Color of Love

Starry

"Look, Homura, a show about the history of astronomy! That one sounds like fun. What do you think?"
"Whatever you want to go see, Madoka."
Madoka giggled a little, gripping the brochure for the planetarium in her hand. She pointed out a specific show time under the image of what appeared to be Galileo, looking through a telescope.
"If the train arrives on time, and we hurry, we can make it to this showing!"
"Alright."
We were, of course, headed to the planetarium, per Madoka's request. My stomach felt tight, but I couldn't tell her no when she had asked, so here we were.
Upon arriving at the station, we hurried over to the planetarium, paid our tickets, and went inside. It was a beautiful building, with high ceilings and murals. There were quite a few people, but it was quiet, as people spoke in hushed tones in quiet reverence of the beautiful building.
Taking my hand, Madoka directed me over to where we could purchase the tickets for the show. After a few lines, we were finally seated in the dark room of the planetarium.
Madoka sat close to me, holding my hand tightly. Whether she was nervous, or excited, or both, I couldn't tell.
The show started, and her grip on my hand got tighter.
I did spend most of the show trying to discreetly watch her. Her amazement at the large projector coming out from the floor in the center of the room. She wrapped her whole arm around mine as the projected stars moved and made us feel like we were flying through the galaxies.
My love for Madoka grew, but at the same time, so did my intense discomfort and deja vu. The stars were beautiful but it was also where a lot of... distressing things happened. As I looked at Madoka, I couldn't help but think of her, seated amongs those stars, wrapped in a cloak of sparkling nebula. The time we floated among the galaxies and she told me she had to leave me. To never forget her.
Only for me to return to earth, to be left alone with memories that I couldn't share with anyone else in the entire world.
I felt my chest tighten more. The stars made me feel the loss and pain so deeply again, that I couldn't help but wrap my arm around Madoka's shoulders and pull her tightly to me. I didn't want her to leave my side ever again.
Never again.
I refuse to endure that pain. I don't care what the cost might be.
Madoka wriggled uncomfortably under my arm at first, then settled against me.
Eventually, the show ended, and the lights went up.
Madoka looked at me, and I was surprised to see concern in her eyes.
"Are you alright, Homura?"
"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine."
"You're... crying."
I blinked, and felt the tears roll down my cheeks.
Gently, Madoka reached up and brushed the tears away, caressing my cheek.
"I'm not going anywhere, Homura. I promise. I remember how alone you were. I remember how alone I was. I missed all our friends, I missed going to school, I missed being with you. I'm never leaving again."
"Do you promise? Do you really?"
"I do. I promise. I'd never want to leave you alone."

Yes, but you said that before, Madoka. It's alright, I'll be sure you won't ever leave me again.