"Everyone was so enthusiastic… I ate way too much…"
By the time Kagura left the cafeteria, it was already past nine in the evening.
This was the first time Kagura had experienced such bright and genuine affection from others. Today was, without question, the happiest day since she'd come to this world. Whether it was the gentle and thoughtful Eclipse-san, or her lively, passionate friends and senpai, everyone had left a deep impression on her today.
"Hehe… Who knew it was your birthday today, Kagura-chan? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
After parting ways at the central path, Nice Nature accompanied Kagura back toward Ritto Dorm.
"Well… Even I nearly forgot about it, so how could I remember to mention it to you?"
This wasn't a lie. Although Kagura didn't truly suffer from amnesia, she honestly might have forgotten her own birthday if Eclipse-san hadn't reminded her.
"Hmm…"
Nice Nature had long known about Kagura's severe memory loss from the merchants on the shopping street. The Symboli family maids had also mentioned it; they'd been amazed that Kagura still maintained such a normal life and relationships despite losing so many memories. In fact, Kagura seemed so perfectly ordinary that, had Nature not heard about her past from the maids, she'd have never guessed that Kagura had amnesia at all.
"So how did you remember today, Kagura-chan?"
"I was just out eating cake by myself, and then something small happened… and I suddenly remembered."
"I see… Do you still remember anything else from your past? Like, where you used to live?"
Nice Nature nodded thoughtfully. It seemed Gold Ship's guess was correct: Kagura had remembered after something triggered her. Rudolf Ojou-sama mentioned that Kagura had cried while alone at the café. But seeing Kagura reluctant to elaborate, Nature didn't dare press further, afraid of upsetting her.
Nature truly wanted to do something for Kagura. Up until now, Kagura had always been the one taking care of her, and Nature rarely had the chance to reciprocate. She barely knew Kagura deeply enough and found few opportunities to get closer—Kagura was just too perfect. Whether in daily life, academics, or even the crucial athletic skills that Uma Musume valued most, Kagura always outshined her, leaving Nature struggling to find an opportunity to understand her better. Today's events, however, seemed to offer Nature just such an opening.
"I used to live in a shrine, but… the place burned down completely in a fire a long time ago."
Kagura still hadn't had a chance to visit the place where she first arrived in this world. She'd intended to check it out earlier, but always got busy and forgot. And since everything there had burned to ashes anyway, she hadn't placed much importance on returning—after all, it would only be a sentimental visit.
"If there's time, why don't we go visit it together in a few days? Maybe you'll remember something if we take a look."
"I don't mind, though seeing it probably won't do much good."
"It's still worth trying, right? Even if you don't remember anything, just think of it as accompanying me out for some fun."
"Hehe… you're just bored and looking for an excuse to drag me out to play, aren't you?"
As she spoke, Kagura lifted a finger to poke Nice Nature's cheek playfully.
Nice Nature didn't deny it, just smiling shyly. Ever since her training had intensified, it felt like she'd barely had a chance to see Kagura. Nature knew her top priorities were studying seriously and training hard, but she still hoped for chances like these—to just spend time with Kagura, even if it was doing nothing but lying side-by-side on the grassy track, soaking up the sun.
"Well, anyway, since we ate a little too much tonight and you seem so free, want to join me for a walk on the track?"
"Yes! Count me in!"
Nice Nature agreed without hesitation.
And so, Kagura and Nice Nature changed direction, heading toward Tracen's school track.
Usually, no students appeared on the track at night. Aside from a few hyper-diligent students who sometimes showed up, or Rudolf Ojou-sama, the only other person found here regularly had been Kagura herself, gathering research material.
"It feels like forever since I last took a walk with you on the track like this, Kagura-chan… Ever since we came to Tracen, you've always been so busy."
"Yeah, I can't help it. As a Support Uma, there's always something for me to do."
"But none of the other Support Uma Musume are as busy as you. They just go to class normally and then write some reports afterward. Nobody else cooks meals personally or prepares strategies for their racer like you do."
Nice Nature knew exactly what Support Uma Musume usually did. Precisely because she knew, Nature felt Kagura genuinely deserved the title of Tracen's best Support Uma. Kagura had essentially pushed the boundaries of what a Support Uma could do, even competing with trainers in some aspects. Compared to classmates still struggling with homework, Kagura shone so brilliantly that it was almost blinding.
