{July 4th}

Kaori had woken up hours later, but that didn't keep Kousei from sending her many messages and phone calls (which were obviously missed) to let her know a happy birthday hours earlier. In days like these, he wishes he and Kaori's wake-up time difference wasn't so big. 3 hours was too long.

He wasn't sure what to do in the meantime before Kaori had awaken, but he thought it out and decided to work a little on a present he's been wanting to give her.

Just recently he's heard from her once, or maybe even twice, that there was one particular song Kaori had always wanted to hear him play. It was a Chopin nocturne. Opus 9 no.2, to be exact. He's decided to play it in E-flat major, since that was the one he's grown accustomed to playing.

This piece could've been played in any way to set the mood, just like Claire de Lune, and it emitted whatever feelings you'd like depending on how you play it. For Kousei, it'd be a feeling of love, letting Kaori know how hard he tried to make the song flow perfectly and how much emotion he put into it to say whatever feelings he has for her, ones he isn't able to say verbally. Chopin's pieces were all mostly romantic, but Kousei had never really fully realized that until he found love himself.

During his practicing, Kousei had his phone placed on the side of his piano and waited until Kaori either messaged him or called him, which took quite a while.

He got the notification that he has been sent a message, so he stopped playing and opened up his phone and looked at it, a smile growing onto his features.

From: Kaori
Subject: :D
YOU REMEMBERED ＼(≧▽≦)／

Kousei laughed silently to himself and typed a response to her.

To: Kaori
Subject: :)
Of course I remembered (*^ω^)

Not long after he had sent the message, Kaori called him. He stood up to lay on his bed and rest his back before he had answered the phone.

"Kousei!"

"Hello."

Even though he wasn't there, he knew Kaori was smiling so brightly as of right now. "You actually remembered my birthday!"

"Of course I remembered, Kaori. I'm not all that bad. Besides, it's easier for me to remember since it's independence day over there in the United States on this date."

"Oh that's true. I remembered yours by just remembering." She had laughed a little at the end of her sentence, and he couldn't help but laugh along a little.

"So what are you planning to do today?"

Kaori had silenced for a while, and it made Kousei worry, but she answered anyway. "Um...I don't know...really, only you and my parents know about my birthday."

"What?! Really?"

"Mm-hm. Not even Tsubaki or Watari know about it. Only the month but not the day."

"I'd have expected Watari to know about it..."

"Nope. So I really have no idea what to do today."

Kousei clicked his tongue and sighed, thinking about what he should do. "Hmm...well, do you want to let Tsubaki and Watari know it's your birthday today?"

"N...no...it's fine. I don't want to burden them since I heard they have a game for the both of them today. If you want, we could just hang out or something."

"Aren't you and your parents going to do something today?"

"Well they suggested that I hang out with you and some friends today, but there's not really any other friends I have besides you and Tsubaki and Watari, so I guess I have a free day with you."

"Oh, that's perfect. Do you wanna come over to my house?"

"Sure! When should I go over there?"

Kousei momentarily looked at his phone to check the time before placing it back on his ear. "Whenever you'd like."

"Then I guess I'll go over there in an hour or so. I'll call you when I'm on my way."

"Oh okay. Do you want to me to get you or are you fine?"

"I'm perfectly fine Kousei. And guess what? I'm finally 15! I'm no longer the baby of the group!"

Kousei laughed. "Aww. Kaori, you're still the baby. Just because you're the same age as Tsubaki, Watari, and I doesn't mean you're not the baby."

Kaori huffed and pouted. "Well you're the grandpa."

"I'm only 4 months older than you, Kaori."

"You're no fun!" Kaori whined.

Kousei laughed again. "But yet you still choose to be with me when we're the exact opposites."

"That's because I love you, I wouldn't want it any other way. Like they say in chemistry, opposites attract."

"That is true..."

"So do you know what you're gonna get me for a present?"

"Oh! Yes, I do. I actually have another in mind. So you're getting two. Or three, actually. Actually, meet me at the bridge so that I can give you the presents. From thereon, we'll go to my house and I can give you the main present later today."

"What's the main present?"

"Can't tell you. But here's a little hint: I'm gonna be letting out all my feelings during that present."

"How big is it then?"

"I dunno, pretty average I'm guessing. Depends on how you see it."

"My head just took a turn to this conversation. Wow."

"What do you-" Kousei then realized what she meant, so he started to blush. "O-oh..."

"It's fine." She laughed. "For your birthday I've been told to give you a lot more so it's not any different."

Kousei was reluctant, but he started to tease. "But what if what you're thinking the present will be is really what you're thinking?"

He heard Kaori squeal and he let out a small laugh when she started to freak out. "Kousei, shut up!"

