Chapter 27: What to Give Back on White Day?

The red circle drawn on the calendar stood out. March 14th wasn’t the date of any race-related event.

"So, what are you up to, Rue-chan? You’re dressed up kind of fancy today. Wait—where’d you get those clothes!? That outfit’s actually really cute!"

"Ah, well, you know. Lately when I go downtown, some fans have started coming up to talk to me. I figured I should dress up a little better, just in case."

"Ooh… and why are you wearing something like that today? Oh, don’t tell me…"

Bridge Comp grinned from ear to ear, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. Wh—what’s with that smile?

"I see, I see. Today is that kind of day, after all… Oh! Here, Rue-chan—your Valentine’s Day return gift! It’s from a place that’s got a really good reputation!"

"Oh, cookies, huh? Thanks. By the way, here’s my return gift for you. I didn’t have time to make anything by hand this year—had the race and all that—but…"

Up until just a few days ago, I’d been training hard for the Fillies’ Revue, so I’d barely had any free time. Because of that, my gift ended up being store-bought this time. Well, it couldn’t be helped.

Same went for my trainer, of course. Actually, he’d been even busier than me, saying something like, “I didn’t even have time to prepare a return gift.”

"Yay! I got something from Rue-chan for Valentine’s and White Day! Ahh… maybe I should frame it and hang it on the wall…"

"Just eat it, okay? It’s from a famous shop—apparently. Someone recommended it to me."

"Ugh… hearing that you’ve got more people you can talk to about that kind of stuff—it makes your big sister so proud…"

"Who’re you calling big sister?"

After fixing my outfit and making sure my hair ornament wasn’t crooked, I was ready to head out. It was still a bit early, but being early wasn’t a bad thing.

"Anyway, I’m heading out."

"Have fun! Say hi to your trainer for me!"

"Huh!? Wait—how’d you know I’m going out with my trainer!?"

"Come on, isn’t it obvious?"

My trainer had told me he didn’t have time to buy a White Day gift. But then he added, “How about we go pick one out together on the day itself?”

Well, it made sense. If he just grabbed something random without thinking, and it turned out to be something I didn’t like, that’d be awkward for both of us.

"Man, that reaction—you just made my day. Totally worth it."

"Ugh, you… seriously…"

"Come on, come on, if you don’t hurry you’ll be late for your date~"

"Just you wait, Comp!"

I dashed through the academy grounds, heading straight for the main gate. There was still a bit of time left, but—yeah, there he was, a familiar face waiting for me.

"Hey, Lux. You’re early."

"You’re one to talk—you’ve been waiting long?"

"I just got here a little while ago. Ready to head out?"

Today we were going further than usual. Normally, the nearby shopping mall would’ve been fine, but my trainer insisted we should go somewhere different, since it was a special day.

So we went to the station and boarded the train bound for our destination.

"Wow, it’s packed…"

"Yeah, it is. Here, come over this way, Lux."

Truth be told, ever since I became a horse girl, I hadn’t taken a train once.

My height had shrunk, so it was hard to move properly in big crowds. If I wasn’t careful, I could easily get pushed around—or crushed, even. Not that I’d actually get hurt; we’re built tough, after all. But still, it wasn’t exactly comfortable.

And the train noises—between the rumbling and people’s voices bouncing off the walls—it all grated on my ears.

Even if it wasn’t dangerous, it didn’t mean I wasn’t nervous.

"Mm, yeah, sticking near the wall’s safest."

"I’ll stand in front of you, like a shield. Being small’s a bit of a hassle, huh?"

"It’s not like I chose to be small…"

As we got closer to our stop, even more people crowded in. My trainer leaned over me, shielding me from the press of the crowd.

"You okay, Lux? Didn’t think it’d be this packed… maybe we should’ve taken the car instead."

"No point saying that now. Whoa—hey!"

"S-sorry, Lux!"

Thunk! The train jolted sharply, and my trainer lost balance, falling toward me. Pinned between him and the door, I couldn’t move an inch.

Damn, too many people…

I slid my hands around his back, trying to make a little breathing space.

"Trainer, get a bit closer. Don’t push yourself too hard, either."

"Uh, yeah, right… Lux? You’re a little too close, maybe…"

"Huh? What’re you even talking about? Come on—"

And just like that, the two of us stayed pressed together as the train rocked on toward our stop.

Man, my trainer’s body really is big. Or maybe I’m just way too small. Standing next to Bourbon, I don’t even look like I’m in the same class…

Guess I’ve gotta eat more? Even though I already eat a ton.

"Next stop’s ours. You ready to get off?"

"Uhh… you sure we can? It’s super crowded."

"It’ll be fine. Most people get off here anyway."

"Ah, right, makes sense."

The train came to a halt, and the announcement chimed, saying we’d arrived. As the doors opened, the mass of people poured out all at once.

We moved with the flow, stepping onto the platform—and finally, free from the crush, we both stretched our arms wide.

"Haah… I feel exhausted already."

"Haha, yeah…"

The station was just as crowded as the train. As usual, I took my trainer’s hand, and together we passed through the ticket gate into the city beyond.

Still, since it was my first time here, I had no clue what kind of shops were around.

Help me out, Trainer!

"So, Lux. What do you want as your return gift? Sweets? Or maybe some kind of accessory?"

"Hmm… sweets, I guess? Feels like most of your gifts end up being accessories."

"That’s not… well, actually, yeah, you’re right. But that’s your fault, you know."

"Urgh! Don’t remind me! I’ve been paying more attention to my casual outfits lately, okay?"

I did a little twirl on the spot.

This outfit was one I’d picked out with King’s help—it was one I could really be proud of. It met my very specific conditions: pants, and nothing frilly, but still managed to look at least a little cute.

