I was running into the wilderness—lost in a pitch-dark forest. A gray mist blanketed the world. I didn't even know where I was headed. All I knew was that I had to get out of there.
My ragged breaths thundered in my ears. The unease in my chest moved in rhythm with the wind that shook the trees. I forced my nearly broken legs forward with everything I had. I didn't want it to catch me—the shadowy black figure chasing from behind.
But no matter how hard I struggled to escape, it still reached me. It seized my leg and began crawling upward along my body, as if draining away every ounce of life. My limbs started to go numb.
The higher it crept, the more terrified I became.
It gripped my heart. Wrapped around my neck. And the last thing I felt was a wide grin hovering just behind my nape—
—from the black monster that had destroyed me.
"AAAAARGH!"
My body jerked upright on its own. Instinct moved before thought—pure survival.
My breathing came in gasps. Sweat dripped down my skin. I had returned to reality at last, freed from the nightmare that haunted me.
I glanced at the digital clock on the study desk beside me. Six o'clock glowed on the screen. It wasn't like me to wake up this late.
The bed across from mine was empty. Salva had stayed over at Gavi's place to finish their school assignment. If she'd been here, I probably would've startled her again.
I covered my face with both hands. I was still trembling. Yesterday's defeat had shaken me more than I wanted to admit.
I looked at myself in the mirror across from the bed. My reflection was pale—drained.
Then one thing shifted in my expression.
Frustration.
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
The dismissal bell rang.
I stuffed all my books and stationery into my bag and hurried to leave. Just as I stood up, three people approached me.
"Mi-Milord-san! Do you want to go watch the race?" Salva asked.
"Thalassa is competing today," Gavi added.
I knew they were using my admiration for Thalassa-senpai to lure me in. But for some reason, I wasn't feeling it today.
"Sorry. I can't come. You guys go ahead."
"Eh? B-But—"
"Bye!"
I walked off immediately without another word, leaving them standing there in silence.
The damp air from the bad weather still lingered inside the school building. The discomfort was worsened by the swarm of students heading home.
They were probably all rushing to watch the final day of the Triple Crown Series-1.
The sound of my footsteps echoed against the ceramic floor, only to be swallowed by the whirlpool of voices around me.
I didn't know what to do after that day. I really wanted to apologize to them—especially to my sister. I ignored her call last night. She must've been worried. I rarely act like that.
Now I stood before my destination: a modest building with a silver door. A small red sensor light blinked on the panel beside it. I slipped in my card. The light turned green.
I pressed the handle and pushed the door open. As expected, no one was inside. They must have all gone to the race.
I stored my bag in the locker, took off my uniform, and changed into my training clothes.
I slipped on my shoes—the soles still looked new. The trainer must have taken good care of them.
Once I finished preparing, I closed the locker door.
That was when I saw my reflection in the mirror again. I could clearly see how gloomy I looked.
"So all day long… your expression hasn't changed, huh?" I whispered.
Not wanting to stare at that sullen face any longer, I hurried out.
After a brief warm-up, I began running at a moderate pace. Around the school grounds, then into the stadium.
Almost everyone was watching the match, so I had the training track to myself.
The weather wasn't too hot. The sun hid behind thick gray clouds. The track was still slightly wet from last night's rain, but it felt good beneath my feet.
Each step sank slightly into the dirt as I ran. The grip was perfect for acceleration. I picked up speed, cutting through the air against the pull of G-force.
My thoughts drifted back to yesterday's race.
Front Runner—that's a style where you burst ahead from the start and run as far as you can, maintaining pace and refusing to be overtaken until the finish line.
That's how I've always run. With my small frame, I have the advantage of acceleration and speed. I use it to avoid getting trapped in the pack.
But in the National Series race… I struggled.
No. I underestimated my opponents.
I was too confident in my burst when the gate opened. They were completely different from my rivals back in Sulut. Experience, mileage, adaptability—they surpassed me in all of it.
While I… relied only on talent.
I'm different from that girl. Different from Caraxes. Different from Argentine. No matter what, Caraxes has strategy. So does Argentine. Even if it was her first race, she must've learned from her older sisters.
Front Runner—Caraxes.
Pace Chaser—Argentine.
