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imsvg · 7 years ago

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Finding You chapter 3: meeting

Fandom: Hibike! Euphonium/Sound! Euphonium Pairings: Kumiko/Reina; Natsuki/Yuuko; implied Asuka/Kaori/Haruka; Nozomi/Mizore; Hazuki/Shuuichi Summary: Two years have passed since Reina left after their second-year. Two years have passed and Kumiko is now a freshman in college. Two years have passed and she receives a letter from Reina. Two years have passed but something Kumiko thought she lost is making its way to her. Words: 6.3k+ Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 Links: FF is here! AO3 is here!

i recc reading it on AO3. oh, and sorry for not updating yesterday lmao

“You didn’t sleep?”

Kumiko’s gaze went from staring out the train window to Natsuki. She was resting her head atop a sleeping Yuuko’s, whose ribbon flaps fell over her eyes like rabbit ears.

“No,” Kumiko said as she hugged her duffel bag closer to her. “I’m not that tired.”

Natsuki let out a noise as she rubbed one of her eyes. “Well, that’s one of us. Yuuko and I packed last minute, so we ended up pulling an all-nighter packing.”

“Maybe you should have done it earlier,” Kumiko said with an amused smile. Natsuki’s glare didn’t faze her.

“Ah, shaddup. I’ve heard enough of that from Yuuko last night.” She covered her mouth to stifle a yawn.

Kumiko chuckled, and turned her head to look out the window again. The suburban scenery was blurring together like forgotten memories. Soon, the gray buildings grew sparser and sparser until they gave way to green pastures and an open blue sky, the sun rising just above the horizon of faraway hills.

Nostalgia hit her in the chest when she remembered the first time Reina took her to Mount Daikichi.

She wanted to hop on a train to an unknown destination, Kumiko recalled. We never did that, did we?

Maybe you will, one day, Something said.

“That paper yours?” Natsuki said, pulling Kumiko out of her thoughts.

Kumiko peered over her luggage and saw that one of Reina’s letters had slipped out of her bag. “Ah, thanks,” she said as she bent over to pick the letter off the floor.

“I’m assumin’ that’s from Reina.”

“Yeah. I got it yesterday.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Kumiko took a quick glance at the letter, skimming through the words for important details. A number was scribbled on the bottom of the page. The sight of it made Kumiko’s heart jolt, and for a moment, she felt like she was back in high school, anticipation shaking her nerves at the mere thought of hearing Reina’s voice through the phone.

A snort made Kumiko jump.

She looked over the letter to see Natsuki grinning at her. With the way her hair framed her face, she looked like the personification of mischief, and Kumiko didn’t like the sight of it.

“Wh-what?” She asked, failing to sound casual.

Natsuki’s grin grew bigger, and she shook her head. “Nothing.”

Kumiko’s lips curled into a frown. “Doesn’t seem like nothing.”

“Well, it’s just”—Natsuki paused to chuckle—”for a moment, I thought we were back in high school.”

“Why’s that?”

“You had that look in your eyes. The one where your eyes would kind of dim yet sparkle at the same time whenever you spoke about or saw Reina. I always thought it was a mix of admiration or somethin’, but now that I know about everythin’ that happened between you”—Natsuki’s expression melted into one of gentle understanding—”that was one of love, huh?”

Kumiko felt a stitch on her heart snap. Natsuki’s gaze suddenly felt heavy, and Kumiko had to look out the train window to alleviate the weight.

“…Did I say too much?”

Kumiko shook her head. “No. It’s just when you said that, I just…remembered how much I really missed her.” The sensation of tears began to burn the back of her eyes, and she had to blink rapidly to keep them at bay. “I’m kind of scared to see to her again,” she added quietly.

“Even though you’ve been talkin’ to her?”

“Yeah. Kinda stupid, huh?”

“Nah, I don’t think so.”

Kumiko looked at Natsuki, who was wearing the smallest of smiles. “Really?”

“Really. Talking to the person you love face-to-face is a completely different experience. Compared to writing out what you feel, it’s a whole lot harder. Or, in my opinion it is. It’s easier to choke up, you know?”

Kumiko nodded slowly, and a crooked smile made its way onto her face. “Yeah. I did that all the time whenever I was alone with Reina.”

Natsuki chuckled as she brushed a strand of Yuuko’s hair behind her ear. “I feel that.”

“That’s not surprising. You always choke up when you’re sentimental.” Kumiko smiled as the memory of Natsuki gross-sobbing in front of the entire band during their farewell banquet came to mind.

“Doesn’t everyone?”

Kumiko hummed, and quietly watched as Natsuki twined her fingers with Yuuko’s. She could feel Jealousy’s flames burning the underside of her gut.

Must be nice to have someone like that, Jealousy said. Kumiko felt a bitter taste fill her mouth. She turned her head towards the window, suddenly feeling like an outsider observing a world that only Natsuki and Yuuko inhabited.

“You should go and sleep,” Kumiko heard Natsuki say gently. “I’ll keep watch for our stop.”

Kumiko let out a small noise of confirmation and closed her eyes. She caught the noise of rustling, followed by quiet conversation, the voices belonging to Natsuki and a husky Yuuko. Their words sounded far away, and Kumiko felt the distinct feeling of Loneliness burying itself in her chest.

As she slipped into unconsciousness, Kumiko noticed that her hand felt unbearably cold.

-X-

you never said it aloud but

you loved holding her hand

because it gave you

security

comfort

understanding

even if nothing was

said between the both of you

she understood the

love that spilled from the

heart you held in your palm,

transferring its warmth to your fingertips

that intertwined around hers

in an intimate embrace that only

lovers knew

sometimes it was her who reached out first

sometimes it was you

but once your hands touched there was

warmth

patience

kindness

the formula for love

and everything nice

was something you held in your hand

it’s no wonder that

the moment she left

your fingers felt

cold

empty

alone

-X-

“We’re lucky we made it out on time, considering how you were out like a rock,” Yuuko said, shooting Kumiko a look. Kumiko gave a sheepish smile and scratched the back of her neck.

“Sorry, senpai,” she said with a chuckle.

“So much for not being tired, huh?” Natsuki said, prodding Kumiko’s side with her elbow.

“She probably pulled an all-nighter packing.” Yuuko flicked her glare in Natsuki’s direction. “Like a certain someone—”

Natsuki sighed and rolled her eyes. “You’re still on about that?”

Yuuko bristled and stomped up to Natsuki. “Of course I’m still on about that!”

Taking this as a sign to leave, Kumiko made brief eye contact with Natsuki and pointed over her shoulder with her thumb. Natsuki gave an ‘okay’ sign before turning her attention back to an angry Yuuko.

Kumiko briskly walked away, her strides as long as she could make them. She weaved through the crowd, muttering quiet apologizes under her breath when her bag slammed into someone on accident.

Finally, after many collisions and apologies, Kumiko found herself outside the train station. She inhaled, taking in the scent of street food and the river, taking in the scent of home. She held her breath for a split second before exhaling, an easy smile finding its way onto her lips. She took in the sight of the Uji River, taking in the familiar sight of home she took for granted when she was younger.

