Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Nishino Flower's story
7 scenes, 400 lines
1. A Planted Seed
57 lines
(My father is a very kind man.)
Huh, they gave me the wrong change... Oh well. Everyone makes mistakes, I guess.
But Dad, if you don't speak up, the shopkeeper will probably get in trouble after they count up the money.
Oh, right. They tally the amounts at the end of the day, don't they. Thanks, Flower. I'll let them know. Uh... Excuse me. I'm sorry, but...
(He's so kind, he'll apologize even for things that aren't his fault.)
(My mother is a very warmhearted Umamusume.)
Oh good, they still have the limited edition macarons! We can buy some to share. Excuse me, could I get...
Omigosh, they still have the limited flavors! I've been wanting to try them ever since I saw them in a magazine... Oh! S-sorry. Were you going to buy them?
Oh, er... No. Not at all. I was just browsing... Sorry, Flower... Why don't we find another dessert?
But Mom, you said you wanted to try those macarons... Should I let the lady know I want to buy them?
Don't worry about it, dear. We should let someone who really wants the macarons have them. More importantly, is there something you want to eat?
(She's the kind of person who'll always put others before herself.)
(But sometimes, my kind and warmhearted parents would look at me with a sad, apologetic look in their eyes.)
"We're sorry we can't do more for you."
(But you do more than enough. Whenever I'm with you, my heart feels as warm as a spring breeze. That's why I want you to keep smiling, your smiles are like the sun to me.)
(I wondered what I could do to make them smile. One day, the answer came to me.)
The contestants in the Li'l Runners exhibition race are really giving it their all! Oh? What's this? Nishino Flower closes the distance at lightning speed, getting in front!
Flower... She's looking straight ahead at the finish line. I've never seen her look so confident...
Amazing... The way she's running right past everyone without worrying about what's going on around her...
Flower! You've got this! We believe in you, Flower!
You're almost there! Just one more burst of speed and, yes! Way to go, Flower! You can do it!
Look at her go! She's flying ahead of the pack! And there you have it! Nishino Flower crosses the finish line to take first place!
Phew. Mom, Dad, I'm back. I was really surprised to hear your cheers! I don't think I've ever heard you yell like that...
You were incredible! Who knew there was so much power hiding in that little body! I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am... I'm so proud of you!
I feel the exact same way! The cheers from the crowd were deafening! We're so proud, we couldn't help telling everyone how amazing our little girl is!
It's hard to describe, but seeing you race gave me a burst of confidence. It was really something, seeing our little treasure shine so brightly.
Exactly. You gave us courage. There's no need to hide ourselves, to make ourselves small, we should be holding our heads up high instead.
...My running... did that?
(My kind and warmhearted parents were smiling brightly, like the sun over a field of flowers.)
Mom! Dad! I... I want to run more! I want to enter more races!
Then you have our full support! You'll need a good pair of shoes first. And you'll also need...
A place where you can train and run to your heart's content! We might as well buy some land, big enough to build facilities on and...
(If seeing me run makes my parents smile like that, then I want to run lots. I want everyone who sees me to sparkle like the sun.)
(If I can give everyone courage by racing... and if I can keep making Mom and Dad happy like this...)
Then I'll make it my dream.
How long has it been since I came to the academy as a trainer? As usual, after the tryouts, I approach prospective trainees.
Hi, could I have a moment of your time?
Sorry! I've already chosen someone. It's just that... I'd prefer to work with a seasoned trainer...
Um, you're a new trainer, right? I'm sorry... Now's not a good time for me...
Hey, no need to get so down in the dumps! Keep at it, and I'm sure you'll find your perfect trainee!
Appreciate it...
I know that many new trainers face the same hurdle, but it still hurts knowing just how much my lack of experience is holding me back.
Still feeling blue, I walk the academy grounds in a daze, when...
Whoa!
I trip over my own two feet and crash to the ground. Looking at my throbbing, skinned knee, my mood sinks even lower.
A-are you all right?!
Oh no! You're hurt... Can you make it over to that bench?
I'm fine. Don't worry about me...
But that scrape looks really painful... Oh, feel free to lean on my shoulder! It's all right, I am an Umamusume after all.
After making sure I'm not hurt otherwise, she begins expertly patching up my knee. I watch her work, impressed with her efficiency.
There. I've disinfected the wound and put a bandage over it. Um, I hope that helped. Can you walk?
Th-thanks. Yeah, I can.
Hehe, you're welcome. You should head to the infirmary if it still hurts, though. Well, goodbye!
