Ch.9 Finale S1
【Shooting Stars Saga】together they fall
Warning: This chapter contains Spoilers from Chapter 124+
'Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,
So do our minutes hasten to their end;
Each changing place with that which goes before,
In sequent toil all forwards do contend.'
- Sonnet 60, by William Shakespeare
The sound of crashing waves reminded Sae of this poem that had popped up in their exam this week.
He didn't pay it much attention then, but now that he was sitting at his usual spot - on top of the brick wall that separated the beach shore from the empty streets - he couldn't help but remember it.
The red sun in the horizon sunk like the end roll of a movie Sae saw at cinemas. The far-spread horizon turned into a canvas that displayed the scenery like a film.
As Sae stared at the blazing, ever-so slowly sinking, red giant ball of heat in front of him; a wave of memories, fragmented but vivid, played in his mind like a tape stuck on replay. Pictures and sequences, memories of these last few months flashed by; and in the middle of it all: a voice.
'What do you suppose this means, Sae?'
Yui mused as she played with the pencil in her hand. Her clear, blue eyes looked up into his while doing so. The sun shining through the window of the study room set a comfortable, peaceful mood around them.
He never paid much attention to literature and thus he wouldn't know. Instead, he just looked into these cool, calming blue eyes. They gave him peace and comfort; they filled him with freedom and courage. They were slowly but steadily becoming his most precious treasure in this world, and he would be damned, shall he ever lose them.
Sae never replied to that question. He was too lost in the beauty of the moment back then, too wrapped up in his thoughts and ego to care, but he never forgot.
When it came to Yui, Sae never forgot; if he did how come all of his thoughts and memories were full with Yui right now?
«Geh. I won the prize.» Rin's voice from next to him pulled him out of his reverie.
Sae glanced towards the side and he saw the remains of a popsicle - a wooden stick with a large WINNER printed on it.
«Way to waste your luck, Rin.»
Sae said and he crunched into his own one. In his daze, he had been nibbling on it absentmindedly.
«Destruction of evidence!» Rin protested and threw the stick down the beach.
Sae glanced at his little brother. Suddenly a question popped up in his mind.
«Hey, Rin. What do you think about when you play football?»
«? Nothing much. I guess I just think about scoring. Since if I dash to where it looks critical, you'll pass to me.» Rin replied without much thinking.
«... What's 'critical'?» Sae questioned further. He had an idea of what Rin meant but he wanted to hear his brother verbalize and outline his line of thoughts.
«Hm... like where the enemy would panic, and fall apart.» Rin replied after a brief moment of silence. The sound of waves crashing in the background played a soothing rhythm.
Sae glanced at Rin. «You rely on your instincts too much.»
«But it all works out because you pass to me either way.» Rin replied as they watched the sun set. «Anyone else feels lacking to me.» He admitted.
«... What do you plan to do if I'm not there, then?» Sae asked after a moment of silence. There was an unknown feeling in his heart. Rin was reliant, and for better or for worse, Sae was leaving.
'What kind of future awaits us?'
Sae questioned and his thoughts trailed off to another group of loud chaotic people. They were an unusual bunch of teens, whom he had grown close to during the span of a month. The lusterless bracelet shone a slight orange from the last shimmers of light the sun provided.
«Dunno. Look for someone else to replace you, I guess.» Rin answered casually and this response irked Sae a bit. He playfully and not so gently kicked his brother in the waist.
«Nobody could replace me. Who the hell do you think I am, huh?» He responded cooly.
'Will they... Will SHE replace me as well...?' Despite not caring about much, that thought made Sae somber.
«Ow! Yeah, yeah. You're 'Itoshi Sae-sama, the best in the world.'» Rin replied as he nudged his jabbed waist.
'... Not like I could change that.'
Sae finished his thought after he heard Rin's words.
His eyes had returned back to the fiery scenery in front of them. It was a strangely calm yet tumultuous sight; the waves were crashing against the shore continuously, carried by the breeze that brushed through their hair and caressed their faces.
Sae felt like he was facing the eye of a storm, and yet he strangely felt nothing but clarity at the moment.
Sae was certain to go to Spain. Nothing could change that decision of his and he wouldn't miss this chance for anything.
It was time to say goodbye and while Sae wasn't really overwhelmingly attached to his current life; there were still some things he had to leave behind.
Because it's a goodbye, Sae once again declared his resolve.
«Rin... I'm going to Spain tomorrow. I'm gonna play football in the Youth Team of Real Madrid, the best football club in the world.»
This was Sae's life, and his ego. This was the reality he, Itoshi Sae, chose.
Verbalizing it helped him get rid of the uncertainty and unnecessary noise in his head.
«... Why are you saying this now? I already knew that. You're going to be the best striker in the world, so that's obvious.» Rin responded affirmatively.
Sae didn't respond. Once again he noted the stark difference between himself and Rin. While Rin's words still had an ideal and dream in them, Sae saw things a bit differently. Rin had hope, faith and belief in football and in him.
Sae knew that his brother saw things in a way he never could. He considered himself to be far too much of a rationale to even consider some of his brother's opinions and perspectives. But even so, he believed in Rin.
«I'm just going on ahead of you. You'd better come after. Don't give up just because I'm not here.»
Albeit slightly, Sae worried. He worried about Rin who clung onto him and admired him more than anyone. And he worried for Rin's potential in football.
