[FANFIC] Music Lovers dos
Title: Music Lovers
Pairing: OkaZuki
Author: macymacymacy
Genre: Friendship, Romance, Slice of Life
Rating: PG?
AN:
- unbetaed
- alternative universe~
- on an unrelated issue, this is my 600th entry. xD
- inspired by Quest for Camelot. ^^
THIS IS ALREADY THE SECOND PART.
FIRST PART HERE.
"Look," Yurika, Mai's friend said and then pointed. "It's her."
Mai looked at where she was pointing, to the ground floor, understanding who she was talking about.
She frowned when she saw Airi.
"I think she's waiting for someone." Okai, another friend, said.
"Well, do you want to do something?" Yurika asked Mai, smirking a little. "I kinda missed her. Haven't seen her for alone for a while."
Okai frowned at Yurika but didn't say anything.
Mai didn't reply as well, and just continued glaring at the girl. Okai could see the hatred in her friend's eyes.
"She isn't alone anymore." Okai said as she watched another girl make her way to Suzuki. She felt somehow relieved. She really wasn't approving of what her friends were doing. She supposed she was also equally guilty. She hadn't really tried to stop them.
Okai noticed Mai's frown deepened.
"Mai, don't you think we should just leave her alone?" Okai tentatively said. "I mean, she's not doing anything to us." She added quickly.
"She killed my sister." Mai said coldly. "Now tell me how I can forgive her. Let's go, Yurika."
-
"Ai-chan!" Airi heard someone called.
She turned to see Saki running towards her.
"Saki!" She waved, grinning.
"Sorry, my professor extended his class." She said, rolling her eyes and then she smiled again. "Ah, this is so refreshing~!" She said stretching her arms.
"Refreshing?" Airi asked as they started walking to the bus stop. They had agreed to go to the mall today.
"Un. Going out with a girlfriend." She said. "I've grown up around boys, you see. Besides Nii-chan, I have two other brothers, Kento and Rai-chan. And there's the band and I have lots of guy cousins..."
"Wow..." Airi said. "But it kinda explains why Saki-chan is a little boyish."
"Am I?" Saki pouted.
"Just a little." Airi said. "But you're really pretty, too."
"I'll take your word for it." Saki said, grinning. She looked at Airi once and then stopped walking.
Airi blinked, "What is it, Saki-chan?"
"You look really beautiful today, Airi-chan." She suddenly said, not turning her eyes away from Airi.
"Ehh?"
Saki looked closer, smiling. "You looked happy."
"Oh. I.. I guess I am happy." Airi said, blushing.
Saki grinned mischievously. "Is it a guy?" She asked.
Airi, if possible, turned redder.
"Is it! Oh my god! Any progress??" She asked giddily, taking Airi's hand.
"Well, he invited me to go out tomorrow night." Airi said shyly.
"Oh, this is wonderful! Change of plans. We're not going shopping, we're going for a make-over!" Saki declared.
"No, Saki-chan. It's not necessary." Airi tried to say.
"Of course it is! It's your first date, isn't it?" Saki said.
"Well, yeah... but... well, he wouldn't see anyway." Airi said very softly, sounding a little sad.
"IT'S KEITO?!?! OH MY GOD!!!" Saki said very excitedly. Airi didn't know if what she said just didn't register or just didn't bother her.
"That's why there's no need for a--"
"Nonsense!" Saki said, cutting her off. "You dress up in a date for yourself and no one else. Don't believe the other way around." She said severely.
"O... kay." Airi said, a little surprise.
"So, I know this salon. Let's go there first." Saki said, grinning. Just then, the bus arrived.
--
Airi's heart started pounding when someone started knocking on her door. She was sure it was Keito. It was already time.
She felt very nervous. She thinks she was probably a little overdressed, but Saki had insisted that she wore the dress they bought.
Shaking her head, she answered her door.
It was Keito and he was wearing a simple shirt and jeans. Simple, but it suits him.
Keito was quiet for a long while that Airi felt confused and then suddenly he said, "Wow, you look really pretty."
Airi blinked. "Huh??"
And then Keito laughed. "Sorry, just had to try that. Saki actually described how you look tonight."
Airi shook her head in fondness and exasperation. For a second there, she really thought Keito could miraculously see her.
"Well, you look good." Airi just said. She didn't feel very nervous anymore because of what Keito did.
He grinned sheepishly at her. "Thanks."
"Well, we better get going or we'll be late."
They arrived at the Arena earlier than expected. There were so many people, but as they have VIP tickets, they were able to enter swiftly.
"What time is it?" Keito asked when they were already in their seats.
"Half pass seven." Airi said.
"We still have time." Keito said. "Come on."
He took her hand and pulled her up.
"Go where?"
He just grinned.
-
Airi was amazed at how Keito could navigate. Other people would never have thought he is blind. They seem to be going to the backstage. The guard took one look at Keito, smiled and let them pass.
"How many times have you been here?" She asked him.
"More than I can count." Keito said as he pulled her to a door.
"Ah, here we are." Keito said.
"Oi, Keito." Someone suddenly said.
Airi was star-strucked. It was Narita Shouji, Otokogumi's lead guitarist.
"Shouji-san." Keito greeted.
"Oh, who's this?" Narita Shouji asked, looking at Airi.
"This is Suzuki Airi." Keito introduced. "She's a big fan."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady." Narita Shouji said, taking Airi's hand.
"Ah. Pleasure's all mine." Airi found herself saying. She knew she probably looked stupid. At the moment, she didn't much care.
"Is dad here?" Keito suddenly asked.
Narita Shouji looked at Keito with raised brows and then turned back to Airi, giving her a wink.
Airi didn't know what to make of it.
"Kenichi!" Narita Shouji called, walking away.
"Keito, this is incredible." Airi managed to gasp out.
