December
Chapter 9
A few weeks after the Autumn Concert, December came and the senior class was starting to get ready for their graduation. Of course everyone knew graduation didn't mean the end for them, but just another step in their journey to shine on stage.
The yonkasei were getting excited about the idea they would be seniors in March. It was like their first year had passed by like lightning. At least for Haruka. She couldn't believe the end of the year was coming.
After the concert, and her minor incident at ballet class, the blonde girl was feeling like herself again. She was sleeping fine, eating all her meals with gusto and doing her exercises to take care of her sore body after a rough day of class. She still felt a little stupid for what had happened, but at the same time, she was glad. Glad that now she had at least an idea of what she was truly facing.
Growing up with her grandma, just as a spectator didn't prepare her for the fierce competition the school was. Not just the school, but she now had an idea of how she had to improve as a person to become, at least, a decent Sienne.
And if she wanted to be Top Star someday, she would have to learn how to control her nerves. To let them get the best of her almost ruined everything. But, thanks to Michiru, Haruka felt a lot better. More put together.
After their presentation, Michiru made sure Haruka was feeling better and centered. The aquamarine haired girl knew how much the Revue meant to her friend. And she worried about her, Haruka was her rock, her safe place, she felt like she could do anything, everything with the blonde by her side.
Haruka knew that. She knew Michiru relied on her to help her going through school. But, deep down, Haruka couldn't help but feel like she had failed her friend.
December would be a quiet cold month. A short month, since the students and faculty would enjoy 10 days of winter break, to celebrate New Year’s. So Haruka would take that time to rest a lot and prepare for her final moments as a freshman.
During lunch, basically the only time during their busy schedule they could talk more freely, Haruka, Michiru and their friends were discussing their plans for their short vacation. Haruka was a little quieter than usual, focused on her fried salad. As usual, Michiru noticed her friend's behavior. She was slowly overcoming her crush, concentrated in becoming Haruka's friend, especially because anything else wouldn't ever happen. Not in this lifetime.
So the aquamarine haired girl decided to do what she did best: hide her true feelings, never talking about it, never letting out to breathe. Michiru never felt like she was wrong for being gay. She just felt wrong to have these feelings for Haruka. So eyes on the prize, it was for her. If letting it die by itself wasn't going anywhere, she would kill it with kindness.
"What's wrong? You seem a little blue," Michiru asked softly, not wanting to interrupt Takako and her tale of going home in Nara for the holidays.
Haruka looked at her friend. Michiru was proving to be someone Haruka could count on. Why she couldn't be her roommate? The school was already hard enough with her allies, but everyone left her at the end of the day. Damn, she was indeed feeling blue.
"I decided to not go home for winter break," Haruka told her, her voice no higher than a whisper. She felt alone. At this time, she would be helping her mother with New Year’s cleaning, finding her brothers good Christmas presents and getting ready to go to her grandma’s. Before coming to TMS, life used to be so simple...
The girls stopped talking, finally noticing their informal leader's tone. Haruka was always so energetic and passionate about everything. The blonde girl rested her chopsticks on her rice bowl and sighed.
"It’s not worth it. Nagano is too far, almost 6 hours away. I wouldn't be able to rest at all." After what happened, she was welcoming those days off. "It’s too much work and my house is always so busy at New Year’s..."
Takako put her hand on Haruka's shoulder, trying to being supportive.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Tenou-san," she said.
"Maybe you can fly home or something," Kaoru tried, knowing how important family was to Haruka. She also came from a lovely household. Her parents were really supportive and her younger sister was also practicing to come to the Music School next spring. "Dad's planning to take us to visit his family back in Nagoya. He's so excited about it I didn't have the heart to tell him I don't like flying..."
"Nah, too stressful traveling during the holidays. We don't have enough days to just chill at home." Haruka appreciated her friends trying to cheer her up.
"Or you can just come to spend the holidays with me," Michiru said, feeling a little self-conscious with all the looks she got from her friends.
"Wait, what? You mean going to Osaka?" Haruka couldn't really believe she had a better destination for her days off than staying in her dorm. "Your parents won't mind?"
"Not really. Father was invited by Tokyo Philharmonic to play and since mother is going to be play at the same concert, they will stay in the city for the holidays," she clarified. That was probably the most she told their little group about her family.
"So... You will be all alone?" Haruka felt a pang in her heart, not being able to imagine how someone could just leave Michiru behind. She was one of the greatest people she ever knew and she deserved so much more.
"If you say yes, I won't." Michiru could feel Haruka was hesitant. With a smile of her beautiful lips, she tried to calm her mind... She was just trying to help her friend. Nothing else.
So, why she felt like her heart was about to rip her chest apart?
*******
Haruka stood in front of the Kaiou Conservatory, completely flabbergasted. She knew Michiru's family ran a music school, but she didn't have any idea of how huge the facility was.
The front part of the main building was the only original part, from when Michiru's great great great great grandfather, Kaiou Tetsuya, started teaching a few noblemen's children how to play western instruments, while his wife was in charge of teaching the girls Japanese dance and traditional instruments.
