Ch. 7: Desire Conveyed (MOON)
A few days later…-
For a while, Vio was frustrated and his expression grim. But not long after, he regained his footing and seemed back to his old positive self and made adjustments for the new day when he would challenge the record.
Vio: "Alright, I'm in luck, the weather's clear! I'll do my best for sure today!"
Having fully recovered, Vio continued his warm-ups.
And then…
Vio, do your best…!
The starting signal rang out with a loud crack that pierced my ears, and Vio shot off.
Spectator 1: "Prince Vio--!"
Spectator 2: "Prince Vio! You can do it!"
Just like before, the large crowd of people enthusiastically cheered Vio on.
Vio…!
With a single-minded focus on what was in front of him, Vio ran on, and I continued to stare at him without blinking.
OO: "Go Vio…!!"
But then the results came…
Announcer: "How unfortunate! That's too bad! Once again, there is no new world record…!"
And so Vio's attempt ended, once more without him being able to break the record…-
Vio…!
As if something snapped, I went down the stadium seating and turned towards where Vio was.
But as soon as I reached him, I saw Vio with his head hung in frustration as he bit his lip, and I couldn't find the right words to say to him.
And then…-
Vio: "…it probably would've been the same, running when I was hurt or running today."
Vio spoke, his voice quiet.
Vio: "I couldn't keep my promise…sorry, I showed you something so uncool."
I felt a pressure on my heart hearing him sound so depressed, not like him at all.
Don't say that…
Vio: "I'll stop…"
OO: "No! Please don’t give up…!"
Before I could stop myself, I grabbed Vio's hand and shouted.
Vio's eyes went wide as he looked at me, those eyes glistening with a thin film of tears.
OO: "I was really moved when you said you wanted to give everyone a dream. Me, and everyone else, we get courage from you Vio. So don't give up…to me, a Vio like that is…"
I was emotional as I spoke, but then I caught myself in surprise and calmed down.
What…am I saying?
Vio: "…"
Vio looked surprised as he stared at me, his eyes wide.
I-I'm so embarrassed…!
As I moved my hands to hide my cheeks, which were a little warm, Vio grabbed my wrists.
Vio: "Um!! …I."
Even though I unintentionally tried to shake my hands, Vio's powerful grip wouldn't let me go.
Vio: "Right now, I, um…-"
At that time…-
Spectator 1: "Prince Vio, you can do it!"
Seeing the state that Vio and I were in, the people in the crowd all stood up at once.
Spectator 2: "Please show us a lot more challenges again!"
Spectator 3: "Everyone enjoys watching your challenges Prince Vio!"
Everyone's voices echoed as one as they called out shouts of support.
Spectator 4: "I always think of how I can keep going when I watch the prince!!"
Vio: "Guys…"
Vio's feelings…reached them.
At that scene, both Vio and my eyes glistened, and my heart filled. At that time…-
Boy: "…I-I'm… s-sorry…."
I turned to the voice that had come out of nowhere, and the boy who had made the promise with Vio stood there, his eyes full of tears.
Boy: "Before, I did something bad…I put the tack in the prince's shoes!"
OO: "…"
I had thought that might be the case…but…
Vio: "…"
Vio smiled gently as he crouched down in front of the boy.
Vio: "…yeah, I know. But it's all over now, so don't worry."
Boy: "Eh…!"
OO: "Vio…"
Then Vio smiled at the boy, his eyes wide.
Vio: "Hey, so, how'd I do?"
Boy: "…you were cool."
Vio: "Yeah!? That makes me happy!!"
Boy: "Your clothes…are uncool though."
Vio: "Yeah, I see!!"
Vio spoke in a loud voice as he ruffled the boy's hair.
Boy: "…um, s-so it's ok, you don't have to keep our promise! For someone like me…"
Vio: "Don't say that. You and everyone else are the precious friends of this country. Friends who have dreams together!"
Vio, moved to tears, gestured his hand towards the large crowd of people.
Vio: "From now on, I'll keep racing towards my dream of being number one, and make everyone excited! So, let's light this country on fire, together!!"
After that, the people couldn't be stopped as they descended on Vio.
At the center of this passionate, burning country was a prince who blazed like fire…
I watched that sight, and it filled my heart.