Uma Musume: Pretty Derby story · Character stories
Tosen Jordan's story
7 scenes, 396 lines
1. Matte World, Glossed Over Skills
50 lines
Who's the star of the show?
Tosen Jordan!
Who do you stan?
Tosen Jordan!
Aaaand... What're the trending words of the day?
Congratulations on getting into Tracen, Jordan!
Ehehe, thank you! ☆
Ding.
All done. I'll upload this to UmaTok... later. Right now, I wanna dig into this burger!
Back to off-camera Jordan again, I see.
Oh, come on. You know my mom hates it when I eat junk food. And I'm high-key starving. ...Whoa, what's with those nails?! Absolute slay!
I know, right? This salon only charges 1,500 yen to first-time visitors. I got a coupon to give to a friend, so here. Congrats on getting into Tracen.
Whoa, you shouldn't have... But I'm glad you did. Love you, bestie.
Love you too! Don't let Tracen take away your cute vibes, Jordan.
For real though, you're breaking up the dream team here... You sure we can't talk you out of going?
Hey, you know how hard I worked to get into this school. Even the teach said something nice about me for once.
Facts. He was totes shocked. But well, I get it. You're not exactly, like, the brightest bulb in the box.
Seriously, how many times did you accidentally throw out your report card? Or the sports festival signs? You were practically writing a new apology every month.
Hey, it wasn't every month. It was every other month!
That's still a lot! I'm weak! ...Anyway, we're happy for you. You better eat it at Tracen, okay? We'll be cheering from the stands.
Yeah, yeah, thanks... And I will. I mean it.
I mean, this is Tracen, right? They should be able to turn even me into a star.
Several months later...
(This is it, Jordan. You've gotta win... Another loss would be so cringe. Like, for real.)
(Pay attention during the start, and get into a good position. After that... Keep your pacing in mind!)
Inhale... Phew... I've got this!
In search of a racer to train, I decide to check out the scrimmages. There, I hear the other trainers talking about one particular Umamusume.
Wait, isn't that Tosen Jordan? I heard she hurt her toenail and couldn't run. Is she okay?
She might be recovered, but that doesn't mean it's not going to happen again. From what I've heard, she's already reinjured herself a few times now.
Still... At least she hasn't given up. I saw her training yesterday, and she was giving it her all... Though the dead time did set her back a bit.
(Tosen Jordan, huh... I wonder what she's like.)
As their whispered conversation worms its way into my ears, I turn my attention to the track.
The racers have taken their positions... And they're off!
...?!
(Wh-why do my legs feel so wobbly? I need steady movements! Steady!)
(...I can't! The hell's going on? Why's my running so sus?)
Huff, huff... No!
The leading racers have rounded the fourth corner and are headed into the final stretch! They're quite a ways from the back of the pack!
Is Jordan all right? She looks almost... sluggish. She's really trailing behind the other racers.
Tosen Jordan's lackluster performance ironically draws all eyes to her. She finishes in last place, far behind the others.
Huff... Huff... Huff...
Hm... Did something happen, or did she just... give up? She seemed like such a hard worker yesterday.
Ignoring the trainers' gossip, I decide to follow Tosen Jordan. Something definitely felt off.
...!
Compared to her running, the frustration she showed was anything but lackluster. Even after she runs off, I can't stop thinking about the strange contradiction I just witnessed.
A few weeks after that, I begin to hear rumors that Tosen Jordan is avoiding races.
2. Solid Color Manicure: Bold and Brash
57 linesA few days after first hearing the rumors about Tosen Jordan, I happen to see her as I pass by the school gates.
Ah, there you are, Jordan! The teacher's looking for you!
Yeah, I know. The school just hit me up. I'm headed over now.
Well, you better hurry! She seemed really angry... You can't skip class and practice. You might get kicked out, you know?
Yeah... I know.
Skipping class, not even showing up for tests... All that could be overlooked if you were entering races, but you won't even train.
What's going on here, Jordan? I know you were injured, but you never let that affect you before... If you need someone to talk to, you know I'm here for you.
I dunno. I'm just, like... low-key in a slump, I guess?
Please take this seriously... I'm worried about you. Is it an issue of motivation?
I. Don't. Know. Period. End of story.
Sigh... All right. Let's call this meeting adjourned. For now, I've made a worksheet summarizing this week's lessons. Once you finish, you may go.
When you feel like racing again, you know where to find me.
For real though, what was I supposed to say? Even I don't know what the problem is.
