Chapter 125: A Single, Unusual Approach

It had been a little over a week since Ayumu-san and I went out to pick furniture.

Since then, Bourbon-chan and I had done nothing but train, day after day.

Flat track runs. Hill sprints. Laps in the indoor pool. Occasional classroom lectures and race-footage reviews. And, of course, that absurdly massive tire-dragging drill.

We worked through everything the trainer assigned, steadily and without complaint.

…Seriously, where did he even find that thing? Even tipped on its side, it’s about three times Bourbon-chan’s height. What kind of vehicle needs a tire like that?

Well, whatever. The tire isn’t the point.

If I’m being honest, part of me wanted to enjoy normal life just a little longer. After all, that day… Ayumu-san might have—just maybe—been a little soft with me. Possibly.

I wanted to explore that. Or rather, I wanted to know for sure… has he realized how I feel? Has he… accepted it, even just a little?

I wanted a proper answer.

Because if this isn’t just wishful thinking—if Ayumu-san truly does accept my feelings—then…

…Ehehe.

Ehehe, ehehehe.

N-no, of course I’m not going to confess right now or anything reckless like that!?

If I did, Ayumu-san—being far too serious about his responsibilities—would have no choice but to reject me. And if he didn’t, he’d be a dangerously questionable adult for getting involved with a middle school girl.

And as for me… I have a feeling I’d get so swept up in romance that my racing would suffer. Love is blind. It has the terrifying magical power to fry your brain and turn you into a giggling idiot.

Someday, after I graduate from the academy, I’d love to drift around in love as much as I want.

But I worked so hard to become a racing Uma Musume—the dream my mother once carried. Right now, I want to carry that dream and run with everything I have.

So confessing on impulse would only cause trouble for both of us. It’s not that I’m scared or anything. It’s simply the logical conclusion that acting now wouldn’t benefit either of us. Please understand.

Still, even if I won’t take a direct step like confessing, confirming whether Ayumu-san would accept my feelings right now wouldn’t be meaningless.

Because if he would… then I could at least say, “Please wait for me a little longer.”

Ayumu-san has every right to fall in love. He could meet someone else… fall for her, date her, even marry her. Ugh—just imagining that NTR scenario makes me feel sick.

But… if he’d wait until I graduate… then maybe, just maybe, we could start dating properly. And eventually… be together.

I mean, not to brag, but I think I’m actually a pretty high-quality prospect.

For starters, as an Uma Musume, I’m objectively cute. Achievement-wise, there’s only one girl in Japan who can surpass me. I have plenty of money. I’m mostly an indoor type, so I won’t demand high-maintenance outings… and I’m not overly fussy about anniversaries! Well—okay, I would like him to treasure four days: my birthday, the day we met, Takarazuka Kinen Day, and Arima Kinen Day…

Anyway! What a bargain! A top-tier contract! An undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume as your life partner! And as a bonus, Japan’s first-ever Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory included!

…Yeah.

That angle probably wouldn’t work on Ayumu-san.

He’s the type who values a peaceful, happy life over flashy prestige. Of course, I could give him that too. But plenty of other women could offer the same.

Hmm… what should I do…

…Actually.

The fact that I’m thinking about this the day before the Satsuki Sho probably means I’m already deep in love-brain mode.

The Satsuki Sho.

The first crown of the Classic races.

Nakayama Racecourse, 2000 meters, right-handed inner course. A historic G1 said to crown the fastest-developing and fleetest-legged Uma Musume.

It’s also the race I won last year by seven lengths… no, was it eight? Somewhere around there.

That feels nostalgic.

Back then, I didn’t even realize I was enjoying running. And Teio wasn’t at full power yet, either.

It was only a year ago, but it feels much farther away.

Honestly, I’m almost embarrassed by how pathetic I was. “I have no value unless I win”—what nonsense. I was just an ignorant brat who didn’t understand the joy of running with others, or these feelings for Ayumu-san… Ugh. I need a pillow to scream into.

Anyway, I’m getting off track.

Only Classic-class runners can enter the Satsuki Sho. In simple terms, that means your second year registered in the Twinkle Series as a racing Uma Musume. Even more simply: second-year middle school.

As for me, Hoshino Wilm, I’m a senior-class runner now—a third-year middle schooler. So naturally, I can’t participate in the Satsuki Sho.

