Tonight at the Ligne Droite

Nghhh... Ugh, this doesn't work either.

Sigh... I need a reset. Maybe I should post that other one first.

Okay, then listen carefully!

If I win, you have to be my Droit date!

All right. But don't lose, 'kay? Otherwise, I'm going to the dance with someone else!

Oh, right. It's already Droit time. Not that I really care... Huh? An email?

"Tracen Academy Student Council President, Symboli Rudolf"? Why was this sent to this address? ...Wait, huh?!

"You are requested to perform at the Ligne Droite"?!

The Ligne Droite... Commonly known as the "Droit," this spectacular dance party serves to celebrate the start of a new school year, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

All the young ponies are adorable in how they get so anxious in anticipation of this big day. And while finding the right outfit to wear is important, the most crucial thing is...

Looking for a partner to dance with in the main event of the night. Yes! It's finding the perfect date to celebrate this incredible moment in one's life.

Snooore...

Oh no, am I boring you? Sorry about that. Time to wake up, princess.

What's the big fuss? Messing up my nap on this beautiful day, talking about "dro"... What's it called again?

The Droit, got it? I'm about to make even more of a fuss, so I thought it best to give a little background info first. Now... I have something to ask you.

Seiun Sky... would you do me the honor of being my date?

Uh...

Whoa, whoa, whoa, what'd you just say? Your "date"? You mean you want me to be your partner for the dance?

Precisely! They're holding an exhibition dance at the Droit, you see. In short, it'll be a big kickoff to the main event.

I know this happens every year, but... the president is working extra hard this time. I wanted to help out, so I proposed the exhibition idea to her.

You don't say...

Not interested in the slightest, are you? Well, everyone is busy with their races. But it'd just be so wonderful if they would all attend...

So you're goin' around acting as a spokesperson, I get it now. But why would you ask me to be your partner?

Sorry to be blunt, but we're not super close or anything, right? I'm not in Ritto Dorm, and I'm not part of a committee with you or anything.

However, we are both students at this academy. Isn't that close enough? I suppose it is a bit of a stretch. But aside from that...

You're right. It's customary to ask the person you have the closest relationship with when choosing a date.

The Droit is an important turning point. So it's natural to spend the occasion with a partner who's shared the experiences you had the past year.

"If I win, will you be mine?" Seriously, some people choose their partner based on who wins a race.

That's what I'm saying...

But this time, I'm going to be in charge of the exhibition dance. So I'm looking to do just one thing, making the Droit the most thrilling it can be.

And if anyone is capable of doing that... it could only be you, the "Trickster" herself.

...All right. I mean, I don't get your reasoning one bit, but I see that you're serious about this.

So I guess I should be up-front with you. My answer is "NO." I ain't goin'. Find somebody else.

I know you're planning something big, but the spotlight's not for me. I don't dance in anything besides winning concerts. Not to mention...

I just don't have the time right now. I was actually thinking of taking my next race kinda seriously this time.

Hm... Understood. Then how about this for an idea? Let's make a little deal.

...

Whoa, a jump shot! You see how high it went? I dunno how you do it, Sirius!

Sigh... There's no fun, no excitement, no challenge here... I'm done with pool.

Uh, already?! And it's been forever since I got to spend a day off with you. Umm, there must be something you'd find exciting...

Oh, perfect timing! Hey, so like, there's this track producer I'm really into right now, and they just posted a new song! Wanna hear it?

Sure... Might as well.

You'll love it! They're called "!monad", real identity's a total mystery. Every so often they'll drop a remix or new track on social media, then go silent again!

They're so good! The sound is aggressive and super tight! But it's got that old-school West Coast vibe too! Killer!

O-oh, yikes. Sorry, I got so excited! Anyway, give it a try! Here's the account.

!monad... The profile is just their username, and the only posts are songs... Hm? This icon...

So, actually... Hehe, I dunno if it's really gonna happen, but this year I suggested...

Ah! Sirius, look!

You're alive and well it seems, Sirius Symboli.

Well, well... If it isn't the Emperor herself. Have you come all this way just to see how the common folk amuse themselves?

