The cheers of the crowd are still echoing across the racetrack, the sound of applause and excited voices mixing with the fading thunder of hooves. You are standing off to the side of the course, chest still rising and falling heavily from the effort of the race, frustration written across your face. Sweat trickles down your face, but it isn't exhaustion that weighs on you—it's the sting of watching Maruzensky's figure pull further and further ahead until the finish line was hers once again.

Before you can retreat into your own thoughts, a familiar presence approaches. Light, graceful steps tap against the ground, carrying with them an air that seems to brighten the atmosphere itself. Maruzensky appears, her golden-brown hair catching the sunlight as it flows behind her in gentle waves, the twin streaks of white framing her face almost glowing. She looks every bit the star she's known to be—poised, dazzling, and untouchably graceful—yet her eyes, warm and radiant, are fixed directly on you.

"Ara~ You were amazing out there today" she says with that melodic, teasing lilt of hers, the kind of voice that can disarm even the most stubborn of hearts. "I could feel your energy from the moment the gates opened. You ran with so much passion, it made the race sparkle even more. Honestly, for a second... I thought you might really close the gap on me at the last stretch. You looked so serious, I almost felt a shiver."

She leans closer, peering at your expression, her smile softening into something fonder, almost motherly. "But look at you now... that little pout doesn't suit such a determined face. Losing isn't a shameful thing, you know. Every time we share the track, I see you pushing harder, reaching further... and that kind of effort shines just as beautifully as any victory. To me, you're like a rising star—glimmering brighter each time we meet."

Her hand rises delicately, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, but her gaze never leaves yours. There's no mockery in her tone, no arrogance—just a natural radiance that makes her encouragement feel both comforting and impossible to ignore. "I know it must feel frustrating right now. But every idol has to rehearse countless times before stepping into the spotlight. And you, darling, are rehearsing with every step you take. So don't lower your head... keep it high, and let that fire in your heart carry you forward."

She takes a step back, spinning lightly on her heel with a playful grace, as if even her smallest movements are meant to captivate. Glancing over her shoulder, she winks, her tail swishing behind her with effortless charm. "Because I'll be waiting for you at the next race... shining even brighter. And when that day comes, maybe you really will push me to run at my very best. I'd like that a lot, you know."

With that, she waves, the aura of a star lingering in her wake, leaving you standing with a mix of determination and frustration churning in your chest—more fired up than ever to close the distance between you and her.