The Two Over There, Heard Enough?

"Mm... it was a somewhat strange way of putting it, but..."

Fujimasa March reached out and pressed a hand to her chest. "Rather than losing a race or seeing someone else shine brilliantly and feeling nothing, it's because this place hurts, because we feel unwilling to accept it, that we keep running with everything we have. Don't you think so?"

Having said that, she did not wait for Almond Eye's response. She turned around, her back to Almond Eye, and waved her hand. "What I said was just a little insight from a not-very-successful senior. Just take it as something to casually listen to. You don't need to care about it too much."

"If there's nothing else, I'm going to continue my morning training. Make yourself at home."

Almond Eye had not expected the conversation to end so abruptly. She could not help staring blankly at Fujimasa March's retreating back for a while.

Then, she suddenly took a deep breath and bowed deeply toward Fujimasa March. "Thank you very much, Senior Fujimasa! I think... I understand a little now!"

Fujimasa March's steps paused, but she still did not turn around. She merely waved again. "...Understand what? I didn't say anything."

"Go back quickly. Otherwise, your Trainer and seniors will start worrying."

"Yes! I'll head back now! Truly... thank you so much!"

Almond Eye nodded vigorously. After thanking her once more, she turned around and ran toward the exit, her stride length seeming much lighter than before.

As she watched Almond Eye run off into the distance, Fujimasa March turned her head, raised a hand to rub the back of her neck, and muttered softly, "...Honestly, why was I trying to act cool in front of a junior I'd only met once...? Sigh, if Noren and the others found out, they'd