At long last only one night remained before the debut race.
It was already deep into the night.
The moon was in the sky bright and clear, stars sparse in the quiet sky. Only dim streetlamps illuminated the surroundings.
Under those lights was Garden Gale's figure, still diligently training, using this final day to perfectly blend everything she'd learned into her body. And from the results, it was clearly paying off.
Although her newfound abilities had originally come from training as Tokai Teio… some techniques were always transferable.
Garden Gale had indeed grown stronger.
If she could look back now, she'd surely realize how laughable she'd been just seven days ago—staring blankly at Air Shakur's training, utterly clueless. No wonder they'd suspected she was stealing!
Thank goodness she'd managed to bluff back then.
If she'd run even a step, her total ignorance would've been instantly exposed, revealing just how utterly inexperienced she truly was.
But just seven days later she was completely transformed!
She'd made tremendous leaps in progress—enough that even Narita Top Road probably couldn't overlook her.
Garden Gale had secretly observed Top Road's training, and as things stood now, their skill levels likely weren't too far apart.
…It was time to wrap up tonight's practice.
She didn't recklessly push past her limits, nor did she train overly late. She'd simply honed her skills within a reasonable intensity that allowed for proper rest. Wiping sweat from her face, she took a sip from an electrolyte sports drink.
Sitting down, she began resting.
As soon as she unlocked her phone—
A LINE notification popped up.
[TeioTeio]: Hehe.
[TeioTeio]: Still awake, right? Knowing you, GG-san~
It was Tokai Teio.
Garden Gale tilted her head slightly, confused, but quickly responded.
[CherryInGarden]: Yeah, I'm still awake. What's up? Just finished training—about to shower and sleep.
[TeioTeio]: I just suddenly remembered something!
[TeioTeio]: I forgot to wish you luck for tomorrow's debut race! I wanted to tell you in person, but I worried you'd already returned to your dorm, and I didn't want to disturb your rest.
[TeioTeio]: So, I decided to send you wishes on LINE first! I'll make it up to you tomorrow—I'll be there to watch your race!
[TeioTeio]: Good luck in your debut race, GG-san! Bring back the win!
…That was it?
Yet...
It was impossible not to feel happy.
Knowing someone was thinking about her warmed Garden Gale's heart, bringing a smile she couldn't suppress. She bit her lip—not out of sadness or dissatisfaction, but simply to hide the broad smile threatening to reveal her teeth.
She was genuinely, honestly so happy.
Teio-san… really was so kind.
[CherryInGarden]: Thank you!!
[CherryInGarden]: I'll definitely win!
[TeioTeio]: ╰('︶`)╯
[TeioTeio]: I won't keep you chatting then. Hurry up and get some sleep, GG-san.
[CherryInGarden]: Okay~ I'll listen to you.
That quick, simple conversation ended there.
Garden Gale pressed the lock button on her phone and immediately headed back towards the dorm. Glancing at the time, it was already 11:30 PM. After showering, she'd be asleep around midnight—just right. Yet, walking alone down the empty street, hearing only distant chirping birds.
She suddenly felt a curious mixture of loneliness and fulfillment.
To be honest…
This feeling was really, truly wonderful.
Having something worth working for, a goal to chase, a life no longer filled with empty decadence and pain, but instead disciplined fulfillment—and someone who cared about her… Tokai Teio, who sincerely wished her well.
Thinking of Tokai Teio's face—
Garden Gale's cheeks suddenly flushed. She quickly ducked her head, hiding under her hood.
I'm so happy…
Someone had deliberately remembered her debut tomorrow, hoping she'd achieve good results.
Even if it was just polite small talk—just a few random messages—Garden Gale felt deeply satisfied. She really was someone easily made happy by such small things.
While lost in thought she opened the door to her dorm.
To her surprise, Curren Chan still wasn't asleep yet, lying on her bed, playing with her phone. That wasn't unusual, but the moment she saw Garden Gale open the door, she immediately sat bolt upright, staring straight at her without looking away.
"Ah…?"
Garden Gale opened her mouth, confused.
Did I do something wrong? Did I forget to lock the door when I left earlier?
Before she could ask, Curren Chan abruptly pulled something out from who-knows-where, smiling brightly as she spoke. "Here… Garden-san. Think of this as payment for showing me around campus and taking me to President Rudolf's office! It's for you~"
Payment?
Garden Gale curiously glanced at what Curren Chan held in her hand.
It was an omamori.
To explain simply and directly: An omamori was a traditional Japanese charm from shrines, typically a small embroidered bag with blessings stitched onto it, sealed with a tied knot. It symbolized good luck, whether for success in studies, work, or even romance.
Huh?
Yeah, it was exactly just that.
But this one… clearly had special meaning now.
Garden Gale stood frozen, momentarily unable to react… Was this omamori really meant for her? Had Curren Chan specifically prayed for her?
"…Is this really for me?" she asked, voice filled with disbelief.
"Hmph," Curren Chan responded, turning away slightly, a hint of tsundere in her voice. "Of course! Aren't we friends? Well, at least good roommates, right? I wanted to wish you luck in your debut race tomorrow! Win that championship! Make your debut with style! Become a rising star in the Umamusume world! Maybe even win a G1 someday…"
Curren Chan rambled cheerfully.
But Garden Gale couldn't even hear it clearly. Her brain was already buzzing, heat rising in her face. She accepted the omamori, earnestly responding, "Thank you! If I don't win tomorrow, I'll atone with my life!"
"Ah… you really don't need to go that far," Curren Chan chuckled awkwardly, scratching her head. She quickly brightened up again, exclaiming energetically, "I'll come watch your race tomorrow too! Do your best, Garden-san!"
"As for tonight—go to bed early!"
Garden Gale echoed the same words she'd spoken earlier tonight with a smile:
"Okay~ I'll listen to you!"
---
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