Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In this world, at a certain age, every uma musume will form a bond with the person they wish to spend their life with - their partner.

The way to seal this bond is by biting the nape of their partner’s neck. Once the ritual is complete, the bite mark won’t fade away easily.

This brings about certain physical changes in an uma musume. Their bodies begin to release a unique pheromone scent that only their partner can perceive, and it often feels addicting, almost like drug. The stronger the bond between them, the greater their physical abilities will grow.

Because of these benefits, uma musume are extremely careful when choosing a partner. Many relationships are built more on mutual benefits than genuine affection. Countless people hope to form a bond with promising or already successful uma musume.

The Satono family is no exception. Although they have never won a G1 title, every uma musume born into the Satono line is exceptionally gifted and carries great expectations. Among them, none shines brighter than Satono Diamond.

Over the years, countless people have proposed to pair with Dia, but all were turned down. Though the elders of the Satono family long to select the most promising candidate for her, they respect her wishes. In the end, the choice of her future partner rests entirely with Dia.

She is deeply grateful that her family has never forced her to bond with a stranger. And yet, within her heart lies a crushing guilt.

 A secret she cannot tell anyone.

…………..

Click.

“I’m back.” Dia’s voice sounds weary as she opens the door and steps inside.

“Welcome back, Dia-chan!” Come a bright, cheerful reply. Dia looks up, only to be greeted by Kita’s warm smile. She is standing there, hands extends as if offering to take Dia’s bag.

“You were waiting for me again, weren’t you?” Dia let out a small sigh, almost helplessly, as she hands her bag over.

“Mhm. I could smell your scent earlier.” Kita admits with a nod, taking the bag.

Dia stays silent, her eyes fixed on Kita for a moment. This time, Kita doesn’t meet her gaze, or maybe she is avoiding it, realizing what she had just let slip.

Dia’s lips parts, as if she wanted to say something, but she presses them shut again. She walks over to her bed and sits down. The soft mattress seems to ease some of the weight on her shoulders, drawing a quiet sigh from her lips.

“So… how was today’s match making?” Kita asks as she sits on the opposite bed. She tries to sound casual, but Dia can clearly see the intent behind her gaze.

“The same as always. They’re just trying to present the best candidates for me to pair with.” Dia replies as she bends down, removing her socks and accessories.

“Did you… like any of them?” Kita’s voice trembles slightly with unease.

Dia freezes. The air in the room grows heavier.

“A-ah, sorry! I know it’s none of my business.” Kita quickly waves her hands with an awkward laugh. “I just want Dia-chan to have a really good partner, one you choose for yourself. Because…” Her voice falters, her expression dimmers, and her head lowers. “Because I… I once…”

Her throat tightens. The words refuse to leave her lips. She tries to take a deep breath to steady herself, but the sweet jasmine fragrance lingering around her nose makes her scared, scared that she will lose control if she breathes too deeply.

Dia’s chest aches at the sight of Kita’s expression. What is going between them weighs heavily on her, and every part of her screams at her to run away. But she can’t. She can’t abandon Kita like this.

Finally, Dia stands and steps toward her. She opens her arms and gently pulls Kita against her chest. Their warmth melts together, two scents intertwining.

That makes Kita surprised. Her arms lift but freeze in midair, too hesitant to hug Dia back.

“It’s alright, Kita-chan. None of this is your fault.” Dia whispers, her hand tenderly stroking Kita’s dark hair. As her fingers trail down to the back of Kita’s neck, she feels something. She feels a mark. Dia continues, wanting to comfort Kita, perhaps also herself. “Back then… we just didn’t know any better.”

 “…I’m sorry, Dia-chan.” Kita’s voice is bitter, her throat dry. At last, she finds the courage to embrace Dia tightly, burying her face in her chest as soft sobs escape her. Kita feels pathetic, that even now, every thought of that day still hurts enough to make her cry out of frustration . But the emotions have been building up inside her all day, ever since she learned Dia has to attend another matchmaking meeting.

She wanted to stop Dia from going. She wanted to keep her here, by her side. She wanted to confess the wild, desperate desires she has locked away ever since. She wanted Dia to accept them. She wanted them to fix the mistake of that day together.

But in the end, Kita did nothing. In the end, all she could do was smile weakly as she saw Dia went away, then waited silently for her to return.

Dia-chan’s scent grows fainter… Is it because she has been around with the others all day? The thought crosses Kita’s mind as her arms tighten around Dia, unwilling to let anything come between them.

Dia feels it, a fleeting conflict flashing across her face. Heat rises at the back of her neck, voices whispering at the edges of her mind. The cedarwood fragrance rising from Kita’s hair makes her heart skip a beat.

In that moment, Dia feels it, a powerful emotion quietly blooming within her. An invisible bond, urging itself to take root.

But then, Dia gently pushes Kita away.

“I’ll go take a bath." she says curtly before turning to grab her nightclothes. 

She walks away, leaving Kita to watch her back until the door closes with a soft click.

…………….

Under the stream of hot water from the shower, Dia finally feels somewhat clearer. All the exhaustion weighing on her body is washed away by the water, except for the burning sensation that lingers at the nape of her neck.

Slowly, Dia presses her lips together and raises her hand to touch that spot. There, a bite mark is imprinted on her skin. Its size is rather small, almost like it has been left by a child.

Dia smiles wryly. Because in truth, that mark really has been made by a child, yet that child is none other than Kita.

Cross my heart and hope to die. Together forever, you and I.

The innocent voices of two children echo from the past into Dia’s ears. She takes a deep breath, lets her arms fall, and closes her eyes, allowing those memories to come flooding back.

Back then, they were only children. They didn’t truly understand what it meant to become partners, nor what would happen afterward. They only overheard adults saying that once two people were bonded, they would be together forever. So they did it, each biting the other’s neck in turn. And when it was done, they were so happy, believing this would let them be together forever.

But as they grow older, both begin to understand the true weight of forming a lifelong bond. Dia is even more so, for she carries the expectations of the entire Satono family. She needs a partner who can help her pursue her dream of winning the G1 title. And she cannot know if Kita is truly the right one for that.

Whether fortunate or not, the marks made in childhood are never stable. They naturally fade once they reach adulthood. Only the bonds formed afterward truly hold meaning.

That is why Dia and Kita choose to keep it a secret and simply avoid the topic altogether. It is easier for Kita, but Dia constantly has to find excuses to refuse the candidates her family introduces, enduring one matchmaking meeting after another. It has really gotten to her lately.

And yet, what weighs most on her mind is her relationship with Kita. After all, their bond back then has only been formed because they want to stay together as best friends forever.

But now… what about the feelings she has for Kita? Are they nothing more than the instinctive pull toward her bonded partner, or are they love? And as for Kita, are her feelings genuine, or just driven by instinct?

If it truly is love, Dia is ready to announce it to her family and renew their bond properly with Kita. But she doesn’t know. Her heart feels tangled, like she is lost in a maze with no way out.

……

When Dia returns to the room, the lights are already off, leaving only the faint red glow of lanterns hanging above Kita’s bed. Kita is curled up under her blanket, facing the wall. Dia knows she has gone to bed early on purpose, so they won’t have to face the awkwardness between them. That thought alone makes Dia’s chest ache.

After that incident, the two of them still act as if nothing has changed, still best friends, still rivals. They hide everything deep inside. Yet there are moments when the strong walls around their hearts crack, and their true feelings slip through, just like today.

And cruelly enough, neither of them knows how to face it.

Dia’s gaze shifts to the row of red lanterns, her eyes dimming. Kita never says it aloud, but Dia knows they have another use is to mask the scent of their pheromones. After all, how unbearable it is to share a room with your bonded partner, yet always keep your distance.

She walks to her bed and lies down. On her headboard rests a stuffed toy shaped like Kita, just as Kita keeps one of Dia on her bed. They are like little companions, easing the loneliness and unease.

So that when tomorrow comes, they can still go on being “best friends.”

“Good night, Kita-chan.” Dia whispers, pulling down her sleep mask.

“…Good night, Dia-chan.” After a moment, a soft voice answers her in return.

Chapter Text

A new day begins. Morning sunlight slips through the gap in the curtains into the small room. Staying there, a girl quietly puts on her tracksuit, getting ready for her morning run.

Kita pulls the zipper all the way up to her neck and exhales a long breath. She glances at the bed beside her, where Dia is still sound asleep. Her eyes linger on Dia, the light in crimson pupils dimming slightly, though it’s unclear what thoughts are running through her mind.

“Good morning, Kita-chan.” Before Kita can gather her scattered thoughts, the girl on the bed sits up. Dia pushes up her sleeping mask and greets her with a smile.

“Good morning, Dia-chan. I didn’t wake you, did I?” Kita quickly smooths over the stiffness in her voice and responds just like always. After all today is just another morning for the two of them.

“Don’t worry about it.” Dia shakes her head. She pushes her blanket aside and moves to sit at the edge of the bed. Looking up at Kita with a faintly helpless smile, she says, “Be careful, okay? And keep an eye on the time.”

“I will! Because today is my debut race after all!” Kita declares firmly, clenching her fist with determination.

Just thinking about her debut race lifts her spirits, and she quickly says goodbye to Dia before heading out of the room. Since she needs to keep her stamina in the best condition today, she only plans to jog once around the city, enough to warm up her body while relaxing her mind.

It is the end of January. The weather still carries a chill of winter, yet the rows of cherry blossoms along the roadside are already blooming. Soft pink petals drift through the air, and as Kita gazes at them, she feels her steps grow lighter, as if she, too, wants to move in harmony with their rhythm.

“Oh, Kita-chan! You’re still out for your morning run even though today’s your debut race?” As Kita passes by the marketplace, an old man’s voice calls her over.

“Good morning!” Kita instantly recognizes him as the fruit store owner she often helps whenever she can. She jogs up to the front of the store and greets him with a bright smile. “Yes, I feel restless if I don’t run.”

“Kita-chan is as hardworking as ever, isn’t she?” The shopkeeper’s wife comes over, letting out a sigh, before shooting her husband a teasing glance. “It’s a good thing your old truck didn’t blow a tire today. Otherwise, we’d be troubling her again.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Old man mutters with a frown, crossing his arms.

Hearing their back-and-forth makes Kita chuckle. During the times she helped out at the shop, she learned that the couple has been married for over thirty years, and that the fruit store is the result of their hard work together.

Normal people don’t have the concept of pairing partners for life like uma musume do, yet they can still build a strong and lasting bond. Like this middle-aged couple before her, they can point out each other’s flaws and even quarrel sometimes, but in the end, they always remain together. Nothing ever truly comes between what they’ve built side by side.

