Wishing Star

Summary: Dai Kotomi, a guy who felt in love with Reiki Tomoyo who is a close friend to Dai but sadly after their school result’s out, Dai were unable to keep up with her and were force to go to another school which is quite far away from his hometown. After 5 years, what will happen to them?

Chapter 1: Separated

“Wow! The star is shining brightly tonight…” said Reiki Tomoyo.

Reiki Tomoyo, a girl who is always cheerful and always put on a smile on her face whenever she see her friend.

“Yeah… it felt good to see the star shining,” I said while staring at the shinning star.

“Dai, if something were to happen to me… what would you do?” asked Reiki.

“Come on! Don’t say something like that. Nothing’s going to happen, trust me.” I replied. I was quite surprised at what she had just ask me because this is the first time I ever saw her expression like this.

She smiled and said, “Oh well! You haven’t changed a bit, do you?”

“Reiki, you know… I won’t change and you know the reason, don’t you? I…”

Before I can finish my sentence she interrupted, “Oh look! A wishing star! Come on make a wish!”

She closed her eyes, hold her hands together and starts making a wish. Looking at her, I too followed what she did.

I closed my eyes. I thought for a while and said to myself, “There’s only one thing that I wanted…” I said it in my mind.

‘I wish the person beside me will always stay with me forever in my life and eternity.’

I opened my eyes and saw her still making her wish. Her cute face makes me wonder. It would be great if I can stay beside her forever. She knows that I like her very much and eventhough she rejected me but we are still close friends. Very close friend indeed and even many people ask if she’s my girlfriend. Sometimes I wish I could just say “Ya, she is, so?” I’m afraid if I said that and she will starts to avoid me. The avoiding part will be more painful when I’m admiring her. So I wish that we could be like this for a while. I don’t want to part from her.

We always meet at this place - a very aged tree with grassland around and river which is near the school. During the day we always hang out here because of the quietness and it’s quite windy. When it’s night time, it’s the best spot for watching the stars and we can hear the insects buzzing around and if we are lucky we can see a school of fireflies flying around at night.

She finally opened her eyes and looked at me with a smile.

“What did you wish for?” I asked.

“Mmm… I’m not going to tell you!” she laughed.

“Oh come on!” I said hastily.

“It’s late. I have to go.” She ignored what I’ve said.

“Oh ok… I will walk you home.” I replied back in a sad way.

“Mmm... It’s okay, don’t worry about me, I can walk home by myself. See you tomorrow.” She said and walked quickly towards her house direction.

I stared at her until her shadow disappears. Few seconds later, I looked up at the dark clear sky and said, “Sigh, tomorrow is the day we’re getting our results for our exam… hope that I have good marks for my entire subject and… hope I will be able to stay with her.”

*

“Good Morning!” said everybody who’s on their way to school and those who bump into their friends.

“Hey Dai, how’s your test last week?” asked Mikako Noriyuki.

Mikako Noriyuki is a very confident guy and whom I trust most among my other friends.

“Oh it went fine. I don’t think I need to worry about that one,” I replied and continued “How’s yours?”

“Mine? Well… I just hope that I can at least get a pass and I would be dead happy!” answered Mikako.
“Ha-ha… don’t worry! Your results are always good and never get a red mark before!” I said.

“True but you know its human nature to be scared eventhough you know what you are going to get what you have expected. Ha-ha!” Mikako said with a laughter.

“Whoa, what confident,” I speak softly.

“Time for class!” said our homeroom teacher. “As usual, cleaning and then after a short break, you all will be getting back your report book.”

*

“Man! Cleaning is what I hate to do most! I don’t even have to clean my own room! I’m off to the cafeteria! Want to come along?” asked Mikako.

“No thanks…” I replied.

“Aww… come on! Don’t be such a party pooper!” Mikako said and tried to drag me along with him.

“No really. I want to do some cleaning. It’s my last day in this school and I want to remember and have a memory for it…” I replied.

“Haiz… suit yourself,” He said.

“Hey Reiki, want to go to the cafeteria with me?” Mikako asked.

“Mmmm… no thanks,” She replied back with a smile.

“Oh Man… both of you is hopeless! Sigh… catch you two later!” he said and wandered off to the cafeteria.

“Whew! Done here,” I said and looked around. No one left except Reiki, she was wiping the blackboard.

“Hey let me help you with that,” I said and went to get a wet cloth and helped her.

“Thanks!” she said.

“You’re always welcome,” I said. It’s a very common word used between us because every time I would try my best to help her even when I’m quite busy with my stuff, to show how much I really really like her.