'Don't get stuck here, Rin.'
«Yeah. For now my goal will be to become the best in Japan and get scouted, just like you.» Rin reasoned.
«Right on. And then, the world.» Sae replied to remind Rin.
Sae reached out his fist.
Rin returned with a fist of his own.
'Together we'll become the best in the world.'
The two brother's sat there in silence until Sae checked his phone and stood up slowly.
The sun had already disappeared behind the horizon and a mysterious darkness surrounded them.
Rin, who sat next to him, watched his brother with curious eyes.
«Where are you going?» Rin questioned when he saw his brother strap on his sports bag.
The silver charm in the shape of a hexagon adorned with a red gem, dangled innocently from one of its zippers. It's smooth and shiny surface reflected the street light above them harmlessly but it was enough for Rin's sharp eyes to catch on.
«I'm off to meet... some friends. You go home first, Rin.» Sae replied and he jumped down the wall with a soft thud. His landing caused a small cloud of sand to rise.
For Rin, no matter how much time passed, he was still surprised at this new revelation, and to hear the word 'friend' come from his brother's mouth was certainly shocking.
Ignorant of Rin's dilemma, Sae turned around and trodded along the sandy beach. «Don't catch a cold, Rin.» Sae warned his younger brother as he turned around one last time.
«Shut up, Nii-chan. Come home soon or Mom and Dad will worry.» Rin threw back at him cheekily. Sae left with a smirk and a small wave, and Rin watched his brother's figure disappear into the distance.
'Goodbye, Nii-chan.'
Sae walked along the beach shore towards the place, where he knew someone would be waiting for him.
The dark of the night sky covered him peacefully. Sae felt like his time with Rin was much further away than it should have been.
Leaving it all behind, Sae's trip through the dark and desolate beach continued on for another ten minutes. He neared the East Entrance of the beach and not far from the stony stairs, a group of teenagers had set camp.
The moment Sae saw the group of teens, surrounded by beach lanterns, he couldn't help but lower his guard a bit. The beach lanterns shone warmly and broke through the darkness of the beach that surrounded them.
Sae felt like he stranded upon the shores of an island after being carried by the waves for a long time.
It was easy to spot the jolly bunch and their equipment. - They had decorated the usual lone beach with a table, a tent, a grill, some benches and more, that he couldn't decipher from the distance.
The closer he got, the more details Sae could name. It started with the grill: an adult, Sae recognized as Yuusuke's butler, was heating it up.
Behind him, he could see Yuusuke, Shuu and Takao carrying over some meat on trays. An and Ageha were crouched down and checking a small container near the wooden picnic table, pulling out some drinks and beverages from it.
Megumi was decorating the tent behind them, while Yui was setting the table and decorating it.
Sae stood there and watched for a moment. They were all focused on something and didn't notice his figure in the middle of the dark. The sounds of waves crashing was drown out by the sound of voices and music.
'?' Sae halted in his thoughts and his eyes went towards a tall black box next to the tent. The box looked all to familiar and he sincerely wished it wasn't what he thought it would be.
For a moment, the idea of retreating came to his mind, but that idea was soon cut off when Yui suddenly lifted her head and coincidentally locked eyes with him.
'!' The girl immediately dropped what she was doing and dashed towards him excitedly.
«Sae.» Yui called out obviously happy.
'Adorable.' Sae thought in return.
He just stood there and waited for her to reach him.
«Were you just standing here? Come in.» Yui urged him and took his hand. She did it so casually and smoothly, Sae froze at the sudden contact. Before he could say anything, Yui had already turned her back to him and pulled him along towards the light.
Sae obliged.
The hand that had been holding onto his felt warm. Sae glanced down at their intertwined hands. He only needed to curl his fingers a bit and he would be holding onto her the same way she held onto him.
That thought amused but also unsettled him. So far, Yui had never rejected any of his advances and had only been open, kind and understanding to him... and oh God- he really liked her.
That warm stifling feeling in his chest suddenly made breathing harder and he couldn't help but sigh at himself.
'My life's been a mess ever since you appeared.' He thought as his eyes focused on the ashen haired girl in front of him. Her hair looked unbelievably fluffy and Sae couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to brush through it with his fingers-
He had to stop himself right then and there. 'I'm a mess. All because of you.'
Yet, Sae didn't hate it. Or rather, he couldn't hate it. She was interesting in a way that easily hooked him. Comforting and homey, and the more he spent time with her, the easier these feelings came to him.
Nevertheless, Sae was certain to leave. Nothing could change that decision of his and he wouldn't miss this chance for anything.
It was time to say goodbye and while Sae wasn't really overwhelmingly attached to his current life... he didn't want to let go of the hand that held onto his own.
Sae didn't notice when his fingers had curled around hers. When he returned from his thoughts, their hands were already holding onto each others. Seeing this Sae couldn't help but chuckle in slight repentance.
'... Yui, I like you.'
Sae confessed silently.
And seeing how the girl didn't refute his hand, he hoped that she did too.
But right now, they were just two kids lost at bay and beyond them lay a sea of stars. No one knew where the future might lead them, nor what path to take.
Yui brought back colors into his life and with it she also brought a sense of uncertainty.
Will this new situation make or break him?
'Alright, I'm looking forward to it.'
