Salut D'Amour

Measure 22: Pamphlets

KAHOKO'S POV

***

How did it end up like this again?

I'm sitting in between Tsuchiura-kun and Tsukimori-kun in a bus that's a double decker. Outside the window, there's a waterfall and birds flying all around. We've been traveling for almost fifteen minutes to our cottages but Gendou Island is filled with all sorts of adventure.

"Looks like paradise, if you ask me," Tsuchiura-kun mutters as he looks at me from the window.

"I agree!" I respond.

"Tch." Beside me, Tsukimori-kun stirs.

"What's your problem?" Tsuchiura-kun looks over to Tsukimori-kun who is still closing his eyes.

"I don't recall having a problem," He replies sharply.

"Well what's with the sudden arrogance?"

"Really? You consider a simple grunt as arrogance?"

"Oi oi! Stop playing coy here Tsukimo--" Tsuchiura-kun begins but then, we hear the microphone buzz.

"May I have your attention please? We will be arriving at Piano Villa. All pianists, please ready your things. See you tonight at 7p.m!" The announcer says and Tsuchiura-kun readies his bags.

"Sorry Hino," He looks at me with a concerned gaze. "I guess my stop is here." 

"Hey! It's alright Tsuchiura-kun!" I gave him a thumbs up and he smiles. The bus stops and Tsuchiura-kun gets up. "Have fun Tsuchiura-kun! See you!" 

He looks back at me and then to Tsukimori-kun. And before he leaves, he calls out, "If ever Mr. Musical Department Prince annoys you Hino, tell me."

"Ano...Hehehe," I laugh nervously as the bus leaves Tsuchiura-kun behind along with about 8 other pianists. I manage to look around the bus and there isn't really a lot of people on it.

Since the Cellists, Violists, Violinists and Pianist were on the same bus and those that played the Flute, Trumpet, Clarinet, and Oboe were on the other bus - there was an unequal distribution of instruments.

"Hino," Beside me, Tsukimori-kun is still closing his eyes but is wearing a face of concern. "If you're trying to do the Math of the instrument division, I suggest you look at your pamphlet."

"Gomen nasai Tsukimori-kun," I quickly sit back down and fluster. Why do I always seem to disappoint him? I take out my pamphlet and realize that at the back page, there's a list of the people who'd be playing the different instruments.

There were 4 people competing in the Flute division. Yunoki-senpai is the only guy...Geez.

For the trumpet, there were 5 of them. Eh? They're all guys? Well, Hihara-senpai never had any problems with making friends. I smile at this.

Moving on to the clarinet, they're all 3 cute girls with Fuyuumi-chan looking the cutest!

There were also 2 guys playing the oboe. Eh?? They look like brothers.

The cellists were 5 in total, all boys. Shimizu-kun looks so sleepy as always.

For the violists, Kaji-kun was the only guy among 4 other girls. Hehe, Kaji-kun will be having a lot of fans. 

The pianists were a total of 9. Tsuchiura-kun is the biggest of them all. 

But my eyes rest on the violinists page.

"EH?!!" I react and Tsukimori-kun stirs.

"What is it Hino?" He asks and I try to sound coolly.

"Nothing it's just that...the principal sponsor of the event...I guess his name was Shou...Well, he is also participating as a violinist contestant!" I mutter and Tsukimori-kun looks at me questioningly.

"So?" He asks and I feel a heavy rock fall on my head. 

"Ano, I mean, wouldn't it be a bit unfair? I mean, he's the sponsor and all..." I try to point it out but Tsukimori-kun merely sighs.

"Well, that only means that we have to work harder," He declares and I feel my world shatter. I look across the list and see that apart from me, Tsukimori-kun and Shou, there's Akira-chan. Figures since she did come to Gendou Island on the same boat as us. 

I scan to the last two other participants.

Kiyoshi Sena. The girl had wavy black hair like Miyabi-chan's (Yunoki-senpai's younger sister).

And the last one, I felt really uneasy looking at him.

"That's Tetsuko Kyo," Tsukimori-kun says and I look at him. He's studying Tetsuko's face on the pamphlet.

"Have you heard about him Tsukimo--" Before I can continue however, Tsukimori-kun says the unthinkable.

"A worthy opponent," He says curtly and I stare at Tetsuko Kyo's face.

Who could this be for Tsukimori-kun to fully consider as an opponent?!