Don't be so defensive. I'll leave as soon as I've finished my business here. As the student council president, I have a favor to ask you.

A favor?

I'll get straight to the point. I want you to convince the students in your orbit to participate in the Ligne Droite.

Following a student suggestion, we've officially decided to introduce DJ time into the event. We've even requested the music artist mentioned by the student body to appear as a guest.

...!

This new school year will begin with more pomp and splendor than any before. None of this is mandatory, of course, but I promise that you'll each benefit from it.

A world of possibility awaits... I want this to show that all students have a prosperous future ahead of them. My wish is that the start of a new term inspires everyone to climb to greater heights.

I see now! You're lowering the bar for the underachievers who can't even take a single step on their own!

All that's left is to make me, the top dog, feel important by bowing your head. Then I'll bring all my followers in line, right?

Well, I'm not amused. You'd do well to keep your ego in check.

My ego? What do you mean?

Ha, don't play dumb. "Celebrating the new school year" sounds nice and all, but it's all for your own benefit. And you say it'll make us happy? Please.

A "prosperous future"? "Climb to greater heights"? You just want to be the one who bestows those things upon us... If that's not ego, I don't know what is.

I know you think you're bringing the gospel... But admit your arrogance, Rudolf. You believe you're some kind of chosen one!

...

Heh, if we're clear now, then be on your way. I'm not getting on your "ark." If you're going to keep insisting, then you'd better grab a cue already.

You there. May I borrow your cue?

Huh? Oh, s-sure!

...!

Whoa, that jump shot was high! And the angle... It was perfect...

Have you forgotten, Sirius? I learned that technique because you begged me to... I suppose I'll never surpass the me in your memories.

...!

There's no point if you're unwilling, so I take it back, your assistance isn't required. I'll simply make more announcements. Pardon the interruption.

Geez... The president's just as scary as you'd think. Hey, what was all that about memories?

This isn't like her...

Hm?

Nothing. It pains me to say she and I are old friends. But anyway, are you two going to the Droit? Tell me the truth.

N-nah... I figured I'd skip again. Too much pressure. My racing performance doesn't really deserve some fancy dress... You know?

Oh, y-yeah... Same here, I guess. It's not like having DJ time changes anything really...

...

AAAAAH!

You're so beautiful, Fuji! Woooow, stunning...

Thank you, everyone. Now, where might she be...

Come out, come out. Don't hide, my date. Won't you honor us with your presence?

Well! You look positively marvelous! While still formal, your attire still does justice to your playful spirit. Hehe, you're sending my heart aflutter.

Yeah, I figured. Pretty words sure come easy to you, huh?

I'm only speaking from my heart. Maybe you should do the same. So? How's my dress look?

...You're nothing short of a goddess or whatever.

Hehe, we've finished with our outfits, so let's just forget all that and enjoy ourselves. We made a deal, right?

A deal?

Yes, seeing that you'll most definitely refuse any invitation, even though I must have you no matter what...

I have no other option but to force you to accept, by sweetening the offer. If you go with me, I'll give you something you really want.

Oh, and you know what that is?

I'm a dorm leader. If ever you need a quiet place to nap, you can use my room. Or I could hold a scrimmage for you to race in.

I could even... get you a race with famous G1 winners. Almost any wish you have would be mine to grant.

Hm... But why are you so bent on going with me? I'm no master dancer or anything. And as you can see, I have zero desire to do it.

You did try flattering me with that "trickster" talk... Sure you don't have some ulterior motive?

It's just like I said. I simply want the Droit to be great. And I knew you'd be just the person to make that happen.

(Oh, come on. Who is she kidding? I know she's hiding something... maybe...)

I underestimated how much work being your partner would be. Just look at all this attention I'm drawing.

Hehe, I think you understood it well enough. You saw that the appeal of my offer was bigger than the risks involved.

I promise to fulfill my end of the deal. And these lessons until the Droit won't interfere with your training, so you can rest assured.

Now then! We've shown each other our costumes, so let's see how we feel in them and practice our dancing.

First, we'll start by accustoming ourselves to the partner dance. Normal classroom lessons only focus on winning concert performances.

