Pandora's Box - Chapter 11
TITLE: Pandora's Box - Chapter 11
DISCLAIMER: I didn't own any of the character but i own the plotXD
GENRE: romance, slice of life, drama
CHARACTERS: Inoo, Yabu, Yaotome, Arioka, Yamada, Takaki, Nakajima
SUMMARY: Hatred turned to love, silence turned to seeking and lies become truth. Kota just hit the rock bottom making him realize that memories should not remained unlock. He seek for truth, he yearned for what really happened and why things are going this and that. But what if he is going further to what is already near to him? Is everything gone too late to change? Everyone is given curiosity and so will you open the box as well?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the revised version of my on going fanfic Pandora's Box. Enjoy^___^
Pandora's Box
Chapter 11
"Performance"
“Yuto, faster faster.” a small girl with brown hair in ponytail said excitedly as they finally reached the front gate of Keiren Academy. “My boyfriend will going to perform here and he give me two ticket so that I can watch the show.”
Yuto stood up in front of the gate while looking at the name of the school. He really didn’t want to go but his newly found friend Roa invited him and he can’t say no to her. He knew that Kota was studying in that school and there will be a big possibility that there path will intersect each other. They went to the Skyline Theater which is just near the library of the school and there are already lots of people around. It is a funding program that is done by the school every year and it is one thing that everyone was looking forward in the school since people knew that Keiren Gakuen is good at performing arts.
Roa and Yuto sit down on their seat and relax themselves as they wait for the program to start.
…
HIkaru took a look behind the curtains to see the seat which was now occupied by people who will going to watch them performed. He didn’t expect that there are lots of people invited and that just give him more butterflies to his stomach and it just worsen when he saw his big sister and his mother who are there as an audience and they brought with them the video camera to capture his performance. “I even told them not to go.” HIkaru whispered. He went back to the dressing room where he saw Kota fixing himself in front of the mirror.
“Whoa, Kota look so cool.” Hikaru whispered to himself.
“It is for sure that we can attract more girls to watch this.” Another said. “I guess Yuya will have a rival for this year huh.”he added.
“What do you mean?” Kota asked them as he button his lower part.
“This event is done every year and each year audience will vote for that someone that attracted them the most in the performance. Last year it was Yuya since he is really popular with girls but we think this year it will change since you can stand par with him.”
“Hoy…hoy…” HIkaru interrupted. “Aren’t you forgetting about me? This time I will do my best so I will be chosen as the most popular.”
“Ahhh Hikaru… we didn’t noticed that you are already here.” someone joked.
“What did you say?” Hikaru asked as he pinch the nose of that guy who told him that answer. Kota just sigh as he watched the guys going gung ho over that popularity stuffs. He really doesn’t care about it since he is not interested with girls at all. He sit down on the available chair and drink some water until he noticed that there are people who was not yet around.
…
Ryosuke was assigned to put the empty boxes on the storage room but there are lots of them and he can’t do everything on his own. Kei saw him struggling and so help him bring those boxes on their respective place. Ryosuke felt awkward to look on Kei in the eye because of what happened between them the other day. He knew that Kei is not the one at fault but because of a sudden burst of emotion he blame him for Yuya not choosing him. “Kei.” Ryosuke called. “I… I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Kei asked him back.
“For shouting to you that day. For blaming you, for dragging you in this mess. I apologized.” Ryosuke pointed out. “You are not at fault but I did those things to you.”
“I can’t remember it anymore so never mind about it.” Kei said as he smiled. “For now let us do our best to this event so that it wil be successful and we will not have regret.”
Ryosuke felt like crying in front of Kei but he stop it coz he don’t want to ruined the mood. He knows Kei is so nice but to be forgiven as easy as that, he felt so happy. He just stand there and didn’t say a thing but all of a sudden he felt a hand pat his head. “Are you alright now? I heard from Yuya that you already give up on him, is that true?”
“In order for me not to hurt anymore and also not to hurt anyone else i… I told him that I will give up besides… I don’t think he will see me the way he sees you. I am just nothing to him.” Ryosuke answered back.
“I don’t think so.” Kei disagreed. “Ryo, things change. Your enemy today can be your comrade tomorrow. If you really like Yuya fight for it because I know that hard work betrays no one.” He continued. “Let’s go… we still have things we need to do.” Kei is about to step when he suddenly felt lazy and he staggerd making him lean on the wall. Ryosuke immediately approached him asking him if he is alright. “I’m fine… I just loss my balance a little.”
“A…are you sure? You look pale though.”
“I’m fine… don’t worry about me. Let’s go back. Everyone is waiting for us.”
…
Daiki went inside of the Skyline Theater and he felt nostalgic seeing the stage that he used to perform before. It’s been months since he didn’t come back to his old school and there’s nothing change to it. There are student who can recall him, greeting and talking to him, but he didn’t went there to have chit chat over old friends. He went there to watched the performance and see how everyone improves after those months that he was gone. He looked for an available seat when he noticed Yuto and Roa. They are member of Arts Club where he is part and they became his close friends there. “What are the two of you doing here?” Daiki asked them.
“My boyfriend invited me to watch his performance and I brought Yuto with me. How about you? Are you invited by someone to watch this event?” Roa asked.
“This is actually my old school before I transferred. You can say that I am invited by my old friends.” Daiki replied back. “Can I sit there?” he asked, pointing on the seat which is besides Yuto. Yuto nodded his head and so Daiki sit down there and continue their conversation. “I used to perform in this event as well.”
“You’re good at performing arts too?” Yuto asked him back.
“What do you think of me just a genius in painting?” Daiki asked them back. “I can sing and I can dance too.”
