The atmosphere in the living room could only be described in one word. tense.
On one couch sat Saiya—arms folded so tightly it might as well be glued to her body, cheeks puffed, pink ears flattened in open irritation. Beside her, Namawa mirrored the posture almost perfectly, lips pursed in a dramatic pout she made no attempt to hide. Persian sat next to them, legs crossed and brows furrowed, tapping her foot in clear displeasure.
And then there was Anonym. She sat at the far end, unnervingly still. The air around her, however, was anything but.
A faint, oppressive pressure seemed to gather at her back—- a streak of grey clouds and a brewing storm that is waiting to be unleashed, akin to the [Zone] she once manifested, but in… a much different form and reason for occurring.
Invi, who is seated right beside Anonym, leaned back with a sideways glance at the group. "Okay," she drawled, breaking the silence, "why are you all acting like someone stole your lunch?"
At the remark, Saiya's pout deepened.
Namawa let out an offended huff.
Persian's foot tapping grew louder.
The clouds surrounding Anonym grew thicker.
Behind the couch, near the center of the room, Black Caviar released a long, tired sigh. She followed Invincible's gaze—
—and looked across the sofa opposite them.
There, Sakura was practically glued to Lunar. Arms wrapped around her, head resting on her shoulder, tail swishing contentedly.
Lunar, blissfully unaware of the death stares being fired in her direction, was simply smiling awkwardly, trying her best to keep up with Sakura's rapid chatter.
"You really moved that far away?" Sakura asked, eyes wide. "Australia is super far, right? Is it cold there? Do they have good snacks? Have you been feeling well? Do you play every day with them? You didn't forget about me, right?"
"I—I didn't forget," Lunar tries her best to reply to everything, flustered but still smiling. "And yes, I do play with them but not everyday. It's pretty hot, I've been doing better and the snacks are okay—"
"Just okay?!" Sakura gasped dramatically. "How are you surviving over there!"
Lunar laughed softly, rubbing her cheek. "Well… life is more than snacks, I guess. They treat me so well that the only way I wouldn't survive is if I died from too much kindness."
"Don't say that!" Sakura snapped immediately, tightening her grip as if Lunar might evaporate on the spot. "You have to survive! If you die, I'll dig you up and use dark magic to resurrect you as an immortal undead so you can't leave again!"
A beat of silence followed that declaration.
Across the room—
Saiya's eyes twitched.
Namawa leaned toward Persian and whispered loudly, "She's still hugging her…"
"I can see that," Persian muttered dryly.
Saiya's ears flattened even further. "It's been like ten minutes."
"Fourteen," Persian corrected darkly. She had been counting.
The storm clouds around Anonym thickened as the temperature in her immediate vicinity seemed to drop by half a degree.
Invi glanced at her from the corner of her eye. "…You good?"
Anonym smiled. It was serene. It was terrifying.
"I am perfectly fine," she replied.
Ayaka stood right beside black caviar, hands clasped nervously."I—I'm really sorry for the trouble," she said, bowing slightly toward the group.
Her voice carried genuine embarrassment. They all had been at the door only minutes ago, ready to leave for the next visit.
And then Sakura had realized Lunar was actually leaving and the crying started instantly.
She had clung to Lunar like someone clinging to the edge of a cliff—refusing to let go, sobbing that she couldn't leave yet, that it wasn't fair, that just a little longer wouldn't hurt.
No one knew what to do at the sight.
Pulling them apart would feel cruel. Waiting outside while she cried would feel worse.
So, eventually—helplessly—they had all shuffled back inside and somehow ended up here.
Black Caviar sighed again, though there was no real irritation in it. "It's fine, Ayaka-san."
I Am Invincible shook her head lightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It's not your fault, Ayaka-san. Children will act like children."
Her gaze shifted briefly toward the glaring quartet on the couch.
"…Some more dramatically than others."
More Than Ready snorted.
Ayaka blinked, then let out a small, relieved laugh.
Black Caviar and Autumn Sun exchanged a knowing look—one that spoke of experience and understanding that jealousy, especially at that age, was simply another form of affection that was too complicated for them to articulate properly.
Jealousy at that age was rarely about possession. It was about fear of losing space in someone's world.
And none of them were particularly skilled at expressing that gently yet.
A soft click echoed as Written Tycoon adjusted her glasses. She had been observing quietly, hazel eyes missing very little.
"If I may," she began smoothly, directing her attention back to Ayaka, "with how composed you are—your mannerisms, the way you carry yourself in contrast to how your facial features—you must appear older than you actually are."
Her gaze narrowed slightly in polite curiosity. "May I ask?"
Ayaka blinked once, then smiled faintly. She understood exactly what that meant.
"I'm nineteen," she replied gently.