But what's different from regular dancing is, of course, that we'll be doing it with a partner. There's something especially important about that... Do you know what it is?

Umm... Making sure not to step on each other's tails?

Heh, well, you're not wrong! More specifically, we have to learn to breathe in time with one another.

For now, that's all you need to worry about. I'll take the lead. I have a routine in mind too, ready to try?

One, two, three, four... One, two, three, four...

Here, can you lean on me a little more? That's it... Just trust me.

Come now, Sky.

...

That was excellent! I knew you'd be a fast learner. What else... I think you'll be able to move more easily once you trust me more.

Are we doing this choreography during the real thing? The dance and the song are just so classical.

What we'll be doing is the exhibition. Our job is to create a fun atmosphere before everyone else starts dancing.

Normally the dorm leaders show an example for everyone to follow... A glamorous waltz always gets everybody in a cheerful mood.

Ohh, so that's why.

Hm?

Uh! Nothin'...

Sky, come on, we need to be in sync. Want to try finishing your thought?

Really, it's nothing important. Just, you know... it feels kinda ordinary...

Go on.

It's definitely got a vibrant party feel, and it's a perfect way to highlight you.

But... well, I don't know anything about the Droit. It's probably better to just do it how you want.

...All right. What can we do to make it more interesting?

Huh? Ohh, I'm not the expert here. What would I know?

Maybe put in a lift? I could try holding you up and turning.

Yeah, that really feels like you, I guess. But maybe we don't need to worry about making it interesting.

Then what if we did a turn and really nailed it? Turning speed, angle, perfectly in tune.

Um... Actually, what if we don't match each other?

Like this, we could start off doing completely different movements, throwing the audience for a loop, then click together at just the right moment... or something.

There's no way we'll be perfectly in sync with the time we have left, so might as well show 'em a little surprise instead, you know?

Ah... That's it!

Uh... Well, I mean, easier said than done, right? Now that we've tried a little, I can tell my movements really aren't up to par.

And the whole trusting you part... I haven't gotten the hang of that either. Better to not try anything crazy. We should just focus on the basics and...

Huh? ...Ack!

Ohhh, is that from Spe and the others? This is great.

Ugh... Was this your idea? I knew I wouldn't be able to hide being in the Droit, but still...

People are getting way too excited, or mad for some reason, or giving me wrestling masks? Not to mention...

...

So your plan was to get everyone excited to see me and cut off my retreat, huh?

There's no plan! It's all because you're so popular. And how would I know the key to motivating you was your friends?

...!

Haha. So, is everyone coming to the Droit?

Sorry to say, but yep, they're all comin'... Can't believe I invited all my classmates. This isn't some festival.

So they're coming... That's great.

...?

All right, it looks like you're actually serious about this. Let's forget the routine for now and review the basic steps.

There! Hehe... ♪ Good! Now we're really in step!

(Huh... Never seen this side of her...)

Hehe... You're good at this! Could it be? I think you might be enjoying it.

Oh, I'd say it's 'cause you've been in a groove the last few times.

I'm just glad knowing how much your friends are going to like it. Anyone who's debuted gets terribly busy this time of year.

Yep, all those big races right around the corner... And some are heading into the season you only get one shot at.

It's inevitable that the main stars of the Droit end up being the ones who've accomplished everything they set out to do.

...

Until now, the Droit has been more about making memories. That's important in order to move on to the next step of our lives.

That's why I think... the Droit should be like a ceremony where everyone can renew their motivation.

Both those who've debuted and those who haven't yet... They're all putting their hearts into their dreams and goals every single day.

But no one, not even the best of us, can keep running without ever resting. We need time to catch our breath, to leave today behind and embrace tomorrow.

That's why I want as many people as possible to come. Especially the ones who can keep running until they achieve their goals.

Everyone should start the year having fun... And I'll do everything I can to make that happen.

(So that's it. I finally get what she's after.)

(She really does simply want to make the Droit as great as she can. Okay...)

...Look, I'm not the most suitable partner for you. Not 'cause I don't want to. We're just completely different people.

Looks like you're mistaken about me. I only do things for myself. Making people smile ☆ never fits into my game plan.

