Inside the dimly lit bedroom.
Seiun Sky was curled up in her little nest of blankets. The handheld game console in her hands emitted a white glow, but there wasn't a trace of joy on the face it illuminated.
With vacant eyes, she operated the character in the game, mowing down enemies in what appeared to be a "hack-and-slash" title.
However, for some reason, before she even cleared two stages, her character's health was already flashing red.
Finally, she was instantly killed by the enemy boss's area-of-effect skill.
Staring at the giant "K.O." on the screen, Seiun Sky sighed, turned off the console, and tossed it aside.
Looking around at the dark room, she muttered somewhat weakly to herself. "Is Nishino Flower not back yet?"
Suddenly, her phone by the pillow lit up. Seiun Sky picked it up to take a look.
Nishino Flower: Sei-chan, I have something to take care of today so I won't be coming back to the dorm. Take good care of yourself!
"Sigh. Even Flower isn't coming back..."
Knock, knock, knock.
Not long after her lament, there was a knock at the door. Seiun Sky poked her head out from the blankets in confusion.
"Who is it?"
"Sei-chan, it's me~ Open up..."
Starlight's soft voice drifted into the room.
Seiun Sky froze for a moment, then hurriedly scrambled out of bed and rushed to the door.
"U-Um, Starlight-chan, what are you doing here?"
"Hmm? To see you, of course! I'm carrying a lot of things... and I'm so tired~"
Hearing this, Seiun Sky instinctively pulled the door open. The moment the door swung wide, a familiar, light fragrance wafted into the bedroom.
Starlight stood there, backlit by the hallway lights, a smile on her face.
"Ara~ Why aren't the lights on?"
Her eyes dazed, Seiun Sky responded somewhat blankly. "Ah, I... I was sleeping just now..."
Setting the bags of groceries aside, Starlight flicked on the dormitory lights.
"Here, I brought these specifically for you. Four donuts— they're all limited editions."
Hesitantly reaching out to take them, Seiun Sky lowered her head.
Staring at the dessert box in her hands, her eyes were filled with a complex swirl of emotions.
Starlight had originally wanted to say more, but seeing the little blue cat looking so dejected, she shook her head helplessly.
After closing the dormitory door, she reached out and gave the girl's forehead a gentle flick.
"Alright, Sei-chan hasn't eaten yet, right? It's a good thing I bought ingredients, you'll get to taste my cooking in a bit."
With that, Starlight skillfully picked up the groceries and walked into the kitchen.
Watching the busy figure reflected in her eyes and recalling Grass Wonder's words, Seiun Sky bit her lip.
"Um... can I help you, Starlight-chan?"
Turning her head, Starlight didn't refuse. Instead, she said quite happily: "Of course you can~"
During the process, the two Uma Musume didn't exchange much conversation.
It wasn't until after they had finished eating that Seiun Sky steeled her resolve and spoke up.
"I'm sorry, Starlight-chan..."
Slowly reaching out, Starlight didn't respond immediately. She picked up a tissue and gently wiped a stray bit of oil from the corner of Seiun Sky's mouth.
Only then did she ask with a smile: "Why are you apologizing? Sei-chan hasn't done anything wrong."
"I... I didn't win the Derby. I... I failed to live up to your smile again..."
Starlight stepped forward slowly and cupped Seiun Sky's small face, tilting it up until they were at eye level.
Her gentle golden eyes met those slightly evasive sky-blue ones.
"Silly girl... if Sei-chan wins, I'm naturally very, very happy. If you lose, I feel regret for your sake. No matter what, I will always open my arms and my smile to you."
"This isn't just for the 'Winning' Seiun Sky, but for the Seiun Sky who puts in effort behind the scenes."
"The sight of Sei-chan training is the coolest thing ever, the sight of Sei-chan pushing her limits on the racetrack is the most dazzling. I've seen all of it."
"That's why I can't help but be happy, and I can't help but smile..."
As the slow, steady words reached her ears, Seiun Sky looked at Starlight's gentle face, and a few tears couldn't help but well up in her eyes.
"Starlight-chan... I—"
"Victory and defeat are common things for a competitor, Sei-chan. I will always be looking forward to the sight of your next victory."
As she spoke, Starlight pulled Seiun Sky into her embrace, stroking the girl's fluffy head.
Feeling the warmth of the other's hug, Seiun Sky narrowed her eyes and instinctively nuzzled against her.
"Starlight-chan, thank you. Thank you..."
"Hehe... well~ I actually quite like seeing you act all lazy and relaxed while secretly putting in effort behind the scenes. It's very cute~"
Hearing this, Seiun Sky froze instantly. Her already flushed face turned even hotter with embarrassment.
She reached out and gave Starlight's shoulder a light, playful punch. "Starlight-chan!"
"Hehe, alright, alright, I'm just teasing. By the way, where is Nishino Flower?"
Stroking the girl's head, Starlight looked toward the empty bed and asked.
"She said she had things to do and wasn't coming back."
"Is that so? I wondered why it was taking her so long. Well, since our talk went so smoothly, don't go staring at me so shiftily next time."
"I didn't! Starlight-chan, you saw wrong—"
"Is that right?"
"Yes, yes!"
"Fine, then I saw wrong."
"Alright, I need to head back. I have training tomorrow. Goodnight, Sei-chan~"
Releasing her, Starlight said her goodbyes and stood up to leave.
However, Seiun Sky didn't seem to want to part just yet.She jumped up and tackled Starlight directly to the floor.
"Hiss, ow, ow, ow... what's wrong?"
Frowning, Starlight looked at the blue cat pounced on top of her and asked in confusion.
"Um... Starlight-chan, can I go sleep at your place tonight?"
"Sure, but can you let me up first? That was quite a hit..."
Seiun Sky ignored the complaint, her eyes lit up upon hearing the agreement.
But then, she turned her head and began to sniff the scent on Starlight's body with her little nose.
"Strange... Starlight-chan, why is there the scent of other Uma Musume on you... is it from those two senpais at lunch?"
"Mmm, pretty much. I spent the afternoon playing chess with them."
"Chess? Normal contact doesn't leave such a strong scent, Starlight-chan..."
Seiun Sky's eyes were filled with scrutiny, her brow furrowed as she looked down at the petite gray Uma Musume beneath her.
"Enough! Are you coming or not? I have training tomorrow! If you keep stopping me like this, I'm going to get angry!"
Starlight tried her best to put on an annoyed expression, her tone becoming firm.
"Oh, okay..."
Luckily, Seiun Sky wasn't the forceful type. She obediently scrambled off Starlight and reached out to pull her up as well.
The two Uma Musume walked toward Starlight's dormitory.
The next morning, Starlight slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the familiar embrace she was in, she didn't make a scene.
With practiced ease, she used her usual techniques to slip out of Seiun Sky's arms.
She tiptoed into the bathroom, finished washing up, changed into her training gear and running shoes, and headed out.
Downstairs, a chestnut-colored figure was standing with her hands on her hips, waiting quietly.
"You're finally here, Starlight-senpai..." King Halo said, looking at the figure emerging from the Miho Dormitory.
"? King-chan, are you training with me today?"
"Yes, Starlight-senpai. I lost the Derby... but I believe it's because my own training isn't enough yet. Therefore, I want to train alongside you!"
Seeing the determination in the other's eyes, Starlight couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile.
"Alright, let's go together. You'd better keep up, King-chan."
"Bring it on, Senpai!"
'It is for this very reason that I will always be looking forward— looking forward to the sight of your next victory.'
'That goes for all of you.'