"Can I call you City?"
"Huh? Of course, please do."
Kousei smiled brightly. "As a gift for our first meeting, let me tell you about myself, City.
As you know, I wasn't highly regarded, and I kept losing my Debut Races. To be honest, even though I never considered giving up, I wasn't enjoying running during that time.
I always thought no one noticed me, that I might end up like other Umamusume who never get a chance to stand on the stage. But one day, McQueen found me.
At the time, she was already a famous member of the Twins, while I was still the obscure Kousei. Yet she told me to come to the stage and perform a great show with her—a show that would surpass even Tokai Teio's.
It was because of those words that I truly awakened as an Umamusume."
Gold City listened, dumbfounded. "So, you mean it's not just because you love running? You run because of McQueen?"
"Yes," Kousei nodded firmly.
Gold City looked troubled. "How can that be? I thought all Umamusume were supposed to be..."
"Supposed to be what? Like Suzuka, completely focused on running?"
Gold City didn't respond, but her expression made it clear she shared the sentiment.
"Perhaps it's more accurate to say that runners as single-minded as Suzuka are the exception," Kousei countered.
"What?"
"McQueen carries the glory of her family, Teio dreams of a bright future, and I have my own aspirations. We all harbor ambitions we refuse to relinquish. Does that mean we don't deserve to be called Umamusume?"
Gold City fell silent. Kousei pressed her advantage. "You saw Teio's Triple Crown, didn't you? After witnessing such a performance, such a race... City, how could you remain unmoved?"
Gold City clenched her fist discreetly, her palms clammy. How could she possibly remain unmoved?
"What's your ambition, City? To be the perfect model? That must come effortlessly to you. But if—and I mean if—you ever considered racing, I'd be your first and most devoted fan."
If Gold City had dedicated herself to modeling for her fans, perhaps Kousei could inspire her to take a small step toward courage.
After a tense pause, Gold City's furrowed brow finally relaxed. She eyed Kousei with intrigued amusement. "I heard you were a woman of few words. Why are you so talkative today?"
"Seeing you stirred something within me, made me want to speak more. But where did you hear I was so reserved?"
"Actually, I'm quite close to the Mejiro Family. I often hear from them that McQueen mentions you frequently at home."
This surprised Kousei, as McQueen had never shown any particular interest in her.
"You seem surprised?"
"Ah, yes."
Kousei suddenly fell silent again, while Gold City appeared amused by her endearing reaction.
"A rival to run alongside... That sounds amazing! I've dreamed of running against my rival since I was little, but I still haven't even entered my debut race," Gold City said with feigned melancholy, trying to change the subject.
"If City wants to race, I'd be thrilled! No—please, you absolutely must race against me!" Though Gold City's melancholy was an act, Kousei's earnestness was genuine.
"Really?"
"Really!"
Kousei stared intently into Gold City's eyes. "If you think the time is right, let's race."
Even if Gold City debuted immediately, she couldn't possibly catch up to Kousei, especially with her lack of training. Any future race between them would undoubtedly be at the Classic Grade level.
Just as McQueen had guided Kousei and Teio had guided Leo Durban, perhaps Kousei could guide Gold City as well.
But if Gold City failed to transform by then, Kousei would crush her completely.
"Gold and silver, huh?" Gold City blurted out, impulsively quoting Agnes Digital.
"If that's what you want, it's not impossible," Kousei replied with a dazzling smile.
Kousei glanced at the time; it was almost time to return to Tracen.
"Bye-bye! I'm really looking forward to the concert!" Gold City called out to Kousei's retreating figure.
"Don't worry! I won't lose when it comes to dancing! I'll definitely put on a show you'll never forget!"
As Kousei's voice faded into the distance, Gold City stared blankly at the ceiling.
Running together... Do I, with these legs, truly belong on that stage?
The thoughts she had long suppressed now stirred restlessly. The tightly shut gate guarding her heart began to rattle, revealing her long-buried true self.
Sigh...
Under the lingering glow of the setting sun, only a long sigh remained.
Kousei rushed back to Tracen, barely making it before curfew. Her tardiness earned her Miss Hayakawa's considerable ire, but Kousei's frantic apologies finally saved her from the teacher's wrath.
In Kousei's eyes, Miss Hayakawa held as much influence within the Academy as Symboli Rudolf herself—and an angry Miss Hayakawa was a truly terrifying sight.
As expected, Fuji Kiseki stood waiting at the dormitory entrance, looking both exasperated and resigned.
"Didn't I tell you to be back on time?" Fuji Kiseki asked.
"I'm so sorry, Senior Fuji! I won't let it happen again!" Kousei promised.
Kousei felt like she was constantly apologizing.
Fuji Kiseki, always soft-hearted, let her into the dorm after a brief lecture.
But the ordeal wasn't over. McQueen was leaning against the wall in front of Kousei's room, her piercing gaze carrying a hint of reproach.
The intensity of McQueen's stare made Kousei's heart pound for a full three breaths. McQueen lowered her eyes, feigning nonchalance. "It's late. Where were you?"
"The President suddenly assigned me some work, so I got held up."
McQueen's displeasure was palpable. "You're not even in the Student Council. Why would the President assign you late-night tasks?"
"No, the work finished ages ago. I just ended up chatting with someone afterward."
"Who?"
"Do you know Gold City, McQueen?"
"Ah~," McQueen drawled knowingly. "Of course. Who hasn't heard of that once-in-a-century beauty?"
This conversation was going nowhere good. Kousei quickly changed the subject. "Were you waiting for me, McQueen?"
"Yeah, I was. I heard some idiot hadn't returned so late, so I came to check. If I'd known you were just hanging out with Gold City, I wouldn't have bothered."
Kousei forced an awkward smile. "Well, thanks for your concern anyway."
"Whatever. Good night," McQueen said with a dismissive wave, turning and striding away with her characteristic swagger.
Kousei's gaze drifted to the carton of carrot juice and ice pack left by her door. A soft smile tugged at her lips.
"Good night, McQueen."