If she is honest, Kita feels a little envious. Because she doesn’t have that. Because she doesn’t have the confidence that if given the chance again, Dia would still choose her. Or that if something ever broke the fragile “normal” between them, they could still stay together like before.

“Kita-chan? Are you nervous?” The old lady’s voice pulls her out of her heavy thoughts.

“Sorry, I guess I’m still a little sleepy.” Kita forces a sheepish smile, scratching her head as if that’s the most convincing excuse she can come up with.

“Honestly, this girl… Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?” The woman sighs helplessly, then places a bunch of ripe bananas in Kita’s hands. “Why don’t you take it easy today? Eat these and keep up your strength. Everyone in the neighborhood will be cheering for your debut race!” Beside her, the old man nods in agreement.

Kita hugs the bananas gently to her chest, feeling more touched than ever. “I will do my best!” She makes a promise to herself to not let everyone’s expectations down.

“It’s nostalgic, really. Seems like just yesterday you entered Tracen Academy, and now you’re already having your debut race.” The old man lets out a fond laugh. “The little girl back then has grown into a fine young lady. Who knows, maybe one day soon you’ll be introducing your partner to us, hahaha!”

“Seriously, you!” The wife smacks her husband’s arm in reprimand, then moves to Kita’s side, offering a reassuring smile to the embarrassed girl. “Don’t mind him. Go on and get ready.”

“Okay.” That is all Kita can manage to say.

...................

After saying goodbye to the couple at the fruit store, Kita turns around and heads back to the dormitory. This time she doesn't keep running but only walks slowly under the two rows of cherry blossoms. She takes out a banana to eat, while idly thinking about the conversation just now.

Although outwardly uma musume and normal humans aren't too different except for the ears and the tail, in reality their physical condition and growth rate are vastly different. Among uma musumes, they don't pair up to build a family and have children like humans. Sometimes pairing is simply because of benefits for both sides.

However, when hearing the fruit store owner say that, Kita thinks of Dia. The relationship between them is too complicated to explain to others, and even Kita herself doesn't truly understand it all.

It can't be said that they became partners because of the benefit of increasing physical abilities, because when doing it, they didn’t even know such things exist.

So did they pair up because of love? Both right and wrong. They once did so because of friendship, not romantic love.

Why does that matter? If the two are only best friends and rivals, it really doesn't matter what kind of feelings they used to create this bond.

But Kita knows she loves Dia. She doesn’t know since when she has fallen in love with her, only that Dia has always been the most important, the most special one in her heart.

Even if they paired up accidentally, Kita still feels happy to be Dia’s partner. But… perhaps Dia doesn’t feel the same.

When the two of them learned the true meaning of becoming partners, Dia asked Kita to keep it a secret. They started talking about it as if it was a mistake, an impulsive act when they were young. And that when they both grow up, that bite will fade away, giving them the chance to start over.

Those words are like sharp blades cutting into Kita’s heart. And the hesitation and doubt in Dia’s eyes make those wounds keep bleeding.

Why? If only Dia could give her an answer? Why does she want to hide the fact that the two of them are partners so much? Yes, maybe they unintentionally did it when they didn't truly understand the meaning, but haven’t they always seen each other as the most important person, haven’t they always wanted to be together forever? Or is it only Kita who thinks so?

Kita has thought about this matter a lot. Is it because she is unworthy? Because Dia is Satono Diamond, the star of the Satono family, while she is nobody? Or because Dia only sees her as a best friend, never wanting her to become her life partner? That she never wants to be with her forever but is still waiting for someone else?

Kita’s throat tightens bitterly, and the corners of her eyes sting. She slumps down by the roadside, wanting to hug herself but don't want to use too much strength for fear of crushing the banana in her arms.

Even though Kita wants to know Dia’s answer, she is also afraid of facing it. She fears that Dia will say all of that is true. Kita knows she won't be able to endure it if Dia says those words. Her world will shatter in pieces. And how could they possibly stay together after that?

So Kita has remained silent and agreed with Dia’s suggestions. She presses all her feelings down inside herself, just to continue being her “best friend,” and a “temporary partner.” She agrees that between them it is a “mistake,” and that one day the “mistake” will be corrected.

How pathetic, just thinking about it only makes her heart ached, Kita knows that. But maybe that is still better than losing Dia.

“Dia-chan… I want to see you.” Kita murmurs, her trembling voice so soft that only herself can hear.

………………….

When Kita returns to the dormitory room, Dia is not there. Perhaps she has gone to school already. Kita sighs, then quietly changes from her tracksuit into her uniform and leaves.

A day at school passes quickly. Partly because classes are shortened on days when debut races are held, partly because Kita’s mind always drifts amidst countless thoughts.

Until the moment when Kita has already changed clothes and is ready to join the race, she still can’t calm herself. It shows so clearly that Dia can’t stay out of it any longer.

“Kita-chan, can you come here with me for a moment?” While the competitors are stretching to warm up, Dia softly speaks to Kita.

“Ah, sure.” Kita’s heart skips a beat, but she still nods and follows Dia to a secluded corner of the track.

“Are you okay? Since this morning I’ve already seen you not acting yourself.” When there are only two of them, Dia expresses her concern.

“I… I’m fine! I’m just a little nervous. After all, today is not a practice session but a real race!” Kita startles, not thinking she has been that obvious. She doesn’t want to bother Dia, even less to let her know her inner thoughts, so she forces a bright smile in reply.

Dia’s brows furrow slightly, obviously she isn’t buying it. But she doesn’t keep pressing and only lets out a small laugh. She gently holds Kita’s hand, stroking the back of it with her thumb as if to soothe her. “You’ll do fine. Because I’m the one who knows best how hard you’ve worked and how fast you can run.”

“Dia-chan…” Dia’s words truly touch Kita. However, while she should be happy, an ugly corner of her mind keeps whispering.

If Dia-chan knows and thinks that I’m that wonderful, then why does she not accept the fact that I’m her partner?

Kita’s throat tightens again, her heart squeezed by negative emotions. She looks at Dia, the crimson eyes tremble. She knows only Dia can free her from this pain, free her from the chains binding her soul.

However, what Kita doesn’t know is that Dia also partly guesses her thoughts at this moment. And she too wishes she could remove the barriers between them that easily.

Unfortunately, she can’t. She still hates herself every day because of that, because of the doubts and hesitations within her that are creating pain in Kita’s eyes.

At least what Dia can do for Kita now is…

“Kita-chan.” Dia steps back, then opens her arms wide. She smiles gently, even her voice is sweet like honey, making Kita dizzy. “Come here.”

Kita takes a deep breath. That is not what she wants. She will never be satisfied with just that. However, that is all she has now. How cruel it is.

Kita steps forward, then also spreads her arms to tightly hug Dia. She buries her face in the brown hair, inhaling the scent of jasmine on it. She feels Dia’s warmth seep through her skin, making every cell in her body burn.

Kita feels happy with Dia in her arms, yet also unbearably stifled.

Not enough. Not enough yet. Is it that she is not good enough for Dia? If so, then she will win. She will prove that she deserves to be her partner and make Dia choose her once again.

“Good luck, Kita-chan.” When the announcement from the loudspeaker calls the competitors to gather, it is also the time when the two must let go of each other. Dia whispers that in Kita’s ear.

“I will definitely win. So please watch me closely, Dia-chan.” And Dia’s answer is a determined voice.

For a moment, Dia feels burned by the determination in those crimson eyes. Until Kita turns away to leave, her heart keeps racing.

Chapter Text

Since her debut, Kita has won three small races in a row. That streak draws more eyes to her, and before long she is set to take part in the Satsuki Sho in April.

This was Teio's first G1 victory, where she was expected to achieve the Triple Crown like Rudolf. Although that dream did not come true, the impression of that race is still engraved in Kita's mind.

She wants to win the Satsuki Sho. She has never lost a race before and is in the best condition. She believes that she can be like the person she has always admired.

And yet, no matter how many times she told herself this, the night before the race, Kita still feels restless and anxious. Her trainer asked her to end practice early to rest and save her strength for tomorrow. But she wishes she could be on the training ground instead of sitting in the dorm room and waiting for time to pass slowly like this.

Kita sits on her bed, looking at the large picture frame she hangs right above her bed. There is a picture of Teio when she was at the peak of her career. Her hand reaches out to touch the poster, gently caressing the face on it. She wants to become an uma musume like Teio, wants to create a beautiful scenario filled with cheers and happiness like her. And now Kita is about to take the first step to get closer to her ideal type.

Nervous? Yes, but only partially. The rest of Kita feels restless, eager to run as fast as she can to that goal.

Winning the race. She can win. In tomorrow's race. And countless other races. Only then will she bring joy to everyone.

When Dia returns to her room, she finds Kita still sitting quietly on bed, her eyes fixes on Teio’s poster. Her gaze is unwavering, and in that deep crimson burns a fierce will, like a flame waiting to erupt. Dia finds herself drawn in, helplessly captivated, even though Kita isn’t looking her way. She takes a sudden breath, cedarwood curling into her senses, only making her heart stumble all the more.

“Kita-chan, you should rest early.” Dia walks over to Kita’s bed and says.

“Dia-chan.” Dia’s voice brings Kita back to reality. She looks up, her crimson eyes turning back to its usual self. Then Kita smiles shyly and scratches her head. “Haha, I don’t know if I can sleep.”

“I get it, but staying up late is still a no, okay?” Dia lets out a soft laugh, her words a mix of gentle reminder and quiet affection.

Kita knows Dia is right, and yet her feelings refuse to listen. She watches her for a long moment before the words slip out. “Then… would it be okay if we slept together tonight?”

“Huh?” Dia is a little surprised.

“You know… like back when we were kids, and we couldn’t sleep the night before a field trip, so we ended up sleeping together, right?” Kita’s heart pounds in her chest, yet she tries to stay composed, grasping for the most reasonable excuse she can find.

“But now we always sleep together. Because we’re roommates.” Dia tiltes her head to look at her bed, but in reality she just wants to avoid Kita’s gaze.

“I mean sleeping in the same bed.” Kita leans forward.

“It’s too cramped for two people to sleep in a single bed. I don’t want to disturb your sleep.” Dia takes a step back.

“...So that’s a no?” Kita lowers her head, catching the way Dia avoids her. Her shoulders slump, and even her ears droop with disappointment.

"Kita-chan..." Dia pauses. She knows the way she reacted hurt Kita.

Whenever Dia faces Kita, her feelings are always far too complicated for her to untangle. She truly loves the moments they spend together, the fire in Kita’s spirit, her kindness, her radiant smile, those warm, beautiful eyes. Every part of Kita pulls Dia closer, urging her not to look away.

