"I had always thought they were an urban legend," Kyoko nods gravely in understanding. "But I actually encountered one."

His question makes her pause, though, something almost shy creeping into her expression. "I... can't say I wasn't proud, but... if that day had been an audition, I would have been disqualified for sure. I gave my best and went all out, but...." Her head dips just a bit, but she's still smiling. "My mother and I have... never had what you could call a typical relationship, and I never had a father at all." That feels like a lot to suddenly drop in the middle of the story, but, "Because of that, there were all kinds of interactions I didn't have any reference for, feelings I'd never experienced before... I really didn't know what to do."

Her head lifts again, smile almost glowing with warmth. "But I was really happy!"