Chapter Text
Daisuke had enough of it,
The repeating melodies composed by his peers that echoed loudly along the walls of the room, soft hushes that slowly accumulated into louder noises, even the sound of the composer’s voice was a bother to him. Daisuke had enough of it that he had to ask to leave the room and he was luckily granted an early dismissal... Whatever the reason may be though Dai had found himself thankful to be free from the overwhelming room.
He hated to join bigger events but he also had come to realize early on that not only was his skills needed during these concerts but also his name during the much bigger one. Think of it as placing a celebrity’s name in a movie just for others to watch, granted there are others that could possibly do it but the name grabs the attention. It was something to reel in not only the regular viewers but also the top percent to come and see. A flex that a prominent scion of a conglomerate that touches almost all the markets be studying in a school like theirs.
Sadly, that privilege tends to serve him more enemies than companions during his stay. Granted that despite taking some sort of etiquette class from his grandmother he still struggles to create friends. But still he had been given the pass with loads of things such as equipment, services and even pieces that others only dream of playing. There tends to only be one pianist in the opera unless it requires a bigger orchestra for the piece. Whenever bigger or more important concerts are planned Daisuke would be listed for the pianist.
The money isn’t the only thing that gets him up there though. Daisuke is quite proud of what he has accomplished so far, from learning how to play the piano with his mother for the first time to holding special concerts where people enjoyed his music. He isn’t one to talk when he doesn’t have the skills to back it up so not only was he talented but also skillful in the art.
As he walks away the noises that once disturbed him slowly by slowly become only just a whisper, enough for him to say that he is in some sort of peace. He was planning to go to the library which was his go to because no one was allowed to disturb anyone there and none of his family was there too. So as he approached what he expected was a quieter hallway he heard music nearby.
Daisuke had thought it was odd, normally no one plays nearby and the only place close enough for sound to be noticeable was if it was played within or near the building. It may have even piqued his interest cause this was the first time he heard something here and hopefully isn’t the last. It only sounded like one person was playing and although he mastered the piano he could tell it was some sort of brass instrument not sure which one it is though.
The ravenette found out that it was from the few abandoned buildings in the campus, with a few wonders opened for fresh air he assumed. He stood beside one of the windows and like the curious cat he peeked through slightly to see who was playing. Thanks to the minimal lights some of the windows have given he could see a guy in the middle of the stage. He looked lanky and he also noticed the blond hair that stood tall like him. He can’t see the eyes as they were looking down on the music sheet the man was trying to play.
He took a few more minutes of his time to watch the mystery musician play. The musician didn’t look mysterious actually , he looked like you could spot him out in a crowd if you just knew who he was unlucky for the pianist he didn’t know even the guy’s name. Thinking that perhaps it’s time to go soon he slowly moves away from the window and proceeds to go back to his original destination.
--
The song playing slowly came to an end as so slowly did the daylight. Shinosuke looked down one last time at the piece he was attempting to memorize thinking it had gotten better than last time. It had been awhile since he actually practiced and he self-exiled himself from the rooms. It was mostly because he hated showing his face again around that area and it had only gotten worse after not showing up for a day? weeks? could be months without any prior notice. Honestly, he doesn’t even know how he’d interact with them seeing each other outside of the premises of this area.
Before all of this he thought he did great despite not being the main choice among his companions. He didn’t mind after all he had a life outside of this and it is only just a part of him. He didn’t major in music or anything he just started playing in middle school after he accidentally got himself into a music club. I guess Bob Ross' saying of happy little accidents worked at that time because he did well in that small club. The small club slowly turned into bigger things like playing for the school band then trying out in some talent competitions to keep the empty shelf with a medal or even a trophy.
The school doesn’t do simple or down to earth things. It was for those above average , the ones who would pay for the red seats and golden arm rests , hallways outside being decorated with pillars of marble and so on. So most people would have gotten in thanks to talent or influence , multiple awards and certificates saying that they were great. Shinosuke yea sure he’s gotten some and it was from his music teacher’s idea to even apply here. She was nice and helped guide him during his beginner stages and he was thankful for that. She felt like an older sister to him even if he already had one especially how they both comment on telling him to stop being dramatic.
