Kousei stared at the card in her hand. It was undoubtedly an invitation from Morgan.
It was clear now that Morgan harbored ill intentions. Logically, Kousei should just ignore it. But she was too curious about Morgan's true intentions, so Kousei hesitated for a moment.
She put the card away. When in doubt, train. As long as she was running, Kousei could forget everything else. At the NAU, Kousei's fame was considerable, thanks to both the Eastern Lands' media coverage and Aoi's frequent articles polishing her image.
Aoi had done a great deal of promotion for Kousei on his social media accounts. Although his goal was to become an Umamusume commentator, he also had a natural talent for journalism.
The race entry process was now second nature to her, and the paperwork was completed much faster than usual, giving Kousei more time to train.
Her training session went smoothly; she was naturally resilient to distractions. As she sipped her water, she observed the other Umamusume training.
"I see... so they'll launch their attack at that moment."
Kousei mentally analyzed and memorized the characteristics and habits of every Umamusume—a habit she had cultivated over many years, as natural as breathing.
"Her final stretch acceleration is sharp, but she lacks composure. Her pacing is inconsistent, leaving her with insufficient stamina to fully unleash her speed in the final leg. If she's interfered with or blocked in a real race, she probably won't be able to break through."
Kousei became so engrossed in her analysis that she lost track of time, only snapping back to reality when the lights in the training hall went out. She started walking back. Her life had no other entertainment; running was practically her everything.
At a street corner, Kousei noticed a small child standing alone, looking as if the bustling crowd might swallow him whole at any moment.
"Good evening. Did you get separated from your parents?"
He looked up, tear tracks still wet on his face.
"No! I ran away on my own!" he declared stubbornly, wiping his face with his hand.
"Oh—" Kousei understood immediately. He must have had a fight with his parents.
It was normal for a child his age. Kousei remembered arguing with her own parents often when she was young and even thinking about running away from home.
But kids from a small town never get very far. Back then, she hadn't taken more than a few steps before the neighbors pulled her inside and stuffed her with a full bowl of rice.
Kousei crouched down beside the boy. "If something's bothering you, you can tell me about it, you know."
After what seemed like an internal struggle, he gave a firm nod.
Grumble~
His stomach growled, and his face flushed with embarrassment.
"I'm a little hungry. Would you mind keeping me company while I get something to eat?" Kousei said with a smile.
He looked hesitant but nodded anyway. After all, hunger always takes priority over other desires.
"Come on."
With a gentle smile, Kousei extended her hand. The boy seemed to relax a little, timidly taking it.
As she wondered what to eat, she noticed his gaze locked onto something. Kousei glanced over and froze. It was a hamburger joint.
Back in Central, Kousei had often gone there with McQueen and Teio. Time had passed, and now the chain had even opened a branch here.
He stared at Kousei with pleading eyes, clearly desperate to go inside.
The two of them entered the restaurant. Kousei looked around; the identical decor gave her the strange feeling of having returned to a familiar place.
"One kids' meal and seven double meals, please."
The clerk's hand, still poised over the order screen, froze. She looked up, her eyes wide with astonishment.
"Excuse me, did you say seven double meals?"
"Yes."
After a brief, silent exchange of glances...
"One kids' meal, seven double meals. Please wait a moment."
The two of them found a quiet corner. The boy seemed ravenous, unable to wait another second.
"Be careful, it's hot."
"Hamburgers are best eaten hot!"
Kousei shook her head and let him be.
"Hey! That's my Coke!"
"I finished mine!"
"Then go buy your own!"
The commotion at a nearby table caught Kousei's attention. The customers there were playfully bickering. Kousei rested her chin on her hand, the scene reminding her of the past.
"Big Sister, what's your name? My mom said if someone helps you, you have to thank them properly."
"Kousei."
"Kousei," he repeated softly, as if committing the name to memory. "My name is Jamie."
"Nice to meet you, Jamie."
"Nice to meet you too, Sister Kousei!"
Jamie seemed incredibly curious about Kousei.
"Sister Kousei, are those ears on your head?"
"Of course."
"They're different from mine. Can they move?"
Kousei's ears twitched twice, answering Jamie's question with action. His eyes lit up, all his earlier unhappiness forgotten.
"Jamie, why did you run away from home?"
Jamie hesitated, looking troubled, but eventually spoke. "Because my grades are really bad, and it made Mom unhappy. We had a fight."
Grades... Kousei thought. Jamie looked no older than seven or eight, probably still in elementary school. Was he already worrying about grades at this age?
"I've been trying really hard, but it's no use. Everyone makes fun of me and calls me a dumb kid. Sometimes I wonder if I really am dumber than everyone else," Jamie said, his voice filled with despair.
"So, did your mom scold you?"
Jamie shook his head. "No, Mom just said to try harder next time."
"Then why?"
"I don't want to go to school anymore. Because when everyone makes fun of me, they make fun of Mom too."
Jamie lowered his head, unwilling to say more.
Kousei could guess what had happened. After a moment's thought, she asked, "Jamie, do you really not want to go to school anymore?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure you don't want to?"
Under Kousei's gentle questioning, Jamie fidgeted. "Well, not really. I do want to study. I love the feeling of learning something new every day. In books, I can read so many thrilling stories—it's like I'm living those legendary lives myself. I hope one day I can go on an adventure just like the heroes in the books."
When Jamie spoke, his eyes shone with light. He poured his emotions into the stories, his heart full of a love for learning. It would be such a shame, Kousei thought, for a child like this to give up because of so-called "talent."
"Would you like to hear Sister Kousei's advice?"
"What is it?" Jamie asked, tilting his head up.
"If other kids make fun of you again, don't say anything. Just ignore them. Do what you want to do, and move toward your goal step by step, just like the heroes you admire. Jamie, you can have your own adventure. There's no need to let anxiety throw you off course."
"But! But all the smart kids say I can't do it!"
"Sister Kousei has gotten top grades in every subject since she was little. In Jamie's eyes, does Sister Kousei count as smart?"
"Smart! You're a genius!"
"Then Sister Kousei is telling Jamie: You can definitely do it."
Kousei knew what Jamie needed: validation for his effort, the very ideal she and her companions had always pursued.
Two police officers walked into the shop, their gazes quickly locking onto Kousei. Immediately after, a woman rushed in behind them, her expression frantic as she scanned the room.
"Jamie!"
"Mom!"
Jamie flew into his mother's arms. Perfect timing, Kousei thought, a smile touching her lips as she watched the reunion.
"Mom! I want to keep studying! Sister Kousei said I can definitely do it! She's a genius! If she says I can, then I definitely can!"
"Kousei?" The woman looked at Kousei in confusion. Kousei studied the woman's features—they seemed to come from the same place.
The woman bowed slightly to Kousei, then held her gaze for a long moment.
"Good luck in the competition, Genius."