Reframe - Tsubaki x Kousei

but we can

Your piano echoes through Towa Hall, through our hearts for the hundredth or so time.

Children and other visitors sniffle around me. Just like how I heard young Kaori once did. 

The keys pull at every heartstring in the crowd, much like how you pull on mine every day.

Even the pianists next to Watari and I, who have already performed and mastered their respective pieces, are wide-eyed. 

 Now everyone can feel like me. 

Open-mouth-smiles are abundant among the crowd.

The thing about the piano is that it finds the amazingness I see in you all the time but never put to words and lays it out in music. 

"Wow," I whisper. Despite the pain of all that's happened recently, Kousei's music transports us to another reality. One where we aren't on the verge of tears. 

On the stage. It's your way of wearing your heart on your sleeve. 

The prodigy plays the final note and adjusts his glasses before getting up. 

He takes a bow. 

The audience roars with applause and cheers. 

"Encore! Encore!"

Watari and I beam. 

I notice my eyes are wet so I dry them once again. Almost a daily routine, hm? 

A smile makes itself at home on your face. 

"An encore? How unruly at such a refined event like this?" 

"Though, I must say, his playing is exquisite. Surely, he will make it to the next stage again."

"Arima has returned!" 

Yes, he has. 

Before we know it, we're outside. 

Watari and I sprint to Kousei's side.

"Kousei!" we exclaim. 

"You were amazing, man!" Watari insists. 

I chime in, "Phenomenal! At least one of us made our win this year!"

Tears form on his face, a new smile breaking through the other. 

"Thank you, both of you." He wipes his eyes.

He looks down.

That beautiful performance, and you're still worrying. Oh, kid brother.

We hug him. 

Watari suggests, "Hey, why don't we check on Kaori?"

"All right," I agree, "you start walking, Watari. I want to speak to Kousei for a second."

Kousei's eyes flash at me, eyes slightly wide again. 

"Kousei?" 

"Yes, Tsubaki?" His eyes meet mine.

"What's wrong? Of course, besides Kaori not being here?" 

I search his expression. 

He brings a hand to his neck. "This may sound silly..."

I nod, "Go on."

"But I just want to make sure my music reached her." 

 You're thoughtful, Kousei, especially for a boy your age.  

I look up at him again, "Of course it did." 

"You think so?" 

I nod, curving my lips upward again. 

"Thank you," he attempts to smile but drops the expression. His face is empty. 

Not wanting to sit with the pain, both of ours, too much longer, I grab his hand and dash to Watari.

"Mission: check on Kaori is a go!"