Chapter Text
A duet. A pianist and a violinist. Two musicians who possess their own sound.
However, a duet does not solely represent a phenomenon that is simply confined to two musicians sharing a stage. To others, it may serve as a blank slate meant to be written and painted by the interweaving stories of the characters involved. Some may see it as a labyrinth, a game of losing and finding each other, that binds the players to the rules of the maze that can only be resolved by clashing with one another.
To Rinko, a duet is an opportunity to create a new world that explores limitless possibilities together with a special someone. A vision and affinity for change— that is the kind of power that one would obtain by being in a duet. The pieces performed together, the notes being intricately sewn with one another, forming a new sound with each bold stroke made until a home thriving in peace stands at the center of that new world. To Rinko, that is a duet. A duet that she had always dreamed of being a part of after a long time of finding comfort in solitude.
So, the moment her parents told her that a family from the music industry would be coming over with their violinist daughter, Rinko hesitated. She always had difficulty reaching out to kids her age. The mere thought of being dismissed after revealing fragments of herself had scared her, and unfortunately, that fear and sadness seeped through her music once.
If you are sad, then your piano is sad. If you are happy, then your piano will sound happy, too. Words of advice from her piano teacher rung in her mind. Her reason for playing the piano despite her fear made itself known to Rinko’s heart again.
Despite her fear, she rehearsed dozens of duet pieces that she could think of. Perhaps it was her enthusiasm that made adrenaline surge through her tiny body. She knew that she was still a scared kid, she could get more opportunities to perform a duet, so why? Why must she be this ecstatic and determined? And that’s when she realized.
The first time will always be a hundred ways different from the duets she could take on in the future. Nothing will compare to the first bold stroke, the first step she will make upon entering the world that she would create with her partner. The first bold stroke that she will make to face her fear, to act on her hopefulness that she and her partner will be connected by music.
Now, in front of her stood tall the Yashios and behind the statuesque figure of the woman was a little girl who was at least an inch shorter than Rinko. Even though Rinko could tell that the other girl was younger than her, she seemed more refined than what she’s supposed to look like. With her hair cut short and her clothes kept pristine in shades of monochrome, questions started to make themselves known in Rinko’s mind.
“Rinko, this is Rui and her parents. From now on, you’ll be rehearsing as a duet. But don’t worry, you two would still be able to attend your solo lessons.”
“We thought that having a partner would sharpen your skills, or better, would enable you to acquire new ones, Rinko-chan. Together with your parents, we thought that this method would aid you and our Rui in becoming better musicians.”
“For now, you don’t have to rigorously practice yet. Perhaps try gauging each other’s styles and techniques first. Think of it as a way of getting to know each other. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
“Rui, why don’t you introduce yourself first?”
Rui’s mother ushered her daughter to face Rinko. The violinist seemed unbothered, nonchalant. Rinko could not discern what Rui was thinking, but deep down, she’s assured that the younger girl still has that child-like innocence and curiosity that she herself has.
“Hello, Shirokane-san. My name is Rui and I have been playing the violin since I was 3 years old. I hope we can work well together.”
At first, the pianist was slightly taken aback by how formal Rui was. But despite that, Rinko still heard that there were still hints of softness and vulnerability in Rui’s voice.
“Hi, Rui-san. You can call me Rinko. I’m looking forward to being your partner... and your friend.”
The pianist thoughtfully initiated a handshake with Rui. The adults in the room watched in silence. At first, her hand hung in the air as Rui tried to receive an affirmation from her parents. To Rinko’s surprise, she suddenly felt the violinist’s small hand lock with hers and even saw a faint smile form on Rui’s lips.
This is it, Rinko thought. This was the part of the story where she and Rui would begin finding their melodies and harmonizing with each other. This would mark their journey in finding the perfect synergy that would be more than enough to give rise to new works of art.
This would be the time where she would have to let go of her fears and let her music reach Rui.
The pianist led the younger girl into her room where her piano, shining in raven shade, took center stage. As she watched the violinist enter her space, Rinko noticed Rui’s eyes widen for a split second. It was truly unusual to see a piano this size be placed in a person’s sleeping quarters. Perhaps that’s what made Rui look surprised and she truly understood why she reacted that way.
Even to this day, Rinko still finds herself in awe of her big old friend. To her, the piano is her silent confidant who knows all her secrets, dreams, and hope. To her, the piano is her guardian and safe haven. With Rui being there with her, Rinko must have thought that the piano knew how its friend is now one step closer to achieving one of her long-time wishes— to share how she sees the world of music with someone.
“Rui-chan, what is a duet to you?”
“A duet… to me?”
“Yes... For instance, I think that a duet is a door that will lead us to a magical world and we are its founders! It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside... to live in a fantasy like that. So, Rui-chan, what do you think of it? What does a duet make you feel?”
At that moment, Rinko finally saw how small and fragile Rui actually is. The violinist who carried herself with dignity regardless of her tiny stature had disappeared. In front of Rinko now is a girl who is confused, clueless.
Lost.
Who knew that a simple question rooted in youthful wonder would break this girl’s composure?
“You don’t have to answer now! Don’t worry, I’m sure that you will find its meaning to you someday.”
It was the least that she could do for Rui. Even though she is just a child, Rinko once experienced what it felt to be directionless. So when her parents introduced her to music and the piano, it seemed like a new path was shone upon for her to see and conquer. To show the violinist reassurance, she gently took her hand and held it closely with care.
“I know! Why not figure it out together? We could find a new meaning for a duet and with me by your side, I’ll help you discover what it means to you.”
“Shi- Rinko-san, you would do that for me?”
“Of course! I would do anything for you, Rui-chan, because you are my partner and friend.”
“Friend...”
Once again, the young violinist was dumbfounded and speechless yet she remained calm and still. But the older girl caught up on this and she knew that there is something more meaningful to do than reassure Rui with mere words.
“Rinko-san… what are you doing?”
“Let’s make a pinky promise!”
“A pinky promise?”
“Here just raise your pinky like this and… there!”
“What are we even promising each other? I do not have anything to promise you.”
“But I do.”
“And that is…?”
The pianist pondered the question hanging in the air for a moment. They just met today and yet here she is, making pinky promises with this little girl whom she barely knows.
There is something about Yashio Rui that draws Rinko in.
No, she does not feel gravitated to her.
Instead, it was Rui whom she wanted to reach out to and whisk away from this reality. It was Rinko who wanted to draw Rui in towards her orbit as they travel between galaxies in hopes of finding a new world with their shared music. Just like what the piano did for her in the past.
“Rui-chan… I promise to be a musician who will sweep off the feet of those who will watch me and hear my sound. I will be exceptional that no one would be able to reach me as I continue to soar higher. I promise to be a musician who is worthy and deserving to be your partner. I promise that I will be skilled enough to be able to lend you wings in finding your own meaning of a duet.”
“Rinko-san...”
“It’s a promise, Rui-chan!”
Fates were rewritten and promises were made.
Rinko finally sealed her devotion to this duet as the two fingers of the musicians wrapped one another. This marks the beginning of their journey as violinist Yashio Rui and pianist Shirokane Rinko. With new pages being turned, this is now their time to show the world what they can do together with their harmonious melodies.
“Shall we start with Rachmaninoff then, Rinko-san?”
“I would love that, Rui.”