"When you get used to them, you'll realize they're just old men who's convinced they're still cool." Keito said with a grin.
"They are cool." Airi said.
"For that, you're invited to our next concert."
Airi turned red as she realized it was Okamoto Kenichi who spoke.
"Yo. Keito." He saluted at Keito.
"Dad..." Keito just said, sounding exasperated.
"And you must be Suzuki Airi. I've heard lots of things." Okamoto Kenichi said as he turned to Airi.
Airi felt her face flush, and from her peripheral view, she could see Keito's face did the same.
"H-hai, it's nice to meet you, sir." Airi said.
"Just call me Kenichi... or you can call me dad, if you want. I don't mind."
"Dad!!!" Keito said, incredibly managing to pinpoint where his dad is and cover his mouth.
His dad started laughing and they looked like they were wrestling upright for a while.
Airi couldn't help but smile, even though she felt really embarrassed.
The father and son stopped as another man entered the room. The band's manager, it seems. He called to the group and say they need to stand by.
Keito returned to Airi and the two of them said goodbye to the band.
They had a slower time returning to their seats since there were already so many people inside the arena. But they were able to before the show started.
-
The concert seemed like a blur to Airi... but then again, she remembered everything that happened very clearly. Maybe the more accurate term to use would be that it all felt surreal. Keito's father had even picked her when they asked one fan to get up the stage.
After the show, Keito and she went to the backstage once more and she was able to meet the rest of the band and even chat with them for a little while. They were all like family to Keito. And they were very friendly with Airi. All of them seem to think that Airi is Keito's girlfriend, and they didn't believe Keito no matter how many times he tried to deny it.
"I feel kinda guilty. Isn't this some kind of nepotism?" Airi asked as they made their way out the arena.
"You're not a relative of any of the band member. You're just a fan." Keito just said.
"Yeah, but you are and you're my friend." Airi said.
"Don't worry about it." Keito just said. "So, where do you wanna go now? Are you hungry?"
"A little." Airi said.
"Where do you wanna eat?" Keito asked.
Airi grinned. "Wanna go down memory lane?"
Keito furrowed his eyebrows.
Airi didn't say anything and just took Keito's hand.
-
"Street food?" Keito asked as they ascended the stairs.
"Un." Suzuki said, "What would you want?"
"Chirashi." Keito just said.
"Okay," Suzuki said.
She led him to one of the tables and he sat at once, feeling a little tired.
"I'll be back." Suzuki said
Suzuki came back with a few variety of sushi and some gizzard, chicken thigh and pig tongue and coconut shake for each of them.
Keito listened as Suzuki sat.
"Smells good." Keito commented.
"It tastes good." Suzuki said.
Keito cocked his head to
left and then asked, "How many times have you eaten here?"
"More than I can count." Suzuki said cheekily. "My parents and I used to eat here a lot when I was young."
"Wow, there are so many stars tonight." Suzuki suddenly said, sounding awed.
Keito smiled at her voice. He could almost imagine how her smile would have looked like.
"Let's take a walk after we eat." He suggested.
"Un."
-
"It's really so beautiful tonight," Airi said as they walk along the deserted road. If Airi remembered it correctly, this was the road to the old shrine she and her mom used to visit.
"I wish you could see…" Airi said to Keito, a little sad. She felt him squeeze her hand a little.
They walked silently for a while and then Keito suddenly chuckled.
"What?" Airi asked, smiling curiously.
Keito scratch his head sheepishly, looking a little shy. "Well, do you remember that song Hikaru mentioned?" He asked him.
"The one you composed?" Airi asked.
"Yeah…" Keito said, blushing. "Well. It kinda fits right now…" He said softly.
"Really?" Airi said, smiling. "Can I hear it?"
"No." Keito said quickly.
"Eh? Why??" Airi said, pouting.
"I'm not a singer, Suzuki." Keito said, laughing.
"You're shy?" Airi laughed as well. "It's not like it would be the first time I hear you sing. You always sing Neechan's song!"
Keito turned to her, cocking his head to the side. "I didn't know you have a sister."
Airi faltered in her steps.
"Oh, no… Maimi-neechan isn't really my sister…" She said quietly. "She's Mai's."
Keito stopped walking, turning to Airi. His expression was silently asking her.
Airi figured it was time to tell him.
She tugged at Keito's hand and they started walking again.
"Mai and I used to be the best of friends," Airi started saying. "We've met when we were four years old. We used to live at the same condo in Komae-shi."
Keito blinked, looking very surprised at her words.
"We were inseparable. I always go to their unit to play."
"Then… How come..?" Keito trailed off.
"Her sister, Maimi-neechan would also play with us." At this, Keito looked more surprised. Airi just continued. "She's two years older than us and she's very nice. I've always wanted an oneechan so I was happy when she said she's also my neechan as well as Mai's."
"Wanna sit?" Airi asked Keito when she saw some benches by the trees.
"Sure." Keito just said, looking a little overwhelmed.
They sat and Airi continued. "She's the reason I wanted to enter our uni. It was her dream school. She wanted to be a singer. That song, 'With A Smile,' that's her first and only song."
Keito looked horror-struck, having an inkling of what would happen next.
"One day, during summer, I went to their unit because Mai invited me. We played house for a while. And then… I don't really know how it happened. Everything happened so fast, but then I was surrounded with flame. And then, there was Maimi-neechan." Airi hadn't realized she was already crying. Everything was still clear in her head.
"I b-black out. When I come to, I was in the hospital. They said Maimi-neechan saved me… She died saving me… That's why Mai can't forgive me. Because I survived, and neechan didn't…"
"It wasn't your fault…" Keito said after a while.
Airi just nodded, and remembering that Keito couldn't see her, said, "I know… But I guess I can't help but think of 'what ifs.' What if I wasn't there that day and neechan didn't have to save me?"