"Okay, okay. You know I'm kidding anyway. You know I won't be able to even go through with it."

"I can't even think about it without freaking out so getting in bed together like that is totally not in this relationship. I mean, not anytime soon, I guess. Maybe in a few years, most likely."

Kousei sighed and felt himself blush again. "Guess so. Okay. I'll let you go so that you have time to get ready and so that I have time to go get the other presents."

"Okay then. Can we keep texting each other?"

"Of course we can. Alright Kaori, I love you."

"I love you, too. Bye now."

"See you later." Kousei hung up and sat up on his bed, thinking that maybe he should go out already to get what he needed and wait at the bridge.

Right after he got dressed and did his routine, he was starting to walk out of the house when Kaori messaged him like she asked to do.

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
I'm almost ready but I'll wait it out so that you have time to get whatever it is you're getting :P

Kousei smiled and responded back.

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
That was fast. I just left my house :*) I'll let you know when you can start going

From: Kaori
Subject: BRB
OK but oh I'll be right back I'm gonna go eat some breakfast :) I have to stay strong o(≧▽≦)o

Kousei couldn't stop thinking about how cute Kaori was when she was energetic in her texts, but he just continued on.

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Okay then. Talk to me when you come back i don't wanna be lonely (；ω；)

From: Kaori
Subject: Loves
Okay okay. I LOVE YOU σ(≧ε≦σ) ♡

To: Kaori
Subject: (＾▽＾)
I LOVE YOU TOO ^_^

Kousei put his phone away and walked along the street down to the local area and listed what he needed in his head, happy that Kaori is taking care of herself by eating, at least.

~0000~

Kaori ate a plate of waffles for her morning snack and went to go brush her teeth right after. She brushed her messy hair and sighed when she looked at herself in the mirror. She observed her face and shrugged. I guess I am kind of not bad looking.

She walked out of the bathroom and took out her phone, texting Kousei again once she sat down on her living room couch.

To: Kousei :D
Subject: (no subject)
Hello hello I am back once again

It took no longer than a minute for a response to come by.

From: Kousei :D
Subject: (no subject)
Welcome back ^^ how was your breakfast?

To: Kousei :D
Subject: (no subject)
I am now well fed and stuffed (っ˘ω˘ς )

From: Kousei :D
Subject: (no subject)
That's really good Kaori :D when are you planning to leave your house?

Kaori looked at the time, it wasn't such a bad time at all. But she wanted to make sure Kousei was at least ready before she went.

To: Kousei :D
Subject: r u ready?
Only until you're at least a little ready so that I won't get there first and be a loner (╥﹏╥)

From: Kousei :D
Subject: guess so
I kind of am ready and considering the distance between the bridge and your bakery isn't too close nor too far I think I'd be there first. You could start going now :*)

Kaori shrugged to herself and typed a little more before she made a move to get up.

To: Kousei :D
Subject: (no subject)
Okay then :3 I'll meet you over there, Grandpa

From: Kousei :D
Subject: bye bye (I'm not old)
(╥_╥)

Kaori laughed and stood up to write her final message.

To: Kousei :D
Subject: c u there ;D
☆⌒(≧▽​° )

~0000~

Kousei ended up getting at the bridge before Kaori, just as he predicted. The items he got for her weren't too sappy, but without him explaining one of them and just having her see it would be a little awkward.

He decided to message Kaori while he waited for her to arrive.

To: Kaori
Subject: :(
Kaori I'm at the bridge and so loonneelllyyy (╥_╥)

From: Kaori
Subject: -_-
I'll be there soon you big baby I'm almost there

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Okay okay I'll let you be so that you don't get hurt on the way since ur on ur phone :)

From: Kaori
Subject: D;
But I wanna keep talking to you ;( can I call you ???

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Hmm
Nope.

From: Kaori
Subject: *-*
WHAT WHY NOT?!?! i WANT TO HESR YOUR VOIVE DX

Kousei laughed at her typos and typed away on his own phone.

To: Kaori
Subject: :)
If you want to hear my voice then you'll have to hurry and get over here (and watch your typos :))

From: Kaori
Subject: :'(
You're so mean ｡ﾟ･（>﹏<）･ﾟ｡

To: Kaori
Subject: hurry then
Hurry it up then princess :)

From: Kaori
Subject: (oT-T)尸
Fine you win I'll c u there

Kousei smiled and put away his phone, leaning against the railing of the bridge. He couldn't believe how much he loves Kaori and how much she loves him back. They've been together for about 5 months and yet he's still head over heels for her as if she was just his crush all over again.

He didn't think being in love would have him feeling these things, but he has to admit it's really one hell of a feeling.

