*Sigh*...

(It's been a while since I've been by this place thanks to what happened...)

(But I have to do this. We need to talk about what we're gonna do moving forward so...)

Hey...

Hey, Akito. Long time no see.

Um...

Here, have a seat.

What'll it be? Your usual blend?

Uh, yes... Thank you.

(I'll start by saying I'm sorry for not taking his warning seriously...)

...

Also, Akito...

Would you like a dollop of cream with your coffee?

Huh...?

Think of it as a treat for being one of my regulars.

(First MEIKO, now Ken...)

Are you trying to get me to eat something sweet so that I'll start feeling better...?

Hahaha! You got me!

I appreciate the thought, but I'll pass...

...

Ken...

Yes...?

I'm sorry about ignoring what you said even though I knew you were worried about me.

After that Tono guy said that we wouldn't be able to surpass RAD WEEKEND, I challenged him and lost even though I gave it everything I had...

I ran off and tried to do everything on my own...

I really don't think you need to apologize or anything...

Honestly, I was sort of happy to see you acting more like a normal kid.

Huh? What do you mean by that?

From time to time, you guys always try to be act more grown up than you really are.

Like that time Toya was having issues with his father.

That wasn't really the plan, but I mean, we're in high school so we're a little more grown up than...

Oh, come on.

High schoolers are still kids in most people's eyes.

That includes me.

Do you know how many times my partner and I fought back then?

You fighting, Ken?

Yeah. Back then, compared to me, you would've looked like an honor student.

But...

RAD WEEKEND, huh...?

Is something wrong?

Oh, I think I'm just happy that there are youngsters out there, like you and Arata, that made that even a part of their goal in life.

But you also shouldn't lock yourself into just that.

Huh?

Goals and ideals are things that can give people purpose, but also mislead them.

A lot of people end up seeing the past, their own pasts especially, through rose-colored glasses.

Without even realizing it, we all sort of exaggerate the truth and detach ourselves from reality.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say.

I'm sure you'll understand in time...

For now, just make sure to cherish your friends. They seemed very worried about you over what happened.

Right. I've already learned my lesson.

But what did you mean by truth and reality just now?

Hm? Oh, that?

If you're so grown up, you should be able to find the answer.

What?! You were the one that said I was still a kid!

Hahaha. Did I?

You're pulling my leg...

Oh, relax.

Let me get you a nice, big dollop for your coffee too.

You are messing with me!

So that's a no?

Ugh...

Fine, I'll take some...

Dad, I have a little time, so I'll help out until everyone else get here.

Oh, A-Akito...?

You're already here?

Oh, yeah...

...

On second thought, Ken...

I'll pass on that topping.

Sorry, the order's already in.

Hey, An. Can you get this?

A dollop of cream for his coffee!

A dollop of cream?

What are you looking at...?

Oh, nothing. Would you like a little extra as a freebie?

No, you're the same as him!