The longer Ishigaki listens to the rhythm of Midousuji's low voice, the more his eyes widen, catching in the afternoon's light. Midousuji sounds like he's struggling, but he's heading forward into the right direction- taking the type of steps Ishigaki always wanted but wasn't there physically to see.

"Okay... fine, I'll let you push me." Ishigaki's struggles to keep away a goofy grin, but he manages- he thinks. His face feels hot, and his brain stutters for a moment- every part of him but the legs moving him forward going on pause while his thoughts catch up.

So, Midousuji relied on me...? On my words?

"I feel like I've been waiting to hear you say that for a long time." He finally admits, gaze falling on his own shoes. "I think I already knew all that, though. When you placed first."

Ishigaki is hesitant to continue, but if Midousuji wanted to spit out a confession, then perhaps it was his turn, too.

"I thought what I wanted was to- selfishly, maybe- have some sort of impact on you. Maybe I wanted to show you my thanks too- for carrying our team as far as you did. And it's true, I did want those things- there's a lot of things I wanted to see from you. But... I really just wanted for you to end up..." He pauses, searching for the right word, before his mind lands on something simple. "Happier."