After bidding farewell to Seiun Sky by the river, Myriad Dreams dragged her body, still somewhat weary but much more relaxed, and began walking slowly back toward the dormitory.
The setting sun stretched her shadow long, coating the campus in a layer of warm, golden light.
Halfway there, her gaze was drawn to a lonely and dejected figure on a swing set.
It was Rice Shower.
She wasn't actually swinging, she just sat there with her head bowed, listless, tapping the ground with her toes to make the swing sway ever so slightly.
She looked as though she were shrouded in an invisible dark cloud, and even her signature little hat seemed to have lost its usual luster.
Myriad Dreams lightened her steps, walking up behind her noiselessly before reaching out to gently stroke Rice Shower's soft hair.
"Eek!"
Rice Shower was startled by the sudden touch, spinning around like a frightened little rabbit.
When she saw it was Myriad Dreams, the panic in her eyes instantly turned to relief, but it was quickly replaced by an even deeper sense of loss.
"It's Myriad-san..." Her voice was tiny, tinged with a nasal tone.
Myriad Dreams circled around to the front and crouched down, bringing her eyes level with the seated Rice Shower.
With her usual gentle smile, she asked softly, "What's wrong, Rice? You're all alone here looking so troubled. What are you thinking about?"
Being asked so tenderly caused Rice Shower's eyes to turn red in an instant.
She lowered her head, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her skirt, her voice trembling with sobs:
"Be-Because... Rice couldn't keep her promise to Myriad-san..."
She sniffed, trying hard not to let her tears fall.
"We... we agreed that I would win the championship in the next race... but then, right before the NHK Mile Cup... I... I broke my leg..."
The more she spoke, the sadder she became. Large teardrops finally escaped, rolling down and splashing onto her knees.
"I can't compete... and I have to rest for months... It seems like there are... a lot fewer people supporting Rice now..."
She lifted her tear-blurred eyes, looking helplessly at Myriad, asking as if seeking confirmation.
"Myriad-san... is Rice... useless? Always like this... falling apart at the most critical moment..."
Looking at the tearful, self-doubting Rice Shower, Myriad Dreams' heart tightened.
She reached out and used her thumb to gently wipe away the tears on Rice's face, her movements as careful as if she were brushing away precious dew.
"That's not true at all," Myriad's voice was warm and firm, like a gentle breeze blowing through a wheat field. "Who said Rice is useless? I think you're very useful!"
She looked into Rice's eyes and spoke seriously.
"Look, just like how you've always cheered me on, I truly, definitely received those feelings! And it's exactly because I had everyone's support that I could work harder and achieve good results in America, right? Part of that credit belongs to you, Rice."
She paused, continuing in an encouraging tone.
"It's okay that you couldn't participate this time! The races aren't going anywhere. Once your leg is completely healed and you've grown stronger, we can just enter the next one, right?"
"I believe that when that time comes, Rice will definitely give everyone a big surprise!"
Finally, Myriad Dreams gently cupped Rice Shower's cheeks in both hands, her gaze incredibly sincere as she promised word for word:
"And listen, Rice— even if nobody else supports you, I will always, always be on your side! Absolutely!"
This unreserved trust and support was like a bright beam of light, instantly piercing through the gloom in Rice's heart.
She stared blankly at Myriad Dreams, seeing the pure sincerity and encouragement in her eyes.
The grievances and low self-esteem in her heart seemed to gradually melt away under this warm radiance.
A great wave of emotion surged into her heart.
No longer able to suppress her feelings, Rice Shower lunged forward, throwing her arms tightly, so very tightly, around Myriad Dreams, burying her face deep in Myriad's shoulder.
Her voice was tearful but incredibly determined:
"Thank you... Myriad-san! Truly... thank you!"
She nuzzled hard against Myriad's shoulder before looking up.
Though tear tracks still remained on her face, a bright spark of light and resolve had reignited in her large eyes.
"Rice... Rice will definitely win the championship next time! I definitely won't let Myriad-san down!"
Feeling the girl in her arms regain her resolve, Myriad Dreams smiled with relief.
She hugged her back and gently patted her shoulder.
"Mm! I believe in you! Let's do our best together!"