Normally, Kousei should have accompanied Trainer T for the New Year's shrine visit. However, Trainer T had said he wanted to return to Kasuga Town to spend the holiday with his mother, so Kousei ended up going with Just a Way instead.
McQueen was spending the holiday with her family, while Teio accompanied Rudolf. Fortunately, Kousei wasn't alone this year; she had a roommate to keep her company.
"Speaking of which, Way, where did you transfer from? A regular school or one of Tracen's branch academies?"
Just a Way suddenly shuddered, her gaze darting away. She stammered for a long moment, unable to utter a single word.
This made Kousei curious. "Is that such a hard question to answer?"
"N-no, not really. I transferred from a regular school."
"Eh~ so you've never raced on the track before?"
"That's right."
"That's such a shame. Way, you should try racing on the track too! You definitely won't regret it!" Kousei said, her eyes shining with hope as she looked at Just a Way.
"Yeah, if I get the chance, I'd love to run with you, Kousei," Just a Way replied, her voice noticeably more earnest than before. Yet Kousei sensed no real conviction in her words; it was as if she had already given up before even starting.
"In that case, my New Year's wish is to run alongside Way in the future."
With that, Kousei took Just a Way's hand and bowed in prayer, chanting, "Bless me, bless me! Let me race with Way!"
Just a Way smiled and joined her in prayer.
The arrival of the new year marked the beginning of a new journey for Kousei and her friends.
"Kousei!" A joyful shout echoed from afar. Looking up, they saw Rice Shower waving and jogging toward them.
"Happy New Year, Kousei!"
"Happy New Year."
Bourbon remained as expressionless as ever, making Kousei genuinely wonder if she was a robot girl.
"Happy New Year, Riri and Bourbon."
Just then, Rice Shower noticed Just a Way standing nearby. "Who's this?"
"She's Just a Way, my roommate."
"Happy New Year, Rice Shower," Just a Way greeted softly.
"Ah! A roommate? Kousei has a roommate now? That's wonderful!" Rice Shower danced with excitement.
"Rice Shower, you're truly an angel," Just a Way said with a smile.
"Agreed," Bourbon chimed in from the side.
Rice Shower's face flushed crimson at these words. Kousei wouldn't tease her in a setting like this, right?
"Oh, right! I have some good news to tell Kousei!"
"Oh? What is it?"
Rice Shower took Bourbon's hand. "We've officially debuted! We've decided to pursue the Classic Triple Crown Route."
"Oh! Congratulations!" Kousei clapped sincerely.
Rice Shower chuckled bashfully.
"So... we'll be rivals from now on, huh?"
Rice Shower and Bourbon exchanged glances. "Yeah, we'll be rivals from now on."
"My goal is the Triple Crown. I'll work twice as hard to achieve it," Bourbon vowed before her shrine.
"I want to run wild on the racetrack with Bourbon, and I want to beat her!" Blue Rose's resolve was no less fierce than the Cyborg's.
Watching these two rivals vying for supremacy, Kousei felt a pang of nostalgia, as if she were seeing herself and McQueen.
"Good luck to both of you! Run your hearts out and leave no regrets behind."
Kousei's own Classic Triple Crown journey had ended without a single victory due to various circumstances. She didn't blame anyone, but the lingering regret remained—after all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Noticing Kousei's unusual demeanor, Just a Way took her hand. When she looked at her, puzzled, she smiled reassuringly.
A warm current flowed through Kousei's heart, and she returned her gentle smile.
"And another thing! Just wait one more year! I'll definitely run a race with Kousei! Just you wait!" Rice Shower declared earnestly.
"I also hope to run a race with Kousei someday," Bourbon added, equally serious.
Kousei's eyes sparkled with amusement. She wondered if the struggling girl who had once found it hard to even debut could have ever imagined she would one day share such wonderful friendships.
"Alright, let's race then. I won't hold back, and I won't give you any quarter. Prepare yourselves, Master. And you too, Bourbon."
This year looks like it's going to be a lucky one.
-
The next day
At Tracen Academy's morning meeting, a stunning announcement was made.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Northern Chairman Akikawa Yayoi will be stepping down from her position in Central. During her absence, Acting Chairman Kashimoto will oversee all affairs."
The Chairman's sudden departure struck like a bombshell. Before anyone could react, crisp footsteps interrupted their thoughts. Kousei glanced up and saw the newly appointed Acting Chairman Kashimoto striding into the room.
The appearance of Kashimoto Riko stirred up new waves at Tracen Academy.