lips, Tsukimori asked. “Are you in a rush to get home tonight?”

“Yes,” A slight shade of redness came onto Tsukimori’s perfect refined face as he suggested. “If you are not in a rush, we could probably look around since it is Christmas Eve.”

Not expecting the invitation to come from Tsukimori, thought her ear malfunctioned. Was Tsukimori requesting to spend more time with her on Christmas Eve?! However when she saw the tenderness in the gleam of Tsukimori’s eyes, a warm blissful smile came onto ’s beautiful face as she nodded. “Sure.”

Maybe because it was the last chance to shop for Christmas gifts, the shops were all still open, filled with shoppers, families and couples. Walking amongst the crowd was and Tsukimori, the pair that must have appeared as a beautiful loving couple in other’s eyes. This was proven when one of the shop assistants called out to Tsukimori when they walked pass.

“Good evening, sir. Would you like to win a surprise gift for your lovely girlfriend?”

“It’s Christmas Eve, sir! Give it a try!” Handing a basketball to Tsukimori, the shop assistant encouraged. “If you could successfully shoot in three baskets out of five attempts, you will be able to win the instant prize we have available, and then be entered into the draw for the grand prize of a romantic ski holiday for two!”

Upon hearing the content of the grand prize, and Tsukimori’s faces turned bright red immediately. Grinning at the innocence of the cute couple, the shop assistant pushed Tsukimori forward to the stand and persuaded once more. “No pressure, it’s all just for fun anyway!”

With a sigh, Tsukimori turned to . “What do you say?” Stopping, Tsukimori added. “I must remind you that I have never tried basketball before.”

smiled within hearing Tsukimori’s statement. Indeed, if it was Hihara, Kaji and Tsuchiura, shooting baskets might not be too difficult. “I guess it would be kind of fun, you should give it a go.”

Knowing what a softy he had become after he fell in love with , instead of scaring the shop assistant away with his frown, gently handing her his violin case, Tsukimori replied. “In that case, I guess I can give it a try.” Holding the big rough orange ball in his hand, Tsukimori turned and took a look at the ring before him. Lifting his arms, after careful aim, with the use of the power from his wrists Tsukimori released the ball.

Tsukimori frowned when he saw the power he used was too strong, as a result the ball bounced off the backboard. Picking up the ball for Tsukimori, the shop assistant returned it to him and smiled. “Don’t worry, you still have four more try.”

Holding the ball once again in his hand, this time Tsukimori knew what to do. The first shot was seriously, and literally the first time in his life he touched a basketball. After his first attempt, Tsukimori understood immediately the kind of power, the precise aim required for the ball to enter the ring. Tsukimori had always been a perfectionist, with proper calculation and a calm heart; he no longer saw this as a difficult task.

Looking straight at the ring again, Tsukimori released the ball. This time, like magic, the basketball released from Tsukimori’s hands flew in perfect projectile motion, and swish, went right through the ring.

“Wow!! That was a perfect shot, Len!” Clapping in amazement cheered. Although it may be beginner’s luck, but was still proud of Tsukimori’s accomplishment.

“Congratulations, now you only have to get two more in to win an instant prize!” The shop assistant said and returned the ball to Tsukimori again.

To the amusement of all the viewers that gathered, Tsukimori’s next four shots all went perfectly into the basket. Feeling her jaw dropped with the unbelievable scene before her, discovered, Tsukimori might actually have an amazing talent[ii].

“You are amazing, sir!” The shop assistant praised as he handed Tsukimori a wrapped gift. “Here, you have won yourself an instant prize, and of course the chance to enter the draw of the romantic ski holiday for two!”

“No, we are…” Returning once again to the embarrassing topic, Tsukimori blushed.

“Here,” Passing the forms to instead, the assistant said. “Just enter both your details and if you are our lucky winner, the holiday coupon will be mailed to your address on the form.”

Under pressure, had no choice but wrote both her and Tsukimori’s contact details on the form. Well, look it from another angle, it’s not like they would win the draw anyway. So filling out some form wouldn’t hurt, right?

“So what was the instant prize?” asked in curiosity as both Tsukimori and she left the shop. ’s eyes glowed with joy when she saw after Tsukimori opened the wrapping it was a portable music player. “Wow, it’s quite a good prize!”

“Do you want it?” Tsukimori asked as he handed the prize to . “I don’t really have need for a music player.”