“Let’s rest a bit and wait for the report book, shall we?” Reiki said.

“Sure,” I said.

*

“Ahh… it sure feels good after all the work,” I said. She looked at me and smiled and went back to her day-dreaming.
Sometime I really want to think that she is really mine… I don’t know what really attracts me to her but it’s just so undeniable that I really do like her.

“Hey Dai, what are you going to do in the future? I mean like your future career?” she asked.

“Mmm… I don’t know. I haven’t decided it yet. What about you?” I replied

“Same here,” She replied.

After a short silence, I looked deeply at her and said, “I wish we could be together in the future...”

“Dai… you know the reason. Please don’t let me say it again…” She answered.

I breathed deeply and look away from her. I stared at my table feeling a bit sad and have been hurt deeply again and something heavy for my heart to carry…

“Sorry but I really can’t…” she said.

“Please say no more…” I said reluctantly.

Students started to return back to the class and in the seats and teacher came in and we are about to get our report book.

“Well all I have to say is that you all did a good job in your exam! Except a few of you…” said the teacher.

One by one my classmates were called and they went to get their report book while I tried my best to get rid of the rejected pain.

As usual Reiki and Mikako did great on their exam and then finally it’s my turn to get my report book. I went and get it and return to my seat quietly, opened it up secretly and look at my results while the rest is busy with comparing their result among others.

I closed the book and stared at the floor…

“Alright! Class dismiss and wish you all good luck in your new school!” said the teacher.

“Hey! How’s your result Dai?” Mikako asked and continued “Where the hell did he go?”

I withdrew myself silently away from the classroom and went home.

“This is… the end for me…” I muttered.

“What did I do wrong? How did this happen…” I muttered again.

*

Bring-bring…

I look at my cell phone. It’s Reiki. Without a second thought I quickly switched off my cell phone. I have no more right to talk to her.

No more times where I’m with her and help her around…

No more of her smiling faces…

Less chance in seeing each other…

No more happy times with her…

Less reason in contacting her…

No more of her sweet voice…

“This isn’t my day! Got rejected and then failure in my studies…” I said sadly. “Nothing’s right for me! What did I do wrong?” I sobbed. “Stupid wishing star! I thought you grant people their wishes! Look! I wished and look what did I get! And the wish is not just something bad… it’s like a total opposite!” I cried.

I tried to cool down myself and went to sleep.

The phone rang few days later. It’s a telephone ring from Reiki.

“Mom… can you answer the phone and said I’m not at home?” I requested.

“Alright…” My mom said.

“Hello. Is Dai at home?” asked Reiki.

“Oh Reiki… maybe you should try next time. He’s not at home now,” said my mom.

“Oh okay… thanks and bye,” she said and closed the phone.

“I’m a goner,” I thought to myself, “No more for me.”

After a while, my dad came in and sat down beside me. “Son, I found a school that might accept you. It’s near where your uncle Ryoko lives.” He said.

I kept silent.

“I know it’s very far away from here… but you have to continue your studies no matter what…” he said.

“What choice do I have…?” I replied sadly.

“Tomorrow morning, your mom’s going to bring you over there… so go and pack up your stuff, okay?” My father said and I just nodded.

What I can do now is forget about her and I will have a new life to live… maybe it’s good for me… to left her…

*

“Hello Dai! It’s your uncle Ryoko!” He said it with a smile.

Uncle Ryoko is my father big brother and he lives by himself.

“Hello.” I said, trying to force smile on it.

My mom greeted him and talked for awhile while I looked around the surrounding. This part of area is not very much developed and it’s more towards to the nature side.

“Well I will show you the way to my house now and tomorrow I will show you the school okay?” said uncle Ryoko.

I nodded while my mom helped me with the luggage.

Uncle Ryoko lives near the forest. He’s a farmer and I guess if I live him, I will have to do some farming as well… I suppose.

The school is quite near to Uncle Ryoko house. It is based on nature feel. Feels nice to be here I guess and my heart started calm down a bit.

“Tomorrow I will do the registration for you in the school,” said my mom.

I nodded.

After a few months the school will start…

“Today the star sure is many!” beamed Uncle Ryoko with a smile.

“Anything but stars please… I hated them…” I said sadly.

“Why the blue face?” asked Uncle Ryoko.

I did not reply and stared at the floor.

After a while I left the scene.

I’m down again…

What are you doing Reiki?

How’s your new school?

What did you do today?

Did anyone bully you?

Did any guys catch your attention?

Anyone trying to court you?

There are so many questions in my mind right now. I wish it could be answer… I wish I’m there… to look after you… to protect you… I’m sorry… Rei..ki..

