[video]

[golden_gloves]

[Akihiko's depression didn't last too long. What originally started as a welcome distraction has now become the source of new confidence. His team won the competition, and he's brimming with happiness.]

I can't believe we won. That was really intense.

[Aside from the sand castle building. That didn't require too much strenuous activity, even when he tried to make it so by running back and forth for water.]

Everyone did their best, and that's what counts. Let's not stop there, though. Everyone should keep training. It's good exercise.

[That and he wouldn't mind some friends to exercise with.]

Comments

video;

[tsundyne]

...We did.

[Yukari is still smiling-- because she can reveal that much, right? She can assure him that there's a lot of good to come, after Shinji's death.

There's something to look forward to.]

I know it might be hard to believe. You probably won't even remember if the Coral ever sends you home, but... we did, senpai. Once and for all.

[Eventually.]

video;

[golden_gloves]

[Akihiko can't help but join in. They're going to stop the Dark Hour. That's great news. He realizes they can't be lax in their training, but it gives him a bit of hope for the time being, even if he'll forget what he learned upon his return...if that ever happens.]

I believe it.

[That just left finding the way home.]

video;

[tsundyne]

Good.

[She can hear the hope in his voice, and it's exactly what she wanted. Her eyes are definitely lit up, and there's a moment where she allows the silence to overtake them. She doesn't want to say anything to ruin the feeling, after all.

But after a while, she'll break it, urging him in a lighthearted tone.]

Well, hurry up, okay? I don't want these get cold before you guys get to them!

[Referring to the fish-shaped bread, of course. They're still warm and really tasty looking. But for how long?]