“Wow that was great.” Roa was impressed. “I wish to see you performed someday Daiki. I always envy you because you are the best at painting and now knowing that you are also good at singing and dancing… I am your biggest fan.” She said excitedly.
“I wonder why did you transfer it seems like your life here before is quiet enjoyable.” Yuto wondered.
“Well just seeing boy’s face is kinda weird don’t you think? We are boys so we also need some female aura.” Daiki obviously joked. “Just joking… I have my own reasons. By the way Roa, who is your boyfriend? What year?”
“Eh? Ahmmm… he is a third year Kurosuke Tachibana.”
“Ha? Really? That guy? I know him… I know him… I didn’t know he is your boyfriend… but I think you are great together.” Daiki commented.
“Really? You think so? I think the same way… I am sure that he was my fateful guy. That’s the reason I am here to support him no matter what. Actually we are planning to go to the same university together.” Roa said with giggled. “I already missed him so much.”
“University huh.” Daiki sighed as he look straight to the stage.
…
Everyone was in chaos when they found out that there is still one performer missing and that is Yuya. Hikaru tried to contact him but he was not answering his phone. Even it is not yet his time for his performance; everybody should be assembled already so that there is no more trouble that could happen. HIkaru decided to search for him but then before he walk out of the door Yuya arrived with a new hairstyle which give him more a bright image and everyone assured that girls will flail over him again.
Yuya wear his costume and then fixed himself in front of the mirror when the door opened and it was Ryosuke who came in. His eyes and Ryosuke met each other but both of them look away. Ryosuke went in the middle of the waiting room to assemble everyone for the program that will start in any minutes. “Alright everyone… 3 minutes till we start. First performance will be the choir and then Kei’s solo performance in the grand piano” He reminded. “Choir members should prepare at the backstage already also Kei and then the operatic singer that will follow after him.” He continued to explained the flow of the program so that the performer will not panic while in the stage. When he was done, Ryosuke glance at Kei who was sitting at the corner. He was worried about him since he staggered a while back but since Kei told him that he was alright then he will believe on him.
“Yosh before we start let’s raise the spirits fo everyone.” Hikaru said. He put his left hand in front and everyone follows. “Ryo, do the honor.” Hikaru told him.
“Me? Why me?” Ryosuke asked him.
“Coz everything of this is possible because of your leadership. I know you will do great on this and so… let’s do this.” Hikaru answered him with so much enthusiasm. Ryosuke put his hand on top and started to say things like their hardship to finished everything even in just a short time and also they must make the event successful and memorable specially for the third years who will graduate soon.
“We can do this!” everyone shouted at the same time and they they scattered going to their respective place.
…
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Today we are celebrating the annual funding program of Keiren All Boy’s Academy. Everything that we will gain from this program will be donated to the orphanage that is sponsored by our school. As our students and teachers perform in front of you, we are hoping that you will going to enjoy it for they really did their best to make this as entertaining as possible. Ones again I wanted to greet everyone a pleasant day and enjoy our humble performance for everyone.”
As the curtain opened the audiences were welcome by a chilling voices of the choir. Since it was an all boy’s school everyone who are part of the choir are boys but despite that there are high pitches that were well blended on the low tone voice of the men singers. It was a extravagant opening just proving that Keiren Academy is really a great school for performing arts students.
The choir exited the stage after a 5 minutes performance and then the audience are travelled into the times of Mozart as Kei performed in his grand piano Moonlight Sonata. The intro was warmly appreciated by the people watching specially those who are music enthusiasts but the perfection of the piece didn’t became consistent as he continue to play the other parts. Noren, Kei’s mother, is one of the audience who noticed that something was wrong with Kei’s performance when he was already at the middle part.
“What’s wrong with Kei-chan? He just did a mistake there.” Daiki whispered. “Is he alright?”
“Kei?” Yuto repeated with a question mark at the end. “Did you say Kei?” he asked him.
Daiki nodded his head. “He is a friend of mine. Kei Inoo is his full name. I wonder what happened. I am sure he made a mistake there but it is rare for him to do that.” Daiki answered Yuto and then he continued to his monologue.
Yuto look at the stage again and observed the one who is playing the piano. There is no doubt that it was the guy who he knew in his past. He stand up and walk out of the theater and Roa just followed him with her gaze. “Is he going to the comfort room?” she uttered.
Reaching the door, Yuto gasped. “This can’t be. K..Kei is here?”
“Yuto?” a familiar voice called. Yuto look in front and he saw Kota’s mother standing near him “Wh…why are you here?” she asked wondering why Yuto looks like he was surprised “ is the program already over? Are you alright?”
Yuto stand up straight and bow his head as a sign of respect. He was not expecting to see her and so he didn't know what to say at first. “I..I'm fine. Nice to see you again Saito-san.” Yuto greeted.
“That goes the same as me. I was surprised when I heard from Kou about your sudden decision to go here in Tokyo. It's been years since I saw you and you really change a lot I am glad I am not wrong when I called you. You being here means that you and my son are seeing each other?" Suzanne asked him. "He was searching for you…"
“We already met." Yuto briefly answered. "Are you here to watch him perform?"
“Kou give me an invitation last night. It took me a lot of time to decide if I will go or not but now I am here. You knew that I hate Kou being involved in music right?” Suzanne asked him back. “But don’t worry I am not here to ruin his performance, I am here to watched him ruin it himself.” She paused for a moment. "How many times did he fail before? I don't understand why he don't listen to me. Why is he obsessed to embarrass himself that much? I just… I only think about him." she continued.
"I don't think it was like that." Yuto answered him back. "Music is Kou's paradise. Whenever he is singing and playing guitar he was more than happy."