Kousei sighed and turned around while he leaned on the railing with his arms, looking at the swaying and calming water beneath him.

He remembers the first time he jumped off this bridge with Kaori, it really sparked something in him that became anew.

Too lost in his own thoughts, he barely caught the quiet footsteps running to him, getting frightened when he saw two hands cover his eyes. He didn't know who was there at first, but then he heard the familiar angelic voice of Kaori saying, "Guess who it is," and smiled slightly.

"Hmm...is it you, my beautiful angel sent from heaven?"

Kaori giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, her chin laying on his shoulder. "What if I'm the devil?"

"Well you can sometimes be the devil." Kousei laughed while Kaori frowned and turned him around to hit his shoulder.

"Shut up, you meanie. You're no different."

"Whatever you say." He grinned and Kaori groaned. She then said, "Stop being such being such a dummy on my birthday."

He chuckled and kissed her briefly. "I'll be whatever you'd like on this day."

"Nah it's fine, just stay yourself. That's all I ask for today." Kaori grinned and stepped back with his hands in hers now. "So did you ever get the presents?"

"Yes I did." Kousei smiled and reached in the bag he had brought, but then he retracted his hand and said, "But wait. First, I would like a really, big, long hug."

Kaori just stood staring, but she ended up giggling and moved forward to tightly hug Kousei. Kousei smiled and buried his face in her neck, sighing in bliss. "Thanks, I love you."

Kaori kissed his jaw and nodded, her cheek resting on his shoulder. "I love you too."

The two stayed in each other's arm for a little while longer, then when Kousei pulled from the hug and grinned, he reached back into the bag. "Okay, so I'ma give you what you would possibly like first." He reached out and took out a single cherry blossom flower.

Kaori gasped excitedly and carefully took the flower. "Yay! Thank you, Kousei!" She hugged him again, the force pushing him back onto the railing.

Kousei laughed and hugged back before he had pulled away and said, "I know you hardly see these everyday so why not just have one?"

"Where'd you get this?" She sniffed the flower.

"A flower shop. It was kinda expensive, 1500 yen ($13)."

"For just one?" She twirled the flower in her two fingers. "You didn't have to get me this then..."

"It's okay, it's okay. I don't really care about how much money I spend for you anymore."

Kaori frowned. "But..."

"It's fine, Kaori."

Kaori sighed and held the flower up to her nose. "Fine."

Kousei stared at Kaori, absently minded, and thought about how beautiful she is to him. She's really an angel sent from heaven. He can't believe how someone so perfect even loves him. He started to smile without a notice but Kaori took notice of his staring and looked at him.

"What?" She looked behind herself and when she saw nothing she looked back to Kousei. "What're you staring at?"

Kousei looked in her eyes and looked lost for a second. "Um, y-yes."

Kaori tilted her head and moved forward to flick his forehead, bringing him completely back to his senses.

He rubbed his forehead. "I-I-I'm sorry, what?"

Kaori chuckled. "You were staring at me for, like, a year."

Kousei turned a little red and rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh...sorry...I was just thinking."

"About what?"

He shook his head. "It's nothing. You'll find out one day."

Kaori sighed and gave up trying, ruffling his hair, making it even more messy. "Okay, nappy head."

"What-" Kousei felt his hair; it really was a little messy. "Ah...I kinda didn't really have the time to do my hair. I don't even do anything special with it anyways so it doesn't really matter."

Kaori laughed a little bit and pecked his nose. "It's okay, you look really adorable with messy hair."

Kousei blushed and reached back into the bag. "I have one more for you." He reached back out and took out a small cactus plant.

Kaori tilted her head in confusion. "What's with the cactus?"

"Oh...uh...well..." Kousei laughed nervously, "you know how cacti don't really die, right?" He flushed when his voice cracked and Kaori laughed. "S-since they don't...I-I got you a cactus, so unless this cactus dies I will never stop loving you."

Kaori blushed, taking the cactus. "Awww, that's really sweet of you." She looked at him "But they can kinda die..."

"N-not unless you water them!" Kousei grinned.

Kaori stared, but then she laughed and put the cactus aside to grab his head and kiss him. "You're such a cute dork, please don't change."

"I'll hereby live by that as a promise." Kousei smiled and Kaori kissed him again.

~0000~

It was around the afternoon when Kousei had started to walk with Kaori over to his house. Before that, they went over to hers to drop off the flower and the cactus in her room, Kousei having a little chat with her parents before they went back to work.

Kaori played with Kousei's fingers on the walk and he sighed in thought. "School's almost over in 7 days."

Kaori frowned and dropped his hand to grab it. "I know...but we're not leaving for America yet, right? Aren't we leaving somewhere in August or..."

