Stop, Look and Listen

It’s Tuesday morning. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and on days like this, students are energetic and full of drive. Classes are now starting, teachers are preparing their lessons one after another like there’s no tomorrow. After homeroom, Zaiex and Lily headed out to their Music class. Lily ecstatically skipped and hummed while going to the classroom. An embarrassed Zaiex was behind her seeming to ignore and pretend to not know her. “Yey! We’re having Music class today! I’m so excited to sing my lungs out. Don’t you too Zai?! Hehe.” “Don’t look at her. Don’t look at her. Huh? Lucy!!! Watch out.” As Zaiex shouted, a clueless Lily has run through Ren, causing him to fall down and make his held music sheets scatter around the floor. Worried, Zaiex hurriedly helped Ren up. “Oh no! I’m so sorry Ren. I was not looking where I was going. I will gather the sheets for you.” Lily said in a glum expression. “Here, Let me help you up. Are you all right? I’m sorry. Lily was too excited for her own good. Haha” Zaiex extended his hand, Ren gladly accepted, and he pulled him out of the ground, while removing some of the dirt in his back. Lily has collected all the pieces and she gave it back to Ren. “Thanks Zai and Lily. Well, I guess we’re on the same class today huh?” Ren grinned. “Ah yeah! We are. Oh by the way, this piece, is this an octave exercise sheet music?” Lily noticed the sheet. “Yes! Our music teacher asked me to prepare them for class today.” When the three of them are talking in front of the classroom, students passing by are making stops and glances at Ren and they begin to murmur around. “Hey isn’t that Ren Andandte?” “Ren? You mean that former national pianist champion?” “I didn’t know he’s studying here. Who knew he looked so handsome and bright.” “Do you think he has a girlfriend?” Ren was beginning to feel the awkward atmosphere and is becoming more tense. “Say, why don’t we head on inside? The class will be starting in a few minutes.” Ren suggested nervously. “Sure. Let’s go!” Lily pulled Zaiex and Ren inside. Students started to disperse and continued about their businesses.

Inside the classroom are students carrying different instruments, one was holding an shiny looking flute, a guy blowing through a tuba and making weird noises, and a girl was playing a familiar piece from Zelda on a marimba. The room was full of sounds from the instruments playing and students talking. Amongst the crowd is Fafner, who is standing beside the window and expertly playing a tune that gives off a vibe where spring has just begun and nature is wonderfully singing and dancing in this sunny and bright day. Once again, people are entranced from his playing, the violin playing is starting to calm down and people are giving applause all around. With Fafner smiling, he graciously bows down and thanks the crowd, as he does so, Zaiex and the others pushed through the crowds and greeted him with such glee from his delightful playing. “Wow! You were amazing. The piece you were playing was The Four Seasons – Spring by Antonio Vivaldi?” Zaiex asked. “Hey Zaiex. I can’t believe that my morning would be more dazzling, and here you are defying that logic.” Fafner winked at Zaiex. “I see you’re being flirtatious as always Fafner.” Ren exclaimed with a sarcastic sigh. “Hahaha. That’s just one of my charms, good old friend Ren!” Ren and Fafner exchanged a complicated handshake. “You both know each other?” Zaiex was surprised, and in return, both of them explained their relationship with each other. Fafner and Ren are childhood friends and they have been playing violin and piano ever since they are children. Their families would always have the two of them join competitions and sometimes attend big parties and do a duet. The two of them are complete opposites but once their music join, they are making an indescribable sound. “Woah! I didn’t know you guys were doing lots of performances together. I would love to hear you guys play together, and can I also sing while you do it?” Lily uttered with excitement. “Why of course! We’d be delighted to show you. Shall we Ren?” Fafner said. Everyone in the room started chanting their names to play a piece together, but then their music teacher entered with an intimidating tone sending shivers in everyone’s body. “What’s with all this commotion? We’re here to make music not some irritating street market noises.” “Well, our concert will have to wait I guess. Your strict and beautiful mother is here, Ren.” Fafner whispered. “What?! Mother?” Lily and Zaiex gasped with shock. “I don’t want this bright morning to be ruined. So, please be seated and we’ll start with our class. Ah before everything else, I should introduce myself, then after that I’ll have Ren hand out the sheet music I prepared for our class.”

