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"Tachyon," I called, my voice low and measured.
I stepped into the laboratory with a steaming mug of coffee in hand, the rising vapor briefly obscuring my vision. She did not respond. Her attention was wholly consumed by what she referred to as beauty—a flask raised above her head as she examined one of her latest experiments. Sunlight filtered through the windows, refracting through the glass and casting a sharp, jewel-like gleam.
I closed the door behind me and called her name again. A faint irritation stirred as she continued to ignore me. My tail swayed in a slow, restrained motion as my tone hardened.
"Tachyon," I said more firmly. "You might consider having your ears examined from time to time."
I moved to her side, my brows drawn together, ears angled back as I regarded the eccentric umamusume before me.
"Cafe. You are here," Tachyon replied calmly, as though my annoyance were of no consequence. She turned toward me, her eyes bright and unblinking, her smile edged with something unsettling.
"I came to inform you," I said, taking a quiet sip of my bitter coffee, "that the trainer was considering a brief trip for all of us. A respite, of sorts, now that summer break has begun."
I set the mug down on the counter, shifting aside several empty flasks still damp with multicolored residue and the corners of scattered papers. Facing her fully, I clasped my hands together, hoping to maintain her attention.
"A vacation?" she murmured, contemplative. She continued to swirl the flask before finally lowering it and placing it down with a soft click. "Very well. I will attend—provided I may bring my equipment."
I paused, weighing the consequences. Granting that request invites disaster, I thought.
"I am uncertain, Tachyon," I said carefully. "Can you assure me that you will not cause any disturbances?"
"Disturbances?" She chuckled softly, her voice darkening. "Cafe, you know experimentation is essential. Without it, the day would be dreadfully ordinary."
The shift in her tone drew a quiet sigh from me.
"...Very well," I said at last, almost regretfully. "But you must promise to conduct yourself appropriately."
"I promise," Tachyon replied, her smirk unchanging. "Incidentally, since you are here—would you care to sample this?"
"No," I said at once, shaking my head. "This is neither the time nor the place. We are meant to be at lunch."
I had no desire to repeat the consequences of her prior mixtures.
"How unfortunate," she replied, dismissing the matter with a shrug.
After a moment, I retrieved my mug. The steam had faded considerably. I turned and made my way toward the exit, weaving through the crowded laboratory. I could feel her gaze upon me even as I walked away.
At the doorway, I paused and glanced back.
"And please," I added, "refrain from detonating anything today. It is the final day before break."
— ☕️ —
The bell rang, signaling the end of the final class. My immediate objective was to leave without delay.
We would all be traveling together for the summer—boarding the same plane, occupying the same resort. The thought alone was enough to make me uneasy.
"Hey now... you doin' alright?" a gentle voice drawled, followed by a light tap on my shoulder. "You've been starin' at that desk again. Bell's done rung—folks are headin' out."
"...Pardon me," I murmured, blinking as I gathered myself. One ear twitched briefly.
I remained seated a moment longer before another nudge followed.
"What's weighin' on you, Cafe?" Bijin asked, pressing a finger lightly into my shoulder. "You look worn thin. Didn't rest enough, maybe?"
"It is not that," I replied quietly as I collected my books and rose. "I am simply... apprehensive about the vacation. The number of people."
Bijin nodded slowly. "That's fair enough. Gonna be crowded, no doubt. But—well, look at it this way. I'll be there too."
"Yes," I said after a moment. "I will try to make the most of it. Opportunities such as this are rare."
I turned my gaze toward the window as the sunlight poured into the now-empty classroom. Only Sensei, Bijin, and I remained. Bijin swayed slightly where she stood, her expression openly eager.
"Well then, I best be headin' out," she said brightly. "See you around, Cafe."
She waved and jogged off, turning once more to wave again before disappearing down the corridor. I had remained seated, gazing out the window, my earlier intention to leave immediately quietly fading.
"Mrs. Manhattan," the sensei called, finishing as she placed her belongings into her bag.
I turned toward her, meeting her gaze. "Yes, Sensei?"
"I hope you have a wonderful summer break. I'll see you around," she said, adjusting the strap of her purse over her shoulder. "When you leave, please be sure to close the doors and turn off the lights."
"I will, Sensei. Thank you. I'll see you as well," I replied, blinking slowly as a subtle smile crossed my face.
