Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Curren Chan's story
7 scenes, 449 lines
1. A Cute Encounter
70 linesDozing off, I see an old memory dance through my dreams.
On my way home from the amusement park, I find a girl crying because she got separated from her mom.
Want me to help you look for her?
Really?! Thanks, big bro! Hehe, you're so nice. ♪
Her tears dry as we search, and then... as we pass the park's princess castle, she stops and looks up.
...Do you want to be a princess when you grow up?
As I follow the girl's gaze to the castle, the question slips out of my mouth. In response, she turns around and flashes me a warm, mellow smile.
Well, my dream is...
It's morning, and I arrive in front of the Tracen Academy school gates to find a huge crowd of people outside waiting for something.
No way, I think we managed to grab the best spot here! We're like super close!
Waking up early to claim a spot was so worth it! And If I'm lucky, maybe I can get a selfie...
Excuse me, but what's going on?
Whaaat?! Trainer, you're joking, right? Today's the day the famous Umastagrammer known only as "Curren" is transferring to our school!
...Curren?
Wait, you really don't know?! We're talking about the selfie goddess with over 3 million followers on Umastagram, that Curren!
It seems like this new transfer is already well-loved by the student body. My curiosity piqued, I decide to wait with the crowd for her to arrive.
Soon enough, a limousine parks in front of the school gate, and a single girl steps out.
Aiiieeeeek! Curren!
Wow! ♪ What a welcome! Don't tell me you were all waiting for me?
Hehe, you all are just the best!
You just made me the world's happiest Curren Chan! ♪ Heehee! ♪
No way! It's like Curren's got filters on her, but in real life!
Omigosh, she's positively glowing! The Umastagram star, Curren, is really in front of me right now!
Um, do you mind if I get a picture with you? I'm your b-b-biggest fan!
Not at all! Let's see... Right, this pose will make you extra cute!
Whoa, I actually... got a pic with her. Wow! Thank you so much! I'll treasure this forever!
Curren's happy when everyone's happy! ♪ When you post that pic, don't forget to spread the love via #CurrenChan!
Everyone, there's still plenty of pictures to be taken! ☆ Just remember sure to share the pics with all your friends, okay? ♪
Okaaay! ♪
What a presence... I find myself staring at the impromptu photoshoot, lost for words, when suddenly... my eyes meet Curren's.
Y-you're...
...Wh-who, me?
Huh?!
You're a trainer at this academy, aren't you? I think... I was destined to find you here!
Huh... What?!
It's decided, I've made up my mind! From today on... you'll be my trainer! ♪
Whaaaaat?!
Is... that a no? You know, I've been waiting so long to see you... Sniff, sniff...
Her sudden barrage of cuteness nearly sways me, but I return to my senses. A contract between trainer and Umamusume isn't something to be taken lightly.
C-come over here for a sec!
Okaaay! ♪
Leaving the school gate behind, I take the time to explain to Curren Chan about trainers and how she shouldn't pick hers off of a first impression.
You came here because you had a dream, right?
...A dream, huh?
Well, of course I do! ♪ After all, I came to this school...
...so I could hear everyone tell me how cute I am! ♪ I bet that at the Tracen Academy, I'll get waaay more followers!
It feels like someone just hit me over the head with a sledgehammer. That's why she enrolled here?!
Hear me out, okay? I want even more people to love me, and to do that, I need you!
So, pleeease... Big Bro! Be my one and only trainer! ♪
B-"Big Bro"?!
...Is that trainer actually trying to turn down Curren? And when she's asking so earnestly, too...
If I were a trainer, I know I'd jump at an opportunity like this!
I can feel her fans staring daggers at me right now... I try to come up with a good reason to turn her down, but somehow...
Then from today on, you're my trainer! We're official! ♪
Wait, what did I just agree to?! She had me in the palm of her hand! I'd better keep my guard up around her in the future...
Yay! ♪ Now we'll aaalways be together! Isn't that great, Big Bro? ♪
Congratulations, Curren!
There's a round of applause from the nearby onlookers... but not everyone seems so keen to welcome the new arrival.
...What's the deal with that crowd?
An Umastagrammer... I hope she knows the rest of us are here to race.
I guess popularity is a double-edged sword. But at this academy, the only way to prove the doubters wrong is with your race results.
