Note!
(f/fl) : fav flavor
(December 1981)
~Your P.O.V~
I've been living in the Sakamoto house for weeks now. As for my apprenticeship... he hasn't taught me anything yet and I mostly being a nanny for Miu-san and their maid. Akiko-san asked why I use -san when calling Miu-san. "You're older than her." She said but I told her that the members of the house are higher than me although the real reason is that Miu-san is around forty in my time. She laughed it off and said that I was being silly.
I mostly spent my time in the house doing my responsibility as a maid. I never left the house. The furthest I leave is when I went to grocery shopping. When they go out together, I was left alone in the house. Whenever I cleaned the Professor's office, I noticed his equipment and the piano. I want to try to play it but I don't have his permission to do so. Or maybe I'm still nervous around him.
Everyone's not going anywhere today but we're still pretty distant. Even though Akiko-san treats me as a part of the family, I still feel like an outcast. Is it because of me being constantly awkward around him? Or is it just him? I should get over my awkwardness and start being more comfortable. The Professor is in office now and Akiko-san asked me to bring him refreshments.
I knocked the door and he allowed me to enter. "I brought you a drink." I informed while walking in. "Thank you. Just put it on the table." I did as told. "So um... what are you working on, sensei?" I asked. "Hm? Oh, I almost forgot about that." He chuckled. "I'm working on a soundtrack for a movie." He answered my question. "Will you play in the movie?". "Yes, I will." It must be the one Maya recommended me. I asked for the title even though I already know. "It's called Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.". "Ooh!" I showed my fascination to the title.
"The main title will be like this..." he started playing the familiar tune. It already has the magic since before it was released on the big screen and I realized how lucky I am. I got the front row seat of the award winning and global favorite song! Well, soon in this era. "The song is beautiful." I commented after the song ended. "There are more for the movie but thank you." He smiled.
"But it doesn't sound anything Christmas-y..." I added. "Well... the title to most of my songs don't have a huge significance. Don't think too much of it." He explained. "Do you want to try the song?" he asked. "You do know how to play this, don't you?" I nodded. He scooted to the side and I sat next to him. "Watch where I press the keys." I placed my fingers one octave higher where the Professor placed his.
I slowly followed the rhythm and he was patient in teaching. "Ah, I have to remember the order.". "The right hand order is easy to memorize. Focus more on the left." I nodded. He told me to repeat the song from the beginning. There were some mistakes here and there but he kept his patience and encouraged me to try again. After a while, I'm starting to get the hang of it.
We progressed pretty fast and I was surprised that I took the lead on the melody. Sensei played the chords and I tried to split my focus to pay attention for my left hand while maintaining the tempo on the right. "After this, repeat the first melody. It's easy when you're used to it." He explained and I played the song again from the beginning to before the bridge.
"Hey, you two." We stopped when we heard Akiko-san's voice. "Having fun with the piano?" Asked Akiko-san with a giggle. "We're doing her first lesson and she's learning very well." Said sensei. Akiko-san asked what song I'm learning and I told her the movie. "That's great! I'm sure you'll master it.". "Thank you so much, Akiko-san!" I couldn't ignore her warm confidence boost. I feel I want to give her a hug but not now. I'm sure I'll get through this phase.
Akiko-san reminded us for lunch then left. "By the way, (y/n)-chan...". "Yes, sensei?" I responded. "When is your birthday?" he asked. I felt that was a bit weird to ask. "It's at (b/d)." I answered anyway. (If your birthday is around Christmas then ignore the reaction.) "Ah I thought it was around Christmas." He was slightly disappointed. "Why do you ask?". "I'd like you to be among the first people to listen the pre-released soundtrack of the film.".
Now I understand why he asked for my birthday. "I look forward to it!" I responded politely but I'm actually excited for it. We continued my lesson for a bit more. "You can use it any time you like. But not when I'm working." He pointed with the face. I silently giggled and nodded. "Ask me if there's anything you'd like to ask.". "I understand, sensei." We finished the lesson and continued the rest of the day.
