The next morning, the village buzzed with excitement about the evening’s feast—a gathering where visitors and locals would share stories, food, and laughter under the stars. Rei joined the preparations, eager to immerse himself further in the vibrant culture of the planet.
As the day passed, Rei couldn’t help but think of Kae. The previous day had left him with more questions than answers about the man who had so quickly become a presence in his life. There was something enigmatic about Kae, a depth that Rei couldn’t quite reach.
When evening fell, the village square was transformed into a lively gathering place. Long tables adorned with lanterns and fragrant dishes stretched under the open sky. The locals greeted each other warmly, and visitors from other planets shared tales of their travels.
Rei spotted Kae seated at one of the tables, his tall frame relaxed yet slightly distant. Rei hesitated but eventually took a seat beside him, greeted by a subtle nod from Kae.
---
Intriguing Questions
As the night progressed, the atmosphere became more spirited. Stories flowed as freely as the drinks, and laughter echoed into the cool night air. At one point, the conversation turned to the visitors at the feast.
A fellow traveler from a neighboring planet, a chatty woman named Nira, leaned toward Kae. “So, Kae, I’ve seen you on a few planets before. Do you always travel alone?”
Her question was casual, even friendly, but Rei noticed Kae stiffen ever so slightly.
“Yes,” Kae replied simply, his voice steady but devoid of emotion.
“Really?” Nira pressed, tilting her head. “No crew? No family waiting for you somewhere?”
The table grew quiet, the warmth of the gathering momentarily interrupted. Kae’s expression didn’t falter, but Rei could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface.
“No,” Kae said after a moment, his tone final. “It’s just me.”
Rei felt his chest tighten at the brief exchange. Kae’s voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed a sorrow he couldn’t hide. Before anyone could ask more, Kae stood abruptly.
“Excuse me,” he said, his deep voice soft but firm.
---
A Moment Under the Stars
Rei waited a beat before following Kae, his concern outweighing his hesitation. He found him near the edge of the village, standing in the shadows of a tall tree and gazing up at the stars.
“Kae?” Rei called gently as he approached.
Kae turned slightly, his features illuminated by the moonlight. “Didn’t mean to leave so suddenly. Just needed some air.”
Rei stepped closer, his voice careful. “That question earlier… it seemed to bother you.”
Kae chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. “You’re perceptive, Rei. Guess I can’t hide as much as I thought.”
“You don’t have to hide anything,” Rei said earnestly. “Not from me.”
Kae looked at him then, studying Rei’s face as though searching for something. Finally, he exhaled deeply. “I don’t talk about this often. In fact, I avoid it. But maybe it’s time.”
Rei stayed silent, his heart beating faster.
“A long time ago,” Kae began, his voice low, “I wasn’t alone. I had a family—a wife, Lila, and two children, Jonah and Evie. We lived on a planet called Myriad. It was beautiful, peaceful, like this place. I thought I’d found everything I ever wanted.”
Rei’s breath caught, but he said nothing, letting Kae continue.
“Then everything changed.” Kae’s hands clenched at his sides. “Raiders came—aliens looking to strip the planet of its resources. They destroyed everything in their path. We fought back, but we were outnumbered, outgunned. Lila… she didn’t make it. Neither did Jonah or Evie.”
The raw pain in Kae’s voice was almost unbearable. Rei felt his throat tighten, but he didn’t interrupt.
“I tried to save them,” Kae said, his voice trembling. “I fought harder than I ever thought I could. But it wasn’t enough. After that, I left Myriad. I couldn’t stay there—not with all the memories, all the ghosts.”
Rei swallowed hard, his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “Kae… I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what that was like for you.”
Kae’s lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. “I’ve told myself I’ve moved on. But some wounds don’t heal, no matter how far you run.”
For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of Kae’s words hanging heavily in the air.
“You’re not alone now,” Rei said quietly. “You’ve got me.”
Kae looked at him, his expression softening. “Thanks, Rei. That… means a lot.”
---
Unspoken Doubts
Later that night, as Rei lay in his starship, Kae’s words replayed in his mind. He felt an ache in his chest, both for the pain Kae had endured and for the complicated feelings swirling within himself.
“He had a wife, a family,” Rei whispered to the darkness. “Why would he ever see me as anything more than a friend?”
Miko’s soft hum broke the silence. “You seem troubled, Rei. Is it about Kae?”
Rei hesitated. “I don’t know, Miko. Maybe I’ve been reading too much into things. He’s been through so much. I’m probably just imagining that he feels the same way I do.”
Miko whirred thoughtfully. “Human emotions are complex. While Kae’s past is painful, it does not mean he cannot form new connections. But you must not rush these things.”
Rei sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Maybe you’re right. Or maybe I just need to accept that we’re only meant to be friends.”
As the ship hummed softly around him, Rei resolved to be there for Kae as a friend, no matter what. But deep down, a spark of hope refused to be extinguished—a hope he wasn’t quite ready to let go of.
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...