I watched as she exited the room, the door closing softly behind her, leaving me alone in the classroom. For a moment, I drifted into thought before remembering that I needed to check on Tachyon. She had gone to another room earlier, and if I didn't look for her now, I was certain she would remain there for hours.
With that in mind, I gathered my books and made my way toward the exit. At the doorway, books tucked under one arm, I turned off the lights and slid the door closed without a look behind me.
I proceeded first toward the main entrance—it was nearer than the room Tachyon had occupied—and made a brief stop at the lockers. It did not take long to reach mine. I opened it, placed my books inside, and retrieved my shoes from the top shelf. After changing, I returned the old pair and shut the locker.
With that concluded, I turned away from the lockers and began the subdued walk toward the room where Tachyon awaited me.
By the time I arrived and slid the door open, Tachyon stood with her back to me, utterly absorbed in her work. She was hunched over a microscope, tweezers poised with meticulous precision, protective goggles resting atop her head.
I entered hesitantly, calling out in a subdued voice so as not to startle her. "Tachyon? You should be heading home. The final bell already rang."
"Just a few more seconds, Cafe..." she replied absentmindedly, her attention unwavering as she scrutinized the project before her.
"What is it you're working on this time?" I asked, stepping closer to her side. She hadn't shifted even slightly since I first addressed her several classes ago. "Did you ever stop to eat?"
"I did, yes..." Tachyon murmured as she adjusted a knob along the apparatus. What made the sight particularly striking was the fact that her sleeve had been rolled back, exposing her bare hand rather than the long sleeves of her lab coat.
I fell silent, careful not to disturb her concentration. Even standing beside her, I couldn't discern what she was examining, despite the chaotic array of tools and notes scattered across the table. After a moment, it became apparent she would not be finished anytime soon. I knew better than to interrupt her in this state; when she worked like this, it usually meant she was on the brink of a discovery.
"This is so... spectacular..." Tachyon breathed, her mouth falling open into a wide, almost unhinged grin. "Cafe. Come here."
Before I could react—or reconsider—she lifted her head and tugged me toward her position.
"Huh? What am I supposed to be looking at?" I asked with a huff, stumbling slightly as I was pulled closer.
"Look through the microscope," Tachyon commanded, planting her hands confidently on her hips. "Tell me what you see."
"Alright..." I replied hesitantly, casting her a brief, uncertain glance before bending down and placing my eye against the eyepiece.
At first, nothing stood out—only a hazy wash of red and grayish white. Then my focus sharpened, and the image resolved into countless microscopic forms: blood cells.
I recoiled slightly and turned back to face her, confusion written plainly across my expression. "What is that?"
"It's my blood," Tachyon stated bluntly. "I wanted to see how the new experiment would react with my blood. While I was at it, I thought I might as well examine it under the microscope too. Don't worry—it was just a small prick on my fingertip."
"Are... are you okay?" I asked, my concern deepening with every passing second.
"Perfectly fine," Tachyon assured me, raising her finger as proof. It had a darkish-red dot right in the middle, already scabbing over.
"I see—here," I said, inclining my head briefly as I moved toward the cabinet where the first-aid kit was kept. I knew its location instinctively; given how frequently this woman managed to injure herself, it would have been alarming if I had not.
I set the kit upon the counter. Tachyon stood behind me, already distracted, her hands wandering among various objects with idle curiosity. I opened the case and extracted a bandage. Once it was in hand, I turned and addressed her.
"Come here," I called. When she approached, I gestured toward the sink. "Wash your hands."
She complied without protest or commentary, rinsing them thoroughly before drying them on a nearby cloth. While she did so, I peeled away the paper tabs from the bandage, preparing it.
"Well?" Tachyon asked. "What exactly am I meant to do now?"
Before she could say anything further, I took her hand and wrapped the bandage carefully around the tip of her finger.
"You must observe proper laboratory protocol and hygiene," I admonished her, my tone firm though my touch remained gentle. "What do you suppose will happen if you continue to disregard such precautions and fall ill?"
For once, Tachyon did not immediately reply. Her habitual grin flickered, faltering for a fleeting moment before returning—wider than before, as though to compensate. As I finished securing the bandage, I hesitated, my hand still lightly enclosing hers, my gaze lifting to meet hers from beneath my lashes.
I was uncertain how to proceed from there. But I was keenly aware of one thing: her hands were warm, calloused and rough, a stark contrast to my own—cold, smooth, and unmarked.
