Turning Point

Thinking of this, Mejiro McQueen wanted to say something, or do something, to help Tokai Teio shoulder some of the burden.

But before she could speak, Tokai Teio suddenly let out a long breath.

The exhale was soft and slow, yet it seemed to cast off some heavy burden.

She raised her head, and a smile returned to her face—a relieved smile, tinged with a little fatigue but utterly genuine.

Seeing that, Mejiro McQueen sighed in relief. She knew her friend no longer needed her to say or do anything.

"Just like I thought, I feel much better after saying it out loud."

Tokai Teio spoke softly, as though she were speaking to Mejiro McQueen, yet also as though she were talking to herself.

Then she looked at Mejiro McQueen and smiled. "Thanks, McQueen."

Hearing that familiar tone, Mejiro McQueen wore her usual elegant smile as well. "What are you thanking me for? I didn't do anything."

"Oh? Wasn't it you who was so worried you were about to catch fire just now?"

Tokai Teio feigned surprise before putting on a saddened expression. "How hurtful. I thought that if it were you, you'd definitely be so worried about how I was just now that you'd run around in circles. Maybe you'd even—"

"Enough with these little tricks, Teio."

Bluntly cutting Tokai Teio off, Mejiro McQueen brushed back her hair and turned her face aside for a moment before looking back, her expression serious. "And now that you're okay, shouldn't we discuss some proper business?"

As she spoke, she raised the newspaper in her hand and gave it a shake. "I understand your worries and anxieties. I also understand why you said those things to Little Kita.

"The root of it all lies in the impact of her current results.

"Not