The interior of the dorm building felt both familiar and distant at the same time as Lunar stepped inside, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors while Principal Sato led the way down the empty hallway. The space was well-kept to the point of pristine, with cream-colored walls lined neatly with framed photos of past students and achievements, each one telling a silent story of those who had once walked in these very halls.
Behind her, Ray and Lena followed wordlessly each carrying a generous portion of her luggage as if it weighed nothing at all. Despite the sheer amount of things Lunar had brought with her, neither of them showed any strain, moving with the ease of people who were more than used to this kind of work, and if anything, they seemed perfectly content doing it.
Lunar's gaze wandered as they walked, taking in every detail, but something quickly stood out to her. The surroundings were simply too quiet. There were no voices, no footsteps beyond their own, no distant chatter or laughter echoing through the halls like she had expected a dorm full of girls her age would sound like.
"…It's really empty," she noted, her voice echoed as it carried lightly through the corridor.
Principal Sato glanced back at her, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That would be because most of the students have already gone home," he explained thoroughly. "Last year, I implemented a policy allowing them to return home every two weeks, from Friday through Sunday. The intention was to improve morale and maintain motivation, and fortunately, it has proven to be quite effective."
Lunar nodded, clearly intrigued by the idea as she processed it. Today was still Sunday, which meant… "So they'll all be back tomorrow?" she questioned.
"I certainly hope so," Principal Sato replied with a gentle nod.
Lunar hummed softly in thought, her mind briefly wandering as she considered the possibility. Does that mean I could go back to Australia every two weeks…? The idea surfaced for only a second before she immediately shook her head to herself, almost amused at how unrealistic it sounded. A nine-hour flight, back and forth, just for a single day? Yeah… no.
Still, the thought digested into something more realistic. Maybe she could visit her and momma's old cottage instead, tidy it up, keep it from feeling abandoned. Or maybe she could find Sakura and head over to visit Ayaka onee-san together, spend a quiet weekend somewhere familiar and comforting without needing to cross the world for it.
That thought dawdled just long enough for her to speak. "Is Sakura here?" she asked, glancing toward Principal Sato.
He shook his head lightly. "She returned home two days ago," he replied. "Though I imagine she'll be quite surprised to see you suddenly appear here in class tomorrow."
Lunar let out a small, amused snort at that, already picturing Sakura's reaction in vivid detail—those distinct pink pupils widening in shock, confusion quickly following, and just a hint of over-the-top dramatics slipping through as she tried to process the sudden surprise. The image alone was enough to draw a faint, teasing smile across Lunar's lips, one that lingered for a moment longer than she expected before fading just as naturally as it came.
"Even so," Principal Sato continued, his voice breaking gently through her thoughts, "while many of the students have gone home for the weekend, there are still a few who chose to remain. You may come across them later."
As he spoke, his pace gradually slowed, his footsteps softening until he eventually came to a stop in front of one of the doors lining the hallway. The number plate read "025," its clean, simple design resting neatly above the door, blending seamlessly with the dorm's understated aesthetic, where nothing felt out of place and everything seemed intentionally arranged to maintain a quiet sense of order.
"This will be your room," he said, turning slightly toward her.
Lunar gave a small nod in response, not overthinking it, though a small sense of anticipation began to settle within her chest as Principal Sato reached forward and opened the door.
The room revealed itself gradually as the door swung inward—a spacious, neatly arranged room with soft cream-colored walls that complemented the gentle lighting, giving the space a warm and welcoming feel. It wasn't overly extravagant, but it was comfortable, well-kept, and more than enough for her to live in.
Lunar stepped inside after him, her eyes already beginning to take everything in, quietly preparing herself for what would now become her space for the next few months. It was larger than she had expected, seemingly designed to house four students comfortably, with each corner neatly arranged to function as its own personal space. A bed, a desk, and a wardrobe sat in each section, forming four distinct areas that somehow still felt connected as a whole.