I stare at the cutesy floral print bandage on my knee. That girl looked awfully young, but she was wearing the Tracen Academy uniform, so she must be a student.
That was really nice of her...
Though I didn't exactly put my best foot forward back there, her kindness soothed a bit of my melancholy.
2. A Flower Yet to Sprout
57 linesI can't believe the academy's letting you skip several grades and enroll... They must have seen your potential. Oh, my heart's still racing.
Your mother and I will always be there to cheer you on. If there's anything we can do for you, just say the word!
(Thanks, Mom and Dad. And thanks, Tracen Academy, for believing in me. I won't let you down.)
I'm going to make my dream come true here!
Bakushin, Bakushin, Bakushiiin!
Phew! Another splendid run if I do say so myself! This is how a model student carries herself! And yet, I feel like I could still do better...
Hmph! You there!
M-me?!
What do you say to working up a good sweat with yours truly?! Let us run together, my fellow Tracen Academy comrade!
Uh, you want to run... with me? O-of course! I'd be happy to!
My, you look like you're having fun.
Quite a lovely morning, isn't it? I'd like to join you on your run, if you don't mind.
A good morning indeed! Oho, so you wish to race? Excellent! I'm always ready for a challenge!
Oh, I'd love to! R-race with both of you, I mean!
I imagine the scent of flowers will carry on the breeze today. Hehe. What a wonderful way to enjoy a race.
Ha ha ha! This is but a mere warm-up! Here gooooes!
Hehe, I'm afraid it will take more than that to outrun this burst of wind.
Huff, puff... Huff, puff...
(I can't keep up. It hurts... to breathe. The sound of their cleats is growing fainter with each step.)
Why... can't I... Ngh!
(The two figures crossing the finish line looked so tiny, I could barely see them.
Hmm, that was well played on my part! While the race was close toward the end, my victory was sheer perfection! You two put on a splendid show too, of course!
Oh? I was sure I reached the goal first. Hmm... I suppose without anyone here to judge, it's hard to say.
Oho! If a decisive call is what you desire, then why don't we race again? And this time, I'll make sure there'll be zero doubts about the winner!
Hehe. When petals dance on the breeze, they sometimes obscure one's view. I suppose, then, I have no choice but to become a gale.
(They ran so fast, and yet they've both recovered already. We're on completely different levels...)
(After that, I started noticing how different I was from the others. Everyone was bigger, stronger, and so much more experienced than me. How can I even begin to compete?)
I get it now. The academy might have seen my potential, but... I'm just a child. That means... I have to work even harder.
(When I look up, I see cherry blossoms, blooming proudly in the big blue sky. But... that's not me yet.)
Today, I make my way to the training track once again in search of a promising trainee. Scanning the grounds, I spot someone by themselves in a quiet corner.
Phew. Hm... I think I'm missing something. When Bakushin O sped up, she was more...
Wait, aren't you...
Oh, you're... the trainer I helped the other day, right? My name's Nishino Flower. Are you feeling better?
I thank Nishino Flower for her help and bring up the question that immediately comes to mind. It looks like she's training by herself, but...
Why are you all the way back here in the corner?
Ah... To tell the truth, I still have a lot to learn. And um... I don't want to get in the way of anyone else's training.
I don't think you'd get in the way...
Oh, but I'm fine! I'm still starting out, but if I keep working hard, I'll be able to catch up with everybody else!
It might be just one small step at a time, but I'm able to do a little more with each passing day. Ehehe.
Nishino Flower smiles. Then, with a bow, she returns to her training.
She understands her limitations and is working hard to overcome them. Her determination is awe-inspiring and pulls me out of my gloom.
...I'll keep giving it my all!
I may not have a track record yet, but I can still study and better myself, every little bit will help me be the best trainer I can be for any future Umamusume I work with.
And so, I begin spending more time in the library, trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can. One day, I see a familiar face.
Oh, hello. Are you here to do some reading too? Wooow, those are some really thick books...
Just studying up on how to be a better trainer.
But you're already a professional trainer, aren't you? That's amazing. You must be working so hard!
All thanks to you.
Thanks to me?
Well, if it isn't Flower. What's up? You look like you're in a chipper mood today.
Oh, Sky! Hehe, I am! Something really, reaaally good happened!
You don't say. That's why you seem more cheerful than usual, huh.
(That trainer said I gave them courage. Hehe... I guess I'll have to work even harder!)
...
You okay, Flower?!
