Ch. 10: Beginning of Passion (SUN)
Foia: "…tonight, it was finally finished. We’re about to have the first lighting of the furnace but…. Will you come watch it with me?"
Foia took me along and we entered the facility…
OO: "…!"
Wow…
Fire spirits glittered bright red in the center of the burning furnace.
They cracked and popped, sparkling as if they held the brilliance of life itself. Next to the flames was the machinery, which sucked the flames into it.
I was momentarily entranced by its beauty…
Foia: "…"
I saw Foia’s eyes shine as they watched it all unfold.
OO: "…Foia?"
Foia: "Ah, it’s nothing! I'm just glad, we worked so hard for this."
Foia shook his head as if trying to dislodge something.
OO: "…congratulations Foia."
I was so overcome, I could only say those two words.
And then…
OO: "…!?"
My line of site suddenly shifted.
Foia’s face was in front of me…
He’s…holding me up!?
OO: "F-Foia!"
My heart began to ring like a bell as I saw his gallant face illuminated by the fire light.
Foia: "Thanks, OO. There was something I wanted to tell you…once this place was finished."
OO: "Eh…?"
At his words, I searched my memory.
Foia: "Right, I’ll make them understand… This country will grow and our way of life will become easier, so we have to take action! And then, after that…!"
That…?
Seeing his eyes lit up, I repeated his words from that day in my head.
OO: "…"
Foia: "…"
For a time, we looked into each other’s eyes without saying a word.
But gradually, Foia’s lips turned up into a defiant smile.
Foia: "I thought I could say it …. But this here is the start!"
OO: "Start…"
He squeezed, holding me tightly.
He hands were so hot, and big…
I can leave everything in his hands…
The thought came so naturally, and Foia’s hands were large and powerful.
Foia: "Look, OO."
OO: "Eh?"
His gaze shifted and I followed…
OO: "…!"
There were so many people gazing up at the completed Ark Plant in joy, their eyes full of hope and anticipation.
As Foia looked at those people, his profile was that of a prince, and his expression was of one who headed the family that controlled fire…
Foia: "This country is going to become even greater, so you’ll keep watching it, right?"
OO: "Me…?"
My heart fluttered, and I couldn’t find my voice.
But I was happy, and nodded to him, the man whose face had only ever shown me a smile.
Foia: "I’m sure it’s thanks to your helping me understand the feelings of the people that this all turned out well."
OO: "B-but I only said what was on my mind…"
Foia: "And I told you that honesty is good! I’m sure there’ll come a time when you’re needed again. But it’s not just about that. I want to be with you…and I want you to be with me from now on!"
OO: "…I will!"
I gave an emphatic nod at his powerful words.
Then he gently lowered me down and held me in a tight embrace.
I can hear his heartbeat…
I buried my face into his chest, wanting to hear that happy sound forever.
Then Foia hugged me close again.
It’s warm…
I wanted the passion in Foia’s heart to shine on, no matter how hot it burned.
While thinking that, I contentedly closed my eyes.
END