Heh heh, not bad, right?

"Lux, you’ve been getting more and more fans lately. I’m glad to see you’re starting to take that seriously."

"Right? Right? I mean, my racing outfit’s got that balance of cute and cool, so I figured I’d aim for that same vibe with my casual stuff too."

"I think that’s a good approach. So, how many outfits like that do you have?"

"…………"

I couldn’t say it. Couldn’t possibly admit that this was basically the only one I could confidently show off.

The rest were either cheap things I bought at chain stores or frilly disasters that Comp forced me to try.

When I didn’t answer, my trainer sighed. Ahaha… yeah, that told him everything.

"Alright. Let’s get you at least one more like that."

"Ehehe… sorry about that?"

"It’s fine. Have you ever picked out clothes for yourself?"

"Uh, not really. Hardly ever."

Well, if we’re talking men’s clothes, I’ve got plenty of experience and a bit of confidence. But when it comes to women’s fashion? Total loss. Even with advice from King and Comp, I just can’t seem to get it right.

It always ends up either way too cutesy, or so masculine it’s basically crossdressing.

My fashion sense is doomed…

"Alright, let’s pick something out here."

My trainer led me into what was unmistakably a stylish boutique. A closer look revealed that everything on display was made specifically for horse girls.

"Um, Trainer, what is this place?"

"It’s a boutique for Uma Musume. Lots of Tracen girls shop here—Maruzensky does, too, apparently."

"Huh, really… but even if I’ve got no sense of fashion, won’t it end up the same anywhere?"

"That’s why you’ve got me—and the store staff. Don’t worry. Let’s start looking."

And so began my personal dress-up show, led by my trainer and the sales clerk. Try on one outfit, then another, and another… I lost count of how many I’d gone through before they finally found something that satisfied both of them.

A shirt with a necktie, paired with a long skirt. Yeah, I could work with this. The skirt came down below the knees, and I had thick black tights underneath, so it didn’t feel too exposing.

To top it off, they swapped my plain silver hair ornament for a slightly flashier gold one, accented with what looked like little jewels. Wait—this thing’s not too expensive, is it?

Well, it’s probably not real gold or anything, so it should be fine…

"Yeah, that’s perfect. You’ve got both cute and cool going at once."

"It looks wonderful on you! We went with a white shirt and a black skirt and tights to complement your hair color—it turned out really nice."

I posed in front of the mirror, turning lightly to check the look. The coordination was solid, and best of all, it didn’t show too much skin. Hardly any frills, either.

Totally my kind of outfit.

"You don’t really own any skirts, do you, Lux? You should have at least one outfit like this."

"Yeah, well… I can’t really deny that I don’t own many."

"Then it’s decided. I’ll go pay. Want to wear that one home?"

Hmm… tough call. But honestly, I really liked this look.

Not to brag, but my appearance wasn’t bad. Actually, I’d say it was pretty good—thank you, Uma Musume genetics.

And, if I’m being honest, part of me kinda wanted to show off a bit. Maybe that’s because I’d gotten used to the attention from unveiling my racing outfit… that little thrill of being admired.

"Alright, I’ll wear it home! Ehehe, it’s perfect!"

"I’m glad you like it, Lux. Ah, yes—card, please."

They packed up my old clothes into a paper bag, and I stepped out of the shop in my new outfit.

The one King had helped me pick before flashed through my mind—she’d smiled wryly when I insisted on “no skirts.” Sorry, King… next time I’ll go for something a little more feminine, promise.

"Thanks, Trainer. I think I’ll wear this often."

"I thought what you wore today was great, too. That one leans more on the cool side—you could wear it for interviews, maybe. It’d go over well."

"Interviews? Oh, right… that’s a thing, huh? If I keep winning races, people’ll start asking for them."

"They already have. A few requests came in, actually. I pushed them back until after the Oka Sho."

"Wait, what!?"

Seriously!? I didn’t think I was getting that kind of attention already.

Then again, I did beat Mihono Bourbon—a GⅠ-level horse girl—and I’m competing in the Oka Sho. Just from that alone, I’d be a prime interview target.

Wow… I guess I’ve really come that far.

"The Oka Sho, huh…"

"Yeah. Let’s give it everything—and do that first interview as a true GⅠ winner, okay?"

"Haa… you really know how to get me fired up, Trainer."

We walked side by side down the street. The ghost of Mihono Bourbon was long gone from my mind. Now, I wanted to surpass the real one and claim my first GⅠ victory for myself.

I squeezed the trainer’s hand tight. That was the feeling driving me forward.

When we got back to the academy, King was standing at the dorm entrance.

"My, my. Isn’t this rare—you wearing a skirt outside of uniform. Last time I helped you pick clothes, you begged me not to make you wear one, remember?"

"Ahaha… yeah, sorry about that…"

"Well, that’s fine. Seeing you willingly dress like a lady for once makes me happy. So, what’s the occasion?"

King’s sharp eyes locked onto me. Ah. No escaping this one.

"Um, it was my White Day gift—my trainer took me shopping…"

"Oh? And he helped you pick that one? My, my, my… how lovely! Haha, I’m relieved. You really do have that side to you after all."

"Ugh…"

King smiled knowingly, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.

Uuugh, this is mortifying… maybe I should’ve just changed back before coming home.

"When you get something from someone you trust, you should treasure it. And the fact that you wore it home instead of hiding it in your closet? Big points for that. If you had hidden it out of embarrassment, I’d have barged into your room myself."

Yeah… with King, that’s not even an exaggeration.

After getting thoroughly teased by her, I returned to my room, cheeks blazing red—only for Bridge Comp to lay on the compliments even thicker, turning my face into a full-on tomato all over again.