"He doesn't deserved such paradise. I need to enter already. It's nice seeing you again and I hope you will continue shutting your mouth." Suzanne told him as he entered the theater. It's already the third performer who is in in the stage.
…
Yuya and Hikaru keep an eye towards Kota who was being silent in the corner while playing with his fingers. It was fresh on their minds what Kota did when they tried to perform before and they knew about his stage fright. They are shocked when Kei suddenly told them that Kota will join the group and will be part of the band and they think that Kei is going insane to send a guy who have a stage fright just like that. They tried to talk to him but he told them that they should not worry because he will assure that Kota will not only do it but he will perform in front perfectly.
"Are you sure about this?" Yuya broke the agony by asking the question. "Can you perform in front of all those people?"
“Are you thinking I will fail?” Kota asked him back.
“I am also worried.” Hikaru joined their conversation. “You can't blame us. We saw how you reacted that time in the restaurant… I…it's not some ordinary thing to happen. If you can't do it then… you can back out now."
Kota smirked "I didn't know you have this smart side of you Hikaru… you've seen through me. Actually I am trembling deep inside… I guess… I'll quit. You can do this even I am not here right? It's not like I am needed anyway." he said and he went through the door but Yuya stop him.
"Kei bring you here, he was very sure you can do this and you will just quit?"
"What's wrong? Aren't you worried that I will fail? Now that I am quitting you wanted me back? Or is it because of Kei? You really like that guy huh…" Kota answered him back.
"This is not the time for this. We will perform soon so I hope you will be ready." Yuya told him and finally he let Kota went out of the room.
Kota walk by the corridor to go to the comfort room to calm himself. Even he was not standing in the stage he was already trembling and nervous. His mind just keep on flashing back those time that he failed and embarrassed himself by running away. Can he really do it? can he really perform? What happened in that music room can maybe a one time thing only. Maybe he didn't get rid of his fear. No, there is really no way that it can heal by only one performance.
He wanted to run away. He wanted to escape the place and don't perform but there is a certain someone that is stopping him even he was not physical in front of him. Why is he thinking about Kei that moment? Why do he need to listen to his words that everything gonna be alright? What is he to him anyway?
He tried to calm himself by walking around then he saw an slightly opened door where he saw a sight of Kei sitting down on the floor and seems like having a hard time to breathe. He immediately opened the door and approached him. “Hoy… Kei… are you alright?” he asked as he kneel down in front of the smaller boy and check his condition. He put his hand on his forehead and he was burning. He was sweating but trembling too and it seems like his chest was hurting because he keep on clenching on it. "This is not good… I'll bring you to the hospital now." he said and when he is about to lift him up Kei stop him by pulling his coat.
"Wh…why are you here?" Kei asked him.
"No need to answer that. I’m going to bring you to the hospital." Kota said.
"Hospital?" Kei repeated. "We…we can't go there." he refused. "Yabu, you will going to perform soon. You can't go anywhere."
"Huh? Kei look at your situation. You look like your in pain. I need to bring you to the hospital right now."
"I don't want you to bring me to the hospital. You should stay here. You need to perform."
"It's fine. I don't care if I can't perform… right now you are in the worst situation so…"
"Don't say stupid thing like you don't care if you don't perform." Kei told him madly as he pulled Kota's collar and near his face to him. Kota was surprised that Kei have still strength to do that to him. "Don't run away… don't run away to things that you really like. You need to perform there… for yourself… for your own good."
Kota grab Kei's hand that is holding his collar. "I have enough of you. Don't talk like you knew everything about me. I’m going to bring you to the hospital whether you like it or not."
"Are you planning to just be like this forever? Running away to things that you like? You maybe not see it but I witness how happy you are when you are playing guitar and singing. Are you thinking you gonna fail? Embarrassed yourself in front of all those people? What's wrong with that? At least you are doing something you really like. Stop hiding yourself in a barrier and stay on your comfort zone… that is not like you." Kei told him. "I… I'll already called my mom… she will be here soon so… go… let those people hear your voice and be inspired and amazed of how great you are like I used to feel when I first heard you sing."
I keep asking myself why I keep on hanging with this foolish man. He only do things that irritates me. The first time we met it didn't turned out good but now it seems like everyday of my life he became a part of it. What is it that made me drawn to you? Kei Inoo… who really are you?
"I… I'll be back." Kota told Kei. He turned his back and run away exiting the room. On his way to the backstage he saw Noren running towards Kei's direction together with a staff. He stop for a moment and then told her his situation.
"Yabu, do your best." Noren told Kota before he run again going to the backstage since their performance is about to start.
…
Kota arrived at the backstage and Yuya and Hikaru approach him immediately. They are so worried that he didn't come back after what they talk in the dressing room. "Where did you go? We are searching for you." Hikaru asked him. "Are you alright? Can you play? Can you perform?"
"If you can't do it then it's alright if you just stay here. We can do it even it is only me and Hikaru." Yuya told him.
"After all the time I wasted for practice I will just quit?" Kota asked him back. "There's no way I will do that."
"Th…then let's do some relaxation routine." Hikaru told Kota. "You need to breathe in and breathe out, relax your shoulder and then close your eyes for a moment. Think that you are alone and no one is there. No one was watching you, no eyes are looking at you, no mouth are talking about you. You are alone… alone… alone…"
"Hikaru, what are you doing?" Yuya asked him.
"It's a help to ease his fright. Kota's case is psychological right? If he will think that he was only alone then for sure he can concentrate and will not be scared." he explained to him.
