Ch.8【Shooting Stars Saga】together they shine - last
Sunday, 8:21pm
Nakahara Yui
Yui
Thank you for your help yesterday
Are you okay Sae?
Sae
Yes
I'm off club activities
Yui
No why μ_μ
Sae
It's my schedule
Don't worry
Yui
Good luck then Sae
(っ'ω')ﾉ(╥ω╥)
Sae
Is this a hug?
Yui
Yes it is
Kinda
Do you like it?
Sae
Not bad
I'll take it
Yui
*sends a LINE sticker*
Are you ready for exams?
Sae
F-ck
Not really
Forgot about them
Yui
We want to study at Gumi's this week
Come
Sae
When
Yui
Saturday
And maybe Sunday as well
I'm sorry I won't be able to visit the music room for awhile μ_μ
Please come if you can
I'd be happy to see you ต(=ω=)ต
Sae
I'll drop by
Itoshi Sae is typing...
Yui read his reply with a smile. Something about the aloof boy always made her smile. Even his brash attitude and curt responses filled her with joy, and she felt a new sense of fondness, remembering his blatant display of protection during their confrontation with Kota.
Her stomach tingled and she clutched her phone tightly. Shifting on her bed, Yui curled up into a ball with her knees pulled up to her chest.
Her eyes fell onto a small white purse that laid innocently on top of the night stand. It was the same one she had taken with her on their shopping trip a week ago.
Yui remembered something and grabbed for the pouch. After a bit of rummaging she pulled out a small wrapping from it. It was a small silver bag charm in the shape of a bigger hexagon made up of 5 smaller hexagons. There was a tiny piece of red tourmaline embedded in the middle of the hexagon.
Yui had found it at a small store that sold accessories and trinkets during their shopping trip at Ginza. She had felt drawn to the red shiny color of tourmaline the moment she saw it, mainly because it reminded her of a certain redhead.
'I still haven't given him my thanks yet.' Yui mused as she remembered the times Sae had helped her out.
First, it was their meeting in the music room, then the confrontation with Kota. She knew she wouldn't have found the courage to stand up to the senior without Sae. In truth, she was enraged when she heard the words Kota had said to Sae and this anger gave her courage to face him.
Sae probably wasn't even aware of it, but the list of things Yui felt like she owned to him was just growing day by day.
The girl had been waiting for a good time to give it to him for over a week but the timing just wouldn't fit.
'This time for sure.' Yui thought encouragingly and put the charm back into the purse. 'I'll definitely give it to him tomorrow for sure.'
Monday
Like that, tomorrow arrived and Yui grabbed the nearest chance to ask Sae to accompany her to the station after school.
Yui had been fiddling in her seat unusually nervous the whole time; she was excited and couldn't wait to give him something in return for all the things he had done for her.
In her mind, she would give it to him when they said goodbye at the station.
The moment the bell rang, the girl packed her bag and dashed out of the classroom. She only stopped for a moment to bid her friends goodbye.
Once outside the school building, Yui checked her bag for the purse and waited for Sae to appear.
One after another students left the building. They formed a small crowd and the empty campus slowly filled with people. In the middle of it all, the stark red color of a certain prodigy's hair stood out.
Sae appeared with his hands tucked in his pockets.
Yui walked up to him and the two teens walked towards the station together.
Their walk was peaceful. The scenery was the same as always, and yet the feelings they shared were special. The world took on a different hue as long as they had each other.
'I wish this moment could last forever.'
Yui thought with a slight melancholic note.
She could already see the crossroad that would soon separate them again. She tried to cheer herself up with the thought that, at least this time, she would part with a lighter heart, knowing that the gift would find its way to Sae.
«Nii-san?»
Just as Yui finished her thought, a voice called out to them suddenly.
«... Rin?» Sae said in surprise, and the two of them turned around to face the black-haired.
Rin was dressed in a grey hoodie and a simple pair of black balloon pants with his teal colored backpack on his back. His eyes nervously went from Sae to Yui, back to Sae and then to Yui again. They then lingered there (=on her) for awhile.
Sae shifted nonchalantly and a small glare marred his face as he directed it at his brother.
'You're staring too much, Rin.' Sae warned his brother via telepathy.
