S2 Chapter 1
Night Snow
On that day, their happiness crumbled like a house of cards.
«YOU'RE NOT THE SAME BROTHER I SHARED A DREAM WITH...!» Rin's voice penetrated through the snowy, silent night. The fact that it was the first snowfall of the season seemed unimportant. Both brothers were feeling heated from the blood and adrenaline that pumped through their veins.
It was cold and dark, almost calming with how silent the world was. It was a sweet deception for everyone but Sae. Without a doubt, nothing was calm.
The dark of night opened the gates of doom. The cold snowflakes fell without any regard for the people, tools, plants and trees standing there. Soon everything would be covered in a blanket of white.
Like this, the world returned to a state of blank. A pure white - as if ... their bond never existed.
Sae felt like someone pressed the reset button on his life and everything disappeared.
'It's...'
Sae couldn't finish his thoughts when he took in Rin's self-righteous gaze. Rin's outburst numbed him. His younger brother was glaring at him with a look full of despair, anger, hope and most of all: disappointment.
Sae couldn't even explain, but he guessed it didn't matter anymore.
The weight of disappointment weighed upon Sae's shoulders. Rin had idolized him all his life, to the point of betting their brotherhood on his success. And now to be faced with that strong of a denial, Sae hated it.
He felt a mixture of anger, grief and sorrow crash over him. But no, he couldn't crumble and break down now. He couldn't show Rin his weak side... He couldn't disappoint Rin anymore than he already had. And so Sae bottled down all his hurt and pain with a silent pause.
'You don't understand, Rin.' Sae thought.
He slowly lifted his head and mumbled.
«How lukewarm.» Sae grabbed the nearest ball in front of him.
'But as your older brother, I'll have to show you.' Sae resolved and he continued his dialogue.
«Rin, it seems that you don't yet realize that the football field is a battlefield. Come...»
'Come and show me...' Sae positioned himself into an incoming attack as he declared the following words.
«If you can beat me on a 1-on-1, I'll share that dream with you again.»
'Come and prove me, Rin...' Sae lifted his eyes as he glared at Rin. He felt goosebumps as he said the following words.
«But if I win... your and my dream ends right here.» Their dream and future of being the best together, the last flame of hope for Japan's football, and the bond of brotherhood that tied Rin down, Sae would bet it all on this one final match.
'Prove me that I'm wrong, Rin.'
At a place further away from the fight that unfolded between the two siblings, a car stopped in the middle of a small valley.
The car entrance opened, and the familiar silhouette of a teen girl stepped onto the earthy ground. Her long ashen hair fluttered behind her lightly.
«Thanks for taking me.» She said back to the driver of the car. Her two red bobby-pins on the right side of her hair neatly stopped the bangs from entering her line of vision when she bowed.
«I'll be waiting here, young lady.» Her driver nodded politely, and Yui felt herself smile with a small nod of acknowledgment.
She closed the door and walked towards the direction of one of the hills. Usually, it would be dangerous for a teen to walk around in the middle of a valley alone, but the stony path and lanterns set up everywhere made traveling a far lot easier.
That - and considering the fact that they were currently traveling in a private area of Sano's many properties.
Yui soon reached a small house with a gated entrance. After checking with the security, Yui was given a bouquet of flowers and some incense sticks.
She soon began her climb up the stony stairs. Left and right, tombstone after tombstone appeared. This was the Sano Family's private cemetery. It's considered to be a sacred place to honor their ancestors, and an even bigger honor to be buried here.
Yui couldn't help but scoff at that. 'Honor...' She felt her stomach churn and twist as she remembered the scornful looks, hurtful words and blatant apathy, and ignorance she received from that so-called family.
Her real family consisted of only her, her mother, maybe Yuusuke and them.
Only a few were there to witness but Yui will never forget the people who supported her on the day where she lost it all. Even now she wished for their happiness - To the two that taught her what family feels like.
It was a love different from her mother's love yet irreplaceable in its own way. If they were to meet again, what expression would they make? Would they even recognize each other?
While Yui pondered over these thoughts feeling strangely nostalgic, she soon found the tombstone she had been looking for and a small smile appeared on her face.
She knelt down in front of it comfortably. «It's been awhile, mother. I'm sorry it took me so long to come here. Have you been well?»
Yui began chatting with her mother as she slowly recalled the events of highschool to her. Years went by, but the girl couldn't quit get used to the void her mother had left behind.