...Big Bro, are you worried about me?
Hehe, thanks. But it'll be okay, because I'm suuuper cute! ♪
The next day, a physical evaluation is held for Curren Chan. Surrounded by throngs of curious spectators, she shows off a variety of skills.
1,200 meters on dirt! A-at that speed!
Our surroundings break out in commotion. For a newbie, her time was exceptional! She might just have a natural talent for sprinting.
Big Brooo! Hey hey, how did I do? I was reeeally cute out there, right? ♪
Curren Chan... Why did she transfer here, and what does she want out of racing? For now, I hit the follow button on her Umastagram profile.
2. The Cutie Conundrum
62 linesWithout further ado, it begins! Welcome to the Tracen Academy Pretty Grand Prix!
Looks like our whimsical director has cooked up another new event. The students gathered here in the gym immediately start chattering among themselves.
Explanation! As Umamusume, you must be strong both on and off the track!
Hence! You will compete in three areas: performing, public speaking, and racing! The top four from the preliminaries will then vie for victory in the finals!
Accepting entrants! From tomorrow, you can enter yourself or recommend another! I await your courageous challenges!
What a lov'ly event! City, I'll put your name down for you!
Wait, Yukino?! Seriously?!
Grand Prix are just da bomb, aren't they? I'm gettin' revved up just imagining it! ♪
(Sigh... Director Akikawa is back at it again...)
(...I would love to see Groove excel in the Grand Prix.)
...
The Pretty Grand Prix, huh? Leave it up to the director to come up with something like this. Either way, it doesn't have much to do with Curren Chan...
You what?!
Hehe! ♪ Like, it's called the Pretty Grand Prix, right? It's an event fit for Curren, through and through, they might as well put my name on it!
Big Bro, make sure you cheer me on looots, okay? ♪ You do that, and I'll try my bestest to win!
I'm glad she's motivated... but I'm also worried her Grand Prix training might get in the way of her normal training.
Right now, the priority should be working on your fundamentals...
Don't worry, I'll keep working on my fundies. But at the same time... the Grand Prix is just as important to me!
I mean, y'know! I need more people to know how much of a cutie-pie I am! ♪
...Is clout really the only thing on her mind? Once again, I feel lost in the dark when it comes to Curren Chan.
So you're committed to the Grand Prix?
Her cutesy tone makes it difficult for me to make a decision. This time though, sensing a new air of determination around her, I reluctantly agree.
That said, I can't keep letting her push me around like this. Resolved to figure out what makes her tick, I pick up my phone and open her Umasta.
"Check out this Miracle Pegasus Parfait I had today! ♪ #FeelTheRainbow #CurrenSmile #CuteCurrenChan"
Oh, here's a selfie she posted of her eating a parfait... Wait, 49,906 likes?! Let's take a peek at the comments section...
"Even though Curren posts at least three times a day on her Umasta, she never drops a single clue about her private life."
"I know, right? Usually, you can get a general vibe of where people live or who they hang out with from their photos."
"She's a real enigma. Every photo is always in a different place with different people. 'Course, that air of mystery is one of the things I love about her!"
"I know the truth. Curren is actually an alien. I mean, she's way too perfect to be human."
"Some of my buddies say she's an UMA: Unidentified Mysterious Angel. They say she stays so cute by sucking the blood of others like a chupacabra."
...That's enough internet for today. The more I read about Curren Chan, the less I feel I know about her.
Finally, the day of the Pretty Grand Prix preliminaries has arrived. First up is the performance section...
Everyone! Send me all your love and support, okay? ♪
Emitting her usual superstar aura, Curren Chan captivates the crowd and passes with flying colors.
The following public speaking section goes about the same way.
Today, I've brought an item that'll make everyone even cuter! ♪ My personal recommendation is... this golden cream foundation!
The last part of the preliminary involves a time trial race.
All righty! Time to show my stuff! ♪ Make sure you catch me shining, not just with your eyes, but your cameras too!
Aieeek! We love you!
Curren Chan has natural talent. As long as she performs like in practice, she should be able to get a respectable time... Before long, the race kicks off.
Something's off about Curren Chan's running form. Most of the spectators are so absorbed in her cuteness that they haven't noticed yet, but I'm sure of it...
...Eep!
Her form is showing cracks! There's no way she's beating her old record like this!