«Sorry...» Rin apologized bashfully and lowered his head. The atmosphere turned mildly awkward with the silence that followed.
As if to ease the awkwardness, Yui peeked from behind Sae and greeted Rin.
«Hello, Rin-chan. I'm Nakahara Yui, a friend of Sae's. Thank you for last time.» Yui bowed politely.
«! Oh... yeah. Y-your welcome...» Rin replied back slightly flustered.
He didn't know who that girl was
and what kind of relationship she had with his brother; actually his whole brain wasn't really catching up to the situation right now. Sae sighed.
«So, what are you doing here?» Sae switched the topic.
«Ah... there's no club practice because of exams.» Rin mumbled. 'I was on my way to get you.' He finished in thoughts.
The two brothers stared at each other in awkward silence. This awkwardness continued on until Yui chuckled softly.
«Sae, I will be excusing myself first. You want to go together, don't you?» She said directing an earnest smile towards Sae and Rin.
«Thank you for accompanying me. See you tomorrow Sae. And bye bye Rin-chan.» Before any of the guys could stop her Yui had left with a polite bow.
'Tomorrow is still a day.' Yui thought with excitement.
The next day, Yui woke up to the news of Sae and Rin going home together from now on. She was happy for them, but it also meant that she had to think of a new plan.
Sae and Yui were in different classes, and the only time where they could see each other was during break, and so the girl eagerly awaited the perfect time to give it to him during lunch.
However, Lady Luck wasn't smiling down on her. Whenever a good chance arose, someone or something interfered with their conversation or interrupted their time together.
By the end of the week, the girl was all out of energy and more importantly, out of plans and time. She even had the silly thought of mailing it to him with how desperate she was.
Heaving a small sigh Yui glanced out of the window.
Her weird behavior did not go unnoticed by her friends but until the girl would approach them first, they will continue to quietly watch over her.
That being said, Megumi couldn't help but attempt to cheer her up a little.
«Yui, are you ready for tomorrow?» The calm girl asked.
Yui looked up at her best friend. «Yes, I am. Thank you for having us over.» Yui replied cheerfully.
Megumi smiled a rare smile. «Of course. And well... no matter what, at least you're better off than these two.»
Megumi said and her hand gestured towards An and Ageha sitting on the other end of the classroom.
The brunette was currently crying and stressing over the block of assignment sheets Takao had given her. Meanwhile, Ageha's hand was shaking as she tried to force herself to memorize dates for Japanese History.
Yui felt bad seeing her two friends like that, but at least tomorrow they could go through each subject together and help each other out.
With that thought in mind, Yui returned back to her task at hand: Japanese Literature.
'Mizuno Residence' - Itoshi Sae read the sign nailed onto the tall bricked wall that surrounded the mansion Megumi and Takao lived at.
It was impressive to say in one word. From where he stood, he could see a beautiful garden and courtyard that lead to the mansion's entrance. It was a modern mansion built in a two floor complex with high glass windows.
He had seen these buildings during overseas trips with his family before but it would be his first time visiting one in Japan. And a friend's home nonetheless.
'These god-damn rich kids...' Sae thought again and rang the doorbell.
The inside was just as grand as the outside. It had a modern western styled apartment feeling to it and was very nicely decorated.
«This way.» Megumi said as she led him towards the living room the teens always gathered. Once Sae saw it, he could understand why they always met up here.
The living room was a grand, open space that basically made up most of the lower floor. From left to right it had a kitchen, couch, TV and a dining room that one could easily access, along with all the necessary furnitures. It was neat and spacious, yet still comfortable for a group of teens to hang out at.
Sae glanced around the room. The person he was looking for was not here yet, and that bothered him; Sae dully noted and took a seat at the couch.
«Sae, what subject are you good at?» Megumi interrupted the silence with a question. Since they were studying, she figured it would be good to know everyone's strength and weaknesses beforehand.
Sae raised an eyebrow. He had no intention to answer that.
His response threw Megumi off and Yuusuke quickly interfered to placate his girlfriend. Only those that have seen it know how frightening Megumi was when angered.
«He's good at English as far as I know.» Yuusuke answered for him.
Sae merely leaned back into the couch. He casually opened one of the canned drinks prepared on the table and took a sip out of it.