Three of those corners were already lived in, each one carrying its owner's personality so clearly that it almost felt like they were present even in their absence. One had a softer, more muted palette, with neatly folded blankets and a desk arranged with near-perfect precision. Another leaned toward cooler tones, organized but with a few scattered items that gave it a more relaxed, natural feel.
And then there was the space at the right corner of the edge of the room, the one that stood out jarringly to the point that it was simply impossible to ignore.
A vivid shade of pink dominated the entire space, bright enough to draw the eye without effort, the bedsheets practically blazing with that same color while the wall above the desk was covered from end to end in posters and photographs. Every single one featured the same figure, captured in different poses, different outfits, different expressions, yet all radiating that same blinding figure. Lunar recognized her instantly—it was the legendary umadol known as the "Sand Falcon," the one they also called "Sand Silence Suzuka" herself, Smart Falcon.
It didn't take much to guess what this sight meant, whoever stayed there was definitely a devoted fan.
Her gaze shifted one last time, landing on the final left corner beside the window. Unlike the others, this space was completely untouched. The bed remained bare, its sheets unwrinkled and pristine, the desk stood empty without even the smallest sign of use, and the wardrobe was closed tightly, offering no hint that it had ever been opened before. It existed in a loud contrast to the rest of the room, like a blank page waiting to be written on.
"That will be your living space," Principal Sato said gently, following the direction of her gaze with an understanding look. "Each dorm room houses four students. While the academy does not currently have the resources to maintain separate dorm buildings for mares and stallions, we ensure that each room is assigned accordingly—either all mares or all stallions—in order to maintain proper boundaries and comfort for everyone involved."
Lunar nodded, taking that in as it made perfect sense.
Behind her, Ray and Lena stepped forward in unison as Principal Sato gestured toward the empty space. "You may place her belongings there," he instructed calmly.
Both of them gave a polite bow before moving wordlessly, already beginning to set her things down and organize them with practiced efficiency.
Lunar hesitated where she stood, a faint crease forming in her expression as she watched them work so seamlessly. "…I can help," she offered after a moment, stepping forward slightly. "It's my stuff, after all."
Lena shook her head almost immediately, though her expression remained as gentle and reassuring as ever, her smile polite but firm in its intent. "There's no need, Miss. This is our job. We're simply doing what's expected of us."
There was a piercing finality in her tone, not dismissive, but resolute enough that pushing further would only feel unnecessary, and Lunar recognized that just as quickly. She paused, then gave a small nod and stepped back once more, allowing them to continue, even if a part of her couldn't quite shake the lingering sense of awkwardness at simply standing by.
With little else to occupy her, her attention naturally drifted again, her gaze returning to the room and the subtle differences between each corner. It lingered briefly on the vivid pink space once more, the sheer intensity of it still faintly amusing, before she exhaled quietly and turned her focus back toward Principal Sato.
"Sato-ojiisan," she began, a hint of curiosity in her voice, "can I ask… about my roommates?"
Principal Sato's expression brightened immediately, a warm, welcoming smile spreading across his face as he nodded. "Of course."
He lifted a hand to his beard, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he began to explain. "At Northern Academy, while our classes are organized by progression, they are not strictly divided in the way you might expect," he said. "Junior and Classic year students are placed together within the same classes, which we refer to collectively as 'Junior' classes, as their stages of development remain relatively aligned during that period. Beyond that, however, all higher-year students are grouped together under what we designate as 'Senior' classes."
Lunar listened attentively, absorbing each detail as her eyes continued to wander subtly between the different corners of the room, her thoughts quietly aligning the information with the environment around her.
"So during your time here," Principal Sato continued, his voice maintaining that same steady rhythm, "you will be attending lessons within the Junior and Classic grouping."
Lunar gave a small nod in response, though even as she accepted the explanation, another question surfaced almost immediately, her gaze drifting once more across the room as she tried to piece everything together. "…Does that also include the room grouping?" she asked, her curiosity slipping through.
"Not exactly," Principal Sato replied, giving a gentle shake of his head. "Due to spatial limitations, dormitory assignments are more flexible. Seniors, Classics, and Juniors may share the same room regardless of their academic grouping, as long as the arrangements remain appropriate."