“I’m home,” she mumbled.

“Kumiko?”

“Gwah!” Kumiko jumped and looked around. “Who’s tha—oh.” She furrowed her face into a scowl. “It’s you.”

The slight smile on Shuuichi’s face, which now bolstered the faint beginnings of a beard, turned into a slight frown. “Nice to see you, too.”

“You shopping?” Kumiko asked, glancing at the plastic bag he held.

“Eh, somethin’ like that. Mom asked me to run some errands for her.” Shuuichi shrugged and continued walking to his original destination. Kumiko followed; her house was in the same direction, anyways.

“You still live with her?” Kumiko asked.

“That a problem?”

“No. It’s cute.”

Shuuichi clicked his tongue. Kumiko noticed the tips of his ears turning red. “Sh-shut up.”

“What’s new?”

“Nothing much. Got out of school.”

“Same. What’s your major?”

“Went in undeclared.”

“Looks like we’re in the same boat. For once.”

Shuuichi chuckled. “Looks like we can actually get along if we try.”

“Don’t push it, Shuushit.”

“Ouch. I forgot how much I missed that nickname.”

Kumiko let out a laugh. “Glad to bring back old memories.”

“What’re you doing back here? Here for the Agata Festival?”

Kumiko shrugged. “Somethin’ like that. Hazuki-chan told me to come back for summer vacation, since it’s the Agata Festival. Plus I haven’t been home in a while.”

Shuuichi snorted. “I’d say it’s been more than a while.”

Kumiko hummed. “Say, speaking of a while”—she looked at Shuuichi, and for the first time, noticed the faint outline of bags under his eyes—”Hazuki-chan told me that you two have been together for a while.”

“I-is that so?” Shuuichi asked, his face and ears turning beet red. “W-when?”

“Over the phone several weeks ago.”

“H-huh….”

“Are you…okay? You look like you’re ready to pass out.” Kumiko furrowed her eyebrows together.

“Ah, well,” Shuuichi began, scratching the back of his neck, “it’s—hm—I’m still trying to get used to it, you know?”

“Being in a relationship?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

A silence settled between the both of them, but a question weighed heavily on Kumiko’s mind. It tickled the tip of her tongue, trying to slip past her lips, but she didn’t dare open her mouth; she didn’t want to say something she would regret.

Her struggle seemed to show on her face, since Shuuichi said, “You know, if you have something you want to ask, you can go ahead and ask.”

Kumiko opened her mouth, then closed it like a fish.

“Go ahead,” Shuuichi urged.

“Mind if I’m honest?”

“If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be Kumiko.”

Her lips quirked into a small smile that disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. “Do you really like Hazuki-chan? Like, honestly?”

“What makes you say that?”

Answering a question with a question; a sign of a guilty man, Logic deduced.

“Well…I just remembered back in high school when you rejected her, is all. What made you come back ‘round?” Kumiko asked.

“…Mind if I’m honest with you?”

“‘Course.”

“I honestly don’t know.” Shuuichi let out a heavy exhale and scratched the back of his neck. “Like, she’s a great person, really. While, admittedly, she isn’t all that bright, she has a big heart, big ambitions, and well, she’s really cute, you know? Even back in high school, I always thought she was cute. But I never thought of her in that way because…you know….”

Kumiko allowed Shuuichi’s words to die in the air, letting the breeze whisk them away to places unknown. The wind left silence in its wake, along with a faint memory of the summer of their second-year.

Shuuichi confessed to her then. Standing beside the river, with the sun painting the sky with oranges and pinks, it was the picture-perfect moment for love to blossom between two people.

Kumiko and Shuuichi weren’t those people.

“…Sorry, Shuuichi,” Kumiko said, just above a whisper. A pang of sympathy struck her heart.

“No, it’s okay. It’s been almost two years now,” Shuuchi said. He added a chuckle at the end, but Kumiko could still hear the hurt in his voice. “I should be over it.”

“But you’re not.” It was more of a statement than a question.

Shuuichi said nothing.

“Is…that why you began dating Hazuki-chan in the first place? As a rebound?”

“Partially.” Shuuichi turned to Kumiko. “Does that make me a scumbag?”

A crooked smile pulled on Kumiko’s lips. “I would say yes, but I would have probably done the same if I had the heart to.”

His face turned into one of understanding. “You still not over Reina?”

“It’s hard to get over your first love.”

Shuuichi chuckled, and Kumiko swore she heard bitterness in his voice. “You’re right about that,” he muttered quietly.

An uncomfortable silence fell between them, but luckily for Kumiko, they approached the intersection where she knew they had to part ways.

“My house is this way,” Kumiko said, pointing to the right.

Shuuichi smiled crookedly. “Surprised you remember where it is.”

“Shut up, Shuushit.”

He laughed and raised his hand in farewell. “I’ll see you later, then.”

Kumiko did the same, and began her stride again.

“Wait.”

Kumiko stopped and turned around. Shuuichi was looking at her, a serious glint in his eyes.

“…Yes?” Kumiko asked.

“You…don’t have to worry about me hurting Hazuki.” He said nothing, as if waiting for confirmation to continue. Kumiko gave it in the form of a nod. “Because, honestly, every time I’m with her…I’m very, very happy.” He broke his stoic mask with a small, sincere smile, and for a moment, Kumiko was taken aback.

Who knew that the pathetic, aloof Shuuichi she grew up with could make such an expression?

“That’s good,” Kumiko finally said with a small smile. “That’s really good.”

Shuuichi’s smile turned awkward, and with a brief nod, turned to cross the street. Kumiko watched him disappear into the crowd, Gram’s words echoed in her head.

Love finds its way.

As she turned around to make her way to her house, Kumiko found herself wondering when love would find its way back to her.

-X-

“I’m home!” Kumiko called out, kicking off her shoes at the doorfront. The running water that was playing in the background was shut off, and Kumiko’s mother shuffled into view, wiping her hands on a rag.

“You’re back!” Akiko exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise before it melted into a warm smile. Kumiko replied with one of her own, and welcomed her mother’s embrace with open arms. Kumiko took a breath, taking in the faint scent of caramelized sugar that clung to her mother wherever she went.

An ache prodded at Kumiko’s heart when she realized how much she missed her family.

“You should have told us that you were coming back! I would have cleaned up!” Kumiko laughed and blocked herself from Akiko’s playful swats.

“Sorry, sorry,” Kumiko said, “but I kind of decided to come back last minute. Plus I thought it would be a good surprise, you know?”

Her mother shook her head, chuckling. “God, look at you,” she breathed out, taking Kumiko’s face in her calloused, yet warm hands. She scrutinized Kumiko’s visage, and Kumiko did the same. She noticed the gray streaks now tainting her mother’s black hair, the deepening eye bags, and the faint lines of wrinkles setting in.

She’s gotten older, Kumiko thought.