I pull away, taking my hand back along with my straightening back. I didn't say anything, I just gave her a stern look though it was filled with good things.
"Thank you, Cafe," Tachyon was the first to speak. "I admit to being stunned when you suddenly grabbed my hand... but, I'm glad you're looking out for me."
"You're welcome," I said, my voice slipping into one of clear exhaustion. "Now clean up—we need to go."
"I will. Care to help?" Tachyon tilted her head, her expression betraying a quiet hope for my agreement.
"The more, the faster," I murmured.
I turned back toward the cluttered counter, gathering the scattered equipment and residue-stained containers. I carried them to the sink and began rinsing them out, while Tachyon worked to disassemble her microscope and remove the plate resting upon it.
— 🧪 —
Several hours had elapsed by then. I had already returned to my dormitory, having somehow persuaded Tachyon to vacate our improvised laboratory in the abandoned classroom. Now, I sat perched on the edge of my bed, my gaze fixed vacantly upon the far wall as my thoughts drifted aimlessly. That fragile stillness was soon broken by the soft chime of a notification from my phone.
I lifted the device and glanced at the screen.
"2 unread messages."
"1 unread message"
"What now?" I murmured under my breath. "A message from the Trainer...?" I hesitated, thumb hovering uncertainly above the first notification.
After a moment's deliberation, I tapped to open it.
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< 1 new ✉️
The Council of 14 (No One Agrees)
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...you need help on your homework, I can always help."
Friday 8:27 PM
Trainer
"Helloooo everyone! Who's ready for our trip tomorrow? Summer break, here we come!! 🥳🥳
We'll be meeting at the airport at around 7:30—same time as school, you know the drill! Once we're there, make sure you've got your tickets ready. I've already sent them to everyone digitally.
Can't wait to see you all tomorrow! Remember to pack your bags, set your alarms, and—most importantly—get some sleep!!!"
New! ──────────────────────────────
Friday 8:27 PM
Gold Ship
"Whoohoo! The summer break is finally here — good going everyone — we survived!! 🎉"
Winning Ticket
typing...
──────────────────────────────────
Oh.
Right.
7:30 in the morning... with other people. Many other people.
The longer I dwelled on it, the more a quiet sense of dread settled in my chest. Almost instinctively, I shut my phone off and set it aside. It wasn't that I disliked them—far from it—but the mere thought of navigating vast crowds sent a wave of anxiety through me. Bijin had reassured me earlier; the flight would only last an hour or two. Still, the uncertainty lingered. I didn't know who I would be seated next to, or how overwhelming it might all become.
My phone soon began to vibrate insistently on the mattress beside me. Notification after notification appeared, all originating from the same group chat. The buzzing persisted for several minutes before finally subsiding. Reluctantly, I checked the screen again.
"5 unread messages."
Then two more arrived.
"7 unread messages."
And then—
"11 unread messages."
My breath caught slightly as I unlocked the phone and opened the chat. Messages were pouring in from every direction; everyone was typing at once, the group chat brimming with unrestrained excitement and restless energy. The sight alone sent a chill down my spine.
Too many texts. Too many people.
I muted the chat almost immediately—only to notice another notification. This one was private.
From the Trainer.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Trainer
─────────────────────────
"Some great training today!!" ❤️
Read 7:39 PM
New! ──────────────────────────────
Friday 8:34 PM
"Hi Cafe!!! Here's your plane ticket ✈️
Make sure you've got it open and ready when we get to the airport—we take off at around 8:45!
Can't wait to see you there!! ;)"
[Insert_TicketPhoto]
Read 8:39 PM
"Thank you so much, Trainer, for organizing everything. I really appreciate it. I did have one question, though—how will the room arrangements work? Will we be choosing our own, or is there already a system in place?"
Delivered
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I stared at the screen for a long moment, the realization settling heavily in my chest. There was no retreat now—no convenient excuse or quiet escape. This trip was happening.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Trainer
─────────────────────────
"Some great training today!!" ❤️
Read 7:39 PM
Friday 8:34 PM
"Hi Cafe!!! Here's your plane ticket ✈️
Make sure you've got it open and ready when we get to the airport—we take off at around 8:45!