Several hours after seeing her at the gates, I'm walking down the academy corridors when I notice Tosen Jordan sitting in an empty room, struggling with a worksheet.
"Solve with a natural number, assuming the square root is also a natural number." What's that mean? Like, numbers in nature? What does that mean? Trees?
Ugh! This is straight up code! How am I supposed to know what to do? This suuuucks!
She slams her head dramatically into the desk. As she does, the worksheet in her hands gets caught on something, causing it to rip.
Great. Just... great. I am... so done. Deceased.
How's the homework coming along, huh? Did you... rip up your worksheet?
Huh? Ah, well... I guess I did.
Well... you've made yourself clear. I see you have no intention of improving yourself.
But you MUST learn to use your words! I can't believe you would rip up your worksheet just to prove a point!
...!
From what I saw, the worksheet ripping was just an unfortunate accident. Of course, if she just explains what happened, I'm sure the teacher will understand.
Whatever...
I'm trying to help you, you know. But if you don't work with me, I can't do anything.
Have you really lost your drive? You really want to stop racing? Truly?
I don't know. How am I supposed to know?
But if that's how everyone sees it, then it doesn't sound that outta pocket to me.
Instead of clearing her name, she simply turns her back on the teacher and walks away. It's like she's given up... I decide to follow to make sure she's okay.
When I finally catch up to her, I find her carefully coating her injured toenail with strengthener. Other nail care products are laid out around her.
...
Sigh... Stupid toenail. Stupid medical care. Stupid Tickezo, always crying whenever I treat it in our room, making me do it outside. It's all so... stupid.
If it weren't for my stupid flimsy toe, maybe I, ugh. Forget it.
She sounds exhausted, but from her careful application, it's clear she's treating her injury as best she can.
I can't imagine someone who takes such good care of themselves would want to stop racing.
So why is she refusing to race?
(I'd like to hear how she really feels.)
I get my chance a few days later, when I spot Tosen Jordan skipping class and wandering aimlessly around town.
Huh? What's an academy trainer want with me?
I just want to talk.
Talk? Ah... Did the school put you up to this? I'm sure having a student skipping classes and training is a big yikes for admin.
Sorry, but I've, like, lost my motivation or whatever. Don't waste your time on me.
I saw you taking care of your toe the other day.
What?! Wait, when?!
I quickly apologize for not saying anything at the time, but explain that I've wanted to speak with her since then.
I can't shake the feeling that you still want to race.
Uh... Because I was taking care of my toenail? You've got it all wrong. I just feel weird if I don't treat it regularly.
You can't tell if I wanna run just from that. I mean, even I don't know what my deal is.
And, like, why's it any of your business, anyway? I'm not exactly radiating main character energy over here, so what's the point?
Growl...
I-ignore that! I just skipped breakfast, okay?!
How about we get something to eat?
Huh? Now you're trying to bribe me with food?! I have some dignity, you know!
We don't have to talk. We can just eat.
Hm... Okay, bet. But only if we go to that place and only if you'll let me eat as much as I want.
Looking at the place Jordan pointed out, I find myself staring at a flashy fast food restaurant.
3. My Kind of Accent Nail
69 linesOm nom nom....
Sitting down at the restaurant, I watch in awe as Tosen Jordan shoves hamburger after hamburger into her mouth. I'm not even sure she's chewing...
You like hamburgers, huh?
Mmm, I guess so? My parents are total health nuts, so I was never allowed to eat much junk food as a kid. But it just hits different, ya know?
You're a trainer, right? Aren't you gonna stop me? This doesn't exactly scream "what I eat in a day as a racer."
Eating like this is fine every once in a while.
Hm... Weirdo.
Phew... I really went hard on those burgers! Anyway, thanks for the meal, and see you 'round.
Just like I promised, we ended up only eating together. While I'd like to get to the bottom of her problems, I also don't want to force her to talk.
As I watch her walk away, I swear to myself that next time, I'll get her to open up to me.
Sigh... You're a weird one, you know that? I literally have no idea what's going on in that head of yours.
...
You know... I think my toenails are low-key cursed.
...!
I mean, I got injured right after entering the academy. And guess what? As soon as I got back, everyone else was waaay better than me.
Huff, puff... Just two more laps, no, four more! I have to keep goin, ow!
You'd be scared, right? You'd go harder in practice, right? Well, I did, and guess what? I got hurt again! So I take a break, and then I'm even farther behind!
And everyone in my class is already sooo much better than me. I'm sick of being a cringey loser all the time, but that's what's happening...