A wave of despondency rose up in her throat, but Kumiko forced it down when she saw her mother’s smile grow even larger.

“You’re so beautiful….” Akiko brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a gesture she did so many times before. “No words can describe how much I missed you,” she added quietly, her eyes glazing over with sadness.

Kumiko could only reply with a small smile; she didn’t trust herself to say her sentiments aloud, lest she break down crying. Clearing her throat, she changed the subject with a quick, “Where’s Dad?” and peered over her mother’s shoulder.

“He’s still at work. But how about you put your stuff in your room, and then help me with dinner, hm?” Kumiko nodded, and the both of them went their separate ways.

The door to her old room creaked its welcome when Kumiko opened it. Peering inside, she noticed that her room was as exactly as she had left it two years ago; unsettlingly clean, save for the thin film of dust in the nooks and crannies of her room.

As Kumiko put her duffel bag down on her bed, she had the distinct feeling that something felt off, yet so familiar at the same time, like she was reuniting with an old friend.

Maybe this is what Reina felt when she visited Kitauji, Something whispered in her mind.

She pushed the thought aside and exited her room.

Kumiko shut the door behind her, and noticed that the door to her sister’s room was slightly ajar. Peering through the crack, she saw that the sheets on Mamiko’s bed were mussed and crooked.

“Is Nee-chan back?” Kumiko asked once she entered the kitchen.

Akiko shook her head, never taking her eyes off the tomatoes she was mincing. “Someone used her room for lodging for several days. They just left so I need to clean her room up.”

A bitter taste hit the back of Kumiko’s throat. “Is…is that so?”

Akiko hummed, giving Kumiko an onion to peel. “She hasn’t been home for a while. You know that, Kumiko.”

“Yeah,” she mumbled, “I know.” Once she finished peeling, Kumiko grabbed a knife from the drawer in front of her. “Has she contacted you at all since I left?” She asked, chopping the onion in half.

“She sent a letter a week ago.”

A sense of déjà vu came over Kumiko. “Did she? What did she say?”

“Mm, she said she was doing well,” Akiko said after a while, “and that she doesn’t regret leaving college to pursue make-up. She’s been training under this beautician in…Osaka, I believe? It’s essentially a paid internship, and once she finishes that, she plans on opening her own beauty shop.”

Kumiko blinked back tears as she sliced the onion into paper-thin strips. “Really? Where?”

“Somewhere.”

“Have you guys replied?”

“No, not yet. We’ve been too busy. Plus, your father is a proud man; he still has a hard time accepting what happened.”

“It’s been more than three years.”

“Exactly my point.”

For a moment, the sound of knives hitting the cutting board was the only sound that filled the silence.

“She also asked how you were,” Akiko finally said.

Kumiko ignored how her heart lurched in her chest. “Really?”

“Mm.”

“Maybe I’ll call her later.”Kumiko said, her quiet words being drowned out by the loud sizzling filling the air as she poured the onions into the pan.

“You should. She says she misses and loves you.”

While she was sautéing, Kumiko had to pause to wipe away the tears rolling down her cheeks.

As she did so, she told herself she was crying because of the onions and nothing else.

-X-

Call Transcript

Kumiko Oumae → Mamiko Oumae

6:34 PM

MO: Hello?

KO: Nee-chan?

MO: Oh, Kumiko! You’re still alive?

KO: [laughs] Surprisingly. How’ve you been?

MO: Good, tired. [yawns] You?

KO: I’m alright. I’m on break now.

MO: Yeah? You doing anything interesting?

KO: Well, I went back home since Hazuki-chan told me to visit. Plus the Agata Festival is coming up.

MO: Ooh, that does sound like fun.

KO: Mm.

[Silence]

MO: Was there…a reason why you called me?

KO: A-ah, uh, mm—kind of?

MO: If you’re trying to ask me to come home, I’m not going to.

KO: I—I figured as much. [Pause] Nee-chan?

MO: Mm?

KO: Are you ever going to come back? To Uji?

MO: Did Mom tell you about the letter?

KO: Yeah. She told me that you were training in Osaka, and that you plan on opening your own shop one day.

MO: [laughs] Oh, good. So they did get the letter after all.

KO: Why?

MO: Don’t tell them this, but I’m planning on opening it in Uji.

KO: Is it to spite Dad?

MO: Kind of. [chuckles] And, you know, to show him that I actually did it. I want him to know that I’m not some…washed-up college dropout, you know? That I actually have ambitions and passions, and I’m going to follow them. Even if it means not being that perfect daughter that they imagined.

KO: [chuckles] It’s kind of weird hearing you say that.

MO: Why’s that?

KO: Because you were so adamant whenever you spoke to me about school. You always told me to study hard and get into a good college so that I can do well in the future.

MO: Times change. And, honestly, part of me did that so that I could hurt you.

KO: Yeah…?

MO: It might be because you’re the younger sibling, but I always thought that Mom and Dad treated you differently. They gave you everything, you know? Even if you wanted to pursue band in high school, they allowed you. Me? They basically told me to give it up so that I can be a rolemodel for you. I always thought that was unfair.

KO: Because that is unfair.

MO: [laughs] Glad to know you have my back.

KO: You don’t—you know—hate me, do you?

MO: What? Of course not! I love you to bits, Kumiko. Remember that.

KO: [quietly] I love you, too….

MO: Don’t cry on me, yet. We just started the call.

KO: [strained laughter] I’m trying. [sniffles]

MO: Good. So, changing topics, how’s college life?

KO: Mm, it’s okay, I guess? I’ve met new people and made new friends, so that’s a thing.

MO: Looks like my little sister’s finally spreading her wings.

KO: Leave me alone.

MO: You’re the one who called. [laughs] Are you still in band?

KO: Mmm, no. I didn’t know my college had one, so I didn’t audition. But next semester I will.

MO: That’s good. You’ve been practicing?

KO: When I have the time. [chuckles] I actually do the exercises that you taught me when I was in elementary.

MO: Do you?

KO: Yeah. The duck thing, H-factor, those things.

MO: [laughs] The hell’s the duck thing?

KO: You know, where you buzz your lips together to form the embouchure and you sound like a duck?

MO: Oh, that! [laughs louder] You’re very creative with your names.

KO: Shut up.

MO: Mm, you know, I’ve been thinking about picking up an instrument again.

KO: Yeah?

MO: Yeah.

KO: Are you going to do trombone again?

MO: No, I don’t think so. [chuckles] I live in a small apartment, so brass instruments would be too loud and bulky. And I don’t know if I want to play a concert instrument either. Maybe—maybe piano. Or guitar, you know? Something I can somewhat self-teach myself.

KO: I can see you playing piano, actually.

MO: Really?

KO: Yeah. You would look refined playing.

MO: If refined means messy buns, oversized T-shirts, and sweatpants, then yeah, I can totally see myself as refined.

KO: [laughs]

MO: Hey, Kumiko?

KO: Mm?

MO: You really inspire me, sometimes.