«Then... are there any subjects you need help with?» Megumi tried again.
This time Sae actually looked at her as he cooly said. «Not at all. I don't need to pass.»
For a moment it was silent, until An snapped at him. She had been trying to remain calm and to ignore his presence since the moment he entered. And she was doing a good job at it as well; or so she would say...
«You scum of a *****! Can't you see that Megumi is trying to help you?! We GET IT! you're a fcking goddamn genius So JUST GO AND STOP BEING AN ANNOYING ST-CK UP B****! YOU Pain In THE a-» The rest of her outburst was silenced by Takao's hand over her mouth.
He looked at Sae apologetically. «I'm sorry. An gets cranky when she's stressed and lashes out at everyone.»
While he was saying so, said girl had slammed a heel into his feet. Takao was forced to release her with a painful wince.
An huffed. «Now, that felt good! Guys, I can focus on learning now!~» The girl said happily as she skipped around.
The guys in the room shuddered with a single thought in their mind. 'Girls are crazy...'
Megumi just sighed, while Shuu shook his head and mumbled an apology towards Sae.
Sae just cooly shrugged it off. He was pissed but he already knew about An's bad behavior and temper. 'Still as stupid as a kid.' Sae noted in irritation.
Just as his mood began to take a turn for the worse, the door opened once again.
«We're back.» Two gentle voices rang. One of them a voice Sae instantly recognized.
He stood up with a swift movement and immediately walked towards the hall he had passed through before.
He soon came face to face with Yui, the person he had been waiting for.
Her eyes lit up the moment she saw him and a bright smile adorned her face. Sae immediately felt his growing headache and annoyance ease up.
«Sae, you're early. I'm glad to see you.» Yui greeted as she tried to change into a pair of loafers.
Sae came to help her by taking away the bag she had been carrying. «Thank you.» She thanked the teen and quickly slipped into the loafers.
Sae then noticed Ageha behind her and although he didn't want to at first, he remembered how the usually shy and quiet girl had helped him out a week ago, and with a hesitant shrug he went and took the bag out of her hand as well.
Ageha was visibly surprised while Yui smiled at them warmly.
When Yui was done changing, she tried to take the bag from Sae but he wouldn't let her. With a smooth turn, Sae led the way to the living room.
Yui quietly followed after him with a gentle smile. The bag wasn't heavy but she still appreciated his little gesture of help.
«So before we start, let's organize ourselves a bit. First, name the subjects you are good at and second, the ones you need help with, alright?» Takao who took on the role of the Executive Leader for this meeting suggested into the round.
He got a mixture of half-assed yes(es) or affirming nods as a reply. «Good then, Yuusuke can start.»
«Kay, then. Subjects I'm good at: Social Studies, and Chemistry. And what I may need help with is Physics. Megu, next.» He casually called out.
Megumi was caught by surprise. She didn't expect for them to suddenly call people out, but she soon regained her calm and took her turn.
«I'm fairly good at all subjects so feel free to ask me anything.» She offered calmly.
«Next... An-chan?» The girl called out after a bit of hesitation. Her initial thought was to call Yui but she was worried An would have another fit if she was last and thus went for it.
An smiled and proudly said: «There's nothing I'm good with! I can help you with P.E though!» She ended with a giggle.
«Okay, now then... what are you good at,
S-a-e.» Her provocative tone and glare didn't go unnoticed.
None of them knew what happened between the two of them, but An seemed to have some personal vendetta against the football prodigy.
Sae didn't bother to say anything, nor to even look at her. He just leaned back onto the very comfortable couch and looked at the ceiling lazily. A few seconds passed by like this.
Yui turned to him when she noticed that he wasn't replying. «Sae, you don't want to?»
Sae turned to look at her and he paused for a moment. He saw his reflection in her clear blue orbs and it pleased him endlessly.
Being painfully aware of the other's eyes on them, he broke off the eye contact.
«I don't want to.» He mumbled in a slight kicked puppy voice.
Yui pondered for a moment and then smiled comfortingly. «That's fine then. Personally, I was curious as well but-» She didn't even manage to finish her sentence when Sae straightened up and glanced at her.
«?» Yui tilted her head in question innocently.
After a moment, Sae turned his attention back to the group again.