Lunar blinked once, the information settling in before she tilted her head slightly, her thoughts aligning just enough to form a conclusion. "…So that means…" she paused for only a brief moment before finishing, "…I have seniors as roommates?"
Principal Sato nodded once more, and without another word, he lifted his hand and pointed—directly toward the bright pink corner Lunar had found herself staring at more than once. "The owner of that space," he said, a subtle note of pride threading its way into his otherwise calm tone, "is one of our most respected and longest-standing senior students. Hiro Shige Gold, though most here simply refer to her as Hiro-chan."
Lunar's brain… stalled for a moment. Her eyes shifted slowly back toward the corner, taking in the vivid pink bedsheets, the walls covered from edge to edge in posters, the overwhelming presence of Smart Falcon staring back at her from nearly every angle, and then, just as slowly, her gaze returned to Principal Sato.
…A senior?
She couldn't quite reconcile the two. The most vibrant, chaotic, overwhelmingly energetic corner in the entire room… belonged to the eldest? The contrast felt almost too drastic to reconcile, her expectations quietly clashing with what she was seeing in front of her.
Before she could stop herself, her hand lifted, fingers lightly pinching her own cheek in a small, silent act of self-correction to help dispel the assumption that had formed so quickly in her mind. That wasn't fair. She hadn't even met this "Hiro-senpai" yet, and already she had begun forming conclusions based on nothing more than appearances, something she knew far too well—could be misleading.
For all she knew, Hiro Shige Gold-senpai could be composed, reliable, and deeply respected for reasons that had nothing to do with how she chose to decorate her space.
…Even if that space seemed to suggest the exact opposite.
Lunar let out a quiet breath, straightening slightly as she corrected her thoughts, trying to reset her expectations before she said or thought anything else she might regret. Her expression smoothing out as she regained her usual composure.
Right next to her, Principal Sato simply observed the subtle changes in her expression, watching as each thought passed through her mind in silence. His own expression remained calm and unmoving, though the faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes betrayed that he had noticed far more than he let on—and that he found it just a little entertaining.
Principal Sato shifted his attention slightly, lifting a hand to gesture toward the bed positioned directly across from Lunar's. Compared to the others, it appeared noticeably plain at first glance, lacking any bright colors, decorations, or personal touches that might immediately reveal the personality of its owner. The bedsheets and pillows were there, but they were not arranged with any particular care, instead sitting in a somewhat uneven, loosely placed manner that gave the space a quiet, unrefined feel, as though order simply wasn't a priority.
And yet, the longer Lunar allowed her gaze to linger, the more she began to notice the subtle details that quietly set it apart.
Folded carefully at the foot of the bed was a blanket patterned with planets, its soft hues and gentle celestial designs standing in quiet contrast to the otherwise minimal space, offering the only clear hint of individuality within that corner. The desk and wardrobe beside it followed the same restrained approach, not neglected by any means, but intentionally kept simple, as though their owner preferred clarity and ease over anything excessive or overly decorative.
"That space belongs to one of our more unique students," Principal Sato said, his tone carrying a thoughtful weight, as though he had chosen his words with care. "Her name is Speedy Kick, though most here simply refer to her as Speedy."
Lunar's curiosity stirred almost immediately, drawn in not just by the name, but by the way he had described her. "…You said 'unique,'" she noted, tilting her head slightly as she glanced back at him. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Sato gave a small, mysterious smile. "She is currently the youngest student in the academy."
That alone was enough to catch Lunar's full attention. "…How young are we talking?" she asked.
"She turned thirteen just last month," he answered calmly, as though it were a perfectly ordinary detail. "Her maturization occurred around the same time, which, as you can imagine, is significantly earlier than usual."
Lunar blinked, the information settling in as a subtle note of surprise crossed her features, her mind quickly adjusting to the implications of what he had just said.
"Her parents," Sato continued, his tone steady yet carrying a faint trace of understanding, "are both human, and they found themselves unprepared to properly guide a filly who had matured so early. Without the necessary knowledge or experience to support her development, they ultimately requested that she be enrolled here ahead of the standard schedule."