The music teacher’s name is Nodame Andante, 32 years old, has long wavy scarlet hair, wearing glasses and has a big bust and round curves, one can say she is not in her 30s. The class commenced with Mrs. Nodame explaining the history of music and the renowned classical musicians and their pieces. After an hour of discussing, and explaining of the musical notes and how to read sheet music, the class has moved on with the practical. Their teacher has instructed them to play out the octave exercises as indicated. One by one, the students took turn to play the basics. Most of the students can read the sheet music, some are just playing by ear. Zaiex, on the other hand is having a hard time playing the octaves because his fingers are not flexible enough. After a few tries he managed to complete the piece, and he let out a relieved sigh. Next up is Ren, who gracefully took the chair and sat down. Everybody was quiet and as he touched the keyboard, it felt like everyone in the room started bouncing on top of a fluffy cloud as he went over each notes like an angel pushing the piano’s keys. Zaiex couldn’t help to stare and be in awe, he never knew playing a simple octave exercise could be mesmerizing for him, he thought it might just be Ren’s calming and bright presence. Fafner and Lily managed to do so well like Ren. Mrs. Nodame was surprised and impressed by the talents shown by the students. “Impressive everyone. I didn’t expect you all have good taste and skills in music. I’d be sure to have you all be taught properly and nurture your talents. Now. I will explain the concepts of chords and octaves. Please be seated.” She exclaimed while going back to the teacher’s table. “Mrs. Nodame doesn’t seem so bad. I thought she’s a witch with matching sharp teeth that owns a black cat for pet and uses rats as her main ingredients for meal. Oh! Sorry no offense Ren. Hahaha” Lily humorously exclaimed. “It’s all right Lily. She gets that a lot. She can be really strict, but she is really gentle and caring person.” “I’d love to learn more from her. Oh! Do you think you could give me tips on how to do the octaves better Ren?” Zaiex asked. “Sure! I wouldn’t mind. You can come over my house later.” “Lily! Hey what about me? Hmph” Lucy grumbled. “If I remember correctly, you have piano lessons after class.” Zaiex said. Lucy suddenly remembered and altogether gave up the idea of going, and she muttered with sadness and disappointment in her eyes. The first subject ended and the students are now going to have their recess. It was not a rush hour, Zaiex and his friends managed to eat peacefully and enjoyed their recess at the roof of the school.

After recess, they went to their respective second classes. The next class was Arts and Literature. Once inside, Zaiex noticed Fafner, Damian and Aiden was in the same class as him. He approached Damian and Fafner who are talking, but as he got close, a subtle tension can be sensed around them. Both are staring down on each other while holding a forced and awkward smile. With scrunched up face showing an annoyed expression, he muttered… “What now… Ugh, sigh. That explains why the other students are on the other side of the classroom. Better stop this.” He slowly approached them and held their shoulders with extreme force. They flinched from the surprise and as the two looked at Zaiex, they suddenly wore a scared face making them tremble from what they saw on Zaiex’s angered presence. “Say. What are we talking about here hmm? You guys seem to be enjoying yourselves here.” He slowly lifted his face up and looked at both of them, glaring them down. “We’re sorry!” Both exclaimed and they went down on their knees and made a Seiza style sitting. (Note: Formal way of Japanese sitting). The students across the room uttered… “Wow. Look at that. He commanded them like a bunch of pets” “Yeah, I can almost see chains attached to both of them. That guy is scary.” In another corner of the room, there sits Aiden scribbling on his notebook. He didn’t pay attention to their bickering, but he made a small peek on Zaiex. He showed no expression as he did it. He quickly scoffed and broke off his look and went on doing his scribbles, but at that quick moment, Zaiex almost felt like Aiden saw him so he made a back glance at him and brushed it off.