“Is that how you treat such kind of person?” Yuya asked him again and Hikaru just nodded his head. He tap Kota’s shoulder and grip on it a little. “Kei will not let you stand here in this stage if you really don’t have talent right? Things will be alright… even I hate you, I want to help you face your fear.”
Kota grabbed Yuya’s hand and take it away from his shoulder. “I don’t want people touching me.” he muttered. “Besides who needs a cheer from someone who hated me? What do you think of me a coward who will run away? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kota smirked. "It's time to go to stage… let's finished this."
Hikaru tap Yuya's shoulder "He still have his annoying side so maybe he is fine." he told him as he followed Kota on the stage.
As Kota stand on the stage it feels like there is an automatic switch turned on deep inside of him. As he can hear the voices of the people behind that curtain, it started to turned to noise that hurt his ear. The darkness is suffocating him, making him think that he was alone and no one was around to save him if something bad happened. It is happening again, those mental scene flashes to his mind. Scary voices shouting from his behind. His head suddenly feel a sharp pain.
Help me! Please don't hurt me!
You will not run away!
Escape? There's no way you can do that. I will chase you even you are already in hell.
Die!
Kota stand up straight while looking at his trembling hands. "I… I can't do this." he whispered. "Someone will going to kill me." he continued to whisper to himself. "Wh…why am I here anyway?"
"Don't run away… don't run away to things that you really like. You need to perform there… for yourself… for your own good."
"Are you planning to just be like this forever? Running away to things that you like? You maybe not see it but I witness how happy you are when you are playing guitar and singing. Are you thinking you gonna fail? Embarrassed yourself in front of all those people? What's wrong with that? At least you are doing something you really like. Stop hiding yourself in a barrier and stay on your comfort zone… that is not like you."
"Kei?" he whispered again. "I wonder… why do he want me to perform that much."
"Because he acknowledge your talent maybe." Hikaru answered him back as he tap his shoulder. "We are ready."
"Am I… Am I really that good?"Kota asked him.
"Why don't you show it to us… what is that talent Kei is being proud of." Yuya replied as he signaled the staff to open the curtain already.
...
Roa tilted her head from left to right but he can’t find Yuto anywhere. He’s been gone for 3 minutes already and he was not coming back after he went out a while ago. Looking around, she startled when Daiki suddenly stand up from where he was sitting down. “Daiki, what’s wrong?” she asked as she looked at the stage and noticed that new members of performer are preparing themselves in the stage.
“Kota will perform?” Daiki asked in surprised. “Wh….why? Is he planning to ruin this event?”
“Who are you talking about? What do you mean ruin?” Roa asked again trying to guess who Daiki is talking about but she only noticed that everyone was handsome and cool. Like other girls who were just near them, Roa become excited as well to see their performance.
“That guy the one with guitar. He have a stage fright and so… with all these people. Can he really perform?”
Roa fasten her sight to Kota thinking that he somewhat saw him before. “I feel like I saw that guy before.”
“Kota Yabu? You did? You know him?”
“Well… I can’t really remember, but I am sure I saw him somewhere. I wonder where and when?”
…
Drum rolled, guitar strummed, microphone echoed and then silence for a few seconds. “Skyline Theater, Are you ready to make some noise?” a voice shouted and that triggered the excitement of the whole audience. After all the sentimental and indigenous music performed at the beginning and the middle part of the program now its time for some modern songs that generations of today enjoyed. “Let’s start!”
The music started and the first one who sing was Yuya and the girls shouted out loud. His popularity to girls is something that should not be overestimated. He is no doubt the most popular guy last year and he have a big chance that he will gain that same award this year. Next part was sing by Hikaru and he even exhibited something new while he was playing his bass. The keyboardist sing next and then its chorus part. All the audience, specially the teens and students, are pump up. They sway their hands together with the music as they really enjoyed every beat of it.
“Kota, please not fail.” Hikaru thought to his mind since he knew that Kota will be next to sing. He look at Yuya who look at Kota too, both wishing that he will not made a mistake since things are going well. As the chorus finished a little interlude and then it’s Kota's turn to sing.
Kota close his eyes for a moment as he analyze what is going on. He was so afraid and scared a moment ago but now he can't feel anything but only the urge to play his guitar and sing in front of everyone. Why is that so? He just remembered those words Kei left to him. Does his existence is playing a big part on his life? How can an irritating guy like him can do this much to him? With just thinking about him, it seems like all the fear brightened up and change by thoughts like why is he into music? Why is he playing guitar? Why is he using his singing?
"Kou sing really well huh and it seems like you are so happy when you are doing it."
"I don't know but I always feel happy when I am singing. Don't you like my music Yuto? I am hoping it can also make you relax."
"Of course it did. Your voice is cold yet warm at the same time. I really like it. I love it when you are singing coz you always look happy. It's like your paradise."
"Paradise? I like that."
Kota opened his mouth and let out a voice never been heard by everyone. His warm gentle voice as he sing captivated the heart of the audience and the way he played his guitar was so well done too. When Hikaru and Yuya heard his voice they felt relax, Kota did it. He finally win the battle against his fear.
Suzanne was seriously watching his son from her seat. As he shined so brightly in front of the stage, she felt stunned. She never seen Kota smiled like that. she never seen Kota enjoyed like that. She just become speechless and just continue hearing and watching his son up the stage.
Yuto didn't went back to where he was sitting together with Daiki but he watch as Kota performed. "Music is really your paradise…" he whispered in the mid air.
The performance finished with a standing ovation from the audience. Girls become so excited after hearing the voices of the prince. Kota can't believe either that he do it and as he can hear and see the applause of the people and smile on their faces he never felt as happier like that before. Why does he feel like something was fulfilled them within him, it's so uplifting that he felt he wanted to cry. But of course because of his pride, he didn't want other people to see him in tears.
