Garden Gale had dug herself a hole… and promptly jumped right into it.
She'd confidently boasted about imitating Curren Chan's running style, instantly maxing out their expectations. Now, two pairs of excited eyes fixed upon her, eagerly waiting for this "amazing feat" she was supposed to perform.
Obviously, they expected something impressive.
But all Garden Gale felt right now was panic.
Because she'd suddenly remembered... she didn't actually possess the innate ability to mimic anyone.
Even if Curren Chan demonstrated her run a hundred times, it wouldn't matter.
Firstly, her copying ability relied entirely on the Selas System. She was basically cheating. To imitate someone's skills, she had to cross a certain threshold in bond level with them, like she had with Tokai Teio.
Teio-san, whom she'd already had close contact with.
But currently…
Had she and Curren Chan shared anything remotely close to that?
They were roommates with a decent relationship—mostly because Curren Chan was like a bright little sun, warm and cheerful enough to bridge the distance—but they certainly hadn't reached any intimacy threshold yet.
What could she possibly do now?
She couldn't copy it.
She couldn't exactly admit that she'd changed her mind... or that she couldn't imitate Curren Chan after all.
No, no, no!
She'd already accepted the challenge. Admitting failure now would be absolute social death! What would Teio-san and Curren Chan think of her? A fool who couldn't follow through? A liar? An arrogant jerk who'd made fun of them?
Besides, admitting she couldn't imitate it was basically admitting weakness… openly calling herself a loser.
Just thinking about it made Garden Gale's stomach twist with nausea.
Goosebumps slowly spread across her skin.
She was trapped.
Gritting her teeth, Garden Gale forced herself to her feet. After a brief pause, she suddenly said, "Then… how about you run two laps first, Curren-san? But make sure you warm up properly. Stretch thoroughly and run at your absolute best."
Hearing this, Tokai Teio raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment.
"Alrighty!" Curren Chan readily agreed.
Then she immediately began her warm-up routine, gradually activating every muscle in her body to ensure peak performance. She was a seasoned Umamusume who'd already participated in G-ranked races. Even if they were short-distance, she was still an experienced competitor! She couldn't embarrass herself in front of her friends!
While Curren Chan was lost in thought, Garden Gale suddenly moved closer.
Curren Chan froze for a second, tilting her head slightly as she saw Garden Gale standing oddly close.
She said nothing.
She let Garden Gale watch closely as she stretched—even though Garden Gale was so near that Curren Chan could almost feel her warm breath on her skin. Who knew, maybe this was a prerequisite for mimicry: watching the body's subtle movements up close.
Prodigies were impossible to figure out anyway.
Curren Chan stayed silent.
Seeing Curren Chan wasn't protesting, Garden Gale hesitated again. She slowly reached out her right hand, paused, pulled it back, and then reached out again. She repeated this cycle of hesitation multiple times, conflicted over whether it was appropriate to actually touch Curren Chan directly.
Because Garden Gale was socially anxious, after all!
It wasn't breaking character at all.
She was genuinely scared of physical contact... touching others made her deeply uncomfortable. But social death would be far worse! It was a terrible choice between two bad outcomes, with one slightly less awful than the other.
Just imagining Tokai Teio and Curren Chan's disappointed stares...
Her only two friends leaving her again...
Garden Gale simply couldn't bear the thought.
She clenched her teeth so hard they creaked audibly. Steeling herself with determination, she finally reached out, decisively touching Curren Chan's body. Startled by the sudden contact, Curren Chan involuntarily yelped, "Ehh!?"
How strange...
Why was Garden-san suddenly touching her all over?
Garden Gale's hand kept moving over her skin, sending a warm sensation along with tingling, electrifying touches that made it almost impossible for Curren Chan to continue stretching properly. She bit her lip gently, enduring the unfamiliar sensations as best she could.
Even her face started to flush slightly.
"Um, is… all this really necessary, Garden-san?" Curren Chan tilted her head, unable to stop herself from asking.
"Mm-hm." Garden Gale spouted nonsense with complete seriousness. "All of this is required if I'm going to properly copy your running style."
Come on, I've been touching her nonstop already!
Where's that bond threshold?! Hurry up and trigger, dammit! I need Curren Chan's running style now!
Honestly, even if Curren Chan wasn't feeling embarrassed… Garden Gale herself was nearly dying of shame. Especially after she'd said that ridiculous excuse with a straight face. It was utterly— No, forget it; words couldn't describe her embarrassment anymore. She forcibly suppressed her discomfort and anxiety, continuing to awkwardly touch Curren Chan, silently praying for the Selas System's notification to pop up soon.
Meanwhile, Tokai Teio glanced down at herself.
When GG imitated my running style… she definitely didn't touch me like that! She showed a displeased expression for a brief instant—but quickly hid it, returning to normal.
But in the end, her childlike temperament prevailed.
She bluntly interrupted, "Hey, isn't it about time to start running?"
She wasn't sure why—but an inexplicable annoyance was coiled in her chest. Something unsettled her deeply. She didn't want to watch Garden Gale and Curren Chan being so… touchy.
…Was that really it?
Maybe.
Hearing Tokai Teio's question, Curren Chan realized it probably was time. But perhaps she'd moved too quickly—just as she lifted one leg, she suddenly lost her balance and stumbled toward the ground.
Luckily, Garden Gale reacted swiftly, instantly catching Curren Chan in her arms!
She even rubbed against her a little.
A sweet fragrance, befitting the [Cutest Idol], gently filled her senses.
[Detected Host and Curren Chan embracing—Bond Level increased to 30%!]
[Reward]: Turbo Sprint
Alright!
Garden Gale was overjoyed. Social death avoided!
However—what no one noticed at that moment was Tokai Teio's increasingly darkening expression.
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T/N: HEUHEUHEUHEU SHES SO JEALOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS anyway original skill name was wings of sprint, decided to change it to Turbo Sprint! honestly im not even sure sky-high teio step was the correct choice for the previous skill but it was like emperors step or something so yknow, anyway i chose turbo sprint over is because her unique doesn't mention sprint at all :p anyway might change it in the future depending on comments
Turbo Sprint
Increase acceleration on a straight. (Sprint)
#LookatCurren
Gain momentum and begin to advance when passing another runner while well-positioned around halfway through the race. Curren Chan (Original)'s unique