"And you accepted?"
"I did," he replied with a gentle nod. "For the time being, she resides within the dorms, and she will formally begin her Junior year next year, which will place her in the same class as you—making her, in a sense, both your junior and your classmate."
Lunar's gaze drifted back to the not so arranged space, her thoughts turning inward as she processed everything.
Thirteen…
Her mind naturally compared it to Saiya. She had already thought Saiya's situation was unusual—an exception, someone whose situation felt rare enough, but this… this felt even earlier, even more uncertain. And unlike Saiya, who had grown up surrounded by experienced uma musumes, guided by people who understood how to deal with her condition, this girl mustn't have had that kind of support from the beginning.
The realization settled quietly in her chest, leaving behind a faint but noticeable heaviness that she couldn't quite ignore. "…That must've been hard," she murmured under her breath, the words slipping out more to herself than to anyone else, her voice soft enough to nearly disappear into the stillness of the room.
Her gaze lingered on the planet-patterned blanket for just a moment longer, the gentle design suddenly feeling more meaningful than it had at first glance, before she straightened slightly, her posture shifting as a quiet sense of resolve began to take shape within her. At the very least, when she eventually met the younger girl, she would make sure to greet her properly, to approach her gently, and perhaps—if the opportunity presented itself—even try to befriend her.
Letting that thought settle, Lunar's attention moved on, her gaze drifting toward the last remaining corner of the room, the one she had yet to ask about, and she lifted a hand slightly to gesture in its direction. Compared to the others, it carried a noticeably softer presence, wrapped in gentle shades of purple and pastel tones that blended together in a calm and almost soothing way. The arrangement was neat but not overly rigid, decorated with just enough care to feel personal without becoming robotic, as though its owner had chosen comfort and subtlety over anything that demanded attention..
"…And this one?" Lunar asked, glancing back at Principal Sato.
He began to respond, turning slightly toward the space as he opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say a word, a soft, slightly breathless voice called out from behind them. "Um… excuse me?"
Both Lunar and Principal Sato turned at the same time, their attention drawn toward the doorway.
Standing there was a filly who looked like she had just come in from training, her presence quiet yet distinct in a way that immediately set her apart. Her long, soft blue hair had been tied back into a ponytail, though a few loose strands had slipped free and now clung lightly to her face, dampened with sweat from exertion. Her features were gentle and delicate, framed by a small button nose and a naturally soft expression, while her warm maroon eyes carried a blend of curiosity and mild confusion as they moved between the two of them.
Her breathing was just slightly uneven, the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders hinting at the effort she had only recently finished, and the towel draped over her shoulder confirmed it. "Is there something going on, Principal?" she asked, her voice still carrying that light, airy tone despite the fatigue.
Principal Sato's expression softened immediately into an apologetic smile. "Ah, my apologies," he said genuinely. "We did not mean to intrude without notice." As he spoke, he gestured subtly toward Lunar, guiding her forward by just a step. "I was simply showing a new student to her dorm room, which, as it happens, is this one."
The girl blinked once, the brief pause giving way to understanding as her expression brightened noticeably. "Oh… I see!" she responded, her voice lightening as the situation clicked into place. She quickly reached for the towel on her shoulder, wiping her hand before stepping forward and extending it toward Lunar with a friendly, open smile that carried both warmth and ease.
"I'm Cerasus Via," she introduced herself, her tone polite yet welcoming, striking a balance that felt both respectful and easygoing at the same time. "Junior year student. It's a pleasure to meet you, roomie. You can just call me Via, like everyone else."
Lunar returned the smile just as easily, reaching out to meet her hand in a firm but gentle shake, her own demeanor equally friendly and sincere. "Lunar Light," she replied, her voice warm. "Also Junior year. Thanks for the welcome, Via… you can call me Lunar."
Principal Sato observed the exchange with quiet satisfaction, a soft smile forming as he watched the two interact so naturally, as though the distance between strangers had already begun to close.