3. Peeping Through the Soil
60 linesYou'll probably need to focus on rehabilitation for a while. I'll have a car brought around to take you to the hospital, just in case.
I know you're starting to train in earnest, but you're still growing. Pushing yourself too hard will have immediate repercussions on your body. You know that, right?
...Yes.
Good. You'll be fine, with proper rehabilitation, you'll be training again before you know it. But you have to take it easy for now, all right?
...Yes ma'am.
...
During a training period, I spot Nishino Flower. She's putting more weight on one leg; it's clear at a glance that she's injured.
Oh...
Is your leg all right?
With tears in her eyes, Nishino Flower flees.
She shouldn't be running with that injured leg... Worried, I run after her.
I chase after her tiny form in the distance. Finally, she stops.
Before me is a breathtaking field of flowers, colorfully blooming as far as the eye can see.
You came after me. I'm sorry for running away...
What is this place?
This... is my favorite spot.
Looking at the flowers here always cheers me up. They make me feel like I can keep going.
Even the smallest flowers fill me with courage. That's why... I want to be just like them. That's why I come here.
It's hard to describe, but seeing you race gave me a burst of confidence. It was really something, seeing our little treasure shine so brightly.
Exactly. You gave us courage. There's no need to hide ourselves, to make ourselves small, we should be holding our heads up high instead.
The people I love told me that I gave them courage.
Oho! If a decisive call is what you desire, then why don't we race again? And this time, I'll make sure there'll be zero doubts about the winner!
Hehe. When petals dance on the breeze, they sometimes obscure one's view. I suppose, then, I have no choice but to become a gale.
Even though I was overwhelmed by the gap in our abilities, I still tried to do my best.
But look, I only ended up hurting myself. I knew I was pushing myself too hard, but I still...
Why did you push yourself so hard?
I'm still a kid, but... Sniffle. I-if... Hiccup If I tried hard enough, I thought I could catch up with everybody. I... I...
I wanted to... make my dream come true... Sob.
Nishino Flower sobs, her small shoulders shaking. Her frustration at never being enough must have been building up for a while now.
It would be easy to tell her that she doesn't need to "catch up" with anyone. However, right now, the emotion that's bubbling up inside of me is...
Sob. I... I'm... so sorry...
Let me be your trainer!
Huh?
You gave me courage too.
I tell Nishino Flower again about how her actions cheered me up and gave me hope.
And that's why she can, no, she will make her dream come true. She'll bloom as flowers do, bringing smiles to me and everyone else around her.
You're not ready to give up on your dream yet, are you?
If she had given up, she would never have come to this place. She wouldn't have sought solace from the flowers.
I... um...
I want to help you achieve your dream.
...!
I... I don't want to give up! No, I won't give up!
You said I gave you courage, right? Did you... really mean it?
Yeah!
All smiles once more, Nishino Flower returns to the academy. Tomorrow, we'll begin working together to make her dream a reality.
Thanks for everything. I can walk the rest of the way to class by myself.
We should probably swing by the infirmary first...
Oh, I'll be fine going there on my own. Please, there's no need to worry. I made you run after me, so I couldn't possibly ask you to do more...
Heeey, Flower. You on your way to the infirmary too? Hope there's enough beds for us both. I could use a nap. Yawn.
Huh? You're going to sleep in the infirmary, Sky? That's unusual. On clear days like today, you always nap outdoors...
With a straight face, Seiun Sky claims she wants a change of pace, but her gaze flicks briefly to Nishino Flower's leg.
I guess you're in good hands.
Hm? Whatever do you mean?
Ah, wait up Sky! I'll see you tomorrow, Trainer!
Seiun Sky strolls away, waving a casual goodbye. Nishino Flower slows down to match her pace. I watch them go, letting out a relieved breath.
4. Still Only a Bud
65 linesLet's do our best today, Trainer!
We'll go at your pace, okay?
Right! I have to focus on rehabilitation first!
We can't do any serious training while Nishino Flower is going through rehabilitation, but there's still plenty we can do. If anything, our days are busy.
Hey, Trainer! You look way more cheerful than the last time I saw you! That's great! We were worried about you, you know.
You seemed pretty depressed, so we were thinking about taking you out for a meal sometime...
You guys!
Whoa! Wh-what is it?!
There's something I want to ask you!
You want our help filling in any gaps you might have as a trainer? Say no more! Experience is the best teacher, but there are also things you can only learn from your colleagues!
I trained someone who injured themself the same way. I still have my old notes, so I'll make copies of them for you.
