"Tracen's cafeteria is amazing, isn't it…"
At lunchtime, the cafeteria was packed with Uma Musume.
Vodka, sitting right next to me, started saying something like that.
"The meat I had yesterday was insanely good, but this… this is just as amazing. And the fact that it's free? That's just unreal, seriously."
"Twinkle Series is a super popular entertainment… And being at the center of it, that means there's a lot of expectation on us… It kind of fires me up!"
Next to her was Scarlet. My classmates and teammates were eating at the same table. That's fine by itself, but if there's a problem, it's that Deji-tan, sitting to my left, was holding her bowl and nearly losing consciousness.
"Ah… ah… from all directions… an overwhelming dose of divine awe…"
Maybe it was because the table was round. Holy water was dripping from the corner of her mouth. So cute.
"…Um, is Digital always like this?"
"Yeah. She's super cute, right?"
When I answered, Scarlet silently brought her bowl in front of her face and started moving her chopsticks, hiding her expression. Yeah, Scarlet gets it. Deji-tan cuteness goes without saying.
"Watch out, Scarlet. Those two get along insanely well, and the reason is… basically like attracts like. You know what I mean, right? If you don't get used to it soon… you'll die."
Golshi… you really are the best. You get it! That's right! If someone unaccustomed tries to take in Deji-tan divine cuteness, they'll almost die. Just like me about a month ago. She's that cute.
"But yeah, those two really are pretty similar… I mean, their… tastes, aptitudes…"
"I've liked Deji-tan since before I was born. It was inevitable that I'd end up this way."
"In that case, you should be glad you were born in this era."
…What Golshi said just now is something I always think. The fact that I'm here is like a series of miracles stacking up. I can't thank my parents enough for giving birth to me as an Uma Musume who could attend Tracen Academy—I'd want to prostrate myself fully in gratitude.
"Do I have to be quick enough to respond to that kind of crazy comment… to survive?"
Whoa, why the hesitant tone, Scarlet? Well… it may sound like an out-of-the-blue story, but the fact remains—Deji-tan is that cute.
"…She's really cute. I could just eat her up…"
"…Wha-! Wh-what are you saying!?"
Alright, she's back.
Yeah, this feels right. I'm the one on the offensive. I should keep praising Deji-tan, who isn't used to compliments, until her face turns bright red like someone splattered paint on it. That's the proper way. Not like yesterday… that… anyway, that was different.
"I recently realized something. It's easier to react to them instinctively than to try to understand them with my head."
"…What do you mean?"
"Look, Aurora, if I kept reacting logically to all the nonsense you two spew non-stop, I'd lose it myself."
"No, no, I'm usually the one reacting—Golshi is the one cracking the jokes. When we first met, who was hanging from a rope outside the window and grilling saury on the roof?… Even if she's less wild now, she's still the joker. Absolutely."
"…Everything has its balance. If I went over to that side… Vodka and Scarlet would definitely blow a fuse."
…I don't exactly consider myself a completely normal Uma Musume either. Sometimes I get completely obsessed with my hobbies, and of course, having memories from a past life means some screws in my head are just slightly loose.
But other than that, I'm normal. I love sweets and running, just a regular Uma Musume.
"…Golshi, the way you say that makes it sound like I'm completely crazy… you're saying that, aren't you?"
"Yeah, that's exactly what I'm saying."
"I think so too."
"…Me too."
What!?
"Deji-tan!? Deji-tan, what about you…?"
"Well, honestly, I must apologize… but as a comrade, I have to say… you're pretty far gone too… Yes! But don't worry! I'm on your side as well…!"
"Eh…"
No way. But I know it. In every anime, app, or timeline, Golshi has always gone all out to varying degrees.
"…Even if I, for argument's sake, am a little… crazy, Golshi has no right to say that—she's way over there on that side! Absolutely!"
"…Well, I think I can read the atmosphere pretty well."
Wait. No, I don't want to be recognized as the wild card of Spica… that interpretation…!
"Tch, n-nooo!!"