"I'm not sure. I need to ask Hiroko first, since she's the one who planned all this."

"Hm." Kaori sighed and sagged her shoulders. "I'm gonna miss everyone here..."

Kousei looked over to his love and smiled sadly, removing his hand from hers and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "It's okay. We'll come to visit occasionally. We're all planning to stay in touch, as well."

"True." She rested her head on his shoulder, watching as his house was slowly coming into view. "We're almost there."

Kousei looked over to where she was looking and nodded. "Now I see."

"What, you didn't see before?"

"Nope, I was blind the entire time because of your beautiful presence." He smiled cheekily her way.

Kaori groaned and felt a small tint of red sprinkle her cheeks. "Shut up."

Kousei laughed and kissed her temple. "Okay, sorry. Let's just keep walking."

~0000~

"Oh! Are you gonna play a song?"

Kousei looked up from the ground and shrugged, glancing at his piano in front of him, himself being seated on the bench. "I dunno. Just wait and listen." He turned around briefly to smile at her. He heard her sit down on the ground and she paid full attention to him and the piano.

"That's mean." She sighed, but despite what she had said she still smiled. "But I'll be waiting patiently."

Kousei's leg shook up and down occasionally, and his hands sweat a little in nervousness, but he didn't show any real signs that he was nervous because then Kaori would be all on him. "Alright. I tried really hard on this. I hope you don't hate it."

Kaori nodded, but she knows he can't see her. She waited patiently like she said she would. For the time Kousei prepared himself, she found herself staring at his back; going through her head were the many list of things on why she loves him, the things she worries about for their relationship taking over soon after.

But immediately, when Kaori heard shifting come from Kousei's spot on the bench and the sound of keys being pressed, Kaori automatically knew what she is now hearing. It was the Chopin nocturne she's been so attached to all these years.

Her eyes widened a little, and her mind went blank for a second with only the sound of the piano taking over. She was actually shocked, not ever thinking this is what he had planned out and worked hard on for her. She thought he'd go with something more simple and straightforward like, maybe, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star since that's pretty much their anthem, but to think he remembered what piece it is she's always wanted to hear him play--now being played by the hands she's wanted to hear from--made her heart flutter.

She's heard this song be played many times from different pianists. Be it foreigners, Japanese, anything or anyone, they're all played in a different way. It all sounds the same to her, which is why Kaori decides to play pieces her own way. But with Kousei playing at this moment, his fingers moving smoothly and elegantly across the keys, as if going any more viciously would somehow damage the piano itself, lead her to the impression that Kousei actually put his heart and soul into this.

She's heard him play many times, sure, but when she peeked ahead and saw his expression, she noticed it was a mix of content and focus with a little hint of calmness. She moved her gaze over to his fingers, watching as they moved from one key to another, slowly and gracefully. She then started to feel whatever he was trying to say to her during his playing. She couldn't put it into words, but it was right there, on the tip of her tongue. All she can put into words from what she's getting is, "I love you." The rest is all internal thought and feeling.

She softly smiled, her eyes closing while she laid down on his floor, listening to the calming sound of Kousei's playing. It went slow, as if this was a ballroom and two couples were displayed in the middle of the room, swaying to the music.

Kaori knew this part all too well--the ending. Seems like her present is coming to an end, unfortunately. Internally, she had sighed and wished the song would go on longer in this case...but sadly not everything can go on forever.

Kaori was too overwhelmed once Kousei hit the last note of the piece, all the colors slowly going away once the song ended, his feelings still hovering in the air.

Kousei let the key's note fade away before he turned around on his bench and smiled, leaning on his hands from behind. "How was it?"

Kaori was a little too shocked to respond,not sure what to express orally. She was still laying on the floor, which had worried Kousei but he saw her breathing so didn't say much about it. She sat up and grinned, and since she couldn't express her reaction in words, she practically threw herself at him and placed her lips on his. Kousei, surprised, almost fell off his bench and panicked, not knowing what to do, so like he's always done he placed his hands on her waist and closed his eyes while he tilted his head up to reach Kaori's lips.

She hovered over him with her hands placed on his shoulders, her kiss displaying the feeling she wasn't able to let out in words.

She pulled back a little bit, her forehead resting on Kousei's while her breathing was a little heavy when she breathed out, "I loved it so much."

Kousei smiled and leaned up to kiss her again after catching his breath a little, his lips moving in time with hers. God, he loves her so much. He's just so glad he was able to make her feel this way. His present was was success, he supposes. Kousei slowly stood up, the kiss still going on, and became the one hovering now by a bit—since he was taller than Kaori—and wrapped his arms fully around her small waist, Kaori's arms sliding around to lock around his neck.