Thank you! You're both lifesavers!
You've got this, rookie!
Using advice from my senior trainers, books I borrowed from the library, and past notes, I start putting together a rehabilitation program.
And while rehabilitation is important, I'll need to think about what comes after too. I'm racking my brain for ideas when I hear a knock at the door.
Have you had lunch yet, Trainer?
Huh? Is it that time already?
Yes! Actually, lunch started a few minutes ago. So, um... I made this for you.
I was hoping we could eat together, so I made lunch for both of us. I'm pretty good at making meatballs with sweet vinegar sauce. Ehehe.
Thank you. I can't wait to try it.
Hehe, I'm glad you like it. If there's anything else you'd like to eat, let me know. I'll make it for our next lunch together. ♪
Nishino Flower's rehabilitation period ends in the blink of an eye. Now, we're ready to start training in earnest!
We can finally start training! I'm ready to go whenever you are...
Wahey-hey!
Running besties for life! Girl, we run these sprints!
You're so goated for that!
Hmm! Next up is hill sprints, is it? Easy-peasy! As class rep, I'll overcome any wall or incline that comes my way!
(Everyone's working so hard! And from today, I'll be joining them!)
Why don't we ease into things with a run on the dirt course?
Do you think I'm going too easy on you?
...Not at all! You designed this program just for me, and I have faith in you. So I'm not going to get ahead of myself by comparing myself to everyone else.
Well, time to get started!
And so, Nishino Flower begins her training. Gradually, she's able to run at the pace she did before her injury.
I also continue my studies, so I can be the trainer she deserves. Then, one day, the academy announces that it's holding scrimmages.
A scrimmage... Eurgh. I feel so nervous.
(The last time I ran, I couldn't keep up, no matter how hard I tried. The memory of that day still stings.)
(But... But I've been working really hard with Trainer. I'm sure I'll do better this time...)
Y-you'll do just fine out there!
You're shaking, Trainer. Are you nervous too?
Not at all!
The shakiness in my voice must be far from reassuring. But no matter how nerve-racking the situation may be, my faith in Nishino Flower is unshakable.
I know you can win this!
"I know you can win this!"
(Trainer's voice was shaking, but I heard those words loud and clear. I can win this. My training will pay off.)
(Trainer believes in me, so I'll do everything I can to share my courage with them.)
("It's all right. Everything is going to be all right." That's what I want to communicate through my running.)
(I want Trainer to be happy. Just like that day Mom and Dad smiled so brightly!)
Hyaaaaah!
(I want to give courage to lots of people!)
Aaand that's the race! It's Nishino Flower! Nishino Flower takes first place!
Trainer!
You did it! Congratulations!
I did, didn't I? Thank you! I... I'll do even better next time, so...
And I'll work even harder to become the trainer you deserve!
Oh, Trainer!
Amid the cheers, Nishino Flower smiles widely. Her expression reminds me of that field of flowers we saw together.
(Trainer, you always give everything one hundred percent. You work hard, sometimes too hard.)
(That's why someday, I want to win first place in a G1 race. I want to give you the gift of a victory.)
(Thank you, Trainer, for always supporting my dreams.)
(Thank you for accepting the courage I shared with you.)
5. Until the Day the Flower Blooms
40 linesSome time has passed since I became Nishino Flower's trainer. Everything is going smoothly, and our time together is well spent. One day...
Trainer, if you want, I brought a bento box for lunch.
You made this for me?
Yes. Actually, my mom taught me this recipe yesterday. And, I wanted you to try it too!
Yeah! Trainer's a really thorough teacher! I'm having so much fun during training!
I'm able to do a little bit more each day, and that makes me want to work even harder.
"Sounds like you've forged a good relationship with your trainer. That's wonderful."
Uh-huh! That's why I want to do something for Trainer, but I don't know where to start. Do you have any advice?
Hmm. Making a big deal out of things might not work... Oh! How about this? You can present it as a casual gesture...
You liked the last bento I made, so... Um, if you don't already have something to eat, that is...
Thanks! I'll take it!
O-okay!
A medley of colorful vegetables and steamed foods jump out at me, including fried chicken and other items that are delicious even when they're not piping hot. Each bite tastes of heartwarming home cooking.
How... is it? Do you like it?
Everything is so delicious!
The flavors are just right, I could eat something like this every day. I tell Nishino Flower exactly that.
Every day?! U-understood! Ehehe... I'm glad you liked it.
She beams with happiness at having her mother's recipe complimented. I thank her again and continue to eat with gusto.
