Dream Big, Never Small

A Chance of Happiness Chapter 16: Dream Big, Never Small

Dreams, as simple as they can be, can also be complex. The steps needed to achieve an individual dream can take months, years, or even decades. People overcome adversity every day to take even just a single step towards these dreams. At times, the road to achieving them may seem impossible, and the inevitable truth of the matter is that there will be those who criticize people who “dream too big”. Eventually, the path that originally seemed simple, has become much, much more complex. Or even seem unachievable.

Kazuto laid in his bed, facing his wall, curled up in the fetal position. Down the hallway, he heard someone whistling as they approached his room. The tone was uplifting, but at the same time, they clearly struggled to whistle.

An older boy with electric yellow hair knocked on his door. “Hey Kaz, how’s it going?”

Kazuto didn’t give a response, remaining in his position and ignoring the boy.

“You know, I heard it’s really quite rude to ignore your own brother. Especially when he’s asking you a question.” The boy trotted over to Kazuto’s bed, taking a seat beside him.

The boy looked over to see Kazuto was clearly upset, in between being angry and sad. He gave a caring expression before turning and lying down next to Kazuto, taking up most of the bed.

“This bed isn’t meant for two people, Kazuma.” Kazuto finally spoke.

“Is that so? I don’t know about that, there seems to be plenty of room here for the two of us.” Kazuma shuffled in the bed, lightly nudging at Kazuto.

He stopped his shuffling and let out a sigh. Looking at his brother who still had his back to him.

“They took it that well, huh?”

“Were you expecting any different?”

“Well, no, but I like to think of myself as an optimist. Give it some time, they’ll come around.”

“Doubtful.”

“Aw, now that’s not the “Kaz” way to think about that. Where’s the optimism? The energy?”

“I’m tired.”

Kazuma sat up and slid against the headboard, letting out a sigh. “Guess you’re going to give up then.”

Kazuto shrugged up, clearly upset. “What do you want me to do?” he whispered.

“What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you.”

Kazuto sat up. “What do you want me to do?!” Kazuto turned to him with tears now streaming down his face and Kazuma hugged him against his chest, shocking Kazuto by the sudden movement.

“Now that doesn’t sound like you. What happened to the boy who wanted to run around the world?”

“It even sounds stupid hearing you say it out loud.”

“You’re right, it does. So what? So what if it’s more difficult than the “normal” job Mom and Dad want for you? So what if you have to work harder to achieve it? It’s what you want to do isn’t it?”

Kazuma pulled Kazuto closer and smiled as he patted his head.

“You have no idea how strong you already are. Telling them how you really feel and what you want to do, hardly anyone has the guts to do that. Especially not at your age. There’s no such thing as “dream small”, it’s always been “dream big”. And you shouldn’t settle for anything less.”

“Why… why would you–”

“Because I can see it! And I know you can too! You have the potential to inspire others in an incredible way, to help show them that their dreams and aspirations are never truly out of their reach!”

“But Mom and Dad…”

“They’ll come around, I promise. They just need to know you’re serious about this, and I know you are. If they don’t, then you can just prove their worries wrong when you’re standing on the podium with a hundred gold medals.”

Kazuto gave a small smile. “You’re pretty stubborn.”

“It’s part of my charm, the ladies love it.” Kazuma laughed. “Just remember to always be true to yourself. If it’s something you believe in, then chase after it, with everything you have. Even if you think nobody’s there cheering you on, remember I’ll always be here. Plus, I’m sure you'll find there are others who will find your dream just as amazing as I do.”

Mina and Kazuto sat in one of their middle school classroom’s peacefully eating lunch like always.

“Seriously?!” Mina yelled, standing up in shock. “That’s awesome!”

“Miss Yuriko, please keep it down. I said you two could eat in here, but you still need to keep it down.” A young blonde woman called from the desk in the front.

“Sorry!” Mina quickly bowed and sat back down.

“F-For real? You don’t think it’s completely crazy?”

“Why would I? You’re already on the track team and working towards your dream! Who wouldn’t think that’s awesome?”

“Well… just a couple in particular...”

“Who?! I’ll give em’ a talking to and show them–”

“No! Please don’t. My parents… just don't see eye to eye with me.”

“Oh… I’m sorry…”

“No! It’s ok really, they just aren’t fully onboard yet.”

Mina looked down slightly. “That… must be hard…”

“It is. To be honest it’s actually pretty scary. But it’s still what I want to do.”

“That’s incredible. I really mean it.” Mina smiled. “I don’t think I could ever do that.”

“Huh? What do you mean? During introductions you said you were going to take over your parents' company right?”

“I… did say that.” Mina continued to smile, but it was clear to Kazuto that something was off.

“You don’t want to, do you?”

“No I…” Mina paused for a moment. “I… don’t know…”

“But it looks like you have something in mind. So why not chase after it?”

“It’s…”

“Not what your parents want, is it?”

Mina nodded hesitantly. “I’m sure you understand.”

“I do, you just need a little help.”

“What? No, I just–”

“For a girl who likes to help everyone in sight, I guess you’re not used to being the one who’s in need of it.”

“I-I couldn’t ask you to–”

“Who said you had to? I’d hope I wouldn’t need permission to help out a friend in need like this.”

Mina shrugged up slightly, showing a bit of a smile.

“Now tell me, what do you wanna be?”

“I… I want to be an actress.”

“An actress?! Seriously?!” Kazuto yelled, standing up in shock. “That’s awesome!”

“Okamato-kun! Lower your voice!” The woman from the front yelled again.

“Sorry!” Kazuto sat back down. “That’s awesome!” Kazuto tried to whisper in excitement.

“T-Thank you…”

“You probably have plenty of experience too! You’re in the drama club too! We’re both already working towards our dreams in our own way.”

“I– I guess so, but it seems like such a farfetched dream… and my parents might–”

“Who cares? There’s no such thing as “dream small”, it’s always been “dream big”. And your parents will come around. Even if they don’t, I’ll be there to cheer you on! I’m sure there are plenty of others who will find your dream just as amazing as I do.”

Mina’s expression lightened up as she smiled freely, letting out a laugh.

“What? Did I say something funny?”

“No, nothing like that, it just… made me really happy to hear you say that.”

“Well actually, most of that came from my brother.” Kazuto smiled, scratching his head.

“He sounds like a good brother.”

“He has his moments. I suppose he always did have a way with words.” he laughed. “And I’m serious. I’ll be here to cheer you on and support you. If anyone tries to discourage you, I’ll be the first one to show them who the next rising star is gonna be!”

Kazuto walked out of the locker room and began to head towards the quad.

“What did he do? Did he say something to her? She seemed so–”

As Kazuto turned the corner he saw Jin on the other side of the gym, walking away. Without thinking twice, Kazuto sprinted towards Jin.

“The amount of rumors about this guy is absurd, and there’s no telling how many of them are true. But right now… all I want to know is…”

Kazuto grabbed Jin by the arm, forcibly turning him around.

“What the hell did you do to Mina?!”

At times, the road to achieving them may seem impossible, and the inevitable truth of the matter is that there will be those who criticize people who “dream too big”. However, even if it might not seem like it at times, there will always be others who find your dream just as amazing as you do. No matter how complex the path might become, there’s no rule that anyone has to walk on it alone. The support you give and gain to others can change what felt impossible, to possible.