Honestly, if it’s a fun race, I’d love to enter—but rules are rules. Instead, I’ll pour my heart into enjoying the Tenno Sho next week alongside Teio and McQueen-san.

As for this year’s Satsuki Sho, our stable’s adorable underclassman, Bourbon-chan, is scheduled to run.

It’ll be her first race in the middle-distance category—200 meters longer than the Spring Stakes last time. Given her aptitudes, it will be a slightly tougher challenge.

Of course, tomorrow—the day of the race—our entire team will head to Nakayama Racecourse to cheer her on and observe.

We’ll have to leave early in the morning, all four of us, including Bourbon-chan.

So today, Bourbon-chan and I wrapped up training earlier than usual.

Even someone as training-obsessed as Wilm-sama can’t afford to oversleep and miss her junior’s big race. A little sad, but I’ll make sure to rest properly tonight.

…I’m just slightly weak in the mornings. I should wake up at least two hours before meeting Ayumu-san.

Oh, speaking of independent training—Rice-chan hasn’t invited me lately.

Well, it’s right before the Satsuki Sho. If something went wrong while running with a senior-class Uma Musume and affected her condition, that would be serious. So I suppose it can’t be helped.

Still…

"Hmm…"

After slipping my training shoes into my locker at the Ritto dormitory, I folded my arms and frowned.

If she’s simply holding back because of the upcoming race, that’s fine. But… I don’t think that’s the only reason.

This morning in the cafeteria—well, “ran into her” isn’t quite right. It was more like I spotted her from afar, munching on bread.

She seemed… tense.

If I had to compare it—

It reminded me of her in the second season of my past-life anime, back when she shut herself off and became the “I absolutely won’t run the Spring Tenno Sho” version of herself.

Not nearly that severe, of course. But the overall atmosphere felt similar.

Even from a distance, I could tell she was carrying some kind of worry.

…The problem is what to do about it.

"What should I do…"

As her senpai, if Rice-chan is troubled, I want to be someone she can talk to.

But today is the day before a major graded race—a Classic race.

At this time of year, Uma Musume are often on edge from final workouts and race tension. Normally, it’s not the right time to casually approach someone from another stable.

Of course, I would only be acting out of goodwill. But goodwill doesn’t always lead to good results.

For Rice-chan’s sake, maybe I should wait until after the Satsuki Sho to speak with her.

Or… perhaps helping her clear her mind now would allow her to run without regrets tomorrow?

…No. There’s no guarantee I could solve her problem even if I approached her.

It might even make things worse. And if her performance suffered because of me… that wouldn’t be good.

For us racing Uma Musume, being able to say, “I lost because my run wasn’t good enough,” is incredibly important. That awareness leads to growth—and stronger racing.

But if I interfered and her performance declined as a result… even slightly, a thought might take root in Rice-chan’s heart: “I lost because of my senpai.”

She’s a kind girl. Maybe she wouldn’t think that. But the possibility exists.

And if that possibility ended up closing off her path…

It’s complicated.

With my rivalry with Ayumu-san, the feelings I admired in her from the second season of my past-life anime, and what Ayumu-san told me the other day—I need to keep strengthening Rice-chan moving forward.

At the same time, I also have to strengthen Bourbon-chan, who belongs to my own stable.

Advancing both my teammate’s growth and her rival’s… it’s a surprisingly delicate situation.

So as I stood there, wrestling with what I should do—

"…Whoa."

"Senpai."

When I looked up, I was met with an unexpected sight.

Standing in the dorm hallway was Bourbon-chan—who was supposed to have been sent back early today because of tomorrow’s race—waiting for me.

Later that evening, before dinner, in Bourbon-chan’s room.

At her invitation, I sat down on her bed and murmured,

“This feels nostalgic.”

“Nostalgic?”

“You don’t remember? The day before last year’s Satsuki Sho—we talked like this too.”

“Understood. Records confirm that memory in my archive. Once again, thank you for your time this year, as you did last year.”

“No, no. Last year maybe—but this year I’m the one borrowing your time. You’re the one racing in the Satsuki Sho tomorrow.”

The day before last year’s Satsuki Sho, just like today, Bourbon-chan invited me to talk.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s generally unspoken dorm etiquette not to disturb someone right before an official race.

