Sensing Peach Waves' surprised gaze at her dinner plate, Rice Shower's cheeks flushed a deep red. She fumbled for an explanation.
"A-actually, this is… um. I mean, I need proper nutrition every day, right? And then…"
Peach Waves gently cut her off with a soft smile.
"I understand. Rice Shower is strong. You train hard every day—it's only natural to eat more."
Rice Shower blinked, her words caught in her throat.
"Rice-san."
She looked up, startled.
"Y-yes?"
"Nothing serious. I just wanted to ask… can we be friends?"
"Ah… but… Rice might bring misfortune to you, Peach-san. I… I don't want to be a burden…"
"No way. Rice is kind and cute—like a princess from a fairy tale. So… is it okay?"
Rice Shower's eyes widened. She looked into Peach Waves' sincere gaze, and after a moment of hesitation, nodded shyly.
Peach Waves reached out with a gentle hand.
"Then, my friend—eat up. It'll get cold."
"Th-thank you, Peach-san… thank you."
Rice Shower smiled faintly and picked up her chopsticks. Peach Waves, meanwhile, returned to her own lunch, unfazed.
After finishing her meal, Rice Shower stood to leave, but Peach Waves stopped her.
"Wait—let's exchange contact info."
They did, and with a quiet goodbye, Rice Shower left, her heart a little lighter.
That afternoon, Peach Waves headed to training. Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross, both on break with no upcoming races, stayed behind to help prep skewers in the back kitchen.
Soon, the day of Silent Suzuka's race arrived.
10:00 AM.
"Gold Ship, how's everything?"
"No problem! Let's hit the road!"
"Alright, I'll call the driver."
Peach Waves and Gold Ship sat up front in the food truck, while Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap rode in the back.
They arrived at the training ground by mid-morning. The race wouldn't start until noon, so they had time to set up.
Peach Waves took charge.
"Alright, let's move! Divide the area, pay the rental fee, and set up tables and chairs. Let's make this place shine!"
Thanks to their early arrival, they secured a prime spot. Soon, the street filled with other vendors.
As they worked, two uniformed officers approached.
"Ladies, excuse us…"
Peach Waves peeked out from behind the truck.
"Yes, officers? Something wrong?"
Seeing they were just horse girls, the officers softened their tone.
"We're just patrolling. If you see anything suspicious, let us know."
"Suspicious? Are there bad guys sneaking in?"
"No, just a precaution. Big crowds today could cause some chaos."
"Got it. You might want to check the stands too—things get rowdy there."
"Thanks. You all be careful."
"Peach-chan, the skewers are ready!"
Gold Ship pointed to the trays of raw meat and the fresh cuts waiting to be skewered.
"Perfect. Fire's ready. Oguri—start skewering. Tamamo, you're on customer duty!"
Soon, the scent of sizzling meat filled the air, drawing in a crowd.
Gold Ship, ever the showwoman, waved her sign and shouted cheerfully.
"Skewers! Hot and juicy! Come try Peach Waves' secret sauce!"
She spotted Okino wandering nearby and waved.
"Mr. Trainer! Over here!"
Okino turned, raising a brow at the sight of Gold Ship in a blue-and-white yukata.
"Gold Ship? What are you doing here?"
"Helping Peach-chan, of course! Want to try our skewers?"
"Sure, I haven't eaten yet."
Behind the grill, Peach Waves wore her hair in a neat bun, a small white chef's hat perched on top. She flipped skewers with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap were sneakily grabbing skewers from the edge of the grill.
"...Are we really allowed to do this?"
"We've worked hard the past two days. Besides, we're getting paid!"
"True…"
Peach Waves looked up and caught Okino's grin.
"Ugh, what's with that creepy smile—?!"
Startled, she accidentally slapped a sauce brush across Okino's face.
"Hey! Am I that scary?!"
"Ahaha—sorry, Trainer. I panicked. Tamamo I need a new brush!"
"On it!"
Okino wiped his face with a tissue.
"I'll take five or six skewers."
"Seventy yen per skewer."
She handed over the piping hot skewers.
Okino didn't pay. He just sat down and started eating.
"So… why are you here again?"
"Was gonna hit the bar, but I'm broke. So I came to watch the race."
Peach Waves' face darkened.
"Return the skewers!"
"No, no! I'll pay you back at school!"
"You better. Or I'll feed you my shoe sole next time!"
"Peach-chan, business is booming!"
"Suzuka! You're here! Help me out!"
"I'm off to an interview, but I'll be back. Good luck!"
"Gold Ship! You're on waiter duty now!"
"Aye aye!"
Not long after, a short-haired horse girl with white highlights and sparkling pink eyes appeared.
It was Special Week.
"Mmm… smells amazing! What is that? The line's so long—it must be good!"
Drooling slightly, she rushed to the stall.
"Hi! I'll take… eighty skewers!"
Gold Ship froze. Peach Waves looked up, stunned—then relaxed.
Oh, it's Special Week. That explains it.
"Coming right up! Please have a seat."
"Peach-chan, big order! Tamamo, Oguri—move!"
"Got it!"
Special Week peeked past the counter and spotted Peach Waves at the grill.
"So pretty… Her eyes are like gems…"
She shook her head quickly.
"Focus! Skewers first!"
Gold Ship returned with a tray.
"Here's the first half. The rest are on the way. Enjoy!"