“Thank you,” thanked and accepted the prize. Well, although indirectly, maybe she could take it as a Christmas gift from Tsukimori. With that idea secretly hidden within, took a peek at Tsukimori as uncontrollably a smile painted her lips.

Walking pass a jewellery shop, overheard a girl called out to her boyfriend. In curiosity, also moved her eyes onto the elegantly beautiful accessory. Wholeheartedly, agreed with the girl that this was one of the most stunning pieces of jewellery she had ever seen. It was not glamorous with lots of precious stones, but a simple, sophisticated design.

Noticing her fixed focus on the necklace on display, Tsukimori asked. “Want to take a look inside the shop?”

“No, it’s alright. I was just looking” shook her head and said quickly. “Let’s go to another shop.”

As and Tsukimori continued to look around the shops, walking side by side just like how they used to three years ago, it was inevitable for Tsukimori to see that all has to come to an end. Knowing if he and did not return to the train station soon, they will miss the last train.

understood the thought going through Tsukimori’s mind. It was not difficult because she noticed how Tsukimori had become quieter, and the frown on his face deepened whenever he took a look at his watch.

“Len,” To make it easier for Tsukimori, initiated. “I guess we should be heading home soon, it has been a long night.”

“I guess so…” Replying with a soft smile, Tsukimori said hoping the expression on his face did not give away the disappointment he felt.

With the same lingering, lonely wave of emotion shared between the two, both and Tsukimori headed towards the train station in silence. Tsukimori did not attempt a conversation for he was never the man with words. Although his love for was deep and strong, he knew he could never express them well to her. At the same time, Tsukimori can not deny the fact he had been wanting to know the answer to Kaji’s statement, how after three years, although both he and had not remained in contact, still has feelings for him.

With the question in mind, unintentionally he took another look at . That was when Tsukimori saw blowing warm air onto her hands while she rubbed them, hoping to keep warm in this freezing cold winter.

“You did not wear your gloves again.” Tsukimori stated with a frown. “Freezing your fingers like this will affect your violin playing.”

“Well I,” gave a sheepish smile. “I didn’t bring gloves today because I thought they wouldn’t match the evening gown I am wearing. I also was expecting to be indoor majority of the time so…” Stopping quickly added. “Ah, not that I am saying I didn’t want to take a walk like what we had done, I am really glad that we made a detour…”

While was still trying to explain the situation, she saw Tsukimori took the glove off his right hand and passed it to her. “I am sorry that I was careless and did not realise. Put this glove on your right hand.”

Not sure what Tsukimori had in mind, did as told. To her surprise, she felt a warm hand overlapped her cold left hand. Lifting her head, saw Tsukimori gave her a tender smile as he held her bare left hand with his right. Slipping both their hands into the pocket of his winter coat, Tsukimori whispered. “Hopefully this helps.”

The rest of the journey home, Tsukimori did not let go of her hand. To the both of them, it was as if they have returned to the past, the time where they spent every possible moment together after Tsukimori’s confession on Christmas night.

felt her heart ached when the same thought hit her. This time spent with Tsukimori was marvellous, but fact remains, eventually, he will leave her and return to Vienna. Was she ready to give her heart to him, knowing she will have to watch him walk out of her life again?

The moment walked out of the train station, she saw the group of familiar faces and among them, a tall green haired youth with big cheerful smile waved at her. Responding with a joyful smile, walked quickly up to the group.

“Sorry, am I the last one to arrive?” Looking through the people present asked quickly. When her eyes recognised the face of the man who walked her home last night, as a reflex, lowered her head and looked away quickly in shyness. It was as if she could still feel the warmth of his hand against her own as they walked hand in hand all the way home.

“Nope, the organiser Amou is not even here yet.” With his arms crossed, Tsuchiura gave a sigh.

Yunoki senpai? noticed that beautiful perfect face really was not present. With that, felt somehow relieved. Ever since that incident, was not sure how she was ever going act normal in front of him again.

“Fufu, I am glad you have finally arrived, -san.” Kaji approached as he gave her a charming smile. “It was kind of lonely when it was just the four guys.”

giggled at Kaji’s statement as she noticed the admiring focuses of the girls walking pass. Indeed, it was quite an eye candy to have four tall, attractive men gathered together like this.

As an annual event, Amou would organise a big get together Christmas party for all the members from the music concur. Although everyone were on their separate paths, still, no matter what happens, all would make an effort to be there for this party.