Keito was very quiet after that. It wasn't an awkward silence though, and Airi didn't much notice because she was distracted with her thoughts.
She was surprised when Keito started singing.
"Look at the sky
Tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes
And describe it to me
The heavens are sparkling
With starlight tonight
That's what I see
Through your eyes…"
He trailed off.
"It's beautiful." Airi said sincerely. "But why did you stop?"
Keito shrugged. "It's supposed to be a duet." He said.
"Oh."
"I was nine when the accident happened…" Keito suddenly said.
Airi stared at him, surprised.
"It was a fire. I was asleep when it started…" He said. "It was lucky I woke up at all, but it was already too late. I couldn't even recognize my room. The fire was eating everything. I was trapped but I didn't want to die. I tried very hard to get out. That's how I got the head injury. But I didn't lose my vision at once. I was able to see my way out…" He trailed off.
He turned to Airi with a very serious expression, and then continued in a soft voice. "I was able to see a girl trying to carry another girl out of the condo…"
Airi stared at him, looking a little hesitant.
Keito continued relentlessly. "She saw me, too. And she tried to help me as well… I don't remember how it happened. But suddenly she'd pushed me and the girl she was with before something fell... And then I couldn't see her anymore. There was fire everywhere. I heard her call out though. She told me to ran ahead and she'll catch up.
Airi didn't realized she was gasping. She was still staring at Keito, unbelieving.
"She told me to take the girl with me... At the hospital, they told me her name: Hagiwara Maimi." He said quietly.
And then in a whispered, he addressed her. "Suzuki, you weren't the only one she saved."
Airi didn't know what to say. She feels as if her brain just stopped.
"Suzuki… are you okay?" Keito asked when Airi became too quiet for too long.
She didn't reply. She couldn't.
"Please say something…" Keito urged.
"I… I didn't… I…" Airi didn't know what to say. She still couldn't believe it. And she couldn't help her tears. She was suddenly so thankful, more than ever, of her neechan. She felt sad, she felt grateful and relieved, she felt confused, she felt like someone clogged her in the head.
Keito sighed, looking worried and suddenly called, "Airi."
"I… I'm glad she saved you…" Airi just said.
Keito smiled sadly at her.
--
Airi stopped at her tracks when she saw Keito inside the classroom. He was sitting forlornly in his usual sit by the window.
Airi hesitate for a moment, and then stepped back and walked away. She just couldn't face Keito just then. Something changed, and Airi didn't know how to deal with that change. Keito brings her mix feelings. She felt so overwhelmed just thinking about him. She just couldn't see her just then.
She hadn't talk to him for almost a week now. Not since that night. And she just wasn't ready yet.
Airi was so deep in thought, it was too late when she realized she has been followed.
-
"Mai, please…" Okai tried to plead as she followed her two friends. They were on the way to class when they saw Suzuki walking away from their classroom. Mai had stopped as well and started following the girl.
Mai didn't respond, eyes locked on the girl in front of them.
"Mai!" Okai said, grabbing Mai by her arm.
"What?!" Mai said, glaring at her. This Mai really scares Okai. Usually, her friend was very nice, completely different from the Mai she becomes whenever Suzuki is around.
When Mai first told them about what happened with the girl, she felt bowled over with grief for her new friend and disgust with Suzuki. The way Mai told her story, it was clear that Suzuki was the bad one, the reason Mai was miserable, the reason Mai's sister died.
But then Yurika started bullying Suzuki… and how Suzuki looked the whole time… She wasn't fighting, wasn't even surprised of what was happening. It was as if she wanted to be punished. She believed she really deserved it.
She was brought back to the present when Yurika suddenly pushed her away from Mai.
"If you don't like it, just shut up and don't come!" Yurika said.
Okai glared at her. Yurika… she was different from Mai. She enjoys what she does to Suzuki. It wasn't a matter of 'revenge' as it seems to be for Mai. She just does it for her own pleasures.
Yurika raised a brow at her in challenge. A moment pass, and Yurika just started pulling Mai to continue chasing Suzuki.
Okai felt useless as she watched the two girls go. Thinking hard, she started running towards their classroom. Okamoto might be there. Anyone who can help Suzuki.
She turned a corner and felt disconcerted as she was pushed back to the ground. She opened her eyes and realized she bumped into someone.
Her eyes widen, feeling relieved when she recognize who it was.
"You! Please come quick! It's Suzuki!"
-
"Mai…" Airi said with a gulp.
"Hey Suzuki, it's been a while…" Mai's friend said, feigning a friendly tone.
Airi took a step back. But Yurika had quickly made her way to her and grabbed her. "Going somewhere?"
Airi turned to Mai.
"Mai…" She pleaded.
"Don't call me that. We're not friends anymore. Not since you killed neechan."
Yurika grinned maliciously and started pulling Airi.
--
"Where are they?" Nakajima Saki demanded, feeling very worried.
"They were going here." Okai said panicky.
The two of them both tried to look around, looking at people passing by the walk.
"Don't you have any idea where they may take her??" Saki asked.
"I'm sorry I--" She trailed off when she noticed a girl looking up in horror.
Okai and Saki, too, looked up.
"That’s them!" Okai told Saki, her heart pounding.
"Airi!" Saki called out as she ran back to the building, Okai following close behind.
-
"Airi!" Saki called as she reached the rooftop.
Saki's eyes widen when she saw Airi suspended, arms hugging the railings tight. Two girls were in front of her.
She saw Airi look her way. There were tear tracks on her face but she didn't say anything.
"Mai!!! What the hell?!!" Okai said as she arrived. She looked at the scene in front of her with disbelieving eyes.
-
Okai looked at Mai feeling scared of her than ever. She didn't recognize the girl in front of her. There was pure hatred in her eyes.