She loves him so, so, so much. She can't imagine her world without Kousei nowadays. For the first time in forever, this was one of the best birthday presents she's ever gotten.

Kousei pulled back to breathe more properly and fixed his glasses, grinning with a flushed face. "I'm glad you loved it."

Kaori jumped up and down a little bit in his arms and wouldn't stop smiling. "I loved it way more than you can imagine, Kousei!" She giggled and pecked his lips once again.

Kousei laughed a little bit and brought her close to hug her, his cheek resting atop her head while her body was squished against his in a tight hug. "I worked hard on the piece Kaori, so I'm really glad it ended up being a success in the end."

Kaori hummed and swayed in place with Kousei. "It was more than a success, ex-Friend A."

"You just gonna keep calling me ex-Friend A now?" Kousei chuckled and let his lips lay on her head, his voice getting muffled by her hair. "Might as well just keep calling me Friend A."

"But Friend A was a word for 'substitute friend'. And I never really thought of you as a sub. Didn't you hate it or anything?"

"I wouldn't really say I hated it...but it did sometimes leave me depressed at times, haha. Now I'm fine. When I got used to it, I really actually loved you calling me Friend A."

Kousei stayed silent for a moment with Kaori in his arms and lowered his eyes and slowly frowned, his arms tightening around Kaori a little more. "When...when I told you I saw something that day of the gala concert on the day of your surgery...something had happened and you were disappearing so I was begging for you to not go...that I wouldn't mind being called Friend A."

Kaori hesitated to speak, because she really wasn't sure what to say. But she took action when Kousei pulled back from the hug and said, "Sorry, you probably think it sounds weird I'll just stop-"

"No," Kaori interrupted. "No...it's not weird... Here's the truth...I actually...saw what you saw during my surgery. And you wanna know why?"

Kousei looked into her eyes and nodded. Kaori grabbed his hands and looked at his hands that were in hers. "It's 'cause you reached me. You had me strive more to survive...and you've succeeded. If that hadn't happened, I wouldn't be here with you. If...if I wasn't sick I wouldn't have even been able to be with you like this." Kaori's bottom lip trembled, and she was shaking as she was about to cry but she held it back.

"K-Kaori...-"

"I really love you Kousei..." Kaori spoke in a small, croaky voice. "If you and I hadn't met, I wouldn't be standing here, holding your hands, and be even near you. I'm actually a shy person so I wouldn't have been able to just talk to you like how I am now."

Kousei was speechless; did he really mean that much to Kaori? He grabbed her hand and walked out of the piano room, walking over to his room and the headed over to his bed and fell on it, pulling Kaori with him to hold her close to his chest. Automatically, he knew she started to cry now.

"Please don't leave me Kousei..." Her voice started to waver. She tightened her arms around his waist and gripped his clothing in closed fists. "I love you too much now to lose you..."

Kousei closed his eyes and placed his hand on her head, running his fingers through her wavy, messy hair to calm her down a little. "I won't leave you Kaori...I never will. I love you so much."

"But what if you get tired of me and leave me for another girl?"

Kousei stopped his hand and sighed. He cupped her cheek and pulled back to be at eye-level with her. He pulled off his glasses to be able to lay on the bed properly and stared into her dark eyes right after.

"Kaori. You know me. You've known me personally for almost two years already. We've been together for about 5 months. When will I ever get tired of you?"

She averted her gaze from his and tried pulling herself away from his hand. "That's how it always is with guys."

Kousei widened his eyes a little. He took action and grabbed her head to force her to look at him, his eyes set with his voice firm. "Kaori. I'm me. I'm Kousei. I'm not like those guys who just go girl-to-girl like Watari. I'm not him. I'm myself. I love you, and I never ever want to leave you. Anywhere I am, you're always on my mind. How long have your parents been together?"

Kaori wasn't able to focus on his eyes. "Um...if I remember correctly, I think it's been 15 years."

"Then what we're going to do together is be together even longer. If we have huge fights, we're going to be fighting hard to stay together. Like how those long lasting couples who die old together, we're going to be the same, no matter what. If death is in the way, we're staying together until then."

Kaori had tears sliding down her temple, her lips trembling into a smile. She wrapped her arms around Kousei's neck and brought his head close to kiss him. Not longer after she pulled away, Kousei laid on his back and pulled her onto him and let her lay on him, her head underneath his chin. He sighed tiredly and wrapped his arms around her back to secure her.

"I don't know why you're so worked up and worried about me leaving you like that." Kousei closed his eyes and chuckled. "If anything, it would've been me in your shoes if the moment came up."

"You know I won't leave you, Friend A."

