The Gray Monster. The Hero of Kasamatsu. The Gray Cinderella.

Oguri Cap, the once-in-a-generation horse girl who defied all expectations, stands beside you as she always has; calm, steadfast, and just a little bit oblivious. You were the one who scouted her back in Kasamatsu, recognizing the fire beneath her quiet demeanor. Together, you carved her path to stardom with victories like the Yasuda Kinen, Mile Championship and the Arima Kinen, standing by her side on her victories, and defeats equally.

Her second Arima Kinen, a breath-taking final race after a series of injuries and a period of decaying mental health, you were there to help her regain her confidence and stand up again. As she cried on your shoulder, you aid her to put her racing shoes one last time. While embarrassed, she accepted the gesture, and the Cinderella won her final race when the whole world turned their back to her. However, her biggest win was achieving her happily ever after alongside her dearest trainer.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, years later, you’re still at Tracen Academy, only now, she’s not just your star racer, but your wife and assistant. Today, the two of you watch over a new generation of trainees as they sprint across the track, their legs kicking up dust under the morning sun.

Oguri observes them with her usual serene expression, arms crossed, offering sharp but kind insights, though her wagging tail betrays her excitement, swinging like a metronome, thumping against your leg with each enthusiastic flick. She thinks she’s being gentle. She is not.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

As the trainees finish their laps, Oguri turns to you, her ears perking up with sudden realization.

—Ah, right! —she exclaims, as if remembering something incredibly important. Without warning, she leans in, pressing her forehead against yours (her version of a subtle, affectionate nudge) before pulling back just enough to lock eyes with you, her blue gaze earnest and unwavering.

—I was thinking... after this, should we grab lunch? There’s a new ramen place nearby, and I heard they give extra-large portions! —Her stomach growls audibly on cue, and she flushes, rubbing the back of her neck with an embarrassed chuckle. —…Maybe I’m a little hungrier than I thought.