200 years later, Tetsuya's descendants were working hard to keep his dream alive. Kaiou mansion, where he lived with his family, was fully converted in classrooms. The second building was raised after the war, but it was just a storage facility. Not until Michiru's grandfather, Takuto, who decided to use that space, to accommodate the ever growing conservatory, into more classrooms, a couple of dance studios to rent and an amphitheater, for the students’ performances.
Michiru and her cousin Ami were born and raised in those walls. The conservatory was their home; a place where young talents came to learn to perfect their gifts. Like the Revue itself, but in a much smaller scale.
Walking by that building reminded Michiru about everything she gave up. About how angry her father was. About how he ignored her and made her feel invisible. She hasn't put her foot in the conservatory since she started school. And she wasn't planning to change that.
"Is this your house? I never saw a place like this in my life!" The perfect mix between old and new were nothing Haruka was used to.
Michiru chuckled.
"No, I live in an apartment not far from here. This is just Kaiou Conservatory, my family's music school," she said, continuing to walk.
"I still can't believe you have your own music school." Haruka smiled at her own pun. Just being there was making her feel a little less depressed.
"My family does, not me."
Haruka noticed the almost angry hint in Michiru's voice, but decided to drop it. Michiru was always so polite, educated. She had the manners of a true lady, knowing how to present herself to society. Being raised in a traditional family helped her in that matter. And of course, that would help her becoming the musumeyaku she wanted to be.
And Haruka was just a tomboy who wanted to be a prince. How two girls this different could be great friends was beyond her. Or maybe not.
It was destiny.
*******
Haruka was raised in a comfortable apartment near the hospital her father worked practically his whole professional life. She had a room for herself, since she was the only girl. But Michiru's place was nothing like she imagined. Her apartment was located in Kita-ku, in the north ward of the city, just a few blocks away from the Conservatory.
The place was huge, and Haruka noticed the lack of furniture in the living room. Just a white leather couch, a few chairs and a bookcase, full of neatly arranged books. Some paintings and plants decorated the room and the blonde couldn't help but think how cold that place was.
"Please, make yourself at home," Michiru said, taking her heavy coat and hat off. Haruka tried to give her a smile, but she was genuinely sad for Michiru. How she could make herself at home if this place didn't feel like home?
How could anyone live like this?
She followed her friend and also took off her car and hat. She had brought a duffel bag, with clothes, leotards and her dance shoes. And of course her books for studying. It would be nice to have someone to do homework together during the holidays. The last one was Mamoru, back in junior high and she missed that.
"Here, let me show you my room."
Michiru lead her friend to a room in the end of the hallway. The bedroom was just like the rest of the house, beautiful decorated, but lacking warm and life. But Haruka smiled, realizing that it was Michiru's room. A few music sheets with TMS logo on it were neatly arranged on a support, her violin case rested on her bed, open. Like meeting an old friend, Haruka looked over the violin inside the case. She just saw Michiru playing once and she already admired her talent.
For what she knew, Michiru was like her, someone who had a musical gift, but decided to pursue another path. Haruka loved playing piano, but nothing was a match for her dream of becoming a Sienne.
A bed, a bookcase and a desk were the only furniture in the room. Haruka noticed photos and drawings all over the desk. Most of the photos had Michiru, a blue haired girl, slightly younger and an older woman. They looked so happy on them.
Some pictures, more sober, had Michiru with a couple, her parents probably.
"Do you want to take a bath now or do you want to wait until after dinner?" Michiru let Haruka wander in her room; she would be living there for the next days, so it seemed a good idea to let her get familiar with her new surroundings.
"If you don't mind, I would like to take one after dinner. But I hope you know how to cook, because I can burn water," the blonde said, almost proud of her lack of skills in the kitchen.
"Oh, don't worry. We will go to my aunt’s for meals." The former violinist closed the case and put it in her closet. "Are you hungry?” she looked at her balcony, one of the few luxuries she had demanded. Since it was Saturday, they had a half day at school. So they would have a few hours to kill before heading to Saeko's.
"Oh no, I'm cool, thanks." The home had a weird atmosphere, and that made Haruka feel a little uncomfortable. The two girls stood there, in an awkward silence. Haruka wasn't used to go to her school friends' houses. Just Mamoru, basically because he lived next door.
After a few silent and awkward moments, Michiru realized she was being a bad host. She had invited Haruka in an impulse, but she didn't regret it. Her friend needed her; she couldn't let her alone at school.
"Sorry, I'm not used to have people over." Michiru decided to be honest.
"Not even people from junior school?"
"Not really. It’s barely one year since I came back to Japan, and I went right to practice, so no time to meet anyone." She sat on her bed, her hand neatly posed in her lap.
"What do you mean by that?" Haruka shyly sat at the end of the bed, feeling weirdly self-conscious.
"I lived in United states for a few years. My parents had jobs in New York." Michiru answered, in a nonchalant way. Her years living in New York weren't that great and she never really talked about it. It was just something that happened in her life. Nothing else.
"Really? That's so amazing!" Suddenly, Haruka wasn't feeling weird or out of her place. "Mom is an English teacher and she's crazy about the US."
"There's not too great about US. New York is a beautiful city, but I don't know. Never felt like that was my place. I just couldn't fit."
Michiru lowered her eyes, not really wanting to meet Haruka's.
