Falling like the stars ~ Hikaru Hizashi x oc ~ Beyblade fanfiction

Chapter 13

After the confrontation with Kazuma, Hikaru and Suisei walk home in silence, the weight of the encounter still settling on their shoulders. The evening air is cool, with the fading light casting long shadows across the sidewalk as they make their way through the quiet streets.

They come to a stop at a small park along their path, where familiar swings and benches glint under the streetlights. Without a word, Suisei sinks onto one of the benches, her gaze distant as she tries to process everything that's happened.

Hikaru sits beside her, his presence warm and steady next to her. He glances at her, noticing the flicker of doubt and exhaustion in her eyes. Reaching over, he gently places a hand over hers, giving it a comforting squeeze. "You know he can't hurt you anymore, right?" he says softly, his voice carrying an assurance that reaches into her guarded heart.

Suisei leans into him, her head finding its place on his shoulder, the weight of her emotions finally softening. She lets out a shaky sigh, her voice barely a whisper. "It's just... I thought I'd buried everything from that time. But now, seeing him like this, it's like he's still there, waiting to drag me back."

Hikaru's grip on her hand tightens, his gaze hardening at the thought of Kazuma's relentless obsession. "Suisei," he says firmly, turning to look at her, his green eyes intense. "He's not in control of you anymore. You've moved forward—he's the one who's stuck in the past. You've built a life without him, a life with friends who care about you... and with me."

A soft smile begins to break through the sadness in Suisei's expression, and she lifts her head to meet his gaze, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "You've been my shining sun through all of this, Hikaru. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He chuckles lightly, his cheeks flushing slightly as he brushes a stray strand of pink hair behind her ear. "Honestly? I think you'd be just as amazing without me," he says with a grin. "But I'm really glad you're letting me be here for you."

They sit together in a shared silence, the unspoken emotions between them solidifying their bond even further. The stars above seem to shine a little brighter as if bearing witness to this quiet moment of understanding.

The next day, rumors begin to circulate, a subtle undercurrent of gossip fueled by Kazuma's attempts to twist the past. Whispered conversations and curious glances follow Suisei through the halls, creating a tense atmosphere that she can't ignore. She and Hikaru exchange determined looks, silently agreeing that facing this head-on is the only way to put it to rest.

Gathering their closest friends, including Hyuga, they meet in the cozy corner of a local café, away from prying eyes. The soft hum of conversation and the aroma of coffee provide a comforting backdrop as Suisei takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what she needs to say.

Hyuga, seated across from her, gives her an encouraging nod. "Suisei, whatever it is, you know we're here for you. You don't have to explain anything if you don't want to."

Suisei offers him a grateful smile, her voice steady as she begins. "I appreciate that. But I think it's time I set the record straight." She glances around the table, meeting the supportive gazes of her friends. "Kazuma and I... we have a complicated history. He was part of my life once, but things changed. He was... manipulative. Controlling, even. I walked away because I needed to find myself, but he doesn't seem to want to let go."

Hyuga's expression shifts to one of anger, his hands clenching on the table. "He doesn't deserve to have anything to do with you, Suisei. We all know how amazing you are. This doesn't change anything."

Another friend nods, chiming in with a reassuring smile. "Kazuma's only stirring things up because he can't stand to see you happy, Suisei. But we can see through him. We've got your back."

Hikaru, who has been watching her with a proud smile, places an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. "Thanks, everyone. Suisei and I won't let this bring us down."

The warmth and acceptance surrounding her make Suisei feel lighter, and she realizes that the love and trust she's built with her friends far outweigh any shadow Kazuma might cast. She feels a sense of closure, knowing she's shared her truth with those who matter most.

But Kazuma isn't finished. Later that day, as Hikaru is finishing up a training session at the Beyblade arena, he notices Kazuma watching him from the entrance, a smug smile playing on his lips. Hikaru tenses, but he refuses to show any fear, straightening his posture as Kazuma approaches with his characteristic arrogance.

"Enjoying the hero act, are you?" Kazuma sneers, his voice dripping with contempt. "You think you can just ignore me?"

Hikaru's gaze remains steady, his voice calm and unyielding. "Kazuma, if this is all you came here for, you're wasting both our time. Suisei's moved on. And so have I."

Kazuma's smirk falters for a moment, a flicker of bitterness in his eyes. "You're nothing more than a phase to her. When she realizes you're not enough, I'll be right there to pick up the pieces."

Hikaru's eyes harden, his calm exterior giving way to a rare intensity. "The only person holding onto broken pieces here is you, Kazuma. Suisei's found her place, her family, her dreams. You're not in any of those anymore."

Kazuma glares, his mask of confidence cracking as Hikaru's words hit home. With a defeated huff, he turns on his heel and storms out, leaving Hikaru standing tall, his heart pounding with the thrill of victory—not from Beyblade, but from knowing he's earned the trust and love of someone truly special.

That evening, Hikaru and Suisei take a walk to their favorite spot by a small lake, where the soft ripples of water catch the light of the moon. The night is peaceful, their footsteps gentle as they come to a stop at the water's edge. They sit together on the grassy bank, the cool earth grounding them after the intensity of the day.

Suisei gazes at the reflection of the stars on the water's surface, her voice soft and thoughtful. "It feels strange... to finally be free of it all. I didn't realize how much I was holding onto."

Hikaru reaches for her hand, his touch warm against the cool night air. "You've come a long way, Suisei. You're stronger than you know. I'm just glad I could be here with you."

She turns to him, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection. "You didn't just stand by me, Hikaru. You helped me let go, to believe I could start fresh." Her voice lowers, her eyes filled with a quiet intensity. "You've given me something I never thought I'd find again."

He squeezes her hand, his own gaze softening. "Well, we're just getting started, right? Together, no matter what comes next."

They share a quiet, tender kiss, a promise of all the future holds, free from the shadows of their past. It's a moment of pure serenity, the night around them alive with the energy of their newfound freedom.

In the days that follow, Hikaru and Suisei settle into a life that feels refreshingly new. Kazuma is gone from their minds, and the love and strength they've discovered in each other fill their days with a sense of peace and possibility.

One sunny afternoon, they stroll through the local market together, Suisei's hand in Hikaru's as they browse colorful stalls and laugh together. As they pass a small jewelry booth, Suisei spots a delicate charm in the shape of a star, reminiscent of their nights spent stargazing and dreaming. Hikaru did have a charm bracelet, so . . .

She turns to him with a playful smile. "What do you say we start a new tradition? Little reminders of all the things we've shared."

Hikaru grins, taking the charm from her hand. "I'd like that. Here's to every step forward we take... and to us."

They leave the market hand in hand, their hearts full as they look toward the future they've chosen together.

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Boing