[. . . it's okay, huh? he smiles at that, and a thought crosses his mind, sudden and quick]

[I still haven't told her. . . how I'm going to break the Prince's curse, have I. . .?]

[but that is not a conversation for now. the only thing he wants to focus on is her, and how things have changed between them-- for the better. another day. another week. it's something they'll have to discuss before this competition ends, but it doesn't have to be now]

I'm really glad you and Ritsuka are such good friends. She deserves to have someone supporting her. . . through everything she has been through. [genuine! and then, lightly teasing. . .] But we both had to ask the salespeople for help.

So you still have a chance.

[to help him find his style, since he is VERY BAD at it]