Salut D'Amour

Measure 21: Rivals

YUNOKI'S POV

***

"Eh? The flutists stay by the villa beside the lake? Wah!!!! Yunoki?! How am I suppose to live without you?!!!" Hihara whines as he takes up his bags and everyone looks at us.

"Hihara," I laugh. I actually don't mind the crowd, "You'll be fine." Although I assure him this, as usual, Hihara acts like a kid.

"But..but.." He draws near to whisper. "What if I don't make any friends?!"

I raise a brow and shake my head.

"Hihara-senpai," Tsuchiura calls as he walks towards us with a smile. "You'll be able to make with just about anyone!" To this Hihara brightens.

"Eh?! You sure Tsuchiura?! Cause if that's the case," He suddenly hugs me like a kid, "I'll miss you Yunoki!!!" I just sigh and smile.

Really Hihara, you never fail to amaze me. 

"Ano...Yunoki-senpai..." I look back and see Fuyuumi-san behind me, with her stroller. "The clarinets are in the villa beside yours...can I...go with you?" She asks timidly and I let out a chuckle.

"Of course Fuyuumi-san," I bow as I take her stroller. "Let me have the pleasure of carrying this for you." She flusters into a thank you but I just smile. All around me, I am fully aware that a lot of girls are gawking.

As expected...tch...how pathetic. 

"Oi Hino!" Tsuchiura calls out and the red-haired lady looks at us. She's carrying her violin and a stroller. Beside her is Shimizu and Tsukimori.

"Tsuchiura-kun!" Hino waves back as she walks towards us with that ridiculous smile of hers.

"Hino!" Hihara livens up beside me and he takes Hino's hand. "Where's your villa?" 

His question produces an awkward atmosphere.

"EH?!!! What I was trying to say was---" He begins to mutter all around and I notice Hino laughing it off.

"Ano...it's alright Hihara-senpai," She assures. "Actually, the string instruments will be staying at the mountainside cottages." We all look to the huge map directory hanging on the wall and realize that it's the farthest place to the hotel.

"Eh?!!" Hihara lets out a cry but his words fail him.

"How will you be going there? Need help with the bags?" Tsuchiura swiftly offers. Hmm...Fast,huh? 

"No need," Surprisingly, it's Tsukimori who speaks up, "we'll be taking a bus there."

"I wasn't asking you!" Tsuchiura fires.

"Really? I didn't know."

"What?! Who'd want to help you? If you can manage to walk around with that big head of yours, then you can go anywhere!"

"Same goes for you. That big mouth must be a difficulty."

"What did you just---" Tsuchiura bickers and the two of them continue to do so. Meanwhile, I see Hino looking at the map with a smile. 

An opportunity presents itself. 

As I approach her however...

"Excuse me, Miss," a man approaches her, "You must've dropped this."

Who is this peasant? 

"Oh thank you," Hino says politely as the young man hands her a handkerchief.

"Well, because I did you a good favor, how about you give me one as well?" The young man interestingly asks her.

What is he playing at?

"Eh??!" Hino stammers and I see the young man smile at her.

Naive Hino. Must I save you every time? I quickly side step myself.

"Hino," I say and she looks at me with panic, "you mustn't be so careless with your things." 

"Hai!" She replies abruptly. I look to the young man.

"Oh, you must be Yunoki!" He replies and I acknowledge him.

"Yes." I reply coolly but he doesn't react. Instead he gives a smile.

"Pleasure to meet you," he extends his hand but I don't take it.

"I appreciate your help with Hino," I say with a smile. "But in the future," I say this in a serious tone, "please don't make the mistake of toying with her."

Hino reacts beside me but I don't really mind. Because for some unknown reason, I get the feeling that this young man...might just be...

"I'm sorry," he continues to smile, "But I have no intention of toying with her. I actually wish to be her acquaintance. I look forward to your performance Hino." 

And with this, he leaves politely.

"Ano...Yunoki-senpai?" Hino asks but I ignore her as I look at that man.

He is definitely a rival.