Just what does "normal" or "ordinary" mean… no, that's not quite right—rather, when it comes to love and affection, what exactly is "normal" for the average Uma Musume?
After waking up comfortably the next morning, Gotham Song stared blankly up at the chandelier on the ceiling, pondering this deeply profound question—one perhaps as challenging as deciding what to eat today.
People are destined to never fully understand lives they haven't experienced themselves. When someone claims they've completely understood another's life, they're really just imagining or assuming through their own lens. Without any similar experiences of your own, understanding becomes genuinely impossible.
So Gotham Song couldn't possibly grasp what "ordinary love" might look like for other Uma Musume in this world, considering her severe lack of common sense—
The daily life and general common sense of Uma Musume in this world were simply too far removed from the ordinary human experiences she'd once known!
But why was she suddenly thinking about something like this in the first place?
It wasn't anything particularly complicated—just a random thought: if she'd been born an ordinary Uma Musume, without exceptional talents, simply living a happy, carefree life, never experiencing that legendary year, never becoming the focus of the entire world… what kind of life would she have?
Back then, if Neo Universe or any of the others had found her, perhaps she really might've chosen that person to spend a lovely lifetime with.
Gotham Song knew full well that Vernal Equinox's feelings toward her had never been just gratitude from the start. Neo Universe, even more clearly, carried emotions that were deep and complicated. Sometimes, looking into Neo Universe's eyes, Gotham Song couldn't help but think:
Am I some pink-haired, twin-tailed magical girl, and Neo Universe is the black-haired weapons queen?
Of course, that was merely an idle thought. But in reality—especially now, looking at the peacefully sleeping Daiichi Ruby snuggled warmly in her arms, smiling softly even in her dreams—Gotham Song found herself clearly aware of one thing:
It's foolish to treat relationships as multiple-choice questions, and even more foolish to measure affection by placing two people's feelings side by side. Yet, even acknowledging this, if she were to slightly shift the perspective and frame it specifically around who might be most suited as a romantic partner…
How exactly could she describe such a problem?
She felt saying it aloud would hurt people. But in this quiet moment, thinking to herself honestly—if she absolutely had to choose the most fitting romantic partner right now, the one she'd most readily accept… wouldn't that be Daiichi Ruby?
It wasn't that she had no feelings toward Neo Universe or the others, but—but…
But actually, Neo Universe had come into her life initially as a roommate, a close friend—perhaps even a best friend, right?
Between Gotham Song and Neo Universe, there were simply too many possibilities beyond being lovers. To put it another way, Gotham Song felt her affection toward Neo Universe wasn't romantic; rather, it leaned more towards family or a deeply close friendship.
And naturally, there was no need even to mention Ardan-neesan and the others at Mejiro Manor—there was absolutely no possibility Gotham Song could ever see them romantically—
Even though technically they were no longer blood-related!
But still, they were unquestionably sisters, whose bond would never waver no matter what happened. Precisely because they were sisters, imagining anything else was simply impossible—and frankly terrifying, wasn't it?
As for Vernal Equinox, Flightline, and Gentildonna—their situations were similar. Or rather, it wasn't that her relationships with them were complicated, but simply mixed with too many other layers.
Because Daiichi Ruby was different.
From the very beginning, Ruby had approached Gotham Song by inviting her to a ball, almost openly declaring what perspective she was aiming to establish between them.
Then later, in Paris, Ruby's direct, passionate, and utterly shameless words of attack…
Gaaahhh! It's so embarrassing—honestly, is that really how refined young ladies take the initiative nowadays?!
Gotham Song felt heat rising in her cheeks, instinctively lifting a hand to cover her face, but quickly forced herself to remain still so as not to wake Ruby, who was still peacefully resting beside her. Instead, Gotham Song could only quietly calm her breathing, trying to steady this rare, genuinely girlish reaction.
How to even describe it?
In short—
Among everyone, only Ruby had consistently approached her clearly saying, "I want to become your lover."
From that perspective alone, Daiichi Ruby truly seemed like the most appropriate choice after all…
Gotham Song slowly closed her eyes, fully aware of this fact yet still utterly unable to give a clear answer.
Was it fear? Hesitation? Or perhaps selfishly enjoying the tenderness everyone currently showed her? After all, this harmonious atmosphere was actually quite nice, wasn't it?
Of course, it was nice!
In short, perhaps all of these complicated emotions existed at once—mixed together, making it impossible for Gotham Song to decide. She could only remain a neutral "central air conditioner," evenly distributing warmth to everyone around her, yet never allowing any single person to feel overly special.
But was this choice truly correct? Or rather, was doing something like this really okay?
Maybe it was a bit excessive…
"When I put it like that, it just makes me sound like a total scumbag."
"A scumbag? There's no such thing, Song. Are you pressuring yourself again?"
Pressuring herself…? Wait, wasn't she just hesitating, debating whether or not she was running away from the issue… ah, no, wait—who just spoke? Oh, Ruby was awake now?
Gotham Song paused briefly, then turned to her side. She found Daiichi Ruby lying there, both hands gently supporting her cheek, gazing at her with gentle, comforting eyes filled with warmth and acceptance.
"I was just thinking—since Ruby wants to be my lover, yet I can't give you a clear answer, especially with everyone else around me—isn't that a bit too selfish and greedy?"
"Selfishly, greedily accepting everyone's affection without knowing how to return it properly…"
That really was exactly what a scumbag did, right?!
"So that's what you've been thinking all along, Song? That's very much your style."
Daiichi Ruby looked briefly surprised, but after a short silence, her expression softened into a more relaxed, affectionate smile.
How to put it?
It was exactly like Song to think that way, wasn't it?