She looked at Yurika who, for the first time, looked scared as well. She was backing away, seeming shocked at their friend.
"Stop it, you'll really kill her!" Okai tried to say, but it doesn't seem like Mai could hear her.
"M-mai…" Okai heard Suzuki called. She looked so tired and defeated. She knew she wouldn't be able to hold out for very long.
"You killed her…" Mai said in the shocked silence.
Okai was surprised to see Mai crying.
"If you weren't there, she wouldn't have died." She said.
"You deserve to die."
Both Okai and Saki were shocked when a girl appeared out of nowhere and slapped Mai across the face. It was the girl they who was looking up earlier. They didn't notice she followed them up.
Saki shook herself from her shock as she ran towards Airi while Hagiwara seemed to freeze at the sight of the girl.
Saki pulled Airi over the railing with Okai helping her. Airi's hand were cold and she was shaking. But she wasn't looking at them, her eyes were locked at the two girls.
"Shimi-neechan…" Airi said softly, her voice hoarse.
"How dare you?!!" Shimi-neechan, as Airi called her, suddenly burst out.
"What do you think you're doing?! How do you think your sister would feel?!!!" The girl was crying as well.
"She killed her!" Mai suddenly said, pointing at Airi. "She's the reason she's gone!"
"Your sister saved Airi from the fire you started!" Shimizu suddenly said, looking very bitter just then.
Mai's eyes widen. She looked very scared.
"I… I d-didn't… I didn't kill neechan! She did!!" Mai tried saying pointing at Airi once more.
"I heard the police talking to your parents." Shimizu said, trying not to be overcome by tears. "The fire started from your kitchen. And they found melted plastic on the stove. It was from cooking toys."
"No!" Mai said, crouching down and covering her face. She seemed demented.
"It was an accident." Shimizu tried to say. "You didn't mean harm. But you can't blame other people because you think that you're to blame and you can't accept that!"
"It was because of you all along…" Saki was surprised to hear Airi say. "The reason neechan is gone and Keito is blind…"
Saki stared at her in shock. She wasn't looking at anyone, her eyes were locked on the ground. She was very pale.
"NO!!!" Mai denied again.
"Mai…" Shimizu said gently, cautiously approaching the girl. Mai was crying very hard now.
Shimizu hugged Mai and she dissolved into sobs.
---
"Airi!" Keito called as he burst through her door. Five minutes ago, Saki had thought to call him (an hour after everything had happened!) and he immediately return to their dorm.
"Chill dude, she's fine now." Saki said, blinking at Keito's state. It seems like he'd ran all the way from the music conservatory building.
"Where is she??" He asked, ignoring Saki's comment.
"I'm here…" Airi said in a small voice.
Keito let out an audible sigh at her voice. Slowly, he walked towards where she was.
"She's fine. You know we'd just come from the infirmary. It was just a few scratches." Saki said.
"Don't you have a class or something?" Keito suddenly asked, sounding playfully annoyed.
"You're welcome." Saki said sarcastically.
Airi giggled and both Keito and Saki smiled.
"Thank you, Saki-chan." Airi said.
"Well," Saki said with a shrug. "As much as I don't want to admit Keito is right, I do have classes, so I'll see you later?" She looked at Airi.
Airi smiled and nodded and Saki went on her way.
As Keito heard the door close and Saki's footsteps fade, he turned to Airi.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine now…" Airi said honestly.
"Yokatta…"
"Mai… they said she would be needing some help." Airi started saying. "She'd been carrying the guilt since then. It was eating her up. They said it was her mind's defense to put the blame to me instead."
Keito just nodded. He reached a hand to her cautiously, very slowly… trying to pinpoint where she was. She smiled as he reached her and caressed her cheek. Airi took his hand and held it with both of hers.
"I've already forgiven her, but I don't think we can ever be friends again. There's just so many things…" She trailed off.
"You two will be okay." Keito said with a smile.
"I was thinking of visiting Maimi-neechan during our break." Airi said. "I was wondering if you'd like to come."
"I'd love that." Keito said. "I haven't thanked her yet."
Airi smiled and they were quiet for a while.
"Airi…" Keito said softly.
"Hm?"
"I was thinking…" He said slowly, "I want you to hear my song."
Airi looked at him curiously but said anyway, "Okay."
"Tell me what you think about it." He said.
"Okay." Airi said again.
There was a pause, and then Keito started singing his song.
"Look at the sky
Tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes…" Keito trailed off and he didn't sang the next line.
He whispered, "And describe it to me."
He started singing once more, his voice soft.
"The heavens are sparkling
With starlight tonight
That's what I see
Through your eyes...
I see the heavens
Each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat
Just go on for miles
And suddenly I know
My life is worth while
That's what I see
Through your eyes..."
Airi closed her eyes as she listens to Keito.
"I look at myself
And instead I see us
Whoever I am now
It feels like enough..."
There was a pause and Keito smiled.
"And I see a boy
Who is learning to trust
That's who I see through your eyes…"
"Here in the night," Keito's voice were g rowing softer as he sang…
"I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes…" He trailed off.
"It's beautiful." Airi said, smiling at Keito.
"Are you smiling?" Keito asked.
Airi was surprised. "Yes." She said.
Keito smiled as well. "I can almost see you…"
Airi didn't know what he meant.
"Did you like the song?" He asked.
"Very much." Airi said.
"Truth is, that was about you." He suddenly said.
Airi stared at Keito surprised, but not very much. She wasn't being narcissistic, but Keito had been clear as he sang it. She could hear the message from his voice.
Keito was surprised when he felt her lips on him.
"Thank you…" She said softly. "And I love you, too."
Keito smiled, and for a moment he could really see her.
fin.
