Part 143: I Loved You at Your Darkest

MUSIC: Cool Morning



I wonder what kind of ideal Ryoma is picturing. He seems...embarrassed.

MUSIC: Moon on the Water



Wh-What do you mean..."chase" you?

We're nothing more than a former tennis player and a manager now... We're just strangers.



So in Ryoma's fantasy...I was chasing after him. This is all part of his dream... I can't ruin that for him.

We've got no reason to see each other. If you get it, then hurry and leave.



Well, probably not anymore. The mafia I got tangled up with is long gone. But I don't have a future anymore. You've got nothing to gain being with me.

...I'm not only seeing you because I get something out of it, Ryoma.

Hmph... Managers should listen to their players, y'know?





Why is Ryoma being so stubborn? I'm supposed to be his ideal... Ah...perhaps he doesn't really want me to leave...

At least tell me why you don't want to see me anymore. I deserve an answer. I'm not trying to make this hard, just... I won't believe it until I hear you say it.



What is it, Ryoma?

Geez...I try to push you away and you just stick to me. What a weird guy... I'm gonna talk about my selfish wishes now. You'll probably think I'm a pain. And then you'll stick around anyway. You're just that type of guy.



I wouldn't do that to you. Not after coming this far. So please...tell me.

In that case...I'm going to be honest. I'll be okay as long as you're alive.

...What? What do you mean?



Someone like you remembering me in the back of your mind...that's all I need.

So please...don't worry about me anymore. Go so mewhere far away...and live happily.



Hmph...I knew it. I knew you'd say something like that... But all this makes it seem like I want you to chase after me. Geez... How pathetic.

But that's alright, Ryoma. Just be honest...and tell me what you want.



I felt that, if I didn't hold tight, he would run away from me.

I don't know what will happen in the future. But I know I'm happy now.



They were smaller than mine, and years of tennis had made them hard. But strong.

AUDIO: The Key to Ryoma's Heart

I've still got a ways to go, too... I ended up getting you involved with me.

It's alright...I won't run away. Ryoma...please, don't run away either.

Hmph...I wouldn't do such a lame thing now.



Shuichi...things won't be like before, but will you help me again?

Yeah, of course... If there's anything I can do, I'd be more than happy to...

Is that so...? Then, to make sure you don't regret your decision... I'll do whatever I can for you, too.



I had done all I could. I held Ryoma's hand, safe and warm.



......

...



Last night, with Ryoma... Was that a dream? I feel like we discussed something important...