But with each step closer, Dia feels something inside her waiting to bloom. Is it the seed of love? Or the seed of desire? Dia doesn’t know what it is, but she knows she can't control it.

She is Satono Diamond, the hope of the entire Satono family. She must always remain composed and mature, ensuring she delivers the best results. To lose control of herself is a risk she dares not take.

Dia doesn’t dare look deeply into her feelings for Kita, but she can’t ignore its existence. Nor Kita's existence.

“Kita-chan, I’ll hold your hand until you fall asleep, okay?” Dia pulls out a stool and sits down next to Kita’s bed. She takes the initiative to reach out and hold her hand, smiling gently as she speaks.

“But what about you?” Kita hesitates.

“I don’t need to get ready as early as you, so I’ll have more time to sleep. It’s okay.” Dia gently reassures her.

Kita purses her lips, but she doesn’t say anything more and lays down on the bed and covers herself with the blanket. Dia helps her light the red lanterns and turns off the lights. Then she sits down next to Kita’s bed, holding her hand.

Kita lies on her side, facing Dia. In the darkness, those crimson eyes seem even deeper, tinged with a quiet sorrow. She gently squeezes Dia’s hand, letting their fingers weave together.

“There’s still room on my bed. And… I won’t do anything.” Kita’s words make Dia’s heart skip a beat.

Dia opens her mouth, but Kita has already closed her eyes, so she can only let out a quiet sigh. “…I know. You’ve always… cared for me in that way.”

In the darkness, Dia sits by the bed, watching Kita’s sleeping face. The curtains are drawn, keeping the moonlight from spilling in to touch her. And there are no crimson eyes glowing in the dark to steal away all of her attention.

At this moment, there is only Dia, their hands gently claspes together, and the scent of jasmine and cedarwood wafting in every breath of air she takes.

………………

The next day finally comes. When Kita wakes, she finds Dia fast asleep, her head resting against the side of the bed.

Kita’s heart is pounding, but her mind is confused by Dia’s actions. She refused to sleep in the same bed with her but didn't leave her side all night, just sat there holding her hand and fell asleep in this uncomfortable position. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have time to think about it when she has an important race today.

Kita gently carries Dia back to her bed, helping her set the alarm for two hours so she won’t miss the race. Then she leaves the room without looking back.

Before entering the gate, Kita looks down at her hand, then squeezes it slightly and brings it close to her lips. She can still feel the faint scent of jasmine there. And somewhere in this racetrack, Dia is still watching her. Not just Dia but countless others. Teio, McQueen, the coach, everyone in Spica and the others who have said they will cheer for her today.

Today, Kita is not only running for her dream of being like Teio or proving herself to be a worthy partner to Dia, she is also running for all those who have placed their trust in her.

Just like that, Kita enters the gate, waiting for her first G1 race to begin.

………..

…….

…..

…

I lost… I lost.

The moment the result is announced, Kita still can’t believe it was true. She lost, and moreover, she lost overwhelmingly to the winner - Duramente. She looks at that straight back, her throat choking to the point that it makes her feel nauseous.

Chapter Text

After the Satsuki Sho ended, Kita was scheduled to run the Nippon Derby and face Duramente once again. However, this time her result was even worse, finishing fourteenth.

Though everyone tries to analyze the strategy behind Duramente’s victory, they all come to the same conclusion: the gap in ability is simply too great. Which means that if Kita wants to stand a chance in their next encounter, she has to push her skills to the absolute limit.

But in the end, that chance doesn’t come. Because Duramente has announced that she will withdraw from future races due to injury. A heavy atmosphere covers the whole of Japan, but Kita's feelings are much more mixed.

Because there is no longer the strongest opponent, Kita's training plan has been adjusted somewhat, although the schedule is still quite dense to increase her chances of winning in the Tenno Sho.

Kita spends most of her time running, running, and running. Running on the training ground, running in the gym, running around the city. She just keeps charging forward, wanting to leave everything behind.

However, there are always voices reminding Kita of the distant figure in front of her.

“Duramente is really amazing, isn’t she?” While Kita is stopped at a red light, she accidentally overheard the conversation of two passersby. “No one could catch up to her in the Satsuki Sho and Nippon Derby. What a pity, I thought we would see the next Triple Crown winner.”

“That’s right. And I heard that Duramente doesn’t have a partner yet. Does that mean that’s just her raw power? I can’t believe it!” The other person replies excitedly, not knowing that these words make Kita’s heart even heavier.

“Well, at least now the others will have a chance to win.”

As soon as the light turns green, Kita runs away, but then her steps slow down and stop. She stands silently in the middle of the bustling crowd. Kita’s hand reaches to touch the teeth marks on the back of her neck, rubbing lightly.

After an uma musume pairs up with someone and becomes a partner, their physical strength will increase significantly. But Duramente doesn’t need that to easily defeat her. Kita, even with a partner, still failed miserably.

Why? Is it because her ability was only that much? Or is it because…. 

The thought of Dia flashes through Kita’s mind, only making her throat feel even more bitter.

……….

When Kita finishes her run and returns to the academy, the sun is already setting. Shades of orange spill across the roads, and her shadow stretches long behind her, somehow only deepening the melancholy in her heart.

“Kita-chan.” But before the shadow can swallow Kita, a voice pulls her back to reality. Kita looks up and sees Dia waiting for her at the school gate.

“Dia-chan, are you heading home now?” Kita pauses to ask. For the past month, Dia has stayed behind late every day just to wait for her, and somehow, without either of them noticing, it has become a habit between them.

“Yeah. Kita-chan is practicing hard every day.” Dia nods.

"Mm.” Kita answers with a faint, awkward smile. Then, as if suddenly remembering their plan to go out together today, she quickly adds, “Ah, wait for me a bit, okay? I’ll go change.”

“It’s okay, I’ll go with you.” Dia actually offers to go back to the dormitory with Kita instead of waiting for her here. Although Kita is a little confused, she still immediately agrees.

Returning to her room, Kita quickly takes off her tracksuit and changes into her uniform.

“Kita-chan, your ribbon’s crooked.” Seeing her step out, Dia chuckles softly and moves closer to fix it for her.

The space between them narrows, and Kita’s heart skips a beat, yet it also makes the emotions she’s been holding back surge even stronger.

Then Kita feels compelled to speak out what is on her mind. “You know, Duramente doesn’t have a partner yet.”

Dia’s hands pauses, but because she doesn’t look up, Kita can’t see her expression. “…Is that so?”

“Um, she’s still so strong though…. They say that if Duramente participated in the Tenno Sho, she would definitely win.” Kita looks away, the corners of her mouth trembling slightly. She feels like she shouldn’t have said these words, but she can’t stop herself. “While I… even though I’ve practiced so much, even though I have… even though I have you, I still…”

Dia quietly draws in a deep breath before letting it out. Her hands smooth the ribbon on Kita’s chest, but instead of pulling away, she lets them rest gently over the heavy thrum of Kita’s heartbeat. “Don’t think about those things anymore, Kita-chan. All you need to focus on is winning the race.” At last, Dia lifts her gaze. There’s still a faint smile on her lips, yet her bright brown eyes shine with a steady resolve, piercing through the worries weighing on Kita. “No one knows how the outcome will turn out. The one most expected to win can still lose, and someone unknown can still triumph. But you will certainly lose if you don’t have faith in yourself.”

“I know… I know, but…!” Kita knows that Dia’s words are true, and her tenacity has always been the motivation for her to try a little harder. But… Kita’s mind goes blank for a moment. She grabs Dia’s shoulders and presses her down on the bed.

Kita is now on top of Dia, her two hands gripping her shoulders so that she can’t go anywhere, so that she can only look at her. “But if there is something that will give you extra 1% chance of winning, to believe in yourself, you will do it, right? If so…” Kita says, slowly lowering her head. Her gaze leaves those brown eyes and stops on those pink lips that are still parted. “Help me, Dia-chan…” Kita whispers while gradually closing the distance between them.

There is not a single word in response to Kita after that, whether it is acceptance or rejection. Dia’s silence only kills Kita’s heart even more. The corners of her eyes sting as tears well up, blurring her vision.

But before the first tear can fall, someone's fingers wipes it away. Then two hands gently cup her face.

“Kita-chan, are you… scared?” Dia asks, her brows knitting slightly, her eyes filled with both heartache and a trace of helplessness.

Kita's heart tightens. Scared, of course she is scared. She is scared of feeling defeated and her dream fading away. She is scared of feeling less and less worthy of Dia. She is scared of becoming a disappointment to those who believe in her.

Kita is so scared that she is desperate, and she can only cling to Dia. Because she is her partner. Because if the bond between the two of them grows stronger, their bodies become more in sync, she will become stronger. If that happens... She won’t need to be scared anymore.

Dia looks at Kita’s face, on the verge of tears, and recalls the words she just spoke.

But if there is something that will give you extra 1% chance of winning, to believe in yourself, you will do it, right?

Dia doesn’t know, she is even a little afraid of the answer. They are uma musume, people who are born to run and all desperately want to win. Because of that, many people give up their emotions, give up themselves to pair up with another uma musume, just to win.

It is a trade-off. And once they step onto that path, will they be able to go back to the way they are? Will they still be able to face each other like they used to?

Or will their bond… decay into nothing but mutual use, a hollow relationship no different from the rest?

“Kita-chan.” Dia softly calls Kita's name, but what Kita doesn’t expect is that Dia has wrapped her arms around her neck and pulled her down.

Their lips touch. That soft, warm feeling makes Kita's eyes widen in surprise. She is startled and moves back a little, but Dia pulls her back, letting their lips rub together a few more times before letting go.

Kita's face is burning hot, her heart is pounding so hard it feels like it is about to explode. However, Dia under her looks strangely calm, there is even a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Promise me that no matter what, you will still be the Kitasan Black I know?" Dia smiles, gently caressing Kita's face. "I'll give you an extra 1% chance of winning, so don't think about anything else, okay?"

Kita really can’t think of anything else. She looks down at Dia, at the soft lips she has just kissed. "I promise." Kita exclaims, but perhaps she herself isn’t aware of what she is saying between the chaotic heartbeats.

And then Dia pulls Kita down again, allowing their lips to find each other. It starts with shy rubbing, then each touch becomes more passionate. Kita's tongue reaches out to lick Dia's lower lip, and she parts her lips to greet her in.

Kita's tongue stirrs inside Dia's hot, wet mouth before wrapping around hers and dancing together. Panting and soft moans echo in their room. Two burning bodies press together, the scent of jasmine mixed with the strong scent of cedarwood, filling each rapid breath. 