I'm not mistaken at all. There's a good reason I chose you...

...

But never mind. I knew that together, you and I would be able to bring the biggest smiles to everyone.

...

Ugh...

The vibe's on point for a party, but overall it's just noise. I knew I'd hate trying to make people dance... Also...

(What am I doing making all these damn playlists? It's all 'cause the prez started with this nonsense.)

(Asking !monad to be the DJ! How'd she even find my account?!)

(I never told anyone. I was just playing around to de-stress after doing analysis work, totally amateur stuff.)

(Well, I did sell a couple things that ended up being good enough. But nothing I posted ever went viral, so how?)

(How the hell did she find me? If she knows and is trying to drag me out into the open, that's plain evil... Or maybe it's even worse if it's all a coincidence.)

(What the hell is she thinking? She just thought of "DJ time" out of nowhere? Not to mention, I've never DJ'd for an audience in my life. Although...)

Huh? Crap!

...

A "prosperous future"? "Climb to greater heights"? You just want to be the one who bestows those things to us... If that's not ego, I don't know what is.

(I took an arrogant stance despite myself. Sirius isn't to blame. This time of the year... makes me weak.)

(Students finish their lives at school and move on, their smiles marred by tears, no, it is I who mars them.)

(Could it really all just be my ego? Are my reasons for celebrating others driven by my selfish indulgence? )

What has you looking so somber, President?

Fuji Kiseki? How rare to see you here. But never mind that. You look stunning. "A rose among thorns" perfectly suits you.

Hehe, stop exaggerating. I find myself more captivated by your pensive expression. If I'm worthy enough, might I give my assistance?

No, you'll be leading the students in the exhibition dance... That's already more than enough help for me.

Ah, yes, the Droit. I have a feeling the participation rate you've been concerned about is going to be more than in previous years, but...

Have there perhaps been issues setting up the new DJ time? I heard about the idea, that it was sent through the suggestion app.

What was it... "Dresses and dancing aren't really my thing. I just want to make memories with the people most important to me..." Was that it?

Yes. I'm sure others feel the same way. I approved the idea because I thought it'd be an opportunity for the students to move forward.

Only... I still haven't gotten a reply from the music artist mentioned in the suggestion. I'm also in the process of recruiting more students to DJ.

I see. However, aren't things progressing well enough? Meaning... what's really bothering you... concerns yourself?

It wouldn't be like you to pry any further. Though, the fact that you're pushing this far might suggest otherwise.

Oh dear... But I think I can tell when it's the right time to dig just a little more... What do you say?

I wouldn't even call it a problem. I'm thinking about how I can make the Ligne Droite an event meant purely for everyone.

Hm... But right now it isn't?

Not exactly. It seems I'll only be making myself happy in the end. Gathering everyone for a grand dance... wouldn't be right if I'm the only one beaming with pride.

...Are you certain about that? Isn't it rather that you should be satisfied with yourself before considering anything else?

However hard you try, everyone will feel differently about the event afterward. That's why the only thing we can really do is... give the best performance we can.

But still...

You don't really believe you can make someone else's heart dance without being thrilled yourself, do you? You have to show your own enthusiasm first.

...!

Thank you, Fuji Kiseki. Excuse me, there's something I need to do.

Of course. Good luck! ...I'll always be here to help you.

All right... You can come out now, Shakur. I know you heard all that.

More like I was forced to listen. Just what are you scheming?

Scheming? Why does everyone think I'm so manipulative? I only figured it was a good chance to convince you since you were here.

The Droit this year is going to be a hit. If you have time after this, come see how our dance is going... I'm positive you'll love it.

Hmph, she's a real mastermind. Tch... So it's true. Someone really knew about my account.

(So you're using that as an excuse to get me in the Droit. Ugh... You really know how to be a pain. All for... "memories," was it?)

Thanks so much for helping me study! Now I'm sure I won't have to take a makeup exam!

I didn't help at all. You were the ones who came to me asking... Why are you two fools so happy anyway?

You're so mean! But, you know, the school year's almost over, right? I started thinking about how I should prepare more...