"Well, I'm not just a Support Uma. I'm also a maid of the Symboli family. Taking care of Ojou-sama is also part of my job."
"Ah… right."
Nice Nature sighed. It made sense; the Symboli family had saved Kagura's life. They'd extended a hand when Kagura needed it most, so it was only natural for her to wholeheartedly support Rudolf. Nature just felt a little envious; Kagura evenly shared her kindness with everyone, but Rudolf Ojou-sama could always claim more of Kagura's attention.
"What's wrong? Is it because I've been so busy lately that I haven't been able to tutor you enough? Do you have questions you wanted to ask?"
"I'd like to say yes, but honestly, my studies are going pretty well right now…"
"Oh? Then I'll ask Director Akikawa for some tests later to check on your progress. If you have trouble with anything, make sure you tell me, alright? Even though I'm busy, I can always make some time to help."
Kagura knew she'd neglected Nature's studies a bit lately, but she'd still heard about her performance through various channels. Nature had steadily maintained a top-three position in theoretical classes, so additional tutoring wasn't urgently needed.
Kagura-chan's always like this… Always caring about me… Always so gentle…
This answer didn't surprise Nature at all; it was so perfectly Kagura-like. No matter the situation, Kagura always seemed to be thinking about others.
A slightly bold thought popped into Nature's mind. She'd seen other Uma Musume doing this to their trainers in the park. Would Kagura even agree to something like this?
"Kagura-chan… Can I… can I hug you?"
After hesitating for what seemed forever—long enough for them to walk more than half a lap around the track—Nature finally summoned the courage to quietly ask Kagura.
"Hmm?"
Kagura stopped, turning to look at Nature. Hugging wasn't unusual; Rudolf Ojou-sama had asked her similarly before, claiming it relieved stress somehow. Kagura never understood the reason, since hugging herself didn't have that effect. Perhaps Nature was feeling stressed recently too, prompting her request?
"Nature, have you been under a lot of stress recently? Or is your training feeling too difficult?"
"N-no, it's nothing like that. I just suddenly felt like it…"
Nature stammered, unsure how to explain. She'd felt a strange urgency, as if falling behind in something—but couldn't quite grasp exactly what.
"Hehe, relax, Nature. It's just a hug, nothing major. If you want to, please go ahead."
"Mm…"
After another hesitant pause, Nature gently wrapped her arms around Kagura, who was a whole head shorter than herself.
Unlike Rudolf Ojou-sama, who'd crouched down back then, Nature was taller, so Kagura couldn't easily pat her head. She could only return Nature's embrace, noticing the faint tremble in Nature's body from nervousness.
"Relax, Nature… don't be nervous. If you're tired, feel free to lean on my shoulder and rest for a bit."
Nestled against Nature's chest, Kagura gently patted her back, softly whispering comforting words like coaxing a child to sleep.
Nature could clearly feel Kagura's warm breath brushing her ear, tickling her gently. The warmth against her chest made her heart race a bit faster.
She didn't quite understand these feelings. She wanted to hold Kagura tighter, but Kagura's small and delicate frame made her hesitate, fearful of accidentally hurting her.
Soon, Kagura's gentle humming drifted into Nature's ears, soft and soothing. Nature's consciousness gradually faded. Exhausted from today's training and preparations, she unconsciously lowered her head, gently resting on Kagura's shoulder.
She really was exhausted… It makes sense, after training and preparing that party for me…
Noticing Nature had fallen asleep leaning against her, Kagura smiled helplessly. After glancing around and confirming that no other overly diligent students were around, Kagura decided to just stand there quietly and let Nature rest.
Seeing Nature's thin uniform, Kagura unwrapped her long scarf, gently looping it around both of their necks to protect against the night chill.
Good thing I bought an extra-long scarf. Now both of us can stay warm.
"I guess I'll find time to take Nature out soon."
Thinking that, Kagura took out her phone and messaged Trainer Minamizaka, asking about scheduling. He quickly replied, gladly approving her request—perfect timing.
"Radish cake—wait, what!?"
A few minutes later, Nature jolted awake, realizing she'd been sleeping against Kagura this entire time. Embarrassed, she quickly apologized and hastily ran back toward the dorms, leaving Kagura chuckling softly behind her.
Nature's as easily flustered as always… I'll talk to her about the outing tomorrow.