...At this rate, nnnnngh!
Curren Chan powers past the finish line, but her time leaves something to be desired. Still, thanks to her previous two scores, she manages to qualify for the finals.
Did you hear? Her cleat fell off her shoe. It's proof she slacked off on her race prep.
Hmph, looks like she couldn't care less about racing. If she wanted to be an idol, she should've just gone somewhere else.
Curren... I didn't want to see you like this...
...Did Curren Chan overhear what they were saying? Either way, she's curled up into a ball in front of the finish line.
...Hey, you okay?
...Nope. Failing like this is no good. Getting carried away, embarrassing myself... That's not cute.
If this is the best I can do...
I don't deserve... to be with Big Bro.
Before I have a chance to say anything, Curren Chan runs off somewhere. This loss hit her way harder than I thought it would...
She doesn't seem like the type of person to let the naysayers get to her. But then, why was she so upset?
Turning back to the track, I spy Curren Chan's lone cleat, now only faintly reflecting the brilliant light of the sun.
3. The Cost of Cuteness
67 linesIt's the morning after the Pretty Grand Prix preliminaries. Just as I'm trying to work through a pile of paperwork...
Trainer, terrible news! Curren Chan is nowhere to be found...
Whaaaaat?!
Curren Chan has... disappeared?! The rumor spreads through the academy like wildfire.
Apparently, she left me a letter in her room. I take the letter from Tazuna and gently open it.
"I'm going on a journey to seek enlightenment. There's gotta be a wise old Uma-sage out there somewhere."
"Big Bro, sorry for deciding this all on my own. It's something I have to do, for my dream..."
The letter abruptly ends there...
I feel like the sage thing must be a reference I'm not catching, but maybe there's better clues on her Umastagram.
Sure enough, the top post is a selfie of her smiling sadly at a port to an island, uploaded a few seconds ago. The caption reads...
"#AWindblownFlower #SweptMindlesslyByTheTide #CrestsTheWaterfall"
The hashtags make a haiku... I wouldn't have pegged Curren Chan as the poetry type, but I guess the flower imagery is a metaphor for her current state of mind.
More importantly, I have to go after her! Just in case, I'll bring <I>that</I> with me!
I arrive at the island, but I can't see any signs that people actually live here. Did Curren Chan really come this far out?
As I explore deeper into the mountains, I hear the sound of a large waterfall nearby. And alongside the roar of rushing water...
This is... very... painful... but for my training... I must... endure...
Curren Chan is muttering a sutra-like incantation underneath a roaring waterfall?! I hastily run to her rescue and bring her out of the mountains!
Hehe, you found me... I can always count on you to find me when I'm lost, Big Bro.
I know that she left that hint on her Umasta specifically so I could follow her steps and find her.
Let's talk, Curren Chan.
Mhm... Sure thing. What do you want to talk about?
I want to get to know you better.
Up until now, she hasn't talked about herself with me at all. Hearing my reply, Curren Chan gently smiles.
So, Big Bro... you want to know more than just the "cute" me?
Hey, tell me this. Are you prepared... to know everything about me?
I nearly flinch at the intensity of her gaze, but... if I can't look her eye to eye now, then I don't deserve to be her trainer.
You bet I am!
Hehe... You asked for it. Well then, why don't I start from when I was born?
You know how babies instinctively laugh a lot? Well, when I was a baby, I was always laughing too.
And when I laughed, my family would laugh along with me. They called me cute, and it seemed to bring them so much happiness.
"Your cuteness has the power to make everyone happy." That's what my Big Bro, my actual brother, I mean, said to me.
Back then, I made up my mind to always be as cute as I can. That was... when I was about three, I think?
Th-three?!
And to do that, I spent a lot of time researching how to be cute. One day, one of my followers came up to me and said...
E-excuse me! You're the Umastagrammer, Curren, right?
Thanks to you, I was able to muster up the courage to change myself. Curren, you're my hero.
...Her words made me so happy. They made me realize that my cuteness could bring joy to not only my own family, but so many others too.
I was happy when people called me cute, and everyone was happy when I was cute.
I wanted to spread this circle of happiness as far as I could!
I see...
I never imagined that her concept of "cuteness" had so much deeper meaning behind it.
Then why did you enroll here at Tracen Academy?
