Clover. ➳S. Hoshina

☘︎ Thirty Two

You are alone inside the dressing area, having just changed into an all-black combat suit, a fitted turtleneck tee, track pants, and boots. You tied your hair up in a ponytail and proceeded to have a seat on a chair beside the locker. You pulled out the small box that the vice captain had given you, which had been tucked away in your pocket.

You stared at the box for a while before slowly opening its magnetic lid to reveal an astonishing necklace inside. The necklace had a shimmering silver chain and an eye-catching pendant almost identical to your three-leaf clover necklace.

Furrowing your eyebrows, you took the necklace out of the box, gripping the chain as you lifted it to eye level, carefully studying the pendant. "The answers to my questions," you muttered, noticing that the pendant only had a single leaf shaped like a clover.

"Luck," you said, touching your necklace around your neck to compare it with the one you were holding. Captain Narumi had mentioned before that it had something like a missing piece. You realized that the necklace given to you by the vice captain was indeed the missing piece. As you connected the two necklaces, your eyes widened in disbelief at what you had just unraveled.

It was the missing piece of your necklace.

Your eyes couldn't believe it as you started to wonder about the connection of this necklace to you. Why did the vice captain have it? Did he know something about you the whole time? If he did, why had he kept everything hidden from you?

Although you're living in a world where magic doesn't exist, the necklace seemed to cast a spell on you when the pieces connected. Suddenly, something flashed right into your eyes.

🍀

On a beautiful afternoon, you watched the new recruits training below. The area where you stood provided a clear view of their shooting sessions, the sound of bullets echoing as a gentle breeze brushed your skin.

"Yo!" someone called playfully from behind.

"Hoshina," you acknowledged him as he walked up to stand beside you, joining in watching the new recruits.

"How was the meeting with your mom?" he asked, hands casually in his pockets.

"As always, she yapped again about leaving the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force. You know how pushy she gets," you replied with a sigh.

"She thinks what's best for you," he responded, and you clicked your tongue in agreement. "I guess she never wanted me to be here because of what happened to Dad." The atmosphere shifted when you mentioned your father.

"Have you ever thought of leaving?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

Your eyebrows furrowed tightly, a pinched expression on your face as you gazed at him. "I have no plans of leaving," you replied firmly, turning your gaze back to the recruits below.

"Why not? You could be a great actress with that face of yours, a successful lawyer with your degree, and your mother keeps setting you up with that rich heir of the Yoyota company. You could live a safe, happy life," he mused, genuinely curious why you chose to risk your life as a Kaiju fighter.

"Because you're here," you admitted, your eyes still locked on the recruits.

His eyes widened, a tint of pink coloring his cheeks. "Along with Mina and everyone. You guys make me happy. What are those opportunities if I don't see myself in them?" you added, making Hoshina brush aside the thought that he was special.

"Alright, if that's what you want," he conceded without further argument. You sighed, glancing at him with a smile.

"I have something for you," he said, making your eyes glisten with excitement.

"What is it?" you asked eagerly.

"Turn around." Without hesitation, you turned around, curious about his gift. You felt something cold around your neck.

"A necklace?" you murmured, touching the new accessory. "A clover, huh?" you noted, seeing the three-leaf pendant. It made you wonder why it wasn't the usual four-leaf clover, but you were still grateful.

"Do you know where the fourth is?" he asked, reading your mind. You nodded, and he didn't say anything, just pulled you into a hug.

His arms wrapped around your shoulders, and you stood still, letting him hug you. It felt comforting, his manly scent, his soft skin, and his warm breath on your neck as he buried his face there.

Silence enveloped you, the only sound being your pounding hearts. After a moment, he gently pushed you away, and your necklaces tangled together. You noticed that your three-leaf clover would become four if connected to his necklace.

"That's where the fourth is, and it belongs to me," he said softly, gently grabbing your hand, sending shivers down your spine.

He locked his eyes on yours, his smile unwavering. You felt tense, knowing where this was heading.

"I have something to tell you," he began slowly. You remained silent, gulping as you waited for his words.

Suddenly, a loud alarm blared, interrupting the moment. "Kaiju alert, Kaiju alert!"

🍀

As the visions faded, you were left with a profound sense of clarity and understanding. The necklace wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of something  that you've been seeking.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you realized that the vice captain, knew you since. You felt betrayed because he kept this with you all along.

A flood of questions washed over you as you stared at the newly connected necklace in your hands. This single piece of your past, now remembered, unlocked a myriad of emotions and memories. It was something that you knew you never wanted to forget, but you had—because of that accident.

Your mind raced as you pieced together the fragments of your past. Why had the vice captain kept this from you?

You were interrupted by a knock on the door which made you wipe away your tears,  "Y/n, the Captain is asking if you're ready." You heard Iharu and you take a deep breath.

"I'll be there in a moment!" You replied as you placed the necklace back in the box and made sure you looked fine before you got out of the room.