Medalist Season 2 Episode 7: The Frozen Lake

Inori, initially shy, is transformed by Fubuki's harness. She masters the triple flip and triple Lutz with astounding speed, leaving Tsukasa dumbfounded. The quick succession of successful, difficult jumps is almost unbelievable, even to Inori herself. She questions her sudden ability, her mind reeling from the uncharacteristic ease of her triumphs. Her confusion manifests as a comical, robotic dance, a visual representation of her system overload.

The harness proves its magic with other students, including young Yu, making everyone marvel. Tsukasa, inspired, procures his own harness and proves surprisingly adept at guiding the children, drawing praise from Yukie. Yuzuki, previously struggling with her double Axel, finds renewed hope with the device. Her successful jump is met with tears of overwhelming relief, a raw outpouring of pressure and self-doubt.

Tsukasa attempts to guide Inori with the harness, but her unique power and propulsion prove too much. He struggles to keep pace, his timing off. In a moment of panic, he loses his grip and falls, choosing to protect Inori from a dangerous tangle rather than save himself. The fall leaves him motionless and in pain on the ice, shocking everyone.

The next day reveals Tsukasa has a fractured rib, a serious injury he tries to downplay with forced smiles and grimaces. His injury, however, has an immediate, devastating effect on Inori's confidence. Her triple jumps, once effortless, now result in painful falls, leaving her tearful and defeated. Tsukasa shoulders the blame, recognizing his lack of expertise with the harness created this setback.

Seeing Inori struggle, Tsukasa shifts their focus away from jumps, giving her space to recover her mental footing. He contacts Fubuki for advice, demonstrating his humility and persistent search for solutions. Meanwhile, Yuzuki, having overcome her own hurdles, executes a perfect double Axel. This success, however, only amplifies Inori's frustration with her stalled progress, a subtle but effective way to build tension.

Inori's mother expresses regret she cannot accompany her, concerned about Inori's championship stress and Tsukasa's injury. However, she reveals Tsukasa's offer to drive Inori overnight to Niigata, fulfilling Inori's childhood dream of a long car journey. Inori's excitement is palpable, banishing her earlier worries as they begin their peaceful night drive. The quiet roads offer a stark contrast to her usual bustling life.

Their rest stop becomes a moment of childlike wonder for Inori. She is completely captivated by penguin merchandise, then delights in calling her mother with a pork bun. Her playful energy is clear. They engage in a simple country-naming game, a lighthearted interaction that further establishes their burgeoning, comfortable dynamic.

Despite Tsukasa's playful insistence that she sleep, Inori initially resists, relishing their conversation. He gently cares for her, offering his phone and warning her not to go anywhere alone. Eventually, she sleeps, and Tsukasa watches her, reflecting on her earlier sadness and how this trip has lifted her spirits. He finds a quiet moment of peace, observing the distant city lights.

They stop at Lake Suwa, a beautiful vista of city lights. Inori, her concern resurfacing, asks about Tsukasa's injured ribs and thanks him for the long drive. Tsukasa, instead of dwelling on pain, paints a picture of the frozen lake in winter, where one could skate freely, without boundaries. He reassures her that even if her triple jumps falter, they will find other paths to success, progressing together.

Tsukasa playfully offers Inori a piggyback ride to the car, despite her protests that she is not a baby. She falls asleep on his back, finding comfort in his warmth, while he silently endures the pain of his fractured rib. A flashback reveals Tsukasa's own past struggles as a young, untalented skater, witnessing the effortless grace of Ikaru. Tears stream down his face as he makes a silent vow: he will make Inori an admired athlete, ensuring others will say she was born to skate, achieving the dream he could not for himself.