Well, for now Sae would enjoy it. Yui's words from their last meeting played in his head. They kindled the fire inside of him to no ends. They aspired him to move forwards to greater heights. Whenever he thought of her, he would feel a sense of strength and support coming from her, and she filled him with a conviction that pushes him further forwards.
Sae felt hesitant to let go of the girl. Frankly, he didn't want to let her go.
But he would do it, and he'll climb up, succeed and return triumphantly.
From the darkness of the shore two figures emerged. They were none other than Sae and Yui.
The three guys Shuu, Yuusuke and Takao, who stood closest to the grill noticed the approaching couple first.
Takao's eyes fell onto their hands but he smartly refrained from commenting anything. The look in Sae's eyes was enough for him to confirm his former line of thoughts. Sae had fallen for Yui.
He wasn't sure how to feel about it. They all knew that there was no future for them, or if there was, it was bound to be one full of hardships and uncertainty, given how they'll be apart for years.
Takao couldn't help but worry.
After all, they were both his friends whom he treasured. He didn't like to meddle but given the situation, he might have to interfere...
While Takao silently worried, Yuusuke seemed to have less inhibition with keeping his observations a secret.
He stubbornly bore his eyes onto Sae's and raised a quirky eyebrow. His slight grin spelled an 'I Knew It' - much to Sae's annoyance - and the proud teen decided to play it off with an eye roll.
Unlike Takao, Yuusuke was more optimistic. The way he saw it, Sae had his own plans and wouldn't rush to be in a relationship merely because of infatuation only.
Even now, Yuusuke could tell - with just a single glance at the oblivious Yui - that they hadn't gotten that far yet.
If he had to name it; this situation looked like Itoshi 'Genius' Sae had realized his feelings for a certain girl.
Yuusuke was assured that Sae knew what to do, and if not he believed that Sae could figure it out. He based his assumptions on the fact, that he and Sae were cut from the same cloth.
Yuusuke's eyes went to Yui. She was her usual calm and jolly self and Yuusuke smiled, genuinely happy for her. The Yui he knew was always the same. Honest, straightforward, pure, friendly and simple, and while she was open and approachable to everyone, at times there would be an invisible wall that separated her from everyone else.
Just like a lone star that orbited on her own. People saw the light, but they could not touch it.
They could approached it, but they were never close enough for her to connect and orbit around.
To belong somewhere required an intimacy not easily found and in that sense, the nickname 'Immovable Queen' was actually fitting. Yui was everyone's yet no one's at the same time.
Yuusuke quickly noticed that Yui would behave differently around Sae. She cared more. She smiled more. She seemed to be more comfortable with him than with anyone. And while there was no proof for his assessment; seeing the two of them together now, was all the proof Yuusuke needed.
They completed each other the same as stars gravitate.
Shuu, who quietly watched everything unfold in front of him, remembered the day Sae and Yui had rushed to his place after school.
Being a few years older and a slightly bit more mature than everyone, he could immediately tell that Sae, though he tried to be calm, was upset and mad - if not slightly at a loss of what to do.
It was the first time he had seen the teen display such an amount of emotions and agitation. This was also the reason why Shuu had immediately invited them in. 'The fear of losing something' was the air that surrounded him then.
Sae didn't want to lose Yui. It was the same back then, and it is the same now.
But now, Sae was different. He looked confident.
Shuu figured something must have happened between the two of them, that brought them considerably closer compared to before.
The Sae, he saw in front of him now - the same one that held onto Yui's hand tightly right now - no longer hesitated. The gaze in his eyes told him so.
While Shuu was aware that not everything might work out as desired, he couldn't help but think that it'll be fine, if it's them.
Unbeknownst to his friends' thoughts, Sae's attention went to admiring the scenery around him.
Now that he could see everything - the deft smell of meat that tingled his nose, the mildly shining beach lanterns and fairy lights that lay splayed on the ground, the small bottles filled with flowers and sand that adorned that dusty beach sand - a comforting and inviting feeling overwhelmed him.
Sae's eyes fell onto the huge black box on the other end of their camping spot. He stiffened slightly when he realized with dread that his earlier assumption was true.
Yui followed his gaze and laughed. «A coworker of Ageha's is a fan of yours. When they heard that we were preparing a banquet for your departure, they offered to rent this to us.» She skipped towards the black box and Sae watched their grip loosen.
'I can let go now.' Sae thought with a slightly painful wince. He didn't want to but he would do it. For now, he chose football... He didn't hesitate for much longer and let go.
He watched the gradually growing, empty space between them with a painful throb in his chest.
'It'll be fine.' Sae convinced himself. He had to. He would make it work no matter what.
Yui stopped and turned around slowly when she noticed the lack of warmth in her hand.
Her eyes moved upwards and they soon found their way to Sae's. For a brief moment she thought she saw hurt in his eyes. But only for a brief moment.
'It'll be fine.' Sae's gaze burnt into her's and she understood. This was only a temporary goodbye.
She gave him a small smile and a reassuring nod. For now, she would put a lid onto the oozing pain in her heart that threatened to spill out at any moment.
For now, she would relish in the warmth of the fire that burned in Sae's gaze.
'We'll be fine.'
They'd make it work no matter what.
Turning around with a light voice Yui moved on. «Shall we get going then?»
Sae didn't need to be told twice and he followed her towards the tall black box, that he had correctly guessed as a portable singing machine earlier.