"When I was younger, my last name opened a lot of doors for me. I was just 12, but that didn't prevent me to be in charge of the school orchestra, or of being class representative." She sighed. "When I moved to New York, I had to work even harder to catch up, and the language was a barrier.”
Putting her hand over Michiru's, Haruka tried to comfort her friend. She could only imagine how hard it was for the other girl.
Feeling the warmth of Haruka’s hand, Michiru let out a sad smile. How could she let herself be so vulnerable in front of Haruka? If she was trying to suffocate something inside her, this wouldn’t do her any good.
"I'm glad you're back in Japan, Michi," Haruka told her, a smile on her boyish face. "‘Cause if you had stayed in New York, we wouldn't ever meet."
Michiru looked so intensely into her friend's green eyes; she could see herself in those deep emeralds.
Why Haruka was making this almost impossible for her? Why she had to be so thoughtful, and say the right words?
"Let's go change and we can go to my aunt's." Desperate to change the subject, Michiru suggested it. She untied her red bowtie and stood up. "Thanks, Haru. I kind of needed that." She finished, her voice shy.
Haruka looked at her, and chuckled.
"The prince always saves the princess. Or gives them a shoulder to cry. It’s our duty."
**************
Haruka packed light when she moved to the Sumire Hall. Since she spent most of her days in her uniforms, provided by the school, she didn’t really feel the need to bring her whole wardrobe. So, for her short stay at Michiru´s, she got her two pairs of jeans, a couple of shirts, her heavy coat and a scarf. When she told her parents she wouldn’t be going back home for the holidays, her mother sent her a kimono, so this way Haruka could wear it for New Years, like she did at home.
Her family wasn´t too traditionalist, but Ayako made sure they kept some of their old habits. Like New Year’s celebration. Every year, the Tenou family got together and did the cleaning of their houses and the family clinic. Rina was a little upset for not having her only daughter home, but Hideo had a good talk with his wife, to make her understand why Haruka wasn´t there. It was hard for him too, not having his baby girl home, but she had a point. When she called them, telling the news, he was worried, thinking she would be alone.
But Haruka tried to calm her father's heart telling him about Michiru's invitation. And Hideo didn't want to admit the painful truth.
His children were growing up.
First, Haruka moved out, then Hideyuki and Hiroaki started college. Now his baby girl wouldn't be coming home for New Years. Soon they would be busy enough, with work or their own families to spend a holiday with their old parents...
He felt silly with that thought. For a smart man, Hideo could be really dense now and then.
So he smiled, told his daughter to call first thing in the New Year and wished her a great time in Osaka. Because Haruka was his strong girl. And he was so proud of her...
*******
In completely silence, the girls left the building where Michiru lived, to go to her aunt's place for dinner. The weather was getting worse, but the sky was still really beautiful. So clear, not one cloud in the vast blue.
Dressed with her heavy winter coat, Haruka looked at the sky and a gentle smile adorned her face. In Hakui, she used to lie down in her grandmother's backyard and count the stars.
She loved the night sky. Since she was a little girl. And her grandmother's backyard was the perfect place for that. During the summer, she lost count of how many hours she spent looking at the shiny dots. And Haruka always thought she would become a star someday.
She chuckled. When she was a child, life was so much easier... Her younger self didn't have any idea how hard and frustrating the path she chose was. The long hours spent practicing... It was an exhausting life.
But she wouldn't trade it for anything. Because that was where she was supposed to be. And she was so grateful for that. Haruka wasn't a religious kind of girl, but she felt like she had someone looking after her. Helping her in times of need. Sending her amazing friends, to support her and just be there for her.
Sending Michiru.
Haruka looked up and saw the other girl looking back at her. Since it was getting cold, Michiru was wearing a dark teal pea coat and a white scarf. Her delicate musician hands were protected by black leather gloves. And a cute wool hat completed her outfit.
"I hope you don't mind spending time with my family…" Michiru said, in her quiet voice.
"Oh, not at all. To be truly honest, I’m really curious to know your aunt, she must have all these stories about the Revue, right?" Haruka was used to cold weather, so she was wearing boots, a dark pair of pants, a simple dark green t-shirt, gloves and her heavy coat. She felt weird wearing regular clothes after spending a lot of time in her uniform. "I mean, I hope she doesn't mind sharing with me, I never had someone to talk about it, besides my grandma..."
"Don't worry, Aunt Saeko loves to reminiscence. I always thought she should go back to the orchestra, but she says the Conservatory takes a lot of her time... " Michiru explained, while waiting to cross the street. "Maybe tomorrow, I can take you to Mayuko-san's studio. I think she won't mind if we use it for our homework."
The last thing Michiru wanted to talk, or even mention, was school. But she knew if she didn't talk about anything else, she would just focus in the fact that she invited Haruka to spend New Year’s with her. Still an impulsive act and she shouldn't regret helping a friend. She just hoped she would be able to deal with Haruka being around for the next 10 days.
'Oh, be strong my poor heart', she thought, trying to pay attention to what the other girl was saying. But how to concentrate if those lips seemed so inviting? Michiru never had kissed anyone in her short life. She was always so busy and always so nonchalant about people in general. Haruka was the first person who was able to gain her attention.
