Chapter Text
In a world with dreams and goals, there are countless obstacles everyone has to face in order to achieve what they desire.
Some are facile while others might be daunted by the journey of it.
Whatever might be, it only takes one’s will whether to continue or give up.
It might take days, weeks, months, years or even decades.
Only the dedicated shall reap the prize.
As the journey sailed to its conclusion…
April 1996
The sun had just risen from the horizon as its rays began shining on Tokyo. As the serene environment transitioned into a lively sound of chattering and moving vehicles, marking a beginning of a new day.
Not far off the downtown of Shibuya, near an apartment complex lived a 15 years old girl with a blue navy hair. She was deep in slumbers before a ringing emanated out through the whole room and pierced into her ears.
Ichika Hoshino, albeit annoyed, arose from her bed and cease the deafening sound of the alarm clock. She peered at the clock and its hands.
5:30 am
A sigh escapes her mouth before she muttered “That’s one way to remember how terrible it is to wake up this early.”
Now, Ichika would have continued until she remembers what day it is today…
“Wait, it’s my first day in high school. Oh my god, I can’t wait to them at Miyajou.”
Weariness turns into excitement as she goes about her daily morning routine. Ichika had always been an early bird, but prior to the night, she had set her clock earlier to arrive at Miyamasuzaka Girls' Academy quicker.
She was outright ecstatic as she could reunite with her childhood friends and spent precious time together at school. Sure, education comes as a priority but Ichika always had a deep sentimental value over the bonds she had established with her friends. After all, they had been friends since kindergarten.
Ichika had just finished her morning routine and is now headed to the living room where her mother had prepared tamagoyaki for breakfast.
“Oh, done preparing yourself? Come, breakfast’s ready. You don’t want to be on your first day in high school, right?” pointed out her mom.
“Ok mama! I can’t wait to meet Saki, Honami and Minori again!”
During school holidays, Saki and her family often fly overseas for vacation while Honami usually goes back to her hometown in Ishikawa. As a result, it was only Ichika and Minori hanging out during the breaks with the four reuniting occasionally. Their hangout sessions generally consist of heading into music stores buying cassette tapes and later CDs — those had become cheaper during middle school — stargazing, chilling in serene settings or even shopping.
“I’m glad to hear that honey. Don’t forget to study hard as well. You’re now in high school now, I hope you can do well in your studies as well.” Her mother reminded.
Ichika ensured her mother that she will not neglect her studies. After eating her breakfast, she grabbed her bag and proceeded to the front door.
“Alright mama! I’m going to school now. See you later!” exclaimed her.
“Ok dear, good luck. Also, your father will be back from overseas work tonight. So, I’m planning a big dinner later.”
Ichika nodded before putting on her shoes, waved at her mother and exiting her house. She commenced her journey to Miyamasuzaka Girls' Academy on foot, following a route that passes by a nearby park. The girl had always enjoyed this distinct route as it is full of Sakura trees — makes for a good cherry blossom viewing during spring— which made the scenery quite alluring and tranquil. The park was also where she often met her friends. The playground location made it an excellent venue for stargazing at night.
“Icchan!? Is that you.”
She was admiring the beauty of the trees when she heard a call directed to her. Ichika turned to glance at the source of the voice. It was Saki Tenma.
“Hey! I didn’t expect you to use the trail as well. It’s been a while, Icchan!” Saki expressed before hugging her.
“Saki! Glad to see you again! How was your vacation? I hope it was nice!” Ichika replied gleefully
“It was wonderful! We went to Italy! Venice and Naples are some of the cities my family visited! It’s so marvelous… I’m sorry I didn’t send you that many letters, Icchan. I would have called you through the phone (landline; this was the 90s) but I forgot time zones can be annoying at times so when I attempted to call, you guys are usually asleep.”
“It’s fine, Saki. I’m still thrilled that I received those letters from you because just reading your experiences is enough to make me smile.”
“Awwww, Icchan.” Saki displayed a huge smile on her face. “Oh, we should probably get going, don’t want to be late for school.”
“Right, right…”
At the entrance of Miyamasuzaka Girls' Academy
Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy is also known as a rich girl’s school. Notorious for one of the toughest entrance exams in Tokyo and students coming from politicians, businesses and celebrity’s background. It is not a surprise that the school wants to keep prestige high.
Ichika and Saki had just arrived at the entrance gate, somewhat relieved that they turned up early. They were heading to the school’s main hall bulletin board to find their classroom rooms. It was rather crowded which was not a surprise. She was not comfortable with the amount of people near the board, so Saki was the one who embarked on the journey, squeezing between people in order to get a view of the classroom list.
After a few minutes, Saki reappeared and went to Ichika.
“Good news Icchan! We are in the same class!! 1-C is our room!” Saki proclaimed energetically.
“Really!? That’s nice~ We can work together every day in class.”
“I know right! Let’s go to the classroom now!”
Ichika and Saki were heading to their classroom before they stumbled upon two familiar figures in the hallway. It was Honami Mochizuki and Minori Hanasato, Ichika’s other two childhood friends.
“Oh Ichika-chan, Saki-chan. Good to see you again. How are you doing?” Honami questioned.
‘I’m good Honami. I hope you’re doing good too! How was your visit to your hometown? “Ichika replied.
“I’m also good, Hona-chan. Everything is alright at Ishikawa, right?” added Saki.
“It’s alright Ichika-chan, Saki-chan~ It’s been a while since my family visited my grandparents, so my mother decided that we should pay them a visit…” Honami explained.
Both Ichika and Saki nodded at Honami’s response before Minori broke the silence again.
“Honami said that her visit was very relaxing! The countryside surroundings made her feel calm and lighten her mood!”
“That’s fair enough. Sometimes it’s nice to escape the bustling scene of the city.” Ichika noted.
Minori nodded in agreement before looking at Saki and querying her on the vacation to Italy that her family went.
“Ohh, it wasn’t that bad Minori-chan! The food there was delicious too!!! Original Italian food. Authentic pasta~ Although, my elder brother tried so hard to get this one specific plushie for me. He can be very silly but he said that it suited me! So sweet~!” Saki replied with sparkles in her eyes.
“Haha, sounds like he was fully focused. Anyways, I wanted to ask, what class are you and Ichika-chan in? Me and Honami-chan isn’t in the same class, unfortunately… She’s in Class 1-B while I’m in Class 1-A” Minori told disappointedly.
“Sorry Minori… Saki and I are in Class 1-C, this year.” Ichika answered.
“Oh… It’s ok! We can meet during break times! Plus, we can always hang out after school too!” assured Minori.
“Right, right! I have some plans in mind later as well! I heard there is a new shopping mall opening soon!!” Saki declared.
The conversation would have continued if the deafening sound of the school bell had not began emanating, signaling a start of a new school day (and also the school year). The four girls hastily gave their goodbyes before dispersing off to their respective classrooms.
During the walk to her classroom, Ichika felt contented that all four of her friends retained in Miyajou. They had gone to the same school since elementary school and was pleased that the group retained the streak all over these years. Although to be frank, they were very much inseparable by this point. Something that Ichika agreed in her mind as they entered the classroom; managing to find two empty seats, which allowed both her and Saki seated together.
Oblivious to them was a small shining golden butterfly outside their classroom. Despite appearing ordinary, it had been stalking them since Ichika and Saki met at the park, feeling the aura from the blue navy haired girl.
“This emotion…”
“The sense of longing and loving…”
“Is this what true emotions is…”
“I need to find out more…”
The being kept pondered while observing Ichika as the teacher began entering the classroom and introduced herself to the class.
“Perhaps… She is the one…”