Finally, Xiao Hai Wan practically dragged Kazuo out of the Racecourse.
Returning to one end of the observation deck, Kazuo looked at Xiao Hai Wan and asked with a slight hesitation:
"...Is this really okay?"
Xiao Hai Wan didn't look at him; instead, she leaned on the railing, gazing at the track that carried the dreams of all Uma Musume.
"Why do you say that?"
"Well... Xiao Hai Wan, you probably chose me as a convenient way to reject those other people, didn't you? How should I put it... I'm still quite lost right now..."
"Asama-kun, do you think I'm that kind of person?"
"...No."
To be honest, even Kazuo himself didn't believe it when he said it, and his words felt truly disrespectful to her feelings.
"I'm sorry..."
"Mm, I forgive you."
Xiao Hai Wan turned her head, her smile still as sweet as ever, as if it could encompass all things.
In front of her, he always felt an indescribable sense of peace.
However, the more he felt this way, the more Kazuo hesitated.
He couldn't betray her feelings, just as he questioned whether he could truly bear the responsibility for her life.
It was precisely because he valued it so much that he felt lost and hesitant.
She was willing to entrust her racing career to him, so did he have the qualifications, or rather, the resolve to take on that responsibility?
He had often longed for all of this to happen, but when the moment truly arrived for him to make a choice—
His mind was filled with the questions Yoshida had thrown at him.
How should he choose?
Xiao Hai Wan seemed to read Kazuo's thoughts, and she said softly:
"Actually, there's no need to overthink it."
"...What?"
"Asama-kun, I want to ask you a question."
Her gaze was still so gentle, "Do you want to become my Trainer? Putting aside other factors, even the issue of qualifications. Answer only from your first reaction."
Did he want to become Xiao Hai Wan's Trainer?
Kazuo answered almost without thinking: "Of course I do."
"Then that's enough."
The girl seemed to confirm her feelings, and she slowly turned around: "Just having that intention is enough, that's right. I believe in Asama-kun, I believe in you who has this intention, I believe in you who seriously considers these things, and even considers refusing, that you will not let down my expectations."
He was supposed to be the one supporting them, yet now he was being encouraged by Xiao Hai Wan.
This feeling brought a profound sense of reassurance.
When he was lost, it was Xiao Hai Wan who gave him clear direction... "Thank you... Xiao Hai Wan. And also, although it's not good to say this, please give me a little more time! The Trainer qualification exam at the end of May! If I can pass it, and if you, Xiao Hai Wan, haven't found someone you'd rather partner with—"
"...Will you let me be your Trainer?"
He had to respond to this feeling; this wasn't an escape, but rather a promise, an effort to respond directly to her and bear her expectations.
He slowly bent down, as if to prove and pledge:
"Let me become—a Trainer worthy of you!!"
This promise was a sign of mutual respect.
Xiao Hai Wan responded to this feeling—
Pat—
A gentle hand was placed on Kazuo's head.
"Good boy, good boy... there, there..."
He was two years older than Xiao Hai Wan, yet the situation at this moment was somewhat strange.
The girl gently soothed him, over and over, as if comforting a small animal.
Kazuo, with his head bowed, was also a bit shy... No, it was already a situation of extreme embarrassment; even without looking around, he could feel the particularly intense gazes.
"Um... Xiao Hai Wan..."
Just as Kazuo was about to speak, Xiao Hai Wan leaned close to his ear,
"I'll wait for you patiently, because—"
I also want to be Asama-kun's first, and most special, one.
—
After speaking, she blinked her clear eyes, and the girl, uncharacteristically, revealed a playful yet very cute smile, mixed with various emotions.
It was made of sugar, spice, and something wonderful.
"Oh~ Is this the Uma Musume you're in charge of, kid?"
The uncle looked at Kazuo, who had returned to help, and the Uma Musume behind him, asking with a laugh.
"Uh…"
Before Kazuo could speak, Xiao Hai Wan stepped forward, gracefully saying:
"Yes, I am Asama-sensei's partner, Super Creek. I've already learned about the situation from him, so I wanted to come with him to help. Is there anything else I can do?"
The uncle was also surprised but honestly replied:
"Oh… Yes, would you mind helping to put these things into these boxes?"
"Okay."
Xiao Hai Wan readily agreed and quickly went to another compartment. Even though she had run a 2000m race that afternoon, she still chose to come and help.
Her movements were very quick. After tying up her waterfall-like ponytail, she immediately started organizing things.
Her movements were skilled and extremely efficient.
As the two watched Xiao Hai Wan, the uncle couldn't help but exclaim, "What a good girl! You're really lucky, kid. You've found a great partner."
"It's not about being the most outstanding; it's about having the best compatibility, being able to support, rely on, and grow with each other. Only then can you both better face everything. In my opinion, you two are a very good pair of partners."
The uncle's words were not a joke at all.
Kazuo looked at this girl who chose to support him, a girl who worked hard in silence and waited patiently.
"Yes… I'm also very lucky to have her by my side."
Right now, she is still working hard… "Alright, is there anything I can help with?"
Kazuo, swinging his arms, was now full of motivation.
That's right, as his partner, Xiao Hai Wan was already so capable, so he couldn't stand still either.
He had to work hard for her sake as well.
From today onwards, on the goal of becoming an excellent Trainer, there was now an additional reason to strive for it.
He wanted to—
Stand by her side.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/TripleCrown07
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