After introducing Oguri Cap one by one to the breakfast spread, Peach Waves watched with amusement as she picked up a stack of fresh meat buns and a pile of xiaolongbao, then settled at a nearby table.
Moments later, Oguri returned to the counter and ordered five bowls of wontons and two bowls of old tofu.
"And… five cups of soy milk," she added, eyeing the paper cups filled with pale yellow liquid. "Sprinkle a little sugar—it's delicious."
Then came three bowls of cold noodles and five sesame cakes. Only then did she finally stop.
Silent Suzuka entered the canteen and froze at the sight of Oguri Cap's table, piled high with food. Her eyes widened.
"Suzuka-chan, you're here!"
Peach Waves, lounging by the window and scrolling through her phone, looked up and greeted her with a cheerful smile.
"I'm here… but wow, Peach Waves, your breakfast spread is incredible."
"Of course! I didn't know what you liked, so I made a variety."
"It's hard to choose… Do you have a must-try recommendation?"
"Definitely! Come with me."
Peach Waves led Suzuka to the combo platter station.
"Start with a cup of sweetened soy milk, three mini fried dough sticks, and a bowl of old tofu. Add a super omelette—great value, rich flavor, no regrets."
"That sounds perfect. I'll keep it light."
"Good call, Suzuka-chan. Oh, and dip the fried dough sticks in the soy milk—it's surprisingly good."
"Thanks. I'll eat quickly—I've got class after."
"Okay, see you later!"
Suzuka grabbed her tray and found a seat.
Okino strolled in with his hands in his pockets, eyes widening at the sight of the breakfast spread.
"Whoa… Peach Waves, is this Chinese breakfast? Didn't expect this from you."
"Of course! A first-class chef has to master Chinese cuisine."
Okino picked up a plate and examined the offerings.
"I noticed it during lunch. But how does a clear soup carry the aroma of meat sesame cakes?"
He grabbed a large meat sesame cake and took a bite. Instantly, rich gravy and oil burst out.
"Hey—did you pay yet? No freeloading."
Peach Waves kicked him lightly and pointed to the card machine.
"Try first, pay later."
Urara and the others wandered in, groggy from waking early. But the moment they saw Oguri Cap's table, they froze.
"Wait… this is breakfast?"
Urara's eyes widened.
"Steamed buns and sesame cakes? Don't mind if I do!"
She rushed over and grabbed two meat buns and a cup of soy milk.
"Peach Waves, what's this golden cake?"
Seiun Sky squinted at the fried pastry.
"It's a bean paste cake. Delicious, but don't overdo it."
"I'll try one."
The group picked their favorites and sat near Oguri Cap.
Crunch.
Everyone turned to Seiun Sky.
"This is amazing. Crispy outside, gooey inside. The bean paste is smooth and not too sweet."
"Really? I want one too!"
Nishino Flower stood up. Urara reached out for hers. Even Condor, without lifting her head, muttered:
"Me too."
Grass Wonder silently grabbed one while sipping soy milk.
After a cheerful breakfast, someone checked the time.
"Ten minutes to class!"
They bolted toward the teaching building.
"Don't sprint after eating!" Peach Waves called after them.
"See you at lunch, Peach Waves!"
Oguri Cap, meanwhile, walked off slowly with two large bags of packed breakfast.
"Bringing that for a friend?"
"Nope. We don't attend class anymore—we mostly self-study. These are snacks."
Peach Waves chuckled.
"Alright then. See you at noon."
At Classroom.
Ten minutes before class. Most Uma Musume were nibbling on bread and milk. A few had sushi.
"Tamamo Cross, where's Oguri Cap? I'm about to take attendance."
Air Groove stood with hands on hips.
Tamamo Cross put down her manga and half-eaten bread.
"She went to the cafeteria."
"Canteen? It opened?"
"Yeah just this morning. The student council probably didn't get the memo."
"How did she know?"
"Peach Waves told me last night. I didn't think breakfast was worth it, so I skipped."
Just then, the classroom door opened.
Everyone turned.
Oguri Cap walked in, a meat bun in her mouth, two large bags in hand. The aroma of fried meat filled the room.
She made her way to the back row, nodded at Air Groove, who quickly stepped aside, and set her bags down.
She pulled over an empty desk, opened the window, and leaned back on a soft cushion.
Then, under the curious gaze of her classmates, she began unpacking breakfast.
Air Groove stared, eyes blank, as the table filled.
Two xiaolongbao. Two plates of meat buns. A large box of wontons. Two servings of braised noodles. Three cups of soy milk. Three fried cakes. A bowl of old tofu topped with shredded fried dough sticks.
The scent swirled through the classroom.
Tamamo Cross looked at her plain bread, then at Oguri's feast.
Suddenly, her bread tasted like cardboard.
Even Amazon, chewing a sandwich, paused.
Oguri Cap tore into a meat sesame cake. Juice splashed. She popped half into her mouth and looked around.
Everyone was staring.
With puffed cheeks, she mumbled:
"What're you looking at? It's just breakfast."
Chirp.
Tamamo Cross dropped her bread and jumped up.
"Wait—what is this?! This isn't breakfast!"
Oguri Cap sipped her milk and smirked.
"What's wrong? The canteen has lots of options. I just grabbed a few."
"Oguri… we're friends, right? Can I have a bun?"
"Didn't I invite you last night? You said no. Now you want one? I barely have enough!"
Oguri Cap stared at Tamamo's pleading eyes.
"Hehe… I was wrong. Please? Just one?"
"Fine. Just one."