The teacher finally arrived and quickly instructed the class to draw what interests them. He explained that this would determine how he would be teaching all throughout the school year. The class seemed confuse, but then all went with it and looked for anything around the room or outside that interests them. The room started to go empty, the teacher sitting at the teacher’s table, started to read a book, and drank his already prepared coffee. “Hey! Hey Zai! Wanna go outside? Let’s go find something and draw together!” Damian excitedly said. “Oh! Uhm I’m fine Damian. I already have something in mind. You can go ahead, sorry.” With a disappointed and puppy sad face, Damian said… “Ohh okay. Well see you later.” Seeing a sad Damian leaving, Fafner slowly closed in on Zaiex from behind, wrapped his arms around Zaiex, and whispered. “Zai. Would it be okay if I draw here right beside you?” Zaiex slightly jumped from his soft voice. He gladly agreed and then before Damian got out of the door, he saw them sitting together. With obvious jealously, he crumpled his fist and made big steps and stole a chair then sat in front of Zaiex. “Wah! Damian! You scared me. I thought you were going outside?” Damian made a piercing glare at Fafner, and in an instant, he broke it off and smiled brightly at Zaiex. “I changed my mind. I will draw here with you.” Confused, he agreed and then the three of them continued working.

Minutes have passed, the students came back, canvas and sketchpads in hand with different and wonderful drawings and sketches. They all went around and took a look of each other’s works. One has drawn a blossoming apple tree, there’s one where a cat that’s asleep, and one drew the front of the school. “Zai! Let me take a look of your drawing please!” Damian insisted. “It’s not that great. I’m still practicing, but sure…” Zaiex shyly handed out his sketchpad and they saw a boy who makes a big smile. “Impressive. That looks good Zaiex. Might I ask who is it that you drew?” Fafner exclaimed with discerning eyes. “Oh! Well it’s someone I know from when I was in grade school.” Zaiex said. He smiled but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes and he tried not to show them both. Meanwhile on the other side of the room, students were revering the sketch of Aiden, it was almost realistic as described by the students. The three were surprised by the commotion, Damian and Fafner went closer to Aiden to try looking. Aiden then saw them getting closer, he stood up and he brushed off the crowd, and then started to leave the classroom while holding his sketch. “Hey! Where are you going young man! We are not yet finished. Come back here.” The teacher shouted but to no avail. “What’s up with him. We just wanted to see his drawing.” Fafner said. Zaiex was staring outside the empty doorway, a solemn expression in his face. He looked at his drawing, then a tear started to fall down his face and onto the paper. The commotion subsided and the teacher ignored Aiden and continued on with the lessons. Zaiex was silent all throughout the class, both Damian and Fafner did not try to approach him much as they didn’t want to worsen the situation, despite being so worried.

Afternoon came, everyone was leaving the school and Zaiex remembered his meet up with Ren at his house. His two close friends saw him just outside the gates, and they quickly approached him and said their goodbyes. Lily went on ahead to practice for his piano, and Asche made a detour to a store to buy some stuff. He stood in front of the gate for a while as he look at them leaving. After a few moments, Aiden appeared beside him and continued walking while his hands in his pants and looking at the floor, seeming to be lost in thought. Zaiex didn’t try to call out to him, instead he clenched his fist and looked down as well. As he did, he saw a piece of crumpled up paper in front of him. He picked it up and straightened it. He saw that it was a sketch of a boy looking out into the distance while wearing a big and bright smile. He looked closer and he recognized that it was him during his grade school days. Realizing that they both had the same idea, he held his mouth close and a faint sound came out in his mouth. “Ai…den…” He held the paper close to him hugging it tight. He slowly crouched down still holding the paper in his arms. He can feel his heart beating fast. He’s struggling to take a breath as he cried nonstop. Minutes have passed, the air is starting to get cold and the sun almost out of the horizon and most of the students have already left the campus. Zaiex managed to collect himself, and he safely hid the paper inside his bag.