◆
"So, I'm a very smart and sensible Uma Musume, and now I'm going to prove it."
"I don't even know what you mean by 'so,' and yeah, you might be smart, but sensible? Not so much. And it's already dark outside, you know? Save it for tomorrow."
Golshi's right. Outside, it's pitch dark. From the gap in the closed curtains, a single streetlight glimmers. Night has fallen, but tonight, things are about to get interesting.
"It has to be now, Golshi… First, I open the window. Then, outside we go…"
"Oi, wait, where are you going?"
Golshi grabbed my arm as I tried to slip out effortlessly.
"…Where? To the Trainer?"
"…Huh?"
"To the Trainer. Hurry up."
"No, wait. I don't know what you're planning, but why involve me? Digital-chan could do it herself…"
"She has some work tonight. Specifically… joining the team inspired her… so she's probably busy creating something right now. We can't interfere with that."
"…Even so, that doesn't explain why I'm being dragged along. What's in it for me?"
Golshi, of all people, asking for a clear motive? You're usually the type to just do fun stuff without thinking.
"…Fine, I'll tell you. The reason I'm so cautious is… only with you, Aurora."
"…Then, I'll tell you. The benefit? Well… if we play it right, you'll get to see the Trainer beg us."
"…Explain in detail."
Good, she's on board.
◆
"…Huh? A tracker?"
"Yeah, a thin one."
In the middle of the dark street, two figures in black hoodies blending with the night. Both are wearing sunglasses, even at this hour. Well, it's me and Golshi.
As usual, we secured our route with ropes and slipped out of the dorm grounds. Now we're walking through the city at night, guided by the tracker.
Yesterday, when I spoke with the Trainer in the clubroom, I rested my hand on his shoulder… and slipping the device behind his vest wasn't hard at all. Today, the signal confirmed he had it, so it hasn't been discovered.
"…Wait, you always carry a tracker?"
"Yeah. In case something happens… stick it on Deji-tan, ahem!"
Oops, got off track.
"The Trainer said he had documents to handle today and told us to self-train, right?… Four new members just joined the team. Those must be the documents. Which means, today we officially became members of Spica."
"…So what?"
"Golshi knows the Trainer pretty well, right? Think about it: when the four desperate Spica members grab the rescue hands extended to them… the first person he wants to tell is someone, right?"
"…Oh, Rigil's Ohana-san? Wait, how do you know that?"
"Because I know. Anyway, the Trainer will go to tell her. Since it's important, he'll meet her directly. It's not at Tracen or at home…"
"…Some restaurant or bar. Trainer has a regular bar, apparently. I heard him say that. He vents there… and he even vented to me, so I found out."
I confirmed it. The Trainer is at that bar. The scene from the anime—surely, an adult romance will unfold.
"By the way, Golshi, the yakiniku yesterday was delicious, right? After all, the Trainer paid for everything…"
Empty wallet included.
Hearing me, Golshi gasped and sighed.
"Haah… seriously… unbelievable…"
"Really, unbelievable. But I actually like the Trainer a bit, though."
"…I'm just exasperated at you."
…And so, we plunged into the city lights.
◆
"Uuuugh…! I'm so happy, so happy…!"
"Focus. And if new members joined the team, you don't have time to drink this much, do you?"
A man slams his glass on the counter. A woman looks at him with a mix of exasperation and concern, gently swirling her red cocktail. They enjoy their private time under the city lights.
"I knew they all had amazing talent… and I recognized their talent before they even raced. I'm amazing too, right?"
"Today, you're worse than usual. Can you even get home by yourself?"
Drunk, he talks about his assigned Uma Musume with a slightly slurred tongue. The woman sighs with faintly reddened cheeks.
"Seriously, dangerous…"
She gently holds the heart still drunk, whispering.
"…Get me one that suits me, Master."
"Certainly."
"A cocktail that suits Golshi… that's a tough order."
Meanwhile, we watch this from a distance.
I'm surprised we got in like this. Hood deep over our heads, sunglasses at night… I probably look underage, yet we got in. Still before 10 PM, so legally fine.