There was a visible pause before Tazuna gasped. "Nineteen? That's younger than my youngest sister…"
I Am Invincible's brows shot up. "…You're kidding. You behave like you're already thirty."
Ayaka let out a small, embarrassed laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "I get that a lot."
Her fingers curled lightly against her pink cardigan. "Our parents divorced when I was fifteen," she began quietly. "Our father… he was always distant. Even before that." A faint, humorless smile touched her lips. "After the divorce, he left almost immediately."
The room grew quieter. Even Sakura's earlier chatter faded into silence.
"We didn't have much money after that," Ayaka continued. "And Sakura… as an uma musume, she needs proper nutrition, proper care. More food than most kids her age. I always worried I couldn't give her everything she needed to fully bloom."
Her voice didn't break—but there was considerable weight behind it.
"I started working part-time after school. It was manageable. Hard—but manageable, it cost me my grades but it wasn't something I really cared about, though it was a little regretful for my social life."
More Than Ready shifted on the couch, her jaw tightening slightly at what she was hearing.
Ayaka's gaze lowered. "Then when I was sixteen… I woke up one morning and the house had been ransacked."
"What—" Autumn Sun lifted a hand to her mouth, eyes wide.
"At first, I thought we'd been robbed." Her lips pressed together. "But as I was inspecting the house, I realized that our mother was gone."
A pause.
"I knew she had been seeing someone," Ayaka admitted quietly. "I just didn't think…"
She swallowed.
"I didn't think she would leave with him. And take all the money I had saved for Sakura."
Silence fell across the room, even the children were stunned at what they were hearing. The chatterbox that was Sakura became silent as she looked at her sister with a complicated gaze and all Lunar could offer for her was a silent reassurance with a gentle squeeze on their interlocked hand.
More Than Ready's fists clenched visibly. "You're serious?" she muttered, anger seeping through. "What kind of parents are they?!"
Black Caviar puts a hand on Ayaka's shoulder. Her voice, when she spoke, was soft and gentle. "I'm sorry, you both deserved better." she said quietly.
Ayaka blinked at that, then gave a small shake of her head, offering a faint smile as if to ease everyone else instead.
"It's alright," she said gently. "I've moved on.It's not worth thinking about people who never thought about us in the first place."
Her gaze softened as it drifted toward Sakura, who was still latched onto Lunar like a determined koala.
"As long as Sakura grows up healthy and peacefully, that's enough for me," Ayaka said. "Even if it costs me a bit of my youth… I'm happy."
She let out a small, self-conscious laugh.
"My job at the academy is actually enjoyable. The pay isn't anything impressive, but the benefits matter more. Sakura has a guaranteed spot there—proper education, proper training, everything an Uma Musume needs to thrive."
There was quiet pride in her voice.
"That alone outweighs everything else."
Black Caviar's lips curved into a soft, complicated smile. There was admiration in her gaze—deep and genuine.
How much she's given up…
It reminded her of someone.
Ayaka continued before the thought could fully form. "Guair-san helped us a lot in the beginning," she said warmly. "When things were at their worst. Without her support, I don't think I would've been able to stand on my own so quickly. For that, I'll always be grateful."
The words caught Black Caviar off guard, and for a moment she had to swallow before speaking.
Of course she would…
It's who she is, after all.
Her fingers curled subtly at her side before she relaxed them again.
Across the room, Lunar let out a half-laugh, half-protest as Sakura squeezed her tighter.
Ayaka's eyes softened further.
"When Guair-san passed," she continued quietly, "I thought about taking Lunar-chan in myself."
Black Caviar's head lifted slightly. "…Is that so."
"It wasn't just to repay Guair-san," she clarified softly. "But because… I know what it's like to lose your parents. Even if our situations were different."
Her gaze lowered slightly.
"In some ways… I think it must have hurt even more for Lunar. She lost someone who genuinely loved her. And so suddenly, too."
Ayaka looked toward Black Caviar as she continued.
"By the time the funeral ended, I heard Lunar-chan was already gone. That she was under the care of an old friend of Guair's… and that the friend was another uma musume."
Her lips curved faintly.
"I felt relieved. Truly. But also… a little sad. We didn't get to say goodbye. It all happened so quickly."
She glanced toward Lunar again.
"But I'm grateful we were able to meet her again."
Black Caviar met her gaze and offered a small, apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I should have spoken to more people before taking her away. It must have been confusing."
A brief pause. "It was selfish of me."
Ayaka immediately shook her head. "No. You did what you believed was best for her. That's not selfish."
Her tone was firm in a way that left no room for argument. "And judging by how happy she seems now…"
Ayaka's eyes softened once more as Lunar's laughter rang lightly through the room. "I think you chose correctly."