After a 10 minutes drive, Zaiex finally arrived at Ren’s house. However, it was no ordinary house. Rather, it was a big Victorian style mansion, with red bricks and white wood support beams and dark grey-bricked roof. And there was a wide garden in front with a few animal topiaries and a fountain at the center. Zaiex was in awe that he dropped his bag on the ground, even the gate is big enough for thieves to struggle from getting in. A few moments later, a butler appeared and bowed at Zaiex welcoming him inside the manor. “Greeting, young sir. I am Hayate. The Andante family’s butler. Sir Ren is waiting for you inside. Please follow me.” In Zaiex’s mind… “Wow. They even have a butler, how rich is Ren?!” He guided him inside, then he was greeted with a shiny yet simple interior design, a few indoor plants, and some carpets and few paintings, and armor stands neatly positioned around the main hall. And at the center is a big stairway, and he saw Ren was walking down it and he quickly thanked Zaiex for accepting his invite. “Wow. I don’t know what to say Ren! This is really something, do I even deserve to be here? I feel like royalty!” Zaiex excitedly said with sparkles in his eyes while scanning the whole room. “Hahaha. It’s not that big of a deal. My parents really admires Victorian style houses. Possibly, went a little overboard with the armor stands. But other than that, we are just an average music loving family. Thank you for the compliment though hehe.” “Overboard doesn’t begin to cover it Ren!” Seeing Zaiex so happy, Ren can’t help but smile along with him. He then invited Zaiex for a tour around the house.

"That’s basically it. I hope you don’t mind that we only took a tour here in the main building. There’s still the west building and the east one. Then there’s the pavilion and maze garden at the back.” “WHAAAAAAT!!!! You mean after 30 minutes of tour, we only covered like 20% of your property? Man. I think I’m gonna faint.” Zaiex was so shocked his eyes went white, and he slowly fell down in his knees and his soul started to leave his body. “Zaiex! Hey are you okay? Hang in there. Come on wake up. Hayate! Help me, let’s bring him to our guest room.” His butler quickly responded and carried a fainted Zaiex in his arms towards the guest room.

“Ugh! What happened? Why am I in bed?” Zaiex sluggishly sat upright and looked around the room. He saw that Ren was sitting beside him and then Ren reached out for his shoulder. “Zaiex, glad you’re finally awake. Here have some water.” Zaiex accepted and quickly gulped the whole glass of water. He regained his focus, then, he saw Fafner was standing on the other side of the bed looking over him with crossed arms. “Fafner! What are you doing here?” “Will you believe me if I said I came here for you?” Fafner grinned and winked at him. Zaiex started blushing and Ren calmly stopped Fafner from flirting further. “Sorry! Force of habit hehe. I came here to return some sheet music and CDs I borrowed from him.” Fafner picked up his bag and handed out the peripherals to Ren. “You know, I’ve been wondering. You guys are really close friends, how’d that came to?” “Hahaha. That’s a long story. Shall we summarize it Ren?” Ren was arranging the sheet music and the CDs he got on to the shelves, and then on the side of the shelf where various CDs are inside a glass along with some trophies and medals and pictures of Ren and Fafner was displayed, he picked out a CD and inserted it on a CD player. “This shall be enough to summarize everything, but while we listen we’re gonna talk about this music and how we became good friends.” “Great idea Ren. Well then Zaiex, sit back, relax and listen well.”