And that helped her realized she was just a teenager. She was supposed to have crushes in this age, wasn’t she? To fall in love, have heartbreaks, it was something that people her age did. But Michiru wasn’t like the other teenagers. She didn't even know how a 'normal' girl her age would act.
After a few minutes back to walking, Haruka decided to break the silence. This was the first time they were together outside school and in another city, so they could, at least for a few hours, pretend that they were just regular students, enjoying the holidays.
"So, Osaka seems a very beautiful city," the blonde girl said, looking at the buildings and stores they passed by.
"I guess so. I was born here, but I don't think I know this city. Never had the time." Michiru let out a tired sigh. "You must think I'm a spoiled young lady."
Haruka could understand what Michiru was saying. For the untrained eye, the aquamarine haired girl indeed seemed a spoiled heiress. But Haruka never really saw Michiru like that. Not even when they first met.
"Spoiled? Not really. Focused? For sure. “Haruka couldn't say she understood from where Michiru came from and how she was raised. "I think you don't give yourself too much credit, Michi," she finished, her charming boyish smirk on her face.
Michiru felt her heart melt at the sight of that smile. Haruka wouldn’t ever know how she made Michiru feel. But that wouldn't stop her of feeling.
At least, not now.
*******
Ami spent her first school free morning working on her homework. She was an incredible student, with a really sharp and fast mind. Doing homework was a pleasurable task for her. At 13, Ami was starting to blossom into a fine young woman. Very intelligent, polite and gentle young woman.
Even not being a Kaiou by name, her last name was Mizuno, after her father, Ami was still a Kaiou by heart. Her mother, Saeko, was raising her to follow her footsteps and becoming a musician. Now that Michiru had declined her family duties, it was up to Ami to fulfill everyone's expectations. At least, until the ‘rightful heir’ came to her senses and took her place in the family conservatory.
But Ami wasn't built for that. She wasn’t a bad musician, she could play beautifully her instrument of choice, cello, and she was a skilled Japanese dancer. And, like her cousin, Ami wanted to defy family traditions and become a doctor. She couldn't see herself as a professional cellist. Music gave her a lot of pleasure, she couldn't study without lists in to her favorite songs, but that wasn't her dream.
Of course, she had to play her part. Especially since she was still practically a child in her family's eyes. Having a different last name took some pressure away from her shoulders, but it was expected of her to perform every now and then, and her and incredible mind helped her mother a lot with financial reports and optimizing how they ran the conservatory.
Ami had all the reasons to hate Michiru for being 'selfish'. But how could she hate someone she loved like a sister? Michiru was her best friend, one of the most amazing people Ami knew. And she was there to support her cousin/sister, doing anything in her power to help Michiru.
Ami was still young. She still had a lot of time to make up her mind, pick up some courage and follow her dreams.
"Ami? Are you done?" Saeko asked from the door of her daughter's room. "Michiru will be here any moment and she's bringing a friend from school."
The blue haired girl smiled at her mother. Saeko still loved dearly anything from the Revue. She was so excited to meet Michiru's friend, especially because Michiru didn't say much about the girl. But the older woman wasn’t surprised. Michiru was quieter than usual when she started her classes at TMS. She wasn't taking lightly what happened with her father. Saeko knew how important Daiki was for his daughter. And she knew how hurt Michiru was with his rejection.
Ami was satisfied with her work, she was almost done with homework. Sometimes, she wished for a challenge, school was starting to get easier... So she put her books and notes away. Going after her mother, the younger girl was hit by the tasty smell of dinner. Ami was used to lose herself in her books and homework, especially during the holidays. Drowning in knowledge was one of her favorite thing ever.
"Is dad coming to have dinner with us?" Ami asked, arranging the plates and chopsticks on the table.
"Oh no, honey, I'm sorry for not telling you earlier, but Jun will be traveling for a couple of days." Saeko was proud of her husband's accomplishment. Mizuno Jun was one of the youngest conductors at the Revue and he was really close to becoming main conductor one day. And being a former musician there, the woman understood he would be working long hours and spending a lot of time in Takarazuka. "He will perform in a Christmas dinner show, but he will be back for New Year’s."
Ami noticed the sad tone in her mother's voice. She knew Saeko loved working at the conservatory, and she did a great job there. But she missed being just a cellist. Now she barely played, just when she was feeling frustrated, or sad. Or just really excited. And Ami didn't like that. She had chosen the cello to be her instrument because she admired Saeko. Her mother was very talented and so passionate about music...
Maybe one day she would realize her true path was playing. Not being behind a desk, reading financial reports, and working on teachers’ schedules.
The two Mizuno women worked in silence, Saeko tasting her seasoning and Ami tidying up the living room.
After all, they had a visitor coming.
********
After a few minutes walking, Michiru led Haruka to a small building a few blocks away from the conservatory. It was one of the few buildings with more the three stories in that residential neighborhood. Saeko and her family moved there because they needed an extra room for storing their instruments and Saeko decided to build a small studio there, so they could practice without disturbing their neighbors.