"But Song, since I've heard you say something like that, I have to respond properly."
Was she about to urge Song to choose…? No, Ruby wasn't that type of person at all, was she?
Gotham Song felt oddly nervous. Her emotions were anxious, unsettled—she couldn't even find the right words to describe her current state clearly or accurately.
"Actually, it's completely normal. Anyone encountering such a situation would naturally feel uncertain and confused, right?"
"If I were in your place, Song, facing a situation like this, I'd probably also find it impossible to make an immediate decision."
Eh…? Wait, what exactly did Ruby mean by that?
Gotham Song fell silent, deeply puzzled. She sank into thought but quickly realized she couldn't figure this out on her own—so she simply nodded quietly, waiting patiently for Ruby's next words.
So, just what would Ruby say next?
"Whether it's Ardan-neesan, Neo Universe, Vernal Equinox, or anyone else around you—every one of them is incredibly important to you, isn't that right, Song? I know it very clearly—Ruby knows it."
"Forcing someone into choosing between emotional connections is selfish and foolish—I'd never do something like that. Because when it involves equally important people, there's absolutely no way anyone could choose, right?"
Forcing someone to pick only one, completely abandoning everyone else—that was utterly selfish. Ruby understood that better than anyone. After all, Ruby herself had appeared by Song's side quite late, and besides—
Even now, hadn't they still not formally defined their relationship clearly at all?
Daiichi Ruby wasn't going to rush things—or rather, she wouldn't even let herself show any sign of impatience. After all, as the descendant of an old, established noble family, what she needed to do wasn't desperately try to win over someone's heart at any cost—but rather…
Lay all of herself openly on the table, then naturally claim victory.
Ruby's resolve in this matter truly sparkled with brilliance in every sense of the word.
"So, Song, please don't force yourself to give me an answer right now. Really, don't push yourself, okay?"
"It's not like receiving an invitation means you have to worry about the other person's feelings or expectations, that you absolutely have to show up, even if just for a quick appearance. Those outdated noble manners—even we don't always follow them strictly these days, right?"
Ruby moved closer, gently embracing Gotham Song after waking up. In a reversal of the previous night, now it was Ruby who held Song softly.
"Honestly, sometimes I wish you'd behave more like the Demon Lord you are on the track in everyday life. If you always remain gentle, you'll eventually exhaust yourself, right?"
Holding back some of your kindness toward others is also a valid choice, you know?
Simply receiving an invitation, simply feeling someone else's goodwill—did such things really have to pressure you into forcing out an answer right away?
Don't burden yourself like this, Song.
Don't force it… Really, don't force yourself…
Thinking it over from every angle, Daiichi Ruby truly was the Uma Musume who had traveled farthest along the path toward becoming Gotham Song's lover, wasn't she?
Such impossible-to-refuse elegance and composure; such impossible-to-reject emotions, offering exactly the right amount of comfortable distance—this was a level of easygoing tenderness no one could say no to.
Gotham Song didn't say another word. She merely nestled quietly in Ruby's embrace, falling completely silent.
Since Ruby herself had said so much, she might as well put aside the thoughts she'd been having, right? After all…
She genuinely had no choice but to give up those troubling thoughts for the moment.
Who knew how long this peaceful equilibrium could last—but she'd enjoy it for as long as she possibly could, wouldn't she?
Gotham Song clearly knew in her heart: she liked Ruby, she liked every single person around her, liked everyone. If she genuinely couldn't bear to part with anyone, then for now, wasn't it best just to set the question aside entirely?
After all, these miracle-like days had already continued for quite a long time, hadn't they?
It would be better to consider something else entirely—rather than remaining troubled and unable to move forward over something like this!
Then… right now, what was truly important…?
"I'm guessing that about now, Song must be getting pretty hungry, right?"
Ah! She really was hungry now…! It felt like it was about time for breakfast, wasn't it?!
Actually, although she occasionally felt lazy enough to oversleep, especially after races when she preferred to sleep until waking naturally, Gotham Song usually maintained strict daily habits—getting up on time and eating three proper meals each day. These were probably the most superficial traces left behind by her days as Twilight Song.
During that legendary year—especially towards the end—Gotham Song would always rise and rest exactly on schedule, never skipping any meal, living a disciplined life almost like a machine.
Perhaps back then, the gradually diminishing time had created anxiety, and this strict routine was the only way to cope?
In any case, the habit had remained even after her reincarnation. Though Gotham Song might occasionally slack off nowadays, her precise daily routines still stubbornly persisted as one of her strongest habits.
So, the moment she realized it was indeed time to get up and have breakfast, Gotham Song's previously anchored thoughts instantly shifted elsewhere.
She found herself somewhat curious—just what kind of breakfast would Ruby's family have prepared…?
With that realization, Gotham Song immediately tumbled out of bed, slipping quickly into slippers, and shuffled into the bathroom—unsurprised to find a set of brand-new toiletries already prepared for her.
She knew it…!
When Ruby had made that request last night, she'd obviously prepared everything thoroughly beforehand!!!
That's too cunning—I'll stare daggers at you for this!
Daiichi Ruby simply smiled gently, turning on the faucet next to her as she joined Gotham Song in beginning the daily routine.
Yet secretly, the Daiichi family's young lady kept stealing careful glances toward Gotham Song—who stood before the mirror, brushing her teeth lazily, yet somehow still radiating exceptional charm.
Indeed… a relaxed, carefree Song who wouldn't get nervous over trivial things was truly the most lovable version of Song, wasn't she?
Besides, right now, what truly mattered to Song wasn't romance at all, but rather the upcoming Dream Cup, right?
Once the Dream Cup was over, maybe then she could gently try again and see if she could finally receive a clear answer.
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