Chapter 101: Whispers Beneath the Stars

Chapter 101: Whispers Beneath the Stars

The night had fallen over Hoshikawa City like a soft velvet blanket, the stars above flickering with distant promise. Rika stood by the window of her room, her eyes scanning the horizon, where the city lights faded into darkness. The air was still, but her heart was not. It had been a week since Naoto had returned from his short trip to visit his mother, and though things were slowly returning to normal, Rika could sense something different. He laughed the same, helped with her studies the same, but there was a part of him that felt further away.

She hugged her arms around herself, leaning slightly against the glass. Below, the garden was quiet. No more group study sessions, no more spontaneous laughter. The group had agreed to meet again next weekend, but the emptiness tonight gnawed at her.

There was a soft knock on her door.

"Rika? It's me," Souta's voice came through gently.

She turned. "Come in."

Souta stepped inside, holding a warm cup of tea. "I thought you might need this. You skipped dinner."

Rika gave a small smile. "Thanks, Souta. I just... wasn't hungry."

He sat beside her, handing her the cup. "Want to talk about it?"

She hesitated. "It's Naoto. He's... different."

Souta nodded slowly. "He's going through a lot. His mother's condition is worsening. He told me last night. Didn't want to worry anyone else."

Rika's heart sank. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"Because he cares about you. He doesn't want you to carry that weight."

She looked down at the tea in her hands, steam rising like the ghosts of her thoughts. "But I want to carry it with him. Isn't that what friends do? Or is that just what people say when it's convenient?"

Souta looked at her, his expression soft. "Rika... sometimes, love means knowing when to hold on and when to stand beside quietly. Even if you feel helpless."

Rika blinked at the word. Love. Did she love Naoto? The answer had always felt distant, complicated. But now...

Souta continued, "He might not show it, but you being here matters."

A long silence followed. Then Rika whispered, "Do you ever feel like the things you want the most are the things you're destined to lose?"

Souta glanced away, then gave a small laugh. "Every day."

Rika smiled faintly. The tension in her shoulders relaxed just a little. It was always like this with Souta—a calmness, an understanding that didn't need to be loud.

Suddenly, the door creaked open again. Naoto stood there, surprise flickering in his eyes at seeing Souta beside her.

"Sorry. Should I come back later?" he asked.

Rika stood up quickly. "No! I mean... it's okay. Come in."

Naoto stepped in, holding a small envelope in his hand. "I was going to leave this on your desk. It's... a letter. From my mom. She asked me to give it to you."

Rika took it, confused. "To me?"

Naoto nodded. "She said you've helped me more than I realize. That I wouldn't be who I am right now without you."

Rika clutched the letter close. Her throat tightened. "Can I read it now?"

Naoto hesitated, then smiled. "Of course."

She sat back down, carefully opening the envelope. Souta and Naoto waited in silence as she unfolded the paper.

Dear Rika,

I don't know if we'll ever get to sit down for a proper talk, but I want to thank you. My son is a difficult boy. He keeps his emotions locked up like fragile glass behind closed doors. But since meeting you, I've seen him change. He smiles more. He cares more. You gave him something I couldn't give anymore—a reason to believe in tomorrow.

I don't know where your paths will lead. But wherever they go, know that my heart holds a special place for you. Always.

With love, Hana Hayashi

Tears fell silently from Rika's eyes as she folded the letter. Naoto looked down, guilt playing in the shadows beneath his lashes.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I should have told you sooner."

Rika shook her head. "No. Thank you for trusting me with this."

The three sat together, silent under the night sky outside the window.

For a moment, everything stood still. The past, the pain, the future they all feared. It all hung in the air like the stars above—beautiful, distant, waiting.

And slowly, together, they began to breathe again.