And I'm just... sick of it all. Guess that means Teach is right. I've lost my motivation.
I look down as I contemplate her words. It's true that Jordan's attitude screams unmotivated, but her actions say otherwise.
If it weren't for my stupid flimsy toe, maybe I, ugh. Forget it.
She may have been complaining, but the way she was carefully massaging her toe showed how much she wanted it to heal. That didn't seem unmotivated to me.
Do you really believe that?
Didn't you see me run in the last scrimmage? When I tried to run, something just... happened, and I don't know why.
Everyone said it looked like I wasn't even trying. And if that's how they all see it, maybe they're ri...
You looked like you were trying to me.
Huh?
Weren't you?
Yeah... I was. I mean, I thought I was. B-but, like... can I really trust myself to know?
Why wouldn't you?
...
I've never been... very good at studying. Or, like, most things really. And I've got a real nasty temper, so I'd always get in fights. I'm just... worthless.
What about races?
I... like racing.
I mean... winning is the vibe. Straight up goals. That's the only time anyone's ever called anything I do amazing.
Racing's... the only thing I've got.
I mean, this is Tracen, right? They should be able to turn even me into a star.
That's why I wanted to win.
I nod. It seems she's finally speaking from the heart.
Do you still want to?
...
Y-yes...
B-but I don't want to lose, either! I already feel like a loser, and coming in last again would just make it worse.
A-all I've got going for me is racing, but now I just keep losing, and losing, and losing!
If it turns out I suck at racing too, then what the hell am I good for?!
...!
I WANT to win! I want to win lots and lots and LOTS of races! I'm sick of people sleeping on me! I want to make 'em all eat their words!
But I don't know HOW! And when I picture running like I did in the scrimmage again, I can't take it! I don't wanna race if I'm gonna be a cringey loser!
And seeing everyone else try so hard just made me feel even worse, so I started skipping. I know that's not gonna help me win, but I...
What if we trained together?
Huh?
Her desire to win is so great that she's deathly afraid of losing... There aren't a lot of Umamusume with such strong feelings.
That desire to win is going to be your greatest weapon.
When it comes down to the final stretch, and two racers are fighting for first place, the winner isn't determined by skill, but by who wants to win more.
I'd hate to see someone like you give up.
That only happened because you were scared.
Fear can do strange things to the body, mess with breathing, even lead to anemia. No doubt that's what happened at the scrimmage.
If you went into a race confidently, I bet you'd win.
Really?
N-no way. Everyone's already so far ahead of me. And what about my weird toe? If I got hurt again, I'd...
Relax. Let me worry about that.
I reassure her that at this point, she's only missed a little training. Nothing a little hard work can't fix. I can also create a training regimen with her toenail in mind.
...
You really are a weirdo, you know that? You're not even my trainer, so why? Why go so far for me?
Still... I dunno why, but...
Something about this... is giving me winner energy.
The cold, hard walls Tosen Jordan built around herself melt away in that instant, revealing a mischievous smirk and a red-hot sparkle in her eyes.
4. Nothing Shines Like Aurora Nails
56 linesSince that day at the fast food restaurant, Jordan and I have been hard at work preparing for the Tracen Meet.
Huff, huff... Ugh!
Need a break?
We've made it to the last day before the Tracen Meet. As I turn to go home after another day of training, Jordan grabs my arm.
Hey, um... This is gonna sound low-key lame, but like... I don't think I've ever wanted to win more than I do now.
B-but... what if I lose? Ahaha... What if, after all that, I still can't...
Don't worry. You're not the same runner you were before.
...!
You can win this. I promise.
Pfft...
You trust me waaay too much, you know that? I mean, I totes appreciate it, but still!
Finally, the Tracen Meet arrives.
Huh? Tosen Jordan's back? Now that I think about it, I remember seeing her training more lately.
Same here. She seemed to have given up for a while there, though. I wonder if she'll be able to finish today's race...
With emotions running high, the 2,000-meter turf race begins!
(Come on, girl, just stay calm. Remember your training and... Hey, I'm doing it! I've got this!)
The race is swiftly moving towards the fourth and final corner! Tosen Jordan's in a good position! Can she maintain her lead?!
Uraurararaugh!
What's this?! Gold Ship races forward with amazing speed! She's steadily pulling away from Tosen Jordan!
...!
And everyone in my class is already sooo much better than me. I'm sick of being a cringey loser all the time, but that's what's happening...
(If I lose here... If I lose again...)
(I'll lose my motivation for real this time!)
...