"Aunt Saeko?" Michiru asked, taking hers and Haruka's coat and hanging in the closet next to the door. She gave Haruka a small smile, feeling happy to have her friend there, letting her into her inner circle. It was a big step for her.
Saeko smiled when she saw her niece. She had been so busy the past few days; she barely had time to spend with Michiru.
"Michiru! You look so beautiful! I take the school is treating you well."
Michiru chuckled, knowing her aunt was just attempting to be funny. Saeko was really outgoing and she always had a smile in her face. Michiru cared deeply about her aunt, she felt closer to the older woman. Saeko wasn't just her dear aunt, she was her friend.
"You will see so much more of me, dear aunt," she said kissing Saeko's cheek. "Since I'm off school for a few days..."
"Great, at least the students have a time off. You must enjoy that free time, because once you graduate, and you can kiss good bye everything. I'm not saying this to scare you two, but it’s true," Saeko said looking at Haruka.
"Oh, where are my manners, aunt Saeko, this is Tenou Haruka, she's my classmate at school." Turning to Haruka, she continued. "Haruka, this is my aunt, Mizuno Saeko."
Haruka looked at the woman, seeing some traces she had in common with her niece. Saeko was a few centimeters shorter than Michiru and she also had aquamarine hair, in a shade darker than Michiru's. She recognized her from a few pictures at her friend's room. Saeko was in her late thirties and she was a very beautiful woman.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mizuno-san. I heard a lot about you." Haruka gave Saeko a boyish smile, trying to not being nervous about meeting someone like Saeko.
"Oh dear, you're a tall one, aren't you?" The older woman had to look up to talk to the girl. She had seen a lot of Sienne in her time, and Saeko could tell this girl had a lot of charisma. And a killer smile. Killer smiles were always important. "How tall are you?"
"I am sorry, Haruka. But as you can see, we don't have a lot of people coming over, so we're constantly asking those who dare to visit uncomfortable questions…" Michiru explained, in a playful way. Haruka smiled; glad to see her friend acting so freely. At school Michiru was always worried. Haruka was happy to see that at least at home, her friend had a good stress free environment.
"Oh, that's fine, I don't mind answering uncomfortable questions..." Haruka said. To be honest, she was a little worried about meeting Michiru's family. "I think I'm 166 centimeters tall now..." She explained, to Saeko's surprise. Japan wasn't a very tall country, and Haruka was one of the tallest girls in her class. And since she wasn’t even 16 years old, she was still growing. The blonde girl was happy about her height, being tall would help her to become an otokoyaku.
"That's good. And you heard of me? How come?" Saeko asked, a little surprised. She led the girls to the kitchen, where Ami was finishing setting the table.
"Yeah, Kaiou-san told me you used to play at the orchestra," Haruka explained.
"Haruka is a huge fan of the Revue," Michiru started. "I'm taking her tomorrow to Mayuko-san's studio, we need a place to do our homework. And I think she will like her."
"Oh, Mayuko is great, such a talented ballerina... But I'm sorry to say this, honey, she took a few days off to visit her family. The studio is closed for the holidays."
Michiru couldn't hide her disappointment. She was dying to show Haruka the reason she wanted to become a musumeyaku, her role model and mentor.
"So I guess you girls will have to take your time off and have some fun. And you two can use one of our practice rooms. It’s not fancy as Mayuko's studio, but it gets the job done."
Saeko knew Michiru was working a lot at school and because she knew how stressful the life her niece had chosen, she wanted them to enjoy their days off. Working at the orchestra, she knew a lot of Siennes and Saeko worried about Michiru. She didn't want her to push herself over her limits and risk an injury.
Seeing Michiru's sad face, Saeko decided to change the subject.
"Tenou-san, this is my daughter Ami." Ami stopped what she was doing to greet the other girl. "Ami will be performing for the first time in our Winter Concert."
"Oh, that's great. What do you play?"
Seeing that beautiful girl looking at her, with a dashing smile, Ami couldn't help but blush. She felt her cheeks warming and understood why Michiru was always talking about her friend. She had a very powerful presence.
"I... I play the cello. It’s not that good, but I'll try my best," Ami said.
"I'm sure you will do great. I just wish I could be here to watch it."
Michiru felt a weird pang in her chest. She was... Jealous? Of her baby cousin? Or angry at Haruka being all flirty and charming? Either way, she didn't like feeling like this. Finally her crush was showing its bad face. But Ami was still a child. Not like they were much older... She never heard Haruka ever talk about any interests besides the Revue.
And then, Michiru realized she didn't know much about her friend. She could use these days of to get to know her better. Becoming her true friend, find out any weird stuff about Haruka could help vanishing that awful crush.
"Aunt Saeko, can I help you with anything?" The aquamarine haired girl said, feeling a strong need to leave the room, a bad taste in her mouth. She just felt jealousy for the first time in her short life. And she didn't like it.
Saeko looked at her niece, Michiru wasn't a bad cook, but it was very rare for her to do anything in the kitchen. Especially after starting her classes at TMS. Saeko knew that her girls had sandwiches for dinner almost every night. Michiru offering help wasn't really weird. But the older woman couldn't help but feeling suspicious.
