Truthfully, Midousuji's behavior had become gradually less hostile and intimidating over the years, with Ishigaki. So subtle and slowly that Midousuji himself has barely noticed—it's only since all his confusing feelings centered around his APPARENT? attraction to Ishigaki that's making him more (hyper) aware of how he interacts with Ishigaki. But he's trying not to think about it, too much.

When Ishigaki asserts Midousuji has to let him make up for lost time, Midousuji narrows his eyes, letting out a slow, hissing exhale through his teeth as he glances away again, a shyness mixing with that fluttering, nice feeling—the one that makes Midousuji feel scared half to death.

Ishigaki's distracted, then bright, response, makes Midousuji want to grab and shake his face around again, but he resists. If only he had instincts that didn't incite violent reactions to positive feelings, especially those of adoration.

"Besides being between us, its geography is diverse enough to be sure you aren't rusting as an all-rounder," Midousuji prattles off, desperately pretending he isn't nervous for no very good reason at all. He still isn't looking at Ishigaki, tilting his head. He pauses, then twists his neck to look back at Ishigaki, expression curious.

"Where do you tend to go, around Tokyo?? Found any good spots? Or do you only practice with your team?"

Midousuji's expression twists with mean amusement, the implication immediately obvious: Midousuji is absolutely going to rag on Ishigaki if he doesn't practice on his own, as an individual. But if Ishigaki isn't positive if he wants to be a professional cyclist, then it would make sense he'd be the type who wouldn't burn his every spare ounce of energy on his bike.