KO: [chuckles nervously] What’s with this, all of a sudden?

MO: It’s not really all of a sudden. I’ve always wanted to say it. It’s just—I don’t know—my pride got in the way. I was still bitter about everything. Watching you work so hard during your first year in high school to go to Nationals was one of the main reasons why I had the audacity to go through with chasing after my dream of becoming a beautician. So, thank you, Kumiko.

KO: [sniffles loudly] I—I r-really l-love you, y-y’know?

MO: Oh, don’t c-cry. [clears throat]

KO: A-am I g-going to make you c-cry? [laughs shakily]

MO: I-if you keep this up, maybe. [strained laughter]

KO: [voice cracking] G-God, I miss you s-so much.

MO: Same….

KO: A-and I—I love you.

MO: You already s-said that. [laughter followed by sniffles]

KO: D-don’t ever give up on y-your dream, okay? Promise?

MO: I should be t-telling you that. [chuckles]

KO: Promise?

MO: Only if you don’t either.

KO: I p-promise.

MO: Good. [sniffles, and then with disgust] Oh God, my mascara is running down my face.

KO: [strained laughter] Gross!

MO: [sighs] Oh, well, it’s whatever. It’s the end of the day, anyways. [Pause] Keep in touch, okay, Kumiko?

KO: Only if you will.

MO: Promise I will.

KO: Then, I promise I will, too.

MO: Talk to you later then, yeah?

KO: Yeah.

MO: Love you.

KO: Love you, too.

Call End

7:12 PM

-X-

Despite what Hazuki said about reconnecting with other people, Kumiko found herself spending most of her time inside her house. She only went outside to get the mail, run errands for her parents, or to take a short walk around the block when the reruns of television became too boring for her to handle.

It was on her fourth day back in Uji when Kumiko decided to venture off and explore the rest of the town.

Uji, for the most part, stayed the same. While there were many unfamiliar faces to Kumiko, she didn’t mind them at all. She paid most of her attention at the scenery of Uji: the green trees, the breathtaking sight of the Uji River at sundown, the familiar shops and skyline, the knowing smiles some of the elderly gave her whenever she greeted them. All of it filled Kumiko with a sense of nostalgia, and she savored the “flavor of familiarity” as Reina had described it.

That taste got especially overwhelming when she found herself standing in front of Kitauji.

The distinct feeling Kumiko felt when she first entered her room hit her again. Taking tentative steps onto campus and into the empty building, Kumiko swore she could hear the clamor and conversation of students ringing in her ears. Memory after memory came back to her as she walked the barren hallways, passing by her old classrooms with small smiles as she remembered the countless times Hazuki tripped over herself to get to her seat as fast as she could so she wouldn’t be tardy. Her smile grew somber when she walked past the staircase that led up to the roof, a haven she shared with Reina when they felt like ditching class to sneak kisses or quiet secrets with one another.

She stopped when she heard motion coming from the teacher’s lounge.

Peering in through the half-opened door, she saw a man with a familiar head of shaggy hair sitting at a desk, his glasses reflecting his computer screen.

“Taki-sensei?” She called out.

The man looked up, adjusting his eyeglasses as he did so. A grin crept onto Kumiko’s face as she raised her hand in greeting, and stepped into the lounge.

“Ah, Oumae-san,” Taki greeted, rising from his chair. Kumiko noticed gray hairs peppering his black hair, and how the dull glow in his eyes made him look even more exhausted. “A pleasant surprise.”

“I’m surprised you remember me,” Kumiko said with a small smile.

“I remember effective leadership in my band.” Taki smiled. “You were a wonderful president.”

A flush of pride swelled in Kumiko’s chest, and she awkwardly bowed. “A-ah—mm—thank you.”

“May I ask what I did to deserve this visit?”

“I’m back in Uji for the Agata Festival, and I decided to take a walk around town. I found myself here out of coincidence, honestly.” She chuckled. “I guess I subconsciously followed my old route to school.”

Taki let out a breath of amusement. “I see.”

“I—mm—I heard you were leaving at the end of this school year.”

“From Kousaka-san, I assume?”

Kumiko ignored how her stomach rolled when she heard Reina’s name. “Yeah.”

“She’s taken on quite the challenge,” Taki began as he readjusted his glasses, “but I have faith that she will be successful.”

Kumiko’s smile grew crooked. “I’m sure she’ll be glad to hear that,” she muttered quietly, memories of Reina’s intense obsession with Taki coming back to her.

“Oh, before I forget”—Taki rummaged around his cluttered desk, and pulled out a disc sleeve with a purple Post-It on top—”Kousaka-san wanted me to give you this. She told me that you were planning on visiting the school, but she didn’t know when that was going to be. It’s the Sunrise Festival from this year.”

Kumiko took it, and saw FOR KUMIKO scribbled on the Post-It in Reina’s handwriting. “Thank you,” she said with a small bow.

“It’s been wonderful seeing you,” Taki began, “but I’m afraid I must ask you to leave. I have a lot of work ahead of me.”

Kumiko nodded. “I understand.”

An urge to leap out and hug Taki overcame her, but Kumiko suppressed it and shuffled out of the lounge, making sure to slide the door shut behind her. As she walked down the hall, she stopped in front of the staircase that led to the roof.

How about it? Something asked. For old time’s sake?

With tentative steps, Kumiko climbed the staircase, stepping over the yellow KEEP OUT tape that blocked the next case of stairs. The door to the roof creaked with protest, but Kumiko ignored it. A strong breeze welcomed her by running its fingers through her hair as she made her way to the railing.

The heat made waves dance in the distance, but that didn’t stop Kumiko from enjoying the view. People and cars came and went underneath, cicadas rang in the distance, a jet flew overhead, and the Uji River flowed as always. It was a familiar sight, one she saw countless times during her highschool years, but this time, Kumiko saw it through the lens of nostalgia. A part of her wished to go back in time, to relive those years in highschool, just so that she could appreciate the sights around her a little bit more.

-X-

Kumiko blew off the dust off her DVD player. The dust rose up in a gray cloud, and she accidentally inhaled some of the dust. She sputtered and coughed as she inserted the disc Taki gave her earlier that day, tears in her eyes.

“O-oh G-God,” Kumiko cried out as she fell into another coughing fit. “When was the last time anyone used you?”

The DVD player whirred to life, completely ignoring her question.

Not taking it to heart, Kumiko turned on the TV. She backed up, watching the screen flicker to life, and sat down on the couch. The simple view of a road and hundreds of people greeted her, but soon enough, the crowd erupted into cheers.

Two people holding a banner that said KITAUJI HIGH SCHOOL with Tuba-kun and Eupho-kun printed on the sides marched into view, and Kumiko heard the faint fanfare of the trumpets in the distance.

“Here they come,” said the person filming.

And sure enough, the Kitauji Band came into view.