Cowards looking for a safety net make me sick. If you're not brave enough to be honest, I won't bother with you next time.

We can't help thinking, though. About not having regrets... preparing for whatever might happen... wanting to make memories... That's all.

...

Oh, geez... I sound like a loser! Anyway, we gotta get going. See you later!

That's a weakness. Just push your regrets down. Don't cling to the past...

Matters of the heart are never simple. It seems we've both become too hardened.

...!

So? What'd you bring me here for? Don't tell me you've come crying for help again.

I've come to try asking you once more. Sirius Symboli, I need your help.

...What?

I concede your point. I thought a grand celebration of everyone's milestone would make them happy. That was... simply my ego.

Then why are you asking for my help again? If you understand it was all about your own ego, then...

Maybe it's stubbornness. I'm just going to say it, I want to be happy with this. I want to mold it all into a result I can be satisfied with. I want everything.

That's why I need your assistance. You know how far my voice can carry an idea. But there are limits to where it reaches. And thus...

You'd stoop to using me. You really need to stop disrespecting people.

But all right. I'll pitch in. Not like I can stop anyone from going anyway. Remember, this is in no way for your approval or for my followers' sakes.

Think of it as a reward for admitting your arrogance. Enjoy it, Emperor Symboli Rudolf!

...Thank you.

Let me add that I do want you to come as well. You're just as important a student as anyone at Tracen.

Hah, what was that? I'd never accept such a pitiful invitation.

Ohh! The prim and proper emperor must not know how to make a good invitation. How about I teach you some tricks of the trade?

Sigh...

Wasn't it me who used to teach you?

...!

You won't get another chance. Give me your hand, Sirius. I'll continue our lesson where we left off.

One, two, three... One, two, three... Good, you're really getting it.

...Heh, I knew it! Hey, I'm going to get even better, because I'm the only one who can give you what you want!

Hehe, you never managed to forget what I taught you. Following my lead seems to suit you better.

Just shut up and let me lead already!

Very well... You know, it's strange. Dancing with you now is much more... fun.

...!

Acting like everything comes so easy... That attitude of hers has always pissed me off.

Hey, how long do you plan on hiding? Nobody likes a peeping Tom.

Ah, u-um, your dancing was just... too amazing! I got all confused and thought I was in a palace ballroom...

Spare me. What do you want?

Oh, hey, Sei! The Droit's tomorrow, huh? I decided to go too! Good luck!

Sky, I heard you're performing with Fuji. I'm so jealous. I can't wait to see your dance.

Wow, feel that pressure. Maybe I need to make a break for it.

Everyone should start the year having fun... And I'll do everything I can to make that happen.

But never mind. I knew that together, you and I would be able to bring the biggest smiles to everyone.

(It's just not my kinda show. I like betraying expectations, not giving people a fun time, much less making them smile...)

...

Uuunngh... Sigh...

Now then... our honeymoon has come to an end. Sadly, this will be our last lesson. Today we'll iron out the details and get ready for tomorrow.

We've come along pretty well with the routine I first suggested. Is there anything you'd like to go over before it's too late?

Sure, just one thing. Can we call the whole thing off?

Uh... What?

Oh, you know, I just feel like quitting.

I really don't like living up to people's expectations. I'd rather... do a dance that's more me.

...Sky!

We'll have to start over from scratch, if that's okay with you. So, would you go to the dance with me?

Yes! I'd love to! Everyone's going to love this surprise dance!

(...They're actually dancing. Weird...)

That's partner dancing? ...Wow.

Ah! That was...

Yeah! That was fantastic! It really packs a surprise! Hehe, I think I could like this a lot.

Now there's just the song. Classical's the norm, but... that's too rigid for the dance we just did.

Although, something too poppy wouldn't fit the Droit at all. There must be some kind of middle ground...

(Sampling maybe? It needs a classical vibe... so they don't want to axe the strings.)

(Actually, the track I'm making now could work. So long as they don't ask for a live orchestra or something crazy, it just needs some tweaking...)

You know, we don't even need a song.

What do you mean you don't need one?!

Shakur! Are you okay? I wasn't expecting you.

