Mari Tennouji-san's arc was published in the special chapter of the manga. In the main story, after the Grand Prix, I couldn't follow her story at all, so I was very curious about how to insert it into the manga. Thus, I allotted a special chapter for her and Henri.

The anime took a different route wherein she broke free from her feelings for Henri after Henri challenged her to become a strong and independent girl. Regardless, in the manga that I originally drafted, I wanted to ensure her happiness as a girl in love. It's been a long time since I've drawn Tennouji-san, and I'm troubled because she didn't like to smile too much. But at the end of the day, I was very satisfied that I was able to draw her smiling at the very end.

As for Henri-sensei, he was the character I had difficulty drawing the most. He was a mysterious character even to me as the author. Yet, I never envisioned him as someone who would make such a bold move~! *Spoiler for Henri and Mari's arc* Honestly, I was surprised myself when I drew that *wink wink*
No matter what, I wish them both all the best in the future~!