Yours | La Corda D'oro

9: Unlocking Her Emotions

Yui Utsugi's POV

I was in a daze, because my mind was still dizzy with emotions after watching and listening to Tsukimori's violin performance.

I had no idea how long I sat on that chair in such a listless state.

"Hey."

...

"Hey!"

Someone called out to me, and I jumped up in response.

I quickly came to my senses, and realised that it was Tsukimori who called out to me. He had packed up his violin in his bag, and he was about to leave backstage.

I realised that everyone had left, except for me... and I was left alone with Tsukimori.

"You're not leaving?"

Tsukimori spoke again.

"H-huh, oh, yeah."

I shifted uncomfortably, and I stood up.

As I stood up, I stared at Tsukimori's violin bag, and paused momentarily. 

Silence passed.

That violin bag... it's the same one that he used when he was in elementary school.

Sure does bring back memories...

"Do you miss the violin, Utsugi?"

Tsukimori suddenly spoke. But he sounded emotionless.

This question... made me widen my eyes in surprise.

... I didn't know how to react.

I gripped the sides of my dress tightly, and my restless heart started fluttering again.

How was I supposed to reply to that? 

A straight flat no?

Fine, I admit. The violin opened up my own world. 

It made me... who I was today.

Because of my family's situation, I grew up with no parents.

Being introduced to the violin was my greatest blessing. It opened up new friendships and new opportunities to the world of music. 

It taught me how to feel strong emotions, like how to love... and...

And how to hate.

"I- I..."

I really didn't know how to respond to that question.

"I... I hate the violin..."

I said distastefully under my breath,

But my heart felt a stinging ache, after I said those words.

Are these the words that I really wanted to say, that conveyed my true emotions?

Did that... come out correctly?

"Then why..."

Without me expecting it, I realised Tsukimori had walked towards me, and came very close.

His face was just a few inches away from mine, and he looked straight into my eyes with a serious, and frightening gaze.

"Why are you crying... Utsugi?"