As Ren and Fafner was elaborating their inspiring and wonderful memories, the music that’s playing in the CD was bringing out a slow with great expression. The feeling of hearing it was a mix of sadness and longing of someone. Ren explained that they played this piece on an event they attended, it was dedicated to someone who greatly contributed to the world of music. Ren said that the title of the music they played was ‘Lento con gran espressione’ or sometimes referred to as ‘Reminisce’, a nocturne in C-sharp minor that was composed by Chopin for keyboard and violin. As Zaiex was listening to Ren and Fafner as well as the music in the background, he closed his eyes and a clear image of young Ren and Fafner appeared in his mind using the description the two are giving to him. A short brown haired young Fafner wearing a white tuxedo with matching blue rose and necktie while holding out a violin. And on his left was young Ren wearing a black tuxedo with matching light gray rose and necktie playing the piano. A crowd of famous and rich music enthusiasts, musicians and composers are surrounding them calmly enjoying the piece within a lavish room decorated with shiny chandelier at the center, marble flooring, red curtains hung upon clear big open windows and few bouquets of flowers planted in an expensive and well-designed vases. After reaching a touching section of the piece, Ren and Fafner mentioned the first time they met.

It was a sunny morning, class has just ended and Ren was waiting right outside the school gate for his valet to arrive to take him home. While he was waiting, he heard a faint violin playing inside the school. Curious, he went inside again to see Fafner playing behind a Narra tree, native to the Philippines. The yellow flowers growing on them was falling down beautifully as the wind carries it around. He approached Fafner and they started to talk with each other, and ultimately figured that they were in the same class and the same club. Fafner also mentioned that he was a big fan of Ren’s father, a famous violinist. It made him pursue music, and that the violin he’s using, despite them being poor, it was the first violin that he got from his parents and it got signed by his father as well. From then on, they played together and Ren’s and Fafner’s parents became good friends instantly when they knew that Ren’s mother was an old music buddy of Fafner’s mother. Additionally, they saw great potential on both of them, that’s why they ended up playing together ever since they were little.

The music reverberated slowly across the room a soft end, and at the same time, Ren and Fafner’s childhood story ended the same. “What an amazing and touching story.” Zaiex placidly exclaimed. “Eh well… It could’ve been more embarrassing since we left out some… awkward moments of our mothers clinging to us like some brown-headed cowbirds. Which I don’t want to remember.” Fafner said in a funny yet worrying tone. Ren looked at Fafner and beamed at him. “Yeah not only that, he has helped me go through several tough times. Honestly, I don’t where I would end up if it weren't for Fafner being by my side all those times.” “Stop that Ren, you’re making me blush! Hahaha” Fafner gave Ren a friendly punch on his right arm. “Good friends huh... That IS really nice.” Zaiex’s expression gradually turned sour while locking his hands together. “Hey. Zaiex is everything all right? You’re starting to look pale again.” Ren asked while he put a hand on top of his back. “I’m fine, just a bit under the weather I guess.” After a few moments of silence, the grandfather clock that was standing beside the door started to chime 8 times indicating it was 8’o clock in the evening. “Oh shoot it’s late. I’ve gotta go. My mom’s gonna smack me in the head!” Zaiex hurriedly got up, picked up his things from the side of his bed, then he looked at his phone. “Oh man, oh man! Ten missed calls and seventeen texts. I’m in BIG trouble.” In a panic, he quickly ran through the door. “Zaiex wait! Are you sure? I could give you a ride back home.” “I’ll be fine. Thank you so much Ren for the hospitality and the story as well. See you too Fafner!” “Wow. Zaiex sure can run huh. I’m surprised, he was sleeping like a princess before and now he looked like a marathoner.” Fafner chuckled. “Haha. I’m glad he’s energetic enough. Stay for dinner, Fafner?” “Yes! I’ve been wanting to eat again one of Hayate’s famous spicy scallops! Mmmm!” “Hahaha. I’d have Hayate specially cook it then.” The two went to the dining room and Hayate started cooking.

