A/N: In case you can't tell, this is set before the season starts.
Cure Narrative 32: Plummeting Star
Season: Hugtto Precure
Character: Homare K.
Summary: The higher you climb, the more painful is the fall.
Italics: thoughts
"You were totally shining out there, Homare!" Henri cheered as I returned to the spectators' seats, "When your golden hair trailed behind you, you looked like a shooting star!"
"Henri!" I was surprised to see him, "When did you arrive?"
"The second candidate before you."
"Were you in a rush? You really didn't have to come."
"Well," Henri chuckled like he always did, "I couldn't wait to show you this." He delved into his bag and pulled out a round object. Then he placed it into my hand, but still covering it.
"Did you win?" I inquired with anticipating eyes.
"Close," Henri revealed the silver medal.
"First runner-up! Congrats!"
"Homare," Henri looked me in the eyes, "Do you think you can do better than me?"
I smirked, "You saw my performance, what do you think?"
Henri feigned annoyance, "Hmph, you cheeky girl."
"Ha! Just you wait!"
"Great job, Homare-chan!" that night, my mother congratulated me, "You got third place!"
It wasn't that I was not thankful, but I was aiming for the highest star in the night sky. This... wasn't enough.
"Mother," I had considered this for the entire afternoon, all I needed was my family's opinion, "I think I should train for a new move."
I could tell that mother was rather intrigued, she probably thought that I had already been overcoming a lot of limitations, "Go on?"
"The quadruple toe loop." And I proceeded to give a two-minute explanation of the jump to her.
"Homare," mother spoke after some consideration, "I won't reject it if it's what you wish, but are you absolutely sure about this?"
I nodded, my right hand tugging at my jersey.
"Henri said he believes in me."
"And I do too, Homare-chan," mother pulled me into a kind embrace, "I will cheer for you."
She smiled.
Here goes!
The music reached a climax, I readied myself for the leap as pride sparkled in my eyes.
The first spin in the air.
I feel like a shooting star, burning bright in the night sky.
The second spin.
I can do this. Just a little more. I can reach the highest star!
The third spin.
Huh?
I didn't know what came over me, but suddenly, I lost the momentum, my body did not allow me to perform the fourth spin.
I gasped.
At that moment, I was no shooting star.
I was but a plummeting star.
It hurts!
The rink fell silent, people cheering, the music, the sound my blades made when they dance on the ice. Just vanished.
All I could hear was my mind screeching in pain.
"H-Homare!" it was Henri's voice. He bolted off his seat.
The paramedics arrived at my side after about two minutes. After inspecting my injury, they immobilised my shank with splints, placed me on a stretcher, and carried me out of the rink.
Henri intercepted us in the corridor, "Homare!"
"Henri..."
"Are you okay!?"
I turned to look at him, and that gave him the answer, for the only thing that was sparkling in my eyes now...
...was my tears.
After a few long days, I was discharged from the hospital. I returned home, not feeling much better.
I looked into the mirror.
I suffered a minor fibular fracture, as well as a twisted ankle, everything would heal completely in about 6 weeks.
The doctor said I was lucky because, with a fall from that height, if I hit my spine, I could've ended up with permanent injuries.
And yet, I didn't feel lucky in the slightest.
My eyes sparkled again, with tears.
Why...?
If only I hadn't been so greedy...
If only I hadn't reached for a height I couldn't climb...
Now I...
I just disappointed everyone...
Zephyrs wafted into the house gently, making my long golden locks sway in the wind.
A shooting star...
I clenched my teeth and reached into a drawer, pulling out a pair of scissors.
Worthless...! Uncool...!
I grabbed my ponytail with my left hand.
When a meteor falls to the ground...
Snap.
It just becomes any other ordinary rock.
My golden locks cascaded to the floor.
End of Chapter 32