Work Text:
Today was a beautiful spring day, cherry blossoms blooming everywhere, when Verxina’s trainer brought her a very special proposal.
“Ehh?! A wedding magazine?!”
“Well… I didn’t plan on agreeing at first either… but they begged really hard.”
The trainer spoke hesitantly, unable to meet her trainee’s eyes.
A magazine had invited Verxina to model for their latest issue. Normally, that wouldn’t have been a problem—but the theme was weddings. Her trainer hoped she would consider it, partly because the pay was generous, and partly because the magazine was extremely prestigious. Working with them would do wonders for her reputation.
“I know this makes you uncomfortable.”
As she spoke, the trainer shuffled through a stack of documents.
“But I asked in advance. The person you’ll be shooting with is Win Variation, so you don’t have to worry.”
“W-wait, wait, WAIT!!!” Verxina nearly shouted.
“Say that again. Wedding photos… with Cheval’s roommate?!”
Win Variation—her younger sister’s roommate. They weren’t close at all. Verxina only knew her from stories Cheval told her, or brief encounters during races. A horse girl with striking red hair, Orfevre’s rival—that was all she knew. And now she was supposed to shoot wedding photos with her?
She couldn’t believe someone like Win Variation would agree to something like this. But when her trainer firmly confirmed it, Verxina nearly froze on the spot.
“…Tch. Fine. If I’ve already jumped, I might as well follow through.”
Worrying wouldn’t help. Backing out now would be unprofessional.
Even if the theme was sensitive, surely it would be fine if it was Win Variation. Verxina didn’t have a bad impression of her, and she did owe her for helping take care of Cheval. She only hoped that arrogant tyrant wouldn’t find out—otherwise things would get really troublesome.
“I think I should meet her first. We need to practice before the shoot!”
“Alright, I’ll contact the other side.”
The trainer quickly arranged the time and place with Win Variation. Verxina, meanwhile, hurried off to find the red-haired horse girl.
⸻
Knock. Knock.
Verxina gently knocked on the door of her sister’s dorm room. Cheval was probably in class at this hour—hopefully she’d meet the person she was looking for.
Click.
The door opened suddenly, making Verxina flinch. She looked up.
There she was.
“W-Win Variation! It’s nice to meet you!”
It was their first proper conversation. And yet, Verxina found herself instantly captivated by those beautiful green eyes—bright like polished emeralds.
“Just call me Shion.”
The red-haired girl smiled gently. “We’ll be working together a lot.”
After introducing herself, Shion invited Verxina inside.
“I’ve already received the details from my trainer.”
She handed Verxina a glass of water and sat across from her.
“I’m free tomorrow. What about you?”
“Y-Yes! That works!”
Verxina snapped out of her wandering thoughts, panicking slightly.
Her voice is so gentle…
—Wait, no, stop it! Get a grip! She’s your sister’s roommate. Your senior!
“Um… may I have your contact information?”
“You know… for work purposes.”
As she spoke, Verxina quickly took out her phone and exchanged LINE IDs.
“Of course.”
Shion smiled. “Nice to meet you, Verxina-nee-san.”
“W-Why would you call me that?!”
Verxina’s face turned even redder than Shion’s hair.
“Haha! Sorry, just kidding.”
“It’s because Cheval always calls you—”
Knock. Knock.
The sentence was cut off by a knock at the door. At first, they thought it was Cheval returning, so Verxina rushed to open it—only to freeze when she met a pair of sharp, icy eyes.
“You’re late, Shion.”
Orfevre—the infamous tyrant of Tracen—stood there. Her presence alone made the room tense.
“A-Ah! I’m sorr—”
Before Shion could finish, Orfevre cut her off coldly.
“Why is the precious daughter of that noblewoman here with you?”
Her glare was fixed squarely on Verxina.
“N-No, it’s not what you think! We were just discussing work!”
Shion hurried to explain, but Orfevre didn’t seem interested.
“What kind of ‘important work’ makes you forget your appointment with me?”
Then her gaze snapped to Verxina.
“And you. Get out.”
“I-I’m sorry… Shion, let’s talk later!”
Verxina bolted out of the room. That was terrifying—she really didn’t want to deal with Orfevre.
Once Verxina was gone, Win Variation gently approached the furious tyrant, placing a hand on her golden hair and softly stroking it.
“There was no need to scare her like that.”
“It was just a promotion meeting.”
Her calm voice made Orfevre unconsciously lean into her chest.
“…You broke your promise.”
Orfevre buried her face against her lover, her voice sulky and needy.
“So what can I do to calm my king down?” Shion asked softly.
“Kiss me. Now. That’s an order.”
At those words, Orfevre’s ears perked up, her tail swaying excitedly.