Can't wait to see you there!! ;)"
[Insert_TicketPhoto]
Read 8:39 PM
"Thank you so much, Trainer, for organizing everything. I really appreciate it. I did have one question, though—how will the room arrangements work? Will we be choosing our own, or is there already a system in place?"
Delivered
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I had sent the message hoping for either a swift response—or at the very least, something brief. Prolonged social interaction was not something I felt prepared for tonight.
As I set the phone down, another thought surfaced. Perhaps I should check on Tachyon, make sure she had returned safely to her dorm. Or maybe I could message Bijin and ask where she was; she was usually back by this hour, though it was entirely possible she was spending time with someone else.
The room fell quiet again, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and the anticipation of tomorrow.
Ah, why not do both? I'll first ask Bijin, this way if she arrives later tonight I'll know why. And so, I send her a text.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Yukino Bijin
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Tue, May 29 at 5:29 PM
"Can you unlock the door to the dorm? I don't have mine on me... sorry!! 😅"
Read 5:30 PM
"It's fine. Give me a minute."
Read 5:30 PM
Friday 8:42 PM
"Bijin, are you out with someone right now? You're not at the dorm, I began to worry."
Delivered
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I was anxiously waiting for her response before I got a vibration from the phone.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Yukino Bijin
─────────────────────────
Tue, May 29 at 5:29 PM
"Can you unlock the door to the dorm? I don't have mine on me... sorry!! 😅"
Read 5:30 PM
"It's fine. Give me a minute."
Read 5:30 PM
Friday 8:42 PM
"Bijin, are you out with someone right now? You're not at the dorm, I began to worry."
Read 8:43 PM
New! ──────────────────────────────
"I went out with some friends, I'll be back in a few!!"
Read 8:43PM
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After receiving Bijin's clarification, I felt a sense of relief. She would be here soon—she had to be. I only hoped she remained safe; it was quite late. Still, setting those worries aside, I reminded myself that Bijin
would be fine. She was one of the fastest umas I knew.
With my heart at ease, I closed our conversation and opened Tachyon's chat instead.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Agnes Tachyon
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Wed, May 30 9:03 AM
"Cafe, how would you feel about joining me for this experiment? I tried a new approach this time—I promise you won't throw up."
Read 4:29 PM
"I'm not interested, Tachyon. No."
Read 4:43 PM
"Come on, Cafe. Why not, I promise this time will be better."
Delivered
Wed, May 30 7:39 PM
"Cafe? Don't ignore me—answer already. My other guinea pig isn't responding either 😔"
Read Wednesday
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Perhaps I shouldn't text her, given that last message. Still, it couldn't hurt to ask—just to be sure she had everything. The goddesses knew this uma wouldn't get anything done without my persistent reminders. And so, I sent her a brief message.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Agnes Tachyon
─────────────────────────
Friday 8:47 PM
"Tachyon. Were you able to get to your dorm with everything?"
Delivered
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How on earth am I going to endure this journey with everyone? I can scarcely manage the most trivial of pleasantries, and even dispatching these brief messages feels utterly draining. Once Tachyon responds and Bijin returns home, I suspect I shall collapse entirely, praying fervently to the three goddesses that my social reserves might be replenished.
I exhale softly, waiting in vain for a response. Yet nothing comes.
Not a single notification. There is a certain serenity in the silence, yes, but it is hardly the solace I crave in this moment.
Very well. I will place my phone aside to recharge. In the meantime, I will ensure that all my belongings are properly arranged for tomorrow's departure.
With deliberate care, I set my phone upon the edge of my bed, connecting it to its charger, before turning my attention to my duffle bag. I have packed my racing attire, several books, coffee grounds, and a modest assortment of clothing sufficient for the week ahead.
I continued to list the items, checking and rechecking each to guarantee nothing was overlooked. Satisfied, I moved to sit upon the edge of my bed—when a series of gentle knocks at the door arrested my motion. Curiosity piqued, I paused, soon realizing that it could be no one other than Bijin.
Resisting the temptation to return to my seat, I approached the door. With measured slowness, I opened it to reveal the radiant grin of Bijin herself.
"Cafe! Hiya!" she greeted, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. In one hand she bore several plastic bags, while the other waved in cheerful greeting. "Mind if I come in?"
"Oh... yes, of course. Would you like some assistance?" I stammered, opening the door further to allow her entry.
"Nope, I got it all. Appreciate it, though," Bijin replied with a shake of her head, lifting the bags in a small display of self-sufficiency.
