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—I never thought I’d see a scene like this. But here we are.— Seiun Sky, known for her relaxed and even lazy personality (if you ask a few people), was facing the least likely scenario she could have imagined.
It was almost like witnessing an omen, not a miracle, but the antithesis of one, its arch-nemesis.
—Special Week and Silence Suzuka. Are they fighting?— The thought slipped out of her mouth.
Suzuka stood at the classroom door, her gaze fixed on her girlfriend. Special, without even glancing at her, snorted loudly, knowing who was at the door, her ears drooping and her eyes pleading like a cat’s. What was strange was that she wouldn’t back down. She wouldn’t look at her. She didn’t even acknowledge her existence.
—I even heard that Spe sleeps with Fuji.— Cóndor was also watching, undoubtedly amazed. Although the lovers had argued, it was always over trivialities. Things like who paid, who did something for the other. Basically, lovers’ quarrels that were sweet enough to give salt diabetes.
The golden generation knew that Spe, without a doubt, wasn’t the type to get seriously angry.
She had been teased by everyone she knew, and although she would yell in initial frustration, it always ended in laughter and a food compensation.
But this, seeing how Special Week, Silence Suzuka’s (possibly) number one fan, was giving her the cold shoulder worse than the Ice Age itself. It sparked an involuntary longing in everyone present, who were all hoping the ice would melt soon.
—Although Suzuka must have done something serious for Spe-chan to be like this.— Grass sighed, looking concerned. She knew better than anyone that negative emotions could take a toll.
—Well, I hear Suzuka has been late to the dorms several times. Could that have something to do with it?— King Halo pricked up her ears.
—I didn’t know you were a gossiper, King.— Sein teased.
—It’s not gossip if it concerns the progress of a valued rival!— King defended herself.
—Yeah, right. Whatever you say, King Gossip.—
—You!—
—You two. Calm down.— Grass didn’t raise her voice, but it was more than enough for the pair to swallow hard and retract every sin they’d conceived.
—Should we do something?— Cóndor whispered.
—Fights in this grade should be resolved naturally. If we force it, we might cause more trouble.— Grass shook her head. —I’ll keep Spe-chan company.—
—Then I’ll tell Suzuka to come back another time.— King and Grass nodded at the same time, each saying their part.
Cóndor decided to stay with Seiun, leaning against her desk as they waited for the teacher.
—This is a mess.— El scratched her head.
—Well, relationships aren’t always a bed of daisies; sometimes there are thorns too.— Seiun settled more comfortably at her desk, ready for her nap.
—So flowery all of a sudden.—
—Umm~ Guilty, I suppose.—
Yes, this was going to be a long and interesting day.
It wasn’t the first time, or the second, or the fourth, or the fifth. It had happened so many times that Special Week had lost count. And it annoyed her, obviously.
So this is the current situation.
Usually, the little ray of light would shine, but not with joy.
She had lost her patience. She had said it. Several times.
‘Please. Come home on time.’ And even though she did it at first, even though she tried, Suzuka’s restless and even wild spirit prevented her from arriving at reasonable hours.
The worst part is the double standard. She couldn’t blame Suzuka entirely. Dating her for over a year (something she still celebrated inside) made her understand more than Suzuka herself expected.
From their first date, Special learned to observe. Shades. Tones. Suzuka’s expressions were mostly subtle.
The ears, the tail, the hand movements. Add to that whether or not her back is straight. Years of being her roommate and a year of being her lover have taught me a thing or two.
And yet. Understanding doesn’t mean I don’t want some responsibility.
Clearly, it bothered her that she was late. At the beginning of Tracen, she did it once; the sinner sins because the devil knocks on their door, and if that devil is her girlfriend (her former best friend), could you blame her for sinning?
Now, her mind was telling her conflicting things. She watched over her safety almost as much as her mothers did. Because she had understood one thing: love is a weapon, love is protection, and love is a contradiction to a certain extent.
Denying what makes her girlfriend who she is, being her girlfriend, depriving her of that path and that happiness. It would make her want to kill herself right then and there. She learned her lesson that dependence on a person is almost as poisonous as detachment. She learned it the hard way.
But this isn't just a broken knee for her; it's a betrayal of her heart and her trust.
She didn't want to punish her, she didn't want to stop talking to her. But seeing her hurt, it terrified her.
She didn't know what to do, to look her in the eyes again, not knowing if she was genuinely being incredibly selfish or remarkably stupid.