«...I'm okay with Japanese and English. My worst subject would be...» Sae trailed off as he thought. When was the last time he had checked his papers?
The teen never bothered to study for exams nor pass them. His mind had always been too full with football for any of that. Actually, to a certain point, except for football there wasn't really anything he was good at.
He kinda knew that but he didn't want to admit it in front of certain people here.
Yui's casual response put an end to his silence. «Can you help me with Japanese then? I may need a bit of help with it.» She admitted honestly as she remembered her struggle with Literature and Kanji, especially.
As someone who grew up abroad, in a country with a whole other language system at that, Kanji was especially hard for her.
Sae's expression softened slightly. «Sure.»
Their little exchange did not go missed by the teens and an idea popped into Megumi's mind. She cleared her throat once as if to gather everyone's attention onto her.
«Then, Yui and Sae can be in a group. Takao, you take care of An. Ageha, Shuu can help you with anything and Yuusuke you're with me.» She concluded and a choruses of Yes~ appeared.
Yui's mood lifted slightly after that. She was happy to spend time with Sae and even more, this would be a good time to give him the gift.
She didn't expect it but a chance came on its own.
«You guys can stay here. Ageha and Shuu are in the other study across this one. Yuusuke and I are in the living room. An-chan is upstairs at Takao's room.» Megumi said as she showed them to one of the study rooms.
«What-» Sae said after he heard what Megumi had said.
«What?» Megumi repeated confusedly. Not realizing how her sentence could be mistaken.
«Oh! No, that- I mean-» After going through it again, she realized what might have offset Sae and Megumi blushed looking at the ground nervously.
An-chan is upstairs at Takao's room.
Sae might have misunderstood something but Megumi was too shy to say anything right now. The only reason An was at Takao's room in the first place was because said girl was like a raging typhoon when stressed and thus she had to be isolated.
'Way to go, Takao.' Sae thought teasingly.
His own eyes went to Yui who busied herself with setting the table. There was a slight haze burning in them as Sae became more and more aware of his ever growing feelings for her.
Megumi looked up once she had regained herself and she saw Sae look towards Yui with a yearning look in his eyes. But she could also tell that something was holding him back. Sae was hesitating.
Megumi didn't know why or what it was, but she could guess. As someone who was in a relationship herself, she knew all too well how confusing it was to fall for someone.
«If you are hesitating now, then you aren't ready for it yet.» Megumi whispered loud enough only for Sae to hear.
He looked at her in surprise but said girl had already turned around and left with a wave.
«Gumi, wait.» Megumi paused when Yui called for her. The girl turned around to face her best friend. Yui smiled up at her brightly as she approached her and whispered something into her ear.
Sae just watched curiously.
The next thing Sae knew, Megumi was hugging Yui tightly. «Yui, I love you so much!~»
Megumi exclaimed while squeezing and nuzzling Yui tightly in her arms - 'far too excessively'- as Sae noted later.
However, right now, Sae froze. «!»
He suddenly felt an immense wave of jealousy overcome him as he watched them and there was only one thought on his mind: 'Get away from her!'
With her head on Yui's shoulder, Megumi watched his reaction.
She glared at the boy in front of them and Sae refuted it with a heated stare of his own. She didn't miss his fists that were clenching and then unclenching again.
After a brief moment of reluctance, she released Yui again.
Yui's face was colored a bright red and she immediately turned away to hide it.
Her cute reaction was enough to satisfy Megumi and she retreated with a smile.
The door closed with a thud and Sae was pulled out of his daze.
«Yui-» Sae called to out to her.
Said girl was currently fanning to herself with her notebook as if to cool down the heat on her cheeks. Her hair was fluttering lightly in the wind as she did so and this heavenly appearance made his heart skip a beat.
'... Pretty.' He fawned over her unconsciously.
«?» Yui looked at him questioningly with eyes brimming of innocence from the light that shone through the window.
«Sae, are you okay?» Yui asked when she noticed that he was just staring without saying anything.
Worried, Yui closed in on him.
Sae couldn't answer and just looked at her in a slight daze. His heart was still loudly thumping inside of his chest and he could feel his whole body warm up. He knew this was bad but he liked her so much.
'I want to touch her.'