Kita slides her hand under Dia's shirt and pushes it up, revealing her white lace bra underneath. And then each piece of their clothes is removed. 

Their naked bodies press against each other. The moment their hearts find the same beat, it seems like the seed that has been planted for so long has finally sprouted. It grows stronger with every touch they share, taking root in their souls and binding their fates together.

But along with that, ugly seeds are also sown.

Chapter Text

When Kita opens her eyes, the sight before her feels both familiar and new. Dia is asleep, resting her head on Kita’s arm. The quilt drapes over their shoulders, yet when Kita lowers her gaze, she catches a faint glimpse of Dia’s full, graceful curves beneath.

Kita's face burns as memories of last night floods back. She doesn't know why she did that anymore. Although she had those naughty thoughts before, she never wanted to force Dia to follow her needs. 

Kita was afraid of pushing things too far. She was afraid that Dia would hate her. 

I'll give you an extra 1% chance of winning, so don't think about anything else, okay?

And yet, yesterday Dia accepted her. The two of them have truly connected in body, as partners often do. 

Kita reaches out and holds Dia's hand, and she lets out a sigh. She feels a sense of relief that she hasn't felt in a long time. The overflowing energy and excitement makes her want to run right now.

Kita turns to look at Dia, happily holding her hand and placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Dia-chan, thank you.” Kita whispers.

As Kita draws closer to Dia, the scent of jasmine drifts into her nose, making her already restless heart skip a beat. Her gaze falls to Dia’s parted lips, and memories of the kisses they shared last night resurface. That soft, lingering warmth still seems to cling to her own lips.

Kita frowns. She wants to kiss Dia again, but she shouldn’t kiss someone who is sleeping. But after what they have been through, it won't be a problem, right?

While Kita is still thinking, Dia has already woken up. She slowly opens her eyes and looks up to see Kita’s face close by. Then looks down at her body, then at Kita's body, the corners of her mouth purses.

Unfortunately Kita has accidentally missed the expression because she is too focused on trying to be casual. "Dia-chan…! Good morning."

"Good morning, Kita-chan. How are you feeling?" Dia lets out a sigh before smiling at Kita.

"Better than ever! Thank you!" Kita replies excitedly.

Dia only smiles in silence as she props herself up. Her long brown hair cascades over her slender shoulders and down the curve of her chest, yet just beneath it linger the faint traces of last night’s passion.

I left those marks. Kita thinks to herself, then her face turns even redder. She still can’t believe this is real.

Dia turns to look at the desk clock, realizing that both of them has woken up earlier than usual. That is good, they really do need more time to prepare.

Then Dia moves her body to sit on the edge of the bed, ready to stand up. However, she immediately feels the numbness on her legs, and at the same time, a strange tension comes from her lower body. She lowers her head to look down, feeling both shy and a little awkward.

When Dia looks down, her hair falls over her shoulders, revealing the nape of her neck. On that smooth white skin is a small, fading bite mark. Despite the light red hickeys scatters all over Dia’s body, the nape of her neck alone has no trace of last night. Kita’s eyes drop slightly as she recalls what happened that night.

.................

“Dia-chan, can I…?” Kita buried her face in Dia’s neck. Her hot, rapid breath fanning against her skin like it was burning. Kita’s hand caressed Dia’s sweaty body, her middle fingers still had a bit of clear fluid on them.

“Mhmm…ah….” Dia tilted her head and gasped, her brown eyes filled with tears, looking ahead blankly. She didn't answer Kita, only moaning softly.

"Dia-chan, I want you... Can you be my partner...?" Kita continued to advance, sucking lightly on Dia's neck, making her tremble. "With you... I can definitely win..."

However, Dia bit her lip and didn't say anything. She closed her eyes, letting tears roll down from the corners of her eyes.

.............

As her mind clears, the rush of joy that filled her at first gives way to a queasy discomfort. Kita’s stomach twists and churns.

Kita remembers Dia's expression at that time. She has cried. Even though she didn't reject her or still talk to her as usual this morning, Kita can't ignore the fact that she made Dia cry last night.

Kita suddenly wonders if Dia truly accepted her. Thinking back, all she ever said was that she wanted to win, that she would do whatever it took to increase her chances of winning by 1%. And Dia agreed to help her do that. 

Dia agreed to be physically intimate to help strengthen their already fading bond. So that Kita could win. 

But…But….

Kita wants to say something. She wants to say that she wants to mate with Dia because she loves her, not because of the benefits of forming a bond with her.

And yet, the thought suddenly feels bitterly laughable. Who is she even trying to fool? Just yesterday she broke down, scared before Duramente’s overwhelming strength. She had begged Dia to help her. 

She had taken advantage of Dia, selfishly, shamefully, for her own sake.

“D-Dia-chan…” Kita feels her throat tighten, her voice trembling. She reaches out, wanting to touch Dia. She doesn't know what she could say, but please…

“Kita-chan, we should get ready. Your training schedule is really tight.” But before Kita can reach out to her, Dia has already put on the clothes scattered on the floor and stands up.

Morning light filters through the curtains, the only trace of brightness in the dim room. Today, the red lanterns remain unlit. The air is thick with a mingling of jasmine and cedarwood, each breath making Kita feel light-headed. And yet, she cannot tear her eyes away from Dia. 

Dia is standing there, her face still a little tired, the corners of her eyes slightly red, and a smile tinged with profound sadness on her lips. “But you have to do whatever it takes to win, right?”

At this moment, Kita suddenly feels like the girl before her eyes has become so far away that she can't reach her anymore. Her heart aches, as if ready to be torn apart. She can't say a word, just silently nodding.

……….

“Good job, Kita-san. You broke your own record today!” After the simulated race, Kita receives some good news from her trainer.

Kita tries to smile as brightly as possible and asks for permission to run one more time. She dashes off before her trainer can agree. All to hide the conflicted expression on her face right now.

Kita feels her legs lighten. The burning sensation from her heart pounding in her chest pumps blood throughout her body, allowing her to increase her speed even more. She runs better, controls her rhythm better, and breathes better.

Kita knows that all of these are benefits of strengthening her bond with Dia. But the more she thinks about it, the more painful it is.

Just yesterday, Dia was still her ‘best friend and rival’, that their relationship was fragile yet pure.

But today, with her own hands, Kita has stained the one she holds dearest with her selfish desire and longing.

She has ‘used’ the person she loved.

Just to become stronger and win.

I'm horrible. I'm the worst. What will Dia-chan think? Will she be disgusted with me? Will she still believe if I tell her that I truly love her? Dia-chan deserves someone better than this, someone who would never take advantage of her. Maybe she already sees that now. But... but... damn it!!

Kita grits her teeth and runs forward as fast as she can. Maybe she is hoping that the wind whistling past her ears will blow away those ugly thoughts.

Chapter Text

Thanks to her recent improvement, Kita successfully won the G2 Asahi Hai. And she still has a month to prepare for the upcoming G1 Kikuka Sho. 

When she gets asked if she is confident of winning against Kikuka Sho, Kita can only give away a wry smile. 

Because Kita truly believes that she can win, but the reason for that confidence makes her feel ashamed of herself. 

Kita can't tell anyone in Spica about her problems. Partly because they all know Dia and will probably guess the situation between them right away, but mostly because she feels terrible about the feelings that are growing inside her. 

They are so ugly that Kita doesn't want anyone to know, because she doesn't know for sure what they will think of her afterward. 

With nowhere to confide, Kita can only go to the famous place in the school, the tree stump, to scream out her feelings. The more she screams, the clearer the sound echoes from the hollow tree. It sounded so desperate. She hates it. She really hates herself right now.

And the more she thinks, the more tears swell up in Kita’s eyes. Her frustrated screams gradually turn into loud sobs.

Kita doesn't know how long she would have cried if someone else didn't come. “Are you all right?”

Kita looks up, only to see a girl with reddish-brown hair and a reluctant smile looking at her. It is Nice Nature, a senior from Canopus.

Although the two of them aren't really close, Nice Nature appears at the exact moment when Kita is at her worst.

“Nice Nature-san…” Kita says, her voice chokes with tears that are about to spill out again.

Perhaps Nice Nature understands that it won't be good to leave her standing there crying, so she invites Kita back to the Canopus team’s room. 

When they arrive, Nice Nature makes Kita warm tea and adds a few jokes to cheer her up. But Kita still hangs her head low, her ears droop, and her eyelids are still slightly watery as if she hasn't stopped crying. 

Nice Nature sits down next to Kita and smiles gently. “Is it about Kikaku Sho?” 

Kita can't help but be surprised, not expecting Nice Nature to be able to see through her. 

Through Kita’s reaction, Nice Nature also knows that she has guessed correctly, so she continues. “Maybe I can help you if you tell me what’s bothering you. Certain things are easier to talk about when you’re with strangers instead of friends. Nature-san can be your listener.” 

If it was the usual Kita, she would have immediately jumped up and said that it wasn't like that, that she didn't see Nice Nature as a stranger, but as a senior she admired as well. Unfortunately, Kita doesn't have the energy to do that right now, so she keeps her head down, her hands still holding the still warm teacup. 

After a while, Kita finally gathers enough strength to speak. She confesses all her complexes and worries. She tells Nice Nature about her wish to become like Teio, but she doesn't think she has it in her.

And her hidden jealousy for Duramente. She has been chasing Teio’s back for so long, but Duramente is the one who is closer to Teio than anyone else.

And even when everyone was mourning Duramente’s injury because the triple crown was so close, it was the same as Teio.

Duramente captivates everyone with her skills and spectacular performance. Everyone admires her, everyone wants to be with her.

Duramente is so dazzling that Kita feels overshadowed when facing her. That she doesn't have what she had.

And that fear grows along with the ugly feelings deep inside her.

“But everyone giving her attention just makes me feel worse about myself… I even had a thought that if she is absent, maybe I can win at Kikaku Sho…” Kita clenches her teacup, her voice choking as she feels herself about to burst into tears again. She curls up, her black hair falling down to hide her expression. “Those emotions were eating me up inside… To the point where I did something terrible to the person I loved the most… Just to win…”

Such a terrible person, someone who will take advantage of the misfortune of others and even use the loved ones around for her own good…how can someone like her succeed? How can she shine like Teio? Kita knows she can't, that she doesn't deserve it.

It hurts her so much. At one point, she even thought if she just gave up, it would be easier to breathe. But she can't do it. Even though she is such a terrible person, she still selfishly wants to fulfill her dream of becoming like Teio, wants to be Dia’s partner, and wants to win the races.

Realizing her own greed only makes Kita feel worse and worse. Tears rolls down her cheeks once more. 