Zaiex kept running in a panting pace towards home, the streets were empty, lampposts are illuminating the way and the houses are all quiet. He finally arrived at their front gate, he supported himself onto the gate and began to catch his breath. After a few moments, he stood up straight and then suddenly he saw someone sitting right up front a gate just beside their house. He stopped for a moment and squinted his eyes to see a man sitting with a wine bottle on his hand, with a few wine stains on his brown coat. Even though he is wary of the situation, he gathered his courage and approached him in a kind manner. He crouched down to see the man’s face and as he did, he saw it was Lan. Zaiex smelled a pungent odor from him, mostly coming from all the alcohol he was drinking.

He tried shaking him and calling out his name, but Lan was knocked out cold. Seeing him in this state, he texted his mother that he’ll be coming home late. “There that should do it. If I come inside our house, I’m sure she’ll be wearing those devil horns and tail and a fire coming out of her breath and she will not let me go out again.” Zaiex started to shiver from that scary imagination. A phone inside Lan’s brown coat started to ring. Zaiex got startled, and he excused himself and slowly searched for the ringing phone. He saw that the caller was Akihiko. Even though he was hesitant, he picked up the call and a worried Akihiko answered. “Hello! Big brother. Are you home? Why are you not answering my phone calls and texts!” “Uhmm. Hi Akihiko… This is Zaiex. Hehe” “Zaiex! Why do you have my big brother’s phone? Where is he?” Akihiko was starting to panic, but Zaiex approached her rising worry with a calm and understanding voice. He explained the situation and Akihiko calmed down for a bit. “I see… Not again… Okay, listen here Zaiex. Please do me a favor and bring him inside the house, the spare key to our gate and door should be behind just beside the gate with a brick that has a Lemniscate symbol on it.” Zaiex searched for a peculiar brick and found the keys. He unlocked the gate and the door, and he carefully picked up Lan and placed his right arm over his shoulder supporting him up as we walks down the path and with Lan’s phone over his ear still talking to Akihiko.

He reached Lan’s room, and slowly placed him down on the bed. “Goodness you’re heavy! Loose some of those muscles and give some to me will ya! Geez” Zaiex grunted jokingly. “Thank you Zaiex. I can’t believe he did this again. Will you please stay with him until he wakes up? He might get a depressive episode.” Said Akihiko with uneasiness. As he heard that, he made a surprised and sad face, and gently placed a hand on top of Lan’s forehead and caressing his hair. “Oh… Okay… I’ll stay. But what time will you comeback? And where are your parents?” A soft gasp was heard from the phone, and Akihiko’s voice turned dismissive and straight-toned “Oh… They… won’t be coming back anytime soon. Anyway… I’ll comeback first thing in the morning, all right?” Zaiex felt a bit uneasy from the sudden change of tone. He replied in a gentle and understanding tone instead. “Oh okay. Where are you anyway?” In a quick second, Akihiko became cheerful again, but a subtle hesitation can still be felt in her voice. “I’m currently at a friend’s house saying she wanted to do a sleepover. And I can’t really leave right now, she had me all tied up in this game we’re playing, literally and figuratively.” Loud cackling and noises can be heard on the other side of the phone. “I… see… Haha..ha… Well you enjoy then. Bye!” Zaiex promptly hung up and made a resigned sigh. “What’s up with her, she sounded like their parents are not really coming back. OH!” “Mmmmfhh… P-please… don’t go…” Still asleep, Lan made a pained mutter with an evident scrunched up face and he held firmly onto Zaiex’s hand. “Oh Lan… It’s fine… I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” Zaiex lightly covered his trembling hand with his other one and comforted him. He removed Lan’s wet cloak and dirty shoes. He picked out a clean towel from his bag and wiped his sweaty face and arms. He then put the covers on him, closed the curtains, turned on the AC, turned off the lights and finally he crossed his legs and sat at the side of his bed looking over him, eventually falling sound asleep.

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