"Sure, Ami already set the table, can you help me bringing the rice?" Since it was a little chilly, Saeko decided to make some oden, a winter dish with boiled eggs, starchy roots and fish cakes, stewed in a soy-flavored broth, and she also made some fried rice cakes. Her husband and daughter always had fried rice with oden, a habit he picked up as a child, back in his hometown.
Haruka watched Michiru and Saeko leaving to the kitchen and felt a little awkward. It was weird for her to feel like this, usually she did great meeting her friends' family, but meeting the Mizuno branch of the Kaiou family, she felt a little pressured. She took a place on the couch and looked around, realizing that was indeed a home. Not just a cold place to sleep like Michiru's place. Lots of family pictures helped creating a nice environment.
Now Haruka understood why her friend spent most of her time at her aunt's.
" Tenou-san, do you want some tea?" Ami called her, trying to be a good host. She could still feel herself blushing and felt stupid. "We have apple with cinnamon. It's Michiru's favorite," She explained. Ami wanted to meet Haruka for so long and now she was acting like the shy schoolgirl she was. Perfect.
"Yes, I would like some." Haruka for comfortable at the couch, watching the small girl leaving the room. Ami was an adorable girl, but just like her like her older cousin, she had this painful glitch in her eyes.
Maybe it was a Kaiou trait. But Haruka was curious to find out why girls so young had such sad eyes...
***********
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Michiru was silently helping her aunt. Saeko was giving her dish some final touches and she was pretty satisfied with the taste. She was usually too busy with work to come home and cook, but it was something that she really loved doing. Reminded her of the time she spent with her mother and aunts, just cooking and telling old stories about the family. Sharing experiences. It was something she tried to do with her daughter and niece, but modern life was harder than when she was a child. Everyone, including her girls, was so busy...
"It's being awhile since we cooked together..." The older woman started, turning off the stove.
"I hope you don't mind me bringing Haruka. She didn't have elsewhere to go..." Michiru said, still feeling a little awkward. She barely listening to what Saeko had had said to her.
"You have the same soft heart, just like your father, you know that?" The older woman got the hot pot using her colorful mittens. "He was this weird, shy kid but with a heart of gold..." She continued, she knew her brother was acting like a real jerk towards his daughter, but Saeko wanted Michiru to understand her father wasn't an insensitive bastard like she was probably thinking.
"Aunt Saeko..." Michiru called her attention, grabbing the plate with fried rice cakes, oh Ami would love this, and continued. "Please don’t say anything about father. I'm trying to have a good holiday at home and I can't deal with this now. "
Saeko sighed. Her brother's rejection had hurt Michiru deeply. It was time for her to have a serious talk with him. The life Michiru chose for her was hard enough with support, Saeko couldn't imagine how Michiru was holding up all alone.
Maybe that's why she brought home a friend from school. Saeko saw a lot of that during her years working at the conservatory, kids this age looked for comfort with their pairs, their equals.
"OK, sorry." The older women felt ashamed for Daiki's actions. And so proud of how together her niece was, in front of everything. "And of course I don't mind, all your friends are more than welcome in this house.”
*******
"You can take your bath now,” Haruka said, drying her hair. She couldn't wait to cut it short, but out of respect for her mother, she still kept her blonde hair long. Always in a braid, but still long. She was wearing purple pajama pants and a black t shirt, since it was almost bedtime. Michiru was getting the futon ready for her friend to sleep, in the other side of her room.
"Oh, thank you." Michiru smiled, focused in her task, getting Haruka's bed comfortable, especially because she would be sleeping there for the next few days. "I hope it's not too lumpy, no one really used this futon in a long time," Michiru explained. She raised her eyes, happy with her own work. She looked at Haruka, at her cute sleep time outfit and felt her heart skip a beat. How Haruka could be hot and still look adorable?
"Have you tried the beds at school? I'm not saying they’re bad, but let's just say my back is glad to have a break." The taller girl smiled and Michiru was glad to see that the awkward atmosphere during dinner was long gone. They had avoided important stuff, like family and the fact that they're both alone for the holidays. Michiru was glad that her aunt and cousin could read her even without words. She didn't want Haruka to feel bad for not being at home during this time of the year. Or feel bad for her, for being left behind.
"I thought a lot about staying at the dorms, but I couldn't leave Ami," The aquamarine girl started, gathering her bed clothes and toiletries. "I know she's not a child anymore, but the years I spent in the US, she was all by herself. I couldn't bring myself to leave her again."
"Ami-chan seems like a really special girl. She's lucky to have a big sister like you." Haruka sat on her futon, it was way better than any futon she ever had slept before. "OK, not lumpy. My back salutes you!" She did a little hand gesture in reverence.
"Baka..." Michiru blushed at Haruka's action, seeing the distance between her bed and Haruka's futon. Was she strong enough to hide her feelings during these 10 days?
Haruka laughed, feeling finally comfortable in her friend's house. She was still bummed about not going home for the holidays, but being with Michiru would help her forget this.
"Well, I'm off to take my bath. I don't have a TV here, but if you want, you can use the one in the living room," she said, trying to be a good host.
The smile she received from her classmate made her weak in the knees...
*******
"Dear grandma, how are you?
