#chiinatsu

“Thank you so much! I’m really happy, but you didn’t have to go so far as to gather everyone for a surprise like this…”

“But it’s for Nacchan!” Aoi chirped with her childish grin. “We wanted to make sure you’d be as happy as possible for your 20th birthday!”

“It’s better this way, isn’t it?” Haruppi added with a knowing look.

Of course, everyone knew the source of Natsu’s recent depression, and desperately wanted to guide her out of her darkness. It was already the eve of Natsu’s 20th birthday, one week since their former captain left the group. She had time to prepare for this since her talk with Chihiro a few months ago, and her promotion to captain was definitely a source of motivation. But in the end, having her most beloved person on this planet leave the group inevitably impacted the new captain greatly.

“Then, shall we start?” Haruppi continued.

On cue, the lights were switched off, Madoka brought in the cake, and the members started singing happy birthday. Natsu closed her eyes with a smile, trying her best to genuinely focus on and appreciate the effort her companions put in to cheer her up.

“Now make a wish!”

Keeping her eyes closed, Natsu let out a sigh of defeat, as her emotions thwarted her best attempt at breaking the darkness and leaving her source of depression behind. Despite her efforts, there was still only one thing left on her mind.

I wish Chiichan will never forget me…

She let out a small giggle.

…and maybe even love me.

And with that, she blew out the candle.

“I’ll be heading back to my room then.” Aoi said as she got off the bed. “Don’t get too depressed over it ok? I’m sure Chiichan wants to see you leading with confidence rather and brooding over her every single day.”

Natsu gave a slight nod.

“We’re all here for you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

“I know. Tell everyone I said thanks for today. It really helped.”

Aoi gave her a gentle smile as a response before heading out the room as the last member to leave. After enjoying the cake together, the members stayed for some card games, as well as witnessing Natsu’s first drink as the clock struck midnight. The atmosphere was cheerful and lively, and helped Natsu somewhat shake off some of the gloominess she had been carrying around.

As she prepared for bed, she switched off the lights before taking out her phone from her bag to see an unread message from Chihiro. She anxiously opened the message. The screen shone brightly in the pitch black room.

“Happy birthday Nacchan! We’ve talked so much these past few months that there isn’t much left for me to say. I know how tough it can be as the captain, but if it’s Nacchan, then it will definitely be fine! Do your best, new Kyappu!”

The message was so short, yet receiving words of encouragement from her former captain stirred a new drive in Natsu. All this time, she had been hanging her head low after the departure of Chihiro, lost in a borderless darkness, unable to find any purpose in her activities. Yet halfway across the world, the one who had entrusted her to receive the baton and to carry on the duties of captain, never lost confidence in her, and was depending on her to lead HKT onwards. Despite being in another country, Chihiro was the light that was guiding her.

“So you haven’t forgotten me yet…” Natsu jokingly mumbled as she typed up her reply.

“So you haven’t forgotten me yet?”

Natsu let out a chuckle before continuing her message.

“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely do my best, even without Chiichan around. If Chiichan trusts me, then I just have to try harder for Chiichan.”

Natsu took a deep breath.

“For the Chiichan I love~”

Natsu sent the message and put her phone down before getting into bed. She was just about to close her eyes before she heard her phone buzz against the table. Reaching over, she picked it up, reading the reply.

“Tehe, how embarrassing~ I love Nacchan too <3”

Natsu grinned at the message before putting her phone back down. She knew this flirtatious, joking kind of love wasn’t the same love she felt for Chihiro, but it didn’t change the fact that it was enough to brighten up her mood and push her forward. 

“At least it’s one step closer towards granting my wish.”

For the first time in a while, she closed her eyes with a sense of ease. She was enveloped in darkness, but she now found a new source of light to guide her forward.

And that light was Chihiro, her light.

Author’s Note: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NACCHAN <33333

After seeing Natsu’s G+ post on the morning of her birthday, this idea just kinda popped into my head. I tried to get it done before her birthday ended, but I didn’t have enough time ;w; Sorry if it’s a bit rushed :<