Nice Nature sits beside her, listening quietly to everything. Although the part about ‘did something terrible to the person I love the most’ makes her feel that this was more complicated than it seems, she knows that Kita was truly hurting.

And if she has to be honest, Nice Nature sees her old self in Kita right now. 

“I get what you mean.” Finally, when she is sure that Kita has finished pouring out her heart, Nice Nature speaks up. 

This sentence once again makes Kita stop crying in surprise, which Nice Nature finds a little funny. 

Nice Nature then shares with Kita her own story, how she also had chased Teio’s back. And that when Teio couldn’t participate in the race due to injury, she also had thought that if that was the case, even someone like her would have a chance to win.  

“Ultimately, I wanted to win. Isn’t that normal? I don’t want to be in third place or second place. I want to be the champion.”

Nice Nature’s words seems to touch Kita’s deepest thoughts. Every word Nice Nature says after that seems to be the words she wants to hear the most from someone.

“Even though I might be weak, lame, and opportunistic, I found myself that day.”

Find herself? Kita mutters those words back. She doesn't know what it means to find herself.

Kita has always been chasing someone’s back, wanting to become someone. Wanting to become someone like Teio, wanting to become Dia’s partner. But she has never thought about what it means to want to become a Kitasan Black.

She has no confidence. After Derby’s defeat, she was so scared that she was desperate and tried to cling to anything.

She was so terrible, but…

Kita quickly wipes away the tears on her face, which causes the red corners of her eyes. Then she can firmly look straight at Nice Nature and say, “I still want to win. I still want to win more races.”

“Mhm, prove the naysayers wrong then.” Nice Nature nods.

“Can I?” Despite her determination, Kita’s inferiority complex doesn't easily disappear.

“Of course. You are better than me.” Nice Nature laughs and waves her hand to indicate that Kita doesn't have to worry.

“Even though I might be weak, lame, and opportunistic?” Kita leans forward, expecting an affirmation from Nice Nature.

“With all that…” Nice Nature tiltes her head and smiles, slowly saying, “…You’re still Kitasan Black, right?”

This sentence brings back an important thing that Kita has somehow forgotten.

Promise me that no matter what happens, you will still be the Kitasan Black that I know?

Can it be…that Dia’s words back then had that meaning? Kita is very scared that she is using Dia, letting her selfish desires take over and turn into a horrible person. But can it be that Dia has always accepted all of them from the start and also wanted her to accept them as a part of herself?

Kita doesn't know. But now there is one thing she knows for sure: she will win the Kikaku Sho.

….…

…..

…

Perhaps Kita will never forget the radiant scene of the grandstands when she crosses the finish line first in the Kikaku Sho race.

Endless strong emotions flood into Kita’s once heavy heart. Standing amidst the cheers, she smiles and waves to the crowd.

Even though she knows that she is not perfect, at this moment, she feels that she can face the people who supported her with pride.

However, Kita doesn't know that in the crowd, there is a pair of brown eyes that are half happy and half conflicted looking at her.

Dia has witnessed Kita’s spectacular performance in the past two races.

Dia slightly touches the faint bite mark on the back of her neck and whispers. “All of that…was thanks to this?”

At that time, there are only a little over ten days until Dia’s debut race.

Chapter Text

Dia’s debut race took place ten days after Kita finished Kikuka Sho. She then soon met everyone's expectation and won first place. 

Unfortunately, after that race, Dia couldn't return to the dorm because she needs to return home to attend her first race celebration, as well as discuss her future plans with the elders of Satono family. 

It was such a shame since Kita wished she could be the first to celebrate with Dia. However she understands that Dia has her own responsibilities to fulfill. 

She will wait for her, and when Dia returns, she will have a proper conversation with her about everything that is going on, whether it is her feelings or the relationship between the two of them. 

…………

“Congratulations, Dia-chan! What an amazing debut! I couldn’t take my eyes off you!” The man standing opposite Dia raises his glass and laughs out loud. 

“Thank you.” Dia politely smiles back.

“Dia-chan, you are indeed the new hope of the Satono family. Perhaps the G1 dream will really come true now.” Another person also comments enthusiastically.

“I will do my best.” Dia still maintains the same smile.

“But Dia-chan, you don’t have a partner yet, right? If so, then you can’t fully utilize your potential. In order to grasp that dream in your hands, you should quickly mate up with someone.”

And yet, after hearing these words, Dia’s expression freezes, and her smile fades. The two men now turn to discuss what kind of person Dia’s partner should be. The more they talk, the more they are into it. Even more than that very person they are talking about. 

Dia lowers her head and looks at the glass of wine in her hand. She sees her reflection in that shimmering red. It reminds her of someone, even though she has tried not to think about her all day.

Although it is draining, Dia still gets through conversation with the guests this evening. After everyone starts to disperse and chat with each other, she sneaks out to the balcony. 

Leaving the noisy banquet hall, Dia takes a deep breath of the cool night air. She closes her eyes, only now feeling calmer.

“Even though you just got your first win, you seem unhappy.” Suddenly, a familiar voice rings out behind Dia.

“Crown-chan!” Dia shows her first genuine smile of the evening.

The person who just arrived is Satono Crown. She debuted a year before Dia, and is the senior she loved dearly.

Crown walks up to Dia, leans against the railing, and looks up at the night sky. Dia follows her lead.

“What did they say to you?” Crown speaks.

“They all congratulated me. But then they talked about how I should find a partner to maximize my ‘potential’ if I want to break the Satono family’s jinx.” Dia chuckles, slightly lowering her head.

“As expected.” Crown rolls her eyes slightly, but still leans closer to ask. “But what do you think about that?”

“...I don’t really know.” Maybe it’s just her imagination, but Dia feels a faint sting at the nape of her neck. Strange right? That bite mark should have already faded to almost nothing, and yet, with every passing moment, she can’t forget it is there.

Crown remains silent as Dia continued.

“I know the benefits of having a partner, and if I want to break the jinx, I should do everything I can.” Dia looks straight ahead, her brows furrows. “But… If I can really win the G1 thanks to having a partner, is that my own strength anymore?” Dia’s hands clenches slightly. “It might be selfish to think that way, but I don’t want to borrow someone else’s strength. I want to fulfill that dream myself. This is my own destiny.”

“Dia-chan…” Crown is surprised, but then she giggles. “If they only looked at your looks, no one would think you could be this bold and stubborn, right?”

“Crown-chan, stop teasing me!” Dia’s cheeks heat up, but then she bursts out laughing.

The two of them laugh together for a while before looking up at the starry sky.

“I believe in you, Dia-chan. You should choose your own path. However…” Crown stops and turns to look straight into Dia’s eyes. “That’s not just your destiny, but also mine, and the destiny of all the Satono family members.” She gives her a determined smile. “Let’s do our best together.”

“Yeah!” Dia nods firmly in response. Suddenly remembering something, she turns to look at Crown. “Crown-chan has raced with Kita-chan before, right? How do you feel?”

“You mean Kitasan Black? That childhood friend of yours?” Crown asks, Dia can only smile awkwardly and nod. Crown ponders for a moment and has her answer. “She is a strong rival. The way she dashed forward was like she was running away from something. Her back… made me unconsciously tense up and want to catch up.” Crown put away her serious expression and smiles. “It’s a pity that I’ve never succeeded. But I won’t give up because of that!”

“Is that so?” Dia exclaims absentmindedly. Perhaps she herself doesn't realize the affectionate smile that is blooming on her lips right now.

That’s right, Kita is like that. Ever since they were little, Kita’s hand has always held hers, pulling her forward. She has spent years watching that back, relying on her kindness.

But that is exactly why their partnership leaves Dia frightened, stifled, and aching with longing all at once. 

She knows that even if she never puts it into words, Kita would gladly be her support for a lifetime. With her by Dia’s side, there would be nothing left to fear.

But would that be okay? If Dia grows stronger thanks to the bond between them…. If even on the path of her dream, Dia needs Kita to pull her forward…. If she depends on her like this, would it really be okay?

Dia is afraid that if it continued like this, even if she really won the G1 one day, she wouldn’t feel like it really belonged to her. She is afraid of losing herself in this relationship with Kita.

So Dia has always avoided it, not wanting to understand Kita’s feelings, as well as the strong heartbeat in her chest right now.

Crown stands by and watches, unable to help but smile. “Kita-san is a precious person to you, right?”

“The most precious.” Dia answers without thinking.

Because she is the most important one, she is the one I am most afraid of hurting or losing. How ironic.

A few minutes later, Crown suggests that the two of them go back inside, after all, the party can not be without the main character. However, the moment Dia enters the banquet hall, she meets a gaze.

The man has ruby-red eyes, the corners slightly upturned, sharp, yet carrying a hint of a smile. For a fleeting moment, those eyes remind Dia of Kita. But then she realizes his red eyes are brighter, carrying a far more mature, incisive air. Maybe the emotions still churning in her haven’t settled, and she’s just seeing things.

He is a man with short, deep brown hair styled in a side part. Noticing that Dia is also looking his way, he takes the initiative to walk over and greet her.

“Satono-san, congratulations on your successful debut.” The man extends his hand.

“Thank you. May I ask who you are…?” Dia returns his handshake, not forgetting to ask.

“Satoshi. Hiiragi Satoshi. Pleased to meet you.” Satoshi smiles and introduces himself.

At this moment, Dia immediately realizes that this person must be a member of one of the Satono family’s new partners. Although they have only recently entered the upper class, they have made their mark not only with their business skills, but also with their significant contributions such as donating to renovate old racetracks, sponsoring trainers, and newly debuted uma musume.

“It is an honor to have you here today, Hiiragi-san.” Dia places her hands together and bows slightly.

“Please, call me Satoshi. I’ll also call you Diamond-san if it is fine with you.” Satoshi replies. From the way he speaks, Dia can tell that this person is quite laid-back.

“Then Satoshi-san, may I ask, when you were staring at me so intently, was there something you wanted to say?” Dia adjusts her address according to the other's request. However, she also goes straight to the point.

“Oh, I thought I hid it properly. I didn’t expect Diamond-san to see me.” Satoshi laughs, and when he is busted, he frankly admits, “I was just thinking about the potential you have.”

Dia’s eyes droop slightly, although she still keeps the smile on her lips. It seems like another draining social conversation is about to begin.

“….It’s a pity that you still have quite a few shortcomings.” But Satoshi’s next words make Dia’s eyes widened. He grins at her surprised expression, a little amused, but still better than the lifeless smile she had just now. 

“What do you mean?” Dia asks. 

“Oh, I was just saying, and I don’t think you should take advice from a stranger, Diamond-san.” Satoshi refuses to answer any further. 