Spoiler alert, he never did; he thinks it’s a part of his charm by now.
He was about to move onto the next page but notices how dark it’s becoming. The already dark building had dimmed more compared to when he began. It was his queue to leave the building already so he took his trombone back into the case and moved the metal stands back to where he got it. He hates the closet but he needs to make sure that everything is back where it belonged. That means he needs to put outside getting pests on him or something.
Kamei rushes out of the closet room and grabs his stuff by the stage. It wasn’t that tall of a stage, just a small elevation to be honest. The building usually held more private events before it ultimately was abandoned. Now that everything is done he can leave the building and make sure he doesn’t run into any teachers or people who know him. The only person he had met today was the guard that befriended him long ago when he started playing here. It was also the same guard that allowed him to be here today or else they probably wouldn’t allow him to.
Once Kamei finally reached the other exit he could see a car park in front of the main gate. It wasn’t uncommon of course there are tons of “rich brats” as Kamei’s friend likes to call them that stay here. That’s why Katou was surprised when Kamei had mentioned that he had played and practiced there. He claimed that there were lots of rich kids that had nothing better to do and to some extent Kamei could agree but he had also seen very talented people there and Katou isn’t one to disregard talent or skills.
It didn’t take too long to see who the car was waiting for. It was no one other than the one scion he heard talk about, the pianist that could be a prodigy if people weren’t so blinded by his wealth to feel some jealousy. The ravenette that only walked with poise and spoke eloquently or never at all. Of course Kamei is familiar with the name Kambe but he wasn’t that familiar about the scion (well not much is as even though he’s well a millionaire he is pretty private).
---
Daisuke finds himself beside the window of the once abandoned building. One day turned into two and two turned into 3 until he started to realize he actually likes listening to the unknown musician. Maybe it was the mysterious aspect that made him intrigued but maybe it might just be from enjoying listening to the music alone. He apparently had a habit of watching others that made him seem kinda creepy. In reality he just wanted to observe his peers but I guess with his lack of social skills most people think it’s just him looking down on him (well that’s what he heard from one of them).
It has been a week and Daisuke finds himself again by the open window of the once abandoned building. What he thought would be a one day occurrence turned into two maybe three or perhaps 4?... Daisuke never really counted the instances to begin with. At first he had only come along due to his curiosity of this new occurrence but now he stays because he found himself enjoying the music of the mystery musician. He never truly found out the identity because he was either immersed in the music or felt nervous to ask unsure how to.
Kamei was playing a different song now, his heart had been heavy while playing but for some reason he couldn’t get the melody out of his head. He recalled a time where he loved the piece and took time every day to try and perfect it because it was what he got to perform in his first orchestra. Shinsouke was fully aware that he wasn’t alone that time but still it didn’t stop him from feeling dizzy and anxious as the crowd of eyes watched them play making him feel nervous. Kamei shook his head trying to get rid of the thoughts of that terrible day. Luckily others were able to cover it up but it still made him feel bad.
With shaky hands he pursued, he felt a certain lightness now that no one was here to judge him. No one would need to stop him in the middle of him performing to correct major mishaps he had. It was nostalgic to remember the care given to him by his own teachers but it felt a bittersweet taste that he tries to forget now. Shinosuke could feel his breath slowly fade but takes one final deep breath before starting to calm him down.
Once he started performing he didn’t know exactly why but it felt different, genuinely unsure if it was good or bad , maybe he misses the time when he wasn’t the only one to appreciate what he performs but he also hated when eyes are there on him. He could easily make a fool out of himself and embarrass himself.
What Kamei didn’t notice was Kambe watching him with awe, yea the millionaire had heard this song before but never got to appreciate it when it came from others. So he lets him play and enjoyed the piece, it was slow and careful at first. The blond was trying his best to have deep breath as he played the long notes but slowly got used to it. It then switches from just long notes to a mix of short and long sounds. Then he comes to a pause after the first part , smiling to himself that he’s gotten through it then continues with the next slowly with confidence. Daisuke found him almost humming to the sounds he was hearing but tried to keep quiet to not disturb the performer. Shinosuke finally played the few final notes ending with a long note on the brass instrument.