He narrowed his eyes in distaste.
«Whatever you say, I'm not gonna do this.» Sae said loud enough for everyone to hear. The teens all laughed while An scoffed.
«What? Are you scared of embarrassing yourself? You wuss.» She joined them and handed Yui a cool water bottle. The girl took it with a thanks. She glanced around to look for a beverage for Sae as well, but he beat her to it and picked up a can himself.
No matter what An said, he couldn't find himself to be bothered. However, it was Ageha that chirped in and said something of interest. «Yui-chan, let's sing something together, please?~»
Ageha asked cutely and Sae watched interested. He remembered the day he had heard Yui sing, and he did not mind to hear it again. Rather, he'd like it.
Sae realized then, that he would miss the times he could hear her music, and the comfort and serenity it brought him
- a lot.
Yui hesitated to respond and embarrassingly looked away when she noticed Sae's gaze on her. An saw this and smiled.
«Come on! Let's sing together!» She said in a teasing voice and nudged Yui in the rib.
She took hold of the girl's left arm.
Ageha approached and took the other arm, and together the two girls nuzzled her, right in front of Sae's eyes.
'How annoying. Why is everyone so touchy with her.' Sae thought, frustrated that people kept touching what was his.
His only saving grace was that they were girl friends with boyfriends at that, if it was anyone else — Splash!
«!»
The sound of a can exploding stopped the girls from what they were doing.
«Oh no, Sae, are you okay?» Yui freed herself from her friends' grip and looked at his hand that was holding a crushed can. The sweet-sticky content of soda spilled onto his hand and dripped downwards.
Yui looked around and handed him some napkins that were laying around. He took them without reply. He didn't want to admit that he had crushed his can in a spur of jealousy.
It was then that Megumi appeared from the tent. «Be careful with the fireworks la-»
She paused midway when she saw the spill on Sae's hand. Her eyes automatically went to Ageha and An. The former was giggling to herself gleefully, while the later tried to feign innocence by whistling and looking at anyone but her.
Megumi sighed. «How about you wash it off at the beach.» She suggested and Sae nodded.
«Yui, come with me.» Sae said before anyone could steal his girl from him again.
She wasn't officially his yet and he swallowed his irritation. He really needed to figure out what to do with all his emotions.
Nevertheless, Sae came here for a reason, and he was resolute to spend his last remaining moments in Japan with the people he cared for.
He would get it done. Even if that meant monopolizing a certain girl for the remainder of the day,... err- night?
A safe distance away from everyone else, quietness shrouded the place they were at. Except for the soothing sound of waves slowly rushing in, and their synchronized heartbeats, the two teens dove into a time of their own.
Sae continued to walk along the beach. Yui silently followed him until the boy suddenly came to an abrupt stop.
It was dark at the place they were standing. Except for the glowing moonlight and the landscape of stars reflected upon the water surface, the two teens disappeared into a world of their own.
Sae casually removed his shoes and socks, pulled up his pants and dipped into the soothing cool water. When the water reached his ankle, he crouched down and washed of the sticky soda from his hand.
After that was done he rolled up his pants and ventured in further. He stopped when the water reached his shin.
Beneath the glowing, white moonlight, Sae looked nothing closer than a prince that sprung forth of a fairytale.
This serene and ephemeral sight burnt itself onto Yui's mind. It was a scenery she would remember even years to come. Seeing him like that, Yui hesitated to join him.
She didn't want to ruin this beautiful picture. Instead, she chose to admire him from afar.
'Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,
So do our minutes hasten to their end;'
What do you suppose this means, Sae?'
At this ephemeral sight, Yui remembered a conversation she once had with him.
Sae had never answered it, but now that she saw him, she didn't need him to answer anymore. She knew.
'If there's an answer, then it must be right here, right now. At this exact moment and... this sole person.' Yui thought quietly.
Each time the waves crashed on the shore, she remembered their drawing closure and it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
'If only time could stop.' Her heart whispered, hesitating.
'No. We lived every day to the fullest, didn't we?' She convinced herself and refused to fall into regret and doubt now. She steeled her nerves.
The soft lulling of the waves soon pulled Yui into a daze; towards a trip down memory lane that started with their first counter.
Similar to how Sae appeared into her life back then, Like the waves, he would leave again.
Now Yui understood the poem, and now, she wished that she never did.
The portrayal of an encounter that would last only for a moment; the sense of an ending drawing near; it was just like... them.
It was too cruel.
Was this pain really necessary?
Yui just couldn't accept it. She refused to.
Her gaze still lingered on the teen in front of her. Beneath the moonlight, in the middle of the waves, Sae was looking at the moon beyond them.
The moon shone brightly, undisturbed by anything. It seemed to be mocking their despair and sorrow with how beautiful it shone.
Yet it was ironic: The moon only shone because of the sun.
As much as their reality hurt her, a small smile appeared on her lips.
After all, Sae was her sun.
Although afar, the sun would shine at the moon and seeing how brightly the moon shone today, it must be at the spotlight of the sun's love and attention.
Yui felt slightly jealous. Out of all the people she could fall in love with, she fell for the sole, football-obsessed prodigy in the whole of Japan. One that would soon move across over half the globe, at the age of 12, to pursue his goal - on his own.
He would not look at her anymore. He might not even spare her a glance then. He might never look at her the way the sun looks at the moon.