Words went unspoken for a few moments until Written Tycoon finally broke it. Her voice was composed—but there was guilt beneath the firmness.
"…We need to move," she said quietly. "From what Lunar told us, there are still two more places to visit. It would not be wise to delay any further."
Ayaka closed her eyes briefly, then nodded. "…Yes. You're right."
She stepped toward the tangled pair on the sofa and crouched slightly, reaching for Sakura. With careful gentleness, she began easing her sister away from Lunar's arm.
"Sakura," she said softly, brushing a hand over her hair, "it's time to say goodbye."
Sakura's head snapped up, pink eyes wide with offense. "What?!" She wriggled immediately, trying to escape Ayaka's hold. "Lunar is staying the night. Aren't you, Lunar?"
All eyes shifted.
Lunar froze. Her expression faltered—remorse screaming in her eyes.
Sakura saw it.
Understanding hit—and so did panic.
Her small hands thrashed against Ayaka's hold, but her sister's embrace remained firm. "No!" she cried. "You're abandoning us again!"
The word struck harder than it should have.
"I'm not," Lunar said quickly, leaning forward. "Sakura, I just—there are other people I need to visit too. I promise th—"
"You're making excuses!" Sakura screamed, tears spilling freely now. "You'll forget about us when you leave! You'll forget about me and Ayaka-onee-san!"
Her voice cracked.
"You'll forget about us just like Mommy and Daddy did!"
Silence swallowed the room whole.
No one moved.
The only sound left was Sakura's sobbing as she collapsed back into Ayaka's arms, burying her face into her sister's chest. Her small shoulders shook violently. Ayaka held her tightly, one hand cradling the back of her head. Her own expression had gone mellow but remained strong as it had always been for her little sister.
Black Caviar inhaled softly, ready to step in—but a gentle hand touched her shoulder.
Tazuna leaned closer and whispered, "Let's see how Lunar handles this first."
Black Caviar paused. Then, slowly, she stepped back and her gaze found Lunar who walked forward—slowly, carefully. Sakura was still sobbing into Ayaka's chest, small fingers twisted tightly into her sister's cardigan.
Without a word, Lunar wrapped her arms around both of them. Ayaka's eyes widened a little at the sudden motion
"I really liked the time we spent together," Lunar said softly. "Every time I went to the playground… you were always what I looked forward to the most."
Sakura's shoulders trembled.
"I wasn't even sure if we were really friends," Lunar admitted with a faint, watery laugh. "But seeing you like this right now… I think that answers it."
Slowly, hesitantly, Sakura turned her face away from Ayaka's chest and peeked at Lunar. Her pink eyes were swollen, glossy with tears.
Lunar smiled gently.
"But memories are memories," she continued. "And I have to move forward now. Just like I had to… with Momma."
The room grew quiet again—but softer this time.
"I have a new family now," Lunar said. "And they don't live here. So I have to go back with them soon. There just isn't enough time."
She swallowed.
"Every hello comes with a goodbye."
Sakura's lips trembled.
Lunar's smile deepened meaningfully. "But every goodbye comes with another hello, too."
Sakura blinked, confused through her tears.
"I'll come back," Lunar promised.
Sakura's brows knitted together. "You say that, but… we'll barely see each other…"
Her voice cracked again, smaller this time.
Lunar paused—then her yellow eyes brightened slightly. "…Then we won't let it be limited."
Sakura sniffled. "…Huh?"
"We can still talk online," Lunar said gently. "We can message each other. Video calls, too. I can show you where I live now. You can tell me about school. About your day, about everything."
She squeezed Sakura's hands.
"We don't have to disappear from each other just because we're far away."
Sakura stared at her, processing. Her fingers tightened slightly in Lunar's sleeve.
"…Promise?" she asked, voice small and fragile.
Lunar didn't hesitate. She lifted her hand and hooked out her pinky. "Promise."
Sakura sniffed, staring at the offered finger. Slowly, she began to raise her own—
—but instead of completing the pinky swear, she suddenly lunged forward.
She threw herself into Lunar's arms again.
"Hey—!" Saiya started.
This time, Lunar nearly tipped backward from the force, but another presence was already behind her.
Anonym had stepped in silently, one hand bracing Lunar's back before she could fall. Lunar steadied herself with that support and tightened her arms around Sakura in return.
And then Namawa moved first. With a huff and an exaggerated roll of her eyes, she joined the embrace. Saiya followed immediately after. Persian hesitated only a heartbeat before stepping in as well. Anonym, after ensuring Lunar's balance, leaned in just slightly.
It became a cluster of limbs and warmth.
A small, imperfect, tangled group hug.
Sakura's sobbing softened into uneven hiccups as she found herself surrounded on all sides, not just by Lunar, but by everyone.
