Dread it. Run from it.
Chihaya will save Mio all the same.
And herself in the process, of course.
I really can't wait to see the moment when Chihaya realizes just how important Mio is to her, and in a positive way. Same with Mio and Chihaya, for that matter. The two are entwined like they're entangled photons; two points of light that, however much they might clash and fight and claim they despise the other, will never truly be alone in that universe, for better or for worse.
And everyone around them sees it. Even Rico who wants to dislike Chihaya, realizes there's no other way to get the "Mio she remembers" back. Mel might not be fully cognizant of Chihaya, but she saw that look on Mio's face. "Dumb race" might be what her mouth said, but Mio looked like she was talking about an old comfortable lover.
They all know. If things are going to get back on track for Chihaya and Mio and the rest of them by association, the two of them need to hash this out in 8 days' time. So seeing everyone, whatever their personal stakes or motives or agendas, agreeing to set aside any personal thoughts and push Chihaya and Mio forward, is lovely.
And I'm glad that Chihaya is as blunt as ever, and I hope it never changes. I hope she finds her happiness, whatever the outcome of that race, but I really enjoy a protagonist character who's dumb, and headstrong, and one-track-minded, and just so authentic in what she wants and how she'll get it.
I honestly don't know what I want to happen when the race actually happens. Chihaya winning would be a huge boost. Mio winning would be a huge boost. Them tying .......would be cheesy to a degree that feels both fitting and like a huge waste of time for this story. But I'm excited to find out, all the same.
Thanks for the TL work as always.