"It seems introductions are off to a good start," he remarked, his tone light with approval, before his attention shifted back toward Lunar. "You should know, Lunar, that Via here was this year's top-performing junior student—both academically and in practical training."
Lunar's brows lifted slightly at that, her attention returning to Via with renewed interest, the new information subtly reshaping her first impression.
"If you ever find yourself with questions or in need of guidance," he continued, "you would do well to ask her."
Via immediately stiffened at the praise, her expression turning flustered as she waved her hand lightly in dismissal. "Ah—no, it's really not like that," she said quickly, her voice soft but hurried. "I just did my best, that's all. I'm sure anyone could reach the same level if they put in the effort."
Lunar shakes her head slightly, a small smile forming as she listens. "…I don't think that's something just anyone can do," she replied honestly. "Doing your best consistently like that already says a lot. It means you're naturally diligent, so you probably shouldn't downplay it."
That only made Via pause, clearly caught off guard as her gaze shifted slightly to the side. "…Ah… thank you," she murmured, a faint, sheepish smile appearing as she struggled to find anything else to say.
Before the moment could stretch too long, footsteps approached from behind, and Ray's deep and raspy voice followed. "Young Miss, we've finished arranging your belongings."
Lunar turned to see her eyes moving toward her corner of the room, everything had been placed perfectly. Her luggage was neatly organized, her clothes already sorted, and on the desk, set perfectly, was the framed photo of her and her momma.
For a brief moment, she simply looked at it, the world around her fading just enough for the image to settle in her chest, before a soft smile naturally found its way onto her lips.
Turning back toward them, she lifted her hand into a small, casual thumbs-up, her expression warm with genuine appreciation. "Thank you, Mister Ray, Miss Lena… I really appreciate the help."
Ray responded with a small, respectful nod, his usual composure intact, while Lena offered a relaxed, easy smile, her demeanor as easygoing as ever. "It's nothing," she replied lightly, before adding, "If there's nothing else, we'll be heading out now."
Lunar shook her head, her smile softening into something more genuine. "Nope… I'm good. Thanks again for everything since I landed here. I'll miss you guys."
Ray visibly reacted to that, placing a hand dramatically over his chest as if struck by a bullet, his expression somewhere between pride and mock despair at the unexpected affection. Lena, on the other hand, just let out a quiet laugh before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small note. She handed it over to Lunar, who took it without hesitation.
"If you need anything," Lena said, her tone more personal this time, "or if something comes up, don't hesitate to give us a call." She tapped the note lightly with her finger. "Both numbers are on there—mine and his."
"I will," Lunar replied with a nod, tucking it safely away.
With that, Ray and Lena turned toward the door, offering a respectful bow to Principal Sato, and another toward Via, who remained standing nearby, slightly stunned by what's going on.
Then, just like that, they made their exit, leaving the room feeling much emptier than before.
Principal Sato cast one final, satisfied glance between Lunar and Via, clearly pleased with how smoothly the introduction had gone. "Well then," he said, clasping his hands lightly behind his back, his tone carrying a gentle finality, "I'll leave the rest to the two of you. Take your time getting acquainted."
With that, he offered a small nod before turning and making his way out, his steps calm and unhurried as the door closed once more, leaving the two girls alone in the room.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved, stuck in a silence that wasn't uncomfortable, but not quite natural yet either. Lunar shifted her body slightly, while Via stood there with her towel still draped over her shoulder, as if both of them were waiting for the other to speak first.
Eventually, Via gave a small, tentative tilt of her head, gathering just enough courage to break the silence. "Um… who were those two earlier?" she asked, her voice carrying a careful blend of curiosity and caution.
Lunar answered like it was something casual, entirely unbothered. "Oh, those two? They're my bodyguards."
Via's maroon eyes widened in visible shock as she stared at Lunar, her expression caught somewhere between disbelief and confusion as she tried to process what she had just heard. "…You're not," she began slowly, her voice cautious, testing each word before committing to it, "…some kind of undercover princess or the child of a ridiculously wealthy noble family… are you?"
Lunar tilted her head in response, genuinely puzzled by the sudden leap in logic. "…Huh?"