While the group was talking, heard a soft sleepy voice greeted. Turning to the voice, ’s eye’s widened in disbelief when she recognised the beautiful blue eyes that belonged to the angelic junior had not seen for two years. “Shi…SHIMIZU-KUN??”

Unlike , the youth showed no particular expression as he gave a bow and greeted. “Nice to see you again, senpai.”

Joining , Tsuchiura, Hihara and Kaji called out in amusement. The youngest male of the group, the cellist of the ensemble, isn’t he supposed to be in Vienna?!

“I am Shimizu and not Shimizu look-a-like.” Like how everyone remembered of him, the beautiful boy replied unhurriedly, still kind of living in his own world.

Knowing the unexpected visitor was no doubt their friend Shimizu Keiichi, Hihara laughed and walked up to Shimizu who is now at eye level with him. “Wow, Shimizu, I can’t believe how much you have grown in two years, how tall are you now?”

“Haha, I wonder what they fed you in Vienna?” Tsuchiura laughed and walked up to Shimizu too. “Last time I saw you, you were still this much shorter than me.”

nodded in agreement. Two years ago when Shimizu was still 16, he was only a little taller than she was. With his amazing growth, adding onto his already adorable face, Shimizu Keiichi had turned into a most stunningly outstanding youth.

“I knew I would be able to surprise you all,” Joining the astonished group Amou Nami walked up to her friends with a big grin. “I bumped into Shimizu last night and found out he had just returned from Vienna, so I invited him to our Christmas party!”

“Are you just staying for the Christmas break, Shimizu?” Tsukimori who had been quiet the entire time asked.

“Yes, Shoko is spending Christmas with her family in Europe, so I came back to Japan for a short visit.” Shimizu explained.

“It’s nice to have you come back to visit us, Shimizu.” Hihara said wholeheartedly. “Do share with us your life over there in Vienna.”

While all gathered around Shimizu, Amou interrupted as she held onto herself to prevent shivering from the cold. “Well, we can hear all about it when we get to the venue, it’s too cold to stand out here in the wind.”

With Amou’s words, Hihara reminded quickly. “Wait, Yunoki is not here yet. Aren’t we going to wait for him?”

Shaking her head, Amou told everyone the bad news. “Yunoki senpai will not be joining us today. He has to attend the Urahara Group Christmas party as Urahara Miyako’s fiancé.”

For some unknown reason, sensed her heart tightened in pain when she heard what Amou said.

“Eh?” Hihara called in shock. “But this is our get together; we have planned for this event so long!”

With a big sigh Amou nodded. “I know, I am sure Yunoki senpai would prefer to be here with us too.”

“I guess Yunoki senpai is really living in a different world to us now.” Tsuchiura said. “We cannot expect him to still spend Christmas with his old high school buddies. First of all, he is engaged, so his life now is with his future relatives. Secondly, as one of the sons that assist the Yunoki group, he would have to attend more and more of these business social events.”

“I know, but it’s still really sad.” Hihara gave a big sigh. “We have always hung out as a group, and now without him, something is missing…”

couldn’t agree more. Although a few things had happened between her and Yunoki in the past few months, to , Yunoki’s presence always made a difference. As a friend, really do not wish to see Yunoki go down this path of life. It was like the other day when she accidentally overheard the flute playing Yunoki did on the rooftop of Seiso Gakuin. Yunoki did not have to say a word, but all the pain and anguish he had suppressed within were all expressed in his music.

It was for the first time, had seen Yunoki so fragile. She realised Yunoki had long needed a helping hand, but no one reached out to him.

Yet if that wish was towards me, . I am willing to do everything, sacrifice all, my future, my life, and my everything to ensure that wish will come true.

felt a hard thump against her heart when that sentence Yunoki spoke with a teasing nature popped up once again in her mind. It suddenly hit , maybe it was not one of his jokes again, rather it was a signal Yunoki was sending to her.

’s mind continued to hover over the things Yunoki had said to her in the past years while she quietly followed the rest of the group walking towards the venue Amou had booked for their Christmas party. With her mind floating off again, did not notice a person walking hurriedly past her as she accidentally crashed with the man. Upon the impact, lost her balance, and luckily before she fell, the man reacted first as he held onto her.

“I am sorry,” The man apologised as he helped her stand up straight. “Are you alright?”

