"Wow, there are so many delicious things here!" Starlight wandered through the bustling shopping street, her eyes sparkling as the aroma of food teased her empty stomach.
"Barbecue—let's go!" Starlight never denied her cravings. The moment she spotted a barbecue restaurant, she dashed toward it without hesitation.
On the way, she grabbed a honey-flavored specialty drink. Of course, it wasn't anything like the greasy concoctions favored by Tokai Teio. That kind of heavy drink was probably only palatable to someone like her.
"Welcome little one" greeted a cheerful waiter as she approached the restaurant.
"Would you like to order first?"
"Yes, please! I'm starving," Starlight replied, rubbing her growling belly.
"Alright then, I'll get the grill going for you," the waiter said, preparing the food.
Starlight sank into her chair, completely relaxed. With her short arms and legs, she was more than happy to let someone else do the cooking.
The waitress nearby couldn't help but smile. Though Tracen Academy was just around the corner and she'd seen many horse girls before, this was the first time she'd encountered one so adorably soft and sweet. Her sky-blue hair shimmered, and her eyes sparkled like stars.
She looked like a little princess, eating with such innocent delight. The waiter prepared her food ignoring the envious glances from other customers.
Since becoming an Uma Musume, Starlight found herself eating more than usual. She nearly devoured an entire adult-sized portion.
"For a human, that's a lot," she mused. "But for a horse girl, that's barely anything. Just look at Oguri Cap and Special Week—they can eat dozens of servings in one sitting!"
After finishing her meal, the waitress noticed that Starlight had come alone and felt a bit concerned.
"It's okay," Starlight reassured her. "Uma Musume are fast runners—no bad guy could ever catch up."
She appreciated the waitress's worry, but even if she wasn't fully trained yet, she could still sprint away in a pinch.
Stepping out into the night, Starlight stretched and strolled leisurely toward home. It had been a while since she'd explored the city, and the vibrant commercial street dazzled her.
Eventually, she wandered to the riverside, gazing at the stars reflected on the water.
The dim glow reminded her of the grasslands where she'd first met the Three Goddesses. A sudden urge to run welled up inside her—she wanted to feel the wind again.
Just as she picked up speed, she failed to notice a shadowy figure ahead.
"Oof!" She collided with something soft and tumbled backward.
"Ow… my butt…" she whimpered, rubbing her sore backside.
"I'm so sorry! It's all Rice's fault!" cried the race girl she'd bumped into, dressed in a Tracen Academy tracksuit. She bowed repeatedly and quickly helped Starlight to her feet.
"It's okay, really. It just stings a little," Starlight said, flustered by Rice Shower's frantic apologies.
"Rice always brings misfortune to those around her…"
"No, no—it was my fault for not paying attention…" Starlight began, but paused when she saw tears welling up in Rice Shower's eyes.
Wait, wasn't she younger than her? Why was Rice Shower crying first?
Then the name rang a bell. Starlight finally took a proper look at the girl in front of her. Petite and delicate, with long jet-black hair and a small top hat adorned with a blue rose. Her purple eyes shimmered with tears.
Starlight's heart trembled. She couldn't bear to see Rice Shower like this.
As the shadows around Rice Shower seemed to close in, Starlight gritted her teeth.
"Don't just fade away… I hope no one mistakes you for a horse thief," she muttered, reaching out to grasp Rice's trembling hand.
Her fingers were thin and slightly damp. Rice flinched at first, but didn't pull away. Starlight exhaled in relief.
She had pulled Rice Shower out of that dark place.
Smiling gently, she said, "Don't cry. I'm not mad at you. I should've been more careful."
"Come on, let's grab a late-night snack. It's really tasty."
Rice Shower stared at Starlight, mesmerized by her glowing blue eyes. It was as if stars danced within them.
When Starlight's soft voice reached her ears, Rice Shower snapped out of her daze and nodded shyly.
"Okay… okay."
Starlight smiled, but a strange thought crossed her mind: Why do I feel like a suspicious uncle luring a race girl with food?
Still, she led Rice Shower back to the barbecue restaurant. The waitress looked surprised seeing them.
"Back again, little one?"
"My friend hasn't eaten yet. We're here for round two," Starlight replied.
The waitress glanced at Rice Shower and smiled. "Alright, I'll get the grill going."
"Thanks," Starlight said, then turned to Rice Shower. "The barbecue here is really good."
Rice Shower blushed and nodded softly. "Thank you…"
"What would you like to drink?" Starlight asked, then paused. "Oh, right—My name is Starlight. You can just call me that."
"Okay… Starlight," Mi Yu replied sweetly.
Starlight grabbed two honey drinks and returned to find Rice Shower already nibbling on her food.
She's so cute, Starlight thought. The waitress seemed to agree, watching the two girls with adoration.
A tiny horse girl bringing along a slightly taller one—it was too precious.
Starlight couldn't resist eating more, even though she'd already had a full meal. It was just too delicious.
Afterward, she rubbed her round belly and groaned. "I'm stuffed…"
Rice Shower gently held her hand and said, "I'm sorry… Rice made Starlight eat too much."
Starlight chuckled, letting herself be led out of the restaurant, her heart full and her belly even fuller.