Another day off.
Gold Legend woke up, yawned through washing up, yawned while dressing, and started her usual morning run.
Going through the warm-up routine, then starting the run—she had kept the habit she formed after arriving in this world.
On the way she passed the café where Manhattan Cafe worked part-time, stopped for a rest and ordered a coffee.
Back in the dorm she washed up and changed clothes; a brand-new day had begun.
The plan had been to accompany Oguri Cap on her usual gourmet circuit, but something came up and she couldn't make it.
Gold Legend opened her phone, glanced at the contact list, and hesitated.
Gold City had a modeling shift; she was almost always unavailable.
Invite McQueen for sweets? Or take Ardan to an art exhibit?
A Gold Family team-building day? Tease Nature at the Shopping Street? Or let Urara soothe her soul?
Or maybe sit in a cell and ponder life?
"…Might as well stay in and game." After a moment she decided, feeling thoroughly unmotivated.
Gold Legend was never good at choosing.
"Whatever, let fate decide." She closed the contacts and went looking for amusement.
"Hmm? A new movie?" The browser opened to a film ad.
Since she had nothing better to do, why not?
She grabbed her things and hurried out.
At the cinema entrance she ran into—of all people—an Uma Musume.
"Oh, Legend, here for the movie too?"
Symboli Rudolf, dressed in casual clothes, adjusted her glasses with a gentle smile.
"President?" Gold Legend stared in surprise.
"What's with that shocked face?" Rudolf asked.
"Nothing—just didn't expect to see you here."
"I'm not some fossil who hates fun." The president chuckled wryly. "Since we're both here, want to watch together?"
"…Fine by me." Gold Legend shrugged. "What film did you pick?"
"Ah, 'Even If the Sun Sets Thrice.' Senmei recommended it—an Uma Musume story. There might be artistic license, but she says it captures how we feel before a race. I thought it could be useful, so I came on my day off."
"Sounds interesting," Gold Legend admitted.
"Great, let's watch it and compare notes afterward," Rudolf smiled.
They sat side by side.
"…Injury, struggle, miraculous comeback." Rudolf rested her chin on one hand, calm and analytical. "Three fractures and still racing is dramatic, but it's worth seeing. What did you think, Legend?"
"…" That's literally Tokai Teio, Gold Legend thought, keeping silent.
"Still, even if not everyone gets a perfect revival, our hearts remain connected."
"I learned a lot," Gold Legend said.
"Good, I'm glad you enjoyed it." Rudolf beamed.
Two Tracen-uniformed horse-girls walked past.
"So sweet—makes you jealous!"
"Right? I want a love like that!"
"Our students?" Rudolf watched them go, pleased. "Coming on opening day—excellent. But… romance? Was there any in the film?"
"They meant that one." Gold Legend pointed to the NOW SHOWING poster.
"Hmm? 'Son of Pegasus'? Looks like a teen romance. Popular these days?"
"No idea—I never thought about it. I actually came for that one."
"…Really? Then I've interrupted you—sorry."
"No worries, just killing time." Gold Legend waved it off.
"Let's watch it too, then!"
"?"
"We've got plenty of time, and I should learn what the kids are talking about."
"…Sure." After a pause she nodded.
"Great—tickets it is!"
…
They emerged at dusk.
"Two films—what luxury," Rudolf sighed happily.
"A happy ending, huh," Gold Legend mused.
"What's wrong with happy endings?"
"Love feels deeper when it's tragic. I expected separation or death."
"The set-up in the first half was actually pretty interesting," Rudolf agreed.
"Right?" Gold Legend nodded. "Still, happy endings are fine, but I've had enough of tragedies."
"It really is a good story," Rudolf said with a smile. "Yet it doesn't give me that urge to fall in love the two students kept talking about."
"Exactly—no empathy at all." Gold Legend nodded.
"...Could it be that everyone else watches this film by putting themselves in it?" a brisk voice cut in, half exasperated.
"Oh, Qian Ming-senpai?" That was Rudolf.
"Fancy meeting you here, Senmei." Gold Legend greeted her. "Here for the movie too?"
"Good afternoon. Quite the rare pairing—how did you two end up together?"
Mr C.B's curiosity was written all over her face.
"Chance." Rudolf smiled. "But experiencing a racing heart by imagining myself in the characters' romance—never thought of that path."
"Forget it. The idea of inserting myself into a love story sounds awful. I wouldn't even know which role to take."
"...You two are real oddballs. What on earth were you expecting when you walked into a romance film?"
Mr C.B declared she could not fathom the way their minds worked.
"Researching what youngsters like?" Rudolf offered.
"Watching a story I'll never live?" Gold Legend replied.
"..." Mr C.B was speechless.
"By the way, Qian Ming-senpai, what brings you here?" Rudolf asked.
"What else do people do at a cinema besides watch movies?" Mr C.B answered matter-of-factly.
"Fair point. Any plans after this?"
"Not really." Mr C.B tilted her head, giving a vague answer.
"In that case, Legend and I were going to grab dinner—care to join us?"
"You should've said so earlier! As if I could refuse my dear kouhai!" Mr C.B slid over, draped her arms around Rudolf's neck, and rested her chin on Rudolf's ear. "What are we eating tonight?"
"Haven't decided." Rudolf smiled faintly, clearly used to it. "Legend, any preference?"
"...Western cuisine?" And kindly leave me out of it.
Feeling like a third wheel, Legend felt awkward.
"Western it is. I haven't had that in ages—let's go." Rudolf turned and started off.
"Yay! Rudolf is the best!" Qian Ming cheered as she followed.
"...Should I even go with them?" Gold Legend hesitated.
"Hey, kouhai, what are you doing? Hurry up!" Qian Ming looked back and called to Legend, who was still standing there.
Rudolf stopped as well, glancing curiously at Legend.
"...Fine, I was overthinking it." Gold Legend shook her head and caught up.
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