Garden Gale had endured the girl's endless chatter this entire time.
It was pure suffering.
How could she speak up? She didn't even have the courage to leave…
She barely paid attention to Air Shakur's performance on stage, instead receiving a full lecture from this devoted fan—detailing how incredible Air Shakur was, recounting the dramatic tale of her rise to fame, praising her flawless DJ techniques… The girl praised anything and everything remotely praiseworthy.
Clearly, she truly admired Air Shakur.
For Garden Gale, it was her first real taste of a die-hard fan's passion.
It was honestly quite intense.
Even if she hadn't deliberately paid attention, Air Shakur's radiant presence was impossible to ignore. Amid the dazzling yet shadowy club, Shakur alone captured every gaze, controlling the rhythm effortlessly. Her sheer talent had pushed the energy to an explosive peak, drawing cheers and screams from the crowd.
She's admired by so many…
Is this what Air Shakur wanted me to understand?
When the final beat faded and the spotlight clicked off, bringing this dazzling show to its conclusion, Garden Gale finally grasped something important:
Being watched by others maybe wasn't so terrifying after all. Performing at your own rhythm was actually incredibly coooooool.
"Phew…"
She released the breath she'd been holding as Air Shakur tapped out the final note, officially ending the performance.
...
The glittering show had come to a close.
Quietly stepping offstage, the DJ known as ! monad removed her pink sunglasses and headphones, unplugged her USB, and meticulously packed up all equipment related to the live house. In seconds, she transformed back into the Umamusume named Air Shakur.
Smiling lightly, she walked out, thoughts drifting briefly to Garden Gale.
I wonder how that girl is doing.
...
"Hey!" The zealous fan shot to her feet excitedly. "Let's go get ! monad's autograph! It's almost impossible to get these days—people would pay anything for it! She usually never sticks around after her sets. With her attitude, you'd expect fewer fans, but she's just so talented…"
Garden Gale stood up in a daze—mindlessly trailing behind the girl like a puppet on strings. This girl's confidence was absurdly powerful; she'd already subconsciously accepted Garden Gale as a friend.
And it wasn't just her—a crowd had gathered at the foot of the stage, all clamoring for ! monad's autograph. But before they could make a move, the venue's speakers crackled with an announcement:
[! monad will not be participating in tonight's post-performance events.]
The enthusiastic fan deflated instantly.
"Ahh…"
Her voice weakened, lamenting quietly, "Next time, when I finally catch ! monad, I'll have her sign my clothes, my notebook—everything! Maybe even get a picture with her! I'll ask her to give me an exclusive fan-service hour! How can she always vanish like a ghost…? Though I probably won't get that lucky anyway."
Garden Gale could practically feel the disappointment oozing from her.
She bit her lip—wanting to comfort the girl, yet finding herself tongue-tied, unable to utter a word.
Lost in hesitation, Garden Gale felt someone gently tap her shoulder from behind.
"Hey."
Without turning around, she immediately recognized that voice—Air Shakur, fresh off the stage, had come straight to her. Adjusting her slightly disheveled collar, the delinquent-looking Umamusume smiled. "So, how was it? Not bad, right?"
"Er…"
Garden Gale's expression froze awkwardly. "Yeah, pretty good."
Before she could finish, she found herself cornered from both sides. Seriously, trapped between two problems at once—?
"You don't seem very enthusiastic," Air Shakur sighed, spreading her hands helplessly. She clearly picked up on Garden Gale's hesitation, even seeming slightly hurt.
Garden Gale immediately backpedaled in panic. "What? Who said that? I loved it! Absolutely loved it!"
But Air Shakur's next casual sentence instantly silenced her.
"—Then I'll bring you again next time."
Garden Gale's willpower completely vanished. She desperately wished she could flee the scene right now, never returning again. Everything about this place—the painfully loud music, overly friendly strangers—was sheer torture for her.
Words might deceive, but actions never lie.
The passionate fan noticed Air Shakur had joined their conversation.
Quickly hiding her disappointment, she cautiously asked, "Your friend?" Strangely enough, she felt an odd familiarity toward the newcomer.
"Yeah," Air Shakur replied warmly, "I'm her friend. And you? Don't think we've met before." She glanced briefly at her watch. "Anyway, it's getting late. We better head back, or Fuji will start inspecting rooms."
Though she asked politely—she clearly wasn't interested in waiting for the girl's response.
Instead, she grabbed Garden Gale's hand, preparing to leave. The devoted fan noticed, but couldn't exactly object—they weren't close, after all. Still, she couldn't help feeling slightly disheartened.
Garden Gale allowed herself to be pulled away again—but just as she prepared to leave, she caught a glimpse of the girl's downcast expression. Her heart hesitated once more.
After a brief inner struggle, she finally gave voice to her hesitation. Garden Gale halted abruptly, turning to Air Shakur. "Hey… could you maybe give her an autograph? She's a huge fan—like, really, really loves you."
Air Shakur stopped mid-step.
With a leisurely tone, she replied, "First, my name's not 'Hey,' it's Air Shakur—and second, sure."
She didn't refuse.
The fan stood stunned, barely comprehending until Air Shakur casually slipped off one shoulder of her jacket, revealing the distinctive logo and name beneath—! monad.
Her surprise instantly exploded into pure delight. That mysterious sense of familiarity suddenly clicked into place—this newcomer was her idol, ! monad herself! All her earlier disappointment vanished completely, replaced with the thrilling realization that she'd scored an exclusive, personal autograph!
A totally unexpected joy.
She'd never imagined—just by randomly sharing a booth, she'd meet ! monad's friend and even receive an autograph through her recommendation.
This girl was so incredibly nice!
Overflowing with gratitude, her gaze settled warmly onto Garden Gale.
Garden Gale awkwardly rubbed her nose.
Why are you staring at me like that?
---
T/N: awww garden gale is sooo niceeeee gg is so niceeeeee