Via, however, seemed to spiral just a little further, her thoughts clearly running ahead of her as her imagination filled in the gaps faster than reason could catch up. "I mean, you certainly look the part," she continued, gesturing vaguely toward Lunar as though the answer was obvious. "So if that is the case, please at least warn me beforehand so I don't accidentally offend you and end up getting sentenced to something absurd like—like being beheaded or something—"
That absurdity was enough for a laugh to slip out of Lunar, light and unrestrained as she shook her head. "I'm not any of that," she said, still chuckling. "Really. I'm just… a normal country girl."
Via narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly unconvinced, her expression flattening into something far more skeptical. "Yeah, sure," she replied dryly. "A normal country girl who just happens to have two bodyguards casually following her around." She crossed her arms, fixing Lunar with a pointed look. "That's like Symboli Rudolf winning an undefeated Triple Crown and then standing there the next day claiming she's just your average uma musume. That's not humility, that's straight-up blasphemy."
Lunar let out a small, exasperated sigh at that, lifting a hand to rub the back of her neck as she searched for a way to explain it without making things even more complicated. "It's… a long story," she admitted after a moment.
Via's entire expression immediately lit up, curiosity taking over as she dropped onto her bed in one smooth motion, raising both hands in mock celebration as though she had just been handed exactly what she wanted. "Perfect," she said without missing a beat. "We've got plenty of time."
Leaning forward slightly, her earlier fatigue seemingly forgotten, she rested her attention fully on Lunar, her interest now impossible to hide. "Come on," she added, her tone bright and inviting, "we can talk about it over dinner."
Lunar paused for a brief moment, considering it, before giving a small nod in agreement. "…Yeah, okay."
That was all the confirmation Via needed. The faint pout she had been holding onto disappeared instantly, replaced by a bright, satisfied smile that seemed to light up her entire expression. "Great," she said, pushing herself back up onto her feet with renewed energy. "Just give me a bit—I need to shower first."
With that, she grabbed her towel properly and made her way toward the restroom, leaving Lunar standing there as the restroom door clicked shut behind her, the room settling into a quieter, more comfortable silence than before.
—
Lunar and Via sat across from each other with trays of food laid out between them, the conversation picking up almost immediately after they had settled into their seats, as though the earlier ease between them had carried over without interruption.
By the time Lunar finished explaining, Via had gone completely still, her chopsticks hovering mid-air as she stared at her, the weight of everything she had just heard taking a moment to fully settle. "…Woah," she breathed, the word slipping out quietly, almost involuntarily.
Lunar had kept her explanation relatively simple, trimming away unnecessary details, but even the shortened version carried a profound sense of depth. She spoke about growing up here with her momma, of losing her, about the sudden appearance of someone she had never met before—a childhood sweetheart of her mother's—who had taken her in and brought her all the way to Australia. And somehow, that same person just happened to be incredibly wealthy, turning Lunar's life upside down in ways she never could have expected.
"And now I'm back," Lunar finished, taking a small bite before continuing more casually, "because I made a promise to Sato-ojiisan to study here."
Via slowly resumed eating, though her movements were more subdued now, her expression still somewhere between awe and quiet contemplation as she tried to digest everything she had just heard. "…That must've been really difficult for you," she said after a moment, her voice softer than before, carrying a genuine note of concern.
Lunar swallowed her food and gave a small nod. "Yeah… it was," she admitted honestly. "But I had a lot of people help me through it, so… I can't really say I went through it alone." Her expression softened slightly. "I'm just really grateful for that."
Via hummed quietly, her gaze lowering to her tray as she processed it. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a thought began to take shape—half admiration, half quiet amazement. She really does sound like some kind of protagonist…
There was something about the way Lunar said it all so simply, without dramatizing any of it, that made it feel even more real.
Lunar, however, didn't linger on it for long. She set her chopsticks down briefly and leaned forward just a little. "Alright, enough about me," she said with a small smile. "What about you? Where are you from?" She tilted her head slightly. "I don't think I've seen you around when I lived here before."
