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Leo/need decided to end practice early today. The group hadn’t broken a sweat, yet, to everyone’s surprise, Shiho called it off. Objections were raised, but were quickly dismissed just as fast as they were brought up.
“It’s important to get some rest so we can practice even harder the next time.”
“How much harder can we even practice, though?”
“Enough for us to reach everyone’s heart.”
Ichika faintly smiled as she adjusted the strap of her guitar case over her shoulder. She lightly elbowed Shiho, faintly remarking,
“Then I’ll be sure to practice extra hard for our next session.”
“Did you also forget that it’s almost Christmas, too?”
“Oh–”
“Silly, you need to remember that we can have holidays off too.”
“You kind of sound like an old lady.”
“...can you repeat that one more time, Ichika? Come closer.”
“I will politely decline, dear Shiho.”
“Then I’ll come close to you. I promise I won’t hit you.”
“You’re known for breaking promises, though…”
Both Honami and Saki giggled. Under the night sky, Leo/need walked through the streets of the city. Brilliant lights throughout the concrete jungle illuminated their pathways. With each step they took, Saki basked in the heavenly warmth that accompanied her bandmates. She closed her eyes, her smile widening.
I don’t want this moment to end.
From the moment she was discharged from the hospital, she never anticipated them growing close like this. Just as she always wished for. Saki slowly opened her eyes. Then, she gently touched her chest.
I also want to become even closer to Kanade.
Even though it had only been a month since they initially met, their encounters were vague at the start. Saki initiated almost everything, making sure to stay by Kanade’s side, her presence a necessity for the fragile composer. Day by day, she began to learn more about Kanade. The things she liked, the things she disliked, when she went to bed, how much she lacked Vitamin D… Saki recalled the tenderness of their lips when they first touched each other.
It was an accident, and it was an accident Saki couldn’t help but replay over and over in her mind.
She touched her lips.
One more time.
Saki would want to try again.
This time, with feeling–
“...and so, she wasn’t feeling well, from what I’ve seen.”
“Ah, yeah… that’s unfortunate. You aren’t going to get sick from her, right?”
“I don’t think so, but she seemed adamant that no one visit her.”
“Who?” Saki snapped back to reality and stared at Honami. “Is it…”
Honami exchanged glances with Ichika and Shiho before nodding.
“Yes, Kanade is sick.”
There was a pregnant pause. Saki came to a complete stop, halting their walk. Then, she frowned, her heart racing.
“Why didn’t you tell me this?”
Before they could get a word of explanation out, Saki promptly excused herself and ran past them. The lights that mesmerized her earlier blurred. Sweat began to glisten on her forehead as she rushed through the busy streets. Though she knew her friends meant no ill will, she was taken aback by the lack of news on Kanade’s well-being. If they had known something, then why were they not saying anything to Saki?
I don’t want her to experience what I did back in the hospital…
Saki shook her head and lightly slapped her reddened cheeks.
She can question them later. For now, her highest priority is to find a general market. Thankfully, the trip was quick and fruitful, coming and going with supplies in her bags. Saki wasted no time and hurried to Kanade’s place.
Between the studio she practiced at and Kanade’s residency, it was a bit of a walk. Saki’s heart hammered hard against her chest as she picked up the pace, ignoring the burning sensation throughout her legs. Sweat now drenched a part of her scarf, the chilled winter air doing very little.
Was this how Ichika felt when she visited me in the hospital?
The pianist remembered vividly how Ichika always brought fruits and small snacks to her room. Whenever Saki doubled over in pain, Ichika was the first one to call for the nurse, supporting her and never leaving her side. Even though she had Kanade’s music on her music player, her song brought her out of despair whenever she was alone; she at least had someone.
But Kanade?
She’s alone.
“You won’t leave, right, Saki?”
Saki gnawed the inside of her cheek and met the front of Kanade’s house. Her vision swam as her consciousness strobed in and out. Saki shakily exhaled. Then, she rang the doorbell.
