*Sigh*

Another exhausting day...

I need to get ready for school tomorrow...

But I'm so sleepy...

Even after taking a nap in the green room...

(No, wake up...!)

(I have to get ready for tomorrow and take a bath...!)

Kohane, how are you feeling?

Oh, Mom, hi! I'm okay...!

I didn't get a chance to ask you earlier, but did you have dinner already?

We did. An's dad took us somewhere on our drive home.

Okay, that's good to hear.

Still, you got home so late today.

You look exhausted. You must've traveled quite a distance...

No, we just went over to Kanagawa.

But our spot in the event lineup was pretty late...

Really? So, how did it go?

Good. I think we all did our best and produced some nice results...

It was a battle event, and just about managed to win. Everyone remembers who we are now.

I'm hoping we can keep improving like this...

Us. Together...

Hehe...

I can tell that you're trying your best, Kohane.

Huh?

I mean, you looked very serious just now.

Oh...

I am...

I don't think I'm ever going to find something that I want to do this much for as long as I live.

Which is why I want to give it everything I have. Because if I don't, I know I'm going to regret it...

I know you're worried about me, Mom, but... I want you to let me do this.

I understand. Seeing that you've found something you can work so hard at really puts a smile on my face.

Yes, you coming home late does worry me and your father... But we know that you'll be fine.

Mom...

And your teammates and Shiraishi's dad seem like very responsible people.

As your mother, I find peace in knowing that you're being looked after by them.

So, Kohane, for now, do whatever you feel is best for you.

Thanks, I will!

However, please make sure to let me know if you are going to return particularly late.

Okay, I'll try to be more careful.

Now, go take your bath.

It should be ready now.

Oh, okay! I will!

(Hehe.

I feel a little more awake after talking with Mom.)

(I'll take that bath, go to bed...)

(And do my best again tomorrow...!)