Via blinked once, then let out a small "Ah," as realization set in. "That's because I'm not from here," she explained. "I'm from Kansai—Tsu City, specifically."
Lunar's eyes widened a little at that. "…That's really far," she said without thinking, the distance clicking immediately in her mind. "Then why are you studying all the way out here?"
Via paused mid-bite. For a second, she just looked down at her food, her expression growing quieter as her thoughts caught up to the question. "…I actually applied to Tracen first," she said after a moment, her tone calm but carrying a hint of something more subdued. "I passed the written exam, but… I didn't make it through the practical."
Lunar's expression softened almost immediately, sympathy clear in her eyes, though she remained silent, allowing Via the space to continue at her own pace.
Via gave a small shrug, the gesture not dismissive but quietly accepting, as though she had already made peace with it. "At first, yeah… it stung," she admitted, her tone honest. "But instead of just sitting there feeling sorry for myself, I figured I'd try a different route."
She took another bite, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. "I decided I'd build my career through NAR races first, and then work my way back toward Central from there."
Lunar listened closely, her interest deepening with each word, clearly engaged in both the story and the determination behind it.
"And then, by coincidence," Via added, a faint smile forming as her expression softened, "I met someone at the Tracen gate—a really kind lady dressed entirely in green. She noticed I looked lost, asked what was going on, and after I explained everything… she recommended this place."
Her gaze lifted slightly, a quiet warmth settling into her features as the memory lingered. "So I came here." she finished simply as she gave a small, satisfied nod, her smile growing just a little more certain. "…And honestly? I don't regret it at all."
Lunar listened quietly, her attention fixed on Via as she spoke, but the moment the words "a kind lady dressed entirely in green" were mentioned, a small realization clicked into place in her mind. That has to be Tazuna-san…
The thought brought with it a faint, almost nostalgic smile, a quiet sense of familiarity threading through the coincidence, as though the world had subtly connected their paths long before they had even met.
Wanting to keep the atmosphere from growing too heavy, to preserve the lightness that had carried their conversation this far, Lunar allowed her gaze to drift around the cafeteria, her eyes sweeping idly from one side to the other. The space was still mostly empty, leaving their voices to fill the quiet more than usual, with only a few scattered students seated far enough away to remain uninvolved, while the cafeteria lady stood off to the side, completely absorbed in her phone, paying little attention to anything happening around her.
"…By the way," Lunar began asking, turning back to Via, "why aren't you home like everyone else?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Via's expression changed instantly. The small, determined smile she had been holding fell away as if it had never been there, replaced by something hollow, something weighed down, her face almost visibly dimming in a way that made Lunar's chest tighten.
Ah…
Regret hit immediately. Lunar almost winced, her fingers tightening slightly around her chopsticks. I shouldn't have asked that…
Via set her chopsticks down, her hand lingering there for a moment before she began idly twirling her finger against the table, as if to ease herself, buying time. "…It's just…" she started, her voice quieter now, lacking the easy warmth from before.
She hesitated. "…My situation at home isn't exactly… good." The pause stretched just long enough to make it even heavier. "…I'm kind of… um…" she forced a small, awkward motion with her hand, like she didn't quite know how to phrase it. "…disowned?"
Lunar nearly choked. "—WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE DISOWNED?!"
The reaction came out far louder than she intended, her shock completely overriding any sense of restraint as she stared at Via, pale yellow-eyes wide in disbelief.
Via flinched slightly at the volume, then gave a small, strained smile, one that didn't reach her eyes at all. "…Yeah," she said flatly, as if trying to make it sound less serious than it was.
She looked down at her hands. "The news of me failing to get into Tracen…" she continued slowly, "wasn't exactly received well by my mom."
Her fingers curled slightly against the table. "My older sister managed to get in," she added, her tone carrying a quiet bitterness now. "Even if she didn't stand out, even if she didn't really make a name for herself… she still got in."
She let out a small, dry breath. "…But me?" Her lips pressed into a thin line. "That failure was enough to make me look like a stain in her eyes," Via said, her voice dulling further. "And I guess… she decided it was easier to just wipe it away."
