Report 39

Plot
Arata asks Rena if she was trying to steal Chizuru's bag, and as she says she was just trying to bother Chizuru he sternly asks her why. Influenced by his former co-worker's thoughts about her harassers Arata asks if Rena has already given up on outperforming Chizuru on honest terms, which makes her feel a sting. In response Rena asks Arata if he is going to tell Chizuru as she is aware that they get along well and thus it is natural for him to be angry, and tells him she took Chizuru's bag because she was jealous of her.

To Rena's terror, Arata briefly feigns that he might tell Kazuomi as well. He tells Rena she should not waste all her previous efforts and that if she were ever to win against Chizuru that way she would likely not be satisfied. Reminding Rena of her strong points, Arata tells her he is not angry but sad, and that she should not give up on working hard for her goals.

Rena lashes out at Arata's lecture and yells that she is not getting results despite already doing her best yet neither Chizuru or Honoka even think of her as their rival, and bursts into tears. Arata pats her head and comfortingly tells her that she is only not seeing results because of who she is comparing herself with, and that the personal growth due to her continued efforts is already a result. Crying profusely in relief, Rena understands that she has actually been doing great and that her efforts are meaningful after all.