-
the songs:
Pairing: OkaZuki
Author: macymacymacy
Genre: Friendship, Romance, Slice of Life
Rating: PG?
AN:
- unbetaed
- alternative universe~
- on an unrelated issue, this is my 600th entry. xD
- inspired by Quest for Camelot. ^^
THIS IS ALREADY THE SECOND PART.
FIRST PART HERE.
"Look," Yurika, Mai's friend said and then pointed. "It's her."
Mai looked at where she was pointing, to the ground floor, understanding who she was talking about.
She frowned when she saw Airi.
"I think she's waiting for someone." Okai, another friend, said.
"Well, do you want to do something?" Yurika asked Mai, smirking a little. "I kinda missed her. Haven't seen her for alone for a while."
Okai frowned at Yurika but didn't say anything.
Mai didn't reply as well, and just continued glaring at the girl. Okai could see the hatred in her friend's eyes.
"She isn't alone anymore." Okai said as she watched another girl make her way to Suzuki. She felt somehow relieved. She really wasn't approving of what her friends were doing. She supposed she was also equally guilty. She hadn't really tried to stop them.
Okai noticed Mai's frown deepened.
"Mai, don't you think we should just leave her alone?" Okai tentatively said. "I mean, she's not doing anything to us." She added quickly.
"She killed my sister." Mai said coldly. "Now tell me how I can forgive her. Let's go, Yurika."
-
"Ai-chan!" Airi heard someone called.
She turned to see Saki running towards her.
"Saki!" She waved, grinning.
"Sorry, my professor extended his class." She said, rolling her eyes and then she smiled again. "Ah, this is so refreshing~!" She said stretching her arms.
"Refreshing?" Airi asked as they started walking to the bus stop. They had agreed to go to the mall today.
"Un. Going out with a girlfriend." She said. "I've grown up around boys, you see. Besides Nii-chan, I have two other brothers, Kento and Rai-chan. And there's the band and I have lots of guy cousins..."
"Wow..." Airi said. "But it kinda explains why Saki-chan is a little boyish."
"Am I?" Saki pouted.
"Just a little." Airi said. "But you're really pretty, too."
"I'll take your word for it." Saki said, grinning. She looked at Airi once and then stopped walking.
Airi blinked, "What is it, Saki-chan?"
"You look really beautiful today, Airi-chan." She suddenly said, not turning her eyes away from Airi.
"Ehh?"
Saki looked closer, smiling. "You looked happy."
"Oh. I.. I guess I am happy." Airi said, blushing.
Saki grinned mischievously. "Is it a guy?" She asked.
Airi, if possible, turned redder.
"Is it! Oh my god! Any progress??" She asked giddily, taking Airi's hand.
"Well, he invited me to go out tomorrow night." Airi said shyly.
"Oh, this is wonderful! Change of plans. We're not going shopping, we're going for a make-over!" Saki declared.
"No, Saki-chan. It's not necessary." Airi tried to say.
"Of course it is! It's your first date, isn't it?" Saki said.
"Well, yeah... but... well, he wouldn't see anyway." Airi said very softly, sounding a little sad.
"IT'S KEITO?!?! OH MY GOD!!!" Saki said very excitedly. Airi didn't know if what she said just didn't register or just didn't bother her.
"That's why there's no need for a--"
"Nonsense!" Saki said, cutting her off. "You dress up in a date for yourself and no one else. Don't believe the other way around." She said severely.
"O... kay." Airi said, a little surprise.
"So, I know this salon. Let's go there first." Saki said, grinning. Just then, the bus arrived.
--
Airi's heart started pounding when someone started knocking on her door. She was sure it was Keito. It was already time.
She felt very nervous. She thinks she was probably a little overdressed, but Saki had insisted that she wore the dress they bought.
Shaking her head, she answered her door.
It was Keito and he was wearing a simple shirt and jeans. Simple, but it suits him.
Keito was quiet for a long while that Airi felt confused and then suddenly he said, "Wow, you look really pretty."
Airi blinked. "Huh??"
And then Keito laughed. "Sorry, just had to try that. Saki actually described how you look tonight."
Airi shook her head in fondness and exasperation. For a second there, she really thought Keito could miraculously see her.
"Well, you look good." Airi just said. She didn't feel very nervous anymore because of what Keito did.
He grinned sheepishly at her. "Thanks."
"Well, we better get going or we'll be late."
They arrived at the Arena earlier than expected. There were so many people, but as they have VIP tickets, they were able to enter swiftly.
"What time is it?" Keito asked when they were already in their seats.
"Half pass seven." Airi said.
"We still have time." Keito said. "Come on."
He took her hand and pulled her up.
"Go where?"
He just grinned.
-
Airi was amazed at how Keito could navigate. Other people would never have thought he is blind. They seem to be going to the backstage. The guard took one look at Keito, smiled and let them pass.
"How many times have you been here?" She asked him.
"More than I can count." Keito said as he pulled her to a door.
"Ah, here we are." Keito said.
"Oi, Keito." Someone suddenly said.
Airi was star-strucked. It was Narita Shouji, Otokogumi's lead guitarist.
"Shouji-san." Keito greeted.
"Oh, who's this?" Narita Shouji asked, looking at Airi.
"This is Suzuki Airi." Keito introduced. "She's a big fan."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady." Narita Shouji said, taking Airi's hand.
"Ah. Pleasure's all mine." Airi found herself saying. She knew she probably looked stupid. At the moment, she didn't much care.
"Is dad here?" Keito suddenly asked.
Narita Shouji looked at Keito with raised brows and then turned back to Airi, giving her a wink.
Airi didn't know what to make of it.
"Kenichi!" Narita Shouji called, walking away.
"Keito, this is incredible." Airi managed to gasp out.
"When you get used to them, you'll realize they're just old men who's convinced they're still cool." Keito said with a grin.