You can do it, Jordan!
...!
"That desire to win is going to be your greatest weapon." "You can win this. I promise."
(Seriously... Always going on and on about how I can win... Why do you believe in me so much anyway?!)
Ugh, fine! Time to show this crowd a real glow-up!
Huh?! Tosen Jordan?! Tosen Jordan is chasing after Gold Ship, and gaining on her!
Haaaaah!
They're neck and neck! Will it be Gold Ship?! Tosen Jordan?! Who will reach the goal first?!
It's Tosen Jordan!
Huff, huff... Huff...
Sigh... Ehehe, this feeling really is the vibe.
I'm beat... and ready to pop off! I'm talking a facial mask, oil massage, and a little aromatherapy.
That last spurt to first place really got the crowd going. The 2,000-meter turf race ends in a roar of applause.
That was an amazing race, you know.
Ugh, I know, I know! Seriously, you stuck on repeat or something? I could hear you simping during the race too.
...
Jordan?
So, real talk... With today's race over, doesn't that mean our little deal together is done too? Just wondering, but... are you training anybody right now?
If not, I was thinking... You kinda need a racer to train to keep your job, right? In that case, I suppose I'd be okay being scouted by you.
I mean, if that's what you want.
Her invitation may be flippant, but I can tell she's serious about the offer. And, well, I don't have any reason to refuse!
Of course, I'd love to be your trainer!
Ehehe... All right, guess that means we're, like... a team for real now. Looking forward to it, Trainer. ☆
Suddenly...
Theeere you areee!
I've been looking aaaall over for you, bluey! How'd you get so flishy-flashy?! On that track, you were like fwoosh, zoom! Pow! I like you, gutsy girl!
Huh?
Say, how about we dig a tunnel all the way to Brazil?! We'll feel the heat of the Earth's mantle together!
Wait, huh? What are you talking about? You're acting super sus right now!
From that day forward, Gold Ship could frequently be found hovering around Tosen Jordan... But that's a story for another time.
5. Contrasting Accents
50 linesAhahaha! No waaay! I'm DEAD!
That explosive voice... Turning my head towards the sound, I see Tosen Jordan and her friend staring at their phones and laughing wildly.
Check this out, Jordan! This one's sooo good!
Omigosh, you're right! I can't! Ahaha, my sides!
Not sure what's going on, but it looks like she's enjoying... something? I'll have to ask her about it later.
I told you, it's California Fuji Izumi.
You know, the comedian? The one doing all those stupid gags going viral on UmaTok?
"Gotcha! That there's the last straw!" Come on, you've heard that line, right?
No...
Seriously? Then... What about this... Pfft, hehe...
"Popping, ping popping!" Ahhh! I can't! It's too good! Bahaha!
Uh...
Oh, come on! If you don't laugh too, that's, like, peak cringe!
But seriously, you didn't know that one either? Do you, like, never go on social media or something?
I've just been busy lately...
Ohhh? Well, I guess this comedian did just start trending recently. How about non-comedy stuff, then?
Stuff like... this, maybe? ♪
Or maybe this? Isn't this the cutest?
Is that a... dance?
Uhhh, no? Or, like, not exactly? Wow... You really don't know any of these, huh?
If you don't know these UmaToks, what are you even watching? What do you do for fun?
Thinking about it, I realize my schedule has been so busy that I no longer keep up with entertainment much...
Uh... TV?
Oh, I don't watch much TV, but... I should recognize the big names. What shows do you like?
I try to come up with a few names, but realize I haven't watched anything lately. Instead, I try mentioning the show I watched as a kid, Comedy Derby.
Never heard of it... Must be old. Is it uploaded to UmaTube at all?
You know... I feel like I'm talking to my parents. Big yikes.
...?!
Anyway, this meeting's over, right? Then I'm leaving. See ya.
The world I see is so different from hers... At this rate, we might not even be able to communicate properly.
I need to learn more about what she's into. I quickly pull out my phone and follow the comedian she mentioned and other viral UmaTokkers.
After days and days of studying this strange new world...
Jordan!
Hm? What's up? And... why's your face so sus right now? S-seriously, what's going on?
I've carefully observed the media she consumes, absorbing it all. And now, it's time to show the fruits of my labor...
"Gotcha! That there's the last straw!"
Huh?
"Popping, ping popping!"
Uh... Guess I'll snap a pic.
But, wow, talk about a throwback. I haven't watched that comedian's act in aaages.
What?!
California Fuji Izumi is soooo last week. Now Michael L. Mica is what's lit. You know him?
