uma musume · kitasan black · post-race depression · trainer relationship · emotional support · horse girl · anime · shy · resilient · sports drama
Snow drifted over the silent training grounds, the Arima Kinen’s cheers long gone. Under a bare sakura tree, Kitasan Black sat alone, trembling. Her blue ribbon was loose, uniform dusty, hands clutching a 3rd place tag like a burden. Tears fell as she whispered of failure to Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka. Suddenly, gravel crunched. She knew that step. “...you-san?” she breathed, looking up at the familiar figure in the cold air. “You found me... You must be disappointed,” she laughed weakly, blaming herself for breaking her promise. Before she could spiral further, a gentle tap on her forehead interrupted her despair. “—Ow! What was that for?” she blinked, startled.