The Story of Nakahara Yuuko (An Overview)
Nakahara Yuuko was a kind woman. Stubborn and filled with life, dreams and passion. It was those dreams and passions that charmed the current head of the Sano Family, Yuusuke's father, - Sano Touma - into courting her.
They fell in love. Yuuko however soon learned that their happiness would not last for long. Her fragile health made her unsuitable to be a woman of the Sano's and despite her lover's firm rebuttal, he soon found himself married to another woman.
Yuuko however was already pregnant with his child. Around the time Yui was born, Yuuko learned of Yuusuke's birth - a healthy baby boy born from Touma and his now official new wife. Yuusuke was to be the new official Sano heir.
Yuuko's health deteriorated after childbirth and for the first few years Sano Touma tried to provide for the woman he loved as best as he could. She got the best doctors, the best advisors, caretakers and more, but no one could help and the symptoms worsened.
At some point, Yuuko stopped smiling around everyone. The woman hardened her heart towards the man with another family, and Sano Touma stopped caring too busy with his own one.
The only times Yuuko was seen smiling was around her beloved baby daughter and own flesh and blood, Yui.
Just like that these two former lovers grew apart.
They stayed under the care of the Sano's until Yui was four. It was then decided that the mother-daughter duo would move to Germany.
Yuuko's health had worsened to the point of being untreatable. They managed to find a good hospital to take care of her which happened to be in Germany. The mother couldn't bear to be apart from her daughter and refused to leave her child in this den of lions where even the father wouldn't spare her another glance, and so together they left.
Yuuko had taken that change with an optimistic mind. She couldn't wait to leave for the land of thinkers and poets. At least, she could give her child a better future there. And so, the small family began their idyllic and peaceful life in Germany.
Even now, these moments belonged to some of Yui's most happy memories.
Yui finished retelling her mother of high school. A heartfelt smile appeared on her lips as she continued softly.
«Mother, Sae is returning tomorrow.» She laughed softly as those words left her lips. Her eyes however filled with tears as she continued softly. «I'm sure you'd have loved him.»
Yui paused again and bit her lip. She imagined briefly what it would have been liked if her mother was still alive. She was sure they would gush over crushes like two old friends, go shopping together and argue over simple topics like what to eat for dinner.
Perhaps, they would have even talked about her mother's experiences. About how she met her father and how they fell in love.
But Yuuko wasn't here anymore. There was no one to gush about with, no one Yui could turn to for advice or counseling, and no one who would mourn her loss with her.
«I've always wanted to know... did you love father... Were you ...happy?»
She wished she could hear her mother tell her that everything will be fine and that; yes, she had a happy live and that Yui too would be happy as well. But... No matter how much Yui asked and waited she never received a reply.
Smiling sadly Yui wiped a tear from her cheek.
«I'm sorry for crying, Mom. I'm... doing fine, but maybe, maybe I'm just a bit tired right now. You raised me to be strong, so please don't worry. I will soon smile again.»
She cheered herself up in between sniffles and wiped away her tears. Her heart was twisting in pain and screaming.
'I miss you. I want to see you. It's lonely without you here.'
Yui inhaled sharply and looked towards the sky. The first snowflakes fell as the teen girl gritted her teeth and quietly wept in front of her mother's grave.
'I'm scared, mom...'
Yui stayed there until she was calm. The snowfall worsened and she felt the cold sink into her bones.
Climbing down the steps, Yui arrived back at the car. As promised, the driver was waiting for her. She quietly entered with a nod and the driver drove away without another word.
Not even 30mins later, they entered the familiar neighborhood. Yui had long calmed down and was now looking out of the window in quiet admiration. In her mind, she was exhausted but still, the thought that Sae would return tomorrow filled her with a mix of excitement and worry.
'Regardless of all my fears. Above all, I'll be happy to see you.' Yui mused to herself and she smiled warmly. Her eyes instinctively went to the sky again.
During these four years, it had become a habit of hers. Whenever she was thinking of Sae she would look up at the sky. Similarly, whenever she looked at the sky, she would be reminded of him.
Sometimes she couldn't help but wonder. 'Do you miss me as much as I miss you?'
'Will the stars lead me back to you? I haven't forgotten any of the promises we made, Sae. But... am I wrong for wishing you'd do the same?'
In a tiny space of her heart, Yui readied herself to be disappointed. She readied herself in case he forgot about them, about the memories they made, about the promises they said, and about the stars and the waves they saw at the beach together.