Kousei smiled a little bit. "Well, yeah, you've told me and proven me more than enough. But I'm not as good looking as Watari or any other guy out there, so that's what kinda worries me the most since mostly girls go for the looks."

Kaori groaned and pinched Kousei's chest with her fingers, pulling back when he squeaked and laid her head back down on him. "Shut up, Kousei. You just told me you're not Watari. And you're actually fairly handsome, and you're really cute. Shush now."

"But-"

"You're adorable, you're sweet, you're kind, you and I both have anger issues so it's fine, and I love you. Shut up now."

Kousei laughed a little bit at the anger issue part and kissed the top of her head. "Okay then."

She snuggled into him more and closed her eyes. "I wanna rest for a little."

He stroked her hair and closed his eyes and well, sighing tiredly. "Me too. I haven't played the piano in a while, so that felt really nice."

"You're making me jealous, I really want to play my violin again."

"So...why don't you?" He stopped stroking her hair and wrapped his arms tighter around her, not minding the weight she's putting on him.

"I've...never really had the time to. The doctors said to take a little break since I had gotten out the hospital recently and they don't want me pushing too hard again since that's pretty much what I always do."

Kousei sighed, the vivid memory of Kaori fainting and the two arguing about it coming back to his brain. "Well, then I guess it's fine that you're not playing for now."

"Honestly, I'm still slowly recovering, but I'm pretty sure I'm able to play now. It's been...I think, 5 months since I left the hospital."

"Then...someday, I'll find a day where you'll be able to play again." Kousei turned around and had Kaori lay down beside him instead of on top of him.

She opened her eyes and looked at him, but his eyes were still closed. "But I want to play with you again..."

Kousei opened his eyes now, staring right into Kaori's. "Then..." he smiled slightly and moved forward to kiss her forehead, "I'll find a day where that can happen."

"Yay." Kaori grinned and pecked his lips quickly before nuzzling her head underneath his chin, her arms going around his waist in a hug.

He looped his arms around her small waist, a smile forming on his lips as he closed his eyes again. He spoke softly. "You're like a kitten."

"And you're a big grizzly bear."

Kousei laughed a little bit and kissed her head once more. "Geez. That's a real new one."

Kaori giggled and shut her eyes, saying one last thing before she drifted off. "Well you're really fuzzy and warm. Now let me rest. I love you."

"I love y-"

"Wait one more thing, thanks for today. It wasn't anything too special, but I'm glad I could spend it with you."

"Sorry that I couldn't really do anything too big for you."

"It's fine. You ended it off perfectly fine. I loved it." She squished his waist affectionately and snuggled closer. "And I love you. Now let me rest."

"I love you too. Rest nicely."

"Mm."

~0000~

When Kousei had awakened, Kaori was gone. This, of course, worried Kousei so much that he almost got a heart attack. Without any hesitation the moment he woke up, he called her. He had checked the time before, seeing it was now 9 pm.

"Yes?"

Kousei breathed out in relief, falling back onto his bed. "Jesus Christ, Kaori..."

"What?"

"You scared me, that's what!"

"Uh...okay? What do you mean?"

"You expect me to just be all fine and crap when I wake up and not just see you there beside me when you were there last time I checked?"

"Wow. Um, I guess not then. When we get married and share the same bed every day, good luck."

Kousei groaned tiredly and ran a hand over his face. "Geez..."

"Why'd you get scared anyways? I just went home, so you could at least assume that."

"Kaori, I told you long ago that I fear you're just my imagination or this is all a dream where you've surpassed your surgery. Whatever happened at the gala concert during your surgery last time really messed me up in the head."

"Oh...yeah. Sorry! I went home though, like I just said. It's okay."

Kousei sighed, turning over on his side. "You should've woken me up, I could've walked you home."

"Nah. You stay at your residence while I go to mine, no biggie. Besides, you looked really adorable asleep so I didn't want to ruin it."

"Well you could've just taken a picture and woken me up, then it'll last forever on your side."

Kaori stuttered. "U-uh...well...I'd be lying if I said I didn't take a picture."

"Wh- you actually took one?"

"Yes. Sorry, it just looked really adorable to pass by."

"Um...okay then." Kousei laughed a little bit. "Maybe I should start taking pictures of you as well."

"We hardly take any pictures together, on my phone it's all food, animals, quotes, and you."

"Quotes? Hm, makes more sense— wait. Me? How many pictures of me do you take behind my back?"

"Plenty enough for you to not notice."

"Wow. Okay then, time for me to start."

"My goal is to get a picture with you. There's hardly any, if I can remember correctly we've only taken, like, 5 photos together."

"That's a lot."

"Kousei, that's a little bit."

