Work Text:
The Shuka Sho had just ended with cheers that shook the ground. **Gentildonna**, the new Triple Tiara of this era, stood in the center of the congratulatory storm, the stadium lights casting a halo around her reddish-brown hair.
But those standing close by noticed something: the horse girl wasn't as cheerful as usual. She paid no mind to the cheers, the praise, or even the trophy and the title she had always longed for.
Gone was the proud demeanor of the horse girl who had dominated the Classic series. Now, there was only a look as if she were waiting for the sight of someone.
Those arrogant red eyes seemed to be tearing through the stands, hoping to find the familiar silhouette of blue hair amidst the agitated crowd.
~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
"Come on, One-chan! It's okay, you did your best..." Cheval sat across from Verxina in a small café near the stadium, her smile strained as if trying to soothe the disappointment that enveloped her older sister.
"Shuvachi's right, Nee-san!" Vivlos tried to chime in enthusiastically.
"No matter what the results are, you're still the best to us, Nee-san!"
"You two..." Verxina sighed softly, forcing a smile. But despite her sisters' efforts to cheer her up, the look in Verxina's eyes was as muddy as a lake after a storm.
Verxina herself didn't understand what she was striving for anymore. No matter how many times she tried, she couldn't overcome Gentildonna. No matter how much effort she put in, they only saw her as a stepping stone for Gentildonna's brilliance.
The winner would always be remembered. The loser would always be forgotten. Verxina had to accept the cruel truth that she was only imagining the self-proclaimed rivalry with Gentildonna.
Suddenly, a constant vibrating from her phone cut short Verxina's thoughts. But a quick glance at the sender only made her frown.
**Gentildonna:** Where did you go?
**Gentildonna:** I looked everywhere and couldn't find you.
**Gentildonna:** Hey, answer me, don't test my patience.
"Hah?" Verxina smirked. Why was Gentildonna looking for her? Shouldn't she be celebrating her victory with her teammates right now?
**Verxina:** Oh!? I didn't expect to have the honor of being checked on by the esteemed Triple Tiara.
**Verxina:** How honored I am.
**Gentildonna:** I'm serious. Where are you?
**Verxina:** Why do you care? Why don't you go celebrate your win?
**Verxina:** Why bother with a loser like me?
**Verxina:** Or do you want to brag about your victory again, like before?
Three dots appeared. Then disappeared, making Verxina narrow her eyes.
'I guessed right, so she doesn't dare to reply. I know her too well!' Angered by Gentildonna's silence, the emotions accumulating in Verxina's heart flared up even more.
**Verxina:** Quiet now? Did I guess correctly?
Another silence from the other side. Verxina was too bored to text again.
**Verxina:** Fine, I'm taking the little ones out to eat. Don't bother me.
The message was sent, and the screen went dark. She leaned back in her chair and sighed. It was truly a long day for her.
"One-chan, what's wrong? Who texted you?" Cheval was still worried about her sister.
"It's nothing, just spam. Let's go eat, you two. Competing made me starving." Finding an excuse, she didn't want to sadden her sisters with her baseless thoughts anymore.
"I want a hamburger!!!!" Vivlos excitedly pulled her two sisters' hands, humming as she walked.
"Slow down, you're going to fall." Verxina chided her little sister.
But yes, there was no Gentildonna here, only the three sisters together. She didn't need to be upset anymore.
So Verxina took her two sisters out all day. They ate until they were full, shouted their hearts out, and laughed until their mouths hurt. All the sad things would soon pass. She would be able to return to being a confident Verxina, a proud big sister to Cheval and Vivlos.
~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
Night fell, covering Tracen Academy. The dormitory hallway was pitch black, not a soul in sight.
Verxina's roommate, Tarumae, had announced she wouldn't be returning today, so the room was currently empty.
Putting down the items she had bought with her sisters, she decided to take a shower to wash away the worries of the day.
The cool water running down her body made her feel somewhat relieved. She even thought about visiting her parents before starting training for the upcoming Twinkle series. That would be a busy time.
After showering, drying her hair, and getting ready for bed, she suddenly heard a knock on her door.
'Who's looking for me at this hour?' Verxina thought to herself.
As the door slightly opened, *Click*.
A strong arm blocked the door, pushing it wide open. Before she could understand what was happening, Verxina was pressed against the wall behind her.
"Huh—!? G—Gentildonna!?"
The familiar scent of roses rushed into her nose. Gentildonna's hair flowed down, creating a soft arc beside Verxina's cheek.
"Where were you all day today?" Her voice was low and strangely intimidating.
"You— Are you crazy!? Let me go! I'll kick you out into the hallway right now!!!"
"Don't be stubborn." Gentildonna gently tightened her grip around Verxina's waist, her red eyes as sharp as the first day they met.
"You left without saying goodbye to anyone." Gentildonna lowered her head, breathing warm air onto Verxina's neck, making her jump.
"I— I left early, so what!? You won, why would I stay?" Verxina didn't understand what Gentildonna meant by asking that.
"I looked for you for a long time." Gentildonna's voice trembled slightly. Just a little, but Verxina could feel it.
"Why look for me? What do I have to do with your victory?" Gentildonna's hug tightened.
"Because of you... the victory means something."
The air seemed to freeze. Verxina just gave a half-smile.
"Pitying me? Thanks, but I don't need that."
"No." Her red eyes glowed as if on fire.
"I genuinely respect you."
Gentildonna pulled Verxina even closer. Their breaths seemed to mingle.
"I wanted to see you." Gentildonna swallowed, slightly tightening her hands.
"You are the motivation for me to be here today." Gentildonna spoke slowly, each word seemingly stabbing Verxina's heart.
"You're the one who makes me give my absolute all. The one who gives me the drive to fight."
Verxina gulped. What did she just hear?! Gentildonna was confessing to her!!!
"You... you're truly annoying."
"Yeah." Gentildonna smiled, a rare, relieved smile.
"So don't hide from me anymore."
"Who do you think you are to give orders—"
"I'm the one who will always watch over you. Be by your side when you need it."
In that moment, Verxina felt her heart pounding so fast it felt like it was about to fly out.
The atmosphere was truly awkward. Gentildonna finally let go, stepping back half a pace. Her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were still full of confidence.
"Next time..." She leaned close to Verxina's ear, her breath as light as a breeze.
"Let me celebrate the victory with you. Don't run away again, okay?" It was a confident, firm statement, as if reading a declaration.
"Good night."
After saying that, Gentildonna lightly kissed Verxina's ear, then quietly turned and left, leaving the room filled with the scent of roses and a horse girl frozen in place.
"Y—You—!!"
"You're an absolute bully!!!" Verxina yelled out in anger. But her heart had already skipped a beat.
~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
The next morning, as Verxina woke up, her phone already had a message from that horse girl.
**Gentildonna:** You owe me a congratulation. And dinner.
**Gentildonna:** I'm picking you up today. Don't you dare hide.
Verxina chuckled.
**Verxina:** Who gave you permission to ask me out?
**Gentildonna:** I gave myself permission.
**Verxina:** You really are presumptuous.
**Gentildonna:** And you... still owe me another race.
Writing this, Verxina couldn't help but smile. For the first time in months, her smile was light as the wind, no longer bitter.
**Verxina:** Fine. But next time, the one who has to chase me... will be you.
On the other side of the screen, Gentildonna placed her hand on her chest, pressing lightly.
The Triple Tiara was hers. But it seemed she had just started a new race.
With a rival she wanted to walk alongside for the rest of her life.
~~~~~~End~~~~~~~~