The next day dawned bright and clear, but my mood was anything but. Today was supposed to be a big day for Perman. An award. For saving those hostages. And right now, the Copy Robot and I were discussing it in my room.
"So," the robot began, leaning back on my bed, surprisingly casual for someone who'd just orchestrated a major rescue and handled my social life at school. "About this award ceremony today. For the bank incident."
I grimaced. "Yeah, about that. I'm not going."
He raised an eyebrow, a perfectly human expression of surprise. "Oh? And why not?"
"Perman's too busy for attending award ceremonies," I said, trying to sound authoritative, like he did. "There's always something else to do, you know? Besides, it feels... showy. We're heroes because it's our duty, not for awards."
He chuckled, a short, dry sound. "A noble sentiment. However, the award is being given by none other than Miss Sumire Hoshino."
My resolve wavered. Sumire Hoshino. The pop star. The girl I had been, let's just say, very impressed by. The one the original robot had been obsessed with. I thought about her bright smile, her dazzling presence.
I hesitated for a moment, then straightened my shoulders. "Doesn't matter," I insisted, surprising even myself. "I'm still not going, no matter who's giving the award."
He blinked, genuinely surprised this time. "Well, well. I didn't think you'd stop being head over heels for Miss Sumire so soon, Mitsuo. My, how quickly one can change their priorities." He sounded genuinely impressed, a rare note in his voice.
I giggled, feeling a strange mix of pride and amusement. "You changed me, dummy. You made me realize there's more to being Perman than just looking cool and meeting celebrities."
He let out a mock sigh, shaking his head. "I almost don't believe it's you, Mitsuo, suggesting this. For a second, I thought perhaps another, even more perfect copy robot had replaced you, and not just for your intelligence."
I playfully shoved him. "Hey! I'm at least that smart to understand this by now! Perman's duties are way more important than some celebrity, even if she's famous. People's safety is the priority."
He nodded, a hint of genuine respect in his eyes. "Indeed. A commendable shift in perspective. So, how do you propose we decline their invitation?"
"Yeah," I said, rubbing the back of my neck. "How do I do that without making them mad? It's kind of a big deal, an award for saving hostages and all."
He leaned forward, his gaze thoughtful. "You don't have to decline them directly. We'll simply send Wooby in your place. They'll understand."
My eyes widened. "Wooby? You want to send Wooby to accept an award for Perman?"
He nodded, completely serious. "Why not? He's a reliable fellow. And it sends a clear message. Perman is a busy individual, dedicated to saving lives, not collecting trophies. If he sends a proxy, it conveys that his priorities lie elsewhere, in the field, where he's needed most."
"But... Miss Sumire will be sad," I mumbled, thinking about her bright, enthusiastic personality.
He looked at me, his gaze firm. "Mitsuo, Perman's duty is more important than someone's temporary sadness. Perman is someone who saves lives. Someone who stops terrorists and protects the innocent. Petty things like individual sadness, however genuine, must not sway his focus or his priorities. His actions are for the greater good."
He was right. Of course, he was right. My feelings, my desire to not disappoint Sumire, were just selfish. "You're right," I affirmed, a renewed sense of purpose filling me. "I'll do what you've told me to. Wooby it is."