Short Takemoto-centred ficlet. Based on the anime.
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Beads of sweat rolling off his face, Takemoto can't help but smile. He eyes the crumbling old structure looming ahead, panting slightly as he regains his breath. His legs and hands ache from speeding up so suddenly. But Takemoto can't help it, just the sight of the crumbling old house excites him immensely.
He doesn't want to learn to drive. No, not yet, not while his trusted bicycle still has will.
Finally a real adult, says his mind and Takemoto laughs. Yes, with a "job", he is independent now. No more relying on his mother for financial assistance. No more college.
A wistful sigh escapes his lips, as he reminisces about the days spent in college. Some depressing, some amusing, some that will always remain in his memory.
The days spent with his friends.
This time, the smile reaches his eyes.
Takemoto turns to his side, inhaling the fresh air. To him, the beauty of Japan's countryside is unmatchable. And even if it may not be exceptional, there is something unique about his home that can never be seen anywhere else.
Not that he has gone out of the country. Takemoto flinches as he remembers Morita's jokes about taking Takemoto with him to America. If only he were serious, Takemoto wishes.
If only he weren't so lucky, Takemoto thinks. Why am I not-?
He shakes his head, trying to clear away the thoughts.
The road ahead is long. But the road that lies behind him is long too. He turns behind, but all he sees is a mirage. Just an illusion.
Takemoto can see the water, glistening in the heat.
But he can't see the reflections in them. He can't see anything but the water.
Getting back on the cycle, Takemoto looks ahead. His feet start pedalling, slowly at first, speeding up gradually. A new life, a new road, a new place.
Takemoto knows that he must go ahead.
He knows that he must not look back.