N-no!
Really? Anyway, what's gotten into you? Your reaction to those videos was mid at best when I showed them to you before.
I just wanted to make you laugh...
Huh?
So wait. You studied all that... for me? Huh...
I mean, you totally bombed, but try again. I'm uploading this next one to UmaTok, so you better do it right.
...?!
It seems I'll need to work a little harder to close the gap between myself and Tosen Jordan.
6. Clear Coat vs All White, Nail Art vs French Manicure
63 linesIn an attempt to grow closer to Tosen Jordan, I've started looking into what's trending these days. Today, I've made my way to the shopping mall.
Huh? What are you doing here?
Checking the trends, huh? But why? Doesn't that stuff just naturally make its way to you?
Like, your friends will share it, or it shows up on your feed. They just keep coming, one after another.
I see...
You're taking notes? Just stop. Please. I can't. This is your day off, yeah? You shouldn't spend it studying and junk.
Are you here to do some shopping?
Yeah, I guess so... Actually, if you wanna know the trends, I know a super easy way to figure that out.
Guess we're switching roles. Today, I'm gonna be your Trend Trainer.
Before I know it, I'm suddenly embarking upon Trend Training with Tosen Jordan...
First stop, the photo booth! Gotta take a pic while my hair and makeup are still on fleek. A selfie's good too, but photo booths just hit different, you know?
Don't worry about the pose suggestions and all that stuff. Which one should we do? Better just stick to the usual for your first time, I guess.
Here. Pose like this. Easy, right?
Uh... Like this?
Stiff much? It's giving dead body. Come on, vibe with me here. Think, "I'm the cutest in the whole world!"
Got it? If your heart's not in it, your face will show it. Now let's try that again. Get into iiit!
Hm... Ah, that top is high-key cute. And it's cropped at juuust the right length. Adorable as hell.
Why not try it on?
Are you for real? If I try it on, I'll just want it more. And do you see those prices? Little bougie for my allowance. No way.
Instead, I've gotta burn this fit into my mind. Later, I'll try to find something with a similar vibe that I can actually afford.
Like, "I won't forget you." Ahaha!
Ha... Would it kill you to laugh at my jokes? Anyway, let's get going.
Ah, that top is such a serve! I've been meaning to grab something oversized! And it's so cheap. Yup, you're mine now.
Wh-what happened to crop tops?!
Hm... I can't tell if you've got more cool or warm undertones... Not that it matters too much. Your glow-up is all but guaranteed with me in charge.
Let's go with an orange eyeshadow... And a little glitter... Now some white eyeliner on your waterline. Can't forget the pink mascara to make your eyes pop!
Please... Mercy...
Huh? Come on, if anything, I should be putting on more. If that's how you're gonna thank me... I'm giving you a unibrow.
After my impromptu makeover, we spend the rest of the day hanging out, and I learn more about Jordan's world.
Now that hit the spot. Frappes slap so hard... And the new flavors here are always on point.
So? How was today? This is how I always spend my days off. You know, wandering around, eating and goofing around on my smartphone.
But... I'm sure it was a real bore for you, huh?
What?
Low-key... you looked like you were about to burst an artery most of today. I'm guessing this was all totally foreign to you, right?
I wouldn't say that...
Sure, I had a hard time keeping up with all these new experiences, but I thought I'd hid that well... I guess not.
Yeah, yeah. But to be honest, I was so worried about you that I didn't really have as much fun either.
Sorry...
I mean... It's not like I didn't have any fun.
Huh?
Anyway, it's pretty clear now, right? We're like, total opposites. Practically from other planets.
We're not gonna laugh at the same stuff, so, like, it's okay to stop trying.
So you knew what I was doing, huh?
I'm dumb, but I'm not blind. Anyway, I appreciate the thought, so... give it a rest, okay?
We don't have to vibe outside of training. We can just practice and go home, you know?
Well, I think I'll keep trying anyway.
Huh? Why?
Because I want to know you better.
Sure, it was hard to keep up, but the novelty of each experience kept things interesting.
And in the end, I learned more about Tosen Jordan. Today was well worth it for that alone, so I tell her as much.
In summary, I had fun!
I can tell when you're lying, you know.
My face may say otherwise, but my heart speaks the truth!
Seriously... You are so weird.
Isn't all that studying super boring though? Wouldn't it be easier just to kick back and relax?
I mean, that's what happened to me when I tried watching this!
She pulls out a video rental shop bag and shoves it into my hands. Looking inside, I find a DVD of Comedy Derby, the show I told her about.