Sae remembered how comforting it felt to hold her in his arms during their confrontation with Kota, and right now he wanted nothing more than to hold her close to him and experience that fluttering feeling again.
'She's so close.' Sae thought at the girl that was less than an arm reach away from him. He reached out one of his arms behind her back -
«?!»
and froze.
Suddenly there was a cold and smooth sensation on his cheeks. It gradually felt warmer the longer it stayed there.
«Are you okay?» Yui asked with a voice filled with worry and concern. As if to emphasize her worry, her eyes glistened like an endless starry night in front of him.
Sae wanted to answer and reply but he couldn't find the strength to say anything. There was nothing to say. Nothing even came close to what he wanted to say.
'Nothing can express the way I feel for you.'
Sae fell hard. Much harder than he could have ever thought but he knew that he couldn't have her, at least not now. Sae disliked doing things half-heartedly and right now, he chose football. Football was his everything.
These feelings had nowhere to go but at the same time, they wouldn't just disappear only because it's convenient for him.
Sae knew. The path he chose might lead them apart from each other. The thought of that happening, stifled and suffocated him and he realized that only Yui could make him feel better. When she touched him: The uneasiness just washed away.
'I want more.'
With that thought in mind, Sae closed his eyes and shifted his head lightly. He sunk his cheek further into that warm soft hand on his cheek and reveled in the comfort she provided.
«!»
His reaction startled the girl and she flinched - Sae looked so beautiful and peaceful right now - she was captivated by this ethereal sight in front of her.
After a few seconds, that felt like an eternity to them, she felt the senses return to her fingers again and she tenderly caressed his cheek with a fond gaze in her eyes.
Sae noticed that smooth, tentative and tender sensation and he smiled in utter satisfaction with his eyes still closed.
'It feels good to be touched by you.
It feels good to be with you...'
Sae thought as he opened his eyes slowly. He gently yet firmly wrapped her hand that caressed his cheek with nothing else but love, into his own larger one.
'This should have been enough for me. But now I...'
Sae smiled softly as their eyes met for a brief moment - a dangerous glint in his eyes that resembled more of a smirk - He soon closed his eyes again and planted a featherlike tender kiss on her palm.
'...I want you.'
Sae opened his eyes slightly. His passionate teal-colored eyes bore themselves onto Yui's widened crystal blue ones. An unyielding love and desire burnt in them.
The time tricked by ever so slowly. Yui couldn't look away from these alluring eyes that looked into hers with unwavering conviction and... desire.
It's like Sae was captivating her with his eyes. These mesmerizing eyes, in the most beautiful shade of teal. They once seemed a bit cold to her, but now they were just warm - if not a bit dangerous.
She felt like his eyes brimmed with greed, and if she wasn't being careful, they could consume and devour her, right then and there.
'He's already this handsome and charming now, just how much more handsome will he be once he's older.' Yui thought.
She was feeling lightheaded with the rapid pace her heart was beating at. Her ears were ringing. Her mind hazy and it was all because of that one guy in front of her, Itoshi Sae.
Suddenly a soft chortle caught her attention.
That chortle soon turned into a smooth chuckle.
Sae turned away and held a hand in front of his face. His body shook slightly as he tried to hold in his laughter.
Yui blushed further when she realized something. There was only one reason for Sae to react like this.
«D- Did I say it out loud ?!» She asked mortified, unable to control her voice and stutter.
As if to answer her, Sae's laughter just furthered. He was full out laughing now, to the point where the teen had to kneel, because his stomach was hurting so bad.
It was a beautiful light and melodious sound to her ears, and as mortifying as it was, Yui felt like her embarrassment was nothing in comparison to seeing Sae laugh out loud, like the teens that they were.
Yui looked down at the hand, that Sae had been holding earlier, and she smiled down at it fondly.
She couldn't tell what it was, but her stomach was fluttering to the brim and only happiness soared through her whole being. Yui was the happiest with Sae.
Sadly, Sae soon regained himself and he stopped his laughter. His mood seemed to be good though, and it didn't stop him from teasing her.
«I'll show you. Let's see how much more charming I can get, once I'm grown up and 'even more handsome'.»
Sae raised himself up to his legs again.
He put his hands into his pocket cooly and smirked while saying that.
