"Legend, what are you thinking about?"
Oguri Cap poked Gold Legend's cheek with an oily finger, rousing her from her reverie.
"...Nothing much, just some personal stuff."
Gold Legend took out a handkerchief and wiped away the grease Oguri Cap had left on her face, then shook her head helplessly at the food crumbs around Oguri Cap's mouth and wiped those away too.
"...You've been really absent-minded lately, Legend."
Enjoying Legend's attentive clean-up, Oguri Cap narrowed her eyes in playful complaint.
"'Good food and love are the two things one mustn't let down'—look, you didn't even finish your cake."
"...Here."
Glancing at the half-eaten cake, Gold Legend slid the plate toward Oguri Cap.
Oguri Cap picked it up and finished it in one bite.
"...You really are carefree. The Arima Kinen is coming up soon—are you sure you're okay?"
You just suffered the worst defeat of your career at the Japan Cup.
"Rather than worry about what hasn't happened, better to focus on the present."
Oguri Cap put on a solemn air.
"Who said that?"
I refuse to believe Oguri Cap came up with it herself.
"Aldan said it. Oh, can I order another?"
"...Waiter, another slice of the same cake. Aldan, huh? That does sound like something she'd say."
Gold Legend ordered another slice, then rested her cheek in her hand and spoke idly.
"Speaking of Aldan, she's been asking me about you lately. Any idea why?"
"How should I know? Probably just a whim?"
"True, Legend does have an intriguing face."
"Are you mocking me?"
The two traded banter while catching up on recent gossip.
"Come to think of it, we've known each other quite a while now," Gold Legend mused.
"Have we?" Oguri Cap didn't feel it.
"We met in May; it's already December—more than half a year." Gold Legend smiled.
"Only half a year. We have plenty of time ahead." Oguri Cap answered calmly.
"Right, Horse Girls in the Awakening Domain live long lives. Do you think we'll stay like this?" Thinking of that white Horse Girl, Gold Legend blurted out.
"...What kind of outcome do you hope for?" Oguri Cap straightened up and looked Legend squarely in the eyes.
"Huh? Of course I want our friendship to last forever. Sorry, that was a silly question." Realizing how odd her words sounded, Legend apologized at once.
It had sounded as though she were doubting their bond.
"...Yes." Relaxing again at the apology, Oguri Cap murmured, "But if I had to set a term, I'd want it to be..."
"Ten thousand years?" Gold Legend reflexively joked.
"...Until death parts us," Oguri Cap said slowly and firmly.
"...!!" Gold Legend was stunned.
"...If we weren't both Horse Girls, I'd think that was a confession." Gold Legend fanned herself, hiding her flushed cheeks.
"I want Legend to be part of my life, always," Oguri Cap continued.
"...Okay, okay, I get it. I'm sorry—I shouldn't have asked."
She had no idea the question had struck such a nerve; she assumed Oguri Cap had simply grown flustered and spoken rashly.
"...As long as you understand."
Oguri Cap sat back, voice calm, her thoughts unreadable.
"Here's your cake, miss."
The waitress set the cake on the table.
Gold Legend said her thanks and pushed the cake toward Oguri Cap.
Oguri Cap dug in with gusto.
Gold Legend watched with a smile.
'Oguri, you're unbelievable. With an appetite like that, I can't help wondering who could ever afford to keep you fed.'
'...It's fine. Isn't that what you're for, Legend?' Oguri Cap managed between mouthfuls.
'...You make it sound like I'm already supporting you.' Gold Legend sighed.
'But ever since I met you, Legend, you've been the one taking care of me.'
'Ever since you arrived, Kotama keeps saying the kid finally has someone to bankroll her.'
With that, Oguri Cap stuffed another two pieces of cake into her mouth.
'...Still, you'll have to settle down someday. After we retire, we're just ordinary girls. At the end of the day we're only friends—though I don't really mind, I suppose.'
'Same difference.'
'Settling down, huh? Sounds far away. How about this: after we retire, I'll marry Legend... problem solved.'
'?!...'
She was used to Oguri Cap's shockers, but this one crossed a line.
'Listen, setting aside how two Horse Girls are supposed to marry, deciding your future just because of food is way too reckless!' Gold Legend rubbed her temples.
'Is there anything in my future more important than eating?' Oguri Cap asked, cheeks puffed with cake.
'I... can't actually argue with that.'
For Oguri Cap, nothing trumped a meal.
'...But marriage is out. You have to like the person first, and compatibility matters!' A flustered Gold Legend tried to steer the conversation, unaware of the holes and tremor in her own words.
'I think Legend and I are super compatible,' Oguri Cap said, patting her stomach after the last bite. 'And as for liking you—no problem there. I fell for you the moment we met!'
'She finally said the outrageous thing.'
And why do you look so proud?
Gold Legend stared speechlessly at the ceiling.
'Hey, Legend.'
'What now?'
'I'm still hungry.'
'...Waitress, another serving, please.'
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