Lunar's eye twitched slightly. A quiet, simmering anger began to build in her chest, fully loaded and ready to explode, but she held it back, letting Via continue.
"I haven't gotten a single call from her since that day," Via added, almost absentmindedly, as if it had already settled into something she had accepted.
Lunar's fingers tightened around the rim of her glass, knuckles blanching as a surge of anger and disbelief rose inside her. "…What about your sister?" she asked, her voice taut now, sharp with the emotion she could no longer hold back. "Does she know? Why isn't she helping you?"
Via let out a soft, dry exhale, but this time it carried a faint warmth beneath the weight of her words, as if she were trying to shield her sister from the storm in Lunar's gaze. "She does," she admitted quietly, her maroon eyes lowering for a brief second. "The only reason I'm even managing right now… is because of her."
"Dan's-onee san has been secretly sending me part of her allowance," Via continued, quieter still, almost as if the words themselves were heavy to bear. "The one she receives from our mom." She paused, fingers fiddling slightly with themselves. "If it weren't for her…" Via offered a faint, humorless smile that didn't reach her eyes. "…there's no way I would have been able to even set foot in Northern Academy, let alone stay here."
Lunar didn't say anything at first. But inside, something was rising.
The more she thought about it, the harder it became to stay calm. A girl like Via—kind, hardworking, clearly doing everything she could—being cast aside over something like that… it didn't sit right with her at all. Tracen was the best academy in Japan, yes, but most uma musumes would never even get the chance to stand at its gates, let alone pass one of its exams.
And Via had passed one. That alone meant something, that alone should have meant everything. Her grip tightened slightly around her glass as the frustration simmered quietly beneath the surface.
"…Lunar?" The voice pulled her back as she blinked, snapping out of her thoughts as she looked up, only to find Via watching her with a small, concerned expression.
"…Don't make that face," Via said gently, shaking her head a little. "You don't need to be angry for me, and you definitely don't need to pity me."
There was no bitterness in her voice this time, there was only resolution. "Because I'm going to prove it," she continued as something brighter returned to her eyes. "Race by race, I'll show how strong I truly am—not to please anyone else, but to prove it to myself… and to my mother. One day, I'll make it into Tracen on my own, entirely by my own effort."
As she said it, she raised her fist gently in front of her, a small, almost endearing gesture—but the weight behind it was immense, radiating a single unstoppable drive. Lunar's eyes softened as she took in the sight of a girl who had been abandoned, underestimated, yet still standing tall, still chasing her dreams with a courage that made Lunar's heart swell.
Just like that, the tight, simmering anger in Lunar's chest dissolved, leaving a different warmth in the form of admiration in its place. Lunar felt herself smiling, a gentle, almost protective smile, as if she could see both the struggle and the strength of the gentle girl in front of her all at once.
Slowly, she reached for her glass of orange juice and lifted it toward Via.
Via blinked, caught off guard, her warm maroon eyes darting between the glass and Lunar's face. "…Huh?" she murmured, confusion threading her tone.
Lunar's smile widened in invitation.. "…What a coincidence, we've got the same goal." she spoke in camaraderie.
Via's eyes widened slightly, the corners of her lips twitching with the hint of a smile, unsure yet hopeful.
"Let's make it to the JRA together," Lunar continued, carrying a certainty that left doubt scrambling away. "You and me."
For a moment, Via just stared at her before then, like a spark catching flame, her expression transformed.
Her determination remained, but now it had mellowed, blossomed into something brighter, warmer, and more inviting. Her previous hardness gave way to a perfectly contented smile, tiny yet radiant, a beauty born of resilience and hope. It was a smile that filled Lunar's chest with admiration and a deep sense of connection.
Without hesitation, Via lifted her own glass and gently tapped it against Lunar's. The soft clink rang between them, carrying more meaning than words could convey.
"Yeah," Via said, her voice now brimming with energy, with life, with the fierce joy of someone who had found an ally. "Let's go!"
And almost in unison, their voices rose together, in perfect harmony, as if the declaration had been waiting for this moment to be spoken.
"To our future!"