"But-"

"Shhh, you're not photogenic."

"True-" Kousei stopped whatever he was gonna say and felt his heart leap a little in surprise, hearing a person outside his window on the streets, likely drunk, scream something which made his face red up a little.

Unexpectedly, Kaori had apparently heard and thought falsely. "Did...did you just say you have a...skinny...penis?"

Kousei blushed hard and ended up hanging up, not sure on how to respond after what the girl on the phone had just asked him. A minute later, he received a message.

From: Kaori
Subject: WAIT
SORRY did i say something wrong ? I swear I heard you say that you had a skinny penis lol

Kousei coughed and rubbed his red cheeks, laying on his side. He typed away.

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
I didn't say anything, but idk wanna check if I do? (・ω<)

It's been over a minute since he's sent that message, and he wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh or regret what he said. He went with both when Kaori answered back.

From: Kaori
Subject: I'm blushing stop
Shut up kousei.

To: Kaori
Subject: :P
Sorry I really was just joking around sorry sorry

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
I don't know what just happened to you but whatever be glad I found it kinda cute yet alluring at the same time :)

Kousei blushed again, not sure what to even do anymore, he was just joking.

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Cute and alluring?

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Ja （*＾3＾）

Kousei just decided to send Kaori whatever his fingers typed, he didn't know how to use his brain correctly anymore.

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Wanna know a little secret?

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Yessir!

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
I think you yourself is alluring ｰ(•̃͡ε•̃͡)∫

From: Kaori
Subject: -_-
I'm gone randomly and you panic and now you've turned into this new, confident Kousei. What happened to u

To: Kaori
Subject: i dunno
Is that bad or good?

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
＼(^o^)／ it's really nice I love it~

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Watch out this is only me on text I can't say these things to you in person. Yet.

From: Kaori
Subject: same
Come on (づ￣ ³￣)づ

To: Kaori
Subject: ur more confident than me already but okay
⊂(・ヮ・⊂)

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Today was fun and for that I thank you :D

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
It wasn't a problem :) I was able to finally try my hardest for the person I love and the person who gave me life and I thank you for purely existing ヽ(*'з｀*)ﾉ

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Sh, you're making me bashful

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
^_^ It's true though. I love you~

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
I love you too :} Now, what was that skinny...you know, all about?

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Some dude outside just yelled "I have a skinny penis" so I'm guessing it was was a dare or he's drunk

From: Kaori
Subject: wow
Well it really changed the topic of this conversation

To: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Ya

From: Kaori
Subject: Bye !
Well i gtg now mr. grizzly bear ʕ•͡ɛ•͡ʼʼʔ

To: Kaori
Subject: ?
It's 10 though...what could you possibly be doing at this time to leave me so soon D;

From: Kaori
Subject: (no subject)
Sleep lol

To: Kaori
Subject: oh
But you never sleep at this time... :( I was planning to stay up for you

Just randomly, his ringtone came off and scared him right out of his skin. He saw that it was Kaori who started to call and stared at her name for a second before answering.

"Yes?"

"That's really sweet of you to stay up for me, Kousei."

Smiling brightly, Kousei responded, "Well...I really wanted to, though. It is your birthday, and we don't have any school tomorrow, so why not? And either way, I would stay up for you anytime. Just ask really, haha."

"You're really a great boyfriend and friend all together, Kousei, but—" Kaori stopped and took in a breath, letting it out in a yawn right after—"I'm kinda sleepy, really..."

"Hm...then how about I stay on here with you until you fall asleep?"

Kaori let out another, small yawn (Kousei won't admit that it was actually really adorable) and said, "Okay then..."

"I'm actually surprised you're more sleepy than me."

Kaori softly chuckled and her voice was slow and obviously tired. "Well, you did nap longer than me and just woke up. I...—" another quiet yawn—"sorry. I woke up like a few hours before you. I also decided to run home."

Kousei couldn't stop the smile that went onto his face, Kaori sleepy is actually really cute. "True, true. But why run?"

Kaori sighed. "It was hot, and running gave me a cool breeze."

"Well alright then...just be careful. When will you be alright enough to be as active as before?"

"It's been months already since my release and surgery but...I'm just gonna go on a hunch and say, maybe, when I feel like it."

"Oh my- Kaori. I'm really protective over you right about now, please watch over yourself."

"I will, trust me."

"Thank you."

"You sound so awake...I wish I wasn't tired so that I could keep talking to you for a longer time."

"It's alright. You sound really tired though, so you just wanna go to sleep now and I can leave you alone?"

"N-no. I-it's fine...I'll just..." Kaori trailed off and stayed silent, leaving Kousei under the assumption she probably was already dozing off. He smiled and was about to hang up but she abruptly got louder.

