Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In a remote hospital at the edge of Shibuya. A young girl with blond hair that turns to a faded pink at the ends looked at the windows in her room, staring at the surprisingly starry sky. It seems like light pollution hasn't affected this area. She mused.

She continued to gaze at the sky. Counting the stars in her attempt to fall asleep. She began to recall the day when she was with her friends witnessing a meteor shower. 

" I hope I'll get to see stars like this, with Ichi-chan, Shiho-chan, and Hona-chan.. "

She began to reminisce. Remembering every little detail of their last interaction before she moved to another hospital. Again. 

She shifted in her bed. 

" haha.. what were the constellations names again? I think one is named.. Leotard? Or was it.. Leonardo? "

She laughed breathlessly as she closed her eyes. The memories are coming back to her. It was like she was reliving them.

" Hona-chan would get angry at me and Shiho-chan for getting their names wrong.. she'd give us a lecture for each constellation but we wouldn't even remember them the next day. 

Then Ichi-chan would try her best to help us but we kept on trying to change the topic. "

She opened her eyes to the hospital room, it was so eerily quiet. There was no chatter or banter nearby unlike the bustling talks outside of these hospital walls. 

She misses them. 

She checked the time on the clock in the room. It was almost midnight. It wasn't time for a check up from a nurse yet and she can't go get a midnight snack without alerting someone to ask for help. She couldn't even go back to sleep. She was feeling restless these past few days. 

But she needs to sleep so she can get better soon.. to make more memories with her friends, her brother, with mom and dad..

She buried her head into her arms. She moved her legs closer to herself. 

" When will I get to spend time with them again.. I don't want to be stuck here in any hospital any longer.. " 

A bright streak of light caught her attention towards the window. She cast her gaze towards the window again. A meteorite soared across the sky as it passed through. Blue light surrounding it.When it entered the wishful girl's field of vision, it looked like a shooting star. She was star-struck! 

At that moment, she decided to make a wish for it.

' Star light, star bright, First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Have this wish I wish tonight. '

'Please shooting star.. please don't let me be alone .. '

The shooting star continued to shine brightly, as if hearing her unspoken fears.

A crow perched in a nearby tree. 

Do the gods grant this child's wish?

         ₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱ ⋆ ⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

Chapter Text

I've always wanted to make my little sister smile.

Saki, she was sickly and couldn't go to school often ever since preschool. We were both alone without each other's company. Most of her time was spent being confined at the hospital. While I'm at a quiet house. 

So I was thinking about how I could make her smile. To be part of her life more as her big brother. Where in the future, she will still have happy memories to look back to. 

But being a small child I didn't know what to do..

Mom stayed in our house a little longer than usual on a certain day. She was supposed to check on Saki at 8:00 am per schedule but I didn't question her verbally about it. She asked me during our rare breakfast together if I wanted for her to teach me piano. -It felt required for him but she wasn't forcing him to, but what else does he have to feel connected to her?- Of course I said "Absolutely!" Without any deliberation -despite my thoughts-.

She began to teach me every few weeks. Sacrificing part of her time for me instead of taking care of Saki. It- it felt weeiirrdd, BUT NOT IN A BAD WAY! No no NO not at all! It's just that- well- Saki should always be the priority. 

It always has been. 

Then Mom suddenly switches her attention to me, even if it's only a few hours, it- feels wrong. It's like I'm stealing time, time away from Saki. Someone should be with her! 

I played the wrong notes and my mind switched back to reality. I bristled at the tune. 

"Stop" Mom said. She crossed her arms and continued. " What's wrong dear? " She fretted. " You started to space out for a bit today, is there something on your mind? What's bothering you? "

I started to fidget my fingers and continued to stare at the keys. I should have paid more attention. This is the only time I'm with mom, I shouldn't worry her more " I - "

" Dear look at me, you know it's rude to not look at the one you are speaking to. " She sternly stated. I looked her in the eye, trying not to stray towards my surroundings. Maintain eye contact. Maintain eye contact. " I'm fine " I smile reassuringly. At least I hope so. 

" Dear... " She pressed a hand on her cheek. Casting a worried glance at me. I still made her distressed- ! " I'm fine mom! It's just that- " I examined her face again, she looked concerned. 