If she was standing up, Kumiko would have doubled over. She was astounded by the sheer size of the band; Reina wasn’t kidding when she said that the band nearly doubled in size. Lined up in almost perfect rows, the band marched, the color guard flanking the band at four row intervals. Kumiko watched with awe as their legs moved in unison, their legs lining up and meeting the ground together. Their aura was refined and confident, a far cry from the band Kumiko joined when she was a first-year in high school.

Their professional-like appearance was certainly a sight to behold, but it was their sound that floored Kumiko.

The brass was loud and powerful, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band. The percussion, despite their complex rhythms and strokes, stayed together, both musically and visually, keeping the band on beat and on step. The mid- and high-winds were delicate, with their trills and runs dancing around the percussive beats and resounding bass, yet held conviction, especially during their accented half notes.

Soon, the band moved on, the reverb of the brass the only thing they left behind. The cameraperson aimed the camera down the road, even when the band had disappeared beyond the horizon.

“They’ve grown so much,” the person said with all the pride in the world. “I’m sure she would have been proud.”

Kumiko broke into a smile when she finally recognized the voice.

“All thanks to you, Taki-sensei,” she mumbled.

-X-

Kumiko didn’t know what possessed her to text Reina that night, but before she knew what was happening, she had already sent the text.

9:02 PM

kumiko: hello?

is this reina’s number?

reina: Yes, this is her.

May I ask who this is?

kumiko: oh, right lol

it’s kumiko

reina: Oh, Kumiko.

So my letter did reach you.

kumiko: yeah lol

sorry for not replying sooner

honestly i didn’t know if i was supposed to send you a letter or smth

since you gave me your phone number

reina: Well, I gave you my number for a reason, didn’t I?

kumiko: yeah i guess you’re right lol

reina: I guess it’s safe to assume you’re back in Uji?

kumiko: came back several days ago, actually

reina: Really?

kumiko: yeah lol

took a couple of days to get settled into my house

feels weird coming back home after a couple of years

reina: I understand that sentiment.

Is there a reason why you texted me?

kumiko: well, uh, i visited kitauji

reina: Did you? When?

kumiko: earlier today

reina: Time?

kumiko: um…

sometime past noon? like one or two?

reina: That means you probably met Taki-sensei, then.

He’s usually in teacher’s lounge around that time working out lesson plans for the upcoming band camp.

kumiko: that explains why he was there lol

i thought it was kind of strange of him to be there alone

he looks a lot older, actually

reina: I’ve noticed that, too.

The stress of teaching is getting to him, I think.

kumiko: it was bound to hit him sooner or later

reina: Unfortunately…

kumiko: he gave me the cd that you wanted me to have

reina: Did he?

Did you watch it?

kumiko: yeah i did

he sounds like such a proud dad in the video

reina: Can you blame him?

The band has grown so much under his tutelage.

He might be harsh at times, but he really does care for his students.

kumiko: yeah, he does

reina: If I’m being honest, I don’t know if I can live up to that…

He set such a high expectation.

kumiko: whoa

is the assured reina i knew from my high school years actually showing insecurity??????

reina: Why are you like this.

kumiko: sorry, lol

i couldn’t help myself

but you know, he trusts you a lot

and he thinks that you’ll do a great job once he leaves

reina: Did he?

kumiko: he did

and you know, i think you’ll do a great job too

reina: whoa

is the secretive kumiko i knew from my high school years actually showing emotion??????

kumiko: okay, fine

touché

bonus points for doing my typing style

reina: I do what I must.

kumiko: but i really mean it, you know?

reina: I know you do.

Thank you, Kumiko.

kumiko: dw about it

reina: Have you visited Mt. Daikichi recently?

kumiko: no, why?

did it somehow change or something?

reina: No, I was just wondering.

kumiko: do you visit daikichi?

reina: Yes.

When I’m stressed, I walk up the mountain and go to our old place, and I just look out at the view.

kumiko: yeah?

reina: Yeah.

The view’s just as I remember it.

kumiko: nothing inherently different about it?

reina: Unlike most things, no.

There’s nothing inherently different about it.

kumiko: maybe i should go visit it sometime

for old time’s sake

reina: You should.

kumiko: maybe

i’ll probably go during the agata festival

make it even more magical

reina: Speaking of the Agata Festival…

Are you still planning on spending the night with Kawashima-san?

kumiko: oh, midori?

i’m actually not sure

reina: I see…

kumiko: why?

reina: Well, if you didn’t have any plans, then…

I was wondering if you would like to go with me.

kumiko: wow this conversation brings back some old memories

reina: It’s a yes or no question, just answer it.

kumiko: lol yes, i’ll go w/ you reina

reina: Okay, good.

Then shall we meet at the base of Mt. Daikichi? At the Agata Festival?

kumiko: sounds like a plan

reina: It’s gotten pretty late.

kumiko: it’s only 9 reina what are you talking about

reina: Technically, it’s 9:56, making it closer to 10.

kumiko: but it’s still 9 so therefore it’s 9

reina: I’m not arguing about this with you.

kumiko: b/c i won

reina: When did you turn into Asuka?

kumiko: :)

reina: …

I’ll take this as a sign to take my leave.

I have to wake up early to help Taki-sensei make the final touches for summer camp.

kumiko: okay

see you at the agata festival, then?

reina: Yes.

See you then.

Kumiko sighed, the goofy grin on her face never fading as she did so. She felt like she was back in high school, texting Reina until one of them decided that it was time to sleep. It was such a liberating feeling to have such an easygoing conversation with her again, Kumiko wondered why she was ever scared to speak with Reina again.

It’s because you don’t want to know why she left in the first place.

The thought was sudden and it hit Kumiko hard, like a sudden punch in the gut. Her mirth evaporated into the air, taking her grin with it. A chilly feeling settled in her chest, and began to spread throughout her body.

It’s because you’re scared to find out that your relationship was nothing but a fling to her.

An ache pierced her heart. Kumiko began to chew on her bottom lip, trying to hold the tears back.

It’s because—

The sudden vibration coming from her phone startled her. Kumiko took a moment to collect her rattled nerves before she looked at the notification.

It was an audio recording from Reina.

A bit confused but mostly afraid, Kumiko unlocked her phone and played it.

“Good night, Kumiko.”

Kumiko felt her anxieties melt away the moment she heard Reina’s voice. Her heart leapt at the sound, beating hard and fast against her ribcage.

She forgot how beautiful Reina’s voice sounded.

As she raised her phone to her mouth, Something whispered Gram’s words into her ear.

If she came back in the first place, it must mean something, hm?

That was enough to bring back Kumiko’s grin.

“Good night, Reina.”

#i write #hibike #fanfiction

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shuturquibble · 7 years ago

Text

Finding You Chapter 1: receiving

hi friends. another kumirei story, but this time, it's multi-chap! and i actually finished! it's a miracle! i actually completed the story a while back, and intended to post it as a big oneshot, but i thought it would be better to post in chapters. the main story is roughly four chapters long, and i'm considering about creating an extra chapter. this has been, to say the least, a very personal project of mine in more ways than one. all the relationships portrayed in this story isn't necessarily what i ship, but they all serve a purpose in telling the story. i hope that you guys enjoy.

i also recc reading it on AO3 because the formatting of the story is much easier there.