(Christmas)
It's Christmas! The weeks passed really quick that I hardly noticed it. For my progress on the song, I can say that I'm about 70% there. Even though I'm allowed to enter the office to practice, I still snuck inside. Sensei noticed it and he told me just to enter when I want to practice except when he's using the room. I apologized and he forgave me. I think he understood my nervousness around him.
The first week of December I already helped with the decorations. Akiko-san was really excited about it. The decorations weren't a lot but it does show the Christmas spirit. I usually celebrate Christmas at my uncle's place. My cousins and I would play games and my uncle would give us presents. I didn't celebrate it at one time due to massive assignment stack so I had to skip Christmas to finish them all.
Both Akiko-san and I were eager to celebrate and I have to admit that we were a bit impatient waiting for sensei to come home. "What's taking him so long?". "I'm sure sensei will be back soon." I tried to calm her down. Minutes passed and we heard the door open. "I'm home! I'm sorry for coming late." Said sensei. "Welcome home, sensei." I greeted. "No, you're not late." Said Akiko-san and Miu-san ran to hug her father. It was cute but it hurts.
"I bought cake on the way back." Sensei showed the box. "I'll take it to the table, sensei." I requested and he gave it to me. I went to the kitchen to prepare the cake. There were three different flavored slices and neatly wrapped in plastic. I put them in the fridge to let them cool for a bit. I went back to the living room and Ryuichi-sensei was gone. I suspect he took shower after a long day of work. 'We'll just wait for him at dinner then...' I thought to myself.
"You look much more excited than yesterday, Akiko-san." I teased. She laughed and admitted. "How about yourself, (y/n)-chan?". "I'm excited too! It's Christmas and I'm celebrating it with you, Miu-san and with sensei too!" I answered. "Have you celebrated Christmas before?" she asked. "I... haven't really since I moved to my uncle's place.". "How long?" I lied by telling her I arrived a few months before my uncle "left" for a "long business trip".
Akiko-san nodded after my explanation and called Miu-san to join us. 'She's really cute.' I smiled at the thought. Ryuichi-sensei finally joined us and we celebrated Christmas. We had dinner first then I brought out the cake sensei bought. I put them on the table, "It's ready..." I wasn't sure which one to pick. "How about you take one first, (y/n)-chan?" said Ryuichi-sensei. I saw one of the cakes and it was (f/fl). I firmly grasped my courage and took the (f/fl) cake. I sat down and the rest was taken by Ryuichi-sensei and Akiko-san.
The cake was delicious and I enjoyed it. We were all enjoying our dessert even Miu-san likes Akiko-san's share. "I just remembered something!" both of them looked at me when I stood up. "I'll be back in a second." I went to my room and grabbed the cards I bought. I went back to the dining room, "I like you to have this." I gave them the cards. "I bought them because I thought they look nice-I-it's not handmade but what I wanted to say is... thank you for having me."
"We thank you to work with us." Sensei smiled and Akiko-san added, "They're wonderful, (y/n)-chan. Thank you." She smiled too. Outside may be freezing but the atmosphere here in this room is nicely warm. I think I'm starting to like it here. We finished the dessert and I helped Akiko-san with the dishes after that, sensei called us to the living room. I can't wait to hear it.
We went to the living room and Ryuichi-sensei was setting up the turntable. "Is it ready, dear?" asked Akiko-san. Ryuichi-sensei nodded, "The base is finished, the studio will arrange it better with the orchestra." He explained. He looked at us, "As promised, you two are the first ones to listen." He smiled and I think I saw him glanced at me. Get your head out of the gutter, (y/n)! I sat on the next couch where Akiko-san and Miu-san sat and Ryuichi-sensei played the record. The first track was the main theme.
While listening to the soundtracks, I remembered the scenes from the movie. I don't exactly remember most of them but they seemed to jog my memory a bit even though I only watched it once. The track now is the instrumental version of the song the little brother sang. It sounds flowery. Then it reached the forbidden kiss scene. This makes to the favorite list. The track ended and we clapped. "They sounded amazing!" I gave my appreciation. "Merry Christmas!" he replied. "Merry Christmas."
A.N : Merry Christmas!!! I told you I'll upload it on the day. The vid is the piano version of the movie and it's really nice to listen to. Hope you guys have an amazing Christmas and a happy New Year! RD out!! Boi!!!