Megumi Yamamoto headed off to Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku – Tokyo University of the Arts – where she had been enrolled for a year and a half already in her opera course. Her hair was still as long and slightly curly, but she had grown – and the face that once looked like a child's had developed into becoming a lady.
She stood tall and proud, hearing her heels dig into the sidewalk and noting the occasional glances from guys.
Feels like another normal day…
Just recently, she was crowned 1st place in an opera competition – and it had lead to her being revered in the classrooms, with younger kouhai stuttering and bowing over themselves to meet her every need… she had smiled and brought out her notepad which had on it 'arigatou'.
She was actually running early, as a matter of fact. She had been asked to sing a rendition for some large sponsors of the university who were meeting this morning. Her eyes brightened up and she smiled ever so slightly, remembering how her sensei had been begging her over and over to do it.
I won't ever forget that I can sing for people.
She stopped, suddenly.
Was that pink hair I saw flying by me?
She blinked for a few moments, and shook her head. She continued on towards the University, eager for what the day had in store for her.
Suited up in brown, Yahiro Saiga sighed as he realised he was heading to another boring congregation of sponsors.
This time it's Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku…
He quickly recalled what had been said to him – that apparently in that school was the opera student with which the whole opera world had big hopes for.
He let his mind flick back to many years ago, when he had heard the shy Megumi Yamamoto singing so beautifully in the park. He allowed himself to chuckle, remembering what had happened after that; and how he had quickly turned her away by not letting her win the game.
Whoever you are… you won't compare to her. I'm sure of it.
She noticed her sensei was waiting at the gates.
"Sensei?"
He smiled upon seeing her.
"Come on, Yamamoto-san. It's time to sing."
She smiled back.
It's time to live my dream.
His eyes were suddenly caught to what looked to be very familiar brown hair. His hands were pressed against the glass as he tried to make out the figure…
Megumi?! It can't be…
The figure never turned in his direction, even as the car came to a stop in front of the Geijutsu Daigaku – instead, the figure walked away – with another person.
Yahiro Saiga, you need to get a grip.
He let his hands slide down, and calmed himself down. Moments later, the chaffeuer stepped out and opened his door, and he stepped out. He was here as a sponsor, nothing more, just to have small talk with all the others.
Megumi stopped for a short while.
Why did I feel…
She shook her head, and looked at her sensei, who was ahead of her.
"Matte, sensei!!!"
Yahiro walked towards the concert hall, noting nothing particular about the million-dollar buildings that he knew were on either side.
That darned father said he was going to do this… and instead he sends me. How typical.
He stopped again for a few moments, noting the girl with the brown hair he saw earlier. He fought an urge to call that name, to hear his voice use it again. If it did… he didn't know what would happen to him.
He noted mentally that he should never come here again – Father should be here; or even Mother. But not me.
Heading inside the soundproofed practice room that was only metres away from the Concert Hall, Megumi felt the nerves that had come up were slowly going down again.
When her sensei closed the door, she closed her eyes and immediately began to sing. The strong tone of Carmen, remembering from heart as the orchestra joined in where she needed to accentuate or raise her voice.
As the practice rendition ended, clapping could be heard from the orchestra members.
"Megumi-san, sugoi!"
"Arigatou, Yamamoto-san!"
She smiled.
"Arigatou… minna-san. Shall we… prepare to enjoy music?"
"HAI!"
She looked over at her sensei in the corner, who had a smile on his face.
"Go already, minna-san. Do yourselves proud."
Megumi let the orchestra head out first, knowing that all the instruments needed to be on the stage ready even before she came on. She knew how much they all were practicing this piece – some of them had parents who would be in the audience, others wanted to show the music producers who were present just how much talent they had. This was an opportunity for everyone, and Megumi felt really proud to be working with them.
"Yamamoto-san"
She turned towards her sensei, and blinked, asking him to continue.
"Yahiro Saiga is in the audience."
She froze and gaped.
Y-Y-Y… YAHIRO?!?!