As the music started, he realized the staff were either incredibly brave or incredibly reckless. The lyrics were biting, satirical, and raw.
Hello, Depression—let's go for a walk together.
Hello, Depression—let's cross the rainbow in the sky.
Lately, the news is dark everywhere I look.
It feels like nothing good will ever happen again.
I'm so small, so tiny, and my face has lost all expression.
I never thought it would come for me—
This massive feeling that makes me want to disappear.
I'll make sure it never reaches you.
I'll be the breakwater that keeps you safe.
Hello, Depression—let's go around killing people.
Hello, Depression—I'll kill you miserably.
Hello, Depression—a loneliness so deep I want to vanish.
Hello, Depression—who is left at the end?
Hello, Depression—kill yourself.
Hello, Depression—and the world is at peace.
The song faded out into a jarring silence. The TV announcer looked like she'd just witnessed a car crash. She let out a weak, professional laugh. "Well... we've certainly never heard anything quite like that before," she stammered.
She wasn't wrong. Keiichi had heard similar themes, but never anything this drenched in genuine agony. Most bands wouldn't have the stomach to write something so bleak. He stared at the screen for a moment, impressed, then got up to wash his face.
When he returned, Kosuke had taken the seat next to Tachyon. They were chatting animatedly about something—or someone. Keiichi sat down in the remaining spot and began working his way through the breakfast of miso soup and natto his father had set out.
As he finished his meal, Tachyon turned to him. "Hey, Trainer?"
"Yeah?"
"Didn't you say you'd prepare a training schedule so I don't get rusty while we're here?"
"Oh. Right. You want it now?"
"Please."
Keiichi went to the side room, grabbed his backpack, and returned with a single sheet of paper. It was a map of the local town with several lines drawn in colored ink.
"This is your route," he said, pointing to the lines. "A minimum of four kilometers. Anything beyond that is up to you."
"I see. However..."
"Problem?"
"This map is a bit... abstract. And why are there four different colored lines?"
"I figured you'd get bored, so I mapped out four different four-kilometer loops. You don't like them?"
"Hmm..." Tachyon hummed. "Could we just pick one and make it longer? Memorizing four different routes will mess with my pace. I'd prefer one solid path."
Kosuke, watching from the side, chimed in. "Wow. You really are being a trainer, Keiichi."
Being praised by his brother was such a rare occurrence that Keiichi didn't know how to react. After a moment of confusion, he settled for a smug, defiant grin.
"What's with that face?" Kosuke snorted.
Before Keiichi could snap back, Tachyon tapped his cheek to get his attention. "Trainer, which of these is the easiest route?"
"Uh... probably this one. It's mostly along the main road."
Tachyon looked at him curiously. "Weren't you raised here?"
"No. We moved here when I was in middle school because my mom was sick. I only lived here for the tail end of middle school and through high school. I like the town, so I walked around a lot, but I didn't spend much time in the areas I picked for your run."
"So you're sending me on a route you don't even know?"
"I researched it! I made sure to avoid dangerous intersections and found spots with good views."
"I see," Tachyon nodded. "I'll take the main road, then. I assume there's an Umamusume lane?"
"In this town? Doubtful. Just don't go full speed. If someone is coming toward you, stop. Don't try to power through and hurt anyone."
"I know the rules. Still... I want to extend the distance."
"Fine. You want another kilometer?"
"Let's do it."
"Alright... let's draw the line out to here... based on the scale, that should be about right. Oh, I know this spot. It's a fishmonger that always has 'Big Sale' signs plastered everywhere."