"You don't look that much different," Kise said. "Aside being taller and bigger shoulders, your face is pretty much the same."

The door opened on his floor Kise lead them to his room which was at the end of the hall.

He waited to answer Yamazaki's question until they were both in his hotel alone.

"I'm asking because you didn't compete at Nationals." Kise tried to keep his voice light, but worry crept in anyways. "I mean, that's not like you, Yamazakicchi. You're almost as competitive as me."