Different styles. But they share one thing.
Racing instinct.
'Dug!'—My foot caught. I lost my balance.
"Hwa—! Waaah!"
'Brugh!'
As expected, I crashed into the ground. My face buried in the dirt. I could even taste the sand in my mouth.
I spat it out, wiping my lips.
"Damn it… damn it!"
I cursed, but there was no fire in my voice. I didn't even have the energy to growl. I simply stared up at the gray sky, feeling hollow.
Before I realized it, the edge of the horizon had begun turning violet. The shadow clinging to my body stretched longer.
How long had I been running?
How long had my mind been drifting?
Then suddenly—
"Oh? I'm not alone."
I turned toward the voice.
A horse girl in training gear stood there. Wavy red hair. A Moopoo-feather accessory decorating her right ear. Someone I never expected to see.
"Noel… Senpai?" I murmured.
"Ah, you're Sunny's little sister, right? Training?"
I nodded slowly. "Why are you here, Senpai?"
"Same reason as you," she replied with a smile.
"Eh? Didn't you just race?"
"I did. But I wanted to blow off some frustration."
"Frustration?"
She smiled bitterly. "I lost to Thalassa again."
"…!"
She tried to sound cheerful, but her slightly trembling hands betrayed her. Even her eyes were faintly swollen. For some reason, my chest tightened.
From the generation before mine, there were many outstanding stars. Strong horse girls who carved countless victories.
The Queen sisters. War Kudeta. Naga Sembilan. Bintang Maja. Sunlight Nagari… and many more.
But among them was one particularly persistent girl.
A member of Sapphire Team—and the rival of the "Long-Distance Queen; Queen Thalassa.
Her unyielding spirit was beautiful, even after being defeated again and again.
Noel Sion.
That's what I knew about her.
"Oh, ya! Wanna race with me?" she said while stretching.
"R-Race?!"
"Yup! 800? 1200? 1600? Or shall we just go for 2000?"
I jumped to my feet. "But Senpai—!"
"2000 meters? Okay, I'll count!"
"Senpai!"
She completely ignored me.
"Three… two… one! Start!"
"Hwa—! Wait!"
She shot forward instantly. And strangely enough, I followed.
Luckily, I could still match her speed. She ran the inside lane; I trailed on the outside—the same formation as yesterday's race.
I kept observing her, especially her expression. We were running at a decent pace, yet she wasn't even panting. Her lips didn't part at all.
And she had just finished a 2000-meter race—against Thalassa.
How much lung capacity does this girl have?
Is this the stamina of a long-distance runner?
I increased my pace, trying to align with her. She simply smiled sideways at me.
"Hm. You can keep up with my tempo?"
"This much is easy," I replied.
"This is only 800 meters, you know."
"So?"
She looked surprised for a second, then smiled again—more confidently.
We were nearing 1000 meters. Halfway through.
That's when she spoke again.
"Seems that's enough. Time for me to get serious."
My eyes widened. "Huh?"
She wasn't serious before?
At this speed? At 1000 meters?
She closed her eyes briefly and inhaled, then opened them as she exhaled slowly. Her gaze sharpened forward. The smile vanished. Total focus replaced it.
She drove her energy-loaded foot deep into the dirt.
Kicked back.
Tore through the air hard enough to shake me.
'BOOOM!'—She exploded forward before I could react.
"What?!"
I chased with everything I had, but I was already struggling.
The previous 1000 meters must have been just a warm-up for her.
My heart pounded violently. My lungs felt ready to burst. My vision wavered—oxygen failing to reach my brain properly.
She's unbelievably fast!
And then—
The memory of chasing that monster's back resurfaced.
The final 200 meters before the finish line.
My anger surged. My heart beat faster.
I turned all my frustration into fuel, pouring it into every stride.
I hate that fucking bastard! Caraxes!
'BOOOM!'
"…!"
Senpai noticed I was attacking. I closed the gap with all my might.
Just like before. The same speed.
"HEEEAAAH!"
The 200-meter marker came into view.
The faster my legs swung, the faster I ran.
Four lengths—no, three!
I can catch her! I can catch her!
But just as hope bloomed, I noticed her gaze flicker toward me. A faint smile returned to her lips before she faced forward again.