I'm so sorry for not being with you this New Year’s Eve. I'm sure Hiro was complaining for helping you and dad cleaning the clinic, like he does every year. And Hide would be reading of grandpa's old medical books and totally forget about any given task. I swear, that guy would give his kingdom for a book.
I think I fell in love with Osaka. What an amazing city! So vibrant and colorful! It's my second time here and now, that I have more time to enjoy it, I'm smitten. It’s so different from Nagano and even bring so close, it’s not at all like Takarazuka.
Michiru took me to a fell touristic spots, like Osaka castle and the Aquarium (one of her favorite spots in the city, she said it’s one of the few places in the world where she feels calm and centered. And it’s an incredible place, looking at the fishes can really sooth one's mind.).
Since we have a lot of homework, we basically spent most of our time at one of her family's conservatory practice rooms. She was still upset her old instructor went to her hometown, but I think she's better now. Michiru is a great girl, grandma. I think you would like her. She's hardworking, talented and she has a great voice. Like really great, way better than mine. Since she's a musician (did I ever tell you she plays the violin?), she has a great ear, so she's in charge of helping me with my signing. Just like I'm in charge of ballet. This way we can help each other. And it works! I can feel my voice getting better and better!
Grandma, I've been through a lot since I started school. I think I grew a lot too, to become a better person and I'm doing my best to be a great Sienne. Michiru's aunt worked at the Revue for a few years, in the orchestra, and even today she has a lot of friends there, so she has a lot of stories about backstage. It's really great to listen to her, especially after knowing she had played in a few of my favorite plays.
I'll be back to school in a couple of days, and I'm ready to become a senior. Tell mom I got my kimono and I'll wear it tonight.
I love you all and we'll see each other on spring break.
Your granddaughter,
Haruka"
*******
Haruka finished writing the email for her grandmother a few seconds before Michiru walked into the room. They were excited about New Year’s festivities; the Mizuno family had invited both of them to a small party. It wasn't really a party, but Saeko was so determined to make the time the future Siennes spent at home memorable, she demanded them to wear their best clothes (she was even willing to find some clothes that fit Haruka) and celebrate such a special date.
Traditionally, New Year’s was one of the most important holidays of Japan. The families gathered together, played games, visited temples, ate special dishes and took that time to leave behind the year that it was ending, and have a fresh start.
The older girls had help with cleaning the house, and decorated with ornaments made of pine, bamboo and plum trees. And since the conservatory would be closed for the first three days of the New Year, they stopped by to do some cleaning and put an ornament that Ami had made in her Home Ec. Class on the building entrance.
Haruka was having a great time, Michiru's family was really close and they were smart, funny and they really seemed to love music. Ami was this quiet girl and she was so bright. Saeko was a 'cool mom', that reminded Haruka of her own mother, Rina. She had this weird sense of humor and she was so supportive of hers and Michiru's dream. And Jun, her husband, who Haruka had met a couple of days after Christmas, a short man with gentle blue eyes and a quiet voice. Haruka thought he had a familiar face, and realized she saw him during one performance at the Grand Theater. And she liked his work, Jun was a good conductor.
They spent most of their last day of the year just talking and laughing, exchanging stories. Then the older girls started to talk about school, their dreams and general thoughts and Jun took all the women to the family studio, where Haruka finally listened to Saeko's talented cello. She was incredible, especially because she did one of the things that Haruka thought it was a 'must have' for any good musician: Saeko could make her audience feel such a deep emotion. Listening to her playing, the blonde girl felt her heart so small, like it was about to disappear, and her eyes were watering. But instead of feeling silly for let herself go into a song, she felt a mix of relief and happiness. Like the music had washed her soul.
She even tried to play a little of piano, following Ami's fast cello. The blue haired girl had such urgent hands, like she needed to run away and never look back.
Since Michiru didn’t bring her violin, and out of respect, Saeko decided to not ask if she wanted to play, trying to make her niece feel supported and not pressured at all, she was in charge of cooking toshikoshi soba, a traditional New Year’s Eve dish, made of buckwheat noodles.
After having dinner, Jun went back to the piano, followed by his wife. He started a slow sweet melody, which Haruka couldn't name. It was a happy song, but the slow rhythm made her feel like dancing. No wonder the Kaiou were so famous when it comes to music. Even their partners were talented musicians.
The blonde girl stood up, her body really close to start moving by itself, and she looked at Ami and Michiru. The blue haired was distracted, reading a book and Michiru was with her eyes closed, like she was absorbing the notes.
"May I have this dance, sweet princess?"
Michiru opened her eyes and saw Haruka standing in front of her, offering her hand and for a second, she forgot that was her classmate.
For a second, she saw a prince.
The girl didn't even think twice, she took Haruka by the hand and let herself fall in Haruka's warm embrace. They just let themselves follow the song. Michiru felt her face hot and let herself blush for a second.
She was still a freshman, but what kind of Sienne would she be if being led by her otokoyaku made her blush like a silly teenager? Like everything they did, this was some kind of practice too. If she could be this close to Haruka and not feel anything, she would be able to do whatever she wanted...
Even nervous, Haruka's hand on her waist was so distracting, Michiru was smiling, looking confident. They had done this before a couple of times, no biggie.