The next day...
Today's bento is my dad's favorite. I hope you enjoy it too.
Ah! I have plans to hang out with some friends, so I'll see you later. Bye!
With a bow, she races away. I'm happy about the bento box, but I also wonder if she isn't overexerting herself just to make them.
Did she take my words yesterday literally?
Maybe she took what I said about being able to eat her food every day to heart.
If this is going to be a regular thing, then the least I could do is pay for the ingredients. I'm eating the lunch box in the trainer's office when...
Hey! You hard at work as always? Are you free for lunch? I figured we could catch up. If you're down for that, we're meeting by the main gate!
It's one of the senior trainers who took me under her wing. I'm starting to feel stuffed from my meal, but I also don't want to refuse the offer.
Yeah... I'll be there.
I shovel the last of the food into my mouth and dash toward the academy gates.
(I hope today's lunch box went over well. I know they're Dad's favorite foods, but I hope Trainer likes them too.)
(What should I make tomorrow? I'm sure Mom will be happy to share another one of her recipes...)
You all right? You hardly ate a thing!
...? Isn't that...
I learned a lot about training and how to improve partnerships with our Umamusume from my colleagues. I want to thank them for inviting me to lunch, but my stomach can't take any more.
Thanks for... lunch, you guys... Urk.
Whoa, don't force yourself to talk. Are you coming down with something? Sorry, we wouldn't have invited you if we'd known.
No. I'm the one who should apologize.
6. Nourishing the Soil
59 linesThat was a good session. Um, thank you, Trainer!
Good work out there!
We're only scheduled to do half a day of training today. I think about how I'm going to spend my afternoon when Nishino Flower speaks.
It's already the afternoon...
Um, I misunderstood what you said about my bentos. I'm really sorry!
Come again?
I'll be more careful from now on, so... Uh... I guess I'll see you tomorrow!
I wanted to give Nishino Flower money to pay for the lunch ingredients, but she runs off before I can say a word.
What did she mean by misunderstanding? I wish I could ask her, but I guess that won't be possible today.
Later that afternoon, I'm walking around the train station when I spot Nishino Flower doing some shopping.
I didn't think I'd run into you here.
Y-yes. I came here to get some new running shoes. Um... Are you out shopping too?
My parents told me it's about time I got some new ones and sent me more money than usual...
They've been like that even before I entered Tracen Academy. When it comes to training, they always go above and beyond in supporting me.
Mom! Dad! I... I want to run more! I want to enter more races!
Then you have our full support! You'll need a good pair of shoes first. And you'll also need...
A place where you can train and run to your heart's content! We might as well buy some land, big enough to build facilities on and...
They've given me everything I need to run. It's almost to the point where I wonder if I'm not asking for too much...
Your parents sound wonderful.
Yes! They're so kind. I couldn't be happier to be their daughter!
But... whenever I go shopping on my own, I don't know what to get. I have to use my money wisely and make a good choice.
Do you want me to tag along?
Huh? You're in the middle of your own shopping, right? I couldn't impose... You're probably really busy...
I just came out here for a walk.
Really? Well, then... Um. Okay! If you really don't mind. I'll try not to take up too much of your time!
Hmm... Should I get shoes with a bit more weight to them this time? I don't know...
(I probably should, especially if I'm going to step up my training.)
You'll probably need to focus on rehabilitation for a while. I'll have a car brought around to take you to the hospital, just in case.
I know you're starting to train in earnest, but you're still growing. Pushing yourself too hard will have immediate repercussions on your body. You know that, right?
...Yes.
Good. You'll be fine, with proper rehabilitation, you'll be training again before you know it. But you have to take it easy for now, all right?
(What if I get into another accident?)
(I need to avoid that at all costs. I don't want Mom and Dad to worry, and I'm already putting a lot on Trainer's plate!)
There are other ways to intensify your training.
Huh?
There's no need to use resistance equipment for the entire training period. There are other methods, like wearing weighted cleats, that are just as effective.
I casually mention that gear can be changed based on Nishino Flower's condition at any given time.
Oh... Y-you're right! Sorry for eating up your time...
You have nothing to apologize for.
No. You're using your valuable time to help me out while I'm standing around overthinking.
Thank you, Trainer. I'll get the regular pair then!
I won't let your advice go to waste. I can't wait to try these new shoes out tomorrow!
Nishino Flower dashes off to make her purchase.
My advice, if you could call it that, was more of an offhand comment, but it seems she's taken it to heart.