There was silence as Kamei tried to catch his breath but then felt his soul leave his body when he heard the sound of clapping. Not a crowd clapping but just one person he looked towards that direction and saw Kambe clapping for him? So not only confused but he starts to grow slightly anxious realizing he wasn’t alone when playing.
He must be dreaming right now because it doesn’t seem real. He could see the young scion’s outlined by the sun a bit; it almost convinced him further that he could possibly be dreaming.
To Kambe though he thought even if it wasn’t professionally done or even just for personal reasons that performance still deserved some sort of praise. So as he felt like he couldn’t find the words to say he just started clapping for him.
“...You’re not going to report me are you?” Kamei asks hesitantly
“How could I? I don’t even know your name” Kambe jokingly said but he just sounded serious. Kamei just nodded
“How long have you been watching?” Kamei asked once again , both parties kept at it but none answered.
It was just question after question, not one trying to explain to the other until someone isn’t stubborn enough gives in. Kamei gave in first, starting to apologize, leaving Kambe confused because it was supposed to be Kambe apologizing. The ravenette bows explaining that he is sorry for watching without saying anything for the past few instances. Now that the initial awkwardness left as the two started to talk more they sat by the chairs near the stage.
“That song you just played, where did you learn it?” Daisuke asks, still looking with hints of awe within his eyes.
“It was one of my songs I performed,” Kamei answered, looking down at his shoes. Thinking the floor was more special than what he had just played.
Daisuke doesn’t wanna admit it but he starts to notice some fewer things that he didn’t because he was so far away. One of which is their height difference. He doesn’t wanna admit it but he knew that the guy would be tall but not 6 feet, he couldn’t even reach that with special shoes on. But he had also come to notice that Kamei had golden eyes as well. Daisuke wasn’t entirely sure what else to say next and ended up just noticing some small details of the other man.
Kamei tried to make some sort of small talk, it was supposed to distract him for a while. He mentions how he used to be an old student and that’s how their next few conversations started. Starting with some complaints like how you could easily fall off the chairs or just how bad some of their peers were.
“Oh oh! Speaking of which, is Sacchan still there?” Kamei asks, remembering the few people he enjoyed being with during his stay. Voice filled with joy and excitement
Daisuke looked at him confused trying to recall her. “...If I’m not mistaken she graduated college” hearing that Kamei’s excitement faded away. He couldn’t even confess to her huh and he told himself he would...he covers his disappointed face with his hands leaving his company more confused than ever.
---
The night after that incident Shinosuke couldn't sleep well thinking over and over again what had just happened. Did that really just happen ?!? He should have asked Kambe to pinch him then and there just to prove it to be true but the embarrassment almost felt enough to tell him it was real. Well whatever now it's done and hopefully nothing like that would happen again. Kambe probably told the teacher after anyways so there isn’t any hope they’d bump into each other again. Which a good thing he assumes but the guy was pretty … fun yea pretty fun to be around just like anyone else.
So what almost felt like a month (it was honestly just a week) he managed to gain the courage to return. The first good sign was that he was allowed to enter. He went through the passage that was often empty, choosing when most of his colleagues in the building would be having classes. Shinosuke wasn’t really planning the timing since he had some assignments to finish but it seemed like today was in his favor. Or so he thought.
Well once he got to the abandoned building he headed instead, the place was still dusty but he had to work with it if he didn't want to spend his whole time here cleaning up. He lets out a small sigh of relief realizing that he was alone, he found some odd comfort from the place he was once scared of. Shinosuke found this place when he was still studying here, stumbling upon it during one of his breaks. From the spiderwebs to the dark aura he thought the place was just creepy. A creepy touch would have been listening to someone play an organ or something and not finding anyone. So at that time he didn’t want to come back again, well that’s until during one of their individual practices he found it again. It was early summer and so the sun shone way too bright, partially lighting up the inside of the building. At that time he just wanted to practice in the shade but he was surprised to see one particular part of the stage be shined almost like a spotlight, the white pillars beside it looked almost like a desaturated gold. He thought he could just have practice there out of desperation since most of the places were taken for him to focus so he did. Walking through the isle of intricate patterns on the tiled floor the stage slowly by slowly became something he wanted to reach and felt like something he could reach within the school of the “regals”. He noticed once he got to where the so called spot light had shone he looked up finding a stained glass dome in the middle of the pillars. It gave some light but compared to the others it was dulled, the light was used to highlight the designs of the stained glass and once he took the trombone and the fear of the once darkened and abandoned building kinda faded away like the notes he played.