Dia’s eyebrows furrow. Satoshi is right. She knows she shouldn’t listen to anyone’s advice, especially someone she’d just met for the first time. Because if she used any advice she was given, the consequences would be much worse. 

However, from the first time she lays eyes on Satoshi, Dia realizes there is something very different in those ruby eyes. They seem to see through her perfect and elegant ladylike demeanor, and he also frankly told her that she still had shortcomings instead of shallow compliments.

Dia’s gut tells her that she wants to hear what this man thought, and she chooses to follow her heart.

“Please tell me! What do you think of my running? Because I can’t help but notice the look in your eyes.” Dia gently squeezes her hand, and raises up her voice.

Now it is Satoshi’s turn to stop at Dia’s serious expression. Those brown eyes are like arrows ready to pierce through anything to reach their goal.

It will be rude if Satoshi doesn't tell her after she said it.

At first, Satoshi still gives a few words of praise for Dia’s talent. He notices her eyebrows furrow when she hears those words, but he chooses to ignore them.

Then Satoshi talks about the problems he saw. First, Dia seemed to lack experience in serious competitions. That makes her unable to adapt to the fiercely competitive environment like the racetrack. 

Dia says that she always told her trainer and her training partners that she never asked them to go easy on her. But Satoshi explains to her that even if she asked, they still couldn't give it their all because of her status. 

Dia purses her lips, nodding slightly to indicate that Satoshi can continue.

Another thing that Satoshi realizes is that Dia got too worked up during the race. Dia can't help but be surprised, because this is the first time someone has said that to her. She looks at him with curious eyes. 

Satoshi then expresses his thoughts, that Dia should have run in the middle of the pack to maintain her stamina and break through at the end, but she was in a rush that she maintained a rather high position, causing the running strategy to not be optimally utilized even though she still won. 

That is because she got too worked up. He believes that it is her natural personality that lies deep inside her proper lady-like behavior. 

Satoshi’s words bring Dia from one surprise to another. It is true that she had been a bit worked up at the start, but she believes that she restrained herself well at that moment. She just doesn't expect that he would notice. 

Is it because the Hiiragi family often choose to sponsor other uma musume that they have better observation skills than others? Satoshi can notice small points that Dia herself is unaware of. But if she can improve them, her skills will definitely increase. 

A thought flashes through Dia’s mind. She needs this man’s help, to be able to stand on her own two feet. The feeling at the back of her neck is slightly aching, but she chooses to ignore it. 

“Satoshi-san, this may be a bit abrupt, but can you be my personal trainer?” Dia takes a step forward, places a hand on her chest, and asks.

“Oh?” Satoshi raises his eyebrows, his eyes showing surprise before turning to interest. “Don’t all the Satono family’s uma musume already have a trainer?”

“That’s right. But your keen observation and straightforward advice are exactly what I need.” Dia shakes her head, still as determined as before.

“I don’t think the Satono family’s elders will accept an inexperienced outsider like me to train their precious gem.” Satoshi crosses his arms.

“I’ll convince them.” Dia is surprisingly calm. Looking at her now, Satoshi knows that nothing can change her mind.

Satoshi was just attracted to Dia’s running during the debut race by accident, and also coincidentally had the opportunity to speak his mind. He doesn't expect it to lead to a situation like this.

Their conversation quickly becomes the center of attention at the party. Everyone gathers around and whispered.

“I understand that these things should be discussed with the family first. However, that hesitation can also be a jinx. And I will break it!” But those whispers can not move Dia. She looks straight into Satoshi’s eyes and firmly declares, “I will only accept you as my trainer!”

Then Dia grabs Satoshi’s hand. And she does not let go until he nods.

…………

The next day, even though Dia has not returned and perhaps what happened last night is not yet official, rumors has spread everywhere.

“Hey, hey, did you hear? Satono Diamond chose her trainer right at that party!”

“You heard that too!? Who would've thought someone as sought-after as her would stubbornly choose a person like that!”

 “Yeah yeah, that ‘I’ll only accept you as my trainer’ thing, it’s so romantic!!!”

“Could it be that she fell in love at first sight? Trainer and uma musume, kyaaaa!”

“Maybe that’s why she has no interest in mating up? Because if her partner is a human, then…”

“....Dia-chan?” Kita accidentally hears a familiar name in the conversation of two students who have just passed by. 

She stands there in a daze, alone in the middle of the vast school courtyard.

Chapter Text

Because of the sudden situation with her new trainer, Dia has to stay home a little longer to handle things. In the end, under her firm insistence, the Satono elders agree that Satoshi will become Dia's personal trainer for the time being. 

Naturally, the Hiiragi family has no intention of letting the Satono family be at a disadvantage. The two households quickly reach an investment partnership, with the main goal of training new generations of uma musume who can finally win G1 races, the long-held dream of the Satono family.

As for Satoshi, he says he will work with Tracen Academy to register as a new trainer. That way, he can accompany Dia better during her training sessions, instead of waiting for her to return home on weekends. 

Only when everything is settled and Dia sits in the car returning to Tracen Academy does she have time to breathe. She does realize she has been too hasty with this decision, as if she has been driven by a desire to improve to the point of losing her usual composure. 

Or as Satoshi once said during a private meeting between the two of them, this real personality is always hidden behind her lady-like exterior, that once she has decided to do something, she will immediately jump in without considering the consequences. He emphasized that this could be a fatal flaw for her in the race, something they would focus on improving once he officially became her trainer. 

That is the first time Dia has met someone who can so bluntly point out her strengths and weaknesses. Though she feels a little embarrassed at first, she knows it is all constructive criticism to help her improve. 

"Miss, we've arrived." Dia doesn't even realize the car has stopped in front of the Tracen Academy gate if the driver hasn't spoken up. 

"Thank you." Dia thanks the driver and opens the door to get out. 

It is now late afternoon. Most of the students have returned to the dorm or are having dinner. Dia thinks she will return to the dorm to change clothes and rest. She is too tired and really needs a good night's sleep. 

However, if she returns to the dorm, she will meet Kita. When she first returned home, Kita often texted her about what was happening at the academy, along with a few photos. However, at some point, she suddenly stopped. 

Even when Dia took the initiative to text her, she received no response. Although she knew through Crown that Kita was still attending school and practicing normally, there must have been some reason for her to do so.

Unfortunately, during that time, Dia couldn't handle both her home affairs and her relationship with Kita. So she decided that after returning to the academy, she would ask her what had happened. 

But now that she thinks about it, how should she ask? Ask why Kita suddenly stopped texting or replying to her messages? But Kita has no obligation to do so. 

Perhaps she was too busy to do it. Or maybe there was nothing special left to share with her. Or maybe she simply didn't want to.

Despite Dia's attempts to rationalize it to herself, Kita's unusual coldness still makes her uneasy. 

Can it be... that this has something to do with her choosing Satoshi as her trainer? Dia knows about the rumors about them, but she doesn't really care much. People can believe whatever they want. She is focused solely on her goal of winning the first G1 race for the Satono family.

Satoshi always behaves appropriately toward her as well, even when they were alone. From his eyes, Dia knows he sees her as an interesting girl, and a promising uma musume worth trying out. Not to mention that her Satono Diamond title has also helped him build his reputation and connections quickly. 

Dia suddenly feels a bit ironic. Even though her relationship with Satoshi isn't something like a bond between uma musume, it is still a relationship built on mutual benefit. 

And Dia realizes she doesn't hate that. As long as Satoshi continues to benefit her and vice versa, it is still good for both of them. 

But if that is the case, why is it so hard for her to accept such a relationship between her and Kita? Dia's heart aches. She has tried every way to deny it, to ignore it, but in the end, what is the point? 

Carrying a heavy mood, Dia returns to the dorm. As she expected, Kita is there. She sits at her desk with several books open on it. 

"...Dia-chan." Kita looks up, surprised, but then lowers her head again, continuing to write something in her notebook.  

"I'm back." Dia immediately senses that something is wrong with Kita. 

"Mm." Kita nods, not looking up.

Silence envelopes the two of them. Dia puts away her luggage and changes into more comfortable clothes. Even when she sits down on her bed, Kita still doesn't say a word. 

Dia purses her lips. After a long while, she can't take it anymore and tries to start a conversation. "You're studying at this hour? That's so unlike you." She tries to be playful, hoping to lighten the mood. 

"...." There is no sound in response to Dia except for the scratching of a pen on paper. Just when Dia doesn't know what to do, Kita finally replies. "Choosing a trainer out of no where like that is also unlike you." 

Dia's heart skips a beat. So she is right. Kita's unusually cold attitude is indeed related to her choosing Satoshi as her personal trainer. 

"I know it was a bit hasty, but I chose him for a reason." Dia explains. 

"Doesn't Capella already have a trainer?" Kita tightens her grip on the pen in her hand.

"Satoshi-san will be my special trainer." Dia clenches her fists slightly, her eyebrows furrows. She repeats what she has said to the Satono elders. "I believe he is the one who can make my G1 dream come true."

"And I can't!?" Kita slams her hands on the table and stands up abruptly. She turns to look at Dia, her eyes brimming with hurt and anger, yet there is something soft and pleading in her gaze, as if begging Dia to deny what she has just said.

“Kita-chan…” Dia is speechless.

“I’m your partner! As long as we keep strengthening this bond, as long as we mark each other once more, we can grow stronger together!” Kita steps in front of Dia, places her hand on her chest, and declares. "I can help you win the G1 without that guy named Satoshi or anyone else!" 

"....So you mean you'll help me win the G1 with your body?" Dia's lips parts, then presses together. It takes a moment before she utters the heavy words. "Like how you used my body to win the Kikaku Sho?" 

Kita freezes in shock. 

"So that's what our relationship will become, Kita-chan? Just exploiting each other to win?" Dia knows she shouldn't say these things, but once she starts, she can't stop voicing the thoughts that has been gnawing at her mind for so long. "Is that why we should stay as partners?"

".... That's not what I meant..." Kita nervously clutches the hem of her skirt.

"Besides, what meaning would a victory like that have? If that's the case, even if I win the G1, it would only be 'Kitasan Black's partner' who won the G1, not Satono Diamond who won the G1." Dia bites her lip, closes her eyes, and turns her head away. Her voice trembles with emotion, but once the words are spoken, they can't be taken back. "Then what is real between us? Are even the feelings we have for each other right now genuine, or are they just the influence of the bond we formed before!?"

Dia's next words hits Kita's already fragile mind like a hammer blow. 

"If that's the case, it is better if we aren't partners anymore." 

Kita's eyes widened in shock. Those words repeat themselves endlessly in her mind. Her chest tightens, her heartbeat quickens and it hurts. She opens her mouth, wanting to say something but unable to make a sound. Her hands tremble. Her vision begins to blur.

