Eternal Starlight (Kaito x Maki)

Maki's Intro

      Maki's POV

The concept of childhood is one that I don't have the luxury of remembering fondly.

Ever since I was born, my life has been a living nightmare. Growing up as an orphan was bad enough, but being surrounded by the other kids made it all the more unbearable.

Since the children had nobody else, I would take care of them, even though they were more fond of me than I'd ever been of them. They seemed... drawn to me. Like moths to a flame.

I always seem to attract that kind of attention; the kind where I'm surrounded by people I could care less about.

I never thought... I'd find myself *wanting* to be around someone.

And yet, I do.

Kaito is a classmate of mine. We've been going to Hope's Peak Academy for a couple of weeks now, and we hardly know each other.

Maybe it's justifiable that I find myself interested in him. He's so charismatic, who wouldn't be intrigued?

I mean, he's always surrounded by people. I shouldn't feel any different then they do, right?

Either way, it's completely bizarre. I've never felt this way towards anyone before. The only feelings even remotely similar to this were of my childhood friend from the orphanage. She was my only friend back then. Kaito, however...

It feels like there's something more.

More than just a friend.

I'm swamped with all kinds of emotions I can't even begin to describe when I'm around him.

I feel my cheeks heat up when we talk, and I become painfully aware of every word that escapes my mouth.

But why do I feel this way? Especially towards him?

He's not shy, that's for sure. He's also... kind of an idiot. And he's loud. He's done plenty of stupid things, and I've only known him a couple of weeks. It's... annoying.

But at the same time, it isn't. And that's what I don't understand.

Every time he does something idiotic, he just laughs it off, gets back up, and keeps on going. Sometimes he makes the same mistake several times in a row before getting the hang of it.

But he doesn't stop. He's always moving forward.

That limitless determination and spirit, it could fill the entire sky and still shine bright as the sun. It's a warmth I often find myself drifting towards.

Like the stars in the night sky.

But that doesn't matter now. If Kaito's so out-there, he'll end up bugging me eventually. It's not like I can get too friendly with him, though. But, maybe then I could find the answers to some of my questions.

Why is he the way he is? How is he always so upbeat and confident? What kind of person is he really?

Why am I the way I am? What is it that I see in him?

Why does my heart beat so fast around him?

Why does his gentle smile comfort me?

Why do I care so much?

Why do I keep denying myself...

...what I truly want?

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Word Count: 509