"Tachyon?"
Even an idiot could tell something was off by now, and Manhattan Cafe was quite certain she wasn't an idiot.
"Could the side effect be making you more… forthright?"
"I doubt it." Nearl chimed in from the side.
"Miss Agnes doesn't seem like herself naturally. It's more like she can't control what she's saying. The effect is extremely similar to a truth serum from the movies, just with the mind still clear."
"This is just troublesome! I can't hide my thoughts at all. What am I supposed to do about fooling the other Uma Musume? Watching them get all flustered over my half-truths and teasing is one of my rare little joys in life."
"Miss Agnes, I'm starting to think this potion's side effect might not be so bad after all. At least many of our classmates will be spared your mischievous whims."
"I agree."
Nearl and Manhattan Cafe played off each other seamlessly from the sidelines.
"Urgh… I met both of you first, so why is it that you and Nearl get along the best now, Cafe?"
But Agnes Tachyon's complaint only earned another round of cheerful laughter from Nearl. The contrast with her usual self was just too stark.
"Yo! Nearl, Agnes Tachyon-senpai, Manhattan Cafe-senpai! How's it going?"
Just then, a boisterous voice called out from behind. Nearl was quite familiar with its owner, having just raced against her on the track.
"Mejiro Ryan, pleased to see you. Care for anything?"
"Ah, black tea, please."
It was a familiar exchange. Ryan was a regular here. Ever since discovering Nearl's skill with tea, she'd stopped needing to lug thermoses of homemade brew from her family estate.
But today's timing was particularly unfortunate.
"Oh, it's you, Muscles. Hello."
Tachyon offered a disinterested, lackluster greeting.
"M-Muscles?!"
Instinctively, Ryan crossed her arms over her chest, then gave her own upper arms a squeeze.
"R-Really? Is it that obvious?"
"It could never be that obvious. Give it up. According to my research, for a Japanese Uma Musume to develop significant muscle mass, pharmaceutical assistance is unavoidable. And while you're busy growing muscles, that generous bust of yours would inevitably shrink."
"Would you really be willing to part with it?"
"Eek!"
The blunt and cutting remark was more than Ryan could handle.
At first, she wanted to cover her muscular arms, but after hearing the rest, she wanted to shield her ample chest instead, leaving her flailing awkwardly.
This very flailing only made her "robustness" more conspicuous.
"Wow, is this intentional bragging? Be careful, or I might just slip you something to flatten you out back at the dorms."
The blows were merciless.
Tachyon was a real handful right now. She'd always been sharp-tongued and self-centered, though she usually reined it in a bit for the sake of camaraderie.
With this potion's effect, that restraint was utterly gone.
"And that short hair… it really doesn't suit you, you know? You should grow it out longer. It'd help you project more of that young lady aura your family's known for."
It was like being pierced by a volley of arrows. Ryan stood up, utterly dejected. She didn't even wait for her tea, her whole figure seemingly fading to gray.
"Thank you for your… advice, Senpai. I'll… consider it."
Watching her sorrowful, bewildered retreating back, Manhattan Cafe shot Tachyon a reproachful look.
"Tachyon, I think you should just… stop talking."
"Indeed. I've realized it. This side effect is more troublesome than I imagined. It feels like it makes you speak without thinking. It's truly unpleasant."
Tachyon wasn't having a great time either. She hadn't intended to say any of that. The thoughts had just flashed through her mind—thoughts she'd normally toss straight into the mental trash.
"I need to apologize to her. Can't have my image deteriorating in people's eyes for no good reason."
"But it's already pretty terrible. Our classmates want to run the other way when they see you coming."
"That part's whatever. I just don't want bad reviews for an innocent reason. That's just frustrating."
"I feel I've underestimated your shamelessness, Tachyon."
"Now I'm getting annoyed."
Their little spat only ended when Nearl returned with the tea.
"Huh? Where's Ryan?"
Cafe subtly gestured with her eyes toward Tachyon, who had her eyes closed. Nearl understood immediately.
"Miss Agnes, it might be best if you remained silent for a while. I'm not blaming you, but our classmates have no reason to endure verbal blows like that."
"I know. This potion's effect is more troublesome than expected. Who knows how long it'll last? If some secrets slip out in the meantime, it'll be a real mess."
Taking out the remaining vial, Agnes Tachyon looked utterly vexed.
"Seems it has to be scrapped. What a pity, I thought it was a rare success. But Margaret, you don't seem too bothered by this side effect."
"Calling me by my first name...? Well, if it's from you, Miss Agnes, it's fine."
Nearl was momentarily taken aback by the casual use of her name but accepted it.
"For me, there's never been much worth hiding. Not that I've never told a lie, of course."
"Ooh~ Does that mean I can ask you some questions while I have the chance?"
A smile of keen interest played on Tachyon's lips, her ears giving an obvious twitch.
"Go ahead. But I'll refuse to answer anything too private."
"Alright then, first: which Uma Musume do you care about the most?"
With the very first question, Tachyon revealed her aim.
Not that she could hide it right now anyway. Cafe was also drawn in by the question, her ears subtly tilting toward them.
"It's Centaurea."
Without a moment's hesitation, Nearl answered swiftly. However, the hearts of the two listeners leapt just as swiftly—and filled with an icy chill.
"Oh… ah, that…"
A pang of sadness shot through Cafe's heart.
"This hurts a bit…"
Tachyon muttered under her breath, but quickly composed herself.
"Seems you like her a lot."
"Like? No, how should I put it… She is me. Does anyone specifically 'like' themselves? It's just instinct."
"Urk!"
Another crushing blow. Cafe had curled into a ball, and Tachyon scratched her head irritably.
"I see… I really don't want to ask this, but a feeling of sheer stubbornness is pushing me… Margaret, what's your relationship with that Centaurea?"
"A complicated one. But biologically speaking, we're sisters."
"Whew~"
Both let out a huge sigh of relief, their previously chilled hearts suddenly warming again.
"Really, it's like bungee jumping. A few more rounds of that and I'll probably have to start researching cardiac medication."
"..."
Cafe was now clutching SS's hand tightly, steadying her emotions.
"So why are you two so interested in this? What's the point of knowing who I care about most?"
"Well, it's because I've fallen for—!! (you)"
"Tachyon!"
Manhattan Cafe forcefully clamped a hand over Agnes Tachyon's mouth, making her swallow the last few words.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.