Don't even ask! Seiun Sky, did I just hear you say "we don't even need a song"?

Oh, uh, yeah, I mean...

That's going way too far. Some rules are there for a reason. There's no rhythm to get into without sound. If you're looking for something to match that dance you did...

Wooow!

Try dancing to this. I'll fix it up.

...!

(Yeah... This is it.)

That was really good! It felt so great to dance to. Right, Sky?

I didn't know you composed music. Do you by chance... put anything online?

Nope.

Having Shakur's help with this is tremendous! There's no time to lose. Let's practice as hard as we can!

And so, thanks to the new additions and extra announcements, there are more attendees than ever before!

Good... Thank you for the report. Let's make our way to the hall now.

May I have your attention, please! It's almost time for the feature of the night, the partner dance, to begin!

There's just one thing before that... This year's Droit will be a little different than before! I present to you the pair who will be doing a special exhibition dance!

Fuji Kiseki and Seiun Sky!

Will all your effort have been worth it? Time to find out.

Hm?

(Damn it. Why'd I stick my neck out? Those two kept me busy until the very last moment!)

I had to eat a ton of ramen to get that live orchestra. This better be good.

Okay... Ready to go, my lovely date?

Hehe, let's have some fun!

Huff... huff... huff...

...

Waaaaah! You two are the coolest!

...!

Wow, that was so different from what I imagined! Different but... great!

Hey, I'd love to try something just like that... May I have this dance? I bet you'll be really good at taking the lead!

Oh! I... I'll try!

Hehe, it seems our dance ignited something in everyone! The surprise went perfectly! Now for one more thing...

You're all the stars of the show now! It's party time!

...

Hey, was that dance part of Rudolf's plan?

Huh? Don't ask me. It looks like they made it up on their own.

They made everyone want to dance just by doing their thing... I've got to admit, it wasn't half bad.

...

What I'm saying is, the one who requested the DJ time was me! I'm sorry!

Why are you apologizing? My history with her shouldn't stop you from doing what you want.

It's not that... I'm sorry for being weak. I was always running in circles because I couldn't figure out where I was going.

I may have fallen behind, but... I really did try hard on this. I want to make an amazing memory here, so I can have a clean break... and move forward.

(Maybe I've been narrow-minded too. This isn't just her event. It's something more.)

Hey, you're "!monad," aren't you?

Wha?! How the hell'd you know?

Heh, you're more honest than I thought. Your profile icon is a math formula. Looking at your laptop... I guess I just got the same kind of feeling.

You're always wandering around the track with it. An eyesore like that's hard to forget. I take it you're DJing. Better get ready, or maybe you turned down the gig?

What's it matter to you?

Hmm, I bet you didn't even reply to the offer. Meaning you didn't immediately turn it down... Wow, you're still undecided?

Quit prodding me to do it. It's damn pushy... Ohh, I get it now. You were a fan of mine, huh?

Doesn't matter. What's definite is someone chose you, but you didn't choose anything in the end. That's all.

It's a little pathetic. Don't you get it? Your silence isn't an answer, it's cowardice. Unless you want your identity revealed, make your decision... right now.

Why is it you're trying so hard to drag me out like this?

Having your own flock is a precious thing. You should take responsibility for making your fans love you.

...I don't have an outfit. If I go out like this, I'll look like an idiot.

I'll get you everything you need. You're going on that stage. Just focus on getting ready.

I hope your fashion sense isn't as bad as it looks.

...Now, be a good girl and go make those memories you're looking for.

Hm? A LANE message from Sirius? What?! N-no way!

What is it? She okay?

We're going to Sirius's room! We gotta get the stuff she asked for and hightail it to the Droit!

That was DJ Helios, everyone! Give her a round of applause for those popping beats!

It's finally time for the DJ time climax! Are you having fuuun?! Get ready for the mysterious masked DJ to make their entrance!

Next up is... er, um, I'm not supposed to read the exclamation point, right? It's !monad, everyone! Pump it UUUP!

...

(Ugh... Why am I here? She wasn't serious about outing me... I'm the one who accepted the excuse to do it. But why?)

