Ch. 8: A Charge of Energy (MOON)
The next day…-
The sun shone brightly, and the warm sunlight fell on the country.
Vio: "From now on, let's light this country on fire together!!"
He couldn't get number one…but Vio's desire reached everyone.
As I spent time with Vio in his room, I once again remembered what had happened the day before.
Vio: "Ha…I was always outside for the short-distance challenges. It's been a long time since I took a break like this."
Vio spoke quietly as if to himself and reclined on the sofa.
OO: "Since you're always trying so hard…it's good to take a break for just today isn't it?"
Vio: "You think-? I feel like my body's getting weak."
OO: "You really like moving about, don't you Vio."
Vio: "Yeah! I never miss weight training, which I do every morning when I get up and before I go to bed. And I pay attention to what I eat…"
Vio said as much, then suddenly stopped talking.
OO: "Vio…?"
Vio: "Nothing…I was just thinking of how I showed you something so uncool yesterday…"
OO: "But…it wasn't uncool."
Vio: "But, I had thought this time for sure. Why is it always…I fall one step short…I'm so uncool…"
Seeing Vio look so sad, his eyes downcast, I felt a prick of pain in my heart, and then it was filled with a passion…
OO: "Vio, you weren't uncool at all. In fact, I was really moved by you. No matter how many records you challenge, no matter how many times you can't get number one. You're serious about your goals and try your hardest, and when people see you do that…I think it gives them all strength. To me, that Vio is number one…"
Vio: "…!?"
Vio stared at me in surprise.
Ah…-
I felt a moment of embarrassment as I talked about what was on my mind, but I couldn't stop the words from pouring out…-
OO: "…Vio, you give a lot of people dreams. Me, and that boy, and the many people in this country…! You are definitely not uncool, so please, stay like you are now. That's the Vio I want to cheer on forever…!"
I appealed to Vio with the same enthusiasm I had taken in the day before.
Vio: "OO…forever, that's…"
Ah…just now, was that like a confession…!?
OO: "Um, I…-"
Regardless, I was embarrassed and stood up in a panic.
But I wasn't allowed to move away as I was immediately caught in Vio's arm.
Vio: "Nope, I'm not letting you go."
He pulled me in tightly, and I looked around at his face…
It was something I was seeing for the first time, a Vio different from the one I'd seen until this point.
Vio…?
My heart started pounding loudly in my chest.
Vio: "Since you said it like that, I want you to be with me now. And from now…until forever…"
As he touched me, he pulled me back so I sat next to him.
Then Vio gently rested his head on my shoulder.
Vio: "You sure say some weird stuff… It's like you're making this strength well up from deep inside me, like you've got some weird power."
Vio said it like a whisper, in a voice more quiet than usual.
Vio: "And when I'm like this…I can relax."
I was at a loss, feeling our bodies against each other and hearing the pounding of my heart, and I slowly looked at Vio…
His usual stiff expression was relaxed…and his profile looked sorrowful as the light from the window shone on it.
Vio: "I charge everyone up…but, OO, will you do that for me?"
OO: "Me?"
Vio: "Yeah."
He drew closer and his hair tickled my cheek.
I…I want to give Vio his energy. I want him to smile…
I was happy that Vio and I shared the same feelings, and I felt a satisfaction in my heart.
OO: "Sure, of course I will."
I smiled, and Vio's face lit up in delight.
Vio: "Just a little longer… let me recharge. That OK?"
He sounded a little like he was relying on me, but also a little like he was demanding it, and I gave a small nod.
OO: "…sure. Just a little longer…"
As I felt Vio's warmth, slowly…
I stroked Vio's hair, which smelled like sunshine.
END