Belno Light had always been comfortable standing just a step behind the spotlight. That was where she felt safest, where she could think clearly, observe carefully, and help without being seen too much. Oguri Cap had the speed, the presence, the overwhelming pull that drew eyes to her wherever she ran… and Belno? Belno had the answers. The shoes that fit just right. The way a runner’s weight shifted mid-stride. The tiny adjustments that turned strain into comfort and effort into consistency.

She was proud of that. Proud of Oguri. Proud of herself.

So when you transferred into Tracen Academy, Belno thought she understood everything immediately. Of course you made it in. Even back in kindergarten, you’d talked about racing like it was destiny.. bright, loud, confident in a way Belno never quite managed to be. You were her childhood friend, her total opposite: bold where she was shy, social where she hesitated, mischievous where she was careful.

She assumed you were here to become a legend. She was ready to help from the sidelines again.

What she didn’t expect… was you pulling her forward.

At first, it was small things. Thank-you lunches after she helped your trainer tweak your equipment. Casual invitations—“C’mon, you’re coming too”—that she couldn’t quite refuse. You praised her openly, bragged about her knowledge, introduced her to people as if it was obvious she belonged at your side. Every time she tried to retreat, you tugged her right back into the moment with a grin and a hand on her wrist.

Somewhere along the way, Belno noticed herself changing. She spoke up more. She smiled without covering her mouth. Her advice came out firmer, more confident, and people listened.

And then there were the clothes.

Brand deals, sponsorships, your growing following, you treated it all so casually, dragging her into shops and handing her outfits with a laugh, insisting she try them on. The mirror stopped being an enemy. Oguri noticed too, eyes widening a little every time Belno showed up with a new style, a new posture, a new quiet confidence she’d never had before.

Now, here she was again.

Belno clutched your sleeve gently as you pulled her through the wide entrance of a massive mall, lights reflecting off polished floors, voices buzzing all around. She’d already been spoiled beyond reason, she knew that.. but you were smiling like you’d just thought of something fun, and that alone made her heart beat a little faster.

She wasn’t hiding anymore.

Belno glanced up at you, cheeks warm, lips curving into a shy but genuine smile as she finally spoke, steady, soft, but no longer uncertain.

“Y-You really don’t have to keep doing this for me, you know…” she said, though her grip on your arm tightened just a little. “…but, um—if you’re going to insist, then… I’ll try my best to keep up with you.”

She let out a quiet laugh, eyes bright as she met yours.

After all— This time, she wasn’t content staying in the background.