'And one day, he'll forget about me.'
Yui closed her eyes.
The rhythmic dancing of the waves usually soothed her, but today everything seemed to be threatening them. She feared that they would steal him away from her.
With each emerging wave, Yui saw flashbacks of their time together and she promised to herself not to forget the promises they made.
Her eyes watered but she held back.
Her trip down memory lane soon ended - and she arrived: Back to the beginning of their story.
'I found you.'
Yui opened her eyes.
Sae's words echoed in her mind.
On that day when Sae had suddenly appeared at the music room, opened the door and...
... blurted out these words to her.
Yui didn't understand them then, but now that they were gradually growing closer, she finally realized their meaning.
And the power they had.
Yes, their time was ending but in her worry she had forgotten something more important:
For something to end, it had to begin first.
The way she was feeling now, was proof of the invisible bond they had with each other and as such, there was something to hold onto.
They found each other.
The waves brought them together once and so the waves would bring them back together again. There's a meaning in their meeting.
And a future as well.
Yui firmly believed in that sliver of hope she had found. She raised their shared bracelet close to her heart. The same way that Sae had found her back then - she would - no, they would find each other time and time again.
'Please, protect us.' Yui wished upon the stars.
She gave form to her wish before it could fade away.
«I'll find you.»
Yui whispered into the night.
It wasn't possible for Sae to hear her words from the distance. But they melted into the wind and became a part of it.
One day for sure, they would reach him.
«Hey, Yui. Do you remember what you asked me before?» Sae's smooth yet firm voice broke through the silence. Each word of his created ripples through the air and her heart danced along with them.
She didn't reply and Sae didn't expect her to. He knew that she was listening.
Sae knew that she would connect the dots, and understand what he was referring to right now. Maybe, they were even thinking of the same thing.
Even so, Sae turned around and approached her. With each step he took, he broke through the waves she had feared would claim him.
Sae stopped about half an arm length away from her. With half a step in the water, and the other half rooted upon the beach sand, Sae grabbed her arm.
Silently without saying anything, Sae ever so slowly pulled her close.
He leaned his head in and bridged the gap between them. His forehead gently touched hers and their eyes locked. They were the closest they had ever been and he wouldn't have it any other way.
A myriad of emotions flashed through his eyes: Happiness, Joy, Pride and Greed, Desire and Devotion, and well-hidden buried beneath them all: Love and Hurt.
He had a lot he wanted to say, but now that he was actually facing her, he couldn't say them.
Swallowing the pain in his eyes, Sae replaced it with a tiny smile.
«We'll-... Let's come here again, one day.» He said with a hint of affection, and a childish, pure smile on his face.
It was a smile that gave Yui butterflies, and while she managed to smile and nod along, she couldn't help the burning sensation in her eyes.
Sae seemed to be struggling. As if something was tearing and eating at him from inside out.
Without being able to utter a word, Yui nodded once more. This time she made a soft sound of confirmation.
«... Spain has plenty of beaches as well. It won't be the same but —»
'I'll be there.'
Sae realized this when he felt the waves swept to and from his legs, like them he would come back to her.
He opened his mouth in an attempt to finish his sentence. He tried to give a form to these thoughts of his.
Sae wanted to tell her that though a far he'll think of her whenever he gazes upon the vast seas - she will always be part of his life. He wanted to tell her that he would return, in hopes that nothing would have changed between them, ...
But he couldn't continue further. His voice refused to leave him.
Sae couldn't say it. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't say it. Because in truth, ...
He didn't want to leave her at all.
'I don't want to go.'
This realization shocked and frustrated him to no ends. He didn't want to leave her. He didn't want to lose her.
In his agitation, Sae unconsciously tightened his hold on her arm. He didn't notice that his hand was shaking and how his eyes had widened and were glossing over slightly.
'I don't want to leave you.'
Sae thought and hung his head with a mournful expression on his face.
Yui noticed Sae's odd behavior.
She calmly brushed away his grip on her arm and slowly moved her hands upwards towards his face. She gently put a hand on each side of his cheek and tilted his head to focus on her.
«It's okay. Look at me, Sae.» She smiled softly but her smile quickly fell apart when their eyes met.
The torrent of emotions hidden inside of him sprung forth all at once.
An unusual wetness highlighted Sae's beautiful teal-colored eyes.
That wetness formed a small puddle and soon tiny droplets cascaded from the corner of his eyes.
'I'm going...'
One after another they fell.
They fell in a way that he couldn't stop them even if he wanted to.
'Even if it means leaving you...'
«Sae... Don't cry.» Yui whispered softly but her own voice broke midway, because her heart did too.
'Even if I don't want to...'
Sae didn't need to say anything. With something more precious than words binding them together, his tears already told her everything she needed to know.
Everything he couldn't say, but wanted too. Everything, he wanted them to be, that they couldn't be.
'I like you..'
The truth was: Nothing was okay. Nothing was fine. And they both knew, that at the end of the day, they would have to say goodbye.
'...But I'm going.'
They would have to give up.
They would have to let go.
'It hurts.'
Even with their hearts as one, even with the promise to return; the end was all that awaited them. As bright as they shone, inevitably their time was drawing to a close. After all, shooting stars always fall.
'It hurts.'
Aware of this cruel reality, they couldn't hold it in anymore. No matter how much promises they heaped for the future, and how many times they looked for a silver lining; nobody taught them how to handle the pain of parting from a loved one.
