Mahirus answer is that when someone does something for her, she wants to reciprocate.
When her performance is over, Mahiru rushes to Kano, but the two end up on opposing escalators.
Eventually they do embrace and apologize for hurting each other.
Its a powerful cathartic moment that causes Kano to bawl her eyes out.
Kano and Kiui end up getting their shit together and graduating after all along with Mahiru and Mei.
Kano and Mero even bury the hatchet and become friends, while before they were only co-workers.