"They are cool." Airi said.
"For that, you're invited to our next concert."
Airi turned red as she realized it was Okamoto Kenichi who spoke.
"Yo. Keito." He saluted at Keito.
"Dad..." Keito just said, sounding exasperated.
"And you must be Suzuki Airi. I've heard lots of things." Okamoto Kenichi said as he turned to Airi.
Airi felt her face flush, and from her peripheral view, she could see Keito's face did the same.
"H-hai, it's nice to meet you, sir." Airi said.
"Just call me Kenichi... or you can call me dad, if you want. I don't mind."
"Dad!!!" Keito said, incredibly managing to pinpoint where his dad is and cover his mouth.
His dad started laughing and they looked like they were wrestling upright for a while.
Airi couldn't help but smile, even though she felt really embarrassed.
The father and son stopped as another man entered the room. The band's manager, it seems. He called to the group and say they need to stand by.
Keito returned to Airi and the two of them said goodbye to the band.
They had a slower time returning to their seats since there were already so many people inside the arena. But they were able to before the show started.
-
The concert seemed like a blur to Airi... but then again, she remembered everything that happened very clearly. Maybe the more accurate term to use would be that it all felt surreal. Keito's father had even picked her when they asked one fan to get up the stage.
After the show, Keito and she went to the backstage once more and she was able to meet the rest of the band and even chat with them for a little while. They were all like family to Keito. And they were very friendly with Airi. All of them seem to think that Airi is Keito's girlfriend, and they didn't believe Keito no matter how many times he tried to deny it.
"I feel kinda guilty. Isn't this some kind of nepotism?" Airi asked as they made their way out the arena.
"You're not a relative of any of the band member. You're just a fan." Keito just said.
"Yeah, but you are and you're my friend." Airi said.
"Don't worry about it." Keito just said. "So, where do you wanna go now? Are you hungry?"
"A little." Airi said.
"Where do you wanna eat?" Keito asked.
Airi grinned. "Wanna go down memory lane?"
Keito furrowed his eyebrows.
Airi didn't say anything and just took Keito's hand.
-
"Street food?" Keito asked as they ascended the stairs.
"Un." Suzuki said, "What would you want?"
"Chirashi." Keito just said.
"Okay," Suzuki said.
She led him to one of the tables and he sat at once, feeling a little tired.
"I'll be back." Suzuki said
Suzuki came back with a few variety of sushi and some gizzard, chicken thigh and pig tongue and coconut shake for each of them.
Keito listened as Suzuki sat.
"Smells good." Keito commented.
"It tastes good." Suzuki said.
Keito cocked his head to
left and then asked, "How many times have you eaten here?"
"More than I can count." Suzuki said cheekily. "My parents and I used to eat here a lot when I was young."
"Wow, there are so many stars tonight." Suzuki suddenly said, sounding awed.
Keito smiled at her voice. He could almost imagine how her smile would have looked like.
"Let's take a walk after we eat." He suggested.
"Un."
-
"It's really so beautiful tonight," Airi said as they walk along the deserted road. If Airi remembered it correctly, this was the road to the old shrine she and her mom used to visit.
"I wish you could see…" Airi said to Keito, a little sad. She felt him squeeze her hand a little.
They walked silently for a while and then Keito suddenly chuckled.
"What?" Airi asked, smiling curiously.
Keito scratch his head sheepishly, looking a little shy. "Well, do you remember that song Hikaru mentioned?" He asked him.
"The one you composed?" Airi asked.
"Yeah…" Keito said, blushing. "Well. It kinda fits right now…" He said softly.
"Really?" Airi said, smiling. "Can I hear it?"
"No." Keito said quickly.
"Eh? Why??" Airi said, pouting.
"I'm not a singer, Suzuki." Keito said, laughing.
"You're shy?" Airi laughed as well. "It's not like it would be the first time I hear you sing. You always sing Neechan's song!"
Keito turned to her, cocking his head to the side. "I didn't know you have a sister."
Airi faltered in her steps.
"Oh, no… Maimi-neechan isn't really my sister…" She said quietly. "She's Mai's."
Keito stopped walking, turning to Airi. His expression was silently asking her.
Airi figured it was time to tell him.
She tugged at Keito's hand and they started walking again.
"Mai and I used to be the best of friends," Airi started saying. "We've met when we were four years old. We used to live at the same condo in Komae-shi."
Keito blinked, looking very surprised at her words.
"We were inseparable. I always go to their unit to play."
"Then… How come..?" Keito trailed off.
"Her sister, Maimi-neechan would also play with us." At this, Keito looked more surprised. Airi just continued. "She's two years older than us and she's very nice. I've always wanted an oneechan so I was happy when she said she's also my neechan as well as Mai's."
"Wanna sit?" Airi asked Keito when she saw some benches by the trees.
"Sure." Keito just said, looking a little overwhelmed.
They sat and Airi continued. "She's the reason I wanted to enter our uni. It was her dream school. She wanted to be a singer. That song, 'With A Smile,' that's her first and only song."
Keito looked horror-struck, having an inkling of what would happen next.
"One day, during summer, I went to their unit because Mai invited me. We played house for a while. And then… I don't really know how it happened. Everything happened so fast, but then I was surrounded with flame. And then, there was Maimi-neechan." Airi hadn't realized she was already crying. Everything was still clear in her head.
"I b-black out. When I come to, I was in the hospital. They said Maimi-neechan saved me… She died saving me… That's why Mai can't forgive me. Because I survived, and neechan didn't…"
"It wasn't your fault…" Keito said after a while.
Airi just nodded, and remembering that Keito couldn't see her, said, "I know… But I guess I can't help but think of 'what ifs.' What if I wasn't there that day and neechan didn't have to save me?"
