I love Mama and Papa. I love the people who first gave me love, the two who taught me the warmth of family and kindness.
I love Ruru-chan. I love the person who always watches over us, who cares so much about us, and who is incredibly reliable.
I love Ash-chan and Kyo-chan. I love the two who became my first friends besides Rice-chan.
I love Ash-chan, who poured out her genuine emotions in that race, who can be a little blunt but actually cares deeply.
Kyo-chan is very knowledgeable. I love Kyo-chan, who playfully teaches me things I don't know in a way I can understand.
When I'm with Ash-chan and Kyo-chan, I wonder what it would have been like if I had an older sister. I love these two so much.
But the one I love the most is Rice-chan. I love her gentle, cute, beautiful… and warm self.
…But lately, something's changed. My heart beats faster when I'm with Rice-chan. It didn't used to happen. …But I don't mind. This thumping, this warmth…
I want her to call my name more… because it makes me happy. I want her to touch me more… because it feels warm and safe. I want her to hold me more… because her heartbeat feels so comforting.
I don't fully understand these feelings yet. I still don't know. …But there's one thing I do know clearly: I love Rice-chan.
---
Rice Shower's Kyoto Junior Stakes race has ended, and now it's the end of December. About a month has passed since then, and it's the day before the Hopeful Stakes.
The trainer called the two after their final preparations and talked about tomorrow's race.
"Okay, suddenly, I'm going to say something irresponsible."
"What is it, Onee-sama?"
"What is it, Ruru-chan?"
"I won't be giving any strategy for tomorrow's race!"
The trainer said this boldly, but the two understood why and didn't flinch.
"So, you're saying that Rice and Lily-chan should fight to their heart's content?"
"Exactly. It wouldn't be fun if we revealed our strategies!"
"…You two are so talented; I'm both happy and sad. The ones we should watch most carefully in this race are you two. Well, knowing you both, I'm sure you've already planned strategies to counter each other. …Anyway, Machikane Tanhauser is also running in this race, so watch out. She's strong, and you can't underestimate her."
"Just because we won last time doesn't mean we'll win again. Of course, Rice won't be careless."
"I'll give my all in any race, against any opponent!"
"That's exactly what I want to hear. Now, rest early tonight to prepare for tomorrow. No staying up late, okay? Dismissed!"
The two cheerfully replied, finished their meals and baths, and returned to their room. Their preparations for the race were perfect. Tomorrow would surely be an exciting race. With that thought in mind, they played around on the bed.
"Lily-chan, you look really happy."
"Ehehe. Rice-chan's smiling too!"
Their excitement for tomorrow's race showed on their faces. Lily rested her head on Rice Shower's lap, and Rice lovingly stroked her hair as she spoke.
"Hey, Lily-chan. Do you remember when we were little and said we wanted to run together?"
"Of course! It was when we were watching races on TV together, right?"
"I'm glad you remember… back then, I never thought we'd actually run together like this. And now it's a GⅠ! It still feels like a dream."
"Really… but it's not a dream. Our first GⅠ, our first race running together… it's like a story. …But I'm winning, of course."
"…That's what Rice should say."
Rice stopped stroking her, letting her hand glide over Lily's cheek. They stared at each other, smiling as they continued speaking.
"…Our dream is finally coming true."
"Yeah. But I think… even though the dream is coming true, this is just the beginning… our starting line."
"That's right. Every race up to now was important, of course, but from here on, there are the Satsuki-sho, the Japanese Derby, the Kikuka-sho… and many other incredible races. But first is tomorrow's Hopeful Stakes. …I'm really looking forward to it."
"Me too! But I'm so excited, I might not be able to sleep!"
"…No, Lily-chan. Let's go to sleep soon, okay?"
"Okay!"
Lily rolled from Rice Shower's lap onto the pillow. Rice smiled and pulled the blanket over both of them.
Lily hugged Rice Shower, and Rice returned the embrace gently.
"…Good night, Lily-chan."
"…Good night, Rice-chan."
---
"Hey! Lily-chan's GⅠ race! This is amazing! I'm so excited!"
"Suzuran, calm down a little."
"Kenji-san's face too! He's grinning so much!"
"Well, it's no wonder. Our cute Lily is running a GⅠ! I can't help but be happy… I'm almost crying already."
"You're crying!? Your tear ducts are way too loose!"
The two had come to cheer for Shiro-no-Riri's first GⅠ race. Running a GⅠ is a huge honor, so they were extremely excited.
Shirono Suzuran's was overexcited and hyper, while Shirai Kenji, her father, reminisced from her birth until now, crying even before the race started.
"Rice-chan's running too, right? Lily-chan always wanted to run together with her since we were little… she must be happy. But today's winner will be…"
"──Lily-chan!"
"──Rice!"
""…Huh?""
They heard a familiar voice and turned, realizing the couple was Rice Shower's parents.
"Ah! Rice-chan's mother!?"
"…Lily-chan's Mama!?"
"Oh… what a surprise. Even by coincidence, meeting here is unexpected. My apologies, it's been a while. Are you both here to cheer for your daughters?"
"Yes, it's been a while. Of course! It's our daughter's GⅠ race, so there's no other choice."
