Boys' Novice A (Japanese: ノービスA男子 Noobisu A Danshi) is the sixth Short Program chapter of the Medalist manga. It was originally released in the November 2023 issue of the Afternoon magazine as "Short Program 6," but was renumbered when collected into a tankobon volume.
Characters[]
Story[]
At the All-Japan Boys' Novice A, Rioh Sonidori scores 91.85, setting a new personal best, though he is aware that there are stronger competitors left. Convinced he won't win, he changes out of his skating outfit and plays video games with Sota in the changing room, casually remarking that he wants to improve soon. Suddenly, Shinichiro storms in, surprising Rioh with the news that he secured first place on the podium — all the Triple Lutz jumpers fell multiple times, and no one managed a perfect run after him.
Tsukasa is immensely proud, and when they see each other, Rioh leaps into Tsukasa's embrace. Jealous, Inori sprints over and grabs Rioh from Tsukasa, carrying him and not letting him down, prompting Tsukasa and Hitomi to joke that they should try ice dance.
Noticing the unique design on Rioh's medal, Inori calms down and sincerely congratulates him. However, Rioh feels undeserving of the same medal as Hikaru, believing he lacks her talent and drive, but Inori and Tsukasa simultaneously refute his doubts. Inori recognizes that Rioh is criticizing himself first to shield against outside judgment, but she insists that the gold medal is special and suits him perfectly.
Rioh, overwhelmed by conflicting feelings, breaks down in tears: Even though he longed for the gold medal, he now struggles to feel joy about winning it. He admits to hating how he can't appreciate his own achievement. Grateful, he acknowledges Inori's support and regrets not smiling more at the ceremony. Coach Tsukasa encourages him to start being happy now, reminding him that joy sometimes takes time to emerge. Rioh whispers something to Tsukasa, who then lifts him in a chaotic and affectionate celebration, further inciting Inori's jealousy.
In a media interview, Rioh declares his goal to win again at the next All-Japan Novice competition. Hikaru watches from afar proudly, knowing they have fulfilled their childhood promise of winning gold together in Novice.