Reunion-Rematch: Haruka & Haruko (COMPLETE)

Haruka managed to get her sobs under control thanks to Haruko's gentle consolation. "Y-yes?" she weakly agreed, looking up to her sympathetic's friend's face for advice and hope.

"She told me that a girl worries constantly about the mistakes she makes in life and cries over them. A woman moves on with her life, accepting her mistakes and carrying on. It's still OK to get overwhelmed once in a while, but you can't put yourself down like that. You were in a bed wrestling match, that kind of thing is expected to happen there. I'm sure they understand."

Haruka sought to suppress her sniffles. What Haruko said made sense. True, it still ashamed her to think of what she had done during her match with Luci. Not to mention what followed after.

But... it was an accident, right? Like what Haruko was telling her now. Like what Yatori-senpai and Momoko-san and Damian-san said to her earlier. Not Masato-kun's fault, though he blamed himself for it more than she blamed herself.

So she stopped crying, made to smile, and found it was rather easier than she expected. "Thank you, Haruko," she softly managed. "I feel much better now. You're a very good friend. I'm very grateful."

Haruko smiles and hugs her gently. "I'm glad I could help, Haruka. Are you ready for the final round?" She asked her while keeping her in the hug.

Haruka didn't blush anymore when Haruko hugged her. She just smiled happily and returned the hug.

"Hai. I'm ready. After this," she suggested, "Let's go out and eat dinner or something. My treat." She'd just gotten her paychecks from AFW and Masato (including the bonuses for the title shot), so she had a lot of cash on hand.

Haruko nodded a little, and then started to step away from her. "That sounds like it would hit the spot, Haruka." She accepted before walking back to her corner, warming up a little.

"Hai!" Haruka likewise went to her own corner to prepare both physically and mentally for this last round. I'll do my best! I won't shame Haruko!

Once satisfied, she'll walk back to the middle of the ring, ready to rumble. "Let's do it!" she enthused.

Haruko nods with a small smile and steps into the middle of the ring herself, before starting to circle Haruka, giggling a little as she did.

Haruka similarly closed in. Smiling, she extended her left palm to Haruko for a test of strength.

Haruko smiled back at Haruka before slowly accepting her challenge, then raised her right palm up, ready to complete the lock to begin the test of strength.