"That's not it, Dia-chan!" Kita shouts, causing Dia to startle and look straight at her. Tears rolls down her cheeks, dropping one by one onto the ground. Kita's voice is choked. "That's not... the reason I wanted to be Dia-chan's partner." 

"Kita-chan..." 

It happens again. I just made Kita-chan cry, again. Why…? Why I keep hurting her even though she is my…–

Dia reaches out and gently grasps Kita's hand. "I-I'm sorry, Kita-chan..."

Kita wipes her tears with her sleeve, but the more she wipes, the more tears fall. Until her sleeve is soaked and her eyes are red and swollen, Kita slowly looks up and stares straight into Dia's eyes. "I love you, I truly love you... Don't you know?"

Dia freezes. Kita loves her, yes, she has always had a feeling of it. However, she has never thought she would hear those three words directly, at least not in this situation.

"I love you, Dia-chan. That's why I want to be your partner so badly, and I am always afraid that I aren't good enough for you, or that you will choose someone else as soon as our previous bond is gone." Kita presses her lips together, clearly smiling but her eyes hold only sorrow. She pulls her hand away from Dia's and says bitterly. "And I am right, aren't I? Dia-chan... you never want me to be your partner. To you, it is all just a mistake, isn't it?"

"Kita-chan, I—" Dia wants to take Kita's hand again, but she steps back to avoid her. 

"It hurts so much, Dia-chan... Does loving someone really have to be this painful?" Kita forces a smile at Dia. 

Dia can't answer that. She can only sit there in shock, watching Kita cry. 

Ah, all this time Dia has wondered whether Kita's feelings for her were genuine or just influenced by their bond. And today, seeing Kita standing before her, Dia knows those feelings are real.

But the price for that answer is too high. Has Dia pushed Kita to this point, hurting her so much just to prove her own foolish doubts?

"Kita-chan..."

"Don't talk to me right now. Please." Kita cuts Dia off. She turns back to her bed, lay down.

Dia bits her lip, her whole body trembling. She wants to cry, but she knows she no longer has the right to cry in front of Kita. After everything she has done, does she still have the right to ask for her pity?

Dia gets up and walks towards the door. Before stepping outside, she turns back to look at Kita, who is still buried in her bed. She lets out a soft sob, then leaves in a hurry.

Chapter Text

"Cross my heart and hope to die. Together forever, you and I."

On a sunset afternoon, the two children hooked their pinky fingers and spoke their vows. Then they looked at each other, smiling happily. 

But they knew that before the sun completely set behind the horizon, they would have to part ways again.

Even though it might only be for one night, and they would meet again tomorrow, loneliness still grew in the minds of the two young children.

"I want to be with Dia-chan forever," Kita said in an childish voice.

"Me too," Dia nodded. She didn't want to leave Kita either. Being with her was always the happiest time. 

"Dia-chan, you read a lot of books, right? So do you know a way for us to stay together forever?" Kita leaned forward, looking at her friend with hopeful eyes.

"Hmmmm...." Dia frowned, thinking carefully for a moment, then suddenly remembered something, her face lighting up. "That's right, my tutor once taught me a way for two people to be together forever! It's to become partners!"

"Partners? What's that?" Kita tilted her head and asked.

"She said it was someone who makes us stronger? Yes, it's someone very important to us, so we need to always be with them." The tutor's words were still quite difficult for a little girl like Dia to understand, but she still tried to explain it to her friend.

"Dia-chan is very important to me! And whenever I'm with Dia-chan, I feel like I can run faster!" Kita grabbed Dia's hands. 

"Me too, Kita-chan. You're the most important person to me! I love running with you!" Dia replied to Kita with a bright smile. 

The children's crisp laughter echoed across the hillside. They intertwined their fingers, rested their foreheads together, and shared giggles. 

"So what should we do now, Dia-chan?"

"We should..."

.....

...

..

.

Kita's heavy eyelids lift as she awakes from a long dream. She slowly sits up. Her whole body feels sore, her head aches, and her eyes feels a little dry and sore. She feels her skin slightly taut, and when she touches her cheek, she can feel the dried tear streaks.

Kita stares blankly ahead, memories of her dream flooding back like a slow-motion film.

They had once wanted to be together so much, were so sincere with each other. They didn't have a single care about the world, only have the other.

Now everything is gone.

"Dia-chan..." Kita murmurs, her hands covering her face as she slumps down. She can't cry anymore, nor does she have anything left to cry about.

Kita's black hair falls down, the ends parting to reveal her nape.

There is no longer a single trace of bite mark there.

Chapter Text

After leaving the dorm room, Dia realizes she has nowhere to go. She can only stay within the academy grounds until curfew, after which she will have to return to her room.

But can she really go back to her room and face Kita now? Dia feels a chill run through her body, her heart aching at the thought. She places her hand on her left chest, gripping her shirt tighter. She can feel the strong, painful beats under it.

Dia is scared. It is not the first time she has felt such overwhelming fear, but it is still as if it were about to swallow her whole. Her head aches, countless thoughts racing through her mind. She can’t stop replaying the conversation from earlier in her head.

Kita loves her. She truly loves her. There have been so many signs of it, yet Dia still hesitates, still waiting for something else.

And Dia knows that if she wasn't sure about her own feelings, she should keep her distance from Kita. But the more she tried, the more she couldn't help herself from wanting to get a little closer to Kita, wanting to have her special treatment only for her.

Kita has become irreplaceable in Dia's life, and her selfishness makes Dia hold on to her even when she knows she should let go, which end up hurting both of them.

And now Kita will leave too, won't she? Just like all Dia's sisters before her?

Throughout Dia's childhood, she had to watch each person leave, and she couldn't do anything about it. She could only watch them suffer, despair, and give up.

No matter how hard Dia tried to encourage or convince them to stay, all they left her with were apologies and helplessness.

They always left, all because of the Satono family's jinx. Therefore, Dia must win the G1 race. Satono Diamond must win the G1 race. Otherwise, everything will be meaningless. Otherwise… everyone's expectations placed on her, and even her own existence, will be meaningless.

If that happens... Then everyone will leave, including Kita... Perhaps no one will stay if she couldn't prove herself worthy.

Dia is scared. She is scared that the closer she gets with someone, the greater the pain will be when that person leaves. That is why she has always kept distance with everyone around, never too cold, but also never let them in.

But Dia can't do it to Kita. Because she knows even though she tries to push everyone away to protect herself, yet at the same time, she can't stop longing for it, longing for someone to always stay, no matter how terrible or worthless she is.

"Kita-chan..." Dia whispers Kita's name, her voice choking up.

What should she do now? What can she do?

She wants to go back to their room and apologize to Kita. But she is terrified. Because she knows she has crossed the line. Even if she tells her everything, even if Kita accepts her apology, what if the two of them can never go back to the way they were before?

Besides, what can she say? Is she really going to expose this weak, selfish, fearful, and imperfect self to Kita again? Will that make Kita hate her even more?

If Kita also leaves, if Kita also abandons her...

Just thinking about it is enough to make Dia's heart ache.

Dia sits silently until curfew. She can’t return to the Ritto dorm, nor can she go home at this hour. In the end, there is only one person at Tracen Academy she can rely on.

Dia calls Crown, wanting to crash in her dorm room for the night. She can hear the worry in Crown's voice, but she can’t explain anything.

They have some issues with the Miho’s dorm leader - Hishi Amazon. However, despite her somewhat irritable and blunt manner of speaking, she is still a good person and agrees to arrange an empty room for Dia to sleep in overnight.

Crown stays with Dia until late at night, but she still doesn't say anything. She can only sigh. Because she understands how Dia is, always suppressing her emotions and enduring everything alone. After all, the burden of her family's expectations weighing on her shoulders is too great.

In the end, Crown tells Dia to rest and returns to her own room. Dia remembers that Crown's roommate is Duramente. Perhaps she should feel lucky that she doesn't have to sleep in her room tonight.

After what had happened earlier, things directly related to Duramente, Dia thinks meeting her will be a little awkward.

Dia can't remember clearly how she has fallen asleep afterwards. Everything around her feels strange. A room without any warmth. An unfamiliar bed. And no red lantern light coming from the bed next to hers.

Everything has changed. And it is all her fault.

When Dia closes her eyes, tears roll down her cheeks once more, soaking the white pillow.

……….

That night, she had a dream. It was about a beautiful but distant memory. It was the beginning of everything. It was a sincere, innocent happiness.

But when Dia wakes up again, that childhood dream is over, leaving her to face the harsh reality.

She doesn't dare to touch her nape, afraid to find something won't be there anymore.

Chapter Text

Two days later, Dia still doesn't come to class. No one notices something is wrong except Kita. You can't actually blame them because Dia has taken some time off to deal with family matters so they probably think she is still at home.

Kita glances at the empty seat next to her, then lowers her eyes. Dia didn't come back to her room all night, and she hasn't come to class for two days. Where has she gone?

Kita thought about texting her, but then stopped herself. She just can’t pretend nothing has happened.

Dia doesn't need her. Dia doesn't want her. The clearest proof is that the bond between them has broken.

Even though they has known from the beginning that a bond formed in childhood would not be stable. However, as long as they wanted to continue being partners, there would always be a way to strengthen it. 

But now it is gone. Dia is nowhere to be found.

Kita clenches her fists, her hands trembling slightly. But then she seems to lose her strength and slumps down on the table. Her ears drop, her sad eyes looking towards where Dia always sits.

Kita has always been by Dia's side. Just as the spot next to Dia has always been Kita's.

Kita touches the back of her neck, feeling the smooth surface of her skin. If she had never fallen in love with Dia, things might have been different. Or if they had never marked each other, they would have remained best friends and rivals.

But nothing can change the fact that right now, right at this moment, Kita loves Dia so much that it hurts. 

When did this all start? When did she stop seeing Dia as just a friend? 

Dia had always been more special than any friend Kita ever had. She had felt it from the very first day they met.

And when they became partners, that specialness became even more apparent. Dia was the one and only. No one else could replace her. 

From then on, Dia became a highlight in Kita's life. She began to think more about how she could be a worthy partner to her. She also watched her more closely, wanting to understand her more, wanting to be closer to her. 

Just like that, as if it were natural, Kita fell in love with Dia.

Then what is real between us? Are even the feelings we have for each other right now genuine, or are they just the influence of the bond we formed before!?

Dia's question echoes in Kita's mind.

What if these feelings aren't real...? 

Kita's heart aches, accompanied by a feeling of resentment. How can it not be real? If it isn't real, why is she suffering so much? 

But it did start after the two of them marked each other...

