After the incident in the forest, you heard the news about Yukihiro's concert and you attended it as promised. Many people came to watch the tribute concert. There were a lot that the venue nearly couldn't fit the amount of people coming.
Yukihiro had called back his friends and special guest from his first solo, Masami Tsuchiya, Hajime Tachibana, and Steve Jansen. But unlike the first solo, Haruomi will not be joining this time. "Thank you for coming. I couldn't be more happy that you're here." Yukihiro thanked the three, almost to tears. "We are honored to be a part of this for our fallen friends.". "You have our support." Said Masami and Tachibana while Steve nodded.
The stage was set and in front of it were placed a grand piano on the left and a bass on the right with white lilies and fressia flowers around them. While the crew's equipment were put in the back respectfully just like back in 1982. There were some acoustic guitars too and an extra synth too on stage. The crew played some of YMO's popular songs then played some of Hosono and Ryuichi's songs.
Yukihiro picked up the guitar and played Hosono's "Sports Man" then followed by Steve singing "The Madmen" even though the bass was played by the synth. Masami then played to the other synth and the four of them played "Thousand Knives" and for the final song, Yukihiro sat on the piano and played "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence."
The last song wasn't as perfect as Ryuichi would play but you could still feel his essence in there. The audience were in tears when Yukihiro played the last track and so did he. There was a brief silence before the hall applauded. Yukihiro then walked to the front of the stage with a mic in hand and said, "Thank you all so much for coming."
"This concert is held in loving memory of our leaders, inspirations, and friends, Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto." He was close to tears but managed to hold it. "A-and... I want to thank our special guest members to play with me. Today wouldn't happen if it wasn't of all of you." Yukihiro covered his mouth, holding back his tears and Masami, Tachibana, also Steve went to comfort Yukihiro then the four of them gave a final bow. The audience clapped in tears.
On your way out, you bumped into Yukihiro. "(y/n)-chan! I'm so glad that you came.". "As promised. It's great to see you all better now." You smiled in relieve. "The show was amazing! I'm sure Sakamoto-san and Hosono-san are proud of you.". "Thank you. I'm sure they are." He thanked you, nodding his head. Yukihiro then gave you an invitation to come to his place. "A-are you sure, Takahashi-san?" you asked in surprise.
"Yes, as my form of gratitude." You accepted his invite. Written on the invitation was the date and you remember correctly you don't have any schedules on that day. Weeks passed and the day finally came. You wore a simple yet comfortable and nice outfit and drove to Karuizawa. Thankfully the traffic wasn't too bad and it only took two hours.
You arrived and it was a bit hard to find a parking spot but you managed. You got off and walked to the front door. "I hope I get the right house." You worriedly said to yourself. "Here we go." You took a breath and knocked, "Excuse me... Takahashi-san?" you called and wait. Few seconds later, the man of the house finally answered the door. "(y/n)-chan! You finally made it. I hope you didn't get any trouble finding the place." He greeted. "It was fine." You responded.
Both of you went inside after Yukihiro invited you in. He then introduced you to his family, telling them that it was you who saved him. His family thanked you for giving him a second chance. All of you then had lunch and there was another member who was excited of you. "Well, hello there. Aren't you a cutie?" you pat the dog. "His name is Pascal." Said Yukihiro. "I think he likes you." He smiled.
You finished lunch and helped with the dishes. After finished, you found Yukihiro watching the snowfall with his what you think is a dog plush. "Are you alright, Takahashi-san?" you asked. "You look blue.". "I'm alright. The snow helps me calm down." He answered. "And I assume your plushie helps too?" you tried to tease him.
He giggled, "Sardine is just my lucky charm." And responded. You looked at the snow and noticed a half-built snow animal. Yukihiro noticed you looking at something and asked if you like his snow dogs. "You made it?" you asked in surprise. Yukihiro's smile turned to a sad one. You apologized but he said it was okay. "I had planned for the two to come and we would make snow dolls together." He explained. You finally understood why he invited you.
"I... I can make one with you if you like." You offered. Yukihiro had a glint in his eyes then he stood up, put on his gloves and went to the porch. "Let me show you how." You can hear the excitement in his voice. You joined him outside and he taught you how to make the snow doll. You asked if the three of them do this small tradition.
"Only when they come to visit but sometimes we just hang out inside. I usually do this by myself." Answered Yukihiro. He made a snow version of his dog plush, Sardine while you made a snow teddy bear. Yukihiro complimented you work and you thanked him. "I'll put them here." Yukihiro carefully put the two snow animals on the railing. The sky was getting dark and you decided to go back.
"Thank you for inviting me, Takahashi-san. Today was fun." You smiled in gratitude. "Thank you for giving me a second chance." He smiled back. "Wish you a happy new year!". "You too." The two of you bid goodbye and you drove back home.
A.N : Happy New Year, guys! And I'm finally back home! I never thought to make a sequel from the "Live Long Enough to be The Hero" chapter but here it is! I remember seeing posts of Takahashi making snowman and I asked if he made one this year. But he didn't answer... "-- ah well! Hope you guys enjoy the chapter and I'll see you in the next one! RD out!! Boi!!!