Keeping her promise, Win Variation kissed her—starting with gentle pecks on her cheek, then deepening into a heated French kiss. Orfevre quickly pushed her down onto the bed, greedily claiming her lips until Shion’s mouth was red and bleeding.
“Mm… are you satisfied now? Let me go.”
Shion blushed, ears drooping in embarrassment.
“Just a little longer. You’re at fault, after all.”
“Oru, don’t be stubborn. Cheval might come back.”
She struggled, but Orfevre held her tightly, as if she were a priceless treasure.
“Forget that brat. Right now, you belong only to me.”
“Oruuu! Don’t bite!”
They continued fooling around for hours, leaving poor Cheval too embarrassed to even enter the room.
⸻
When Verxina returned to her own room, she was still breathing heavily. It felt like Orfevre’s sharp gaze was still burning into her back. To calm herself, she decided to take a shower and go to bed early—she had plans with Gentildonna the next day.
After showering and drying her hair, her phone vibrated.
A message from Shion.
Win Variation: Sorry about earlier. Oru’s been a little stubborn lately.
Win Variation: This weekend, 9 a.m., at the studio. I’ll be there early waiting for you.
Verxina bit her lip. Just thinking about Shion’s gentle voice made her face flush. She took a few deep breaths before replying.
Verxina: It’s okay… I’m sorry for bothering you both.
Verxina: See you this weekend!
Verxina: Please remind Cheval to go to bed early too! Thank you!
Her heart raced the moment she sent it.
Then another message arrived—this time from the person she least wanted to deal with right now.
Gentildonna, her lover, currently competing in Dubai.
Gentildonna: My love, why are you still awake?
Gentildonna: I miss you. I want to come back to you right now.
Verxina smiled unconsciously.
Verxina: I miss you too. Go rest properly—you have a long competition day ahead!
She placed her phone on her chest, staring at the ceiling. The smile lingered, but an unfamiliar restlessness stirred inside her.
“It’s just work…” she whispered.
“Just a promotional shoot.”
And yet, Shion’s emerald eyes surfaced in her mind—her gentle tone, her calm presence, the way she stood her ground before Orfevre.
Verxina buried her face into her pillow.
"Go to sleep . There is still a practice tomorrow."
⸻
The weekend arrived faster than Verxina had expected.
That morning, Tracen was radiant under the spring sunlight. Cherry blossom petals drifted lazily along the path leading to the photo studio, forming a scene so beautiful it made people unconsciously slow their steps.
Verxina arrived fifteen minutes earlier than planned. She stopped in front of the studio entrance, adjusted the collar of her simple white shirt, took a deep breath, and only then pushed the door open.
“You’re here already?”
The familiar voice coming from inside made Verxina flinch slightly.
Win Variation was already there, just as she had said. Today, she wasn’t wearing her usual racing outfit or training clothes, but a light cream one-piece dress. Her red hair was tied low and neatly behind her head, giving her a much gentler appearance than Verxina was used to seeing on the track.
“S–Shion-san…” Verxina bowed awkwardly.
“You came quite early, Verxina-chan. Sorry for making you wait.”
Win Variation smiled.
“N-no, it’s fine!!! I’m just the one who came too early!!!”
That smile made Verxina pause for a brief moment. Not because it was dazzling, but because it carried a strangely comforting feeling. Like morning sunlight filtering through curtains—not harsh, but warm enough to make someone want to linger just a little longer.
“Come inside. The staff are getting ready.”
Shion said, then very naturally tugged lightly at Verxina’s sleeve.
It was just her sleeve.
And yet, Verxina’s heart skipped a beat.
The studio was spacious and bright, white backdrops already set up, fresh flowers arranged everywhere. Wedding dresses hung neatly on racks, glittering softly under the studio lights, making Verxina swallow unconsciously.
“Are we… really going to wear those?” she asked quietly.
“Yes.” Shion nodded calmly. “It’s just acting. If there’s anything you’re uncomfortable with, tell me.”
Hearing that reassurance from her senior, Verxina found herself relaxing without realizing it. She nodded slightly, as if returning that consideration.
When the two of them were guided into separate changing rooms, Verxina finally understood how “serious” this shoot really was. The wedding dress was exquisitely tailored, the veil thin and light like mist—every detail so perfect it made one forget this was only a photo shoot.
“Are you ready yet?” Shion’s voice came from the other side of the partition.
“Y–yes… almost.”
Verxina adjusted the hem of her dress, took a deep breath, and stepped out. The moment their eyes met, the entire space seemed to slow down.
Win Variation stood tall in a white wedding suit, her red hair neatly styled, blue eyes catching the studio lights. She no longer looked like the fierce horse girl of the racetrack, but rather a gentle groom, as if waiting for the most important moment of her life. That image made Verxina’s heart freeze for a few seconds.
“That outfit suits you very well.”
Seeing Verxina standing there, frozen in place, Win Variation spoke first.