Yui smiled as she remembered them all. 'I guess, I better try to remind him then.' She chuckled to herself and looked outside the window. There was no use in crying over spilled milk. If Sae really forgot then... Yui would just fight for their future. Just like her mother did for them.'
The car turned around the corner and Yui recognized the familiar scenery.
It was the place where the Itoshi siblings used to have club practice at. By now it was already late and dark, and with the heavy snow fall there shouldn't be anyone there. However, as they passed by the bus stop, Yui's eyes caught sight of a familiar red.
'!'
«Please, stop the car!» The girl immediately yelled and dashed out of the car the moment it stopped.
The snow piling up below her, gave way with each step she took.
«Sae!» Yui called out to him in the quiet night.
Sae's slouched figure jerked and he whipped his head to the side in a slow lazy motion. His eyes showed an exhaustion and tiredness no teenager their age should have. It had only gotten worse after his confrontation with Rin.
It took him a moment to realize who had called him and who was approaching him right now.
Sae's eyes slowly widened when he recognized the girl that was approaching him through the snow.
«Sae!» Yui called again as she hurried in her steps. He watched her nearly slip, and immediately stood up.
'Yui.' There in the dark of night was no one other than Yui. She appeared like a light, a fairy, a star. She appeared so suddenly, Sae couldn't believe she was real.
'Why are you appearing now?' Sae thought as he felt his eyes glaze over. 'Just when I needed you.'
Beneath the dim streetlights Yui's hair glimmered like stardust. The trail they left behind brightened up his darkening world.
'You really have uncanny timing.' Sae thought as he unconsciously softened his expression expecting the girl.
Yui slowed her steps when she reached him. Slightly out of breath she inhaled and exhaled deeply. Her cheeks were flushed a bright red from the mixture of coldness and running.
She looked him up and down.
'It's really you.' Her eyes filled up with light when she realized that. There were so many things she wanted to tell him. There were even more she wanted to ask him. But what she wanted to tell him the most was: How happy she was to see him.
Slowly and surely Yui stepped up and enveloped Sae into a strong and sudden hug.
Sae had grown much taller than before. He was now a head and a half taller than her, and with their height difference her head fitted perfectly into his shoulder.
Leaning back slightly, Yui looked up at him without letting go. Her crystal blue eyes shone with unspoken joy.
«I've finally caught you.» Yui uttered.
Her words were soft but full of love and care and Sae felt himself melting at them.
Sae looked at her - his girl - deeply for a long time. Four years were a long time, and without a doubt a lot happened. Things had changed between them. He realized that after his encounter with Rin, and he realized it again now that he saw Yui in front of him.
Yui's hair was now much longer than he remembered. He had seen her in plenty of pictures before but it still felt different seeing her in person. It was much better.
Her eyes seemed brighter with how intensely they shone. They were full of compassion and love right now, completely different from the glare Rin had given him. The contrast startled him.
While he looked at her in silence - neither refuting nor returning the embrace - Sae realized how pretty her eyelashes were. They perfectly framed her eyes like fitting garments. Each time she blinked they fluttered softly and lightly and his heart did the same.
Without a doubt, Sae had changed a lot over the years. It was impossible to not change when you are stuck in a new environment, far away from home.
But, it's weird. When Sae assessed the girl in front of him, he still felt the same as years ago. He still felt the urge to be near her and to keep her by his side. He still felt the same comfort and affection for her.
Yui still shone the same way she did years ago and Sae's heart relinquished in the warmth her light gave off.
She was his only star.
Noticing Sae's long silence Yui's eyes grew from joy to worry. How could she not notice the dark eye bags Sae had or the meager look on his face. It's easy to see that Sae must have struggled a lot throughout the years, and he might still now.
Sae looked tired. Very tired and Yui wanted to help him. Instead of words, she moved one of her hands and softly brushed through his hair. She didn't need to say anything. Her eyes were filled with warmth and reassurance. She hoped they could reach him.
Sae barely registered the hand in his hair. But when he did, Sae did what he could never do in front of anybody else.
He released a shaky sigh and leaned closer carefully wrapping an arm around her shoulder and securing her in his hold safely.
His hold was gentle and yet firm. Even with just that single casual movement, Yui could feel Sae's muscular build and she couldn't help but blush a little bit at his strength.
Sae then leaned over and lowered his head. «Just lend me your shoulder for a bit.»