She wanted to speak, even so, to remember how last night, when she saw her arrive, she received a little lecture from Fuji, saw her knock on the door. Everything like slow motion where the joy she felt turned into fury, which, instead of lashing out, butting heads like the goats on her farm, made her fall completely silent.
She couldn’t speak, because her words would travel down such an endless path, would her opinion even matter? Would her voice echo across a meadow where, naively, she believed she held power?
Her heart churned with this whirlwind of feelings, piled into a house of cards teetering on a table with a broken leg. The gentle caress on her hair startled her.
Grass smiled at her. She said nothing. She knew she wasn’t looking for comfort, not with words.
Deep in her mind, she heard King; she heard that familiar voice gnawing at her heart like termites in a hollow oak tree.
And, slowly, like a stray cat that had been attacked and was bruised, she accepted the affectionate caress with a tearful sob.
—I don’t think I’ve ever seen Suzuka this depressed since… ever?— Taiki looked, no, shot a glance at her.
Suzuka was just a pile of limbs on a table. Her serene, gentle soul was more a heap of bones and shadows than anything else that defined the young fugitive.
Matikanefukukitaru, affectionately known as Fukukitaru, felt every curse of depression as an ancestral burden he never thought she would have to bear for millennia.
She looked into her cristal ball, searching for any answer, prediction, advice, or warning. But it was empty, void.
She needed Suzuka, but Suzuka wasn’t among them.
—Would you be able to bring Suzuka-san to another classroom? Although her presence is strong, her spirit is weak.— The disheveled orange-haired girl asked the cowgirl for help. —I need to concentrate to help her.—
Taiki didn’t even hesitate, nor did Air Groove say a word.
Like the dead weight she was now, Taiki grabbed the sack of carrots. Meisho, as Fukukitaru’s personal assistant, followed them.
—I-Is everything okay?— The assistant’s white lock of hair was naturally curling into a question mark.
—I’m afraid that if we do nothing, her spirit will leave this universe, Doto.— Fukukitaru polished her ball while Taiki set the pace, which, as always, was fast. —An uma’s soul is almost as important as her strength. One cannot exist without the other, or the balance will be lost.—
—I-I see!— Meisho nodded vigorously. —Then let’s do our best to return her soul to Suzuka!— It was the determination they all felt.
Suzuka didn’t react. She let herself be carried along, without complaint, wordless.
It felt as if a part of her had been taken away. It was strange. She hadn’t even felt that way when she tore her ligament.
Because she had a glimmer of hope close at hand, however selfish it might be; Special’s company was her remedy, her oasis where she could take refuge from a possible fate.
By the blessing of the three goddesses, it didn’t happen. Her desire to run regained its meaning; even if she ended up buried in the ocean, even if she had been afraid, her goal was there, like a guide.
And now, without that beacon, she felt absurdly lost and helpless in an ocean of people.
Not many days had passed, three or four. The ice in Special’s violet eyes undoubtedly petrified her. The warm purple, which had welcomed her with a dazzling smile, vanished immediately, and all that remained was… an empty room, with a neatly made bed and no carrot plushie, which she missed seeing.
It was her fault; she knew it. She tried. But it wasn’t enough. And just like on that winter day, when the lack of heat was her hell, the fleeting thought settled in like a tombstone. Will you stop seeing what you want to see for someone you love?
She tried with all her might to find a balance. She loved the time she spent with Spe. She loved her company. And like a whisper in the wind, the landscape called to her, the echo of running and getting lost.
And, without meaning to, she had been selfish.
—All right! It’s time.— Her classmate’s shrill voice brought her back to the present.
An empty classroom, lights off, curtains drawn. The only light came from the crystal ball, casting a blue glow over the room in an almost mystical projection.
Nervous hands moved over the crystalline vessel; the magic was beginning, and so was the divine.
—You’ve finally connected with us.— Fukukitaru’s voice was unusually serene. —I’m glad to see you, Suzuka.—
—I…—
—It’s alright! I’m aware there’s anguish creeping above you, but do not refuse what lays upon you—
—This rhyming thing is new,— Doto muttered.
—I wanted to try something new for this session. What do you think?— She scratched her nose with an air of arrogance.
—I-I think it’s great! But let’s get back on track, Fuku-san!—
—Oh, right!— she coughed, recomposing herself —Oh Shiraoki-sama, oh you the mighty, I beg for you to guide me. For your strength to show, and see its glow. A girl has lost what she loves the most. Your wisdom is needed to find meaning, to help a soul who desperately needs it.—
—Okay, I honestly didn’t think Fuku-chan was that good at rhyming.— Taiki had obviously been nearby the whole time; Doto nodded, a newfound admiration welling up inside her.