So an unexpected request from a junior I barely knew at the time would normally have been considered rather rude.

But she was one of the named girls I’d admired from my past-life anime—and an adorable underclassman on top of that—so I accepted.

If I remember correctly, the topic she brought up was… the gap between her bloodline and her ambitions.

In truth, I have a trick up my sleeve—reincarnation cheat abilities and all that—but from the public’s perspective, I’m a complete nobody. Or rather, the daughter of a mother who couldn’t even become a racing Uma Musume.

And yet I rose as a sudden anomaly, the overwhelming favorite for the Satsuki Sho.

That’s why Bourbon-chan wanted to ask me how to overcome the wall of pedigree.

…Though I only learned this later, apparently she had parted ways with her previous trainer shortly before that conversation. So she must have been anxious—wondering whether she could truly reach her dream.

In response, I encouraged her, drawing from Ayumu-san’s analysis and the knowledge I had from my past-life anime.

I told her that she would absolutely stand on the Classic stage. That she would become one of the Uma Musume chasing after me.

…Or something along those lines. Probably.

Honestly, so much has happened over the past year that even memories from just one year ago feel hazy. I’m fairly sure the overall flow is correct, but still.

And now, one year later.

On the eve of Bourbon-chan’s Satsuki Sho, she has once again called me here to talk.

“What’s up? I figured you’d be the type to follow your trainer’s instructions and turn in early tonight…”

At the meeting after training today, Ayumu-san told us, “Make sure you all get to bed early in preparation for tomorrow.”

It’s the day before an important race. Of course everyone would sleep properly. I’d assumed there was no need to state the obvious—but apparently, confirming even obvious things is part of being in charge.

Though right after that, Masa-san asked him, “Big brother, what time are you going to bed?” and he awkwardly looked away before muttering, “Probably… well, before midnight…”

So yes, Ayumu-san might be the type to neglect his own health like a doctor who ignores his own advice—but Bourbon-chan is extremely disciplined.

Even if the instruction came from Ayumu-san, who can’t always practice what he preaches, I’d assumed she would follow it without question.

“I am acting in order to execute a priority order input by Master.”

“Master… your trainer?”

I tilted my head—not because I couldn’t follow her Bourbon-style phrasing.

I’m still not fully accustomed to her vocabulary, but by now I can translate it automatically: Master means her trainer. Input means told. Priority order means a promise that takes precedence.

It’s been about a year since we began interacting closely. Time really does build understanding.

Still—what could Ayumu-san possibly prioritize over resting on the eve of the Satsuki Sho?

He’s the type who values his runners’ safety and health above everything. The day before a race, he’s usually saying, “Please, I’m begging you, no independent training.” He’s strict about making us rest.

…Wait. Or is that just me?

Is it only because I keep doing extra training that he has to say that?

Does he treat serious, obedient girls like Bourbon-chan differently?

Well, there’s no way to confirm that now. And it’s not like I’m going to start pretending to be a well-behaved honor student this late in the game.

Still… something he’d prioritize that highly, huh.

Alright. I should take this seriously.

“Got it. I was planning to listen properly anyway, but I’ll straighten up. …You said you wanted to talk. What’s on your mind?”

“Then I will ask concisely.”

Bourbon-chan nodded once.

And then she asked a question that gave me a headache in more ways than one.

“How can one learn to enjoy running?”

This is a bit of a tangent, but—

Before I met Ayumu-san, I didn’t enjoy running. I didn’t enjoy competing against other Uma Musume.

The reason is… well.

To put it simply, I was twisted.

I couldn’t accept my parents’ deaths. I told myself I had accepted reality, but somewhere deep down, I clung to the illusion that they might still be alive.

And I convinced myself that if I wanted my father to acknowledge me—if I wanted to be loved by anyone at all—I had to keep winning. Never lose. Keep winning, no matter what.

So before I could even think about enjoyment, I was obsessed with avoiding defeat.

A kind person might call that “a tragic psychological wound caused by losing her parents.”

But from my own perspective…

I was just twisted.

It hurt to believe my parents hadn’t loved me—or at least, that’s what I told myself. I didn’t want to face that pain, so I sulked, puffed out my cheeks, and insisted nothing was fun.