Chapter 2: Reunion

..:: Five Years Later ::..

“Five years have passed already and I just felt like it’s just yesterday.” I said softly while looking at the sky after getting off the train.

“I wonder how all my friends are doing now.” I muttered. I took out a cigarette out and started to light it with a lighter and smoked on it.

“Well I think I better head back home now. It’s been ages…” I said.

I threw away the leftover cigarette and step on it.

*

“I’m H-O-M-E!” I said loudly while entering my house.

“Welcome home, son!” my mom smiled and hug me.

“It’s great to be home…” I said.

“I have obtained the good news from your uncle! I heard you got an outstanding result in your exam and you have been offered to work in a very well known company! Congrats!” My mom said with a big smile. “I’m happy for you!”

“Aww man... Uncle Ryoko spoiled all the fun!” I said, smiling.

Both us laughed and chat what I have done over these years.

“Oh yeah… this is all letters from your friends. I didn’t get a chance to hand it over to you. Here you are,” My mom handed me the letters.

“Whoa… Isn’t this too many? I never know that my friends still write to me even till now?” I said with a surprise look on it.

“If I did not miscount it, it should be around 60 letters and from the very same person too,” My mom said.

“I wonder who the hell is so free…” I said. I looked at the sender name. It’s… from Reiki…

I stared at the pile of letters with the name Reiki on it.

Reiki….
Reiki….
Reiki…
Reiki…

Reiki…
Reiki…
Reiki…
Reiki…

After a while I took my stuff to my room along with the pile of letters.

I unpack my stuff and started to unload it into my room.

After a few hours of unpacking my stuff finally it’s over. I sat down near my veranda, enjoying the wind with a cold fizzy drink.

“Ahh… it feels good with the wind blowing towards you after all the hard work!” I said.

Suddenly I remember the letters from Reiki. I thought for a long time.

“Should I read it?” I murmured. “Maybe not, it’s useless now, isn’t it? Five years have passed… This piled of letters ain’t good for me now.” I said.

“Forget about it, Dai!” I said, encouraging myself.

“Forget about it, Dai!” I said it again.

I took out my cigarette and started to smoke on it again. I think it’s getting a habit now. Everytime I thought of her, I will start smoking… I breathe out loudly.

“Wonder what she is doing now,” I spoke softly and looked at the passerby one by one, wasting my time.

Can’t believe I still like her so much after so many years… what dedication I have. I can’t believe it… It’s so unbelievable. I look at the things I have unloaded. Almost half of the stuff there is for her. The things that I knew she will like. I felt so stupid buying it and not giving it to her… what coward I am…

Maybe it’s because I have been rejected twice last time and now my heart felt so scared of the pain. The pain of being rejected.

“Oh well! Let’s forget about it for now and get ready for tomorrow work!” I said with a smile.

*

“Good Morning! Mr.Dai! Welcome abroad!” Said my boss with a smile.

“Great to have a chance to work with you sir!” I replied in a smile.

“Alright let’s get down to business, Miss Yumi will show you to your office and introduce you to your staff. Good luck! And I will send over the details of your work afterward.” said the boss quickly.

“Thank you!” I said and left the office with Miss Yumi who brought me to my office.

“Our boss is so happy that you are working in our company! He said you are a rising star in the business area and talented too.” Miss Yumi said.

“You’re joking, right? I never knew I’m that famous because I just came out from school!” I said.

“Yes, I know… but based on our information, your talents in this field and will prove as an important asset to our company,” She replied.

“Whoa… I’m getting a lot of pressure from the boss right now!” I said.

Miss Yumi laughed and finally I reached my office.

“Mr. Dai, this is your office and here is your staff.” Miss Yumi said.

I look around and saw a man and two ladies.

“This is Megumi and Neero,” said Miss Yumi pointing at a pretty long hair girl and then to a cute blonde girl.

“Hello!” said both of them and I nodded and smiled at them.

“And here we have Mikako,” Miss Yumi said.

“Mikako? That name sounds familiar…” I said.

“Hello!” he said.

“Mikako Noriyuki?” I said in a surprised manner.

“Yeah what’s up?” Said Mikako.

“Come on you forget about me already?” I said.

“You are?” he asked.

“Man… what kind of friend are you?” I said happily.

“I can’t really remember who you are,” Mikako said and was totally confused and blur.

“Come on! We used to be in high school together! Dai Kotomi?” I said.

“Dai… Dai… Dai… OH! Dai! Where the hell have you been?? It’s been how many years? Five years man! How are you? Where have you been?” He beamed a smile at me.

