Life Made Anew

19: The Competition part 2

Maki apparently had a slight fever, partly due to her hardly resting these past couple of weeks, but after resting and having the rag on her head, it quickly broke.

Kaito returned after his performance and stayed by her side. He was the second to last performer. The last one came as a surprise to people.
—
After Maki's performance, Kazama left for some reason. He said he had to go but didn't explain why.

To hardly anyone's knowledge amongst their group of friends, he had a good reason to go. Kamino knew but didn't tell anyone.

He went to the waiting room for performers to prepare for his performance.
—
"It's him! He has finally shown his face after 2 years!" Kaito exclaimed

Maki stirred awake at Kaito's yelling. She looked on the screen and saw something she didn't expect to see today.

Kazama was on stage.

He had already sat down and began playing. It was Liebeslied by Fritz Kreisler, transcribed by Rachmaninoff.

"Love's Sorrow," Maki said. "The sister piece to Love's Joy."

Why was he playing this of all pieces? Why sorrow instead of joy?

The sorrow of the piece could easily be felt, but it wasn't pure sorrow. There was hope.

The pain of his past was felt, but there was hope felt in the midst of the sorrow. The din (sound) of the piano contained an amalgamation (mixture) of sadness and hope.

His one hope, Hatora Maki, who changed his world.

Will my sound reach her? Will she understand why I'm playing this? Kazama thought to himself while playing.

"I do, Kazama. I see it," Maki whispered to herself.

She started tearing up. "It's normal to cry during his performances. You can always feel pain in his playing, fear even. This is different, though. It's not complete pain." Kaito kept analyzing his playing.

"It has changed since you last saw him, right Kaito?" He nodded.

"It sure has. He now has a reason, I guess."

Maki has kept silent about being his girlfriend. She wanted to surprise him. First become his friend, then tell him so he doesn't become an enemy. He seems to be a rival of Kazama.
—
The preliminary round was over. Maki ran out to meet Kazama, who didn't even stay in the waiting room for more than 2 seconds.

"Kazama!" She yelled as she ran to hug him. "Why didn't you tell me that you were going to play?"

"I wanted to surprise you. I decided to join after you. Why did you not tell me that you had a different prelims song than what you said?" Kazama asked.

"I wanted to surprise you as well. I was still working on the etude for a while." She laughed nervously."

"Wait, so you're friends with Kazama?" Kaito asked.

Kazama turned to face him. "Who is this?"

"You don't remember me!" Kaito exclaimed. He was fuming.

"Of course, I do, Kaito. Long time no see." He waved his hand.

"Kaito, Kazama is my... Boyfriend," Maki said.

"Huuuuuhhh???!!!!" Kaito exclaimed.

Maki nodded and laughed. "I didn't want to say it and risk you becoming an enemy."