Everyone in the classroom fell silent; the blue ball had changed. At least in Fukukitaru’s eyes. She could see it: the impending rupture, the fatal ending, the stark warning marked by a full stop.
The problem was simple and complicated at the same time. A sacrifice that would leave either of them hurt in a future both distant and near.
—Umm…—
—What do you see, Fukukitaru-san?— Suzuka spoke up after a long silence.
—Chaos is set to come, there’s no doubt.— Her whiny voice disappeared, almost like she was a completely different person, looking into Suzuka's eyes without hesitation. —A solution we are bound to find but only by the question i’m going to ask. Important it is for you to know it must be answered with truth alone—
—Wh-what?— Her aquamarine eyes gazed at her reflection in the glass, distorted by the object’s rounded shape.
—What is it that makes Silence Suzuka be Silence Suzuka?—
Special’s bad mood had remained constant and ever-present. She hated being angry with her girlfriend; she hated this.
And she turned to the only person she could turn to at that moment.
—Hello, sweetie? You know I don’t mind your calls, but I’m going to start worrying if this becomes a pattern.— The mature voice on the other end of the phone laughed affectionately. The affection of a mother who knew something was wrong and who would be the moral compass for her beloved daughter.
—I’m-m-m sorry, Mom, it’s just…— She sighed, glanced at Fuji, who was standing nearby, before nodding and stepping away for more privacy. —Things have happened, I-I don’t know how to fix them, and-and…— She began to hiccup from the impending tears. Her sentimentality was well known, and with it, her terrible tendency to cry. Almost as much as Ticket.
—It’s okay. It’s okay. Let’s see what I can do.—
—I see.— After a long explanation, breaks for crying, and brief moments of relief, her mother laughed affectionately. —My baby’s first big fight. Ha?—
—U-uh-huh.— Hearing her cry, Fuji brought her a pack of tissues. They were probably already halfway through the pack. —I-I just feel like I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. That I shouldn’t be making such a big deal out of it.—
—And at the same time, you feel unable to do so. Right?—
—Y-yes.—
—Feelings are contradictory most of the time. At least in these situations, sweetheart.— The soft breathing on the other end of the phone calmed Special. —Love is a feeling where, because you love someone so much, your upbringing and personality will bring into conflict aspects of a relationship you thought were stable.—
Her daughter remained silent, waiting for more.
—Honey, there are no absolute solutions. But I can say that one thing you did wrong was not talking to her directly.—
—Bu-but I did! I-I told her several times.—
—No, dear, not that.— A sigh could be heard. —Imagine that you’re the one who made a mistake, several times. What would you want to happen to fix it?—
She closed her eyes, focusing on the mental image. What would I want to happen if I’d made a mistake several times? Well, the trainer always stayed close when she vented, I heard; he suggested solutions and, above all, listened. —Oh! Oh…—
—Did that help?—
—Yes. I’d want them to sit down with me and explain it to me. I’d want them to be patient with me and listen to me.—
—The best relationships are based on conversations. No one is born knowing everything; just like the saying ‘The umas were born to run,’ that’s pretty false, in my opinion.— A sip was heard, as if the conversation had left her throat dry. —We aren’t born knowing; we learn and we make mistakes. That’s the most important part of growing as individuals, Spe.—
—I see.— Her gaze drifted aimlessly to the hallway wall. She knew what she had to do. —Thanks, Mom.— Her voice carried the same determination with which she’d declared she’d be ‘number one in Japan.’
—It’s nothing, sweetie. Thanks for sharing these things with me.—
Suzuka was determined to wrap up their earlier conversation and return to class with her tail between her legs. She tried to clear her head by running.
Fukukitaru had asked her a rather important question, and if she was honest, she didn’t even know the answer herself.
—Is Silence Suzuka just about running? Or is there more to it that defines Silence Suzuka as Silence Suzuka?—
That was the question, but there was no answer. She didn’t want to let this discussion cool off too much either; she knew that would make the situation more awkward and even…
She shook her head vigorously. Not wanting to get caught up in those catastrophic trains of thought, like ending the relationship, for example.
On her way, and quite spontaneously, everything she looked at somehow brought the thought of Special to her mind.