"Mhm," I acknowledged with a quiet nod.
"What have you been up to?" Bijin inquired as she crossed the threshold, arranging her purchases neatly upon her mattress.
"Receiving a veritable deluge of messages from the group chat," I murmured, closing the door behind her with a soft click and engaging the lock. "Waiting, rather impatiently, for anyone to respond to my queries."
"Huh, yeah. The group chat was absolute chaos earlier! I was in the checkout line when the notifications started flying like confetti..." Bijin remarked, slipping off her shoes and setting them neatly by the door beside mine.
"And may I ask, why were you out so late?" I tilted my head, observing her movements as she returned to her bed to extract items from her grocery bags.
"Oh, I was just catching up with a few friends. We stopped by a café, then did some shopping," Bijin replied, her tone bright and amiable.
"I confess, I was growing somewhat concerned—given the hour—about your arrival," I admitted softly. "Still, it is a comfort to have you back."
"Ah, sorry 'bout that. We got a little carried away," she said, scratching the nape of her neck with an apologetic chuckle. Taking a seat on the edge of her bed, she displayed her spoils from the outing. "As a token of compensation... do you enjoy sweets? I brought plenty for the trip."
"I'm not particularly... inclined toward sweets," I replied, shaking my head gently. "Nonetheless, I appreciate the thought."
"That's fair enough—no harm done," Bijin said with an easy smile, giving a small nod of understanding.
"I believe I shall refrain from troubling you further for the moment," I murmured, easing myself onto the edge of my mattress. "You still have your belongings to pack, do you not?"
"I do, sure—but it ain't like we can't chat while I'm at it," Bijin replied reassuringly, tugging her suitcase from the side of her bed and setting it squarely in front of her.
"I suppose so," I conceded quietly, before lapsing into silence. Words failed to come to me; I had never possessed any particular talent for idle conversation.
Through the now-palpable silence, a soft chime sounded from my phone. I reached over at once to check the notification. It was from none other than Tachyon.
I tapped the alert, unlocking the screen with practiced haste to read the response.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Agnes Tachyon
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Friday 8:47 PM
"Tachyon. Were you able to get to your dorm with everything?"
Read 8:58 PM
New! ──────────────────────────────
Friday 8:58 PM
"I made it home without anything breaking, yes. Why do you ask?"
Read 8:58 PM
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"Who might that be?" Bijin asked as she lifted her suitcase onto the bed.
"Tachyon," I replied, already beginning to compose my response.
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< 11 new ✉️'s
Agnes Tachyon
─────────────────────────
"Simply curious. Given the way you are and all. Though, I'm glad you got home safely. Remember to pack your clothes and get some rest."
Read 9:00 PM
"You're so caring, aren't you, Cafe? Very well. I'll do just that. Goodnight."
Read 9:00 PM
"Goodnight."
Read 9:00 PM
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After I set my phone aside, Bijin cast me a brief sideways glance as she finished packing the remainder of her belongings. "She doin' alright?" she asked.
"She is," I replied quietly. "I was merely inquiring whether she had managed to return to her dormitory safely."
"Ah, well that tracks," Bijin drawled. "Alright then... reckon I'm all packed up now. Think I'll call it a night." She nudged her now-full suitcase back to the edge of her bed. "What about you, Cafe?"
"I believe I shall be retiring as well," I answered, finally conceding to the fatigue that had steadily taken hold of me.
Without another word, Bijin rose and flicked off the room's lights, plunging the space into darkness save for the faint moonlight spilling through the window between our beds.
"It's so beautiful..." I murmured, my eyes settling upon the moon framed by the glass.
"The moon?" Bijin replied as she eased herself back down, then flopped onto her side. "Yeah... it sure is. Goodness, I'm worn clean out."
"You should sleep," I said gently, my gaze drifting briefly to her before returning to the moon. "Tomorrow will be a difficult morning."
"G'night," she muttered tiredly, curling into a ball without bothering to change or pull up the covers.
"Goodnight," I replied, rising to retrieve a pair of pajamas. I changed quickly, the darkness mercifully concealing me.
Once finished, I folded my clothes neatly and set them at the edge of my bed, far too exhausted to attend to them properly in that moment. At last, I slipped beneath the sheets, the fatigue of the day washing over me as I, too, drifted swiftly into sleep.