[ Kuro listens, in a way that is unusually quiet and respectful for her. She says nothing when she sees the distant look in Jeanne's eyes—just licks a little smear of cream cheese off her own fingers, as well. ]

A lot of athletes like that soreness. For them, it's the feeling of pushing their limits—of being alive in the first place. [ ... ] Is that the way it is, for you?