Oh, there he is! Over here!

It's rare for you to arrive last, Shinonome.

Yes, you're usually here first out of everyone to practice on your own.

I was going to today too, but a few things came up...

You being vague like that is just as strange.

I know.

(I was gonna do this after practice, but I guess now also works...)

Sorry, but there's something I need to ask you guys regarding tomorrow...

Tomorrow? Is this about our meeting at COL?

I may run a little late.

Umm... That should be fine, since all we're going to talk about tomorrow is flyers and advertising.

Right. Honestly, only Azusawa and I absolutely need to be there.

Yeah. I'm just there to check over the equipment, so you don't necessarily have to be there.

Hey, I'm a part of the team, so I should be there if I can...

Okay...

Then, be sure to let us know if you're going to be late. I'll relay that to the owner.

Okay, thanks.

Still, it is kinda weird to see you asking a favor of us like this.

Does it have to do with why you arrived late today?

Yeah...

The thing is...

You're participating in a disc dog competition?!

Whoa!

Not so loud, Toya.

I-I'm sorry.

I couldn't contain my surprise.

Hehe. Yeah, I'm just as surprised.

I can't believe you're taking that owner's place after just meeting him.

(No, that's not what Toya was talking about.)

But I kinda get why you feel like you need to compete in his place.

You said Max is this guy's partner, right?

Yeah...

I've been seeing them work really hard towards making their dream come true.

So I felt that I had to do this.

Hehe. That's so nice of you, Shinonome.

I just couldn't leave things be.

Haha! That's what it means to be a nice person.

Again, that wasn't my intent...

Still, Akito, are you sure about this...?

I mean, you and dogs don't really...

Yeah, I'd be lying if I said I'm sure...

But like I said, Kamishiro and a few others have agreed to lend me a hand.

So, I plan on keeping my commitment.

I see...

In that case, Akito, you focus on the competition. We'll handle the meeting.

Thanks.

Oh, since you're doing this, it'd be great to cheer you on until we have to go to that meeting. Can we come watch?

Not. A. Chance.

Boo...

I'd like to show my support as well, but I'd rather not have us run late...

I'm sure he'll be fine since Minori and the others are gonna be there with him. We should focus on what we have to do.

Fine...

Sorry for taking up so much time...

Anyway, let's start practicing.

Right.

Yeah!

Okay!

Then, let's get started!