"This is so surprising! Wow, it feels so nostalgic! Wahh!"
Rice Shower's parents noticed that her father had aged slightly, but her mother hadn't aged at all. As an Uma Musume, she ages slowly, but her level is exceptional—just as expected of Shiro-no-Lily's mother.
(Side note: Shirono Suzuran hasn't aged since high school, often mistaken for her daughter when walking together.)
"…Really surprising. But thinking about it, it's not impossible to meet here. Anyway, have you seen your daughters' racing outfits?"
"Not yet. I asked Lily-chan what it's like, and she said, 'Look forward to it♪' She was so cute!"
"Oh, our Rice also said, 'It's a secret♪' Ah… so cute… Oh, by the way, Rice said she designed both her outfit and Lily-chan's."
"Ah! I heard that from Lily-chan! I think she wanted to leave it to the URA, and Rice said, 'Of course not!' or something like that. Lily-chan never cared much about clothes… but everything looked cute on her, so it was fine…"
"Oh, really? Rice really cared about fashion. She said, 'You must become a proper lady for Lily-chan!' Oh! And…"
The conversation about memories kept flowing. Both fathers nodded calmly, letting time pass peacefully.
Soon, the Uma Musume began showcasing their racing outfits at the paddock.
A racing outfit is a special costume worn for important races like the Twinkle Series GⅠ races. Sometimes the Uma Musume requests a design, and other times designers create it from scratch. Wearing it is a great honor and carries strong feelings.
Some outfits seem impractical, but Uma Musume can run in them anyway. They're a mysterious species.
"Ah! Rice! Rice, it's you!!"
"...…Beautiful."
A black-haired girl appeared, tossing a jacket into the air. Before them stood Rice Shower, clad in a deep blue and black racing outfit.
Her jet-black hair and the blue accents of her costume adorned her magnificently. Her delicate frame and exposed shoulders exuded a subtle charm, captivating everyone. The black-haired girl waved gracefully, smiling softly.
"…Rice-chan, you've become so beautiful."
"Uu… Rice… love you…"
"…Ah…"
"…Completely overwhelmed."
Seeing Rice Shower's parents speechless, they watched with a half-amused, half-surprised sense.
The spectators were already buzzing, even before the race started. Suddenly, the crowd fell silent.
Clop, clop—small footsteps echoed. A white-haired girl discarded the obstructing cloth, revealing herself.
White. Pure, untarnished white. White hair, white skin, white dress, everything white—except her golden eyes, shining like a sacred light. A mysterious, saint-like girl stood there.
Her plain long-sleeved dress had almost no decoration, save for subtle white lilies embroidered with gold at the hem. White tights concealed her legs entirely, leaving no exposure.
Yet this simplicity enhanced her beauty. A flashy outfit would have been distracting. This simple dress emphasized her presence.
Everyone was speechless before Shirono Lily's beauty. Some were moved to tears, including her parents.
"…Riri-chan."
"…Riri."
Memories with Shirono Lily flashed through their minds like fireworks, shaking their hearts. Such preciousness…
…And the race hasn't even started yet.
Shirono Lily, unfazed, stood with her feet shoulder-width apart, hands on her hips, and puffed out her chest—a smug look on her face. Adorable.
The dazed spectators thought, "Ah… it's the usual Lily-chan," and gradually returned to reality.
"…Incredible."
"…Simply astounding."
Rice Shower's parents were equally awestruck. They had always thought their daughter beautiful, but to see her grown into this… it's understandable why she would captivate Rice.
Incidentally, the outfit itself excited Rice the most. She had thought of it since around age ten, ensuring it suited Lily. Seeing her beloved wearing it, she was almost about to lose her composure. Lily herself was thrilled, too, rendered speechless. Even the trainer was overwhelmed by her beloved's costume.
---
The fanfare played as the Uma Musume entered the gates. The first race for the white and black girls began.
"The birth of a star who captivates all hearts! Hopeful Stakes! 3rd favorite: Machikane Tanhoiza. 2nd favorite: Shiro-no-Riri. Today's spotlight is on her alone! 1st favorite: Rice Shower!"
"Everyone is showing great expressions."
"All gates are in. Ready to race. The gate opens! Start!"
---
Shirono Lily had prepared a strategy for Rice Shower. Rice's intense pressure—essentially a debuff—was weaker the farther she was from her. After reviewing past races, she realized this. So, she devised a simple plan.
"If Rice-chan's pressure weakens with distance… I'll come from the back!"
Shirono Lily started without lagging and settled at the rear, looking for Rice Shower. She assumed Rice would take an early lead. If she absorbed that pressure directly with her stamina concerns, she wouldn't last the full race. So keeping distance while conserving strength was the best approach.
"…Huh? Rice-chan… nowhere in sight?"
Did Rice Shower fall behind? That couldn't happen. The one who understood Rice's abilities best knew she wouldn't make that mistake. She double-checked the pack—and then—
"──This way, Lily-chan."
From behind, a sticky, oppressive aura clung to Shirono Lily.
Rice Shower was… focused solely on Shirono Lily, intending to crush her and claim victory. The 2000-meter hell was about to begin.