Haruka was a ballerina. Dancing for her was a second nature. It was almost impossible or her to listen to music and not give herself in. Her body moved by its own accord, she couldn't resist. And Michiru was always a great partner, they moved together perfectly, reading each other's movement.
No need for practice. One look, one touch and they knew what to do.
Ami looked up from her book, smiling at the sight of her cousin, and how happy she seemed. Saeko too, saw the two girls dancing and smiled. They looked so perfect together. Maybe all the practice Michiru said they did was paying off. And for a moment, Saeko was mad at her brother. How could he think this was wrong? Michiru was born to do this, to become a Sienne, not a frustrated violinist.
Like a true Kaiou, she was destined to shine on stage. Just not on an orchestra. That was her place. Maybe it was time for her to go back to the game and follow her own path. The older woman looked at her husband, feeling a little overwhelmed by her own decision. She was always on her brother's shadow, always protecting his talent and giving up her own personal life for that.
Not anymore.
Finding her strength in the sight of her teenage niece dancing with a classmate, Saeko knew it was time for her to take some time off from the conservatory and give herself another chance to be the musician she really was.
And to show her daughter that Kaiou were always moved by the music. No matter if they were playing it or not…
*********
The girls were still giddy and all kinds of excited when they went back to Michiru's. Both of them were happy and letting their bodies still move in a nonexistent song. So this was the rush of joy they would be feeling every time? Life on stage looked even better now.
They didn't even care if this was just a new year’s spell. They entered the sterile living room still dancing. Both girls decided to go to bed early since they promised the Mizunos they would go back so they could watch the first sunrise of the New Year together.
Haruka placed her hand firmly on Michiru's back, a bold move the smaller girl barely noticed.
"Did you have fun tonight, my princess?" Haruka asked, her naturally deep tone enhancing her prince persona.
"Immensely, my prince." The aquamarine haired girl's voice wasn't higher than a whisper, her left hand resting comfortably above Haruka's heart. "Good music, good food, good company, impossible for not having a great time." She entered the taller girl’s game. If Haruka wanted Michiru to be her princess, then she would make her a prince. Her prince.
"I am sorry I have to waltz with other ladies, my darling princess," Haruka was totally invested in their 'play', her tall figure was so overwhelming. But Michiru didn't feel threatened or scared. Her heart beat in a steady rhythm.
"I do not mind, my prince. I know I am the one who holds your heart." Were these lines from a play? Michiru couldn't remember, she was just so focused on Haruka’s hypnotizing dark green eyes.
Another swirl. How could they move so freely between her furniture? Haruka was confident, her moves were so certain, she was a natural. She would be an amazing otokoyaku one day. She had all the instincts and manners for that.
"Only you, my dear. Only you live here..." The blonde girl had their conjoined hands resting over her heart, and Michiru could feel her rapid heartbeat. Haruka stared into her 'princess' eyes, so blue, so dazzling and kept Michiru close to her body. "I wish this song would never end, or this night."
"We will... Always, always have our tomorrow, sweet prince." Michiru didn't even know what she was saying anymore; she couldn't concentrate with Haruka's face so close to hers.
Haruka blinked, keeping a sweet smile on her face. Michiru was incredible, a true friend who was willing to do anything to help one in need. She would be an amazing musumeyaku someday and her heart hurt for knowing they would probably never act together after finishing school.
Long, delicate fingers touched the violinist's face, feeling the smooth, slightly hot skin. Michiru tried to not overreact over Haruka's gesture, but her insides were about to burst. She wouldn't... Would she?
Feeling the other girl's breath tickle her nose, the smaller girl was holding her ground. If what she was thinking was about to happen, then she would let it happen. Closing her eyes, Michiru was ready for it. She was ready for her first kiss.
Haruka kissed her cheek and released her friend.
"Thank you for a lovely night, Michiru, I had a lot of fun...." She said, before going to the room they were sharing.
Leaving a very confused and slightly frustrated Michiru behind.
*********
Later that night, the girls were already in bed, but none of them were sleeping, despite their agreement to meet Saeko, Ami and Jun in a few hours. Michiru's brain was working overtime, thinking about what had happened between her and her friend. Haruka was flirting with her or it was just something her mind made her heart believe? She could still feel Haruka's lips on her cheek.
"Michi? Are you awake?" Came the deep voice that tormented her. She sat on her bed, looking at her friend. Even in the dark, Michiru could see Haruka's body in the futon next to the opposite wall.
"Yes. Can't sleep?"
"Yeah. Normally I spend New Year’s watching old plays with my grandma until morning."
Michiru sighed. Of course Haruka wouldn't even care about what happened earlier. She was the one with the crush.
"Michi?" Haruka asked, after a few minutes. She felt like she had done something wrong, Michiru was so quiet after their dance. But Haruka had to stop them. Otherwise, they would eventually.... Do something they would regret.
Because seeing herself reflected on Michiru's mysterious dark blue eyes woke something inside Haruka. And she had no idea what.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for having me. I had a wonderful time and if you ever need anything, just let me know, OK?"
Michiru chuckled. Of course she would crush hard on the other girl. Because beside being extraordinary, she was so damn adorable.
"Of course, Haru... I won't forget that."
TBC