From Now On (Chikanan)
Kanan walked the beach, admiring the shimmering sea across the wide horizon. The sun shone bright, the sand glistening under her feet.
A breeze blew by, stealing away the hat atop her head. She gave chase, but the wind was adamant.
However, on these beaches, nothing was as steadfast and adamant as her. She focused a jump, swiping the hat in midair. She taunted the winds, securing her prize back on her head. A familiar object stole her attention, and she realized where she was.
A sea breeze kicked up the flag, flying the colors of their victory. Winners of Love Live: Aqours. It was like a dream. Kanan walked forward, feeling the cloth. It was definitely real. All her sacrifice, all her pain. It was hers and all of theirs, paying off in a victory that cemented their school’s name in history.
It didn’t save their school, but it was the best they could do. Aqours knew it would be enough, Uranohoshi knew it would be enough. Yet, Kanan knew it wasn’t.
Quiet laughter escaped her. There was no use regretting about it now. She had graduated, Aqours is now six, and the school shut down.
She did what she promised. Focusing on Aqours, and they all won Love Live. There was nothing to do now. She can focus on her future. Get that diving license, keep her family diving shop running.
The guilt will subside, given time. After all, she still has a group to look after. The new Aqours. She would still get in the way. Leaving the town would be her best choice for them. For her heart? That didn’t matter. Love would ruin the budding shine of her juniors. Distance will extinguish her feelings. It almost worked once before with Mari.
A sigh mingles with the ocean winds. She gave one last look at the banner before turning away to leave.
“Kanan!” A voice, painfully familiar, called out to her. She wanted to ignore it. To keep walking and go home. She hated how the approaching steps sent flutters in her heart.
Ever since their last confrontation, they shelved their emotions until the end of the competition. With everything over, there would be no excuse. Here. She had to say something here.
She drew a deep breath, mustering her courage. This was for their own good. A resolute nod, and she turned, looking at the girl approaching her.
“Chika.” The sounds of her name brought her feet to a stop, a few steps left between them. Kanan chewed on her lip, unsure what to say next. She never had to reject anyone before.
Before she could think of anything, Chika took a brave step forward, their eyes met. “I came to see you before you leave.”
“What?” It was word Kanan didn’t expect to hear. Difficult feelings were fought down, she must keep herself composed. It took her a minute to realize that Chika was still wearing her costume for their live for Numazu High. “Did... Did you take a bus here as soon as you finished the live?”
Without hesitation, Chika nodded. “That’s right!”
“You’re an idiot!” Kanan yelled, confused, frustrated. Why is she here? She did everything so Chika would focus on what’s important to her. So, why is she away from everyone?
“That’s also right!” She took another step forward. Kanan stayed her ground, the banner fluttering wildly in the wind.
“You are unbelievable!” Despite the exchange of raised voices, Chika held an even expression, a bright smile on her face. It confused Kanan, making her feel like she was the unreasonable one for suddenly yelling.
Yet, she couldn’t stop herself. “Why are you doing this? Aqours is still waiting for you to lead them!”
Chika took another step closer, and Kanan realized the gap had vanished. Her eyes, glistening in the sunlight, stared intensely into hers. It stole her breath in that moment.
“That’s right, too. But,” Chika moved her hands up, taking Kanan’s onto a soft grip. “Aqours is waiting for me, but you’re not.” She broke her gaze to look down at their joined hands, tracing soft circles.
“We’re fine now, Kanan. You don’t need to worry about us anymore.” She knew that. After their last performance together, Kanan knew that even without herself, Dia, and Mari, they would continue to shine brighter than ever.
There would be no reason for her to stay. A lonely, but accomplished feeling.
But, Kanan couldn’t draw strength to pull her hands away. Chika looked back up, their gaze locking. Their eyes hid nothing, and she would bare everything again. Again until she would succeed.
They were alike in that respect. An unwavering perseverance.
“I love you. Before you go, I want to do something about it.” Chika’s words were calm, but it hid none of her conviction. Kanan stared, blinking in surprise.
“My shine is here on this beach! And it’s you, Kanan.” She took in a breath, her words a momentary courage.
“I don’t want you to take care of me anymore! I want you to love me back! I know you love me back! I’m fine now! I’m still clumsy, sometimes dumb, but I’ll be okay!” She shut her eyes, her hands holding tightly onto hers.
Chika prepared another breath, but the sudden separation of their hands took her by surprise. She looked back up, meeting Kanan’s eyes.
The hug that followed stole her thoughts in that moment. All she could think about was the sensation of Kanan’s warmth. Her words fell to a fragile whisper, Chika shuddered at the breath against her hair.
“You’d be an idiot for choosing someone like me.” A desperate attempt to get her to reconsider, but Kanan was at the end of her rope. Her emotions were winning over her sense. Chika’s warmth was almost addictive, and it only made her hold tighter. “Will you be all right with that?”
It only took a second before Chika nodded excitedly, a smile crawling back on her face.
“Even after everything I said to you?”
“It was out of love, Kanan.”
She laughed breathily, tickling Chika’s skin. “If that’s love, then I don’t want it. I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”
Chika pulled away. Their eyes locked in a stare. She gave a bright smile. A sight brighter than any ocean. “Your love can be quite harsh, you’re right!”
“Jeez, way to rub it in.” Kanan huffed guiltily before Chika captured her lips. It stunned her for only a moment, but she soon kissed back. They held each other tight, the rolling waves teasing at their feet. Whatever else they wanted to say was conveyed in the heated contact of their lips. Every yes and no. Every worry and question.
When they parted, both were breathless, hot air mixed in the intimate gap between them. Chika gave a grin despite the vibrant red on her face.
“Your love is like this too, Kanan!”
She barely finished before Kanan moved close, stealing a quick kiss. “I want it to be only this.”
Both smiled, ignoring the deep blushes and the embarrassment for later. Chika nodded, moving up to smile against another meeting of their lips.
“Fine by me!”