It was absurdly childish. Honestly—was I really a middle schooler, or what?

…Let’s be blunt.

The old me is walking black-history cringe.

My parents themselves? They were wonderful. I loved them, and they loved me. That much was never in doubt.

What I can’t stand is the version of me who couldn’t accept their deaths and just sat there wallowing. A reincarnated person who carried over memories and personality from a past life—and I still acted like that? Seriously. Give me a break.

That’s exactly why I don’t want anyone knowing too much about that period of my life.

It’s like one of those old notebooks you scribbled in during middle school back in your previous life—barely one-tenth filled, crammed with half-baked doodles and incoherent rambling. If someone tried to show it to others, you’d lunge to stop them. Your face would go bright red. If an acquaintance saw it, you might actually die of embarrassment.

The polished, “public-facing” version of me that fans know is one thing. But the chaotic mess I was inside back then? At this point, only Ayumu-san, Nature, and her trainer know about it.

They’re kind people, so they don’t tease me much—but from my perspective, it’s still terrifying.

Honestly, I don’t want a single additional person to learn about that version of me. Not one.

…And yet.

By some twist of fate, Bourbon-chan’s consultation dragged that exact past right back into the spotlight.

Completely unaware that my carefully maintained “reliable senior” expression was freezing in place, Bourbon-chan continued.

“I am aware that I possess a personality with a thin sense of ego… and that I struggle to form attachments. However, according to Master, one of the four conditions required to open the Domain is ‘to love running.’ When I asked my father, he explained that ‘love’ refers to an action that evokes the emotion of ‘fun.’ Therefore, I have deduced that in order to achieve the Classic Triple Crown, I must learn to enjoy running.”

…Right.

I understood that. Though part of me felt her father could have elaborated a little more, I understood both what she meant and how she reached that conclusion.

I understood it, but—

“…Sorry. Before I answer that, can I ask something? How does this connect to Ayumu-san—um, the priority order you mentioned?”

“Yes. Originally, I consulted Master regarding this matter and requested an answer. However, Master did not provide a clear or concrete response. Instead, he stated, ‘That is something you must discover yourself,’ and, ‘If you are absolutely unable to find it, seek advice from Wilm.’ This was the order given to me. In accordance with it, I repeated trial and error in attempting to enjoy running up until just before the Satsuki Sho. However, I was ultimately unable to achieve this objective, and thus I have come to seek your advice.”

…Ah. I see.

Ayumu-san, you absolute—ugh. Honestly.

It’s not like I don’t have feelings about him nudging right up against my personal black-history era. I definitely do.

But more than the urge to complain, my rational side recognizes something else.

This is probably the optimal solution.

For teaching Bourbon-chan the joy of running.

For stirring up the current Twinkle Series—these Classic races.

And also… for giving me a way to confront the guilt I’ve been quietly carrying.

I do wish he’d consulted me first.

Still, trusting me enough to set this up without explanation—that’s its own kind of trust.

Fine.

For my adorable junior’s sake—and for myself—I’ll follow through on Ayumu-san’s intentions.

“…Alright. I understand. You were right to consult me.”

“Then…”

Bourbon-chan leaned forward slightly, ready to receive a neatly packaged explanation of how to feel joy.

Unfortunately, there’s no such explanation.

“Sorry. This isn’t something I can put into words.”

“…Then what should I do?”

A faint crease formed between her brows. I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

“What should you do? Simple. Do your very best in tomorrow’s Satsuki Sho.”

With that, I rose from the bed. Bourbon-chan tilted her head, confusion evident—but this is one of those things.

“If I just spell it out, it becomes hollow. You have to run. Feel it. Grasp it. Make it yours.

So the most I can do is…”

As I began to say it, I realized—

Ah. This really is what Ayumu-san always says.

“The most I can do is lay out the path.

Actually running it with everything you have—that’s your role, Bourbon-chan.”

…Ehehe. This makes me happy.

Maybe I can help someone the way Ayumu-san does.

My adorable junior… maybe even two of them, if I handle this right.

A genuine smile slipped out before I could stop it. I raised a hand lightly.

“I’ll be heading out now.”

“To where?” Bourbon-chan asked.

I was almost glad she did. With just a touch of dramatic flair, I replied—

“To the girl who’s going to teach you how to have fun.”