Shinosuke opened the cabinet where the metal stands were placed but before he can get it he hears footsteps approaching the area. They weren’t really angry stomps but he doesn’t even know if he’s just being paranoid or if it’s real so he just hides. He ends up hiding in one of the blind spots of the window, on the side of the cabinet sitting down on the floor taking the least amount of space despite his stature. He was feeling a mix of annoyed since his suit was getting dusty but he had to hold his frustration until the noises stopped.
The noises did come to a stop but he didn’t want to risk it yet, taking a small peak he could see the familiar figure with black hair and a black sweater. Kambe looked inside for maybe about a minute or two and just shrugged before deciding to leave. It wasn’t really Kamei’s intention to avoid Kambe, it could have literally been a teacher and he doesn’t want to get kicked out just yet. It seemed like the young scion was just late expecting to find him here but couldn’t find the blonde again. Kambe was kinda wishing to hear it again but feels like he’s ruined the chance since he had intruded and introduced himself.
After maybe another 5 minutes Kamei brushes the dirt off his pants as he stands up. It didn’t accumulate much but he had just done his laundry yesterday, “what a waste of it” he thought. Looking at the window from which Daisuke peeked from. He didn’t need to call the other back right? It’s not that he hated it but despite clearing the air during their first meeting he felt awkward and also it might have brought more attention to him.
Eh whatever these thoughts aren’t gonna get him anywhere.
He grabbed the metal stand from the closet and started to set up like normal.
He grabs the trombone and takes a final peek to see if anyone is watching.
---
As Kamei headed towards the gate he saw the familiar figure again on the bench as if he was waiting for him. Sitting beside him was a bottle but looked untouched and the supposed owner did nothing but stare boredly at the garden. They were in the more closed off portion of the city but the pollution still managed to cloud the night sky hiding the beautiful stars. Kamei was afraid to approach him until the two of their eyes met once again. Just like the sky even if Kambe’s eyes would have shined it seemed like something was just clouding his thoughts.
Kambe stood up and approached Kamei holding the bottle before giving it to him. The taller couldn’t help but be confused by this action
“I assumed you didn’t hydrate during practice, it’s very important especially when you were practicing for that long” Daisuke answered.
“Wait how did you know I was there?” Kamei starts to get nervous, he couldn’t have been caught again had he?
“Your hair” the older simply answered
“My...hair?” Kamei still looked confused.
“I could see that weird peak of your hair when you were hiding it wasn’t really a good job” Kambe shrugged.
“WEIRD?!? Excuse me but this hairstyle is trendy! You sir just have no taste” Kamei retorted and Kambe couldn’t help but laugh a bit.
“My friend was right you rich kids are rude” Kamei complained
Daisuke stops laughing at this and looks up to him. “Rude? I was just stating the obvious Kamei”
From this angle Kamei couldn’t help but flick a finger at the other’s exposed forehead , and he did
The shorter pouted and rubbed the area where he was hit. “Ok, that was rude”
Oh shit, Kamei remembered who the other was and maybe he shouldn’t have done that. Like who would do such an improper thing to the young scion. Well he just did but that’s beside the point right now
Kambe noticed Kamei was still and couldn’t help but be confused “Kamei?”
“SORRY KAMBE” He bows not the answer the ravenette was looking for.
Kambe looks at him confused by all of this then thinking that the other thought he was serious he just says it was a joke.
“A joke? Ah ahaha... you don’t really sound like you're joking” the blonde mentions.
“Oh..” Daisuke finally understands the misunderstanding.
“Um...anyways thank you for the water” Shinosuke thanked with a happy smile, it’s not like others didn’t care for him but he enjoyed the gesture.
Daisuke gave a small nod before saying “that’s what friends are for?” it almost sounded like a question rather than a statement but Kamei couldn’t believe it.
“Friend?” Kamei thinks out loud and Kambe catches on
Kambe nods just to clarify what he had just said. He then sees his car by the gate and bid farewell.