It's already evening. I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time...
I want to wear these shoes tomorrow, so I'll need to break them in as soon as I get home. I'll be using the standard cleats and...
So it's not just my imagination. She is behaving differently than normal. She seems overly concerned about how I'll react.
Nishino Flower always makes an effort to read the room. She thinks about what the people around her want, and goes out of her way not to burden anyone.
And she's probably doing the same thing with me. However, it's not healthy to keep going like this.
(I want her to know it's okay to open up to me!)
She can share all her burdens with me if she wants. If something's bothering her, I don't want her to keep it bottled up. That's part of what being a trainer is about.
Trainer? Is there something...
I'll do my best too!
Oh, I'm sorry...
It's no problem. But... Hehe. You're already doing so much for me.
So the least I can do is put in the same effort, so I don't end up just taking from you without giving anything back.
Seeing Nishino Flower's smile, I silently vow once more to protect that sunny expression.
7. A Smile in Full Bloom
62 linesSummer camp has begun. I want to use this opportunity to get Nishino Flower to relax and open up around me.
I'm going to work hard so I can grow even more as an Umamusume! Oh, but I'm also fine with doing solo training!
(I have to make sure I don't burden Trainer. I should be careful with what I ask for.)
But it's obvious that she's doing her best to make herself unobtrusive. I can already feel a distance forming between us.
Huff... huff... I think I'll do one more lap!
Nishino Flower runs at an unsteady pace. Her determination to push past her limits is affecting her performance.
Summer camp is a getaway from the everyday, so I want her to enjoy her time here. What can I do to help her relax?
Telling her she doesn't have to try so hard or that she ought to have fun would probably end up having the opposite effect.
Maybe I could take a kinder, softer approach, like how she does with everyone else around her...
Wait, that's it!
Thinking back on the time I've spent with Nishino Flower, the solution suddenly comes to me. I don't know if it'll work, but I'll put my whole heart into the effort.
...
(I couldn't run the way I wanted from start to finish...)
Oh... Hello? Mom... Dad... What's going on?
Sorry for calling in the middle of summer camp, but we haven't heard from you in a while and were starting to worry.
We know you tend to keep things to yourself, so we thought we'd reach out instead.
...!
U-um, actually...
And I keep thinking I need to get myself together, so I don't bother Trainer, but... Nothing I try works.
Trainer's busy. I don't want to waste their time, but I still...
...Hehe.
Mom?
Flower... You remind me of your father and I when we were younger.
Huh?
Maybe you could try being more open with your feelings. I'm sure Trainer wants that as well.
I know you're worried about burdening the people you care about, but... I don't think that's how your trainer views it.
After all, you're both trying your best to understand each other. You can do that by letting them get to know you.
Understand... each other?
You have to be brave, but I know you can do it, Flower. Because you're the one who gave your mother and I courage.
Of course! Besides, hasn't your trainer also given you courage?
"Let me be your trainer!"
(Those words shook me to my core.)
"You gave me courage too."
(Your words also gave me courage.)
Mom, Dad. Thank you so much!
Huff... huff... Sigh... Phew! Trainer, I'm done with the final lap!
Good job! We'll continue our training after lunch!
Um, Trainer? Before we eat, I... I want to tell you something!
Hm?
F-for the longest time, I was worried that I was bothering you.
Uh, like the day you went out for lunch with the other trainers. I gave you that bento without even considering that you might have had plans already.
All you did was tell me you liked the food, but I was so happy that... I went overboard...
Oh no, that wasn't...
I tell her that I was invited to lunch after I finished eating her food. I truly was happy about receiving it.
R-really? Then... I misunderstood again... I... Oh, this is so embarrassing!
Actually, now that you mention it...
I take out a bento box from my cooler bag. It's a token of the appreciation I'd been trying to convey to Nishino Flower for so long.
A bento... f-for me? And you made it yourself?!
It might not taste as good as yours, but...
Thank you! I... I'm so happy right now!
Happiness is better when it's shared, right?
Oh... Ehehe. Right! I put my heart into the lunch I made for you, and I'm sure yours was made the same way.
We have lunch by the beach. Nishino Flower happily bites into a slightly burned omelet.
...Hey, Trainer?
Next time, let's try a bento exchange. I'll make sure to include lots of your favorite foods.
That's why, um... Could you maybe put my favorite foods in the one you make, too?
And so, we spend an enjoyable lunch talking about Nishino Flower's favorite and least favorite foods, as well as new things she wants to try out.