“Ha-ha-ha… great to see you here Mikako. Guess we will be able to work together as a team just like old times!” I said.

“Yeah, just like old times. Remember how we use to…” Said Mikako.

..:: Few hours later ::..

“Whoa… they sure got lots of things to talk about…” said both Megumi and Neero smiling to each other.

“Sigh! Boys… what can we expect?” both of them said.

*

..:: Few days later ::..

“Hey Dai, have you met all our ex-classmates yet?” asked Mikako.

“Yeah… All except…” I paused.

“Except?” ask Mikako.

“Reiki…” said both Mikako and me. I looked at Mikako wondering how the hell he know what I’m going to say.

“See I’m right, aren’t I?” Mikako said.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“Well I can just guess it… after you left without any word, Reiki seems like another person. She doesn’t smile anymore. She becomes a loner.” Said Mikako. “I bet you two have a very deep relation. She seems so upset all the time and always not concentrating at everything she does.”

I stared at Mikako and asked, “Where is she now?”

“I don’t know. After we graduated from the school I have never seen her or even contacted her,” Mikako replied.

“Maybe you should go visit her?” Mikako said.

“But… where?” I said.

“I don’t know… At least you can try?” Mikako said.

I suddenly remembered the piles of letter from her.

I left the office and quickly dashed back to my home.

“Hey where are you going? I don’t mean now? When you are free, okay? Hey!!! What it’s working time!!” Mikako shouted.

*

I dashed into my room and started tearing the first letter that Reiki sent to me.

1^st letter:
Dai, Where have you been? I miss you. I’m going live with my aunt because the school is nearer to my aunt house. Please reply my letter.

2^nd letter:
Dai, it’s the second month. Where have you been? Please don’t hide from me…

3^rd letter:
Dai, it’s the third month. Today the school starts and I didn’t see you. I’m very sad. You are very important to me. Please tell me where you are.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
59^th letter:
Dai, it’s the fifty-nine month. It’s almost 5 years. Where have you been all this year? Please… I begged of you.

60^th letter:
Dai, it’s been sixty month we lost contact. Where are you? It’s been 5 years. I heard that the place where we always go in the past is going to be demolished for residential purpose. I don’t want it to be destroyed! It’s the place where we shared our memory…

“Reiki…” I mutter and I stared around for a while and then finally rush out of my house.

“Where are you going, Mikako? How come you are not working today?” My mom asked.

“I’m off to where my memory is!” I replied.

“Huh? Where your memory is?” said my mum in puzzled.

“Reiki, I know where you are. Just wait for me. I will be there in a sec,” I muttered.

~Car stopping~

“Reiki!!!!” I shouted.

“Where are you??” I shouted again.

A shadow behind the aged tree slowly showed up.

It’s… Reiki…

“Reiki.” I said with a smile.

“Dai? Is that you Dai?” Reiki asked.

“Yes… I’m back…” I said smiling.

“Dai!” She said and come hugging me, crying.

“Dai! Where have you been? I miss you so much. Please don’t go anywhere without telling me again,” Reiki cried.

“Yeah… I will never again.” I said.

“ And I meant it. I will never leave you alone again, Reiki.” I said.

After that we chat under the tree just like old times.

“Dai, did you read the letters I send to you? They are going to demolish this place for residential purposes. This place is where our memory is. I don’t want it to be demolished…” She said.

“Don’t worry, I will handle it,” I said confidently.

“Meet me here tomorrow night, ok?” I said.

~The Night comes~

“Hey! Sorry! I’m late” I said.

“It’s okay,” Said Reiki with a smile. “You look very happy today, don’t you?”

“Oh look at this.” I said showing her a letter.

“Oh my god!” Said Reiki in a confusing way after she finished reading the letter she stares at me.

“You bought this place? I mean how did you? Where did you get the money from?” She asked with a mixture of surprises and happy face.

“Ha-ha… I found out who bought that place and negotiate with him about selling it to me and it was a success! Every month I have to pay him a fix amount.” I said with a smile.

“But... but isn't it going to be expensive?” She asked.

“Oh that… You don't have to worry about it. I got it all plan out. After all this place means a lot to us...” I said.

“Dai…” She said in a very worried voice.

“It’s okay… it’s for you… anything worth it,” I said.

A couple just passed by…

“Ahh… the star sure is shinning brightly today, isn’t it?” asked the woman.
“Yeah… Look! A wishing star! Let’s make a wish!” replied the man.

~THE END~

“Actually what did you wish for that time? I mean that time when we saw the wishing star five years ago?” I asked.

“I think it should be the same as yours,” She said with a smile.