He briefly commanded and swiftly put his head onto her shoulder.
The familiar smell of jasmine and vanilla immediately calmed him and his tense nerves. He also noticed a new kind of smell which he recognized as the strong smell of incense, and he wondered where that came from.
At the same time memories of their past flooded back to him. Sae pushed his question to the back of his mind and prioritized his comfort.
For now, he wanted to relax and recharge while relying on the one that'd always find him.
Sae exhaled sharply as the tension left his body. 'It feels good to be back.'
He enjoyed the way one of Yui's hand kept playing with his hair softly. The other one patted his back almost awkwardly.
Sae relished in the silence he could share with her. It was intimate but not overbearing. 'Everyone's annoying. Why aren't you?' Sae felt like she might be the sole thing keeping him sane in this world.
He didn't want to let her go. If possible, he would like to stay like this forever. But he also knew that there were still some matters to be taken care of.
'I am far too busy. Damn it.' He mentally cursed as he thought about his future. - A future in which Yui is part of.
They kept their positions until Sae let go with a heavy sigh. A big cloud of white breath appeared and faded away again.
His eyes had a bit more light in them although they still remained tired.
Yui looked at him with sympathy and gave a weak and understanding smile. «I guess we both had a hard time today.»
Sae closed his eyes for a moment. «Yui, why are you here?»
Sae asked as he reopened them. He looked at her coldly. But his coldness didn't last for long as he, once again, couldn't help but admire her.
Sae had seen many pretty and good-looking people. Objectively speaking, there were sure to be some even more good-looking than Yui. But to him, everything about the warmth Yui radiated felt just right for him.
He stubbornly refused to look away and instead focused his eyes onto the middle of her forehead.
Yui remained quiet. She wasn't sure how to reply to his question and instead just smiled a small mischievous smile at him.
Sae was caught off guard and stiffened at that smile which overlapped with the one she had shown him at the beach before.
'Pay back.' Sae suddenly remembered those words she had whispered to him after kissing his cheek.
He still hadn't forgotten the bewilderment she left him with. Feeling strangely competitive, Sae once again leaned close and put their heads together. He looked into her warm eyes before retreating and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
Yui froze as she looked at him with lost, shellshocked eyes.
«... My return gift.» Sae mumbled as he released his hold on her.
Yui dizzily touched her forehead and looked at him with a flabbergasted expression.
Seeing her like that, Sae calmly stuck his tongue out at her. The corners of his lips softened into a small smile.
Without another word, Sae then turned around, stuck one hand into his jacket pocket and pulled his travel case with the other one.
«We're leaving.» Sae said as he passed her by.
His tone pulled her out of her shock. Surprised, Yui checked the directions.
«... Sae, is this alright? Your home is the other way.»
«I know... » Sae replied briefly without pausing. His ears were growing red not only from the cold.
«That's Yuusuke's car, isn't it? I'm going there.» Yui nodded in understanding and followed after him.
A shiny object on the travel suitcase caught her attention and she noticed, upon closer inspection, that it was the charm she had given to him four years ago. It had a few scratches and dents on it.
'He must have used it plenty over the years.' Yui mused with fondness.
«You're still using it.» She commented from behind.
Sae didn't reply and kept walking.
Yui smiled softly at him. Sae really was bad with feelings, but there were these small details that no one seemed to notice and they shone a deeper light onto his real warmth.
Yui hurried with her steps and soon caught up to him. She didn't stop, and quickly grabbed his free hand as she pulled him along with a smile. «Let's go.»
Her sudden burst of energy surprised Sae. The sight in front of him captured him and Sae let himself be pulled along with her. Just the two of them. Into the night.
Her long ashen hair that flew behind her reminded him of the milky way. He used to watch it on the rooftops of the dormitories in Spain countless times.
Before coming here, Sae had thought that maybe something had changed between them. That maybe, their past attraction was just a silly crush and that he had been holding on to small scraps of happiness to keep himself going strong.
Now that he had seen her, Sae realized that as much as he's strong on his own. He was at his best with Yui around. Any false pretense of coldness and perfection crumbled around her.
His walls tumbled down to dust in front of her. They left him unguarded and vulnerable towards the magnetic force that attracted him to her. He hated and loved it.
'You... shine, Yui.'
Sae adored with belated realization. He doubt he would ever feel this attraction towards anyone ever again.