And then—
The gap widened.
Wider.
She was getting faster.
No—I was slowing down.
What is this?
Am I… out of energy?
By the time reality struck me, Senpai crossed the finish line smoothly.
I stumbled behind her, gasping violently, nearly vomiting.
"Milord-chan! Are you okay?" She caught me before I collapsed.
"… I'm… fine. Just… a little dizzy," I panted.
"Let's sit by the stands."
"… Okay."
She supported me gently as we walked.
Damn it!
2000 meters. Thick dirt track. High humidity. No preparation.
My body felt destroyed.
Meanwhile, she had already run 2000 meters earlier—and another 2000 just now. She was barely sweating.
"Sit here. I'll grab you something to drink."
"… Okay."
I had just faced reality by racing one of the Academy's monsters.
So this is all I've got?
What happens when I face monsters above monsters?
This race felt like a slap—
What I faced against Caraxes back then was nothing.
"Here." She handed me a bottle of mineral water.
"Thank you, Senpai."
I opened it and drank deeply. Half of it vanished instantly. My dizziness and nausea eased.
"Looks like you're feeling better, Milord-chan."
I frowned. "Please don't use me as a punching bag for your frustration, Senpai."
"It's because you're amazing."
"Amazing?"
"I watched you yesterday. You were incredible. I got curious about racing you. You kept up with me earlier, didn't you? You almost passed me."
I turned away. "But…"
"Why? Are you still bothered by your loss?"
"… Honestly, I don't mind losing. What bothers me is…"
"The way you lost, right?"
"… Ya."
I lowered my head, fiddling with the bottle cap.
"Yeah. Losing because your opponent toyed with you is irritating. We run into people like that often. You have to get used to facing them."
"… I know."
"You shouldn't dwell on that. Your goal should be figuring out how to beat her."
"Beat her? But—"
"She's too strong?" she cut in.
Her gaze drifted to the empty track.
"It looks that way. Anyone would be shocked by that running style. But every strength has a weakness. That's what you need to find. Even if it takes time, you have to uncover it—whether it's within yourself or your opponent."
"…."
She looked back at me with a gentle smile.
"Now let me ask you—what did you discover yesterday? About yourself? About the other horse girls?"
"… Yeah."
"Tell me."
I paused, inhaled, exhaled.
"I'm not as strong as Caraxes. I'm not as sharp as Argentine."
"Hm. Why do you think that?"
"Caraxes can fully maximize her potential. Her power and speed are insane. Yesterday she was just playing around. I know because I'm a Front Runner too. With that much power, she could've led from the start—but she held back on purpose."
"And Argentine?"
I fell silent, recalling that predator-like gaze.
"She's weak," I muttered.
"Weak?"
"Yeah. She pushes herself too hard. Bad at reading emotions. But…" I clenched my fist, "because she's weak, she has a strength others don't."
"…."
"Quick observation. Precise decisions. The ideal Pace Chaser. I can imagine those eyes hunting me in our next race. Honestly… I'm excited. And pressured."
"Then why are you pessimistic? Do you feel threatened? Or… jealous?"
My eyes widened.
"Jealous? What do you mean?" I asked with a bitter smile.
"She has lots of support. A brilliant older sisters. A prestigious family. Yet she's weak, like you said. No natural talent like her sisters—just relentless effort to reach that level."
"So… why would I be jealous?"
"Because you didn't find that kind of fire in North Sulawesi."
"…!"
"I'm from North Sulawesi too. I know how many talented horse girls there just fade away. They settle. They give up after falling. They get comfortable with praise. Meanwhile, others out there—facing the same circumstances—keep fighting."
She looked up at the dimming sky.
"I'm as weak as Argentine. Not talented. My only weapon is hard work. That's how I came here to compete in the National Series. I wanted to make my hometown proud. To repay the family who raised me. But I'm not that great. The National stage was beyond what I imagined."
"… Senpai."
"I almost gave up and went home. Until I found someone who stopped me." She smiled softly. "Someone who accepted me as a rival. Someone who made me want not just to race against her—but to run alongside her until the end."
"…."
"So, Milord-chan. Are you like me? Are you carrying too many expectations on your shoulders?"
