The clinic's sterile walls seemed to close in, the doctor's verdict a heavy chain: six months to heal. Bubble's return would be December at the earliest, maybe next year's Senior season. The Classic races? A shattered dream. Her blazing ambition to sweep the Triple Crown made the news a bitter pill, one Hachiman dreaded relaying. Not my place, he thought, but for a rookie like Kenta, this burden was a mountain too steep.
Bubble had been under a veteran trainer until last fall, when Kenta, a fresh-faced newcomer, bonded with her. The head trainer saw potential and handed her off to Kenta as a test. The kid had shone—Bubble's Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes win proved his talent, a badge of promise. But a fracture, right before the Classics? Damn.
Kenta sat slumped, his silence screaming grief. Hachiman's jaw tightened. He's taking it hard. No surprise. To the world, injuring a star Uma Musume a week before the big stage was a catastrophic failure. But blame wouldn't mend bones.
"No use moping," Hachiman said, his voice firm. "We need to tell Bubble."
Kenta's eyes flickered with panic. "But… how do I even…?"
"Tell her straight," Hachiman said. "Sugarcoating it's pointless. I'll handle the head trainer. You go to Bubble."
Kenta nodded, his voice a whisper. "…Okay."
Outside, the evening chill bit as Hachiman dialed the head trainer, the phone's ring sharp in the quiet.
"So that's why I didn't see her on the course," the head trainer said, voice heavy. "Fractured, huh?"
"Yeah," Hachiman said. "I was called in, heard the results. It's rough. Kenta should've told you, but he's a wreck. Go easy on him."
"I'm not gonna pile on," the trainer said. "Thanks, Hikitani. I'll hit the clinic after training. Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble," Hachiman said. "I'm heading to Bubble now."
"Do that," the trainer said. "Take care of it."
Here we go, Hachiman thought, pocketing his phone.
The hospital room was hushed, save for the soft creak of the door as Hachiman knocked. "Coming in."
Kenta looked up, pale. "Senpai… thanks for the call. What'd the head trainer say?"
"He'll come after training," Hachiman said. "Stay with Bubble till then." His gaze shifted to the bed, where Bubble sat, her expression steady but strained. "You heard the results?"
"…Yeah," Bubble said, her voice soft but resolute.
Hachiman scratched his neck, words clumsy. "I'm no good at this, but… it's a damn shame. I know 'sorry' doesn't cut it, but I get how much this hurts."
Bubble's hands gripped the blanket, knuckles white, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I didn't think it'd be a fracture. It hurt while running, so I told Trainer right away… but missing the Satsuki, the Derby? It's not fair…"
Kenta's voice cracked. "Bubble, I'm so sorry… If I'd watched you closer, maybe—"
"It's not your fault!" Bubble cut in, her voice fierce. "I should've been more careful too! But blaming won't fix this. I've gotta focus on healing. The Classics are gone, but I'm not done running. I'll train for next season and make up for it!"
Kenta stared, speechless. Hachiman's eyes widened. What a girl. To face a shattered dream before the biggest stage and still look forward? Most would've crumbled, but Bubble's resolve burned like a flame.
Kenta flinched. "S-Senpai?"
Hachiman's fist hit the wall, not hard, just enough to snap the mood. "You're the one getting comforted? Shouldn't it be the other way around? From here, you look like the damsel, and Bubble's the hero." He sighed, softening. "Your partner's got this much fire. You took on being her trainer—step up and match her."
Kenta swallowed, nodding slowly.
"I'm out," Hachiman said. "Bubble, heal up fast."
"I will!" Bubble said, her voice bright despite the pain.
What a spirited girl, Hachiman thought as he left. He'd known Bubble was tough, but to lift their spirits? That was something else. Kenta had heard her resolve up close. No way he'd quit now.
His phone buzzed. Head trainer.
"Hikitani, what's up?" the trainer asked. "Something happen?"
"Nothing big, just a heads-up," Hachiman said. "You free?"
"For Bubble? I'll make time. What's going on?"
"She's stronger than you think," Hachiman said. "When she heard she's out for the year, she said she'll train for next season to make up for missing the Classics. She's comforting Kenta."
A pause, then a low chuckle. "Sounds like we both lucked out with our girls."
"No doubt," Hachiman said. "If they need support, say the word. Knowing Bubble's spirit, I can't just sit back."
"Tell that to Kenta," the trainer said. "He'll appreciate it. I'm keeping him on as Bubble's trainer. He's in it for the long haul."
"Kenta won't quit," Hachiman said. "If he tries, I'll knock some sense into him."
"Then I'll join you," the trainer laughed. "Oh, and one more thing."
"Congrats on Air Groove's Ouka Sho win."
The line cut before Hachiman could reply. Let me say thanks, damn it.
He pocketed his phone, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Guess I'd better match Bubble's fire."
Bubble's grit stole my heart this time! Her dreams crushed, yet she's charging toward next season—what a champion's spirit! Hachiman's juggling Air Groove's victory and this gut-punch, while Kenta's got some growing to do. Can Hachiman guide Air Groove to the Oaks? And will Bubble's resolve carry her back to the track? Saddle up for the !