“No, I should be the one apologising; I was the one who wasn’t looking…” said quickly. However, when she looked up at the man, in disbelief called out as a reflex. “Kira-rijichou[iii]!”

Upon her call, the tall man with dark black hair and sexy scarlet red eyes stared at her for a moment before he finally responded. “…-kun?”

Quickly standing up straight, gave the tall man a polite bow. “It has been a while, Kira-rijichou. I am glad you still remember my name.”

“I guess I do,” Kira replied calmly. “Considering I was never very good at remembering names.”

burst out laughing because she remembered Kira saying the same things to her three years ago. Most of all, it was funny how every time they met each other accidentally on the streets, he was always in a rush, and she would always accidentally crash into him.

Noticing talking to a man, the rest of the group stopped walking and when they joined , all eyes opened wide in astonishment like as they called in unison. “Kira-rijichou!”

Kira Akihiko was the youngest Chairman ever in the history of the Seiso Gakuin Board of Trustees. Three years ago, straight after and the rest of the group completed the annual concur, Kira announced due to the disastrous financial situation of the academy, the general faculty and music faculty will be separated into two different schools.

Knowing it was because of the wonderful system Seiso Gakuin has of combining the music and general faculty as one school, , a student who had no prior connection with music was able to come and know the wonderful things of music, and because of it, she was able to meet so many wonderful people. In determination to stop the restructure, approached Kira and begged him to reconsider the decision.

Kira therefore challenged to hold a Christmas concert, and if she could gain major support from the students to attend her concert, and prove to all, the importance of music, he will then rethink the restructuring of Seiso Gakuin.

With the help of Tsukimori, Tsuchiura, Kaji, Hihara, Yunoki, Shimizu and Fuyumi, was able to put together a beautiful and magical concert. Kira Akihiko was therefore convinced was a talented musician, and whenever he saw the passion she had for music, he felt his cold and emotionless world stirred a little. When he heard ’s performance, it was like a drop of water that fell into his still heart, causing rings and rings of ripple that reminded him of the passion he once had, the love for music.

“It has been a long time,” Kira said as he took another look at . “Have you continued onto your path of believing in music?”

Blushing with Kira’s somehow sharp and sarcastic question, replied sheepishly. “Well, I am now a music student in Seiso University, and I am also a member of the Yokohama Orchestra.”

“Humph,” Kira gave a mysterious smile. “I guess you are half way there.”

“Half way there…?” Not understanding what Kira was referring to, repeated the phrase back at Kira. However when noticed the look on Kira’s face, and how his stunningly charming eyes continued to gaze straight at her face with that confident smile of his, felt her heart skipped a beat remembering the half-hearted teasing words Kira once said to her.

“When you have grown up, and have become a famous violinist, maybe I will then considering wooing you.”

“Ah, that thing…you, you were just jo…joking when you said that right?” In embarrassment, stuttered.

Upon Kira’s question, felt all the blood rushed to her face not sure if Kira really does not remember or he was playing dumb, for she could never tell from that poker face of his.

It was so three years ago, where Kira would without an explanation take her to meals, go for a drive in his car, here and there. Despite constantly accompanied by beautiful, elegant women, on a special day such as his birthday, he was spending it together with at a luxurious French restaurant. When asked him the reason why he had asked her to dinner on his special day, Kira would still, unstirred and composed, say to , “It just so happens that you walked pass when I feel like having a meal with someone.”

“I guess it was no coincident to bump into you,” Taking a look at his watch Kira asked. “Are you free to come with me to a concert now?”

“Eh??” Just when was reminiscing those weird crazy days where Kira would just randomly ask her out, could not believe before her, Kira did it again.

“Wait, hold on a second there!” Before answered, Amou cut in and stood between Kira and . “Can’t you see -chan is going to a Christmas party with us, and ignoring us you are asking her out instead?!”

Slowly, Kira’s eyes moved onto the group standing around finally noticing the presence of the others. “…You all can come too if you want.”

“That’s not the point!” Amou groaned and pointed her finger at Kira’s face in threat. “We already booked a venue to hold our Christmas party, we are not interested in going to any concerts with you!”

Not offended with Amou’s impoliteness especially towards him who was an authoritative figure, Kira moved his eyes back onto again as with a challenging smile said. “I would consider it a good experience for you -kun, taking into account this concert was held by current Seiso Gakuin students following your footsteps.”

