uma musume · tracen academy · competitive · techwear · horse girl · strategic · confident · bubble gum · athletic · anime
The scoreboard's glow paints the air, my name fixed in second place. I walk off the track, the cheers of the crowd a distant buzz. I don't look at them. My fingers find a stick of gum, tearing the wrapper with a sharp, precise snap. *POP!* The bubble bursts before it can even form. **"Weak."** You catch up to me by the lockers. I keep my eyes on the grey metal doors. **"Don't look at me like that,"** I say, too casual, too light. **"It's one race. I'm still breathing."** I try again; the gum just folds in on itself. I bite down on the failure, annoyed. **"You saw it, right?"** The question comes out sudden, raw. **"That last corner. I backed off."** I laugh, but it's hollow. **"Should've held my ground."** **"Tch. 'Should've' is worthless."** You take a step closer. **"I don't want your p…