I- i can't lie to her. 

 " Just that- Should you really be here with me? " I lay my hand on the back of my neck. She motioned for me to go on. " I mean! It's not that I don't want  you to be with me! Just that I think you should be with Saki like always instead of piano lessons with me! After all she doesn't have anyone to talk to or check up on her and uh I am getting better right?! Sure I got a few notes wrong but I just need to focus and practice more. I can just learn these other stuff on my own. I can just ask you if I need help with something. " I'm rambling again!! I need to finish what I'm supposed to say! " Saki is dealing with some awful stuff on her own so someone should be beside her. And oh uhm if I could maybe I can also come along if it isn't so far away again. " 

He fidgets his thumbs together. Anticipating his mother's answer. 

Mother pressed her lips together, her eyes going hazy. Pondering on what she should say. " You are right. Someone should be by Saki's side if an emergency happens, most of the time your father is busy after all. Though.." She paused momentarily to think. " Are you sure you are all right on your own again? " She asked. 

" Of course I'm all right! I am Saki's older brother after all! This is nothing compared to what Saki is going through! " I exclaimed. Placing my hands on my hips. " You really have grown mature so fast for your age.. " Mother muttered. She paused for a moment, her chin gently cupped in her hand. " Just, remember that you are still a child, a growing boy. Remember to have fun. " She moved closer to me and held my hands gently. 

" And to also remember that even though we aren't here with you, we will always be together. "

I tried to clasp her hands back softly. Hoping it doesn't feel like holding on for dear life. It's been.. a while for anyone to hold him gently like this. It's supposed to be enveloped with warmth,

 it feels like an empty promise instead. 

" I'm sorry for placing such a heavy burden on you . . ." Mother softly murmured. I shook my head and leaned closer to her embrace, closing my eyes. Tears welled up in my eyes. It's not a burden. I clenched my jaw to keep my composure. Not a burden at all!

' It's fine ' He said to himself. ' I am Saki's responsible older brother. I must prioritize Saki's first. It's a duty as an older brother

For her sake. For our family. ' 

This is the promise he makes for his parents.

           ₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱ ⋆ ⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

          — The Next Day

He woke up early as usual. At around 6 am. The light is reaching his eyes now and he needs to get ready for the day. He rubs his eyes and sits up on his bed. 

Brushing his teeth and changing his clothes quickly, he rushed down to prepare breakfast for the day. He turned on the T.V. to hear the news while he was cooking then put on the too big of an apron and mentally checked what ingredients are needed, pondered on what meal he should make, gathered them, and started to rinse the grains with a sieve. 

He measured the water if it was the correct amount needed, double checked it, then put it on the rice cooker and turned it on. He quickly moved on to the stove and prepared a frying pan and a pot. He turned on the stove on low heat and put some oil on it. 

As he is in the middle making Dashi, he hears a door open and footsteps coming down. Mother must have woken up.

" Good Morning Tsukasa " She smiled warmly with bleary eyes. Does she have trouble sleeping last night? I'll find a recipe that helps with sleep and make it for her if she comes home today. " Good Morning Okāsan! " He said back. He finished the Dashi and quickly moved on to the next step. 

" Oh? You're cooking breakfast again? " She asked. " Mhmm! That way you'll be able to catch the train more quickly to go to your work! Or check up on Saki! " He's almost finished with the Miso soup. 'While it's gently boiling I'll move on to making an omelette, maybe a sunny-side-up for a change of pace.' He changed the heat on the stove. 

Mother rubbed her eyes and said " You know you don't have to do this for me every time, I can do this on my own too. " Crack " Don't worry! It's not like it's too much work! " Crack. " Still.. Shouldn't a mother be the one to cook for her family? " 'That's true but.. ' Crack.

" I.. can't do much to help our family. So, I want to help even in the smallest ways. " He puts salt on the eggs. Mother falls silent, thinking about something. I moved on towards the pot to check if the Miso soup was done cooking then Mother sighed and spoke up. " Fine, I won't try to tell you off every morning. But.. " She suddenly walked over near the stove. " At least learn to accept help. "

Ah. " Oh Miso soup? I haven't taught you my technique right? Here I'll teach you. " She moved smoothly in the kitchen. Telling me advice and teaching me methods she knew. 