Kumiko never got much in the mail.

Well, no, that wasn’t entirely true. Kumiko did get mail (she wasn’t that much of a recluse), but mail, more often than not, disappointed her. Whenever she went down to her PO box as part of her morning routine, her mailbox would hold bills, bills, the newspaper if it was Sunday, a sheet of coupons if she was lucky, and even more bills. Checking her mail was always a dreary start to her day (although, Kumiko had to admit, she did get giddy whenever she saw the coupons because who wouldn’t want a buy-one-get-one-free meal?), and it was certainly not one of the most eventful aspects of her life.

If anything, checking the mail reminded her of the struggles of young adulthood, and that never failed to get Kumiko down.

Kumiko stifled a yawn as she trudged down the stairs of her apartment complex, clad in her pajamas and rabbit slippers. She tasted the inside of her mouth, scrunching her nose at the rancid flavor; maybe she should have brushed her teeth before going down.

But then again, no one would be down except for the landlady on a Saturday morning.

Kumiko grunted as she pushed through the stairwell entrance, the door creaking with protest. The smell of lemon-scented cleaner and sunlight greeted her. She squinted as the door slammed shut behind her, trying to get used to the sudden change of scenery.

“Kumiko-chan?”

An elderly woman poked her head out the counter that overlooked the entire lobby (which wasn’t much in the first place). The chains of her glasses rattled, and the sound made Kumiko smile.

“Mornin’, Gram,” Kumiko greeted.

The wrinkles on Gram’s face made way for a smile. “Aren’t you on break for college? Why are you up so early?”

Kumiko gave a one-shouldered shrug as she shuffled her way over to the PO lockers next to the counter. “It’s a habit now, I guess,” she said, fishing for her keys in her pajama pocket.

Gram chuckled. “Well, it’s a good thing you’re here so early. Here”—Kumiko looked back at Gram and saw that she was holding out Tupperware full of food—”for you.”

“Thanks,” Kumiko said with a crooked smile as she took it.

It was still warm.

“You take care of yourself, hm?” Gram said.

“I will.”

Gram’s laughter filled the air as her head disappeared from view. Kumiko’s smile, on the other hand, stayed where it was, even when she struggled to open her mailbox.

Kumiko never knew her grandparents, maternal and paternal. Gram was the closest thing she ever had to one, and, quite frankly, Kumiko loved her with all her heart. Though their conversations were mostly short-lived, Kumiko always felt at-ease whenever she was around Gram.

“Oh crap.” Kumiko watched as her mailbox vomited its contents on the floor, envelopes and sheets of coupons scattering everywhere. She sighed and rested her food inside her locker, bending down to scoop her mail in a haphazard pile she tucked under her armpit.

As she stood up to take the Tupperware and shut the locker, she noticed her food rested on a lilac-colored envelope.

Kumiko’s heart lurched in her chest.

The color purple made her uneasy because it reminded her of high school.

And high school reminded Kumiko of her.

A chill went down Kumiko’s spine as she gathered her food and the envelope. Sparing the front of it a quick glance, she noticed that there was no return address, and the only thing decorating the envelope was her name and PO box address in flawless cursive.

Kumiko couldn’t deny how clammy her hands were getting as she tucked the letter with the rest of the mail. She had to wipe them on her pajamas when she stuffed her mailbox keys into her pocket.

You’re stupid for getting antsy over a letter, a part of her jeered. It’s words on paper. It’s like the other things that you get in the mail. What’s so special about this one? The possibility that it might be from her?

Kumiko didn’t know the answer to her own question as she flung the door open.

-X-

The heat her living room was suffocating.

Even with the miniature fan blowing at her face on full blast, Kumiko felt sweat rolling down the back of her neck. It was almost eleven now, and on a normal day, Kumiko would have been in the bathroom enjoying a blood-chilling shower.

Instead, she was staring at the purple envelope like an idiot.

Kumiko didn’t know what she was expecting. It’s an envelope, said Logic, and it’s going to sit there like all the other envelopes beside you. It isn’t going to grow a mouth and start screeching at you.

She took a breath and decided to listen to Logic for once. With a gentle hand, she grabbed the envelope and swept a finger under the flap to break the seal. She took the letter out of its purple case gingerly, and unfolded it as if it were text from a time long forgotten.

Kumiko,

You probably won’t be expecting this letter. But, knowing you, you probably don’t receive many letters in the first place (and no, bills don’t count).

I would start out by saying that it’s been a long time, but that’s something that the both of us know. There’s no need to be redundant when it comes to correspondence; there’s only so much space on a piece of paper.

I’m writing to you now because I want you to know that I’m back from my time abroad so that I can finish my studies here. You would think that homesickness would go away after two years of being in a foreign country, but there was always something pulling me back here.

You can find my mailing address below.

Reina.

Kumiko’s lungs froze once she reached the end of the letter.

She had a gut feeling that this letter was from her.

She knew it

She expected it.

She anticipated it.

Why couldn't she believe it?

Kumiko found herself scanning the letter over and over again. Each time she did, the stitches she sutured on her heart began to snap with every word. She had to put the letter down, lest her wounds reopened.

She sunk into her couch and sighed.

She mused that if Reina had sent this letter a year earlier, Past Kumiko would have been over the moon sobbing her eyes off with snot dribbling down her nose. She would have been so happy, touched, and relieved.

Present Kumiko’s, on the other hand, didn’t know what to feel. She didn’t know if she was happy, touched, or relieved. Hell, she didn’t even know if she felt anything positive toward this turn of events.

She honestly has the audacity to send you a letter after all this time? It’s been nearly two years, Anger fumed.

But why a letter of all things? Confusion asked.

At you least know she’s doing well, Optimism whispered. It could be a chance to find some answers….

Frustrated at her thoughts, Kumiko got up from her coach with a sigh.

Maybe a cold shower would cool you down, Logic suggested.

For the second time, Kumiko agreed with Logic and shuffled to the bathroom.

-X-

Call Transcript

Asuka Tanaka → Kumiko Oumae

12:33 PM

AT: Hello? Oumae-chan?

KO: [voice sounds far away] Guh—ah! [rustling is heard, and her voice is clearer] Hi, I’m here.

AT: Did I startle you? [laughs]

KO: More like scared the living shit out of me because my phone rang on full-blast right next to my ear. Think my soul’s on the floor with the rest of my stuff.

AT: Well, that’s not good. Sorry about that.

KO: [scoffs] No you’re not.

AT: It’s the thought that counts.

KO: So…why’d you call?

AT: What do you mean why did I call? It’s time for our monthly talk, Oumae-chan!

KO: That time already?

AT: Indeed! Shall I start?

KO: If you want. [rustling is heard once again, and her speech sounds muffled] Crap, the pen’s under the desk...

AT: Mm…what haven’t I told you yet?

KO: [muffled] A lot.

