Melody of You | Yuzuru Hanyu

25.

Yuzuru and Sophia called each other almost every day since the visit. The Japanese told her about his training and preparation while she told him about rehearsals and small shows she had been doing. From phone calls, they changed to video once things were more comfortable.  The two got into this routine, calling always at the same time, when she got home from rehearsal and got ready for bed, often changing clothes in front of him and loving the way he bit his lip and groaned occasionally.

That's all they did, even if the teasing was sometimes too much, none of them were comfy enough to do anything else on camera, and it was okay. For Yuzuru, their calls gave him plenty to think about when he needed the release and Sophia didn't need many images since her imagination could come up with good enough scenarios.

Still, they obviously missed one another, but this was the only option at the moment, none of them pointing out that it looked strangely like a relationship and not a friends with benefits type of thing.

As much as Sophia wanted to go to Toronto and spend some time with the skater, it was unthinkable to do it with the busy schedule that the orchestra was imposing on her. Being a soloist also meant she couldn't just take a week off whenever she felt like it.

Still, sometimes, opportunities just seem to appear when you need them the most.

During rehearsal, the conductor took some time to make an announcement.

"I know you all love to play at home, but then I also know how much some of you have been wanting to do something outside of England so I found us some opportunities."

The chaos that erupted in the room after those words made him stop what he was saying and allow the musicians to calm down.

"We are doing a tour in America, joining different orchestras in collaboration"

The noise erupted again, everyone too excited about the news.

"Let me speak!" the conductor begged them.

"4 orchestras, 2 months. Boston, and Chicago in the States, Montreal and Toronto in Canada. I hope this experience provides good learning opportunities for all of you."

Toronto? Sophia thought and a huge smile graced her face, this was such a nice opportunity to see him, she just hoped he would be there and not in competition whenever it was scheduled.

"What will happen to the concerts at Barbican?" one of the musicians asked.

"The Junior orchestra will take over them. Dates are still being settled, we don't know where we are going first but I'll tell you as soon as I know."

She decided almost immediately that Yuzuru wouldn't know about this visit to Canada, she wanted to surprise him like he did to her and couldn't wait to see his face.

For the next weeks, she kept in contact, avoiding any questions about future concerts. She knew he often checked the programs but wasn't expecting him to notice the announcement of the Juniors taking over.

"What's going on to make them replace you?" he asked in one of the calls.

Sophia couldn't help but laugh at his choice of words.

"They are not replacing us, we have shows somewhere else."

"Oh? Where?"

"We're doing several places but the conductor isn't sure when we will be at each location."

"That sucks"

"It's alright, I like playing in different venues and hopefully meet other musicians"

"I guess there are perks then."

Sophia prayed to every single god that the Orchestra didn't remember to post anything about their adventure on social media. If Yuzu found out she was keeping a future Toronto visit from him, he would very probably be slightly mad at her.

Josh and Hilary wouldn't shut up about going to Toronto, they already had all sorts of plans to visit the TCC even being fully aware that the access to the rink was reserved for members of the club only.

They had been begging her to ask Yuzuru for access but she couldn't ask without letting him know about the surprise she was planning.

"I want to surprise Yuzu, so that's out of the question."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah. I can't go to Toronto without seeing him."

"You're still in contact with Yuzuru?"

"Yes?"

"Oh my god, you could have told us before, we could maybe even convinced the conductor to make sure we're in Canada by the time of Autumn Classic. We could watch him live!"

"Are you crazy? That's next week Josh!"

"So?"

"I doubt even Yuzu can get tickets right now, and I'm not even mentioning booking flights for almost 100 people in such a short amount of time. You forget the whole orchestra is going."

"Ok... But you could at least introduce us in Toronto..."

"We will see"

About a week later, the conductor announced the dates. Toronto was the first stop, starting in early October. At least, even if the skater was attentively looking at social media, she could probably still surprise him.

It was very hard not to give anything away in the next days when they talked. Her obvious enthusiasm about something was pointed out by the skater several times and she always blamed it on rehearsals going particularly well and being excited about the tour. She did give him hints that it was abroad, but always dodged any other questions he might have.

It was fun, playing the game, even if sometimes all she wanted to do was spill the beans and share her excitement.

On the day of the flight, she had everything prepared. The whole orchestra was flying together and that could either be a blessing or a torture, depending on who sat by her side. She checked in at the airport with Hilary and Josh right by her side and when the lady in front of them asked if they wanted to sit together, the answer was an immediate yes.

Maybe she would have to deal with them fangirling over her favorite skater, but it was better than any other borefest she could get from one of the older members.

Even still, there was very little that could ruin her good mood at that particular moment.