Keito was very quiet after that. It wasn't an awkward silence though, and Airi didn't much notice because she was distracted with her thoughts.
She was surprised when Keito started singing.
"Look at the sky
Tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes
And describe it to me
The heavens are sparkling
With starlight tonight
That's what I see
Through your eyes…"
He trailed off.
"It's beautiful." Airi said sincerely. "But why did you stop?"
Keito shrugged. "It's supposed to be a duet." He said.
"Oh."
"I was nine when the accident happened…" Keito suddenly said.
Airi stared at him, surprised.
"It was a fire. I was asleep when it started…" He said. "It was lucky I woke up at all, but it was already too late. I couldn't even recognize my room. The fire was eating everything. I was trapped but I didn't want to die. I tried very hard to get out. That's how I got the head injury. But I didn't lose my vision at once. I was able to see my way out…" He trailed off.
He turned to Airi with a very serious expression, and then continued in a soft voice. "I was able to see a girl trying to carry another girl out of the condo…"
Airi stared at him, looking a little hesitant.
Keito continued relentlessly. "She saw me, too. And she tried to help me as well… I don't remember how it happened. But suddenly she'd pushed me and the girl she was with before something fell... And then I couldn't see her anymore. There was fire everywhere. I heard her call out though. She told me to ran ahead and she'll catch up.
Airi didn't realized she was gasping. She was still staring at Keito, unbelieving.
"She told me to take the girl with me... At the hospital, they told me her name: Hagiwara Maimi." He said quietly.
And then in a whispered, he addressed her. "Suzuki, you weren't the only one she saved."
Airi didn't know what to say. She feels as if her brain just stopped.
"Suzuki… are you okay?" Keito asked when Airi became too quiet for too long.
She didn't reply. She couldn't.
"Please say something…" Keito urged.
"I… I didn't… I…" Airi didn't know what to say. She still couldn't believe it. And she couldn't help her tears. She was suddenly so thankful, more than ever, of her neechan. She felt sad, she felt grateful and relieved, she felt confused, she felt like someone clogged her in the head.
Keito sighed, looking worried and suddenly called, "Airi."
"I… I'm glad she saved you…" Airi just said.
Keito smiled sadly at her.
--
Airi stopped at her tracks when she saw Keito inside the classroom. He was sitting forlornly in his usual sit by the window.
Airi hesitate for a moment, and then stepped back and walked away. She just couldn't face Keito just then. Something changed, and Airi didn't know how to deal with that change. Keito brings her mix feelings. She felt so overwhelmed just thinking about him. She just couldn't see her just then.
She hadn't talk to him for almost a week now. Not since that night. And she just wasn't ready yet.
Airi was so deep in thought, it was too late when she realized she has been followed.
-
"Mai, please…" Okai tried to plead as she followed her two friends. They were on the way to class when they saw Suzuki walking away from their classroom. Mai had stopped as well and started following the girl.
Mai didn't respond, eyes locked on the girl in front of them.
"Mai!" Okai said, grabbing Mai by her arm.
"What?!" Mai said, glaring at her. This Mai really scares Okai. Usually, her friend was very nice, completely different from the Mai she becomes whenever Suzuki is around.
When Mai first told them about what happened with the girl, she felt bowled over with grief for her new friend and disgust with Suzuki. The way Mai told her story, it was clear that Suzuki was the bad one, the reason Mai was miserable, the reason Mai's sister died.
But then Yurika started bullying Suzuki… and how Suzuki looked the whole time… She wasn't fighting, wasn't even surprised of what was happening. It was as if she wanted to be punished. She believed she really deserved it.
She was brought back to the present when Yurika suddenly pushed her away from Mai.
"If you don't like it, just shut up and don't come!" Yurika said.
Okai glared at her. Yurika… she was different from Mai. She enjoys what she does to Suzuki. It wasn't a matter of 'revenge' as it seems to be for Mai. She just does it for her own pleasures.
Yurika raised a brow at her in challenge. A moment pass, and Yurika just started pulling Mai to continue chasing Suzuki.
Okai felt useless as she watched the two girls go. Thinking hard, she started running towards their classroom. Okamoto might be there. Anyone who can help Suzuki.
She turned a corner and felt disconcerted as she was pushed back to the ground. She opened her eyes and realized she bumped into someone.
Her eyes widen, feeling relieved when she recognize who it was.
"You! Please come quick! It's Suzuki!"
-
"Mai…" Airi said with a gulp.
"Hey Suzuki, it's been a while…" Mai's friend said, feigning a friendly tone.
Airi took a step back. But Yurika had quickly made her way to her and grabbed her. "Going somewhere?"
Airi turned to Mai.
"Mai…" She pleaded.
"Don't call me that. We're not friends anymore. Not since you killed neechan."
Yurika grinned maliciously and started pulling Airi.
--
"Where are they?" Nakajima Saki demanded, feeling very worried.
"They were going here." Okai said panicky.
The two of them both tried to look around, looking at people passing by the walk.
"Don't you have any idea where they may take her??" Saki asked.
"I'm sorry I--" She trailed off when she noticed a girl looking up in horror.
Okai and Saki, too, looked up.
"That’s them!" Okai told Saki, her heart pounding.
"Airi!" Saki called out as she ran back to the building, Okai following close behind.
-
"Airi!" Saki called as she reached the rooftop.
Saki's eyes widen when she saw Airi suspended, arms hugging the railings tight. Two girls were in front of her.
She saw Airi look her way. There were tear tracks on her face but she didn't say anything.
"Mai!!! What the hell?!!" Okai said as she arrived. She looked at the scene in front of her with disbelieving eyes.
-
Okai looked at Mai feeling scared of her than ever. She didn't recognize the girl in front of her. There was pure hatred in her eyes.