Before I knew it the food was done and we ate together quietly on the table. Hearing the recent news as the T.V. still playing.

Mother and I won't be able to eat like this once she focuses more on her work and Saki. I'll cherish these little moments we have now. And keep on working hard! After Mom leaves I should clean the dishes, practice the piano for a few hours then I'll clean the house and then- 

" Ah! It's almost 7 o'clock. I should go soon before I'm late to the train. Take care of yourself while I'm gone alright? "

"Ah okay! Ki o tsukete ne! "

Mother waved back then prepared her leave.

I should also start moving as well. I quickly finished my meal and took the left over food to the fridge. Then continue doing menial tasks like washing the dishes and mopping the floor. After all the work is done. 

I begin to play the piano. 

Even though I'm a bit tired, I should still continue to practice. I have much to learn. Besides, at least the house isn't as quiet anymore while I'm playing and

I seem to be getting pretty good. Maybe teaching Saki piano might help her! It seemed to work for me at least.. it kept me busy, instead of staring at the wall or reading the same book all the time.

I kept on practicing the piano with the same song mom first taught me. I wasn't good enough at it! So I need to keep on practicing and be Better!

' Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star

How I wonder what you are '

I started to hum the tune. My hands are starting to hurt from the hours of playing but.. 

' Up above the world so high

 Like a diamond in the sky ' 

Saki might visit home soon. -I don't want to hear the silence of the empty house- 

' Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

How I wonder what -how- you are '

mom or dad haven't called him yet. But.. he's sure Saki will visit home just like she did a few months ago..

' Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star '

I'll wait patiently for Saki ! His resolve tightened. 

GaH-! He got a few notes wrong but- it was fine! He was practicing, and practice makes perfect! His mother said to him. When Saki gets home he'll show her what mom taught him! I'll even clean the house after this so it would look all nice and shiny! 

it's the only thing he can do after all. For I am a responsible and mature older brother! I must be, for my family!!

' How I wonder what you are '

           ₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱ ⋆ ⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

           — Few Months Later

Saki is temporarily discharged today from the hospital and she was able to come home!! I'm happy that she's finally home now, even if it's for a short while. While she's still here I can finally show her my efforts of practice!! " Hey hey Saki! I want to show you something! " 

" Hmm what is it? " 

" Here I'll show you quickly! "

" Mother's Piano? Oh! "

" Ahem. Presenting... Dun da na duuunnnnnn"

I began to hum the tune as the notes play in my mind.

C 

   C  

  G 

  G    

A 

 A  

 G

Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star

F

 F

   E

   E

D

D

  C

How I wonder what you are 

" I learned how to play the piano from Mom! Do you want to play too? " 

But eventually, it seemed like she's putting up a smile as a front. I don't know how I can tell but she isn't smiling genuinely. It seems like she's putting up that smile for me. Does she not want me to worry about her?

I don't want her to think like that..! I don't ever want her to feel like that.. forcing herself to smile even though she isn't happy... 

I don't know what to do..

Until a video started playing on the T.V. in Saki's room while me and our parents were visiting her..

And it became a day I will never forget!

' —e! Are! Star-t-rain)

(We! Are! Star-t-rain)

(Check! Now! ! C'mon! C'mon! C'mon! C'mon!)

(Check! Now! ! C'mon! C'mon! C'mon! C'mon!)

(We! Are! Star-t-rain)

(We! Are! Star-t-rain) '

As they sang and danced around the stage. All of the people in the room were staring at the T.V. screen, captivated by their performance. 

" Wooaahh ! Look, look Onii-chan! "

Saki was tugging his sleeve. He turned his head to look towards Saki. Only to see Saki's big smile- !

' Rather than thinking about difficult things

I want to feel sweeter love

Good or bad, it's not about appearances

I'm easily deceived by those who seem quiet '

"She's so pretty and shiny! Her outfit looks so cute!! Her voice is so angelic and charming too!! All of them are!! " Saki said in an amazed tone! Pointing at the idol at the center of it all, Ai Hoshino ~ *⁠.⁠✧!