DISCLAIMER: I didn't own any of the character but i own the plotXD
GENRE: romance, slice of life, drama
CHARACTERS: Inoo, Yabu, Yaotome, Arioka, Yamada, Takaki, Nakajima
SUMMARY: Hatred turned to love, silence turned to seeking and lies become truth. Kota just hit the rock bottom making him realize that memories should not remained unlock. He seek for truth, he yearned for what really happened and why things are going this and that. But what if he is going further to what is already near to him? Is everything gone too late to change? Everyone is given curiosity and so will you open the box as well?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the revised version of my on going fanfic Pandora's Box. Enjoy^___^
Pandora's Box
Chapter 11
"Performance"
“Yuto, faster faster.” a small girl with brown hair in ponytail said excitedly as they finally reached the front gate of Keiren Academy. “My boyfriend will going to perform here and he give me two ticket so that I can watch the show.”
Yuto stood up in front of the gate while looking at the name of the school. He really didn’t want to go but his newly found friend Roa invited him and he can’t say no to her. He knew that Kota was studying in that school and there will be a big possibility that there path will intersect each other. They went to the Skyline Theater which is just near the library of the school and there are already lots of people around. It is a funding program that is done by the school every year and it is one thing that everyone was looking forward in the school since people knew that Keiren Gakuen is good at performing arts.
Roa and Yuto sit down on their seat and relax themselves as they wait for the program to start.
…
HIkaru took a look behind the curtains to see the seat which was now occupied by people who will going to watch them performed. He didn’t expect that there are lots of people invited and that just give him more butterflies to his stomach and it just worsen when he saw his big sister and his mother who are there as an audience and they brought with them the video camera to capture his performance. “I even told them not to go.” HIkaru whispered. He went back to the dressing room where he saw Kota fixing himself in front of the mirror.
“Whoa, Kota look so cool.” Hikaru whispered to himself.
“It is for sure that we can attract more girls to watch this.” Another said. “I guess Yuya will have a rival for this year huh.”he added.
“What do you mean?” Kota asked them as he button his lower part.
“This event is done every year and each year audience will vote for that someone that attracted them the most in the performance. Last year it was Yuya since he is really popular with girls but we think this year it will change since you can stand par with him.”
“Hoy…hoy…” HIkaru interrupted. “Aren’t you forgetting about me? This time I will do my best so I will be chosen as the most popular.”
“Ahhh Hikaru… we didn’t noticed that you are already here.” someone joked.
“What did you say?” Hikaru asked as he pinch the nose of that guy who told him that answer. Kota just sigh as he watched the guys going gung ho over that popularity stuffs. He really doesn’t care about it since he is not interested with girls at all. He sit down on the available chair and drink some water until he noticed that there are people who was not yet around.
…
Ryosuke was assigned to put the empty boxes on the storage room but there are lots of them and he can’t do everything on his own. Kei saw him struggling and so help him bring those boxes on their respective place. Ryosuke felt awkward to look on Kei in the eye because of what happened between them the other day. He knew that Kei is not the one at fault but because of a sudden burst of emotion he blame him for Yuya not choosing him. “Kei.” Ryosuke called. “I… I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Kei asked him back.
“For shouting to you that day. For blaming you, for dragging you in this mess. I apologized.” Ryosuke pointed out. “You are not at fault but I did those things to you.”
“I can’t remember it anymore so never mind about it.” Kei said as he smiled. “For now let us do our best to this event so that it wil be successful and we will not have regret.”
Ryosuke felt like crying in front of Kei but he stop it coz he don’t want to ruined the mood. He knows Kei is so nice but to be forgiven as easy as that, he felt so happy. He just stand there and didn’t say a thing but all of a sudden he felt a hand pat his head. “Are you alright now? I heard from Yuya that you already give up on him, is that true?”
“In order for me not to hurt anymore and also not to hurt anyone else i… I told him that I will give up besides… I don’t think he will see me the way he sees you. I am just nothing to him.” Ryosuke answered back.
“I don’t think so.” Kei disagreed. “Ryo, things change. Your enemy today can be your comrade tomorrow. If you really like Yuya fight for it because I know that hard work betrays no one.” He continued. “Let’s go… we still have things we need to do.” Kei is about to step when he suddenly felt lazy and he staggerd making him lean on the wall. Ryosuke immediately approached him asking him if he is alright. “I’m fine… I just loss my balance a little.”
“A…are you sure? You look pale though.”
“I’m fine… don’t worry about me. Let’s go back. Everyone is waiting for us.”
…
Daiki went inside of the Skyline Theater and he felt nostalgic seeing the stage that he used to perform before. It’s been months since he didn’t come back to his old school and there’s nothing change to it. There are student who can recall him, greeting and talking to him, but he didn’t went there to have chit chat over old friends. He went there to watched the performance and see how everyone improves after those months that he was gone. He looked for an available seat when he noticed Yuto and Roa. They are member of Arts Club where he is part and they became his close friends there. “What are the two of you doing here?” Daiki asked them.
“My boyfriend invited me to watch his performance and I brought Yuto with me. How about you? Are you invited by someone to watch this event?” Roa asked.
“This is actually my old school before I transferred. You can say that I am invited by my old friends.” Daiki replied back. “Can I sit there?” he asked, pointing on the seat which is besides Yuto. Yuto nodded his head and so Daiki sit down there and continue their conversation. “I used to perform in this event as well.”
“You’re good at performing arts too?” Yuto asked him back.
“What do you think of me just a genius in painting?” Daiki asked them back. “I can sing and I can dance too.”
