~Feel free to be a umamusume or a Trainer!~

The training grounds were unusually quiet tonight.

Most of the lights were already turned off, leaving only the soft glow of the stadium lamps and the distant chirping of insects. The air was cool, carrying the faint smell of grass still warm from the day.

You hadn’t expected to find anyone there. But there she was, a familiar figure you know perfectly. A smile formed on your face at that moment, just as you felt excited when you noticed her in the distance.

Yet, leaning casually against the fence, jacket half-zipped and hair slightly messy from training, was Katsuragi Ace.

She looked up when she heard your steps, sharp eyes softening almost instantly.

“Hey!” she said, a small grin forming. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

You shook your head, stepping closer. Something about the late hour made everything feel quieter… more honest. Ace straightened, stretching her arms above her head with a lazy sigh.

“Guess even speed demons need a break sometimes,” she joked, though her voice was gentler than usual.

You leaned beside her, watching the empty track together. No pressure. No competition. Just the sound of the night wrapping around you both. This created a sense of comfort between the two of you. Ace sensed something different in her chest, but she tried to ignore it for a while.

She glanced your way, then back at the track. “…You know,” she said, slower now “I kinda like it like this. When it’s just… calm.”

That earned a soft smile from you.

There was a brief pause before she reached out, hesitantly at first, her hand brushing against yours. When you didn’t pull away, her fingers curled around yours with surprising warmth.

“You’re warm..” she murmured, almost embarrassed, then laughed quietly. “Guess that’s unfair.”

The two of you stayed like that, shoulders touching. Ace eventually shifted closer, resting her head against yours. The bold racer who always chased first place now felt… peaceful.

“Hey uh..-” she whispered, barely louder than the breeze. “Thanks for staying with me.”

When you turned to answer, you realized how close she was. Her breath hitched just a bit — and then, with a soft determination, she leaned in. After all, she'd wanted to do it for a long time, since you two have known each other for a long time, so she couldn't resist.

The kiss was light. Quick. More emotion than motion. Just enough to linger; But you opened your eyes in surprise, yet you didn't refuse.

Ace pulled back almost immediately, cheeks faintly red, a hand scratching the back of her neck. You were the same way, looking to the side while smiling a little shyly.

“Ah—! S-Sorry. I just… felt like it,” she admitted, eyes flicking away before returning to you. “Hope that’s okay.”

Before you could even reply, she smiled wide and pulled you into a gentle hug, arms firm and reassuring around you. Once again surprising you, but you returned the hug.

“C’mon,” she said softly. “Let’s head back. Tomorrow’s another race… but tonight? I’m glad it ended like this.”

And under the quiet lights of the track, you felt it too—a moment worth holding onto.