The next morning, Rei woke earlier than usual. He couldn’t shake the anticipation bubbling in his chest—something about Kae had stirred feelings he hadn’t felt in years. As he prepared for the day, Miko hummed around him, compiling its morning reports.
“Sleep quality: acceptable. Physical state: mildly restless,” Miko remarked, its lens swiveling to face Rei. “You seem distracted again.”
Rei rolled his eyes, adjusting his jacket. “I’m not distracted. Just... thinking.”
“About Kae, perhaps?”
Rei paused, narrowing his eyes at the droid. “Miko, do you always have to analyze everything?”
“Observation is my primary function,” Miko replied cheerfully.
Shaking his head, Rei stepped outside, the cool morning air brushing against his face. To his surprise, Kae was already there, leaning casually against a nearby tree.
“Good morning,” Kae greeted with a small wave. “Thought I’d catch you before you headed off on your own.”
Rei blinked, a little startled but not displeased. “Morning. You’re making a habit of surprising me.”
Kae grinned. “Keeps things interesting, doesn’t it?”
As they exchanged pleasantries, Kae suggested they explore another part of the planet—a secluded valley the locals had mentioned. Rei agreed eagerly, and soon they were making their way through dense woods once again.
---
Shared Stories
The path to the valley was quiet, save for the crunch of leaves beneath their boots and the occasional chirping of alien birds. For a while, Rei and Kae talked about the planet’s unique ecosystems and the locals' hospitality. But as they neared the valley, the conversation took a more personal turn.
“So, Rei,” Kae began, his tone casual but probing, “what made you want to explore the stars?”
Rei hesitated. It wasn’t a question he was often asked, but something about Kae’s curiosity felt genuine. “Well... I guess it started when I was a kid. I always dreamed about traveling to other planets, seeing what’s out there. My family thought I was crazy, though.”
Kae raised an eyebrow. “Your family didn’t support you?”
Rei shook his head quickly. “No, it’s not that. They just didn’t think it was practical. We lived a simple life. My mom worked hard to raise me and my two sisters after my dad passed away. I was the youngest, so I guess I was a bit spoiled.”
A small smile tugged at Rei’s lips as he continued. “But I always knew I wanted more than what our little town could offer. I wanted adventure. And, to be honest... I liked the idea of doing it alone. I never really fit in with kids my age, so exploring the galaxy seemed perfect.”
Kae listened intently, his expression thoughtful. “Sounds like you’ve always been a dreamer.”
Rei nodded, his gaze distant. “Yeah. But it gets lonely sometimes, you know? Traveling alone, I mean.”
Kae’s expression flickered, just for a moment, but Rei caught it.
“What about you?” Rei asked, eager to shift the focus. “Why do you explore?”
Kae was silent for a beat, his eyes scanning the horizon. “It’s... complicated,” he admitted. “I guess I started because I needed a change. I needed to get away.”
“Get away from what?” Rei asked softly.
Kae hesitated, then shrugged. “Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Sometimes, you lose things you thought you’d have forever. Exploring helps. Keeps me moving forward.”
Rei frowned slightly, sensing the weight behind Kae’s words. He wanted to ask more but decided against it, not wanting to push too far.
---
The Valley
When they finally reached the valley, Rei’s breath caught in his throat. The sight was breathtaking—a sprawling expanse of vibrant greenery, dotted with flowers that shimmered like jewels in the sunlight. A crystal-clear river wound through the valley, its waters sparkling like liquid silver.
“This is incredible,” Rei murmured, stepping closer to the edge of a small hill overlooking the scene.
Kae smiled faintly, watching Rei’s reaction. “Told you it was worth the trip.”
They spent the afternoon exploring the valley, collecting samples of unique plants and documenting the terrain. Kae showed Rei how to identify certain edible fruits the locals often harvested, and Rei shared some of Miko’s advanced scanning techniques.
At one point, Kae leaned against a tree, watching Rei with a curious expression. “You’re pretty good at this,” he remarked.
Rei looked up, surprised. “At what?”
“Exploring. Finding the little details most people would overlook.”
Rei’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. “Thanks. I guess I just like learning about new places.”
Kae chuckled. “You’ve got a knack for it, that’s for sure. Not everyone does.”
---
Subtle Connections
As the day wore on, Rei found himself relaxing more around Kae. There was something about the older man’s presence that felt steady, grounding. But there was also an undercurrent of sadness that Rei couldn’t quite ignore.
At one point, as they rested near the river, Kae gazed out at the water, his expression distant.
“You ever think about what you’re looking for out here?” he asked suddenly.
Rei tilted his head, considering the question. “I don’t know. I guess... I’m looking for something that makes me feel alive. Something that makes the universe seem a little less big.”
Kae glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “That’s a good answer.”
“What about you?” Rei asked, turning the question back on him.
Kae hesitated again, then said simply, “I’m looking for peace.”
Rei nodded, though he wasn’t sure he fully understood.
---
Parting Ways
As the sun began to set, the two made their way back to their ships. Kae walked Rei to his starship, as he had the previous night, and they lingered outside for a moment.
“Thanks for today,” Rei said, glancing up at Kae. “I don’t think I’ve had this much fun exploring in a long time.”
Kae smiled. “Glad to hear it. You’re good company, Rei.”
Rei’s cheeks warmed at the words.
Kae’s gaze softened as he looked at Rei. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, maybe?”
“Yeah,” Rei replied quickly. “I’d like that.”
Kae nodded, giving Rei a small wave before heading off toward his own ship.
Inside his starship, Rei flopped onto his bunk, staring at the ceiling.
“Miko,” he said after a moment, “do you think it’s possible to feel a connection with someone you just met?”
Miko hovered closer. “Connections are not bound by time. They are shaped by shared experiences and mutual understanding.”
Rei smiled faintly. “You said that before.”
“Because it remains true,” Miko replied.
Rei sighed, his thoughts drifting to Kae. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn’t so alone in the universe.
YOU ARE READING
Chasing Starlight
Science FictionRei, a young planet explorer, arrives on the stunning world of Ilvaris, eager to immerse himself in its beauty and uncover its wonders. As he journeys through lush forests and vibrant communities, he begins to sense that something meaningful is unfo...