(I'm normally more logical. Did Sky and Fuji do this to me? Do I want to make people happy all of a sudden? Tch... No friggin' way.)

(I've always liked music. Making my own stuff was just... to have fun. It was a good way to shut out all the crap in the real world.)

(Sound was so much easier to handle than reality... So to drown out the noise in my head, I mixed... and mixed... and mixed...)

(And I threw it out into the world. It's not like I wanted people to hear it. I just wanted to tell reality to blow off... to prove to myself...)

This song's the best! Amp it up for real, !monaaaad!

...!

(Argh, no more philosophizing. "Making memories" is kid stuff. I'll pump it up, blast the volume, and turn this moment into something mind-melting!)

(Good, everyone looks happy. This music is rather intense, but we should do DJ time again next, oh, it's those two.)

Good thing we made it, geez, are you crying?!

Sorry... I just, this is s-so cool! Yeah, I love this. !monad's music is like screaming your feelings out!

It's cool, leave it at that! We're gonna wreck this place too. Next time... we'll do dresses and everything!

...Right. Yeah! Hehe, then it's a date... promise!

Interesting... Pursuing my own happiness led to this scene.

(I don't have time to gaze in awe though. The participation rate was less than ideal. I'll need to think of new measures for next time.)

(Practice makes perfect. Next time everyone will enjoy this moment. I won't let anyone miss out again.)

Crazy. Was the Droit always such a huge event?

No! This year was the biggest it's ever been! And I think our dance had something to do with that.

You really think so? Hold on, are you sure it's okay for the ever-popular Fuji to be out here right now?

If I remember right, you've got a closing speech to give. You've got it rough, huh?

I thought I'd get some air before that. And I hope you realize you're just as popular. All your friends were looking for you.

I'd rather avoid being made fun of... But if you came to give your thanks, I'm all ears.

Hehe, I knew you were sharp. You still don't have a grasp on how I really feel though.

Thank you, Sky... for being my date.

I wasn't mistaken about you. You were the ultimate trickster. The cheers were proof of that.

Our dance became a wonderful memory for everyone there. Hehe, thank you so much. I'm sorry I wouldn't take no for an answer.

No need to apologize. I'm the one who accepted your deal. And you probably...

Well, you got to know all about Shakur's peculiar skills and all.

Heh, I really need to thank her as well. I have a feeling I'll be organizing quite a few scrimmages starting next week.

...Oh, I bet my adorable ponies are starting to worry. I should head back.

...

Oh, right. There was something I wanted to tell you too.

Lend me your ear...

Hm?

U-uh?!

Your dress... looks beautiful on you.

...!

I had trouble telling you because... you really do resemble a goddess.

...Fooled you good! ☆

Another big surprise in the bag. Phew, I really wanted to get even after you sucked me into all this, so I went with the cool, suave approach. ☆

With that said, isn't it about time? Good luck with your speech. See ya! ☆

...What a shock. Hehe, you didn't need to do that if you're going to get embarrassed about it.

(But it seems like she's really feeling better. I'm glad.)

(Being the leader of another dorm, I was afraid of stepping in too much. But I couldn't help it seeing the state she was in.)

All right. It wasn't a real date, but I got my compliment. Nothing left but to give a spectacular speech.

Now that we've announced this evening's best couple, it's time to close out the night!

Hello, everyone. Did you all enjoy this year's Ligne Droite? For some of you, it was your first time... For others, it was perhaps your last.

All of us, though, will always be striving forward. And wherever we may go, every day we'll be running until both our bodies and our hearts are worn out.

That's what we chose, and we'll never stop chasing after our dreams. But the next time you think you can't take another step... remember this night.

You, the runner next to you... You're all running down your own paths in life. Remember that each and every one of you is beautiful... and the star of your own story.

Only you can run down that final stretch. So follow your heart, dash ahead... and cross the finish line!

I knew it... I'm just not the right match for Fuji. I can't... match that beauty.

I'll get you back for making me dance to your tune... my dear date.

...!

Ugh, I sense a big hassle approaching. But since I'm so close to thinking up a new racing strategy, I guess I'll have to...

Run away! ♪