His voice was light but his eyes showed a seriousness beneath that playful attitude. Sae wasn't lying. He meant it.
'Ah, mature Sae is back again.' Yui thought to herself and smiled.
'He was kinda cute just now.' She kept that thought to herself, knowing that Sae wouldn't like it to be called cute.
She imagined the annoyed face he would make, shall she call him that, and the image got her to chuckle.
Sae heard her and he really wondered intrigued what's going through her head right now.
'Then again, I don't even know what's going through mine either.'
'Not when Yui is involved.' That's it.
Sae mused, and he remembered his impulsive actions earlier. Suddenly, it was hard to control the blood rushing to his ears.
He turned away and his line of sight fell onto the study table. Seeing a lifeline, he clung onto it as if it was his saving grace.
He walked over and pulled out a chair before seating himself.
«...Let's start.»
Sae said cooly as if nothing happened.
He was relieved when his voice sounded normal.
Now, if only this erratically beating heart of his could calm down as well, everything would be fine.
But it didn't, and so Sae had to turn away in order to hide the blush, he knew for sure was spreading across his face.
Some time passed with no response, and the growing silence unsettled Sae. «Yui?»
From the moment, he had turned away till now, the girl hadn't spoken a word nor moved from her position.
'Something isn't right.' His mind told him and Sae left his seat to approach the frozen girl.
Yui seemed to be in a daze. She was staring at the door with unfocused eyes.
«Yui.» Sae called again, this time in a slightly more urgent voice.
Her pale face and unfocused eyes worried him. It was like she wasn't here and he feared she would disappear in front of his eyes right now.
«Yui!» He called out to her and put his hands on her shoulders.
Her body twitched and Sae heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, a response!
The light slowly returned to Yui's eyes and her face regained some colors. She slowly looked around as she tried to gingerly recognize her surroundings.
«S-... Sae? ...Huh?»
«!»
Suddenly teardrops were trickling down her face. One after another, until they were pouring down like summer rain.
Yui didn't know why, but the moment she saw Sae's face in front of her, a wave of emotions overwhelmed her, and she couldn't stop the tears falling from her eyes.
«I- I'm sorry... I don't know why... but I just felt so relieved ...to see you.» She said inbetween sniffs and tried to wipe away the tears that fell from her eyes.
Sae didn't say anything. The moment he saw Yui's tears, his whole mind blanked out. He didn't know what to do and it was a terrible feeling. For a moment, he thought that his world was ending and the crushing feeling of defeat and helplessness stunned him into numbness.
Her soft voice pulled him out of his shock and the first thing he did was notice her red and puffy eyes.
He ever so gently grasped her hands to stop them from touching her eyes and carefully wiped the area below them with the hem of his sleeves. Gently, delicately, as if threading a thread through a needle. Sae was scared that the slightest amount of pressure could shatter her.
«What even are you doing crying like this...» He complained and chided her in a gruff voice but his actions were extremely gentle.
For a moment, Yui saw the older brother in him and she smiled softly.
«I wonder myself...»
She admitted to herself. Sae was relieved to notice that her voice was much lighter than before and her smile also told him that Yui was, more or less, back to herself.
«But... I got to see the older brother side of you. So now, I'm very happy.»
Yui smiled with a slightly shy but heartfelt smile, when she admitted this truth.
Not being used to seeing such a dazzling smile at such a close proximity, Sae's heart immediately skipped a beat. His mind was filled with the urge to smother her in dozens of kisses, to make up for the tears she shed, but he vehemently resisted.
Instead, in an attempt to protect them both, and to hide his embarrassment as well, Sae blocked her eyes with his palms and the sleeves of his cardigan. He then decided that this was not enough and quickly threw his cardigan over her head.
Now with some time won, Sae retreated and put some safe distance between them. He sighed to himself and shook his head once.
Meanwhile, giving Sae the time needed to calm down, Yui removed the piece of fabric from her sight and looked at it in her arms. It was the same one, Sae had used just now to wipe away her tears with utmost care.
Yui didn't know what had happened. All she knew was that, the moment she saw Sae turn away, a wave of images and memories crashed through her head.
Suddenly, she was transported back into a hospital ward: the room, the air, the lights and the smell, the beeping of the machines, the people, white robes and rushed talking, and in the middle of it all... 'mother'.
