Ding.
Tokai Teio felt the vibration.
She tilted her head slightly, confused, and then unlocked the screen, glancing at the incoming message. Immediately, a gentle smile appeared on her lips, softening her originally expressionless face, as though a spring breeze had brushed past.
[CherryInGarden]:Teio-san, are you awake?
[TeioTeio]:Of course.
[TeioTeio]:Is something up?
"CherryInGarden" was Garden Gale... and "TeioTeio" is naturally Tokai Teio, just doubling her name in a cute way.
This was actually the first time, wasn't it…?
The first time Garden Gale-san reached out to her first, checking if she was awake. Ever since that time when they faced off against Air Shakur together and went out afterward, Tokai Teio had grown much closer with Garden Gale. They'd even exchanged LINE contacts, chatting here and there, gradually getting closer. But this was genuinely the first time Garden Gale had ever reached out first.
And maybe it was her imagination… but Tokai Teio always felt that Garden Gale seemed a bit more talkative online than in person.
For a while, there was no response.
The chat had gone silent again right after she replied.
Tokai Teio just sat down by the roadside. Not rushing off anywhere, she simply stared at her phone screen.
Ding—Finally, a message arrived.
[CherryInGarden]:I want to see you.
[CherryInGarden]:Is that okay?
Instantly, a wide grin stretched across Tokai Teio's face.
...
Tap, edit, send.
Garden Gale anxiously bit her lip.
Teio-san won't refuse, right? She wouldn't, would she!? …I'm so doomed. I hesitated a full half-hour before finally messaging Teio-san, repeatedly opening and closing the chat window. Eventually, I couldn't stand myself any longer, mustered up all my courage, and pressed send with my eyes squeezed shut—and I still sound super awkward.
She had no idea what kind of reaction Teio-san would have upon seeing her message.
Would she think I'm some kind of weirdo?
…Aaahhh.
Absolutely not! Please don't hate me, Teio-san!
This was literally her last lifeline!
And besides… Garden Gale really liked Tokai Teio, and she definitely didn't want her to dislike her.
[TeioTeio]:Send me your location!
[TeioTeio]:I'll come right now!
The phone buzzed again, pulling Garden Gale from her thoughts. She peeked nervously, took a few deep breaths, and opened the chat with the desperation of a soldier charging into certain death.
She saw the reply.
Garden Gale immediately broke into a huge smile, innocent joy lighting up her entire face.
Happy! Happy! Happy~!
...
"Hey! GG-san!" From far away, Tokai Teio, wearing her usual high ponytail, stood on tiptoe and waved energetically, smiling broadly. "No class today?"
"I skipped," Garden Gale replied simply.
Honestly… so what if she skipped? The worst-case scenario was just getting lectured in the office.
But losing her debut race would be far worse—a full 360-degree social death, without blind spots. Sure, Garden Gale had social anxiety, but she wasn't stupid! She knew exactly which outcome was scarier. Winning the debut race was crucial, so skipping a class or two to boost her spirits didn't matter.
…Though getting called to the office was still pretty terrifying.
Tokai Teio paused for a second.
Skipped?
She skipped class? Skipping class just to come see me…
No no no—don't flatter yourself, Teio! It doesn't mean anything special. There are plenty of days when you yourself don't feel like attending class, preferring to go out or train. Skipping class didn't necessarily mean anything. Maybe she just didn't feel like going today.
Tokai Teio suddenly recalled Garden Gale's earlier message.
But she said she wanted to see me specifically!!!!!
Instantly, Teio's smile was nearly overflowing, her exuberance radiating uncontrollably. Garden Gale noticed this sudden burst of happiness, wondering silently, What's gotten into Teio-san today? She's practically as bright as Curren-chan, a little sunshine!
I'm so jealous…
If only this sewer rat could be even half as bright and cheerful.
Lost in these thoughts, Garden Gale heard Tokai Teio speak up again, "Alright, skipping class it is~ GG-san, let me treat you to some milk tea! Didn't we talk about HeyTea last time? In the end, we never got to drink it. Today's the day—my treat!"
"No, it's okay… Last time we agreed I'd pay," Garden Gale mumbled timidly.
She stuffed her hands into her hoodie pockets, clutching her wallet—her precious savings—and reassured herself silently: a few cups of milk tea wouldn't break the bank.
"Nope~ Nope~ Nope~."
Tokai Teio wagged her finger decisively, refusing outright. "Today, I'm happy—so I insist on treating you!"
That happy, huh?
Garden Gale didn't fully understand—Teio-san really was acting differently today.
She was practically glowing from head to toe!
Garden Gale didn't argue further. She just planned to hurry into the shop and pay before Teio could stop her. After all, her mouth was too clumsy, and she sucked at conversation. Actions would speak louder than words. Walking side-by-side, they slowly made their way toward HeyTea outside Tracen Academy. Garden Gale listened quietly, ears perked, as Tokai Teio chattered away about recent training sessions, her favorite Umamusume's latest race losses, and President Rudolf's amusing anecdotes.
Crossing the gate, heading toward the street opposite, Garden Gale just listened quietly.
Then suddenly, she caught a strange scent in the air.
…An indescribable fragrance.
It smelled amazing, truly delightful… Garden Gale emptied her mind, taking deep breaths, inhaling greedily through her nose.
…It's ridiculously good! The scent was practically enveloping her entire body! Where on earth was it coming from? Was it from Teio-san…?
"Look out!"
Tokai Teio suddenly grabbed Garden Gale's hand and yanked her back forcefully.
Beeeeep—!! A car horn blared angrily. A sedan cruising at normal speed nearly hit this little idiot—Garden Gale—who was crossing the street without paying attention, totally entranced by this strange fragrance, and utterly forgetting to look around!
Fortunately, Tokai Teio reacted quickly, pulling Garden Gale back at the last second. The car passed them narrowly.
Frowning deeply, Tokai Teio immediately scolded, "What were you thinking?! Crossing the street without looking!? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!"
"Ah… Sorry," Garden Gale murmured quietly, pressing her lips together.
Teio appeared genuinely angry right now.
…She hadn't meant to do it. It was just that the scent was so good, so addictively pleasant—better than any perfume she'd ever smelled.
Seeing Garden Gale's downcast expression, Tokai Teio immediately softened her tone, suppressing her anger into a sigh. "Let's go get milk tea first. Here, I'll hold your hand until we're safely across the street, just in case your mind wanders off again. Honestly, you're such an idiot, not even watching where you're going!"
...
Psychology research has shown…
Biologists refer to this unique bodily scent as a kind of "chemical signal," produced by MHC genes, indicating exceptionally compatible genetics between two people.
This invisible signal had a name...
PHEROMONE.
---
T/N: HUH??? TEIO AND GG IS COMPATIBLE??? GENETICALLY?? DOES TEIO HAVE A GIANT HORSE CO-
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