Verxina felt her face heat up instantly.
“Y-you too…”
The photographer clapped her hands, breaking the strange atmosphere.
“Alright, stand a little closer! Yes, that’s it—hold hands, naturally!”
Verxina hesitated for a second, then placed her hand into Shion’s. Her hand was warm, steady, yet surprisingly soft, closing firmly around Verxina’s fingers.
“Relax.” Shion leaned closer and whispered. “I’m here.”
It was just a simple sentence.
And yet, Verxina’s heart started pounding harder than ever.
“That’s it, that’s perfect! Keep that gaze!” the photographer said excitedly.
The sudden words snapped Verxina back to her senses. She scolded herself for these unprofessional thoughts and gradually calmed down.
She needed to focus on the work in front of her.
Forget those thoughts.
But somewhere outside, two furious figures had just stopped in front of the studio doors.
It seemed that both models had already sensed an ominous premonition in the air.
⸻
The two figures stopped in front of the studio entrance.
One of them was tall, standing straight like a wall of steel, her presence calm and steady—so much so that the air around her seemed to grow heavier the moment she appeared. The other was her complete opposite: golden hair gleaming under the sunlight, sharp eyes like a blade half-drawn from its sheath.
Gentildonna slowly reached out and pushed open the glass door.
Orfevre stood beside her, arms crossed, tail swaying lightly—a very clear sign that the tyrant’s mood was… far from good.
The studio doors opened.
White light spilled outward, accompanied by the photographer’s enthusiastic voice.
“Very good! Look at each other a little more—yes, that’s it, closer!”
Gentildonna froze.
In the frame before her eyes, Verxina was dressed in a pristine white wedding gown, her hand firmly held by Win Variation. The distance between them did not cross any obvious line, yet it was close enough to create an intimacy that was difficult to describe. Their exchanged glances, their natural posture—it all looked as though they had been standing like that for a long time already.
The air inside the studio suddenly turned cold for no apparent reason.
Verxina was the first to notice.
She lifted her head instinctively, and her heart dropped straight to the floor.
“G… Gentildonna…?”
Her voice was so small she could barely hear it herself.
Win Variation felt the hand in hers tremble slightly. Shion tilted her head, following Verxina’s gaze by reflex—and immediately understood.
Gentildonna was there.
Her eyes were not angry. They were quiet, deep, yet so heavy that anyone meeting them would feel as though their breathing were being pressed down.
The photographer stared blankly at the two uninvited guests.
“Ah… may I ask who you are—”
“I’m her lover.”
Gentildonna spoke, her voice low and clear.
No need to raise it. No need for further explanation.
The entire studio fell silent.
Verxina released Shion’s hand almost instantly.
“W-when… when did you come back…?”
She stumbled a step forward, the hem of her wedding dress catching slightly, nearly throwing her off balance.
Gentildonna walked toward her—slowly.
She stopped in front of Verxina, her gaze passing over the wedding dress, the thin veil, before settling on the pale, panicked face before her.
“I just landed,” she replied. “I thought I’d stop by to pick you up.”
No reproach.
No questioning.
That calmness was exactly what made Verxina’s heart tighten.
“I-I’m sorry… I should have told you beforehand…”
“Mm.”
Just a single, short response.
Gentildonna lifted her hand and naturally adjusted the stray lock of hair by Verxina’s ear—a familiar, gentle gesture, as if witnessing her lover in a wedding photoshoot with someone else was not happening at all.
“You’re beautiful,” she continued, her voice lower.
“But you’ll be even more beautiful standing beside me.”
Verxina bit her lip, ears drooping, face turning as red as a tomato.
Gentildonna took advantage of that moment to pull her lover into a tight embrace, then gently pressed a kiss to her forehead. That only made Verxina grow even more flustered, burying her face against Gentildonna’s chest to hide her burning cheeks.
“Y-you’re not angry…?” Verxina asked hesitantly.
“I am,” Gentildonna replied slowly.
“But I know you have your reasons. As your lover, I believe it’s my responsibility to understand you.”
With that, Gentildonna gently lifted Verxina up and placed a kiss on her lips—soft, indulgent, filled with affection.
“But next time,” she added suddenly, her tone turning firm,
“I want the one holding your hand as you walk down the aisle to be me. Understood?”
“Y-yes!”
Verxina answered shyly, burying her face against her lover’s neck.
But while the blue-and-red couple were wrapped in their tender moment, the pair standing behind them were far from peaceful.
⸻
“Explain it to me.”
Orfevre cast a sharp glance at Win Variation. “A wedding photoshoot?”
Shion took a deep breath, then stepped forward, instinctively placing herself half a step in front of Orfevre.
“It’s just work,” she said plainly. “A promotional magazine. Nothing crossed the line.”
Orfevre narrowed her eyes.
“I’m not asking whether it crossed the line.”