"O-oh! S-sorry, I fell asleep for a second..."

Kousei laughed. "Just go to sleep, Kaori."

"But...I probably should stay awake longer, for you."

"Kaori, it's fine. Just sleep."

"But I don't wanna."

Kousei sighed as her voice turned whiny and knew that she won't back down, but he knows her tire will take over. "Please go to sleep. Please? For your beloved grizzly bear?"

Kaori slipped out a giggle and she sounded way too tired to sound sane. "I would rather sleep in your arms."

"You're really tired right now, I can tell."

"Come ooooon, can I stay talking with you?"

"No, Kaori."

"You're so mean."

"I just want you to sleep, because you're really tired."

"You're such a mean bear... But I love you and right now...I wish I could kiss you lots and cuddle..." She was drifting off.

Kousei smiled a little. "You can do that whenever you see me again, Kaori. But it's pretty hot for cuddles anyway, kisses are allowed though. Want me to play something for you so that you could sleep?"

"Sing for me."

"A-ah...I don't think I can sing...I'll just play for you."

"No! Please sing? I wanna hear you sing..."

"I'm a boy going through puberty that's not the best idea."

Kaori tiredly groaned and he knew she was slowly almost asleep. "Play me a song then..."

"'Kay." Kousei got off his bed and walked out of his room to head over to the piano room. He, himself, admittedly was a little tired but he still had enough stamina to stay awake and not fall asleep like a certain blonde who was on the phone with him.

He sat down on his bench and placed his phone to the side of the piano after putting Kaori on speaker and warmed up his fingers. "So...what'd you like to hear, Kaori?"

"Anything calming."

Kousei thought for a while, but it didn't take him long to think up of a piece to play. He set his foot on the pedal and got his hands ready over the keys in position, pushing down when he found himself ready.

He decided to play Claire de Lune. It was the only calming, simple song he was able to think of at the moment.

"I like this one..." Kaori sounded distant, but Kousei knew it was just her voice getting softer which meant she was likely asleep by the next second.

He smiled and continued to play, even if she was asleep during his playing he wouldn't stop.

Slowly turning the world around him into silence, all he could focus on was his playing. His eyes moved to each hand occasionally, watching where he's going even though he knows this piece by heart.

He knows a song is supposed to play with feeling, but for now he was just playing it to calm himself and lull Kaori to sleep.

Kousei thought back to his childhood friends while his fingers moved. He will be gone soon, huh? Just leaving Tsubaki and Watari already leaves him kinda saddened now that everything is perfectly fine, but just to imagine if he had to have a long distant relationship with Kaori would have made him really desperate.

Smiling, Kousei continued to think. Even if they were miles apart, he would still love her the same either way...he'd just miss holding her and seeing her.

His mind then moved over to Nagi. Going over to America won't really affect Nagi at all really, she's already learned all she needed to from Kousei. And she's just a student, somewhat a friend.

Ending the song, Kousei sighed and let the sounds die down in the room. He stared at his phone before picking it up and taking off the speaker, putting it close to his ear. He waited until he heard light breathing, and yes he did which had lead him to the impression that Kaori had fallen asleep. Kousei smiled and couldn't stop it from growing when he heard her sleeping. Call him a creep, but he can't deny that a sleepy Kaori is really really cute.

He closed his phone, ending the call, and stood up from his bench. He walked over to his room and along the way he wouldn't keep Kaori out of his mind.

To put into words how much he loves her is kind of impossible. Truthfully, he really wants to grow old with her and have a happy life in the future, kids and a happy marriage.

Kousei entered his room and sighed, falling into his bed after taking off his glasses. Guess only time will tell if what I'm wishing will come true... Hopefully our trip to America for those four years will bring us close. Kousei closed his eyes and didn't bother to change, trying to sleep with Kaori and what he wishes for their future bouncing around his head.

Hi. This is just a lil birthday fluff :3 I said on my message board that this would've been updated later than usual because of some health problems going on with me rn and how I have to apparently take care of myself more (shortasslevi thanks for watching out for me) but I got this done a little bit earlier than expected.

I plan to end this story completely, and I actually have some of the ending written down already :) I just gotta get down with the America arc, some specials (a Christmas one will be probably the next chapter), and some other arc that i'll probably come up with along the way.

okay before this gets long sorry lol just wanna say sorry if these are getting boring or whatever :P I'm more of a feels type of person and fluff (and some other lemon or lime but thats not relevant) action isn't all I'm into but I just need to find some right moments to have them play in concerts or anything like that :D 

OMG THIS GOT LONG I'M SORRY I GTG NOW HAPPY LATE THANKSGIVING GOODBYE