"Ugh..." Kita holds her head and sighs. Isn't everyone else's first love beautiful? Why is hers so painful?

Or is she overreacting? Is she just being too sensitive? 

She just doesn't want to lose Dia! She is so talented, so beautiful, so famous, and the hope of the Satono family. Every day, countless people want to be with her.   

And Kita is nobody. The only advantage she has over them is her bond with Dia. Now that is gone too.

“.....” Kita sits up and stares blankly out the window. 

Outside, the sky remains as clear and blue as if nothing had ever happened. 

If… a bird could escape the cage that had confined it since young, if it had the chance to fly freely in the sky, it would surely flap its wings and fly away immediately, wouldn’t it…?

No matter how much its owner might feel sad and hurt, or fear it would never return to their side…

That's right... Because from the beginning, the bird had no choice but to stay in that cage. It was just accidentally drawn in, and then couldn't escape...

"Hey, is that news true?" 

Suddenly, the voice of a girl sitting two rows away catches Kita's attention.

"The guy who was chosen by Satono Diamond to be her trainer has joined the Tracen Academy?"

"Definitely. I just saw him talking to the principal this morning!"

Hiiragi Satoshi. Thinking about this name only brings Kita feelings of jealousy and bitterness.

Because he is the one chosen by Satono Diamond. 

But Kitasan Black is not. 

Bang!

Kita jumps up from her seat and slams her hand down on the desk, causing all the other students to startle and look over. It takes her a few seconds to realize what she has just done. 

Kita awkwardly apologizes to everyone, then hurries out of the classroom. 

Enough. She doesn't want to think anymore. She still has important races to participate in. She just needs to pour all her emotions into the race track. Then she won't need to think about anything else.

…….

At that moment, in front of the Miho dorm, a man with dark brown hair is facing Crown. Next to them are the leaders of both dormitories, Fuji Kiseki and Hishi Amazon.

"I really didn't expect to be called here for such a strange reason," Satoshi looks at the three uma musume in front of him and can't help but sigh. 

"Because I believe you are the only one who can talk to Dia-chan right now," Crown replies, her face clearly showing concern. 

For the past two days, Dia has locked herself in her room. Crown has to prepare clothes for her, then bring her meals twice a day. Although Dia still lets her into the room, she refuses to talk about why she is acting this way. 

The only time Dia actually reacted is when Crown said she wanted Kita to come here. 

"Kita-chan won't come..." Dia clutched the bedsheet tightly, her head bowed as she spoke softly.

"Why?" Crown asked in surprise. Why wouldn't Kita come when Dia was in this state?

"......"

After that, no matter what Crown does, Dia remains silent. She guesses that something has happened between Dia and Kita. 

"But why me?" After listening to everything, Satoshi still has one question.

"...Dia-chan chose you. In a way, you understand her, and she places her trust in you." Crown carefully chooses her words. Even though she still doesn't really understand Dia's choice that day. 

Satoshi rests his chin on his hand, deep in thought. Perhaps he understands the reason. Whether Dia truly trusts him enough to share is another matter. But if Dia dropping out and locking herself in her room reaches the ears of the Satono elders, it won't not be good at all. 

"I'm sorry to have to call you here, Hiiragi-san. But I think it will be best if we take Diamond-san back to Ritto dorm as soon as possible.” Fuji finally speaks up.

"Hah? What's wrong with her staying here?" Hishiama raises her voice. 

"Diamond-san is a member of the Ritto dorm. So it's only natural for her to return there." Fuji frowns, but still answers calmly. 

"But if she wants to stay somewhere, then let her stay! Who knows, maybe she finds the Miho dorm more suitable for her." Hishiama laughs out loud, her hands confidently folded in front of her chest. However, her expression quickly turns serious. "Besides, even though I usually support the idea that a person should have a one-on-one to solve their problem... But the night she came here, her face was so pale, like she'd just gone through a huge shock, it really didn't put anyone at ease. Is it really okay to force her to go back to Ritto and face it when she's not ready?"

"...It's not like we're going to force her." Fuji falters, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Alright, alright, I'll talk to her." Satoshi sighs, speaking up before the two dorm leaders' argument continues. 

He looks up at the building in front of him and lets out another heavy sigh. 

Seriously, just what on earth has happened to make someone like Dia become like this? 

Chapter Text

Because outsiders like Satoshi can't freely enter the dorm even with the dorm leader's permission or supervision, they decide that Crown will bring the phone to Dia. And Satoshi will talk to her through it. 

Crown hesitates a little when she agrees. She knows Dia probably won't like her interfering in her problem like this. However, looking at Dia now, she isn't sure that she can get out of it on her own.

This is the first time Crown has seen Dia so devastated. Even before, when they were just children who could only watch their sisters leave one by one, Dia was always the first to wipe away tears and cheer everyone else up.

Whenever anyone doubts the Satono family's jinx, Dia will confidently assert that she will break that jinx. 

It is Dia's unshakable determination that helps everyone in the Satono family continue to believe in the G1 dream. Even Crown herself is the same.

But since her successful debut and participation in major races, Crown has tried not to show it and treats Dia more like a senior. Because she understands how heavy the responsibility Dia has to bear is. 

Everyone has high expectations for her. All eyes are on her. Any failure on her part can further weaken the Satono family's already fragile faith. 

Crown doesn't want to add to Dia's burden.

Kita-chan won't come...

As she walks down the hallway, Crown recalls Dia's words and her pained expression at that moment. 

Kitasan Black. She is Dia's childhood friend. From the moment they first met, the two has become inseparable. 

Crown can tell that the times when Dia can truly relax and be like a normal girl are when she is with Kita. Perhaps it is because Kita had no connection whatsoever to the Satono family, or perhaps it is Kita's kindness and sincerity that soothed Dia.

Crown never thinks there will be any problems between Kita and Dia, because the two always love and care for each other so much. But it seems that things are much more complicated than she has imagined. 

"Dia-chan, can I come in?" Crown stops in front of the room that Hishiama arranged for Dia. She knocks on the door and says. 

"Come in." The voice from inside the room is gentle but still reveals exhaustion. 

Crown enters the room and notices that the curtains are still drawn. Dia is sitting at her desk, which is covered with books and schoolworks. She has asked Crown to bring them to her. It seems that even now, she is maintaining her usual routine.

The only thing different is the dark circles under Dia's eyes and her slightly swollen, red eyes, clearly showing she is not well. 

It is hard to ignore someone like that.

"Dia-chan... First of all, I'm sorry for making the decision on my own." Crown takes a deep breath, steps beside Dia, and places her hand on Dia's. "Someone wants to talk to you." 

Dia flinchs. "...Who is it?"

[It's me, Hiiragi Satoshi.]

The voice coming from the phone in Crown's hand answers her question.

"Satoshi-san?" Dia's expression turns to surprise. 

[Crown-san, can we talk privately?] Satoshi asks. 

"Of course." Crown nods, then hands the phone to Dia before she turns to leave. Before stepping out of the room, she turns her head back and tells Dia. "Everyone is very worried about you, Dia-chan. So if there's anything I can do to help, please come find me."

Crown leaves before Dia can say anything. Now it is just her and the phone, still connected to Satoshi. 

[You're the last person I thought would lock yourself in your room and hide from reality like this, Diamond-san.] Dia can hear the person on the other end sigh softly.

Dia bites her lip, her hands clenching tightly. "Did Crown-chan call you here?"

[No, and yes. I finished registering as a trainer at the Tracen Academy, so I needed to come here to sign the contract. I happened to run into Crown-san, and she told me you've been holed up in your room for two days now.]

A wave of guilt washes over Dia, leaving her speechless. She can only curl up on the bed, hugging her knees and leaning against the wall.

[What happened?] Satoshi realizes Dia has no intention of answering, so he changes the question. 

"Nothing." Dia's first reaction is to deny it.

[Given your current state, it's hard to say 'nothing'.] Satoshi doesn't hesitate to expose Dia's lie. 

"....." Dia frowns and looks away, as if she didn’t want to look directly at the phone in her hand. 

[....From now on, I'll be assigned a room and stay at the academy. So every day, I'll wait for you at the training track.] Satoshi is silent, but when he speaks again, he doesn't press her or blame her, but says calmly. 

"....."

[Diamond-san, I don't know what you're going through, but isolating yourself like this isn't the answer.] 

“.....”

[Don't just stand there. You can't just stand there. You still have a reason to run. Even if you can't solve the problem right now, what you need to do is keep moving forward.]

Dia's eyes stings. She hides her face in her hands, wanting to hide her weakness even when she is alone. 

[If you want to run, or talk, you know where to find me.]

After saying that, Satoshi ends the call. Now, Dia is alone in the room again, quiet with her thoughts. They are like chaotic waves trying to drown her, but in this moment, she feels like someone has just thrown her a lifeline.

………

Fuji listens to Satoshi's phone call with Dia, and she believes she can trust him with her. 

However, even so, Fuji still feels uneasy. She has heard Crown recount what has happened. And she understands that when a relationship has problems, it can't be just one-sided. 

Surely they will have more information if they hear Kita's side of the story.

Unfortunately, Fuji isn't close with Kita, having only spoken to her once or twice when she first moved into the dormitory.

However, Fuji knows someone who can help her do that.

"... You want us to talk to Kitasan Black-san?" Suzuka carefully repeats Fuji's words. Sitting next to her at that moment is Special Week, listening intently. 

"Yes. Have you noticed anything strange about Kita-san lately?" Fuji asks. 

"Yes!" Special Week raises her hand to speak. "Lately, I've noticed Kita-chan seems unfocused, always distracted by her thoughts! But... it seems like the situation has gotten worse over the past two days. Her performance during practice has also declined." At this point, she looks down sadly.

Fuji raises her hand to her mouth, deep in thought. So her guess is right; the problem actually stems from both sides. 

"So can you talk to her to ask what's going on? That might help us figure out why Diamond-san refused to return to the Ritto dorm." After a moment, Fuji continues. 

Suzuka and Special Week look at each other. Dia's temporary stay at the Miho dorm was also the most talked about topic at dinner tonight. 

It seems that some students who went near the Miho dorm today have accidentally overheard some information and spread the rumor that Dia was locking herself in her room and refusing to come out. 

In fact, both of them have linked this to Kita's decline in practice and vaguely guessed that something is wrong.

"Yes, we'll try to ask her." Suzuka places her hand down and nods slightly in response. 

"After all, Kita-chan is an important member of Spica! We'll do everything we can to help her!" Special Week is more expressive, her hands clenched into fists to show her determination.

At that moment, Fuji smiles with relief. At least now she can rest assured that the current problem is being addressed.