Falling Star in My Garden

The heavens trembled.

Aki felt the weight of the celestial gaze upon him, an unseen force pressing against his very soul. The winds howled, carrying whispers of gods who spoke in voices older than time itself. He clenched his fists, standing his ground, despite the invisible presence that sought to shake him.

"Hoshino Aki," Hoshikiri murmured beside him. "Do you feel it? The judgment of the divine?"

He swallowed hard, his throat dry. "They're watching me again."

Above them, the sky shimmered unnaturally. Stars pulsed like beating hearts, their glow flickering between brilliance and uncertainty. A tear in the fabric of the heavens threatened to unravel, but for what purpose, Aki could not yet understand.

"The gods hesitate," Hoshikiri continued, her voice quieter now. "You have changed something, Aki. And they do not know what comes next."

Aki exhaled sharply. "I never wanted this. I never wanted to be a part of some celestial game."

"And yet, you are."

From the distance, a great light descended.

Aki instinctively shielded his eyes as the sky split open. A figure, radiant beyond mortal comprehension, emerged from the tear in reality. It was Tsukihikari-no-Kami, the God of Celestial Light. His form wavered between existence and nonexistence, light and shadow weaving into an ethereal dance.

"Mortal child," the god's voice resonated across the void. "Do you understand the burden of your name?"

Aki's heart pounded. "I never asked for it."

A deep silence followed. The god's golden gaze bore into him, piercing through every layer of doubt, every hidden fear.

"And yet, the stars chose you."

The words sent a shiver through Aki's spine. His mother's voice echoed in his mind: You are the chosen one.

But chosen for what?

Hoshikiri stepped forward. "If the stars have chosen him, then he must walk this path. Will the gods stand in his way?"

The divine court remained silent. Even the great Tsukihikari-no-Kami did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the celestial mirror, where Aki's reflection wavered as if it did not belong.

Then, the god spoke.

"No, Star Maiden. The gods will not interfere."

Aki felt his breath catch. He had expected a challenge, a decree of fate that would bind him to their will. But instead, the gods took a step back.

And that terrified him even more.

"Then," Aki whispered, his voice steadying. "I will find my own answers."

Hoshikiri nodded, a quiet determination in her eyes. "Then let us begin."

The heavens did not respond, but the stars above flickered—as if acknowledging a choice that could not be undone.

—To be continued—