“I’m asking whether you enjoyed it.”
The air seemed to freeze.
Win Variation didn’t answer right away. She met Orfevre’s gaze head-on—no avoidance, no soft, coaxing tone like she usually used. Her jade-green eyes reflected the image of a tyrant struggling to restrain her emotions.
“I did,” Shion said.
Then, before Orfevre could erupt, she continued—slowly, clearly.
“But it was enjoyment from work.”
“Not the kind of enjoyment you’re thinking of.”
Orfevre’s tail twitched sharply.
“Then what about your eyes?” Her voice dropped.
“What about the way you held her hand?”
“That was acting,” Shion replied.
“And I have no intention of letting it go beyond that boundary.”
Orfevre clenched her fist.
She hated this calmness the most—the lack of fear, the lack of fluster, the absence of unconditional apologies. It made her angry, and at the same time… deeply uneasy.
“I don’t like it,” Orfevre said, almost grinding the words out.
“I don’t like you standing beside someone else like that.”
Win Variation let out a soft breath.
“I know.”
“But Oru… I’m not your possession.”
That sentence made Orfevre pause.
Not because it hurt—but because it was too familiar. Shion had never used sweet words to soothe her jealousy. She always chose honesty, even when she knew it would irritate Orfevre.
“I’m with you because I choose to be,” Shion continued, her voice lower.
“But I’m sorry for not telling you beforehand. This time, that part is on me.”
Orfevre fell silent for a long while.
It wasn’t the explosive silence of her usual anger. It was heavy and deep, like the sea before a storm. Her tail stopped moving, her ears drooped slightly—a rare sign that Orfevre was truly… thinking.
Win Variation didn’t rush her. She stood straight, didn’t avert her gaze, didn’t reach out to comfort her. She knew Orfevre hated being placated when she was still wavering.
“I hate this feeling,” Orfevre finally said.
“Hating that I can’t monopolize you.”
Shion blinked, then gave a small smile—not teasing, but tired.
“I know.”
“But if one day I’m left with nothing but standing behind you, with no world of my own…” She paused briefly.
“Then I wouldn’t be the Shion you fell in love with anymore.”
Orfevre tightened her hand.
She knew. She knew it all too well. That was exactly why this jealousy felt so unbearable—there was no one to vent it on, no one who was entirely wrong.
“…I don’t want to lose you,” Orfevre said quietly, her voice far softer than usual.
Win Variation stepped forward—this time of her own accord. She placed her hand against Orfevre’s chest, right over the rapidly beating heart.
“I’m not going anywhere either.”
“But you have to trust me.”
Orfevre lowered her head, pressing her forehead against Shion’s. Their breaths mingled, warm and close.
“Next time,” Orfevre said.
“Things like this—tell me first.”
“Okay.” Shion nodded. “I promise.”
Orfevre wrapped her arms tightly around her lover, not in possession this time, but as if holding onto something fragile. Her tail began to sway again—slowly, calmer than before.
“I still don’t like it.”
“But I’ll learn to endure it.”
Win Variation let out a soft laugh.
“That sounds more like a declaration of war than a compromise.”
“Shut up,” Orfevre snapped lightly.
“I’m trying to be serious here.”
⸻
“All right.”
Gentildonna spoke up, cutting through the quiet atmosphere.
“If there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving now. Goodbye.”
With that, she gently draped her coat over her lover’s shoulders and lifted her up, carrying her straight toward the exit.
“B-but—but what about the contract?!”
Verxina flusteredly tried to stop her.
“I’ll take care of that,” Gentildonna replied calmly.
“For now, just be a good girl and listen to me.”
“H-hey! I still need to change clothes!”
“Keep it on,” Gentildonna cut her off, then pressed a light kiss to her lover’s lips.
“I’ll buy the dress.”
“G-GENTILDONNA!!!”
Verxina cried out in embarrassment. Truly, no matter the situation, she could never win against Gentildonna.
As the figures of the couple gradually disappeared from the studio, Win Variation turned to Orfevre and asked,
“So… do you want to go eat?”
Her tone had returned to normal, as if no undercurrent of tension had swept through the studio moments ago. Orfevre glanced at her, the lingering irritation still present in her eyes—but no longer sharp like before.
“Eat,” Orfevre replied curtly.
“But we’re going where I choose.”
Shion let out a soft laugh.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
When the two of them left the studio, the spring sunlight had already begun to fade toward evening. Cherry blossom petals scattered across the sidewalk, a gentle breeze lifting them into small spirals before letting them fall onto the silhouettes of the pair walking side by side.
⸻
“So… what about the advertisement?”
the photographer asked weakly, after witnessing the strangest jealousy scene of his life.
“Best not to bring it up,” the entire crew replied in unison.
“Eh?! What a waste!”
“I got some really great shots, you know!!”
————-End—————-