Ryoma leaves the gym in the early afternoon, still with Aki and Reika. Aki has her excuse ready: research into the daily lives of athletes. Reika, meanwhile, looks like a cat in a crowded room, pretending she belongs. She stays quiet at first, letting Aki's chatter fill the air.
"So, Ryoma-kun…" Aki finally pauses after five minutes of nonstop questions. "I heard your coach mention a title shot within a year. Do you really think you can do it?"
"Well, I…" Ryoma lets his voice dip. "I don't think I can stay at Super Featherweight for long."
Aki studies his wiry face. "Ah, yes… you do look a little thin for your frame."
There Reika jumps in, her humor dry. "Guess you're one of those guys who forgets to eat. With how skinny you are, I bet your fridge is empty."
Ryoma's brow twitches.
But before the silence curdles, Aki cuts in. "So, when you're not training or fighting, what else do you do?"
"Not much," Ryoma says flatly. "If I'm not training, I'm resting."