Well... Whenever I saw Umamusume racing on TV, they always shined so brilliantly.
They were dripping sweat, their hair was windswept, and a lot of the time, they weren't even smiling. Some of them even looked kinda scary...
They couldn't have been further from the cuteness I'd known, refined, and believed in. But when I watched them run...
"Cute" was the first word that came to mind. Like, they were practically sparkling!
I thought that if I enrolled at Tracen Academy and won races too, then I could sparkle like them... No, scratch that! I could sparkle even brighter than them!
I wanted to spread my name around to even more people! And one day, the whole world would fall in love with me!
...But at the Grand Prix preliminaries race, I couldn't live up to everyone's expectations.
You see, cuteness has to be absolutely perfect. If I destroy people's dreams... That's not cute at all.
Having my cleat fall off because I didn't prep properly? That's the most uncute thing ever!
Curren Chan...
That's why I came here to train! I won't let myself make the same mistake again, I <I>will</I> change!
I think I finally understand. Curren is a perfectionist who'll never stop trying to improve herself.
Her cuteness isn't just a whim or fancy. She works every second of every day to make sure it radiates from every fiber of her body.
Take her racing, for instance. Her sprinting isn't something easily emulated, she must've put in countless hours of training to even get to this point.
And she did it all... to be cute.
You really hate losing, don't you?
Huh? Are you calling me cute? It doesn't feel like it, though.
I hate losing, huh? Maybe... you're right.
For the first time, I feel like I understand Curren Chan as an Umamusume. And I've got to say, I respect her way of life and how she dedicates herself to it.
Which means... I have a job to do as her trainer. It's up to me to make her dreams come true!
Let's train together!
We'll keep on training, until she can feel confident in her cuteness on the track again. And to that end, I take out her fallen cleat and hold it out to her.
I've been looking for you, Princess.
...Hehe. Thanks, Big Bro.
Finally, Curren and I have become true trainer and trainee. And somehow, I'm sure that the legendary Uma-sage is watching over us right now with a smile.
4. Cutest in the Universe
69 linesAnd so, the day of the Pretty Grand Prix finals is finally here! First up is the performance section, and our rivals look pretty tough.
Well, since I've gotten this far, I might as well show them how a pro does it.
Cityyyyy! You're positively stunn'n!
Everyone, do you all have your instant cameras with you? Booyah! V for victory!
Maruzensky! You're totally tubular!
Good grief, who even put my name in? Regardless, if I'm competing, then I'm winning, that's all there is to it.
(It's Groove! I'm in the presence of the Empress! )
In the performance section, Gold City's modeling experience makes her the favorite. But today, Curren's in tip-top form, she's got a fighting chance!
I've returned from my training arc! Everyone, check out the new me, okay? ♪
Da-da-da-daaah! ☆
Cute Curren Chan!
Next up is the race section. Like the preliminaries, it'll be a time trial. This is Curren's chance to make amends.
Are your cleats hammered on tight?
Yup, snug as a bug! ♪ Thanks for putting them on for me, Big Bro, you're the best!
...Still, my opponents are all older and stronger than me. And thanks to what happened at the prelims, it feels like everyone's waiting for me to slip up.
In times like these, I just gotta believe in the path I've chosen. Well, that and...
...?
It's just, if you told me I was cute, Big Bro... It might give me that extra boost I need, you know?
...You're cute.
You can do better than that! But... thanks.
Hehe, you really said it!
...Yup, so far, so good! ♪
If I want to cut my time down... then I just have to sprint as fast as I can!
...So she made it out of the gate well enough, huh? Let's see what she can do out on the turf.
Yeah, I hope she doesn't lose another cleat today!
Hehe, I can hear you! Right back at you, don't come crying to me if my running makes you swoon!
After all...
...You're cute.
For the first time... my trainer used the magic words!
That's why... I don't care if I'm up against the academy, Japan, or even the whole wide world...
Today, I'll be the cutest of them all!
She's done it! Curren Chan has achieved a new record in today's finals!
<I>Pant, pant...</I> Hey, you saw that... right?
Yeah, you were crazy cool!
Huh? Not cute, but cool?! That's weird... Haha!
Oh well! We've still got the speech left, don't we? Everyone's hearts are as good as mine! ♪
The final speech section is right after this. I try to think of some advice I can give Curren as her trainer.