Everything vividly flashed before her eyes and then she was suddenly there: Trapped inside an endless tunnel of darkness.
She clenched the soft fabric in her arms tightly. 'It's warm... just like you.' Yui thought and smiled contently. She remembered the light that returned to her when Sae had touched her.
And then she saw his face in front of her, and she knew: She was safe with Sae no matter where she went.
'There's only a week left...' Yui thought with slight disappointment, after she had calmed down enough to look up at the boy, who had his back turned to her.
'I'll miss you...'
She stared at the silhouette of the one that she loved. He wasn't far away. With just a few steps she could reach him and yet that distance seemed to be unbridgeable. They were so close and yet so far from each other.
Yui couldn't stand it. It wasn't like her to get depressed over something.
'If there's something to regret, it's better to get it done first.'
Yui thought as she shifted her mind and tried to encourage herself.
'It's true that I'll miss him... but...'
Yui thought hard of what she could do now. Because right now, he was still here. And right now, they still had time.
'What is it that I can do now?'
There must be something she could do for him, for everyone and for herself as well. Yui didn't want to worry Sae anymore. She knew how much and how eager he was to go to Spain. She should at least send him off without any regrets.
'Snap out of it, Yui. Your feelings are only secondary right now.'
She encouraged herself and put aside her sense of loneliness. She could bawl as much as she wanted after his departure.
With a soft sigh, Yui gathered her resolve.
For now, there was one thing she could do. She walked towards her bag and pulled out a small paper bag from it.
'I'll miss you but for now, I'll smile for you...'
Yui thought as she gently held the paper gift bag in her hands. A genuine jolly smile appeared when she looked at it.
'... I'll make you happy...'
Remnants of the days they'd spent together and the fondness she had for him flashed in front of her eyes and she briefly closed them to gather herself.
'... Cause you're my sun, Sae.'
Her eyes went back to the teen who still had his back turned towards her. He wasn't far away. She could reach him, this time for sure.
«Sae.» Yui called out and walked up to him with a confident smile.
Sae turned around slowly. His expression was as nonchalant as usual but his teal-eyes were clear and kind.
Yui couldn't help but smile a bit more the moment she saw those mysteriously shining orbs.
She stopped in front of him and silently stretched out her arms with a polite bow.
Sae's eyes went from the girl to the small package in front of him and then back to the girl.
«This is...» Sae trailed off.
Yui straightened up slightly and looked at him. Her cheeks were slightly red, showing her embarrassment, but her eyes were vibrant and clear and they didn't waver once the whole time she looked at him.
«It's a present for you. I originally wanted to give it to you two weeks ago. I guess it took me a bit.» Yui said with a small chuckle.
She offered him the small paper wrapping once again.
Two weeks ago... Sae remembered the day they went shopping. Yui must have wanted to give it to him then. But why?
Sae wasn't a big fan of gifts. There wasn't much he liked and what he wanted wasn't something money could buy.
But still, for some reason Sae felt different today. He felt excited and moved at the same time.
He was excited because the person in front of him wasn't just any person, but Yui.
He was touched because it was a gift from Yui.
He was happy because it is Yui.
Sae took it and before he even opened it, he replied.
«... Thanks. I'll get you something as well.»
This was a promise Sae made for the future.
It may not be now or tomorrow. It may not be anytime soon. But it was a promise Sae made as a vow to himself and to her:
One day, even after years, he would definitely come back and fulfill that promise to her.
Yui widened her eyes upon hearing his reply. She roamed his teal-like orbs for an answer and her eyes soon softened into an understanding smile.
«Alright, I'm looking forward to it.»
With mutual nods and a lighter heart, the two teens sat down and returned to do what they had come here for.
It was a mundane task but to them, every minute and second spent together was irreplaceable. There was beauty in the preciousness of their limited time together, the same as how shooting stars shine and fall in just a single moment.
Yui and Sae didn't make any wishes to the fallen stars. Instead, they gathered memories and promises, and heaped them into a pile of happiness.
These little moments of happiness were engraved onto their hearts, united by the single wish to last forever.
Although the stars are falling, they found happiness in the knowledge that at least together, they shine.