"Going to keep watching?"
The black-haired girl couldn't help but ask as she looked out over the bustling training field.
Beside her, Sunday Silence had wanted to go over more than once and teach that clueless Gold Ship a lesson, but in the end, she held back.
This wasn't just about Gold Ship anymore; the complicated web of Manhattan Cafe's relationships needed sorting out too.
Using a race to give Cafe a clear outcome might not be a bad choice.
And the girl never would have imagined that someone would be bold enough to confess to Cafe right out in the open like that.
That sincerity deserved some kind of response from Cafe. The girl felt she shouldn't stop the race.
But Sunday Silence saw things differently.
"My sister is definitely going to win!"
Just then, a head popped up beside them—Admire Vega's younger sister leaned in.
"I believe my sister's feelings will be acknowledged!" she said excitedly.
"What's this, little one? You here to play matchmaker for your sister?"
"Nope." She puffed out her cheeks. "My sister's happiness is my happiness. I just want her to find someone she truly loves."
"How did Cafe become your sister's 'someone'? Ever think about how Cafe might feel?"
"Sister Cafe will definitely come to like my sister—no, she's absolutely going to fall for her!"
Watching the younger sister swear up and down like she knew everything, the girl's eyebrow twitched.
Something felt off about her growth curve…
It hadn't been that long since she could speak fluently. When did she start talking about such mature topics?
Where on earth did she pick this up?
"Hmph, little thing, what do you know about love, running your mouth like that?"
Coming back to herself, Sunday Silence reached out and placed a hand on the girl's head.
The soft ears were pressed down by an invisible palm and gently ruffled.
"I do know."
Seeming to enjoy it, the younger sister narrowed her eyes.
"How could I not know? That's just how I am… there's love in my heart…"
"What?"
"…Never mind. Anyway, I believe my sister will win this race! As long as she wins and drives the others away, my sister will be safe."
By then, with her sister's looks and that seemingly gentle but actually soul-piercing emotional approach, it wouldn't take long to win Cafe over.
Even if she were straight, big sis could bend her!
Yes, that's just how charming my sister is!
Unaware of the outrageous thoughts swirling in the little one's head, the girl gazed at the field, her eyes fixed on Cafe in the commentator's seat.
She looks so reluctant…
She must be in a terrible mood.
What should we do now?
Come to think of it, the girl was starting to realize she was actively worrying about Cafe's situation.
It wasn't because of her agreement with Sunday Silence to treat Cafe as a 'friend.' It was instinctive, as if it was just something she was meant to do.
Had her own thoughts quietly changed without her realizing?
Had she completely taken Sunday Silence's concerns as her own?
Not only that, lately her conversations with Sunday Silence had grown fewer, yet their actions had become more synchronized. A simple gesture was enough to know what the other meant.
Familiar… that wasn't quite the right word.
Even people who'd lived under the same roof for years could never reach this level.
How to put it…
The girl looked beside her, at the intangible shadow standing on the grass.
She was almost starting to lose track of who was standing there—Sunday Silence, or herself.
"Other half."
"Mhm, I know. We need to make preparations."
"Right. If we just keep standing here, by the time the race ends, Cafe will probably be furious with us."
"At least take some remedial measures before the worst outcome hits?"
"Ha, truly my other half."
Listening to this conversation that left no room for anyone else to interject, the younger sister blinked in confusion.
"You stay here and watch the race. We're going to step away for a bit."
Patting the younger sister's head, the girl headed toward the dormitory.
"Huh? Where are you going?"
"Just taking care of something."
"Wait for me, I'm coming too! Mo—I mean, Sis! Hey, wait for me!"
--+--
Silence Suzuka.
Looking at the orange-haired girl before them, Green Grass and Admire Vega wore puzzled expressions.
"Silence Suzuka, are you also here to…"
"I'm here to run."
"Eh, but…"
"I'm here to run."
She repeated it.
The brief reply left Admire Vega with no opening.
Silence Suzuka offered nothing more. Her eyes, holding no particular emotion, watched the field, calm as a pond without a ripple.
There was no room for conversation, and her intentions were impossible to read.
Could it be that Silence Suzuka also had feelings for Cafe?
It was unclear. After all, Admire Vega didn't know her and had no idea what history she might have with Cafe.
But regardless, Suzuka becoming an opponent was now an undeniable fact. In that case, Admire Vega had to defeat her.
"Suzuka."
"Yes, Green Grass-senpai. I look forward to racing with you."
After bowing slightly to Green Grass who had come to greet her, Silence Suzuka fell silent again. She bent down, stretching her legs, her beautiful blue-green eyes shimmering faintly.
These legs were born to run.
For Silence Suzuka, running was everything. Running fast, running joyfully—that was the meaning of her life.
If I win this race, will these people stop bothering Cafe from now on?
People who could find happiness in the act of running itself were rare at Tracen Academy.
So…
Silence Suzuka looked at the three competitors before her.
The best choice would be for all of you to leave and not disturb her anymore.
"Ooooh!! All four competitors are ready! Have you all finished your trash talk? Has it stoked your competitive fire? Golshi-chan here is fired up just watching, and I bet all you spectators are pumped too! So let's not waste any time—let the race begin!"
Slapping the commentary table, Gold Ship shouted with passionate flair.
"Now please, all competitors, enter the starting gates!"
"As you can all see, this race is the classic 2000-meter distance—a course suited to every runner here."
"Golshi-chan is just too thoughtful, making everything so fair for you all. Sniff… I'm moved by my own kindness… Okay, folks, emotions aside—let the race begin—!"
As the starting gate lights flashed, with a loud clang, all four runners burst forward.
First was Silence Suzuka, committed to her Great Escape, darting into the lead the moment the gates opened. Right behind her was Narita Brian, following in Suzuka's footsteps.
Trailing Narita Brian by a length was Green Grass, maintaining a careful distance.
And Admire Vega, who excelled at the come-from-behind style, took up the rear.
"All runners have found their ideal positions! Seems everyone's going all out for this one… How's that? Do I sound like a professional commentator?"
No one paid attention to Gold Ship's clowning. All eyes were fixed on the four racers.
At the same time, Silence Suzuka, already leading the pack, suddenly kicked into another gear the moment the formation settled—accelerating sharply!
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.