Mejiro McQueen remembered that night.
The moon met drifting clouds, blossoms met gentle winds; the sky had been beautiful.
She dragged her exhausted body back to the dorm. Laughter drifted from a window above; its owner leaned against the sill, framed by a flood of moonlight.
A single glance—startling as a wild swan—sent her youthful heart spinning through life.
That night, Mejiro McQueen lost sleep.
"So much time has slipped by already."
Looking at her carefully made-up reflection, McQueen sighed without knowing why.
"Long? I don't think so."
A familiar voice brushed her ear.
"…Weird, why do I keep hearing Legend-san's name?"
Am I missing her that much?
McQueen rubbed her brow, trying to dispel the illusion.
"…I mean, McQueen, what are you doing?"
The voice came again; this time she caught its source.
"…! Legend-san, what are you doing here?!"
She spun around to find Gold Legend leaning against the door, tail standing straight.
"Nothing. You never showed, so I came to check."
Everyone else is ready—only you were missing.
Gold Legend spread her hands in resignation.
"Eh? Has that much time passed?"
McQueen finally glanced at the clock and realized how late it was.
"Sorry, Legend-san, I kept you waiting."
"No worries."
Honestly, I should thank you for giving me an excuse to escape.
For some reason Aldan keeps saying things I don't understand—it's oddly oppressive.
"No, this shortcoming is mine as a Mejiro Uma Musume. I'll learn from it!" McQueen declared.
"Ha! Still so serious, McQueen. But what could make our diligent, elegant star run late?" Legend laughed, curiosity piqued.
"…It's nothing big. I just suddenly remembered the first time I met you." McQueen glanced at Legend and told the truth.
"Oh, that time! You marched up and declared yourself, but your eyes were only for Teio—you didn't even look at me." Legend recalled that morning with amusement, teasing the easily-flustered McQueen.
"…Yes, that was my fault, but must you still remember it?" Recalling the scene, McQueen flushed.
"It was the first time anyone ignored me; I'm rather confident in my looks, you know."
"Honestly, Legend-san, you're so mean!"
"Haha, sorry. So, Miss McQueen, are you ready? Let's go." Legend glossed it over with a gentlemanly bow.
"…Your form is surprisingly proper." McQueen blinked at the elegant gesture.
"Of course. After Aldan laughed at me last time, I practiced it especially."
Only this one move, mind you.
Gold Legend said proudly.
"…Sister Aldan?" McQueen's expression turned complicated.
"But McQueen, why are you suddenly reminiscing? I never took you for the sentimental type." Gold Legend took McQueen's hand, turned, and pulled her toward the tea party.
"...!" McQueen jumped at Legend's abrupt move and almost yanked her hand back on reflex.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"
Legend asked, completely unaware that anything about her action might be improper.
"It's nothing!" McQueen turned her face away, hiding her flushed cheeks, and let Legend lead her on.
"Legend-san, how did you know which room is mine?" McQueen tried to change the subject while quelling the flutter inside her.
"Huh? Rein told me. She said that to avoid barging in and getting scolded, it'd be better if a friend like me came to find you." Legend swallowed the bait without hesitation.
"...So that's what Rein said..."
Did I say something wrong?
Sneaking a glance at McQueen, who'd suddenly sprouted a dark aura, Legend silently apologized to Rein.
"Speaking of which, McQueen, you still haven't answered my question."
Legend tried to change the subject too.
"Ah? Oh, that. It just struck me—this unexpected reunion is the longest we've been apart since we met."
For some reason McQueen's tone sounded unsteady.
"Not that long, really? It's only been a little over a week since the Arima Kinen." Legend pondered, then nodded. "But you're right; since we met we've seen each other almost every day."
"Exactly, so when we met again I started wondering—what will become of us in the future?"
"We'll just keep on like this. What else could happen?" Gold Legend didn't catch her drift.
"You really aren't the romantic type, Legend." McQueen sighed, then smiled. "But that's so like you."
"Are you complimenting me or taking a jab?" Gold Legend wasn't sure.
"Complimenting you, of course." McQueen's grin widened.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Really, really?"
"Really, really!"
"Then I'll choose to believe you." Looking at McQueen's smile, Legend couldn't help smiling back.
Mejiro McQueen stared at Legend's smile and froze again.
"McQueen?"
"?"
"What now?"
"Nothing. I was just... sorting out my thoughts."
"How do you 'sort out' thoughts? I gave up thinking because I hate having too many thoughts."
"Whatever hesitates should be executed; whatever remains suspended should be returned to place."
"Sounds profound." Gold Legend didn't understand, but she was impressed. "Is this how all young ladies talk?"
"Legend, I suggest you read more books..." McQueen was speechless.
"The light is lovely today!" Gold Legend turned toward the window.
Outside, new snow had just cleared and sunlight sparkled faintly off the white drifts.
McQueen sighed in resignation. She stepped past Legend, still holding her hand, and took the lead.
"We both love the light, even if it fades in an instant."
"...?"
"All right, let's go. Everyone's waiting."
McQueen pulled Legend forward, her mind made up.
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