With his arms crossed, a mocking smile came onto Kira’s handsome face. “Three years ago when you held the concert to challenge my decision, it so ironically turned out to be a Seiso Gakuin tradition that I was forced to attend every Christmas after that.” Pausing, the smile deepened as Kira added. “Do you not feel responsible?”

“A Seiso Gakuin tradition started by -san’s legendary act?” Kaji beamed in pride as he joined in. “It might be interesting to go and see!”

“A concert…” Shimizu suddenly spoke up, stars glowing in his eyes. “I want to go.”

“But we do have a party organised as well,” Hihara reminded noticing the veins popping on Amou’s forehead.

“I guess we can still have the party after the concert.” Tsukimori stated finding the concert idea more interesting than the party itself.

Knowing everyone’s heart had already flown off to the concert option, with a sigh Amou finally consented. “Fine, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go listen to the concert first.”

“Very well then,” Taking out his phone Kira made a call. After a few minutes of conversation, Kira turned to . “A limousine will be here to pick you and group up.”

“A limousine…” gave an embarrassed smile. “There is really no need, we can get there by public transport.”

“Not if you are arriving as my honoured guest,” Kira gave a charming smile before he turned to walk back to his black Jaguar[iv] showing clearly other than , everyone else were just ‘extras’.

“You know,” Taking a look at her handsome fiancé, Urahara Miyako gave a sigh. “You don’t really need to be here if you don’t want to. I am sure this party bores you as much as it bores me.”

Calmly with a beautiful smile, Yunoki Azuma replied. “I am not bored, Miyako-san.”

“Liar.” Miyako mocked coldly. “You and I both know the only reason you are here is because of the obligations you have to your family. No one and nothing in this party interests you.”

Instead of responding to Miyako’s cynical remarks, Yunoki asked instead. “Is there anything I can get you? More food, drink?”

“Yes there is.” Miyako replied coldly. “Take me home, I want to go home now.”

With a long sigh, Miyako rubbed her temples. “I am doing both of us a favour here, Azuma-san. I want to leave this party and so do you. Just take me home now and you can go join your friends for the real Christmas party.”

“I also have a real party to go to with my friends,” Miyako whispered. “Don’t you think it is enough that we have performed our duties by showing our faces here? Can’t we just go do our own things now?”

A little surprised with Miyako’s words, to be honest, Yunoki was rather relieved she initiated the idea of leaving the party. “I see,” With a polite smile Yunoki replied. “In that case, allow me to escort you back home.”

After Yunoki finished performing his duty as a responsible, caring fiancé and drove Miyako home, sitting in his car, Yunoki took out his phone and dialled a number.

The moment that cheerful happy voice of his best friend came through the phone, a warm smile painted Yunoki’s face. “Merry Christmas, Hihara. How are you guys enjoying the party so far?”

“The party hasn't started yet,” Hihara laughed. “We ended up coming to the Seiso Gakuin Christmas Concert!”

“Can you believe it, Yunoki?” Hihara continued to explain in excitement. “Apparently after -chan started the concert three years ago, it had become a tradition now in Seiso Gakuin! She has become a legend!”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Yunoki replied with a sincere smile. “What she did three years ago was indeed amazing.”

“Anyway,” Hihara cleared his throat and asked. “How about your night? If you want to join us for the party, by all means come over. The concert had just finished so we are about the head over to the venue soon.”

“That was the reason I am calling,” Yunoki chuckled. “The party finished early, so I thought I would try to see if I can catch you guys at the concert hall, if not I will just go straight to the venue for the party.”

“So you are coming?!” Hihara called in joy. “We will wait for you here, so we can all go to the venue together!”

“No need to wait for me,” Yunoki smiled hearing the genuine happiness in his best friend’s voice, it really made his heart warm. “I might get caught up in traffic.”

After he got off the phone with Hihara, Yunoki took a deep breath as he sank into the driver’s seat. Slowly taking out a wrapped present from the pocket of his jacket, yunoki whispered.

[i] ganbatte is the Japanese encouraging word kind of for, “Go!”, “Good luck!”

[ii] In Corda 2 Encore game, if you go on dates with Tsukimori, there will be events that show his amazing talents in winning these kinds of challenges. eg dart shooting, basket shooting.

[iii] Rijichou is the term used to address the chairman of the trust, like a –san, -sensei

[iv] I assumed Kira drives a black Jaguar, and yes, I totally made that up