she IS praise-worthy though. to be able to stay on top at school for both academics and sports, while she has to help working in her family's ramen shop, and take care of her little brother. she is worthy of all the praises.
if the guy is indeed the son of doctors, it's clear that he has more privilege. he has more resources and facilities to support his studies while she doesn't because she is simply poor. being 2nd is fucking amazing, and she has to see that. and it seems that he's trying to make her see that.
