Wish

Chapter 4: However Far Away

As days melted into months, the space between Chika Fujiwara and Kaguya Shinomiya widened, even as they often crossed paths. Summer break came and went, stretching an emotional chasm between them. Kaguya, enveloped in family duties and societal aspirations, left Chika adrift in solitude.

Despite sporadic text messages and fleeting phone calls, Chika's yearning for Kaguya's presence remained unresolved. Nights were the hardest; she lay awake, replaying the melodies of their shared laughter and secretive glances. She would scroll through their photos, her heart aching with a bittersweet blend of joy and sorrow.

One scorching afternoon, back in the hushed student council room, Chika found refuge in tidying the morning meeting's clutter. She hummed a cheerful tune, masking the growing heaviness in her heart. Just then, Kaguya entered, her face softened by a rare, vulnerable expression.

"Chika-chan, you're always so cheerful," Kaguya remarked, sitting beside her. "How do you manage it?"

Chika paused, weighing her words. "Well, someone has to keep the energy up in the council! Plus, the world shines brighter when you focus on the good."

Kaguya smiled faintly, though her eyes remained distant. "I admire that about you. You make everything seem lighter."

The compliment warmed Chika's heart, but the unspoken distance hung heavily between them. "What's been on your mind, Kaguya-san?" Chika asked softly.

Kaguya hesitated before sighing. "Family matters, among other things. It's been... overwhelming."

"Let me help!" Chika offered brightly, her tone masking the worry she felt for Kaguya. "Even if it's just to listen."

Kaguya nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Chika-chan. Your positivity helps more than you know."

The conversation left Chika both encouraged and acutely aware of the invisible gap between them. As weeks passed, she cherished every moment spent with Kaguya. Despite the ever-present Shirogane, whose interactions with Kaguya often left a bittersweet taste, Chika focused on being the unwavering friend Kaguya needed.

One evening, Chika found herself drifting to the secluded garden on the school grounds—their secret haven. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their pink petals dancing in the twilight breeze. She sat beneath the trees, drawing solace from their serene beauty.

As if summoned by an unseen force, Kaguya appeared moments later, a book in hand. "Chika-chan? I didn't expect to see you here."

Chika grinned, Kaguya's presence brightening her already sunny disposition. "Just needed some fresh air. And you?"

Kaguya sat beside her, the two framed by falling blossoms. "I come here when I need to think."

"Great minds think alike!" Chika laughed softly. "Want to share?"

Kaguya was silent for a moment, then began to speak. "Balancing everything has been hard. Sometimes I feel like I'm falling short of everyone's expectations—including my own."

Chika's heart ached at the vulnerability in Kaguya's voice. "You're incredible, Kaguya-san. You're strong, smart, and you care deeply for those around you. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Kaguya glanced at Chika, a rare softness in her eyes. "Thank you, Chika-chan. Your words mean more than you know."

Chika beamed, feeling warmth and affection swell within her. At that moment, she resolved to be the steadfast friend Kaguya could rely on. She would support her silently, treasuring each shared smile and quiet look, even if it meant locking away her own feelings.

As the sun set, casting an orange hue over the garden, Chika felt a sense of peace. Though unspoken emotions and external expectations separated them, their bond was unbreakable. For now, Chika would remain Kaguya's brightly shining star, patiently waiting for the day when the distance between their hearts would disappear. Their story was just beginning, a tender melody of shared moments and quiet hopes, whispered amidst the cherry blossoms.