"…!"
"Judging by your face… I must be right."
I lowered my head again.
"My mother… I love her so much. I want to make her proud. I don't want to fail after making the difficult decision to come here."
"But if you keep going like this, your mother wouldn't want you crushed by your own dream."
"I know. But…"
"… Are you aware of your own ability?"
I stayed silent.
"You came from far away. People rely on you. Then you meet someone who seems to have everything—but no talent. You think, 'I should be the one in her position.'"
She sat beside me.
"Being around her, you can't complain. She works just as hard. Without realizing it, you start caring. You want to prove you're better. Then you lose badly. You realize talent alone isn't enough. And you start hating yourself."
My eyes widened. "Why are you saying that?!"
"Because I've been watching you."
"…!"
"Sunny told me everything. I got curious about you."
"So it's that blabbermouth liquidsoap's fault," I muttered.
She laughed softly. "Sunny said you're the little sister she loves most. She said she'll always support you—because you're the only family she has."
"…!"
"You know what her past was like, right?"
"… Yeah."
"That's why when you lost… you…"
She smiled gently and placed her hand on my head, stroking it softly. Warm. Comforting.
"It's okay to want to fulfill people's hopes. But don't let that become your burden. You have your own life. At least enjoy the people beside you right now. You've only just met them—but one day you'll realize those moments were precious."
I couldn't respond. Something heavy hung in my chest.
Honestly, even in this short time, I've enjoyed being here. Emerald Team has been kind to me. They even tolerate my tantrums. I'm the one causing trouble.
I'm really pathetic.
She withdrew her hand. Bathed in the last golden-orange light of the horizon, her smile looked unbelievably beautiful.
From someone who had fallen and risen countless times.
"Hm? It's getting dark. I should head back, Milord-chan."
"Ah. Okay."
"Thanks for racing with me."
"I'm glad I got to race you too, Senpai."
She stood, then paused. "Oh, one more thing."
"…?"
"Sunny's been gloomy all day."
"…!"
"She's really worried about you. So go see her, okay?"
"… Okay."
"Bye, Milord-chan."
"Senpai! Wait!"
"Hm?"
I stood before her and bowed.
"Thank you so much for your advice. I'm glad I met you today."
"I'm glad I met you too. Your journey in the National Series is still long. So enjoy it, Milord-chan."
"Yes. I understand."
"See you."
"See you, Noel-senpai."
I watched her leave, standing there in lingering unrest.
I remembered my sister's face when I ran out of the Team room yesterday. I'd never seen that expression before.
I don't want to see her sad again.
I steeled my resolve and ran out of the stadium through the opposite side.
The Team room was closer from there. It took less than a minute to arrive.
I scanned my card, pushed the door open, and headed straight to the bathroom. After washing up and changing back into my uniform, I locked the Team room.
As I walked, I pulled out my phone and called the person I needed to meet.
"Hello, Sis… can we meet at the plaza near the dorm? I want to talk."
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
Alone.
With only a paper bag beside me, I sat in silence on a bench at the town square park. Not a single person passed by.
My eyes were fixed on a sphere of light that had just begun to glow. It didn't take long before it was surrounded by countless insects, circling it in flight.
Is that what it feels like to be a shining star? To become the center of attention, the pillar of everyone's aspirations? I don't know how exhausting it must be to keep shining—for the sake of those who continue to place their hopes on you.
The night was deeply still, a gentle rustle swaying the leaves of the trees. Solitude, it seemed, was enough to calm me—until I heard the sound of footsteps drawing closer.
I turned toward the source of that sound. The person I had been reluctant to face appeared, her face clouded. Seeing her—usually so cheerful, mischievous, and talkative—now changed completely, truly unsettled me.
"Mi-chan," she murmured.
I shifted slightly to make space, and Big Sis sat down beside me hesitantly.
"...."
"...."
Silence.
Neither of us made the first move to speak.
To be honest, the tension between us was unbearable. I really couldn't stand an atmosphere like this.
"Sis."
"Ya."
"… I… I'm sorry."
"...."
"Yesterday... I couldn't control my anger. I was really upset. So…"
"… Yeah. I understand."
"Tomorrow, I'll apologize to the others too."