“Kanade? Are you there?”
Silence. A strong grip tightened around her chest as her breath quickened. Saki dryly swallowed and rang on the doorbell again. Another call unanswered. She rapped on the door, her mind swirling with possibilities.
She wasn’t a pessimistic person, but…
If something happened to Kanade…
I wouldn’t forgive myself.
Not after she had uttered those words to Kanade that one night.
“I’m… coming…”
The soft, familiar voice barely reached Saki’s ears. Saki’s tense shoulders loosened, and she leaned against the doorway upon having it opened. Before her stood Kanade, who was clearly more than okay. The composer stared at her with raised brows, her dark apron draped over her figure, and one hand holding her oven mitts. It was a stark contrast between the two. Then, Kanade slowly said,
“Are… you okay, Saki?”
Saki had to use all her remaining energy (if she had any, to begin with) to resist a loud groan. The bags filled with medicines and ingredients for a hearty miso soup audibly plopped to the ground. A shaky smile formed on her lips as she promptly fell forward. Caught in Kanade’s arms, she buried her face into her modest chest.
“Why did they say you’re sick?” she grumbled. “I was so worried!”
“Ah… they told you?”
“No! In fact, they were so quiet about it until I overheard them!” Saki pulled away, her brows scrunched together. As she was brought into the house, the door clicking shut behind, she muttered, “They were so mean to keep quiet! If I had known earlier, I would’ve come here much earlier!”
“And ruin the surprise?”
Saki watched as Kanade motioned to the kitchen. Strewn throughout the area were numerous bags of flour. Bits of chocolate chips were scattered about the premises as various baking utensils had leftover dough clinging tight. The corner of her lips twitched. Another look at Kanade, and she noticed the aftermath of a potential disaster.
“...the surprise that you made such a mess?” she blurted.
“No! I mean, yes, but no! Ignore that!” Kanade hurriedly waved her hands as she put on her mittens. She motioned once more to the kitchen, but got close to the oven. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was in it. “I wanted to make something for you.” There was a pause. Quickly, she added, “Besides the gift I wanted to give to you! I’m not sure if you’ll like it, but… I hope this can make it up if you don’t.”
“I think this will make up for the stress that you put me through.”
“I-I’m sorry.”
Saki sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Then, as she picked up the bags and settled it on the nearby counter, she faintly smiled.
“You’re forgiven, but you should pick a better white lie.”
“Yeah… you’re right.”
“It might work on Honami and Ichika, but it won’t work on me.”
Silence hung in the air. Saki glanced up after taking out the last object. Kanade hung her head, her gaze shifted as she remained quiet. The pianist’s smile widened and approached the composer. Without another word uttered, she embraced her. Compared to what they had gone through, this was nothing. After all…
“I wouldn’t leave, even if you wanted me to!”
“You know I’ll always come for you, no matter what.” She rubbed Kanade’s back, keeping the frail girl in her gentle hold. “Even if you were telling a pretty bad white lie.”
Hugs were common for Saki and, to a smaller degree, with Kanade. Yet in this moment, they felt the love that truly brought their soul out bare for each other to feel. Togetherness. Kanade lightly chuckled and wrapped her arms around Saki, nestled on her shoulder.
“Thank you, Saki.”
It felt like this Christmas was going to be a good one, Kanade inviting Saki to stay over for the night. Though Saki had plans with her family the next day, she kept company, their fingers intertwined as they sat on the couch, enjoying the holiday melodies from the television. Before them, a cup of warm milk and a plate of freshly baked cookies were shared. Occasionally, they leaned onto one another, basking in the warmth that filled their heart with joy.
The medical supplies Saki purchased remained idle on the counter. It was for the best, as there wasn’t any need for Kanade– at least, until after the holidays, when Kanade caught an unfortunate cold. But until the time arrives, Saki and Kanade kept each other close.
After all, Saki found her once more.