Once he got into the passenger he leaned by the window and thought of what he should have said instead
“well I thought we were at least , I must have misjudged then”
-----
Kamei couldn’t help but feel happy being friends with Kambe. Nowadays the ravenette didn’t need to watch through a window but he got front row seats. It’s not the cleanest but he kinda just sits on his designer handkerchief that he throws away after like tissue paper. It hurts Kamei sometimes watching Kambe throw away the expensive cloth when he couldn’t even have something at half the price.
Shinosuke learns that Daisuke was great with listening to notes, it’s almost like he had perfect pitch but Dai would say otherwise. It definitely helps stir Kamei to the right track when he misses by a few. The guy wasn’t a perfectionist but ya know ? It would be great if he did it perfectly.
His other friends started to notice how busy Shinnosuke has been lately. He’s been more tired lately especially by the end of the week when they would go drinking. Kamei never does it often so when Saeki saw this happen multiple times she knew something had changed. Katou sees Kamei studying more at school by the library. Holding not only his own but notes from someone else but Haru just couldn’t tell who by the handwriting. Kamei realized if he wants to practice he needs to get his tasks done or else his parents might press him on it.
Maybe it’s because he is once again excited to play...maybe not on the stage but he seemed to enjoy these last few weeks compared to when he first started in that school. Perhaps it’s the company that made him enjoy it more but at the same time he had been surrounded by others before so this isn’t anything new. Whatever drives him more to play feels more like a newly sparked interest that still continues to burn.
He isn’t the only one who has improved these past few days. Hattori couldn’t help but notice the small smile whenever he drove the young master home. It could almost rival those smiles he has whenever he gains another medal. Daisuke doesn’t even try to hide the smile as he leans on the window. Suzue also couldn’t help but notice Daisuke’s new found interest in brass interest, specifically trumpets, but he still keeps the same passion he has for piano. His own mother also heard some stories about a new friend Daisuke had proudly made. It’s been awhile since she’s heard someone this close to her own son and she couldn’t help but feel proud for him. The two had this thing of playing the piano late at night before falling asleep , the song would be like a lullaby to soothe the busy day.
It’s been a few since their first encounters and the two could probably call each other friends. So it wouldn’t be weird if Kambe had invited the other to the upcoming concert.
“I would like for you to come to my concert” Kambe confidently invited the other, making Kamei almost drop the instrument. Luckily he didn’t because that would be a pain to repair if ever it breaks.
He looked at the scion who was wearing a confident smirk but if you look at his eyes he seems … unsure. It’s not that he would mind if their circumstances were different, he was an ex(?) student and not some random outsider. Not to mention what if he might have old classmates and teachers and honestly he wasn’t sure if he wanted to show his face to them.
He then hears a sigh that cuts him out of thoughts , “it’s fine if you don’t, I just happened to have an available seat since my grandmother couldn’t”
When Daisuke had first heard his grandmother wouldn’t be coming along this time he was ecstatic to hear that.She had been the most controlling about his whole image and career. The only reason why he could have even been to the music school in the first place was because his mother had spoken to her about it multiple times. He knew that once the years of practice would be over that he would need to retire from the stage and head into the offices of his parents. But as for now, his parents are the ones carrying the Kambe businesses so the pressure wasn’t entirely on him. The least he could do is do great during the performances bringing pride to his family.
So there he was, he had an extra ticket and he knew exactly what to do with it
or well to give it to
He looked at Kamei again and stood up, it was almost the end of the day so they had to clean up soon. The two can only sneak out for so long without being caught that they had to go into some sort of routine.
“Well…” He can feel Kamei’s awkward eyes on him, “we should head out already”
Kamei holds onto the instrument just a little bit longer then places it in its case.
I mean he has never once seen the other perform despite Kambe watching his practice. He has no doubt that the scion is good but due to the lack of piano in the area he has never seen the other perform. So this is probably one of the few chances he could have without being in trouble. He groans and Kambe looks back at him “something wrong?” and Kamei just shocked his head.
Kamei went up to him fidgety a bit “I’ll go to the concert”
Daisuke’s eyes light up just a bit when he responds and gives a small nod.