Meanwhile, back in the cramped office of Nakahara's Gym, the mood sits in a tight suspension, shaped by exhaustion from training and the uneasy anticipation of what Kurogane has been reading for the past several minutes. It is around 7:30 in the evening, and none of them have moved as if leaving would break whatever is about to be decided in this room.
Ryoma remains on the sofa, leaning forward slightly, his gaze angled away from the desk rather than toward it, as if he's listening more than watching. Sera sits across from him in silence, observing Kurogane instead, while Hiroshi remains on a stool at the corner of the room, unusually still and focused.
Coach Nakahara is seated in front of his desk, arms crossed over his chest, calm in posture but clearly waiting, his eyes fixed on Kurogane without interruption.
Kurogane sits in Nakahara's chair behind the desk, staring at the screen for a long moment longer than necessary.