A restaurant they’d been to, flowers she’d given her, a stuffed shop. And in the display window, the adorable Spe stuffed plush with a smile that radiated the same innocence.
No matter where she went, she saw those things, and it made her even sadder.
What could she do? How does one basically get existentialism out their head?
The worst part was that she had already asked herself this before. On that cold day, she was afraid of leaving her behind, and she was afraid of being left behind. And now? The distance was gnawing at her leg like a piranha.
As she walked through the streets, she caught sight of an elderly woman who had undoubtedly lived long enough to know better than anyone what life is all about. But the poor woman seemed to be in a great deal of pain, at least judging by the way she walked and leaned very slowly against the nearby bench.
On an unexpected impulse, Suzuka approached, catching her attention.
—Are you all right, ma’am? Do you need help?—
The wrinkled features of her face smiled back at her. —It’s nothing for a pretty young lady like you to worry about. Sometimes a knee gives an old log like me a hard time.— She laughed softly.
Suzuka was speechless for a moment. Kneeling down, she insisted. —I spent a long time in physical therapy; I have some stretching exercises that might do you good.—
—Haha. Wow! I didn’t know I had a professional right in front of me.—
—I wouldn’t say that…— She lowered her ears.
—But since I can see you’re getting too worried, I’ll ease your anxiety by accepting the offer.—
Her ears perked up quickly; she nodded and, with the utmost care, pointed precisely.
—Hmm~ I see.— The cheerful laugh of a woman in her late seventies was somewhere between comforting and unsettling. —So you’ve had your first marital argument without even being married yet. The youth of today.—
—I-I guess so.— Suzuka had sat down next to her. As a gesture of thanks, the woman had invited her to eat at a nearby taiyaki stand; the sweet bean filling and crispy texture made her wish, without a doubt, that Special were by her side. When she let out the most broken sigh her lips had ever uttered, the sweet woman asked her.
And that was where they were now.
On a bench, with half-eaten taiyaki, pouring out her sorrows to a woman she’d just met.
It certainly wasn’t her best day.
—The question your friend asked is actually a very good one. Relationships, even when people are as different as oil and water, need a clear goal for the mix to keep working.— The same woman had a thermos full of tea, which she shared without hesitation with the helpless young woman. —If the oil didn’t know it was oil, that would be a problem.—
Suzuka sipped from the cup. Not knowing what to say.
—I don’t know if I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong, but…— She laughed softly, as if she’d experienced or felt the same thing at some point and remembered it fondly. —Can I give you some advice from an old married woman?—
—O-of course! That would really help me, actually.—
The woman closed her eyes, letting the breeze rock her.
—You need to share a dream. From what I understand, she got upset because you were late several times. That implies that her dream isn’t to run forever.— She took a big sip. —I’d say, and this is just my gut feeling, that rather than really understanding you, it’s about finding out what you truly dream of. How do you see yourself in the future?—
—How do I see myself?—
—Exactly.— She slowly stood up. She grabbed Suzuka’s empty cup and put the thermos away.
—Look inside yourself for what you want most. What is your goal? The real one. That will make it easier when you communicate your desires to your partner.— The woman had been wearing a cap the whole time, which she took off as a farewell, revealing that she was, in fact, an Umamusume. —Take it from someone who loves running more than anyone else in this world.—
She left.
She was alone. On that bench.
Her feet lifted off the ground. Strong, just as they should be.
She began to walk, slowly, little by little, picking up the pace. Her eyes, in a moment of unconsciousness, closed. Faster, stronger.
What did she want?
She was asking herself that.
Was she looking for the answer?
She is trying to find it.
Her heart set the pace for her feet. The view, that landscape she loved to see, was right there. Dangerously, behind her closed eyes, she could see it; getting there was as easy as breathing.
And then, that infinity she loved. That she longed to be a part of, was becoming more and more finite. She felt that cold again, seeping into her bones. It wasn’t raining, nor was it snowing, but she remembered it.
She wanted that warmth, that sweet sound to fill her ears. What she hadn’t realized was that the old Silence Suzuka had died long ago. Her new self was greedy, she was loving, even fussy.
She doesn’t want anyone else. Because Silence Suzuka is Silence Suzuka only if her beloved rival is there.
The landscape changed; day turned to night; the sun gave way to the moon. The stars accompanied her, and others fled. Fleeting, shooting stars.
She opened her eyes. She didn’t even remember when she had arrived at the academy, or how quickly she had entered the dormitories. Nothing.