Did you watch this for me?
Yeah, but I didn't enjoy it. Your sense of humor is hella sus... But seeing you bomb your UmaTok impression got me curious.
Do you know how long it's been since I've rented a DVD? It took sooo much time to find too. Recommend something online next time.
Okay!
Come on, why'd that make you smile?! Anyway, could you return that DVD for me? I'm out! Thanks for the frappe!
I nod and wave a quick goodbye to her before sitting back, satisfied. Finally, it feels like I've grown closer to Tosen Jordan, even if only by a teensy bit.
7. Approaching the Perfect Sculpted Nail
51 linesIn order to build Jordan's talents even more, she and I are taking part in the summer training camp.
Raaah! All right, one more lap! Come on, Trainer, let's go extra hard today! Uraugh!
Motivated?
Totally Tosen! I wanna go to the festival tonight in a good mood.
Festival?
Whoa, didn't you hear? There's a HUGE festival tonight at a nearby shrine!
And I'm hella stoked for it. I'm 100% going, so don't you DARE extend practice today. I'll make sure we finish everything on time.
You've got it!
Hey, wait a minute... If you didn't know, that means you weren't planning on going to the festival, right? Got something else planned then?
No, I'll just be organizing my training notes.
Huh... You're one serious trainer, all right. Well, whatever. I'm gonna go warm up for the next exercise.
After that, true to her word, Tosen Jordan gives practice her all. Once we finish, she swiftly makes her way to the festival.
Or at least, I thought she would...
Ah, there you are. Come on, we're headed out.
Huh? Weren't you going to the festival?
I am, and you're coming with me. Now let's hurry up and go.
You know, I'm pretty goated when it comes to carnival games, but someone's gotta carry my prizes. Can't eat cotton candy with full hands, now, can I?
So you want me to do it?
Sure do. And since I don't hear a "no," I'm guessing you're okay with it? Good.
With that, I find myself half-dragged over to the summer festival.
Oh. My. GOSH. What are you doing here?! And wearing a yukata too! And, hold on, isn't that your crush?!
Shhh! Don't be so loud! This is why I didn't tell anyone I was coming!
Yeah, right, I bet you wanted to show off! Anyway, I better get evidence for later. Trainer, take a picture of us! Say cheeeese!
You don't have anyone to take a photo of you two together, do you? I'll take one. I'll even make it super cute before I send it to you. Make a peace sign!
Whoa, what's with these chocolate bananas? They're practically glow sticks. I'm gonna go blind!
Gimme a break, kid. I'm trying to keep up with the times! You youngsters like taking pictures, right? I thought these would be good, but did I go too far?
No way! This is PEAK festival cuisine! I 100% stan these banans. I'll take one. How about you, Trainer?
Got any regular ones?
What, you scared? This is literally a banana glow-up. Get in here and get your hands covered in neon chocolate!
All right... I will!
Pfft, haha! You looked so serious there! Well, glad you're getting into the vibes. Let's take a selfie with these two bananas.
We continue to explore the festival, and I'm surprised by how much fun we're having. We may not be close friends, but we seem to enjoy each other's company.
Boom...
Ah, yes! Fireworks! Now this is giving festival.
I like fireworks too.
You do?! We finally found something we have in common, then! Huh, I had no idea...
Although, I guess there aren't many people who hate fireworks. Guess we're not really vibing after all.
We're not?
I mean... We're so different, you know? I was just thinking, wouldn't it be nice if we had, like, one thing in common?
That way, even if we are from different planets, we can at least enjoy something together. Guess I've been kinda worried about it.
So that's why she brought me to the festival. She's been trying to connect with me, in her own way.
Fireworks aren't the best common interest, huh... Yeah, no good. Guess we're gonna be stuck as complete strangers, huh?
That's fine.
It is?
While we may not understand each other, we've both shown that we want to. If Tosen Jordan has taught me anything, it's that the desire to understand is what's most important.
Thanks for trying to understand me.
Um... Whatever. I still think it'd be better if we vibed more.
Whether it'd be food, comedy, clothes, or just... vibes. It'd be so much better and easier if we were the same.
I mean, it's annoying studying stuff we don't understand, right? Like, watching UmaToks or comedy shows you don't find funny just feels so cringe.
But... If that's how it's gotta be, I guess I'm okay with it. At least we agree that fireworks are pretty...
I can still feel some distance from Tosen Jordan as she mumbles away. However, I know that the more we talk, the more that distance will close itself.