In the CD drama, there is a scene where Reo, Kotarou, and Eikichi all analyze the situation to help Akashi when he is having trouble with Mura. After things were settled, the group suggested that everyone should express their inner worries so they could listen and talk to each other. While Kotarou and Eikichi spoke about simple issues, Reo chose to use a humorous excuse to hide his true feelings.
However, the perceptive Akashi realized this, so when the two of them were alone, he gently asked Reo again. It was thanks to Akashi's empathetic attitude and willingness to listen that Reo decided to open up. He confided in Akashi about being haunted by guilt in his dreams regarding the Winter Cup that year. Reo always regretted jumping and committing a foul during Hyuuga’s last shot.
Although in the original work, Reo often appears confident, somewhat sharp, and acts as the "big sister" of the group, he also carries invisible burdens that he keeps to himself. It is the guilt of someone who is always a perfectionist and dedicated to the team.
When I watched this part, I felt a sudden ache because I understand the immense regret of realizing one's own mistakes during crucial moments. No matter how many excuses one may have, they cannot wipe away the questions: "What if I had done better?", "If only I hadn't done that.", "If I hadn't made that mistake, maybe things would have turned out better."
Like Reo, even though that moment is in the past, he is still haunted by it. But it is fortunate that he opened up, giving Akashi the chance to tell him:
"Mibuchi, the loss at the championships isn't yours to bear alone.
It's not your fault that we lost the match. It's the result of all of us, from how we all fought.
Just as you regret that final play, I’m also reproaching myself for where I fell short."
"It's not a bad thing to look back on it... but... you cannot let that stop you in your tracks.
This isn't the end for us, right? We will definitely win next time.
With the new team that we will create from today. We're going to grab victory.
So... there's no more time for you to be worried about it."
It can be said that Akashi's empathetic and powerful words of encouragement partially lifted the psychological burden from Reo. When someone as prideful as Akashi admits his own shortcomings, that is when Reo understands that he doesn't have to be perfect to be accepted by his teammates. Because here, there is Kotarou who reached out to check on him, Eikichi who seriously made changes according to his complaints, and Akashi who helped him untangle his true issues.
I hope everyone gets to meet wonderful friends like Reo. Because no one should have to carry those pains alone. All of us—even if we are not all-powerful—deserve to be a pillar of support for one another.
Okkkk, sooo thank you for putting words into it. Because you know, that drama cd is so sweet it's easily my fav and whenever I talk about why is it sooo good, I end up mixing everything because there are so many things I just want to say...