It's definitely heartwarming that she works so hard to make people happy with her cuteness, but...
I think people would be happy to see more of the real you.
Huh? I was trying to make that our little secret, Big Bro. ♪
But if that's what you want... then okay, just a pinch! Keep those eyes and ears glued on me, and only me! ♪
Curren's speech is up next! Oh wooow, I wonder what she's going to talk about?
Her running just now was great. But... it also might've been a fluke. Can she prove to the world that her talent is the real deal?
Once the venue simmers down, Curren begins to speak.
Today, I have something important to tell everyone. Um, my dream...
...is to perfect the ultimate cuteness!
<I>Chatter...</I>
Cuteness, it lies in everyone's hearts! Cuteness, it's the power to bring joy to others!
Cuteness, it's an never-ending pursuit! Cuteness, it's the love I give to you all!
I want all of your lives to be filled with cuteness... That's my dream, why I'm standing here today!
Wh-what is this thumping feeling in my chest?! It's... It's C... C...
Cute Curren Chan!
Curren's speech, though barely three minutes long, quickly becomes the stuff of legend, and Curren secures first place in the Pretty Grand Prix.
After the event, I find Curren waiting for me on the school rooftop. Perhaps this is the time to ask something that's been on my mind for a while...
How come you picked me as your trainer?
You really want to know? Well... I picked you because I thought it'd be easy to have you under my thumb! ♪
Huh?!
Hehe, but that's not all, you really don't remember? Way back when, we met each other once before.
My dream... is to be the cutest person in the universe!
Back then, you didn't laugh at my dream. You told me, "That's a wonderful dream," and flashed me a warm smile.
I see... So she was that girl from the theme park... While I'm still lost in my memories, Curren suddenly comes right up to me.
Hey, Big Bro. Tell me, how cute am I?
I already know the answer she's looking for!
You're the cutest in the universe!
Hm? What was that flash just now?
Hehe, this shot's a keeper! ♪ Open up Umasta... aaand uploaded! ♪
Wait, when did you?!
"#CurrenAndTrainer #OnlyTheBeginning #CuteCurrenChan"
Curren's cuteness revolution has only just begun. I'll stay by her side, and support her along every step of this endless journey!
5. Cute Girl Talk!
47 lines"#TrainingNow #SoooHot #BabySoftSunblock #HereIGo"
Done and done. I wonder if Big Bro is already there waiting for me?
My, my. So this is where you've been, Curren.
I don't suppose you have a minute? We would love to have a little... "talk" with you.
...
...It's well past time for training, but Curren still hasn't showed up. I checked her Umasta, but her last update was an hour ago.
Huh? Curren hasn't shown up to training? Oh no, what if it was them?
Did something happen?
...Actually, a pair of seniors came by earlier looking for her. And um, they looked sort of threatening...
What?!
I was worried, so I asked Curren if she needed me to tag along, but she said she'd be fine. I didn't know what else to say, so I watched the three of them leave...
Thanks for the info!
Ah, Trainer?! She's probably behind the school building! Please hurry, okay?!
I dash out to the rear of the school building... only to find Curren surrounded by a group of upperclassmen!
Curren!
Oh, Big Bro! What're you doing here?
Ah! Don't tell me I'm late for training?! Aw, I'm so sowwy.
Can you please forgive me? Sniff, sniff.
Sure thing, but...
...
Oh, you mean my seniors? We've already finished our "talk," so everything's all good!
Right, everyone? ♪
Cute Curren Chan!
Huh?!
Hehe, I'm so happy I got to know you guys better! Make sure you keep on supporting me, okay? ☆
Cute Curren Chan!
What's going on?!
Mhm, that's a great answer! ♪ Don't forget to follow me on Umasta, too! ☆
See you next time! ♪
I'll go get changed real quick. You head to the track first, Big Bro!
Wait. About those upperclassmen...
...Huh? It's not like it was a big deal, you know?
I guess my seniors didn't have the best impression of me. So... I just had a talk with them and showed them a bit of my cuteness! ♪
...And it was just a talk?
Yep. They'd gotten the wrong idea of me, so we had a little chat. And then, they all fell head over heels in love with me! ♪
I'm still extremely curious about the exact contents of this mysterious "talk," but I suppose some things are better left unknown. More importantly...
I wish you hadn't gone alone.
