"Ardan! Bless the Moment! I got you drinks—"
Sakura Chiyono O, returning to the arcade with two bottles in hand, gradually slowed her steps, her voice trailing off into silence.
She saw her roommate, Mejiro Ardan, holding the petite Bless the Moment in her arms, contently stroking the younger girl's ears with a satisfied smile.
The white-haired Uma Musume in her embrace trembled slightly, soft whimpers and muffled squeaks occasionally escaping her lips.
—Wait, I was only gone for a moment! How did you end up holding her already, Ardan?!
And she's even letting you touch her ears?
Seeing the little white-haired girl resting quietly in Ardan's arms without any struggle, obediently allowing her ears to be petted, Chiyono felt puzzled but didn't dwell on it further.
"Ah, Chiyo, you're back."
Hearing the familiar voice, Mejiro Ardan looked up and met the red-haired Uma Musume's gaze.
She casually released her hold, allowing the white-haired girl to slip free and step down.
"...Ardan, you didn't force her, did you?"
After handing a bottle to Bless the Moment and discreetly checking her over, Chiyono leaned closer to Ardan and whispered.
"Hm? Not at all."
Taking the water from her friend, the blue-haired Uma Musume shook her head. "You can ask her yourself—she let me touch her ears willingly."
"Really?"
Though doubtful, Chiyono recalled that the white-haired girl hadn't seemed distressed, so she decided to trust Ardan's word.
"Since we're here, why not try some other games?"
After taking a sip from her bottle, Ardan glanced at Bless The Moment, who was still smoothing down her hair, and pointed toward a cooperative game zone not far away. "They have zombie shooters, racing games, and more over there."
"R-racing games are a no from me," Chiyono waved a hand dismissively. "I get motion sickness."
"Oh, and I saw a sumo wrestling simulator earlier too!"
"Where? But…"
The red-haired Uma Musume's ears perked up briefly, but then she hesitated, remembering her roommate's suspiciously eager behavior toward the white-haired girl.
"Don't worry, we'll go with you."
Noticing her friend's hesitation, Ardan smiled gently. "Besides, Bless's two friends are over there too—Bless The Moment, would you like to join us?"
"Huh?"
The white-haired girl looked up, startled.
"It's already 4:30 in the afternoon, you know?"
Ardan reminded her kindly.
4:30 PM?
Both Chiyono and Bless The Moment blinked in surprise.
Had it really gotten that late?
The realization dawned on them belatedly.
"Your friends seem to be having a bit too much fun to notice the time."
Seeing their expressions, the blue-haired girl added, "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
We need to get home.
Finally aware of the time, the white-haired girl hurried over to where Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond were still absorbed in their game.
After reminding them, the five of them quickly made their way out of the arcade.
But…
"...Ardan? Isn't the other way faster?"
Noticing the blue-haired girl following Bless The Moment's group, Chiyono tugged gently on her sleeve and pointed in the opposite direction.
"Isn't going back the way we came quicker?"
Mejiro Ardan blinked innocently.
'You just want to walk with them—with Bless The Moment—a little longer, don't you?'
"I promised your sisters I'd have you home by 5 PM."
"...Fine."
Ardan nodded, turning to follow Chiyono in the other direction.
As much as she wanted to walk a bit longer with her trainer, she didn't want to put Chiyono in an awkward position with her family.
Besides, now that she had her trainer's social media account, there would be plenty of chances to meet again.
And…
She touched the phone in her pocket, her mind already swirling with plans.
[SilentGazer] was definitely her trainer's account.
Did she really think she could fool her with the [Rejoice!] account?
She wasn't the so-called 'little Dumdan' her trainer sometimes mentioned.
Even though they'd only just parted ways, Ardan was already thinking of the next time she could invite the white-haired girl out.
--+--
"Chiyono, Ardan. You're back?"
At the Mejiro residence, Mejiro Bright opened the door, her gaze pausing briefly on Ardan's face before she stepped aside to let them in. "...Chiyono, why don't you stay for dinner tonight?"
"Eh? No, that's alright!" Chiyono waved her hands hurriedly. "I can just eat at the school cafeteria."
"Ah, come on, now that you're here," Bright yawned. "It's not like we'll run out of food… Right, Ardan?"
"I think Bright's right," the blue-haired girl agreed with a smile. "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"
"...Alright then, sorry for the trouble."
Seeing Ardan's agreement, Chiyono nodded and stepped inside.
"I'll go change first. Wait here for me, Chiyono."
Ardan gave an apologetic smile before heading upstairs.
"So, what did you and Ardan do out there?"
The moment her sister was out of sight, Bright's lazy expression vanished, and she leaned in toward Chiyono. "She looks really happy."
"…"
For a moment, the red-haired girl didn't know how to respond.
'Your older sister has taken a liking to an underage fourteen-year-old Uma Musume?'
How could she possibly say that out loud!
"Um… She ran into a fan and spent some time with her," she finally managed, keeping it vague.
"Is that so?"
Fortunately, Bright didn't press further. "Seems like letting Ardan go out with you to clear her head was a good idea."
…To be accurate, all the credit for cheering Ardan up goes to that little white-haired girl. I had nothing to do with it.
Chiyono corrected her silently.
Ugh… Before her sisters find out, I have to find a way to steer Ardan away from this!
I can't let their image of Ardan be shattered because of this!
Hang in there, me!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.