" Yeah..! She's so incredible! All of them-! " Saki's smiling! How long has it been since she smiled like this? No.. not only Saki, but Mom and Dad too! Every time she's on screen singing and dancing like she's pouring her heart out, they have this smile that they make that he hasn't even seen before.. She's so cool and dazzling!! 

' Be all right, now leave it to luck

(That's always how it is, a moment is a game)

Be all right, which one do you prefer?

Important things are not always visible '

Is.. this why an idol is called a 'star' too? She's like the brightest star in the night sky! Everyone is looking at her. Taking center stage of the show!

' Yes, this is star-t-rain

Let's ride it

It surely won't stop

Come on, raise your hands and wave them

We're still going

Yes, this is star-t-rain

Let's make more noise

It surely won't end

Come on, raise your hands and wave them '

" Kyyaaaa~! This is so amazing! I wish I could be at the concert too! I bet it's even better when we're watching them sing live on stage !! " She swayed left and right in amazement & excitement while placing her hand towards her heart. Imagining wishful scenerios.

' Let's make more noise, I want to have fun with you '

Though, her happy expression slightly turned into a low-spirited one..

" But... I can't go outside a lot, so.. I guess it's impossible..." Saki then looks downhearted..

' If you feel embarrassed and hold back

I want to steal that sweet love

Black or white, it's a matter of taste

A bit dangerous is your type, right? '

" Oh Saki dear.. don't worry, you'll recover soon.." Mom comforted Saki. Placing a hand on her shoulder. " I'll make sure you'll be able to see that Hoshino in person! " Dad exclaimed! Hugging Saki tightly,

" Saki.. " MMMMMMM.. how can I help her achieve this dream..?

" Uuwwaa!! Daaaadddd you're squeezing meeee !! I can't breathe!! " She wiggled her body to get out of Dad's hold. 

' Break it out, break through this approaching situation

(Don't miss the momentary chance) 

Break it out, which one do you prefer? '

" C'mon now dear, don't trouble her like that. " Mom said in a stern voice, crossing her arms, but there's a small smile on her face. " But-! This is the only time we've seen her in weeks! Weeks I say! Can't I at least hug my little sunflower as consolation! " 

Should I... Dress up in a star costume the next time we visit? Hmmm or..

" Daaaaadddddd ! Stoooppp " Saki groaned loudly. Giving up on her attempt to break free of Dad's hold on her. Looking at Mom instead. Eyes begging her to help " Saki is right. We should go soon. Besides, is that how a Team Leader should act? " Mother chided. 

Maybe I could play some music for her? But I haven't improved enough compared to B-Komachi's magnificent show we saw today.. should I try to learn a new song on the piano or..

" I'm a Papa first and foremost!! My position in work shall not hold me down towards my family. " Dad boisterously acclaimed! 

" You said that you are going to get promoted sooner or later right? Please prioritize your work so we can- " She paused for a moment. Looking at Saki. " So we can be with Saki however far she is. "

An idea struck him! 

Dad softly pouted. His grip loosened, and Saki took the opportunity to escape from his crushing embrace.

I know!! Why don't I become a star just like Ai! That way.. she'll be able to see a shining performance ! And maybe.. even make her smile even more! 

I'll be the brightest star in Saki's night sky!! 

' Even the biggest lie is still affection, always

Hey, you understand, right? '

This is the promise he makes for Saki. 

No.

This is the Dream he was looking for. 

But..

Will he be able to achieve it?

He looked back towards his family. 

Mother and Father were discussing something with each other while glancing once in a while to Saki. While the person they were watching in question was focused on the T.V., still captivated towards their performance. 

' Let's make more noise

It surely won't end

Come on, raise your hands and wave them

Let's shout more ' 

He'll

He will reach it no matter what! Because.. 

This is what he wants. Not because of duty, nor responsibility. No. 

I want my family to smile. 

I want them to be happy. 

Let me be selfish just this once. 

Oh Shining Star,

So I can see their smiling face once again.

For one last time.

Even if it's for a short while. 

' I'll make you have fun eternally '

A bright light flashed momentarily on someone's phone. It goes unnoticed with everyone preoccupied with their thoughts.