Loma lay on his bed, eyes wide open, the night too still to sleep. His body was restless; he had already napped earlier, yet his mind buzzed with thoughts.
Loma (thinking): I think I can do something… if I can't move my hands, I'll move my legs.
He swung his legs off the bed and planted his feet firmly on the floor. The wood creaked beneath him. Taking a deep breath, he began squats, each rep deliberate, muscles trembling.
Loma (thinking): Let's do this.
By the twentieth squat, his legs felt like lead, quivering violently, refusing to hold him any longer. He collapsed onto the edge of the bed, chest heaving, sweat dotting his forehead.
Loma (thinking, panting): That's hard… damn it.
He let out a long, shaky sigh, resting his head against the mattress. His gaze drifted upward, and his eyes narrowed.
Loma: I need to get stronger. Stronger than anyone.
Minutes passed. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself up again, forcing ten more reps. Every movement burned, his legs screaming, but he endured.
Loma (thinking, exhausted): Alright… let's leave it at this. I'm sleepy.
Finally, he collapsed fully onto the bed, sleep claiming him almost immediately.
Next Morning
The sun barely peeking through the curtains, Darok's voice cut through the quiet:
Darok: Loma!! Wake up!!
Loma groaned, sluggishly dragging himself upright, rubbing his eyes. He stumbled to the bathroom, splashed cold water across his face, and finally made his way to the table.
Darok: Loma, breakfast! Come and eat.
Loma (sleepy, mumbling): Yeah…
Darok's eyes twinkled mischievously.
Darok: You planning to go to school again?
Loma (blushing slightly): I… don't feel like it.
Darok smirked knowingly.
Darok: Wouldn't Tsuriki be lonely??
Loma's face turned red.
Loma: It's not like that!
Darok chuckled.
Darok: It's just like that.
Loma: No it's not!
Darok: Yes it isss.
Loma: Shut upp!!
Darok laughed, the sound warm and teasing.
Darok: Alright, alright… then why are you shy?
Loma (surprised, flustered): I'm not shyyy!
Darok laughed again, shaking his head.
Darok: Alright, alright… keep eating.
Breakfast finished, the two returned to the bedroom. The sunlight had climbed higher, cutting through the curtains and casting stripes across the floor.
Darok: Loma, we have to go gun running in a while.
Loma: Yeahh…
He rose, stretching his legs, feeling the residual burn from yesterday's training. A quiet determination settled over him, heavier than the morning sun. Today, he would get stronger.