She looked at Yurika who, for the first time, looked scared as well. She was backing away, seeming shocked at their friend.
"Stop it, you'll really kill her!" Okai tried to say, but it doesn't seem like Mai could hear her.
"M-mai…" Okai heard Suzuki called. She looked so tired and defeated. She knew she wouldn't be able to hold out for very long.
"You killed her…" Mai said in the shocked silence.
Okai was surprised to see Mai crying.
"If you weren't there, she wouldn't have died." She said.
"You deserve to die."
Both Okai and Saki were shocked when a girl appeared out of nowhere and slapped Mai across the face. It was the girl they who was looking up earlier. They didn't notice she followed them up.
Saki shook herself from her shock as she ran towards Airi while Hagiwara seemed to freeze at the sight of the girl.
Saki pulled Airi over the railing with Okai helping her. Airi's hand were cold and she was shaking. But she wasn't looking at them, her eyes were locked at the two girls.
"Shimi-neechan…" Airi said softly, her voice hoarse.
"How dare you?!!" Shimi-neechan, as Airi called her, suddenly burst out.
"What do you think you're doing?! How do you think your sister would feel?!!!" The girl was crying as well.
"She killed her!" Mai suddenly said, pointing at Airi. "She's the reason she's gone!"
"Your sister saved Airi from the fire you started!" Shimizu suddenly said, looking very bitter just then.
Mai's eyes widen. She looked very scared.
"I… I d-didn't… I didn't kill neechan! She did!!" Mai tried saying pointing at Airi once more.
"I heard the police talking to your parents." Shimizu said, trying not to be overcome by tears. "The fire started from your kitchen. And they found melted plastic on the stove. It was from cooking toys."
"No!" Mai said, crouching down and covering her face. She seemed demented.
"It was an accident." Shimizu tried to say. "You didn't mean harm. But you can't blame other people because you think that you're to blame and you can't accept that!"
"It was because of you all along…" Saki was surprised to hear Airi say. "The reason neechan is gone and Keito is blind…"
Saki stared at her in shock. She wasn't looking at anyone, her eyes were locked on the ground. She was very pale.
"NO!!!" Mai denied again.
"Mai…" Shimizu said gently, cautiously approaching the girl. Mai was crying very hard now.
Shimizu hugged Mai and she dissolved into sobs.
---
"Airi!" Keito called as he burst through her door. Five minutes ago, Saki had thought to call him (an hour after everything had happened!) and he immediately return to their dorm.
"Chill dude, she's fine now." Saki said, blinking at Keito's state. It seems like he'd ran all the way from the music conservatory building.
"Where is she??" He asked, ignoring Saki's comment.
"I'm here…" Airi said in a small voice.
Keito let out an audible sigh at her voice. Slowly, he walked towards where she was.
"She's fine. You know we'd just come from the infirmary. It was just a few scratches." Saki said.
"Don't you have a class or something?" Keito suddenly asked, sounding playfully annoyed.
"You're welcome." Saki said sarcastically.
Airi giggled and both Keito and Saki smiled.
"Thank you, Saki-chan." Airi said.
"Well," Saki said with a shrug. "As much as I don't want to admit Keito is right, I do have classes, so I'll see you later?" She looked at Airi.
Airi smiled and nodded and Saki went on her way.
As Keito heard the door close and Saki's footsteps fade, he turned to Airi.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine now…" Airi said honestly.
"Yokatta…"
"Mai… they said she would be needing some help." Airi started saying. "She'd been carrying the guilt since then. It was eating her up. They said it was her mind's defense to put the blame to me instead."
Keito just nodded. He reached a hand to her cautiously, very slowly… trying to pinpoint where she was. She smiled as he reached her and caressed her cheek. Airi took his hand and held it with both of hers.
"I've already forgiven her, but I don't think we can ever be friends again. There's just so many things…" She trailed off.
"You two will be okay." Keito said with a smile.
"I was thinking of visiting Maimi-neechan during our break." Airi said. "I was wondering if you'd like to come."
"I'd love that." Keito said. "I haven't thanked her yet."
Airi smiled and they were quiet for a while.
"Airi…" Keito said softly.
"Hm?"
"I was thinking…" He said slowly, "I want you to hear my song."
Airi looked at him curiously but said anyway, "Okay."
"Tell me what you think about it." He said.
"Okay." Airi said again.
There was a pause, and then Keito started singing his song.
"Look at the sky
Tell me what do you see
Just close your eyes…" Keito trailed off and he didn't sang the next line.
He whispered, "And describe it to me."
He started singing once more, his voice soft.
"The heavens are sparkling
With starlight tonight
That's what I see
Through your eyes...
I see the heavens
Each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat
Just go on for miles
And suddenly I know
My life is worth while
That's what I see
Through your eyes..."
Airi closed her eyes as she listens to Keito.
"I look at myself
And instead I see us
Whoever I am now
It feels like enough..."
There was a pause and Keito smiled.
"And I see a boy
Who is learning to trust
That's who I see through your eyes…"
"Here in the night," Keito's voice were g rowing softer as he sang…
"I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It's out of our hands
We can't stop what we have begun
And love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes…" He trailed off.
"It's beautiful." Airi said, smiling at Keito.
"Are you smiling?" Keito asked.
Airi was surprised. "Yes." She said.
Keito smiled as well. "I can almost see you…"
Airi didn't know what he meant.
"Did you like the song?" He asked.
"Very much." Airi said.
"Truth is, that was about you." He suddenly said.
Airi stared at Keito surprised, but not very much. She wasn't being narcissistic, but Keito had been clear as he sang it. She could hear the message from his voice.
Keito was surprised when he felt her lips on him.
"Thank you…" She said softly. "And I love you, too."
Keito smiled, and for a moment he could really see her.
fin.
-
the songs:
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