Although nothing happened this time, it very well could have ended badly for Curren. That's why I want her to know she can rely on others.
Hehe, you don't have to worry. Actually, I'm used to this kind of thing. Cute girls like me end up standing out.
Also, I'd hate to get someone else mixed up in anything nasty, you know? Whereas if it's just me, I know I can work something out for sure! ♪
Even so...
...Big Bro. There was a problem, and I used my cuteness to solve it. I'm glad you're worried for me, but isn't there something else you could say right now?
Like, there's only one thing I want to hear right now. You of all people should know what I mean, right?
...You're the cutest in the universe.
...
Of course I am! ♪ And that's the end of that conversation! I'll go get ready for training!
...Curren had me wrapped around her little finger again. I thought I had learned more about her, but it looks like my journey has only just begun.
6. No Rest for the Cute
62 linesToday's our day off, so I decide to visit a café Curren was talking about on Umastagram.
I'm hoping it will give me some new insight into what kind of person she is behind the scenes. There's just one problem...
Mm! ♪ Yum, yum! ♪ Nothing makes me happier than a parfait! ♪
Whew, I finished that thing quick. What a shame.
It seems like Curren also picked today to pay this cafe a visit. At least it doesn't look like she's noticed me yet...
(I'll just keep an eye on her for now...)
I do feel a bit weird about this, but it's also a perfect chance for me to learn something about her mysterious private life.
Ooookay! ♪ Think it's about time I went shopping.
Wow, this dress is so cute! ♪ I looove deep reds!
I take it you're a fan of darker colors? They suit you well.
Hehe, thanks a bunch! ♪ I'm a fan of how darker colors really show off your skin tones.
Like I remember this one time, in an elementary school presentation, I went for a magenta look for just that reason! And when I was four, I think I wore violet?
You, you utilized contrast in your outfit at the age of four?! That's the Curren for you!
I've made up my mind! I'll take this dress.
After that, Curren continues shopping, heading from one shop to the next.
Wow, so cuuute! A cat plushie! ♪
"Curren Chan, take me with you!" Hm, should I bring you home? What to do?
Mm? Urk! Ngh?! S-s-so cute!
Hm? Are you okay?
A g-g-goddess? Or... an angel? No, wait... have I just opened my eyes truly for the very first time?
Haha, you look enlightened. Welcome to your new, Currentastic world! ♪
I'm on Umastagram, so I'd love it if you followed me at @Curren! ♪
As... you wish! Cute... Cute Curren Chan!
Thanks sooo much! ♪
...I get it now. She doesn't have any notion of separating her public and private lives. No matter when or where, she's always living in the cutest way she knows how.
(...What am I even doing right now?)
Feeling embarrassed at myself for trailing her in secret when she has nothing to hide, I make up my mind to apologize to her and...
So? Big Bro, when are you going to talk to me?
...!
Sheesh, I've been waiting for you, you know? You're such a naughty tease, Big Bro!
Well, I... um...
Huh?
Today, you spied on me... because you wanted to know more about me, right?
I mean, I'm glad you're curious and all. It's just... I like to choose what side of me people see.
I pick out only the cutest moments to show everyone. And if that leaves the "real" me a mystery, well... that's just part of my charm.
Make sense? I want you looking at the parts of me you'll love. I want you to love "Curren Chan."
Okay? You can do that, right? Pretty please?
...If I were in any other position, I might be willing to do as she asks. It might even be the happiest option for both of us. But...
That's not okay with me.
Huh?
It's not okay, because I'm your trainer.
It's my job to make her dreams come true. And to do that, I need to see beyond the charming image she shows the world.
I want you to tell me more about yourself.
...!
...You hate losing just as much as I do.
All right. I'll consider it an eensy bit. I mean, you did want to know so badly that you started stalking me and all.
I'm really sorry about that...
Hmmm, then I suppose I'll... forgive you! ♪ After all, you're in love with me, aren't you?
What?!
Huh? What's with that reaction? Then... do you hate me?
I-I like you!
Haha, you mean you love me, right? ♪ And you know what? I think I might just...
...not finish that sentence just yet! ♪
How about this, if you go on a date with me... then maybe I'll tell you what I was about to say!
And you might learn more about me, too! So? What'll it be, Big Bro?
...I'll go!
