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Kaoru
Alright, shall we take a short break? It seems you all have gotten used to your horses.
Eve
Yes! I had trouble at first, but I feel like I really understand my horse after riding for a while!
Kaoru
That's the most important thing. I'm sure your horse feels the same way.
Eve
You really think so? Fufu, thank you!
Saaya
To be honest, I was just barely able to get on my horse, so I was worried about trail riding. But I've managed somehow.
Kaoru
Your horse can actually be rather childish at times. It's amazing you're able to ride her so well.
Saaya
Really? Fufufu, I have younger siblings, so I suppose I'm used to playing with kids.
Kaoru
How are you faring, Rimi-chan?
Rimi
Ooo... I think I'm getting better, but... I'm still not a very good rider. It's so shaky, and then I get scared...
Kaoru
You don't have to be good at it. All you need to concern yourself with is enjoying your time with your horse.
Rimi
That's true... Then I want to have even more fun.
Kaoru
In that case, perhaps you could talk to your horse while we rest. There is nothing to fear. They won't harm you.
Rimi
Talking with my horse, huh...? I'll give it a shot!
Eve
Huh? Where's Tomoe-sa-
Tomoe
Whoa there! Haha! You're a feisty one, aren't you?! That's my Silver!
Rimi
Ah! Silver's really going wild... But it looks like they're having fun... I'd fall off for sure...
Tomoe
Hup... Can I just tie Silver up here? Alright, Silver, time for a break. We'll play again later!
Kaoru
Now then, let us rest our weary bodies. I brought along some herbal tea. Allow me to prepare you all a cup.
Saaya
Thank you. I'm actually really thirsty...
Tomoe
Horseback riding really does take every part of your body, doesn't it? I'm sweating up a storm over here.
Rimi
Now that you mention it... My thighs and back are a little sore...
Eve
It was so much fun though! Riding those horses was so relaxing!
Kaoru
Yes, I could tell you were all enjoying yourselves just by watching you and the horses. I'm thrilled to know you're having fun.
Kaoru
You see, horses are very wise and sensitive creatures, so they are very attuned to their rider's emotions.
Kaoru
Which is why the key to honing your skills is establishing a bond with your horse.
Tomoe
I think I know what you mean. In fact, I think Silver might be the most sensitive out of the whole bunch.
Saaya
What?! Silver seems so rough, so I don't really see it.
Tomoe
That rough edge of hers just shows how sensitive she really is. She wants to seem stronger, so she puts on a tough act.
Tomoe
That's just the feeling I got while we were riding.
Tomoe
Silver may act cold, but she clearly has a big heart.
Tomoe
And seeing that, it's like I can't leave her alone. I really want to get to know her and be friends...
Kaoru
I'm sure Silver understands. Look, she's been gazing at you this entire time.
Tomoe
Silver... And here she was tossing me around this whole time. She should be more honest with her feelings.
Tomoe
Thanks for the herbal tea! You guys sit here and rest for a little longer. I'm gonna go hang out with Silver.
Tomoe
She might sulk on the way back if I don't pay attention to her.
Kaoru
Very well. Pay us no mind. Enjoy your time with Silver.
Eve
Tomoe-san is so cool! She really understands her horse's feelings!
Kaoru
And I'm sure her kindness has started to reach the heart of her steed.
Saaya
I bet Silver reminds her of someone very close to her. Tomoe is a very caring person after all.
Tomoe
Hey there! What's wrong? Were you lonely? Don't worry, we'll play a lot more soon, Silver!
Transcript
Marina
Tomoe-chan, what are you looking at on your phone? You look pretty happy.
Tomoe
Ah, hey, you two... Thanks for all your help earlier! Did I really look that happy?
Marina
Sure did. I almost felt like smiling just looking at you.
Tomoe
Really...? I was just looking at some pictures from a trip I took recently.
Tomoe
I didn't take a lot of pictures, so I had the other people I went with send some to me.
Marina
Let me see~. Is this... you and Kaoru-san horseback riding?
Tomoe
Yeah, Seta-senpai invited us to try it out with her. It was my first time riding a horse, but it was way more fun than I thought.
Tomoe
As for the horse I rode... Here she is! This is Silver. She's a pretty rowdy horse.
Marina
Whoa! You look like you're about to be thrown off in this picture! Were you alright?
Tomoe
Yeah, I managed. One of the stable hands asked me if I wanted a different horse, but I knew this was the perfect horse for me.
Tomoe
She was a little rough around the edges, and seemed wary of humans, but... when I was staring into her eyes, I saw something... warm.
Tomoe
Silver didn't really want to accept me at first, but after a while, I think we came to understand each other.
Tomoe
Towards the end, we were going so fast I thought we were riding the wind.
Marina
This photo must be from that time, right? You and Silver both look very happy.
Tomoe
Yeah. I tried praising her a little afterward, but she didn't like that. After that, she got kinda rowdy again.
Tomoe
We may have only known each other for two days, but I really do feel like we understood each other.
Tomoe
Creating such a deep bond without words... How could I not love horseback riding after that?
Tomoe
I plan to go visit her again sometime soon. She'll get lonely if I don't.
Tomoe
... Besides, I want to see her too.
Marina
Fufu. I hope you get to meet again soon.
Tomoe
Same! You know, you should really try connecting with animals sometime. It's great. I recommend horses!