Across the room, Black Caviar watched.
There was pride in her gaze. Lunar had stepped forward on her own. She had chosen her words carefully. She had faced and solved the problem directly instead of running from it.
Tazuna exhaled softly. "What a gentle way to solve it…"
Written Tycoon allowed herself the faintest smirk. "A very selfless and thoughtful approach," she remarked.
More Than Ready grinned. "Yeah. And worded really well, too."
Ayaka watched the scene—her sister tucked safely within a small, protective circle—and released a quiet breath through her nose.
"Hmph."
Her eyes softened.
"…Just like that person."
-------
One by one, they stepped out of the siblings' home and toward their waiting ride. Gravel crunched with every step they took.
At the doorway, Ayaka stood calmly with one hand resting lightly on Sakura's shoulder.
Sakura, however, wasn't composed in the slightest. She waved both arms wildly. "Don't ignore my messages!" she shouted. "And pick up when I call you! Even if it's late!"
Lunar paused halfway into the van and turned back.
She laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head—then lifted her hand and made a clear OK sign with her fingers.
"I will!" she called back. "I promise!"
Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously, clearly evaluating the reliability of that statement.
"Every time!" Sakura insisted urgently.
"Every time," Lunar echoed, more firmly.
Ayaka smiled faintly beside her sister and gave a quieter wave. "Travel safely," she said.
Black Caviar inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you for having us."
Doors slid open and shut as everyone climbed into their seats. The interior shifted with soft movements and seatbelts clicking into place.
Lunar lingered just a second longer before fully stepping inside. She gave one final wave—slower this time. Longer.
Then she turned.
The door slid shut with a soft sound. Sakura kept waving even as the engine hummed to life. Even as the van began to roll forward. Only when it turned the corner and disappeared from sight did her arms finally lower.
Inside the van, Lunar leaned forward between the seats, pointing ahead. "Turn right here, please."
The driver nodded and eased the wheel. The van turned smoothly onto a narrower road.
"There!" Lunar perked up, pointing toward the right side of the street. "That's the snack shop!"
The small storefront came into view as they approached—old wooden panels, a faded awning, a display window, all common characteristics of a traditional old shop.
Namawa straightened in her seat. "Oh? Snacks?"
The van slowed… then stopped directly in front of the shop. Lunar's excitement lingered for half a second longer before it completely faded.
The shutters were down and the lights were off.
A small wooden sign hung at the entrance. Closed.
"…Ah."
Namawa visibly deflated, shoulders slumping dramatically. "You're kidding…"
"Shut up," Invincible muttered flatly—and promptly shoved one of the leftover skewers straight into Namawa's mouth.
"Mmph?!"
Namawa flailed for a second, eyes widening in betrayal as she tried to protest around the stick. She grabbed Invincible's wrist, attempting to pry it away—only to finally give up and bite down properly.
"…Urgh," she grumbled between chews. "…This doesn't fix my disappointment…."
Invincible leaned back. "It sure does fix your whining."
Meanwhile, Black Caviar hadn't reacted to the exchange at all. She was still staring at the storefront, eyes slightly narrowed.
"…Wait a minute."
Before she could elaborate, a knock sounded against the van door.
The sliding door opened to reveal Written Tycoon standing neatly outside, More Than Ready beside her with hands on her hips.
"Well?" More Than Ready asked, glancing at the dark shop and the empty street. "Is this the place? Because I'm not seeing anyone."
Lunar leaned forward between the seats. "Usually around this time, Kaneko-obaa-san is preparing to close…" She frowned faintly. "I didn't expect it to already be closed."
"Kaneko-obaa-san, is it?" Black Caviar repeated.
Lunar nodded. "Yes."
Without another word, Black Caviar reached into her coat and pulled out her phone. Her fingers moved quickly and confidently across the screen.
A moment later, she turned it around for everyone to see.
On the display was a contact chat.
Kaneko.
Lunar's eyes widened instantly. "Huh?! Aunt Nel, how do you know Kaneko-obaa-san?!"
Black Caviar's lips curved slightly. "She's the kind lady who helped distribute the list of places you and Saiya might have been at when you both went missing."
Lunar blinked.
"She also wrote down her contact number for me," Black Caviar added calmly. "Along with the location of her house in case I did not find you."
Understanding dawned slowly across Lunar's face. "So that's how…" she murmured.
Black Caviar locked her phone and slipped it back into her coat. "We'll call her later tonight. It's likely she's already home by now."
Written Tycoon cuts in. "Which means we can proceed to the last location?"
For a moment, Lunar didn't answer. Her gaze lingered on the shop. Next time, she thought silently.
Then she nodded. "…Yeah. Let's go."