A Ship's Anchor. A Shining Horizon (Chikayou)
You walked down the shore, the night sea breeze cooling her head. Before she knew it, her feet brought her here. One moment she was talking with Chika in her room about the future, the next moment she was out here, alone.
Running away from the future and being alone. It was almost poetic. Or ironic. You supposed it was either of the two.
She didn’t mean to run, but the question overwhelmed her. It was sudden, and she wasn’t prepared to answer. She had no answer, and she didn’t want to lie to Chika. So, the only option left was to run. One of these days, she’ll work up the nerve to have the conversation with her girlfriend.
A conversation that will lead her straight to her dream, but at the cost of their relationship.
“You!” A voice called out to her, one all too familiar. She turned and gave a small wave, gentle as the ocean tonight. “Did something happen? Are you okay?”
You shook her head, trying to dispel her worries with a smile. It hung uncomfortably on her face. She felt the smile wane and opted to look away instead. “I’m all right, Chika. Just... Wanted to get some air, that’s all.”
There was silence from Chika, a silence accentuated by the calm rolling of the waves. Curiosity had You look back, meeting her eyes. There was a smile on her lips. Warm, delicate, heart-wrenching.
“I know about the scholarship overseas, You.” Chika said simply. Her smile didn’t waver, but You was left speechless.
“H-How did you know?” She stuttered out, finally finding her words. Chika giggled, glancing away for a moment.
“My mom told me. She was talking with your mom on the phone.” You gulped heavily at her answer. There was no use lying now.
“Chika, I wanted to tell you later. I didn’t know how to bring it up-“ She was silenced by a simple gesture. Chika bringing a finger against her own lips. A giggle trailed off into the night, and she spoke, almost a whisper.
“I think you should go for it.”
You let out a strangled gasp, her voice returning. With it, a fire. “But, what about us?! Our relationship? I’d be overseas and out at sea. Texting won’t even be practical!” As she explained, Chika’s smile never dropped. It stayed, even and unmoving. It made You angry, and her voice hid none of that fact. “Does that mean nothing to you?!”
“It means everything to me, You. No, you mean everything to me.” A breeze blew by, and it sniffed out the fires in You’s words, leaving a cold, lost heart. Chika took a step closer, brushing her hand up her arm, looking out to the dark horizon.
“You always wanted to be a captain, right?” Wordlessly, You nodded.
“That’s the You that I fell in love with. The You that always dreamed of being captain of a ship.” Chika looked back at her, her smile growing when their eyes met. “The You that looked to the horizon, going full speed ahead.” Her breath grew heavy, eyes glassy.
“If I was the reason why you can’t chase your dream, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.” Chika’s smile finally dropped. She choked back her sobs, tears rolled freely down her cheeks.
“Please, You. Chase your shine.”
You’s sight of her grew blurry. Her breath hitched, and there was a warm wetness on her face. She wanted to argue. She wanted to tell her to wait. But acting selfish wouldn’t be right, especially with how selfless Chika was.
“I’m sorry...” She said instead, after everything she wanted to say. It was pathetic. Yet, despite that, Chika shook her head, stepping closer. She brought her hands up, fingers delicately ghosting against her cheeks. Her touch was warm.
“Don’t be,” She whispered softly, “You shine brighter when you smile.” There was a giggle. She met You’s eyes, fighting up a smile. “You’re Watanabe You! Going full speed ahead!”
You rested a hand on Chika’s, feeling their shared warmth on her damp cheek. Their fingers found each other naturally, and it was a feeling she could only express with her tear-stained smile.
“I-I’m Watanabe You! I’ll chase my dream... I’ll be a captain, going full speed ahead. Yousoro!” Chika smiled, her tears glistening under the moonlight. She parted her lips to speak, but You shook her head, continuing.
“I’m Watanabe You! I’ll love you, Chika Takami, for as long as I live!” She looked at Chika’s eyes, her breath hitching. “I’ll be captain at sea, but I’ll definitely return to shore! So, please...”
Please love me until I return. Please wait for me. Please continue being mine. A million wishes unspoken, but Chika understood them all from the look in her eyes.
She nodded and moved up, meeting You’s lips. When she parted, there was nothing else to be said. Their relationship will soon be over, but their love will continue to shine until the sun itself burnt out.
“Good luck.” No, even longer after than that.