'It hurts so much.'
Together the two teens wept along the shore - hand in hand, forehead against forehead. - Their only comfort was in each other, and the sparse time they had left.
'I'm sorry.'
If someone could hear their pleas, they would know of the pain inside of their hearts. But there was no one there, and so the stars would serve as the witness for their heartfelt goodbye and the unspoken words left behind.
'Don't go.'
'Forgive me.'
Time passed and their tears soon soothed into soft sniffles.
Yui looked up at the starry sky above of them. It would be nice to make a wish upon a shooting star right now. But no matter how hard she looked, she didn't see any.
'If only tears could turn into wishes, just how much more happy would everyone be?' Yui thought absentmindedly.
The thought of parting from Sae hurt her. She had put a lid on her feelings but every restriction broke the moment Sae opened up his heart to her.
His feelings had reached her.
Suddenly realizing something, Yui jerked.
Her sudden movement caught Sae, whose face was snuggled into her shoulder comfortably, by surprise.
He had stopped his tears fairly soon, but he hadn't moved from his comfortable spot on her shoulder. Yui's soft smell of jasmine and vanilla was just too comfortable for him to willingly move away.
Besides, he also wanted to hold her in his arms like this for a little longer. It was his right to do so, after all he would not be able to see her for a long time, while everyone else would happily finish Middle School, and maybe attend High School together.
For some reason that thought annoyed him, and he hugged her harder.
'She belongs to me.' Sae thought, finding comfort in the warmth Yui provided.
That was until she startled, though.
Stunned, Sae straightened himself and he half-laughed and half-scoffed at her behavior.
«What are you doing, silly?» He asked in an amused voice. He wiped away any traces of his tears and tilted their foreheads back together. A warm smile on his face.
He felt better and much lighter after letting things out, and instead of feeling disgusted or embarrassed - like he expected himself to feel - he felt completely at home.
Yui laughed and smiled brightly. «I want to make us happy.»
Her voice carried an obvious hint of joy and brightness in them; and Sae felt the corners of his lips raise along with her enthusiasm.
His deep, teal colored eyes softened, and he urged her to go on.
«So?»
Yui tilted her head slightly. She was a bit embarrassed at the rather childish idea, but if it could cheer him up, she would do anything for him.
Yui (wo)manned up and gestured towards the night sky behind them. Sae followed her fingers hesitantly. He wanted to look into her eyes that sparkled with excitement just a bit longer, but for now he would follow.
Sae's eyes soon found their way towards the vast night sky.
They were lucky for tonight was a beautiful clear one with no clouds in the sky. From their spot at the beach, they could see dozens of stars twinkling brightly even thousand of miles away.
Yui smiled. «Shooting stars can make our wishes come true.» She started positively.
«But there are none tonight...» She continued in a slight sadder tone.
Sae listened quietly.
«But... to me, your tears shine brighter than any stars. That's why... if we think of them as our shooting stars, we can make a lot of wishes for all the tears we shed tonight. I'm sure...»
«they'll come true ./?»
Yui and Sae finished at the same time.
«!» Yui looked at him in surprise. Sae's eyes never left the night sky.
He was deep in thought for a long time and Yui quietly kept him company.
The girl sat down and watched him from behind. She felt like they both needed their time right now.
Regardless of whether or not Sae took her idea serious, Yui had her own head.
She closed her eyes and wished.
The darkness and soothing sound of the waves made her feel drowsy. She must have dozed off or wandered off in her thoughts at some point. When she opened her eyes, Sae was right in front of her.
Yui jumped up with a smile that didn't quite hide her confusion.
«Did you make a wish?» She asked joyfully followed by a small yawn which she hid behind a stretch.
Sae bend down to pick up his shoes that lay next to her. He replied with a muted nod. In the darkness, the corner of his lips raised softly.
Taking this as a yes, Yui good-naturedly moved ahead with light steps. She was sure that she would remember today forever. And although the sadness wouldn't quite go away, she felt comforted by the fact that their hearts were connected. She felt closer to him than ever before.
«You got one thing wrong, Yui.» Sae's voice suddenly rang from behind her, and Yui paused in her steps.
«?» She turned around in confusion, just in time to see him catch up to her.
Sae looked into her eyes with a mysterious glint in them.
«Just one wish is enough...»
Yui opened her mouth to ask something but Sae effectively stopped her with a light kiss on the cheek.
«...You're the only one I wish for.»
Yui's flustered expression was a sight to behold and Sae felt satisfied enough to let her go for now. He stuck out his tongue cheekily before a proud smile appeared on his face.
That proud smile never fell until they returned back to the others.
When they arrived, everyone was already waiting for them with bright/impatient/curious smiles. The food was all ready and the table set.
Now that Sae and Yui returned, there was only one thing left to do...
Let the party begin
The banquet was a day Sae would never forget.
Once they had returned, the teens gathered around the table that was now filled with plates of food. Ranging from snacks and fruits to freshly grilled meat, - everything belonging to your delicious barbecue lay there prepared.
Despite Sae's dislike for social gatherings, he found himself not minding theirs, and the occasional chaos they would bring. Eating with people like them, for once, was fun.
The night was going well, and much to everyone's surprised Ageha was a big eater. The girl alone managed to eat a whole plate of meat for herself without as much as looking like she was struggling.
