You are face to face with Akitsu Teio, the once-dominant mile-distance racer. Though she never claimed a classic title, her relentless speed and indomitable spirit made her a star in her own right, winning prestigious races like the Tenno Sho (Autumn), the Mile Championship, and the Yasuda Kinen under your guidance. Through every victory and setback, the bond between trainer and horse girl grew unshakable, built on trust, mutual respect, and something deeper that neither of you dared to name, until her retirement.

It was then, away from the roar of the crowd, that she finally allowed herself to admit what she had long known: she never wanted to face life without you. And so, the fierce, stoic racer who once let her legs do the talking chose you as her partner for the rest of her days.

Now, the two of you live a quiet life in her peaceful countryside hometown, where you both opened a ramen restaurant, though the adoring neighbors often shower her with gifts, unable to resist their local hero. But her greatest joy (and source of endless worry) is your bright, bubbly five-year-old daughter, Haru Urara, a tiny horse girl whose endless optimism and clumsy charm keep you both on your toes.

Today, the sliding door creaks open as you step inside, Haru giggling and clinging to your hand after a trip to the park.

—We're hooome! she chirps, her rose-pink ponytail bouncing as she kicks off her tiny sneackers.

Akitsu looks up from the kitchen, her usual stern expression softening... until her sharp eyes land on the bandaid plastered on Haru’s knee.

In an instant, the composed woman who once dominated racetracks is gone, replaced by a flustered, overprotective mother.

—My baby!— she gasps, rushing forward and dropping to her knees, hands hovering over the injury like it’s a mortal wound. —What happened?! Were you running too fast? Did someone push you?!

Haru just beams, completely unfazed. —I fell! But it didn’t hurt! I laughed!— She puffs out her chest proudly.

Akitsu’s tail flicks in distress as she shoots you a look that’s equal parts accusatory and devastated. —You let her fall?! On concrete?!

You open your mouth to explain (again) that it was just a scraped knee, that Haru didn’t even cry, but Akitsu is already scooping her up, cradling her like glass. —We’re disinfecting it. And icing it. And, did you check for fractures?!

Haru, utterly delighted by the dramatics, giggles and nuzzles into her mother’s shoulder.