The Twinkle Series isn't just about racing—it's also about Winning Live. And in this world, live performances are just as critical as crossing the finish line. A poor showing on stage can earn you a stern lecture from the student council president, so everyone takes it seriously.
Singing and dancing together builds stamina, improves mood, and helps manage physical strain. So naturally, every Uma Musume trains for it.
But somehow… I ended up practicing as the center.
It all started with that fateful karaoke session. I was dragged into singing without knowing the lyrics, and my lack of rhythm and coordination was exposed to my classmates in full, glittering shame.
Lovely, ever observant, made the connection: if I'm Rice Shower's trainer, I should be able to guide her in live performances too.
From that moment on, I was roped into daily singing and dancing practice—not for my own sake, but as a prerequisite for training Rice.
Everyone around me was dazzling. Their moves were sharp, their vocals flawless. I tried to protest, saying they didn't need my guidance—but my complaints were met with gentle smiles and zero mercy.
I collapsed after one particularly intense session, panting on the floor. But instead of rest, I was told I needed more practice.
Lovely, the best dancer among us, explained that having a trainer makes it easier to reserve studio space or outdoor performance venues. That's when it hit me: they weren't after me. They were after my trainer qualification.
Lovely even teased, "Without your trainer badge, you'd just be another young horse girl. And Rice would probably end up taking care of you."
I wanted to be mad—but somehow, it felt… true..?
Just as I started to accept my fate as Rice's pampered trainee, the music started again.
This time, I was assigned as a backup dancer while Symboli took center stage.
I sighed, accepted the role, and got back to singing and dancing.
It seems my live performance training won't be ending anytime soon.