Ryohei's face is painted with doubt now. But that doubt doesn't have time to settle as the referee's voice cuts through the noise.
"Seconds out!"
Nakahara and Sera hesitate for half a second, exchanging a look that carries all their uncertainty. Neither of them likes leaving Ryohei like this.
But Ryohei solves it for them. He pushes himself up from the stool, legs steady despite the ache beneath his skin.
"I'll try it," he says simply. "Let's see where it takes me."
There's no confidence in his tone, no faith in diagrams or perfect answers. It's just resolve, the sound of a man ready stepping into unfamiliar ground because standing still isn't an option anymore.
Nakahara exhales and nods once. Sera gathers the towel and bucket, hands moving on instinct. They start clearing the corner.
As they do, Ryoma steps in close, just for a breath of time.
