(⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠)

petal clouds

SJS vs. CHI (2.2.26)

02.01.2020: Kazetsuyo Episode 23: In the Wind

Haiji hasn’t really thought about the future, because the truth is, Haiji can’t see beyond the ekiden.

The ekiden was a dream that’s kept him distracted for the past four years; it kept him running, kept him from sinking into despair. But now that he’s actually gotten this far… what next? What future does he have to look forward to after it’s over? Before the accident, Haiji had a bright future as an athlete, his career path had been laid out for him the day he was born. That option no longer exists for him, and he’s not arrogant enough to believe he has the chance to make a comeback. He knows his body well enough to know this is as far as his running can go.

After the ekiden, Kakeru and Fujioka will no doubt go on to pursue competitive running and he’ll get left behind. He’s jealous that they’d be able to go much further as athletes, to pursue their aspirations and continue running in a world where he can’t follow.