The faint scent of disinfectant filled the air as the golden Uma Musume stood quietly in the hospital corridor, hesitating outside the ward.
I've been visiting the hospital a lot lately, she thought.
And never for my own sake.
Gold Legend murmured to herself, unsure whether it was self-mockery or a sigh.
After the race, the white Uma Musume had collapsed in her arms, scaring her so badly she'd ignored her own exhaustion and called for doctors.
Fortunately, doctors are always on standby at Uma Musume races; they briskly lifted Miss Black Tiger onto a stretcher and rushed her here.
Legend had wanted to follow, but Trainer A Fu said she'd handle it and told Gold Legend to finish her duties first.
With no choice, Gold Legend set her worry aside, completed the Winner's Stage, informed her Trainer, and dashed to the hospital without even changing out of her performance outfit.
After asking the nurse at reception for Black Tiger's room number, she hurried over.
Yet outside the door she hesitated.
What right do I have to be here?
Gold Legend wavered.
Shaking the thought away, she raised her hand and tapped softly.
Coming—who is it?
A gentle voice drifted out as the door opened to reveal Trainer A Fu's tired, baby-faced smile.
Ah, Gold Legend! Here to see little Black Tiger? Come in—she's inside.
Sorry, I came in such a rush I didn't bring anything
Legend realized, embarrassed.
No worries—your coming is surprise enough; Black Tiger will be thrilled.
Trainer A Fu waved it off cheerfully.
Perfect timing—she just woke up and is staring into space.
Oh… then maybe I came at a bad moment.
Nonsense—you came at exactly the right moment
A Fu said with a grin that seemed to exude dark aura.
In you go. Black Tiger will be delighted, ehehe.
With that, A Fu pulled Legend inside, then stepped out and quietly closed the door.
Gold Legend stood awkwardly.
She wants us to talk alone?
After a moment's thought, Legend shook her head and stepped further in.
White walls, pale curtains, a wooden table with a vase of delicate flowers; sunlight filtered through the window, faint and warm.
The white Horse Girl sat on the hospital bed, gazing at the setting sun through the window.
As if startled by the scene before her, Gold Legend instinctively held her breath and took a step back.
"A Fu, who's here?"
The sound of retreating footsteps disturbed the beautiful view; the white girl turned her head, but didn't see the person she expected.
"..."
For a moment, the room fell into silence.
"...So you came."
"Mm."
Not knowing what to say, Gold Legend could only nod.
"You shouldn't have come."
The white Horse Girl shook her head and spoke.
"Sorry, did I disturb you?"
Gold Legend asked timidly.
"...Aren't you supposed to answer, 'But I came anyway'?"
"Huh?"
"Ah, nothing. It just felt like a scene from some novel I read once, so I couldn't help quipping."
Miss Black Tiger scratched her head, showing a playful smile.
"...It's the first time I've seen you smile."
Gold Legend stared at Miss Black Tiger's smile, somewhat lost in it.
"Really? I actually love to laugh."
"Is that so?"
"It is."
Another silence.
"By the way, why did you come dressed like that?"
That outfit's from the Winner's Stage, isn't it?
Miss Black Tiger broke the awkward atmosphere, speaking familiarly.
"Ah, I just didn't have time to change. So, how do I look?"
Gold Legend spun on the spot, showing off her outfit.
"Tch, much as I hate to admit it, with your looks, you'd be stunning in anything."
Miss Black Tiger clicked her tongue, looking like a stubborn duck.
"Of course. I'm very confident about my appearance."
"I think it's just so-so..."
Back and forth, the two bantered like old friends, hiding their real feelings behind lively chatter.
"So, why are you here?"
After chatting a while, Miss Black Tiger finally asked.
"...I just felt I should come see you."
"And then?"
"...Then apologize to you."
Gold Legend averted her eyes from those clear, beautiful ones.
"...The doctor says my body's in bad shape. I recklessly pushed it past its limits; recovery will take at least a year of rest and no racing.
"...Sorry."
What a year-long hiatus means to a newly debuted Horse Girl needs no explanation.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because..."
You ended up like this because of me, didn't you?
Gold Legend wasn't stupid; meeting her in race after race was more than coincidence.
"Don't tell me you think I became like this because of you?"
"..."
"How arrogant." The Horse Girl in the bed sighed. "Listen, I made my choice of my own will, so I'll bear the consequences. Don't act like it's all your fault—it's disgusting."
"..."
"...What's with that face? An expression like that can't change anything! You're the victor—look like one! You're making me feel my choice wasn't worth it!" Miss Black Tiger's voice rose. "Understand, Gold Legend: I don't need your pity. I gave everything and got a result; that's not something to pity."
You looking like that is an insult to me.
"...Sorry, I..."
"I said, don't apologize!"
"...I understand."
Taking a deep breath, Gold Legend looked straight at the white Horse Girl.
"That's more like it. Listen, Gold Legend, you're the winner. Since you've won, act like a winner. Carry the losers' resentment and blessings—and keep on winning!"
"...I understand."
"So, anything else, Classmate Gold Legend?"
"No. Next time, I'll bring a gift."
Gold Legend shook her head and turned toward the door.
"Oh, Classmate Black Tiger." Hand on the doorknob, Gold Legend glanced back at the white figure in the bed and declared firmly, "I'll keep winning. I promise you that."
With that, the golden Horse Girl pulled open the door and walked out.
"..."
"...Is this really okay, Little Black Tiger?"
A soft voice came as the door opened again.
"What else? She and I never had any special bond. Besides, A Fu, you butted in where you shouldn't have."
Miss Black Tiger addressed her Trainer in an icy tone.
"I simply thought you both needed a face-to-face talk," Trainer A Fu shrugged, not a trace of regret in her smile. "So, how do you feel now?"
"...Not good at all!"
"Oh my, tsunderes are out of fashion these days, little Black Tiger." Trainer A Fu walked over and pulled the white Uma Musume into her arms. "Now then, you can finally have a good cry."
"...I'm definitely not crying!" the white Horse Girl mumbled, her face muffled by the generous softness in front of her.
That claim was anything but convincing; feeling the warmth and dampness spreading across her chest, Trainer A Fu sighed and gently stroked the girl's head.
"You've worked so hard. Rest now."
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