“Wow that was great.” Roa was impressed. “I wish to see you performed someday Daiki. I always envy you because you are the best at painting and now knowing that you are also good at singing and dancing… I am your biggest fan.” She said excitedly.
“I wonder why did you transfer it seems like your life here before is quiet enjoyable.” Yuto wondered.
“Well just seeing boy’s face is kinda weird don’t you think? We are boys so we also need some female aura.” Daiki obviously joked. “Just joking… I have my own reasons. By the way Roa, who is your boyfriend? What year?”
“Eh? Ahmmm… he is a third year Kurosuke Tachibana.”
“Ha? Really? That guy? I know him… I know him… I didn’t know he is your boyfriend… but I think you are great together.” Daiki commented.
“Really? You think so? I think the same way… I am sure that he was my fateful guy. That’s the reason I am here to support him no matter what. Actually we are planning to go to the same university together.” Roa said with giggled. “I already missed him so much.”
“University huh.” Daiki sighed as he look straight to the stage.
…
Everyone was in chaos when they found out that there is still one performer missing and that is Yuya. Hikaru tried to contact him but he was not answering his phone. Even it is not yet his time for his performance; everybody should be assembled already so that there is no more trouble that could happen. HIkaru decided to search for him but then before he walk out of the door Yuya arrived with a new hairstyle which give him more a bright image and everyone assured that girls will flail over him again.
Yuya wear his costume and then fixed himself in front of the mirror when the door opened and it was Ryosuke who came in. His eyes and Ryosuke met each other but both of them look away. Ryosuke went in the middle of the waiting room to assemble everyone for the program that will start in any minutes. “Alright everyone… 3 minutes till we start. First performance will be the choir and then Kei’s solo performance in the grand piano” He reminded. “Choir members should prepare at the backstage already also Kei and then the operatic singer that will follow after him.” He continued to explained the flow of the program so that the performer will not panic while in the stage. When he was done, Ryosuke glance at Kei who was sitting at the corner. He was worried about him since he staggered a while back but since Kei told him that he was alright then he will believe on him.
“Yosh before we start let’s raise the spirits fo everyone.” Hikaru said. He put his left hand in front and everyone follows. “Ryo, do the honor.” Hikaru told him.
“Me? Why me?” Ryosuke asked him.
“Coz everything of this is possible because of your leadership. I know you will do great on this and so… let’s do this.” Hikaru answered him with so much enthusiasm. Ryosuke put his hand on top and started to say things like their hardship to finished everything even in just a short time and also they must make the event successful and memorable specially for the third years who will graduate soon.
“We can do this!” everyone shouted at the same time and they they scattered going to their respective place.
…
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Today we are celebrating the annual funding program of Keiren All Boy’s Academy. Everything that we will gain from this program will be donated to the orphanage that is sponsored by our school. As our students and teachers perform in front of you, we are hoping that you will going to enjoy it for they really did their best to make this as entertaining as possible. Ones again I wanted to greet everyone a pleasant day and enjoy our humble performance for everyone.”
As the curtain opened the audiences were welcome by a chilling voices of the choir. Since it was an all boy’s school everyone who are part of the choir are boys but despite that there are high pitches that were well blended on the low tone voice of the men singers. It was a extravagant opening just proving that Keiren Academy is really a great school for performing arts students.
The choir exited the stage after a 5 minutes performance and then the audience are travelled into the times of Mozart as Kei performed in his grand piano Moonlight Sonata. The intro was warmly appreciated by the people watching specially those who are music enthusiasts but the perfection of the piece didn’t became consistent as he continue to play the other parts. Noren, Kei’s mother, is one of the audience who noticed that something was wrong with Kei’s performance when he was already at the middle part.
“What’s wrong with Kei-chan? He just did a mistake there.” Daiki whispered. “Is he alright?”
“Kei?” Yuto repeated with a question mark at the end. “Did you say Kei?” he asked him.
Daiki nodded his head. “He is a friend of mine. Kei Inoo is his full name. I wonder what happened. I am sure he made a mistake there but it is rare for him to do that.” Daiki answered Yuto and then he continued to his monologue.
Yuto look at the stage again and observed the one who is playing the piano. There is no doubt that it was the guy who he knew in his past. He stand up and walk out of the theater and Roa just followed him with her gaze. “Is he going to the comfort room?” she uttered.
Reaching the door, Yuto gasped. “This can’t be. K..Kei is here?”
“Yuto?” a familiar voice called. Yuto look in front and he saw Kota’s mother standing near him “Wh…why are you here?” she asked wondering why Yuto looks like he was surprised “ is the program already over? Are you alright?”
Yuto stand up straight and bow his head as a sign of respect. He was not expecting to see her and so he didn't know what to say at first. “I..I'm fine. Nice to see you again Saito-san.” Yuto greeted.
“That goes the same as me. I was surprised when I heard from Kou about your sudden decision to go here in Tokyo. It's been years since I saw you and you really change a lot I am glad I am not wrong when I called you. You being here means that you and my son are seeing each other?" Suzanne asked him. "He was searching for you…"
“We already met." Yuto briefly answered. "Are you here to watch him perform?"
“Kou give me an invitation last night. It took me a lot of time to decide if I will go or not but now I am here. You knew that I hate Kou being involved in music right?” Suzanne asked him back. “But don’t worry I am not here to ruin his performance, I am here to watched him ruin it himself.” She paused for a moment. "How many times did he fail before? I don't understand why he don't listen to me. Why is he obsessed to embarrass himself that much? I just… I only think about him." she continued.
"I don't think it was like that." Yuto answered him back. "Music is Kou's paradise. Whenever he is singing and playing guitar he was more than happy."