No reply came. This time, Big Sis fell silent.
I tried to glance at her. She was looking down, her hands clasped tightly on her lap.
"I… also want to apologize."
"Apologize? For what?"
"… Actually… that kid named Caraxes… she used to be one of my foster siblings in Bendang."
"Huh?"
My eyes widened. I didn't know how to react. For a moment, Caraxes' words before the race flashed through my mind—the answer to the question I had back then.
"So what you mean is…?"
"Ya. She's also part of the Bendang family."
"Then why... ?"
"It's because of me. Before I met you, she was my foster sibling in Bendang. Back then, she didn't want to tell anyone her name. She was extremely shy. The only person she would talk to was me."
Her eyes seemed to drift into the past.
"We spent every day together—playing, running. We became very close. She even added the name 'Nagari' so it would match mine. Those were our happy days. Until one day…"
She trailed off. Perhaps she was reliving those memories; she seemed to struggle to continue.
"A Family wanted to adopt her. I knew they were good people, but at the time Caraxes wasn't ready. She was still so young. Meanwhile, they were ambitious about winning the National Series. They knew she had extraordinary talent."
"Don't tell me you…?"
"… Yes. I offered myself as a substitute, and that very moment, I was required to leave."
"...."
"I knew my decision hurt her. But at least she... still had time before stepping onto the National Series stage. So I chose to cut ties with her. I didn't want her to know the reason for my departure. I intended to explain everything once I returned. But when I came back… she was already gone."
"...."
"Since then, I truly didn't know what to do. I went through my racing years burdened with guilt. Until I met you."
"So the way you've treated me all this time…?"
"I didn't want it to happen again. I didn't want to lose anyone anymore."
"Unfortunately, the person you regret… has now returned with resentment."
My words left her unable to argue. I could understand how she felt. If I were in Caraxes' position, I might have done the same.
There was no right, and there was no wrong. Everyone carries wounds unseen by others. Fate can turn a love so beautiful into something that painful.
"I don't know what I should say. Honestly, I don't have the right to judge. What you chose was something you thought through carefully. I know that, because we've been together long enough. But there's one thing you need to remember."
"…?"
"I'm not her. I'm me."
"…!"
I placed my hand on her head and gently stroked it—the same way she always does to me.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be by your side. My shoulder will always be here if you need to lean on it. So don't worry anymore."
"… Mi-chan."
Her lips trembled. Her eyes, fixed on me, began to glisten.
Before the tears could fall, I quickly handed her the object that had been accompanying my solitude earlier.
"Here!" I thrust the paper bag toward her.
"Huh? What's this?" she asked, wiping her eyes.
"Just open it!"
She obeyed and opened the paper bag.
Inside, she found a clear cake box filled with honey-glazed cake that looked utterly tempting. White cream topped with slices of strawberry and kiwi gave it a fresh touch. In Latin letters, the words "HoneySweetCake" were written across it.
The wager I made with her before I competed.
"Huh? Isn't this…?"
I turned my face away. "Yeah. According to our agreement, right? So… 29 days left."
She stared at me in stunned silence, which only made me more embarrassed.
Her beautiful lips curved into a smile. She removed the seal, scooped a spoonful, and held it out toward my mouth.
"Huh? Why?"
"Say ahh~."
"But…"
"Open your mouth!"
Now I was the obedient one. I took the bite from her, and instantly the soft sweetness melted inside my mouth.
"Well? It's good, right?"
"So... this is… the sweetness of defeat?"
"What are you even talking about?"
"But seriously, this is way too sweet."
"Don't you like carrot juice with honey?"
"Yeah. But this kind of sweetness is overwhelming. I'd rather have that black tea the President gave us back then."
"Huh? So you like that tea? I'll bring you some later."
"See? There you go again, abusing your position. Just because you're on the student council doesn't mean you can casually take the school's supplies."
"That belongs to Djohar-senpai! And I asked permission! I didn't steal it!"
That's how our usual arguments went.
The dim night air felt cold, yet our warmth dissolved it all. Sitting beside her like this made me feel happy.
Noel-senpai was right. I don't want to lose simple moments like this.
Because... I truly love my family.
※ ※ ※ (Chapter - 06) ※ ※ ※