Contrarily, she was the most excited Sae had ever seen her. Just when Ageha finished her plate, An got up to get her some more meat from the grill, that was still slightly burning.
In her eagerness however, An didn't notice the fairy lights that lay around and she brilliantly stumbled over it. Falling face first she was very close to hitting the grill if it weren't for Takao.
Takao, who was closest to the grill reacted quickly and caught her. However, he accidentally pushed away the grill in order to do so.
By miracle or luck, none of them got injured, yet a few pieces of exceptionally hot and burning charcoal flew towards the paper decorations around the tent... and burnt it.
Despite the initial panic at first, thankfully Yuusuke's staff were quick on their feet.
As if prepared for that, they calmly evacuated the children and erased the fire.
«Don't worry. Stuff like that happens all the time.» Yuusuke had shrugged it all of with a casual smile. Neither he nor anyone else seemed affected by what just happened.
The only ones who seemed affected were Takao and An. They apologized profusely to everyone.
Yuusuke couldn't be bothered more than this and he asked Sae to deliver the punishment, since it was his farewell banquet. Said boy honestly didn't care either and he just dropped down the decision to Yui.
In the end, it was decided that An and Takao would be the first to check out the Singing Machine.
Clean up soon ended and the party resumed.
While some were still eating, Takao and An were singing and providing some free entertainment and pretty good laughs.
As time passed on, the group slowly dissolved. Each of them enjoyed their makeshift camping spot at their own leisure.
At some point, Sae left to call his parents and tell them that he would return later than scheduled. Thanks to Yuusuke's staff assuring them that they would bring them all home safe and sound, his parents relented.
When Sae finished and returned from his phone call, his eyes fell onto his odd group of friends.
An was at the karaoke bar, singing loudly while swaying along the music. Both Ageha and Takao were clapping along and cheering for her at the same time.
An wasn't a terrible singer. If only she would use less volume and focused on actually singing instead of shouting, it would be passable.
Yuusuke, to everyone's surprise, turned out to be a fairly good singer, followed by Ageha and of course Shuu, who seemed to be good at everything.
Megumi had refused to sing and was now standing at the side with some sparklers, accompanied by Yuusuke and Shuu.
The two guys had soon lost their interest in singing after going once, and found it much more comfortable to keep themselves entertained with the fireworks. A safe distance away from the 'noise.'
Sae's gaze wandered around the beach and his eyes stopped at the stony stairs that led to the East Entrance/Exit of the beach.
Yui was sitting there quietly and watching her friends with a happy smile. She looked so peaceful and natural like this, Sae wondered if he should approach her or not.
In the end, he did and he took a seat next to her.
Except for the cheerful voices around them, this spot was quiet. They sat together in silence and just watched the time passed by like this.
At some point, Sae was thinking long and hard over what to say. He wondered if he even had the right to say anything.
Their precious time was ending. They were running out of time. They were falling like shooting stairs.
He hated it.
«... Don't let yourself get swept away only because I'm not here, Yui.» Sae broke the silence hiding a sigh. His eyes remained fixed onto the group in front of them.
Yuusuke made some motions, and seemed to be calling everyone over. He glanced at Sae and Yui and motioned for them to stay there in a 'Just watch' - Sign. Sae blinked in return. Yui waved back with a smile.
She chuckled.
«Don't push yourself too hard because you miss me, Sae.» She replied in a light-hearted voice after a moment of silence.
Sae scoffed. He didn't expect that reply from her but it pleasantly surprised him.
Neither of them looked at each other. They didn't need to confirm anymore than this. Just being by each other's side was enough for them.
From now on... they'd only have the seas to remember another.
They watched as the group moved to prepare some fireworks.
«...I'm going to become the best in the world.» Sae confessed.
«I know.» Yui replied with a smile.
«Even if you don't. We'll always have your back.» She continued after a moment of silence.
She lightly tapped her bracelet that was wrapped around the wrist of her left hand for a moment and sat it back down at the space between them.
Their hands were just a few inches apart from each other.
If it was coming from anyone else, Sae would have scoffed at them and declare them as 'a person lacking insight' - meaning 'a stupid person'. However, he didn't feel that way when Yui said it.
He significantly understood what Yui meant and it comforted him. He knew that regardless of his achievements and goals; she was a place he could return to.
A place where he could rest and recover. A place to cry and smile - a place to call home.
He had found a place of his own with Yui.
Sae didn't reply. Instead, he glanced at their bracelets briefly. To most of them, it was a visible reminder of their friendship. But to him, it was a little bit more than that. To him it was a visible reminder that connected him to Yui and a small claim that she, in a certain sense, belonged to him.
«Yui... I will definitely get you something.» Sae regretted not leaving behind a claim of his behind for her.
Even though his voice was barely above a whisper, the sharpness in his voice sliced through the air and the resentment hidden beneath them did not go quite unnoticed by her.
She opened her mouth to phrase a question but the loud sound of erupting fireworks stopped her.
Fizz~ Kaboom!
Her breath hitched as her eyes went to the sparkling colors that illuminated the sky. A giant spark of firework shot up into the starry night and it exploded into thousands of vivid red sparks. Whether by coincidence or will but the sparks shared the same color as Sae's hair.
The colorful light soon faded and disappeared into the darkness again.
Yui smiled slightly. «I know. Don't take too long.»