"He doesn't deserved such paradise. I need to enter already. It's nice seeing you again and I hope you will continue shutting your mouth." Suzanne told him as he entered the theater. It's already the third performer who is in in the stage.
…
Yuya and Hikaru keep an eye towards Kota who was being silent in the corner while playing with his fingers. It was fresh on their minds what Kota did when they tried to perform before and they knew about his stage fright. They are shocked when Kei suddenly told them that Kota will join the group and will be part of the band and they think that Kei is going insane to send a guy who have a stage fright just like that. They tried to talk to him but he told them that they should not worry because he will assure that Kota will not only do it but he will perform in front perfectly.
"Are you sure about this?" Yuya broke the agony by asking the question. "Can you perform in front of all those people?"
“Are you thinking I will fail?” Kota asked him back.
“I am also worried.” Hikaru joined their conversation. “You can't blame us. We saw how you reacted that time in the restaurant… I…it's not some ordinary thing to happen. If you can't do it then… you can back out now."
Kota smirked "I didn't know you have this smart side of you Hikaru… you've seen through me. Actually I am trembling deep inside… I guess… I'll quit. You can do this even I am not here right? It's not like I am needed anyway." he said and he went through the door but Yuya stop him.
"Kei bring you here, he was very sure you can do this and you will just quit?"
"What's wrong? Aren't you worried that I will fail? Now that I am quitting you wanted me back? Or is it because of Kei? You really like that guy huh…" Kota answered him back.
"This is not the time for this. We will perform soon so I hope you will be ready." Yuya told him and finally he let Kota went out of the room.
Kota walk by the corridor to go to the comfort room to calm himself. Even he was not standing in the stage he was already trembling and nervous. His mind just keep on flashing back those time that he failed and embarrassed himself by running away. Can he really do it? can he really perform? What happened in that music room can maybe a one time thing only. Maybe he didn't get rid of his fear. No, there is really no way that it can heal by only one performance.
He wanted to run away. He wanted to escape the place and don't perform but there is a certain someone that is stopping him even he was not physical in front of him. Why is he thinking about Kei that moment? Why do he need to listen to his words that everything gonna be alright? What is he to him anyway?
He tried to calm himself by walking around then he saw an slightly opened door where he saw a sight of Kei sitting down on the floor and seems like having a hard time to breathe. He immediately opened the door and approached him. “Hoy… Kei… are you alright?” he asked as he kneel down in front of the smaller boy and check his condition. He put his hand on his forehead and he was burning. He was sweating but trembling too and it seems like his chest was hurting because he keep on clenching on it. "This is not good… I'll bring you to the hospital now." he said and when he is about to lift him up Kei stop him by pulling his coat.
"Wh…why are you here?" Kei asked him.
"No need to answer that. I’m going to bring you to the hospital." Kota said.
"Hospital?" Kei repeated. "We…we can't go there." he refused. "Yabu, you will going to perform soon. You can't go anywhere."
"Huh? Kei look at your situation. You look like your in pain. I need to bring you to the hospital right now."
"I don't want you to bring me to the hospital. You should stay here. You need to perform."
"It's fine. I don't care if I can't perform… right now you are in the worst situation so…"
"Don't say stupid thing like you don't care if you don't perform." Kei told him madly as he pulled Kota's collar and near his face to him. Kota was surprised that Kei have still strength to do that to him. "Don't run away… don't run away to things that you really like. You need to perform there… for yourself… for your own good."
Kota grab Kei's hand that is holding his collar. "I have enough of you. Don't talk like you knew everything about me. I’m going to bring you to the hospital whether you like it or not."
"Are you planning to just be like this forever? Running away to things that you like? You maybe not see it but I witness how happy you are when you are playing guitar and singing. Are you thinking you gonna fail? Embarrassed yourself in front of all those people? What's wrong with that? At least you are doing something you really like. Stop hiding yourself in a barrier and stay on your comfort zone… that is not like you." Kei told him. "I… I'll already called my mom… she will be here soon so… go… let those people hear your voice and be inspired and amazed of how great you are like I used to feel when I first heard you sing."
I keep asking myself why I keep on hanging with this foolish man. He only do things that irritates me. The first time we met it didn't turned out good but now it seems like everyday of my life he became a part of it. What is it that made me drawn to you? Kei Inoo… who really are you?
"I… I'll be back." Kota told Kei. He turned his back and run away exiting the room. On his way to the backstage he saw Noren running towards Kei's direction together with a staff. He stop for a moment and then told her his situation.
"Yabu, do your best." Noren told Kota before he run again going to the backstage since their performance is about to start.
…
Kota arrived at the backstage and Yuya and Hikaru approach him immediately. They are so worried that he didn't come back after what they talk in the dressing room. "Where did you go? We are searching for you." Hikaru asked him. "Are you alright? Can you play? Can you perform?"
"If you can't do it then it's alright if you just stay here. We can do it even it is only me and Hikaru." Yuya told him.
"After all the time I wasted for practice I will just quit?" Kota asked him back. "There's no way I will do that."
"Th…then let's do some relaxation routine." Hikaru told Kota. "You need to breathe in and breathe out, relax your shoulder and then close your eyes for a moment. Think that you are alone and no one is there. No one was watching you, no eyes are looking at you, no mouth are talking about you. You are alone… alone… alone…"
"Hikaru, what are you doing?" Yuya asked him.
"It's a help to ease his fright. Kota's case is psychological right? If he will think that he was only alone then for sure he can concentrate and will not be scared." he explained to him.
“Is that how you treat such kind of person?” Yuya asked him again and Hikaru just nodded his head. He tap Kota’s shoulder and grip on it a little. “Kei will not let you stand here in this stage if you really don’t have talent right? Things will be alright… even I hate you, I want to help you face your fear.”
