Was I Really Overthinking It?

"Mm! I watched that race too. She was incredibly strong! That gap—"

Duramente unconsciously grew excited, opening her mouth as if she wanted to share her thoughts on the race.

But she quickly frowned and shook her head. "But that's not what I meant just now. It's not about the Osaka Hai. How should I put this—?"

She pondered for a moment, seeming to gather her words. "Actually—I don't really understand it myself. I just happened to overhear Sister Symboli talking with some senior girls, and I vaguely heard your name mentioned. It sounded like they were saying you—you might have run into some kind of situation."

"What kind of situation could I have run into—" Kitasan Black said blankly, trailing off halfway.

Just then, a set of hurried footsteps approached from afar.

The two turned to look and saw someone who also seemed to be training. As she drew closer, they recognized her—Noble Elegance.

Clearly not expecting to run into Kitasan Black and Duramente, Koushou Hayate stopped, catching her breath for a moment. Just as she was about to turn away, she noticed them and froze, letting out a quiet cry. "Ah—it's you two—what are you doing here—?"

"Us? We just finished training together," Kitasan Black answered naturally. "But what a coincidence, Noble Elegance. You're training around here too."

"Y-yeah, it really is a coincidence. Then—I won't disturb you two—"

Koushou Hayate nodded somewhat awkwardly and was about to turn away again. Then she suddenly looked at Kitasan Black, her lips moving as though she wanted to say something. In the end, though, she only said softly, "Um—Little Kita, you—oh, n-no, it's nothing. I'm going to cool down first." With that, she tried to leave.

Kitasan Black froze for a moment, then quickly grabbed her. "W-wait! What did you