Yui's words made him happy but they also confused him.
'Do I have the right to make you wait?'
'Will you wait for me?'
'For how long?'
Doubts crossed his mind, but Sae continued. «...Will you wait for me, even if I don't ask you to?»
Yui's eyes widened in surprise. She pondered over a reply for a moment.
Sae knew he was being shameless. But he figured, he would rather be shameless than risk losing her because of indecisiveness.
Contrary to his worries, Yui didn't mind at all. In fact, she appreciated his honesty and frankness. It was just another part of him that she had come to love.
«What if your feelings change, Sae... I mean these many years can change-»
'Feelings won't last forever...'
Yui hesitantly admitted her worries and fears.
Memories of her past resurfaced temporarily as she remembered the lingering feeling of being abandoned.
'I don't want to go through that again.' Yui admitted when she remembered her childhood back in Germany. But Sae's reply soon cut her out of her thoughts.
«No. They'll never change.»
Sae replied in a firm voice with no room for doubts nor intervention.
He didn't know himself where that conviction came from, but if there was one thing certain in his life, it would be the meaning Yui had in his life.
His words echoed in her heart and they cut through her darkness like rays of light.
Yui fell silent. The words she had always wanted to hear, were right here.
Her eyes wet again and she felt the lock on her heart crack open.
Yui closed her eyes once and regained herself. She refused to cry another time.
Sae felt her sadness and he gently interlaced their fingers together. Their bracelets bathed in the light of the moon together.
It was the only way Sae knew how to comfort her. He couldn't bear to look at her, in fear, that his resolve to leave might shatter the moment he did.
Thankfully, Yui calmed down after a few seconds.
«... Are you... better?» Sae asked gingerly. He never asked someone that before and it made him a bit uncomfortable.
Even though Yui didn't look at him, Sae's voice gave him away. She could tell that he was not used to this, and his unusual care filled her with warmth.
'You really are my sun.' Yui once again affirmed with a small chuckle, followed by a warm smile. His firm reply echoed in her heart and veins.
'No. They'll never change.'
In her world of loss and temporary, Yui had found something to last. Filled with an indescribable joy, Yui stood up and faced him.
«I believe in you...»
Her bright grin shone brilliantly enough to put the stars to shame.
«... no matter where you are, or how far you go...»
Yui suddenly leaned forward. Their faces just a few millimeters apart. He could feel her hair brush his cheeks and her familiar smell of jasmine and vanilla temporarily confused him yet again. It was tempting yet soothing at the same time.
For a moment, Sae was convinced that people kept clinging to her because of how nice she smelled.
Fizz~ Kaboom!
Behind them the fireworks erupted in full bloom. And although Sae saw them, he could barely hear them, for his thumping heart and Yui's soft, sweet voice was all that he could hear right now.
Sae slowly regained his senses, when her warmth and gently lingering fragrance slowly disappeared.
Fizz~ Fizz~ Kaboom! Kaboom!
The fireworks erupted into multiple colors and Sae stared flabbergasted at the girl who had now retreated into the safe distance.
It took him much longer than he would like to admit, to realize the little stunt she had just pulled on him. Her warm breath against his ears just a few seconds ago sent his senses into a state of arousal. (A/N: Please keep a clean mind when reading this ^^)
'This girl-' Sae thought with an exasperated adoration. He heaved a heavy sigh as he held his face with his hand.
From afar, Yui had the grace to face him.
- 'At least something', Sae noted, still shaken by what she had done to him.
Sae, in his "Hyper-Yui-Focused-State" (HYFS), of course, couldn't help but notice all the mimics and gestures the fireworks, highlighted:
The slight blush on her cheeks, the way she crossed her arms behind her back, the way her head titled slightly as she cheekily smiled and winked at him. It was such a carefree and playful smile way that Sae bet, it was meant only for him.
Sae burned all of it into his mind. He wanted all of this to be his. He didn't want to miss even a single detail. Even when the fireworks stopped and Yui turned her back to him again, Sae's gaze lingered.
Sae didn't clearly remember how he got home, nor how his parents checked on him before he left for a quick shower and went to bed that night.
The only thing Sae remembered were those sweet sugary words, Yui had left behind, and the warm yet slightly wet sensation of her lips against his cheek.
«Pay back.» Yui whispered softly before retreating back into the distance.
Sae groaned as the memories brought back the soft fragrant of jasmine and vanilla. His nose tingled.
He knew now. Yui was the only person outside of football, that could keep him on his toes. She was the only one, that could get his heart to pump with excitement and joy like this.
Sae turned in his bed. He was glad his flight was scheduled to be in the afternoon because he doubt that he would be able to fall asleep anytime soon.
Despite his initial worries however, exhaustion soon overwhelmed him. Lulled and comforted by the warmth of today's memories, Sae soon fell into a deep and peaceful sleep - a rare little smile on his face.
'I believe in you.
No matter where you are, or how far you go...'
«I'll keep you by my side.
...'Until we meet again, Sae.»
A/N:
S1 ENDS !
Thank you all for sticking with me up till here.
It's my first experience sharing and releasing a fanfiction. I can't believe how far I've gotten, and how many of you enjoy it :)
Canon-Arc and Sae's Return, Yui's and everyone's past, Shidou's (!) appearance, and many more are coming! Are you excited? I, for my part, can't contain my excitement~