Kota grabbed Yuya’s hand and take it away from his shoulder. “I don’t want people touching me.” he muttered. “Besides who needs a cheer from someone who hated me? What do you think of me a coward who will run away? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kota smirked. "It's time to go to stage… let's finished this."
Hikaru tap Yuya's shoulder "He still have his annoying side so maybe he is fine." he told him as he followed Kota on the stage.
As Kota stand on the stage it feels like there is an automatic switch turned on deep inside of him. As he can hear the voices of the people behind that curtain, it started to turned to noise that hurt his ear. The darkness is suffocating him, making him think that he was alone and no one was around to save him if something bad happened. It is happening again, those mental scene flashes to his mind. Scary voices shouting from his behind. His head suddenly feel a sharp pain.
Help me! Please don't hurt me!
You will not run away!
Escape? There's no way you can do that. I will chase you even you are already in hell.
Die!
Kota stand up straight while looking at his trembling hands. "I… I can't do this." he whispered. "Someone will going to kill me." he continued to whisper to himself. "Wh…why am I here anyway?"
"Don't run away… don't run away to things that you really like. You need to perform there… for yourself… for your own good."
"Are you planning to just be like this forever? Running away to things that you like? You maybe not see it but I witness how happy you are when you are playing guitar and singing. Are you thinking you gonna fail? Embarrassed yourself in front of all those people? What's wrong with that? At least you are doing something you really like. Stop hiding yourself in a barrier and stay on your comfort zone… that is not like you."
"Kei?" he whispered again. "I wonder… why do he want me to perform that much."
"Because he acknowledge your talent maybe." Hikaru answered him back as he tap his shoulder. "We are ready."
"Am I… Am I really that good?"Kota asked him.
"Why don't you show it to us… what is that talent Kei is being proud of." Yuya replied as he signaled the staff to open the curtain already.
...
Roa tilted her head from left to right but he can’t find Yuto anywhere. He’s been gone for 3 minutes already and he was not coming back after he went out a while ago. Looking around, she startled when Daiki suddenly stand up from where he was sitting down. “Daiki, what’s wrong?” she asked as she looked at the stage and noticed that new members of performer are preparing themselves in the stage.
“Kota will perform?” Daiki asked in surprised. “Wh….why? Is he planning to ruin this event?”
“Who are you talking about? What do you mean ruin?” Roa asked again trying to guess who Daiki is talking about but she only noticed that everyone was handsome and cool. Like other girls who were just near them, Roa become excited as well to see their performance.
“That guy the one with guitar. He have a stage fright and so… with all these people. Can he really perform?”
Roa fasten her sight to Kota thinking that he somewhat saw him before. “I feel like I saw that guy before.”
“Kota Yabu? You did? You know him?”
“Well… I can’t really remember, but I am sure I saw him somewhere. I wonder where and when?”
…
Drum rolled, guitar strummed, microphone echoed and then silence for a few seconds. “Skyline Theater, Are you ready to make some noise?” a voice shouted and that triggered the excitement of the whole audience. After all the sentimental and indigenous music performed at the beginning and the middle part of the program now its time for some modern songs that generations of today enjoyed. “Let’s start!”
The music started and the first one who sing was Yuya and the girls shouted out loud. His popularity to girls is something that should not be overestimated. He is no doubt the most popular guy last year and he have a big chance that he will gain that same award this year. Next part was sing by Hikaru and he even exhibited something new while he was playing his bass. The keyboardist sing next and then its chorus part. All the audience, specially the teens and students, are pump up. They sway their hands together with the music as they really enjoyed every beat of it.
“Kota, please not fail.” Hikaru thought to his mind since he knew that Kota will be next to sing. He look at Yuya who look at Kota too, both wishing that he will not made a mistake since things are going well. As the chorus finished a little interlude and then it’s Kota's turn to sing.
Kota close his eyes for a moment as he analyze what is going on. He was so afraid and scared a moment ago but now he can't feel anything but only the urge to play his guitar and sing in front of everyone. Why is that so? He just remembered those words Kei left to him. Does his existence is playing a big part on his life? How can an irritating guy like him can do this much to him? With just thinking about him, it seems like all the fear brightened up and change by thoughts like why is he into music? Why is he playing guitar? Why is he using his singing?
"Kou sing really well huh and it seems like you are so happy when you are doing it."
"I don't know but I always feel happy when I am singing. Don't you like my music Yuto? I am hoping it can also make you relax."
"Of course it did. Your voice is cold yet warm at the same time. I really like it. I love it when you are singing coz you always look happy. It's like your paradise."
"Paradise? I like that."
Kota opened his mouth and let out a voice never been heard by everyone. His warm gentle voice as he sing captivated the heart of the audience and the way he played his guitar was so well done too. When Hikaru and Yuya heard his voice they felt relax, Kota did it. He finally win the battle against his fear.
Suzanne was seriously watching his son from her seat. As he shined so brightly in front of the stage, she felt stunned. She never seen Kota smiled like that. she never seen Kota enjoyed like that. She just become speechless and just continue hearing and watching his son up the stage.
Yuto didn't went back to where he was sitting together with Daiki but he watch as Kota performed. "Music is really your paradise…" he whispered in the mid air.
The performance finished with a standing ovation from the audience. Girls become so excited after hearing the voices of the prince. Kota can't believe either that he do it and as he can hear and see the applause of the people and smile on their faces he never felt as happier like that before. Why does he feel like something was fulfilled them within him, it's so uplifting that he felt he wanted to cry. But of course because of his pride, he didn't want other people to see him in tears.