[ it's never that easy, is it? even when you're certain that your feelings have been resolved, something inevitably comes up that bubbles them to the surface again, like they'd never left. that's the nature of their positions in their respective relationships - always chasing, but always two steps behind. ]

Sure it does. But I'm not about to let it get in the way of the fact that he's my best mate.

[ even though they've talked about Raihan's frustration at the times when it boiled over throughout their rivalry, he had a feeling that Leon didn't quite understand, solely by virtue of not having ever experienced a loss. it was what it was, and he'd learned to cope in his own way... if anything, their rivalry had made Leon become a little more considerate of his opponent's feelings over the years. ]

He finally got a taste of what it's like to lose when the kid took his title, and he'll get another dose when I beat him. That's good enough for me.

[ it's the resolution he's come to, and the one that brings him most comfort. ]