AT: [with light sarcasm] How specific.

KO: Well…has school ended for you, yet?

AT: While ago. About…two weeks ago, I think?

KO: [still muffled] Really? Same here.

AT: But Kaori’s on her last week this week. Since her university started late and all.

KO: [rustling] That kind of—[a loud bang is heard] OW, FUCK!

AT: [laughs raucously] A-are you—[sharp inhale]—o-okay?

KO: [groans] Never better. [rustling once more, and then her voice is clearer] Glad to see you haven’t changed since the last time we’ve spoke.

AT: Why would I ever?

KO: Good point. Are you still working on majoring in music?

AT: [in English] Of course!

KO: You’re doing…instrumental performance, right?

AT: Indeed! Although, I did consider instrumental conducting.

KO: You?

AT: Hm? What’s with that tone?

KO: Well, it’s just surprising, you know. Seeing you lead a band isn’t really the first thing that comes to mind.

AT: Why’s that? In case you’ve forgotten, I was drum major during your first year.

KO: Well, I don’t know. I think it’s because whenever I think of band director, I think of Taki-sensei, you know? Someone serious, full of tough love and secrets, but always has good intentions, you know?

AT: [chuckles]

KO: W-what?

AT: It’s funny how you remember a lot about high school.

KO: Is that…bad?

AT: No, not at all. It means you’re observant. [chuckles] I don’t even remember half the things that happened during those three years.

KO: [laughs nervously] Well, a lot of things worth remembering happened during high school….

[A door opening and closing in the background is heard]

AT: Welcome back!

???: [very faint] Who’s that?

AT: Oumae-chan.

???: Oh! Tell her I said hi. It’s been a while.

AT: Kaori says hi.

KO: Hi, Kaori-senpai.

AT: She says hi.

KN: [sounds closer] I know, Asuka, you have her on speaker.

AT: Just making sure. [laughs] How was class?

KN: Same thing as usual. Boring. Tiring.

KO: What’re you studying, Kaori-senpai?

KN: Business management. I want to open my own café one day.

KO: I can see that happening. I’ll be sure to stop by once you open it.

KN: [laughs] Thanks. Hey, Asuka?

AT: Hm?

KN: Is Haruka here?

AT: In the room. She has the PM shift for the shop today, so she’s probably resting.

KN: Oh okay. I’ll leave you two with your “monthly talk.” [laughter]

[Shuffling is heard, and in the distance, another door is heard opening and closing.]

AT: Okay, you’re off speaker now.

KO: Did you always have me on speaker?

AT: Only when Kaori was inside. [chuckle]

KO: …Why?

AT: Why not?

KO: [sighs] I’m not going to continue with this line of questioning.

AT: [laugh] Anyways, what’s new with you?

KO: Eh, you know….

AT: No, I don’t.

KO: Well, er, school ended.

AT: You already told me that.

KO: Oh. Right.

AT: Did…something happen?

KO: Well, yeah. But it’s not anything bad…I think.

AT: You think?

KO: Well, I got a letter.

AT: [laughter] How old-fashioned.

KO: And it’s from Reina.

[Silence]

AT: Now I can see how that’s a problem.

KO: Glad we’re on the same page. [laughs half-heartedly]

AT: So…what’re you going to do? Reply to her?

KO: That’s what I’ve been trying to do for the past…hour and a half.

AT: Knowing you, you probably haven’t made any progress.

KO: Went through an entire packet of stationary. Still nothing.

AT: [whistles] Those poor trees.

KO: [laughs] That’s what you’re worried about?

AT: Trees are very important for the environment, Oumae-chan.

KO: Okay, you got me there.

AT: So…. [pause] How are you feeling? About all this?

KO: Honestly? I don’t know what to feel.

AT: I’m listening.

KO: It’s just—God, I don’t know—so complicated. Like, why now? Like, I understand why now because she just came back from studying abroad, but, like, why now? You know? She just disappeared without a trace, even after all that shit that happened between us in high school, she just had the audacity to just go up and leave and—[sniffles] G-God, it just hurt, Asuka. It hurt so much….

AT: [softly] I bet it did.

KO: L-like, I know she wants to pursue music and she’s so stubbornly set on being special, whatever the hell that means. But she could have said something, you know? [strained laughter] It’s kind of ironic, you know. I always told her that if I ever left her side, that would give her the right to kill me. But I don’t think it ever crossed my mind what I would do if she ever left me.

AT: [still quiet] I’m sorry, Kumiko.

KO: [quietly] She never said goodbye. She didn’t break our relationship off. She left a note and she was gone. Like the wind.

AT: [in her regular volume] Maybe she didn’t know how to break up.

KO: Maybe.

AT: Or maybe she thought that when she came back, everything would be normal again between the both of you.

KO: [sighs] Maybe.

AT: Or maybe she was abducted by aliens.

KO: Okay, now you’re just pulling shit out of your ass. [weak laughter]

AT: Anything for my precious protégé.

KO: Gee, thanks.

[Pause]

AT: Say, Kumiko?

KO: Mm?

AT: I—mm—Sorry. For not being a bigger help. Haruka and Kaori are better at this than I am. [chuckles]

KO: It’s okay. You listening to me is more than enough.

AT: ‘m glad about that.

KO: Me too.

AT: We’ll talk later then, hm?

KO: Yeah. Later.

AT: Take care of yourself, Kumiko.

KO: You too, senpai.

Call End

1:26 PM

Kumiko sighed and set her phone facedown on her desk.

Despite how liberating venting to Asuka was, Kumiko suddenly felt very sluggish and drained.

Maybe taking a nap would ease her for a bit. She could worry about the letter later.

With another sigh, Kumiko wiped away a stray tear that rested on her cheek. She raised herself from her chair, and shuffled her way over to her unmade bed. She collapsed on the mattress and took a deep breath.

The moment she closed her eyes, she was out like a light.

-X-

lights are blinding

you always knew that

but you also knew that

her radiance was

something greater

she was brighter

than the town lights

on a dark evening

she was brighter

than the sun

on a summer’s afternoon

she was brighter

than your alarm

on an early morning

her brilliance showed

in the smallest of gestures

like whenever she

brushed back her hair or

spoke to you or

played her trumpet

like the sun

you thought

she would stay

but

the sun always sets at night

and there will be a time when

it won’t rise

it was cloudy the morning she left

and the only thing that

brilliant girl left was

a purple note with the words

“i’m leaving today, i love you”

the hole she left in your heart was

bigger than a black hole

and whenever you walk by

the old rendezvous you remember

that the brilliant girl is

longer

there

-X-

Kumiko woke with a start when she heard her phone vibrating against her desk.

Groaning, she rolled off her bed, clumsily landing on her feet. She shuffled her way over to her phone, and picked it up.

A reminder for her to go buy groceries at 5:30 PM was printed on the lock screen of her phone.

Kumiko sighed as she rubbed the sleep out of one eye. Almost a three-hour nap and she still felt tired.