It was a wild gallop. Praying that the person she was looking for was behind that door.
She knocked twice. There was no answer. Then. There it was. The door gave way before her. Those amethyst eyes, fixed on her, surprised.
She couldn’t hold back; she lunged forward. She hugged tightly. The ragged breathing was still there. Special was gentler. After the whole day, no, days. She had returned. She hugged Suzuka too, clinging to her like a spider in its web, its home. Without fear, Suzuka would be happy to be the fly that fell into the trap.
—Do you want to come in?— Her voice was calm. Finally, she heard her voice referring to her. She felt like crying. Well, she was already doing that. Soft hands rested on her cheeks, wiping away tears.
—I’m so-o sorry.—
—It’s okay. Let’s go inside; we need to talk calmly.— Her hands moved up, stroking the messy orange hair, pushing her bangs aside in a mix of sweat. —I won’t leave your side. I’m sorry I acted like an idiot.—
A warm towel dried her face. She felt awful. She hadn’t found the answer. And her selfishness wanted her lover’s presence, or rather, what she hoped was still her partner.
Special made her take a shower and wash the sweat off her body.
She had taken care of her. Pampered her, even, massaging every inch of her ears with the towel in circular motions.
—You got here early.— They weren’t cutting words. It wasn’t in her tone; it was more like a note. An underline.
—I-I’m sorry.—
—For getting here early?—
—No! T-that’s not what I meant!—
—I know. But seeing you so tense worries me a little.— They both sat down on Suzuka’s bed. The mattress gave way with their movements.
—I-I just… want to take this as seriously as it needs to be taken.—
—You take pretty much everything people say to you literally. But I appreciate that you’re making the effort to take this seriously, more than usual—. Special took a breath; it was like approaching the edge of a diving board. It was time to jump.
—First.— She looked the other girl straight in the eyes. —I’m sorry. I was an idiot. I didn’t let you talk to me, and on top of that, I walked away from you without you being able to do anything about it.—
Her hands fidgeted, her nerves slowly building up. A nervous tic she’d developed over time.
—Second.— She looked down, lowering her head. —I’m sorry for throwing this kind of flare-up and for being so cruel to you outside of class.—
—No-o! I deserved it. It was my fault. You told me that several times. I didn’t do my part. It’s normal that you got fed up.—
—You didn’t deserve it. It was irresponsible of me. But I appreciate the second part. It really bothered me.— She looked up, pouting. It was adorable, it was too adorable, but it wasn’t the right moment.
—Special.— Suzuka called out, her voice more serious, less shaky. —These days have been chaos for me. I always thought I’d be better off alone. I was alone for a long time and never realized how hard it is to be within these four walls without you.—
Suzuka turned, meeting the curious amethyst gaze. Hands gently took hers, clinging to the warmth of her palms.
—I’ve never felt so far from you as I have these past few days. Even when I was away for so long. And I realized that what I hated, what hurt me the most, was the silence you gave me.— Hands trembled, trying to hold on. Not wanting to give in to her gaze.
—This whole day has been a headache. I’ve been trying to figure out what I could do to make you forgive me for being such a terrible girlfriend.— She rested her head on her chest, hiding her face. —And all anyone would tell me was to figure out who I really am. Who is Silence Suzuka?—
—And did you find out anything?—
—No-o. Not yet. But I realized that if I don’t decide what my dream is, I could hurt you a lot, both indirectly and directly. Again.—
Special’s nose curled into the orange undergrowth. She planted a kiss on the top of her head, unable to help but be affectionate toward the one who had stolen her heart and run away with it.
—I need to ask you something. Something important.— Suzuka lifted her face. Tense again, but determined.
—Special Week. What do you want to do in the future?—
—As an adult, you mean?—
Suzuka nodded.
—Um…— Her tail swayed. —I think I’d like to retire. I’d like to study some agronomy and help my mother get more Umamusumes to try her crops. At least, that’s an idea that often crosses my mind.—
She wasn’t lying when she said she was surprised by how easily Special had said it, with the same confidence she’d shown when declaring she wanted to be the best Umamusume in Japan. And there she was. And she’d realized it. She had no plan, no future.
She couldn’t go on living by running forever, not the way she was now. Special had a goal, as noble as her heart.
—That’s what I’m missing, Special. I haven’t decided anything. A-and the truth is, a lot of the times I came home late, it was because I let my fantasy blind me, like a blindfold.—
She was on the verge of tears again. Her voice faltered. Special let go of her hands to caress her cheeks.