Last time, Sae let go of their hands for his goals. This time, he found a new dream he was going to accomplish. Sae tightly held onto Yui's hand as he pulled her to a stop.
«!»
Yui slowed down and partly fell backwards from the sudden pull. She fell into his arms as he easily steadied her with his taller frame
Sae put a hand in front of her eyes. He made sure that she wouldn't see him. Her long lashes fluttered against the palms of his hand and Sae nearly had a heart attack from the tickling sensation they gave him. '!'
He cursed calmly and quickly recovered.
«Close your eyes.» Sae spoke and Yui did. He felt that fluttering sensation one more time and released his hand. His palm still tingling.
Sae then shuffled with the little gift wrapping in his jacket and paused for a moment.
«... I need to ... put away your hair...» Sae hesitated.
«...You can.» Yui allowed him but Sae still wasn't convinced
«Are you sure? They are long and...» 'pretty.' Sae ended in his thoughts.
Yui nodded after a moment of silence.
«It's okay, really... I ... wanted to let you see.» Yui admitted happy that she didn't have to face him right now.
«!» Sae didn't say anything anymore instead he carefully gathered her hair into his fingers and smoothly brushed through them a few times.
They were slightly wet from the snow but still smooth. He wondered how smooth they would be if dry. Sae moved slowly and with extreme care and gentleness. It was as if he was weaving golden threads. He proceeded with utmost caution, afraid of hurting her or tainting their swift glossy color.
'Done.' Sae thought with slight disappointment as he had brushed her hair off to one shoulder.
He stared down at her neck and decided to quickly finish his task before he could do anything worse.
With a soft click Sae opened the small jewelry box he was holding and reached out over Yui's shoulder. He avoided touching the girl at all costs in fear of startling her.
Finally, after a soft click Sae was done.
«I'm done.» He said with a hidden sigh. This task nearly robbed him off all his nerves.
Yui opened her eyes and looked down. Her eyes fell onto a beautiful silver necklace. It was the shape of a moon with a small blue gemstone embed into it. The blue gemstone had more of a turquoise shade compared to Yui's eyes but it complemented them stunningly.
«Sae, this-» Yui instantly turned around and looked at him in surprise.
Sae avoided her eyes and glanced to the side. Seeing his reaction Yui thought about how to reply. 'I can't accept this...' Yui thought but she also didn't want to refute a gift from Sae. Besides, the colors and materials showed that it was bought with her in mind. Happiness filled her.
Sae glanced down at the girl. She was holding the necklace between her fingers with a slightly troubled expression. It made him feel bad.
Sae didn't get a gift to trouble her. He just happened to find it while he was out and thought it might look good on her. Without a doubt it really looked good on her and it enhanced the clear crystal blue of her eyes even more.
'Even gems pale in comparison to her eyes.' Sae thought.
It satisfied him to see that necklace on her. Not only did he choose well but he also liked the small claim of his she was wearing now.
«Wear it.» Sae said his resolute teal eyes burning into hers.
«Sae... it looks expensive.» Yui countered.
Sae couldn't help but stare her down. Money wasn't an issue for him but he also didn't want to downplay its value.
«It was. Don't waste it.» Sae replied in a soft tone. 'You're worth much more than this, silly.' He ended in his mind.
Yui looked into his eyes with a helpless and slightly mocking 'How-could-you-do-this-to-me?' - look.
Sae's expression softened into a small smile again.
He calmly reasoned.
«I promised to get you something... For this.» Sae glanced at the small bag charm Yui had given to him before he left.
«You remembered.» Yui said with such a delightful smile and sweet voice, Sae wasn't sure whether to feel proud or insulted.
She wasn't wrong. Towards anyone else Sae wouldn't care. He wouldn't even have made that promise in the first place. After seeing how happy she was, Sae agreed that it was worth it.
«You talk too much. Let's go.» Sae said and he cooly pulled her along. Directing them towards the waiting car.
His words may have been cold but there was a warmth spreading through every cell of his body. That warmth would one day bloom into a fierce fire flower unable to be contained, tamed or subdued by anyone except for the sole person, Egoist Itoshi Sae would offer his heart too.
But for now, they'd taken another step towards shaping their future. In this constantly moving world, stars too repeatedly came and went. Similar to them, Sae and Yui too would soon learn what's like to reunite again after years.
Things that have changed, and things that have remained. What's been lost and what's been gained along the way. All of it, the two teens would figure out as they kept walking.