Her eyes hovered over to the blank stationery sitting on her desk, and opted to ignore the pile of crumpled papers next to it.

Work on it later, a voice told her, it’ll still be there tonight.

Without saying a word, Kumiko threw on a nearby hoodie, grabbed her wallet, and walked out her room.

As she shut the door behind her, Kumiko wondered if Reina was just as bright as she remembered.

-X-

“Kumiko?”

Kumiko stopped in her tracks before she exited the grocery store. Turning her head, she saw a familiar face—and horrible-looking pants.

“Natsuki-senpai,” Kumiko said with a growing smile. She noticed how Natsuki’s hair now curled under her chin in a messy bob. Kumiko thought it suited her. “When did you come back from Tokyo?”

“Got back a couple of days ago.” Natsuki said as she walked alongside Kumiko out the store.

“How’s college?”

Natsuki shrugged and shoved her hands into her pants. “Well, it’s school. So boring. Tiring.”

A sense of déjà vu hit Kumiko. “Seems to be a popular thought.”

“Well, ain’t much you can say about it.” Natsuki laughed. “Honestly, I’ve been thinking about dropping out.”

Kumiko widened her eyes. “Really?”

Natsuki nodded. “School just isn’t for me. Even back in high school, the only thing that really kept me in was band. Everything else about school isn’t my forte—music pun intended.”

Kumiko cracked a smile at the quip. Natsuki’s down-to-earth sense of humor was something she missed.

“Say, do you still play?” Natsuki suddenly asked, kicking the pebbles that dared to stand in her way.

Kumiko blinked. “U-uh, what? Euph?”

“No.” Natsuki rolled her eyes. “Duh, euph. What else? Trumpet?”

Kumiko forced out a laugh to mask the sound of another stitch on her heart snapping. Natsuki’s comment was too soon. “O-oh r-right. Yeah, I still play. Once or twice a week, running through several scales, long tones. Sometimes I even go through an old song or learn a new one if I really feel like it.”

“Wow,” Natsuki began with a chuckle, “you’re still pretty dedicated, huh?”

“You can say that.”

“I honestly think that the last time I’ve touched an instrument was…when I last visited Yuuko in Osaka about two months ago? She said I sounded like a rusty motor.”

Kumiko raised an eyebrow. “You visit Yuuko-senpai?”

“A-ah, yeah, well”—Natsuki turned into a bashful shade of red as she scratched the back of her neck—”we’re kind of…dating?”

Kumiko felt a burning sensation under her gut. “Really? Since when?”

“Mm…last month was our first year anniversary. We got together sometime after we graduated. It’s a pretty long story.” Natsuki laughed again. “Looking back on it, it’s kind of funny. We used to hate each other’s guts back when we first met. Now, we’re together. We’ve come a long way since high school.”

Kumiko found herself wishing that she could relate.

The embers in her gut combusted into a flame.

“Does…this change who I am to you?”

Kumiko blinked, and she turned to Natsuki. “What? No, of course not.”

The tension in Natsuki’s eyes melted as she laughed. “Oh, good. You looked upset, so I thought it was because I was dating, you know, another girl. Haven’t told my parents yet, so I’m still on edge about the whole thing.”

She’s not entirely wrong, something whispered in her ear, about her dating another girl. Because that should have been—

Kumiko mentally slapped herself.

“No, don’t worry about it. I mean, I’m kind of in the same boat.” Kumiko chuckled.

“You gay?” It felt more like a statement than a question.

“Yeah.”

“Explains why you always ignored Tsukamoto’s advances. Or, ‘advances’.” Natsuki curled her fingers into air quotes and laughed. “That guy was kinda pathetic. Made me almost feel sorry for him.”

Kumiko gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I’m sure he found someone by now.”

Their conversation died once they stopped at a corner. Natsuki pointed across the street. “My place’s thattaway.”

“Mine’s the opposite way,” Kumiko said, pointing with her thumb.

“Looks this is where we part.”

“Seems like it.”

“Don’t be a stranger, okay?” Natsuki grinned and tapped Kumiko’s shoulder with her fist. “I know you still have my number. Don’t be afraid to call.”

Kumiko smiled and nodded. “Got it.”

“Natsuki!”

The both of them looked in the direction of the voice, and across the street, Kumiko saw the faint figure of a woman, wearing a comically-large ribbon in her hair, waving.

The flame in Kumiko’s gut grew, and she suddenly recognized the sensation.

Jealousy.

Natsuki waved back. “I’ll be there!” She cried out. She turned to Kumiko and gave a salute. “See you ‘round, kid.”

Kumiko lamely waved back, watching as Natsuki jogged across the street once she was prompted to do so.

Kumiko ignored the bitter taste in her mouth as she turned around.

That should have been you and her, Jealousy jeered. You wish you had that, didn’t you?

“Shut up,” Kumiko mumbled under her breath.

Jealousy said nothing else, but the flame still burned her gut.

-X-

Kumiko sighed, running a hand through her hair, and read over the letter she finally finished. It was certainly not the best response, Kumiko thought, but an answer was better than none.

Hi, Reina.

If I’m being honest, I have no idea how to write a letter. It took me much longer than it should have to write this.

But here goes, I guess.

It’s been two years since you left, and well, a lot has happened since then. I don’t know if you’re interested (because you were never into that sort of thing in high school), but I need something to talk about to fill the space on the page.

I’m in college now. I moved out of Uji, but I’m still a two-hour train ride away. I wanted to get out and see new faces, but I still see some familiar ones once in awhile, like Natsuki-senpai (her family moved after she graduated and it just so happened to be in the same town as me, so I see her around when she’s not in Tokyo for college).

Midori-chan moved to England for college. Hazuki-chan is still in Uji, I think. It’s been awhile since I last called those two. I don’t know where Shuuichi went. He’s somewhere.

You know, I’m surprised that you moved back to Uji. I always had the feeling that you didn’t want to come back to a town like that. Something like that.

Anyways, welcome back. Tell me something new.

Kumiko

Stifling a yawn, Kumiko folded the letter into thirds and tucked it into a nearby envelope. She scribbled Reina’s address in the middle and her own address in the corner. After she sealed the envelope, she made her way to her bed and collapsed.

Is it safe to talk to her after two years? Fear asked as Kumiko crawled under the sheets. What if she leaves you again? For good? How would that feel? You know how heart-broken you were when she left.

The thought chilled Kumiko.

She came back for a reason, Logic piqued. She said that in her letter.

Pessimism scoffed. Probably not for you.

Logic couldn’t think of a rebuttal.

�� Well, whatever the reason, Optimism began, all that matters is that she’s back.

But for how long? Fear asked.

A chill went down Kumiko’s spine, and she burrowed herself in her sheets, despite the heat.

No one answered Fear.

#Oumae Kumiko #kousaka reina #tanaka asuka #nakagawa natsuki #yoshikawa yuuko #kumirei #reikumi #angst #Hibike! Euphonium #sound! euphonium #h!e #h!e fanfic #fanfic #natsuuko

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