—I’m scared. Ever since that time I broke down, this is the second time I’ve found myself wondering, what will I do if the one thing I know I’m good at and love to do betrays me like this?—
—Now that I think about it, you started doing that after some our teammates retired.—
—I-I panicked! It’s no excuse, though. I acted like a moron.—
—A little.— She saw her ears droop. Still holding her cheeks, she caressed the traces of tears that were about to fall. —Though I understand you better now. Seeing so many people looking to retire must have hurt you in a way you didn’t expect.— She sighed. —And I hadn’t realized it.—
—I didn’t mention it either! I didn’t say anything!—
—And that’s our fault.— Special planted a kiss on her nose. She pressed her forehead against his. —I asked for advice, too. My mom told me something. We have to communicate, the good and the bad.—
A guilty blush spread across Suzuka’s cheeks, drawing a small laugh from Special, a tinkling sound the older girl appreciated every time she heard it, even more so now.
—It’s okay that you don’t know what to do yet. There’s no rush. It’s complicated for someone as free-spirited as you.— Special took the next step, hugging the older girl, smiling at the way Suzuka instantly returned the embrace with eager haste.
—If you still want me to be with you. I’ll be here. If you feel like I’m holding you back, we can stop. You don’t have to be chained to…—
—No! I don’t want to!— She clung tightly. Today, Suzuka was definitely out of character. —You promised me. You’ve captured my heart. Take responsibility.— She was being spoiled. But this time she had someone to blame. Spe had spoiled her, pampered her, and adored her. If she could, she’d borrow a pair of handcuffs right now and lock them both up.
—Suzuka.— She swallowed his name. —Thank you. For not wanting to leave my side.— She snuggled closer into her passionate embrace. —I’m sorry again. And I’ll take responsibility.—
—I’m sorry, too. I won’t run away anymore.—
—But I’m more sorry. I courted you, I should have talked to you from the start.—
—No. Me more. I wasn’t honest about how I felt.—
—I was crueler.—
—But I started this.—
—No, me more.—
—No, I’m more to blame than you.—
—No, me.—
—Nuuh. Me.—
They both fell silent. What began as a gasp of air ended in a scream. Loud, relieved laughter.
When things calmed down and Special was able to slip slightly out of the tight embrace, she planted a small kiss on her lips.
—We’ll look for it together. I think if we work together.— She brushed her nose against hers in a snowball kiss. —We can make the future less scary.—
—Like… sharing a dream?—
—Mm-hmm. I don’t think I could have put it better.—
—Wow.— Suzuka’s pensive expression piqued the brunette’s curiosity. —Well, you see…—
—Don’t you just love it when everything falls back into place?— Seiun purred in her seat, counting down the seconds until lunch.
—Even though I don’t like agreeing with you.— King Halo’s ears turned toward Special, who was returning to her usual, cheerful self. —I have to admit, you’re right.— She smiled and went back to writing in her notebook.
The lunch bell rang as expected. Everyone stood up in unison. Some chatted among themselves, others rushed out like the wind. And although Special was one of the latter, something had changed.
The classroom door, crowded with people trying to get out, revealed a splash of orange and green.
Calmly, Special walked toward her. With the same feeling as when a soldier comes home after the war, the commander stood on tiptoe, catching the fugitive in an eskimo kiss.
—Everything okay in class?— Suzuka asked, curious, much more lively and much happier.
—The same old stuff. Luckily, we’ll be starting on the different types of track surfaces any minute now. I want to ask how they make the grass so green!—
—Now that you mention it. I have to admit, I’m curious too.—
—Isn’t that something you should have already covered? Senpai?—
—At the time, I was more focused on what I could do on it, rather than how it was made.—
—You and running.— Special let out a sigh, the kind you just can’t help.
—Well, don’t blame me. Now it’s time for one of your favorite activities, love.—
—Yes! Let’s eat!—
Neither of them made a big deal out of it; their hands intertwined with enviable ease. They didn’t even ask each other; they knew they were going to do it.
Seiun sighed happily.
—That’s right. Back to the routine.— She stood up, waiting for King. —Let’s go. If we leave it too long, we’ll be left without a serving ourselves.—
—Honestly. I feel like they should make separate portions for Special and Oguri.— King snorted, wagging her tail with disdain.
—I think it’s a tactic to get us to move faster.—
—The worst part is, I might actually believe you.—