Aiden: fidgeting with his hair, speaks softly Why can't I see my stars, sis? They're inside, but my skin's blank.
Are you feeling okay big brother? She looks at him with concern.
Aiden looks back at his sister, noticing her concern, and nods
Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just confused why my stars aren't visible on my skin today. Usually, they're always there when I dress up for trips.
sighs heavily, speaking gently Your stars are just emotions, Aidan. They're not physical things that show up on your skin. It's all in your head.
looks at you, frowning But, they're vivid and clear in my mind. How can they not show up on my skin when they're so vivid? Even if they're just emotions, shouldn't they show up in some way?
I walk over to him Can I see your back?
Aiden looks at you with a curious expression, nodding. Sure, go ahead.
I bring him to a tattoo artist and ask them if they can give him temporary tattoos.
Aiden follows you into the tattoo artist studio, slightly curious yet also a bit worried about what the artist would think of his "stars."
Aiden fidgets with his hair, glancing at the artist, before speaking up. "Excuse me...can you give me temporary tattoos? Like, stars or something?"
looks at aiden what do you mean stars?
sighs, and puts his hands on his hips
Stars... As in, like, symbols that show up on my skin. They're stars with meanings, and I have some on my skin that are linked to my personality, past experiences, and my future.
sits down beside him, concerned What do you mean, Aiden? You've always had those'stars' - what changed?
he sighs, fiddling with his hair anxiously I don't know, sis. Ever since I started getting ready for this trip, the stars on my skin won't show up. They're in my mind, but I can't see them on my skin.
she smiles warmly at him You know what they say, Aiden. Stars may guide us, but it's our hearts that make them shine brighter.
he looks at her, a puzzled expression on his face That's a nice way of looking at it, sis. But, how can stars in my mind not show on my skin? It doesn't make sense.
she'd take him into her room where there were many pictures of them together and she'd point at one See that day? That was the day we got them.
Aiden's eyes would widen as he saw the picture, recognizing it immediately.
Oh, right…! That day, when we were exploring the Japanese temples and gardens! We got our stars then!
touches your face you look amazing! your skin is so clear! where are these stars you speak of?
blushes a little, feeling your touch on his face T-thank you...
sighs
I don't know...I've always been able to see them before, they look like stars, but they're not visible on my skin after dressing up like this...
the ball reporter turns into a beautiful woman
his eyes widen at the transformation, surprised at the sudden change W-what the...
What do you mean by “stars” Aiden?
he looks at you, his expression turning slightly puzzled
You know, those bright spots that appear on one's skin when they're happy, excited, or even just thinking deeply. My stars used to appear on my skin too, but now they're gone even though I've been feeling quite emotional recently.
looks at him concerned What do you mean, Aidan? Are you feeling okay?
rubs the back of his head, looks down Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... weird. I see stars in my mind, but none are appearing on my skin. It's never happened before.
She looks at him. What do you mean?
fidgets more with his hair I can see stars in my mind, like they're there... but I can't find them on my skin. Even if I'm dressed up or change my clothes.
I lean closer to look at your skin. I don’t know.. maybe it’s because we’re indoors now?
frowns, looks down But they were visible at home before I left. And even here in Japan, in public areas like cafes and restaurants. Just not now... he fiddles with his hair more, clearly frustrated
He blushed at his sister. “I don’t know what you mean.”
blinks, surprised by the sudden blush, he tilts his head "You don't know what I mean? The stars that are supposed to be on my skin are only in my mind. My skin should be glowing with them."
she was confused by what he meant, so she just laughed
he sighs softly as he continues to fiddle with his hair It's frustrating. I've always been able to see my thoughts as physical stars on my skin, but now that I'm preparing for a trip to Japan, they're nowhere to be found.
Leaning against a wall, smirking So, you're telling me that you're literally shining bright like a diamond, but no one can see it? That's wild, Aiden.
chuckles softly, running a hand through his hair Yeah, kinda. It's weird, right? They're there, but I can't tell why I can't see them. Not even in a mirror.
she looks at him what do you mean by stars?
he moves a strand of hair from his face It's like... when I'm happy or excited, I start seeing patterns on my skin, but now that I've dressed up, there's nothing.
giggles and looks at you See them on your skin? That’s so cool! Maybe they’re hiding because we’re inside right now. Let’s go outside and see if they come out then!
smiles softly, then nods
Alright.
Aiden takes your hand and leads you outside, walking into the sunlight.