[Creative] Helios Part 2 Episode 2

Plink, plonk, plink, plonk...

I make sure not to skip practicing my etudes so my fingers don't get rusty. I want to take this opportunity to return to the basics, solidify my foundation, and build a strong core. The head of the school told me to step away from the koto entirely, but after playing every day for so many years, I just can't do that.

Koki-san took me to all sorts of places. We saw movies, flower arrangement exhibitions, Kabuki, and musicals, and we even went to listen to the M Symphony Orchestra.

"Nagi, are you sure you're okay listening to me play?"

"Why? I listen to your YouTube videos every day."

"Every day?"

Koki-san looked into my eyes and smiled softly.

"After listening to my koto, you started feeling down, didn't you, Nagi?"

As sharp as ever.

"It's true that I was deeply moved by your performance and felt jealous, but I don't know the reason why I became unable to play the koto. Besides, playing the violin is different from the koto, so it doesn't stir up any jealousy in me."

In that case, he invited me to his concert. At Koki-san's concert, I sat in the center seat of the third row. As expected of a famous YouTuber, it was a full house.

"Excuse me, you're Nagi Kawasaki, aren't you? I've been watching your YouTube channel. I heard you were unwell, are you okay?"

Ugh! The YouTube effect even here!

"Thank you. As for my health, thanks to you, I'm feeling good today, oh-ho-ho-ho-ho."

I forced a laugh and managed to brush it off. I thought only Yusei-kun was being watched on YouTube. I never imagined my identity would be exposed.

When I told Koki-san, he said, "Nagi, you should buy some MIB sunglasses too." I wonder if I could look like a mafia member too.

Since our feelings became mutual, Koki-san has started holding me sweetly, as if showering my whole body with affection. I feel like I'm about to lose consciousness in this wave of happiness that feels like sparkling konpeito candy. Even if I can't play the koto, I don't feel any less happy.

I felt good, so I tried playing the koto, but it was no use. I give up, try again, and then get depressed again. It's a repeating cycle.

"I'm truly happy, so why is it that I can't play the koto?"

I whispered in Koki-san's arms.

Human feelings are complex, so clear results don't come that easily. There might be reasons other than mental ones for why you can't play, so don't rush it.

Koki-san answers while gently stroking my hair.

There is still plenty of time until the concert in August. If things haven't returned to normal by then, we can just extend the deadline.

October 28th is Koki-san's birthday. I want to celebrate it grandly, but I wonder what I should give him. When I went over to his apartment, I tried asking him.

I want you, Nagi.

He gives the classic answer I had imagined.

I've already been yours for a long time, Koki-san.

When I answer that, he grins like an MIB agent again, says, I didn't know that, and immediately gobbles me up.

For his birthday present, I bought a bangle for men. Since gold would make him look even more like a mafia member, I splurged on a tasteful, simple platinum one.

I bought some staff paper and spent days sitting in front of the piano. Even if I can't play the koto, I'm grateful to have something to do.

On the day, after I cooked a meal to celebrate, I put the bangle on his wrist.

I'll treasure it. I'll wear it every day.

Actually, there's one more thing.

I say that and hand him the staff paper.

I wrote a song for you, Koki-san.

With a surprised look on his face, Koki-san gazes at it.

You wrote this, Nagi? It's amazing... it's beautiful and delicate... since there's a piano here, would you play it for me?

That's how he took me to the other room. The room where he filmed that Rachmaninoff piece, a special room for me as well.

I'm not very good at the piano, but I'll play with all my heart. For my beloved Koki, for this special day.

When I finished playing, Koki hugged me from behind and whispered.

"Nagi, Nagi. There is nothing happier than this, truly. Thank you."

"You know, Koki. This song has lyrics, too."

"Lyrics? You didn't write any."

"That's because I wanted you to hear them live today."

I said that with a melting smile and encouraged him to play the piano.

The accompaniment melody was sweet and beautiful, and I thought it turned out quite well. I straightened my posture, took a deep breath, and began to sing. With all my feelings, for you.

"W-wait a minute! I can understand MIB, but why fish fish?!"

"Oh, don't be like that. It's not fish fish, it's wow wow!"

"...I see... Anyway... please continue."

Koki was shaking with laughter.

"...Where did the mafia come from..."

"Hey, I'm singing with all my heart, so please listen seriously."

"That was... my deepest apologies... As you wish, Nagi-sensei."

"Glad you understand."

When I finished singing with all my love, Koki was rolling on the floor laughing, looking like he was dying.

This man, he really laughs a lot.



The next day, I got a LINE message from Koki.

Continue here.

The previous story is here.

The first episode is here.