"Hehe… Trainer is pretty cute too…"
"…Really?"
Yes, Golshi. Her eyes peeking from behind the sunglasses make her look even cooler. Also, the bartender, smiling but just saying "Certainly," is impressive.
I drink a non-alcoholic cocktail—the Saratoga Cooler. Ginger ale-based, medium dry, perfect. Sweetness toned down so no one spits sugar everywhere.
"Here you go."
"Oh… mmm… quite good."
Gold Ship looks incredible just holding the glass. The black clothes give her a strong adult vibe. In short, she's very sexy, and I like it.
The Trainer starts speaking again, drunk and loud.
"Aah! The team survives! The new Spica! Reborn as the strongest Spica, Ohana-san! I'm so lucky!"
"…It's not luck. It's thanks to Golshi, who never left you."
"Yeah! Thanks to her! Golshi! Thanks… I love you… I love you!"
"…Buh! Cough! Cough!"
Golshi, flushed, is caught off guard by his sudden confession. Rarely seen. A beautiful sight.
"That was too sudden… I was just surprised."
She excuses herself. Usually carefree, now flustered by a drunk man. Beautiful… her movements are sculptural.
At that moment, movement on the Trainer's side.
"You've had too much. Time to go before you miss the last train."
"Wait, Ohana-san… before that… important talk…"
Lowering his voice, serious expression, the Trainer takes something from his pocket.
…I never thought I'd witness that scene directly.
"…Will you treat me?"
"…Absolutely not!"
Ohana-san heads to the door. The pathetic man reaching for her? Our Trainer. His hand holds an upside-down wallet—empty, thanks to me.
"Even so, the Trainer's skills are solid… the rest, not so much…"
True. Why come to drink without money? He probably expected to be treated.
She disappears through the door. He slumps.
"…And I predicted this outcome! Hehe… that shows how smart and sensible I am, Golshi!"
"No, I don't think so."
…Shut up! Compared to the rest of Spica, I'm the most sensible and smart. I can handle the strategist role. Not on that side!
…Focus. Now's not the time to dwell.
"Alright, Golshi. The Trainer, who's always been taking care of us… well, I've only been in the team two days, but he's troubled. Let's help him."
I move toward him, removing my hood and sunglasses.
"Master, let me wash the dishes…"
I gently place my hand on his shoulder and smile.
"Good evening, Trainer. You seem troubled?"
"…A-Aurora…?"
"Yes, Aurora. Golshi's here too. …Your wallet's empty, huh? Sorry, it's my fault for what I said yesterday."
I show a few bills from my wallet.
"Curiosity question, not teasing… What does it taste like, drinking alcohol bought by your student?"
Food and drink taste better when it's someone else's money, like yesterday. Must've been delicious!
"…I'm really a sensible one, huh…"
Ah, the Trainer is pretty drunk. Face flushed, unsteady feet.
…Yes, coming here was the right choice.
◆
"That Trainer's face was funny earlier… but your terrifyingness sticks in my memory more."
"What are you talking about, Golshi? Look, I don't look scary at all."
"No one usually thinks about such things. Even if they did, there'd be no reason to act on it…"
"…Well, it's because I felt the Trainer was looking at Deji-tan… in a naughty way."
"You just felt that."
After seeing the small Trainer leave, we returned to the dorm grounds.
Not midnight yet, but it's better to sleep early so it won't affect tomorrow.
"Alright, back to our room… huh? Golshi, the rope we used?"
"Huh?… don't see it."
Strange. We're by our room's open window. Yet, the rope for returning is gone. Did it fall? If so, it should be coiled nearby. Perhaps…
At that moment, a presence behind us grabbed my shoulder.
"Hey, Ponies. Why are you outside at this hour…? Bad kids need punishment."
"F-Fujikiseki-san…? Your eyes aren't smiling…?"
She has the rope over her shoulder. I understood everything.
…Dorm curfew is not to be broken. That's all there is to it.
…Next time, we need a smarter escape route.