Under the Stardust Sky

Jack Atlas had never thought much about love. It wasn't a priority when he was focused on climbing the ranks of the Duel Monsters world, chasing victory after victory. His title as the "Master of Faster" was all that mattered—until Carley Carmine came into his life, and everything changed.

Carley Carmine was a whirlwind. She wasn’t like the duelists Jack usually encountered, full of bravado and competitiveness. Carley was different—earnest, kind, and, above all, tenacious in her own way. As a reporter, she wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, and her passion for the truth burned just as brightly as Jack’s passion for winning duels. But it was her heart that had captivated Jack, though he wouldn’t admit it to himself at first.

It all started when Carley, determined to uncover Jack’s true character for a story, persistently followed him around, asking questions and digging into his past. Jack found it irritating at first—this seemingly clumsy girl with her notepad and camera always popping up where he least expected her. But as time passed, something about Carley’s sincerity broke through Jack’s carefully built walls.

One night, after a particularly intense duel, Jack found himself sitting alone on the edge of the city’s satellite, staring up at the stars. His thoughts were clouded with memories of his past, of the mistakes he’d made and the people he had pushed away. He didn’t hear Carley approaching until she sat down beside him, her presence warm and comforting.

“I thought I’d find you here,” Carley said with a soft smile, pulling her jacket tighter against the evening chill.

Jack glanced at her, surprised she had followed him all the way out here. “What are you doing here, Carley?”

“Same thing I’m always doing,” she replied, her voice teasing but gentle. “Trying to understand you.”

Jack scoffed lightly but didn’t move. Instead, he let out a deep sigh, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “You’re wasting your time.”

“Maybe,” she shrugged, “but I don’t think so. I think there’s more to you than just being the ‘Master of Faster.’ You’ve got a good heart, Jack. I’ve seen it.”

He remained silent for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He wasn’t used to people seeing him like that—seeing beyond the bravado and strength. But Carley always had a way of getting under his skin, making him feel vulnerable in a way no one else ever had.

“You’re too optimistic,” he muttered.

“And you’re too hard on yourself,” she countered, her voice soft but firm.

Jack turned to look at her then, really look at her. Her brown eyes were filled with understanding, a warmth he hadn’t realized he needed until now. There was something about Carley’s unwavering belief in him that made him feel like maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t as alone as he thought.

“Why do you care so much?” he asked quietly.

Carley blushed slightly, averting her eyes for a moment before meeting his gaze again. “Because I believe in you, Jack. I always have. I see the person you try to hide from the world, the one who’s not just a champion, but someone who cares. You might not show it, but it’s there.”

Her words hit Jack harder than any duel ever could. No one had ever spoken to him like this before—no one had ever believed in him like Carley did. And suddenly, the weight of the world didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

Without thinking, Jack reached out, his hand gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Carley’s face. “You’re something else, you know that?”

Carley smiled, her heart skipping a beat at his touch. “So I’ve been told.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, Jack smiled—a real, genuine smile. He realized then that he didn’t want to keep pushing people away. He didn’t want to keep pretending that he didn’t need anyone. Because sitting here, under the stardust sky with Carley, Jack felt a sense of peace he hadn’t known was possible.

In that moment, Jack made a silent promise to himself—to be better, not just for the sake of winning duels, but for the people who cared about him, for the people who believed in him. And most of all, for Carley.

As the night grew colder, Jack wrapped his arm around Carley’s shoulders, pulling her close. She leaned into him, her heart racing but content. They sat together in comfortable silence, watching the stars above, feeling like maybe, just maybe, they had found something worth holding onto.

“You’re not going to write about this, are you?” Jack asked, teasing her lightly.

Carley laughed, shaking her head. “No, this one’s just for us.”

Jack’s heart swelled at her words. He had always thought victory was the only thing that could make him feel alive, but now he knew there was something even better—having someone by his side who saw him for who he truly was and loved him anyway.

And with Carley by his side, Jack Atlas knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he wasn’t facing them alone. Together, they would carve out their future, one filled with love, laughter, and the promise of endless possibilities.

Under the stardust sky, their story was just beginning.