Horse Girl, Your Friend is Fighting Her Way Out of the Horse Racing Track

"Don't you want to come?"

"..."

Poetry and wine opened their mouths, as if to say something.

But the words stuck in his throat.

She lowered her head and stared at the ground.

Clearly, I don't want to have any more contact with others, so that I won't hurt anyone when I leave.

I am not qualified to receive or extend kindness to others.

Ultimately, it's just because of me.

but?

"I know that Mr. Jiu might not like lively occasions."

Narita said softly, her tone becoming much gentler.

"And you don't seem too keen on participating in competition-related activities."

"only……"

She took a deep breath and looked intently at the poem and the wine.

"This is my first debut competition. I... I hope I have friends cheering me on from the stands."

"If only the wine-sang could come..."

Her voice became more sincere.

"I'm gonna be happy."

friend?

This word instantly unsettled the hearts of poets and wine lovers.

'A friend? Does she consider me a friend?'

This realization made her feel flustered.

The black-haired girl's eyes and movements began to become somewhat disordered.

'When, when did I become her friend?'

'I've been deliberately keeping my distance.'

She looked up at Naritaji's expectant face.

The golden-haired girl exuded pure kindness, making it impossible for her to refuse.

Time passed second by second.

The lights in the corridor remained warm.

Narita Road waited quietly, without urging anyone, simply watching the poetry and wine unfold.

a long time.

Poetry and wine, take a deep breath.

"I'll think about it."

She spoke up, without directly refusing.

"Huh?"

Narita paused for a moment, then a bright smile immediately spread across his face.

"really?"

"Just considering it."

Poetry and wine emphasized somewhat guiltily.

"I didn't say I would definitely go."

"It's okay, it's okay."

Narita clenched his fist excitedly.

"It's already very kind of you to even consider it! I'll wait for your reply, Mr. Jiu!"

She took a step forward, clasped her hands together, and looked at the poetry and wine with sparkling eyes.

"The race is this Saturday at 2 PM at Hanshin Racecourse. If you decide to come, remember to let me know in advance! I'll reserve a ticket for you!"

"Ah."

Poetry and Wine nodded, without saying anything more.

"Then I won't disturb Jiu Sang's rest any longer."

Narita waved and turned to walk towards the other end of the corridor.

Goodnight, Jiu Sang.

"Good night."

Poetry and Wine watched her figure disappear at the end of the corridor.

after a while.

Poetry and Wine silently turned around and opened the door to their room.

The room was completely dark.

Poetry and Wine didn't turn on the lights; they simply sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the night sky outside the window.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery-white patch of light on the floor.

Narita's words kept replaying in her mind.

'friend……'

The words "poetry and wine" kept repeating in my mind.

'She really considers me a friend.'

'But am I worthy?'

She lowered her head, staring blankly at the spots of light on the ground.

'Does someone like me really deserve to be someone's friend?'

From the moment she came into this world, she had been enduring one-sided kindness from the other party.

Even the best of friends can't expect only one of them to make the sacrifices.

'Having given her nothing, I don't deserve to be her friend, do I?'

Poetry and wine closed their eyes, trying to stop thinking about things related to Narita Road.

However, she couldn't just ruthlessly sever the relationship after the other party had made unilateral efforts.

This realization left the girl feeling suffocated.

She lay down on the bed.

'what to do?'

If she goes, she will simply need to watch quietly from the audience.

But if I don't go...

She remembered Naritaji's expectant purple-gold eyes.

'She'll be disappointed if I refuse.'

Poetry and wine were causing a commotion in my mind.

Why should I care if she's disappointed?

She closed her eyes tightly, trying to stop herself from thinking about these things.

But the image of that golden-haired girl kept appearing in my mind.

'never mind.'

Poetry and Wine sighed somewhat helplessly.

'Let's go to sleep first. We'll think about it tomorrow...'

She said this to herself.

only,

She'll probably have trouble sleeping again tonight.

The moonlight outside the window was still bright.

……

The next morning.

When poetry and wine opened their eyes, it was just dawn.

The sky outside the window was still tinged with gray-blue, and the morning light shone through the gaps in the curtains, casting thin rays of light on the floor.

She stared at the ceiling, the thoughts from last night still echoing in her mind.

'To go or not to go?'

This problem was like a loop, swirling in her mind all night.

She glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table.

5:30 a.m.

I'm having trouble sleeping again...

Poetry and Wine sighed and sat up in bed.

Since I can't sleep anyway, I might as well get up and go for a walk.

She changed into her sportswear, pushed open the door, and walked into the early morning training ground.

At this time, some early-rising racehorses were already doing their morning training at the training ground.

Poetry and Wine stood at the edge of the training field, watching the figures running on the track.

As the morning light shone on the racetrack, the female horses appeared exceptionally vibrant in the light.

Their running posture was so natural and so full of power.

Poetry and wine stood still, watching quietly.

She recalled her previous competitions.

I vaguely felt the wind blowing past my ears.

"Jiusang?"

A familiar voice came from behind.

Poetry and Wine turned her head and saw Narita standing not far away, wearing a training uniform, her golden hair tied up high, and a surprised expression on her face.

"Why are you at the training ground so early?"

"walk."

Poetry and wine answered briefly.

"Taking a walk..."

Narita walked up to her and followed her gaze to the racetrack.

"Does Jiu-sang also enjoy watching others train?"

"Fortunately."

Poetry and wine didn't say much.

Naritaji was silent for a few seconds, then said softly:

"Actually, I come here to exercise every morning."