Haha, yay! ♪ It's a date, then! ♪ There, got your arm!
I spend the rest of the day with a pleased Curren. Somehow, I feel like today's events have brought us a little closer...
Big Bro, I could go for a caffe latte right about now! So, pleeease! ♪
...But then again, maybe not.
7. Cute Curren Chan
72 linesOur summer training camp is in full swing, and Curren is out training under the blazing heat of the sun.
Let's just do as much as we can!
Then how about this... If I try real hard, will you go on a date with me?
What?!
Apparently, there's a festival happening tonight. If you promise that you'll go with me, then I think I might just be okay...
Hint hint. ♥
...It's a promise!
Hooray! ☆ I feel completely refreshed now! ♪
Pant... pant... Ahhhh! ♪ Hehe, we're going to a festival! ♪
As promised, Curren trains through the heat... Though to be honest, it doesn't look like it's bothering her at all. But I can't go back on a promise, so...
Big Brooo! ♪ Look, look, they have candied apples!
Red, round, and shiny... They're sooo cute! If only I could get one...
I'll buy one for you.
Yippee! Thanks a bunch! ♪
Mister, one candied apple, pleeease. Oh, and do you mind if I take a pic with your stand, too?
Hey there, cute missy! Go ahead, that is, if my lil' stand is good enough for you!
Yay, thanks a bunch, mister! Let's get all these candied apples in the shot with me, aaand...
Snap, snap!
Oh, I like your style! Here, take another apple, it's on the house!
Huh? Are you sure?
Don't sweat it! Your lovely smile is more than payment enough, missy. Not to mention...
Hey hey, isn't she, like, super cute? We should get a candied apple too!
You're right! I'm suddenly craving one too! Let's get a pic while we're at it!
Having you eat at my stand is working wonders for bringing in the customers!
Hehe! ♪ Then, don't mind if I do!
Big Bro, I got an extra candied apple for you! Let's take a pic together! ♪
Snap, snap!
"#SummerFestival #SoHappy #FestivalLove #SummerLove" Hehe, I wonder if everyone'll like my smile? ♪
I continue accompanying Curren as she enjoys the sights and smells of the summer festival.
Peeeeew... Boom!
Pretty, aren't they?
...Yeah. You're... right.
Wow, the fireworks are so beautiful! Gorgeous, even.
Man, they went all out this year. Look, another one!
Dazzling fireworks light up the night sky. Soon, nearly all the festivalgoers are gazing happily at the display. However...
When I look over at Curren, her expression is clouded over...
Curren?
...Big Bro, let's go.
Curren turns her back on the fireworks and leads me away from the crowd.
Before long, we arrive at a moonlit beach.
You know, I... don't like fireworks.
Hm?
I'm a little taken aback. I never thought I'd hear the perpetually positive Curren Chan declare that she simply "doesn't like" something.
Whenever fireworks go off, everyone looks up at them, don't they? Even though I'm right down here...
They're flashy, loud, and total scene-stealers. They snatch away all the attention I've worked so hard to earn.
When I was a kid, that frustrated me to tears. That's why... I made a promise to myself.
That I would become cuter than those fireworks!
Huh?
I won't lose to those sparkly fireworks. I'll shine brighter, fly higher than any of them can ever hope to!
I'll steal back the spotlight and make everyone look at me. One day, the whole world will have their eyes glued on me alone!
It's an ambitious dream to say the least, but Curren's voice brims with confidence. After a moment of silence, she looks straight at me with a keen, inquiring gaze.
Hey, Big Bro. What do you think of me right now?
For a moment, the boom of the fireworks and the faint, shimmering moonlight both fade into the background, leaving only her glittering eyes in front of mine.
You're cuter than any of those fireworks!
...?
Finally... I got to hear you call me cute in your own words! ♪
Huh?
Big Bro, you've been thinking about me a lot lately, haven't you? About how you want to know and understand me better.
So, hey... Why not keep thinking about me, and only me?
Uh... let's go home!
Nuh-uh, you're not getting away! You're staying with me until I'm satisfied, okay?
Tonight, I'll let you have me all to yourself. Hehe! ♪
Maybe this was all just another one of Curren's pranks. Maybe all she wanted was for me to tell her how cute she is.
But maybe, just maybe... I feel like I might have caught a glimpse of the real Curren shining through today.