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The sun was starting to approach the tips of the tall buildings of Tracen Academy, signaling the ending of another glorious afternoon.
Training was wrapping up for most students, and it was time for late afternoon snacks or early dinners.
One horse girl in particular was still full of energy and bouncing excitedly near the gate.
“Suzukaaa-san!!!”
Special Week waved both arms over her head the moment she saw her familiar orange-haired roommate approaching the main path. Suzuka slowed down from her jog and came to a quiet stop by her side.
“Whew...”
She brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
“Spe-chan? Were you waiting all this time?”
“Yep!” Special Week nodded enthusiastically. “I finished early so I could catch you!”
Suzuka tilted her head slightly in confusion.
“Catch me?”
Special Week leaned closer, lowering her voice dramatically.
“I found something umazing today.”
Suzuka blinked softly. “...Umazing?”
“Yeah!”
Special Week pointed toward the academy gates.
“There’s a café right outside campus! And from what I’ve been told, they have the best strawberry milk ever!”
Suzuka looked out where Special Week pointed.
“Strawberry milk...?”
“It’s incredible!” Special Week continued rapidly. “It’s sweet, and creamy, and they use real strawberries, and-”
She suddenly stopped herself.
“Ah! S-sorry! I’m rambling again!”
Suzuka smiled softly.
“Hehe~ I don’t mind.”
She glanced toward the road beyond the academy again.
“So… you wanted to show it to me?”
Special Week nodded quickly. “Uh-huh!”
Then she hesitated. “Well... also...”
She scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
“You helped me a lot during training today. With pacing and stuff... so I thought... maybe I could treat you!”
Suzuka blinked in surprise.
“Treat me...?”
“Yep!”
Special Week grinned brightly.
“C’mon, Suzuka-san! Let’s go!”
Before Suzuka could reply, Special Week gently grabbed her wrist and started pulling her toward the gates.
Suzuka laughed quietly as she followed.
“Hehe... You’re very energetic today, Spe-chan”
The café was small but cozy, tucked between a bakery and a bookstore. Warm lights glowed through the windows. Special Week stopped dramatically outside the door.
“This is the place!”
Suzuka studied the chalkboard sign.
Seasonal Special: Fresh Strawberry Milk
“I see...” She murmured. “You were serious.”
“O-of course I was!”
Special Week puffed out her chest proudly.
“Strawberries are basically Hokkaido’s regional treasure!”
Suzuka nodded.
Inside, they took a seat by the window outside. A few minutes later, two tall glasses of strawberry milk arrived. The drinks were pale pink, topped with small slices of fresh fruit.
Special Week’s eyes sparkled. “Wow...”
She clasped her hands together.
“It looks even better than I thought!”
Suzuka lifted her glass carefully.
“You seem very excited.”
“I am!”
Special Week picked up her own drink.
“Oh! Suzuka-san!”
Suzuka looked up.
“Yes?”
“Let’s toast!”
“To... strawberry milk?”
“Yep!”
Special Week held her glass forward eagerly.
“How about... to a great training day?” Suzuka smiled.
“All right!”
Their glasses clinked gently and they both took a sip.
Special Week froze.
Then...
“WOW!”
Several of the other customers glanced over.
Special Week quickly covered her mouth.
“S-Sorry!”
Suzuka blinked, amused.
“It’s that good?”
Special Week nodded rapidly. “Mhm!”
She took another sip.
“It’s sweet, but not too sweet! A-and the strawberries taste super fresh!”
Suzuka drank more slowly.
“...It’s nice.”
She looked out across the street.
“The cool sweetness after running feels refreshing.”
Special Week beamed. “Right?!”
For a moment, they sat quietly.
Suzuka rested her chin lightly on her hand.
“Spe-chan...”
“Hm?”
“You really love things like this, don’t you?”
“Like what?”
Suzuka looked thoughtful.
“The breeze... the quiet... a good drink.”
She glanced at Special Week.
“You always look very happy.”
Special Week blinked.
“I-I do?”
“Yes.” Suzuka nodded slightly, so soft and serene.
“When you run... your expression is so bright...”
She paused.
“Almost like you’re enjoying the scenery, like I do...”
Special Week’s eyes shone.
“S-suzuka-san...”
“I just really love running.” Suzuka lifted her glass again.
“I can tell! That’s why I adore you so much!” Special Week blushed as she did the same.
They drank quietly for a moment.
Then Special Week suddenly leaned forward.
“Hey, Suzuka-san?”
“Yes?”
“Running beside you... feels a little like this drink.” Special Week blushed even more as she spoke.
“Huh...?”
Suzuka looked a bit surprised by this, but then softly smiled.
“...That’s sweet...”
She took another sip.
“...And comforting...”
Special Week’s face instantly turned red.
Suzuka smiled even more so.
“Hehe~”
Special Week finished the last of her drink and set the glass down with determination.
“Suzuka-san!”
“Yes?”
“After our next race...” She grinned brightly, “...L-let’s come back here again!”
Suzuka looked at her empty glass.
“...All right. But next time, I’ll treat you~”
Special Week beamed.
“Then it’s a promise...!!!”