Chapter Text
On a particularly cool evening in summer, Rice Shower decided to take a walk along the riverside to clear her head. By all accounts, she should be feeling more confident than she used to. Within the span of just a few months, a lovely trainer had taken her under their wing and led her to win her debut race quite handily. Unfortunately, even with her trainer’s kindness and constant reassurance, Rice couldn’t help but think that she was more trouble than she’s worth. What good is her one success if it was surrounded by weeks of failure? Sure, her trainer was great, but how long would it be before they grew tired of her?
Despite these thoughts of self doubt and inadequacy, Rice was able to take solace in the riverside. The picturesque way in which the sun hit the water was like something out of one of her favorite story books. For that reason, the scenery here was always quick to calm her nerves. She committed the calming scene to her sketchbook with methodical pencil strokes while continuing her way along the path.
As Rice was assessing her finished drawing with a critical eye, an unexpected sound pierced her focus. Further ahead on the trail was another Uma, one she vaguely recognized from class, who was currently singing her heart out to a crowd of none. The girl was dancing with a proficiency usually only seen from the top Umas, but her occasional clumsy steps or over exaggerated motions showed a degree of inexperience. Not wanting to interrupt the strange scene, Rice stayed quiet and out of view of the other girl. Her performance was oddly passionate despite the lack of an audience, and Rice found herself humming along to the familiar concert tunes. The girl’s dance reached a climax, and as she performed one of the final flourishes, she tripped on an unseen rock and rolled into the water with a sad plop.
“Uwahh!” the girl cried out as she tumbled, grasping for the portable speaker which was now following behind her.
“Oh no, oh no, it’s all my fault!” Rice sprang into action, diving for the speaker and grabbing before it hit the water. “I’m so so sorry, I should have known this would happen!” Rice was left on the ground, the speaker held aloft in her arms. The girl climbed out of the water with careful steps, shaking herself off and giving Rice a confused expression.
“Why are you sorry? You saved my speaker! That would have been a pain to replace.”
She grabbed it from Rice and then offered her hand.
“I’m Smart Falcon, but you can just call me Falco!” She struck a cute pose when saying that, seeming to be in a constant idol mindset. “I think I’ve seen you around the academy, are you a fan of mine?!”
Rice accepted the offered hand and was pulled to her feet, feeling embarrassed about how kind and enthusiastic the girl was being.
“Oh, Falco… I’m Rice Shower,” she said with a bit of hesitation. Her ears drooped as she prepared to explain her misfortune. “Are you okay? Your performance was lovely, I’m sorry for causing you to trip, everyone around me always seems to-”
“So you were watching the performance! Yes, yes, yes!” Falco celebrated this apparent victory by bouncing in place.
Rice, deciding to drop the apology before it made the situation more awkward, simply nodded her head.
“Um… Do people not usually watch your performances? If so, they’re missing out.”
“Thanks! I’m sure you understand how it is - Umadols like us all have to start somewhere, and for me, it’s right here!” Falco gestured around at nothing in particular. “My debut went well, but I’m still not getting much of a crowd for these street concerts… which means you’re my first fan for the day!”
Rice gave a slight smile at that. Falco’s positivity was simply overwhelming, as if the horrid experience of tumbling into the river and getting drenched was hardly an inconvenience for her. Not only that, but Falco had been so kind as to consider Rice a fellow Umadol. Of course, there was a large gap in their performance skills, but the thought was nice. Her confidence and compassion were infectious.
“Well," Rice began in a timid tone, "I’m glad to be your fan then... Maybe we could even be friends?” Rice surprised herself, her mouth working faster than her brain and letting the question slip out. Why would someone like Falco want to be friends with a strange girl like her?
Falco’s smile somehow got even wider, and her tail swayed happily.
“Of course, I’d love to be your friend!”
Rice blinked, shocked by the quick and excited answer.
“Well, then… alright! I’m glad.”
It was rare for Rice to make new friends, and she couldn’t remember the last time she had tried to make one on her own. Most of the people she spoke with were either colleagues of her trainer or classmates of Haru…
Falco smiled more, briefly looking at the setting sun.
“It’s getting dark now, why don’t we walk back to the academy together?”
Rice was surprised at just how quick the sun had set on them. If they didn’t get going now, they might miss curfew. Especially given her luck with delays and traffic lights… No way, she couldn't let Falco be inconvenienced by her twice in one day!
“Ah, actually, it might be better if you went on ahead of me! I’d hate to slow you down.”
Falco looked to be further confused, but she took Rice’s words at face value.
“Well, if you say so. It was good to meet you, Rice! A fan and a friend in one day, I’m so lucky!” she skipped away, satisfaction clear on her face and in her body language.
Meanwhile, Rice was left with a warm feeling in her chest. Her earlier negativity was gone, and instead she now held the joy of having made a new friend. If Falco was really that positive all the time, then maybe, just maybe, her bad luck wouldn’t be enough to turn her away.
She waited just a moment to watch the sunset before trotting back to the dorms with more pep in her step than usual.