The potion's effects didn't fade without warning.
The morning the potion wore off, Agnes Digital had already sensed something unusual when she woke up—like something was desperately trying to burst free inside her.
But she forcefully pushed the feeling back down.
Just like she'd done for the past few days.
She knew exactly what that sensation meant. She knew that if she tried just a bit, the shaky barrier within her would instantly collapse, and she'd fully return to normal under Kitahara Sota's gentle care.
But she didn't do it.
Forget breaking down that already fragile wall—she'd even cautiously protected it these past few days, afraid it would vanish at any moment.
The reason was simple.
She was afraid.
Unlike Agnes Tachyon, she hadn't developed an inflated personality or feared losing herself entirely.
She was simply terrified that once she fully recovered, she'd discover everything had merely been a beautiful dream—a fantasy woven by Kitahara, solely to comfort and care for her.
At first, she genuinely wanted to return to normal. She felt deeply guilty for troubling everyone around her.
But gradually, as days passed, her heart started to shift.
Being unable to experience positive feedback didn't mean she'd lost the ability to think, nor did it prevent her from clearly seeing who cared for her.
From Kitahara's immediate response when she first displayed abnormalities, to his passionate five-minute speech on "Why Agnes Digital is Important," and the subsequent 24-hour constant care and attention…
Though unable to feel any joy directly, she still thought this had been the happiest week of her entire life.
Agnes Digital was a genius—one of those remarkably precocious, multi-talented geniuses.
It was a good thing, but it came at a cost.
For instance, she'd lacked parental care compared to her peers.
It wasn't that her parents didn't love her; they were extremely responsible.
The real problem was Agnes Digital herself.
While other kids cried when entering kindergarten, Agnes Digital only smiled calmly at her classmates, requiring no comfort at all.
Other kids often played too much or developed interests requiring constant parental supervision.
But Agnes Digital effortlessly maintained top-three grades, developing perfectly in academics, sports, and arts. She excelled in everything.
A versatile Uma Musume wasn't created overnight—Agnes Digital's remarkable versatility began from childhood.
Her parents had wanted to support and care for her, but they genuinely didn't know how. She truly was beyond a "perfect child," capable of smoothly running her life independently without any parental oversight. Trying to manage her felt like nitpicking.
Even her extreme obsession with Uma Musume was something her parents wholeheartedly supported, seeing it as a rare flaw that reassured them their child wasn't too perfect.
After joining Tracen Academy, Agnes Digital rarely experienced being cared for by others; instead, she constantly cared for those around her.
She was truly versatile, endlessly passionate like a flame that never extinguished, constantly giving warmth and light to others.
But she wasn't an actual flame, nor was she truly flawless. She also longed for affection and care.
Yet her passion was too strong, and there were always countless Uma Musume surrounding her.
Not just others—even she herself failed to notice this desire until that potion extinguished her internal flame, revealing the ashes beneath.
Only then did she realize she wasn't as perfect as she'd imagined, and she too deeply craved being loved and cared for.
But at first, she didn't expect to experience that kind of affection.
After all, she was publicly known as a pervert at Tracen, only a team member of Kitahara's, and had clearly seen how much he disliked trouble during this period.
Besides, Tazuna-san had openly stated she and the Chairwoman could handle the situation.
Yet Kitahara had accepted without hesitation. He protected and cared for her far beyond what she considered reasonable, showing unprecedented seriousness.
Constant companionship, genuine heart-to-heart conversations, close personal care, even teaching her new skills…
If she'd previously admired Kitahara for his abilities and achievements, after this week of care, another powerful emotion had rapidly blossomed within her:
Dependence.
He showed her she was loved. He made her realize many people genuinely cared for her. He taught her she could depend on others—even himself.
Which made her even more terrified of losing everything.
She was afraid once she recovered fully, he'd tell her this had all been a kind lie, created only to comfort her.
She'd even briefly considered secretly asking Agnes Tachyon for another dose of the potion but abandoned the idea. She'd troubled Kitahara enough already; selfishly adding more would be unforgivable.
Time passed, slowly pushing closer toward the inevitable.
As the potion's effect faded, that emotional barrier within her heart trembled violently.
Everything was approaching its limit. Even though she had actively sustained the shaky wall, the potion inevitably wore off.
A suffocating feeling rose in her chest; her complexion paled, and her consciousness began drifting.
Kitahara instantly noticed her abnormal state, immediately rushing her to the infirmary. But after examination, nothing was wrong—she was even healthier than most Uma Musume.
"Her heart rate's a bit high, probably a nervous reaction triggered by emotional stress. Just let her rest for a while," the school doctor explained casually.
Kitahara and his system confirmed her physical health; combined with the doctor's comments, he quickly realized the potion's effects must be ending.
Still concerned, he settled her comfortably on the infirmary bed.
Time ticked by. The barrier in her heart slowly thinned.
Then, suddenly, a crack appeared.
Crack.
Accompanied by the sound of shattering glass, long-suppressed positive emotions flooded through the gap. A strange new feeling filled her heart; even her gaze subtly changed.
"Kitahara-senpai..." she murmured unconsciously, immediately drawing Kitahara's attention.
"What's wrong?"
"…Can you hug me?"
The crack expanded rapidly; the surging emotions within her demanded comfort from the person before her.
Kitahara assumed she was just frightened, like Agnes Tachyon had been, fearing her current self might vanish. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his embrace.
"Don't worry. I'm right here."
"Senpai…" She instinctively reached out, tightly holding onto him, burying her head against his chest, inhaling his reassuring scent.
Senpai smells even better than other Uma Musume…
She desperately wished she could remain forever in his arms. But surely, this was all just a dream…
When she woke up, when she fully recovered, he'd tell her all of this had merely been done out of kindness, and everything would return to how it was before…
"That's not true," his voice quietly interrupted her thoughts.
Her body froze slightly in surprise. "Senpai, how did you—"
"I've experienced something similar before. Besides, your feelings were pretty obvious," Kitahara sighed gently, feeling her trembling. He stroked her soft pink hair comfortingly. "Everything I said before wasn't just empty consolation—it's exactly how I truly feel."
"Every promise I made stands. You can stay by my side as long as you want, ask me to teach you anything. You've helped me so much already—if there's anything else you want, just say it."
"And, if you ever have negative feelings again, feel free to talk to me. I might not be able to fix everything, but I can listen, and help however I can."
"So don't be scared, Digital. I'm right here."
He paused, smiling down at the girl in his arms.
"Remember our promise? No objections, no doubts. You have to listen to me, believe in me completely—because you're genuinely important to me. That's not just empty consolation."
"Senpai…"
The barrier shattered completely, and her repressed feelings exploded forth uncontrollably.
Her eyes blurred; her grip tightened around his body. But clarity returned quickly, thanks to his reassuring words.
He hadn't lied. None of this was a dream. After waking, she could still depend on him—
But was that really enough?
Overwhelmed by the intense emotions accumulated during the past week, Agnes Digital panted heavily, greedily inhaling his scent to soothe the trembling of her heart. Her face flushed deeply.
Not enough… I still want more…
She slowly shifted upwards, wrapping her arms around his neck, eyes growing hazy with desire.
Senpai…my Senpai… I really like you…I want you…
She wanted to be with him, melt into his arms, spend her whole life being cared for by him…
As those thoughts filled her mind, certain impulses within her grew irresistible. She gently parted her lips, pressing her body closer…
I want more, deeper…
Noticing her strange actions, Kitahara remained completely calm, neither panicked nor pulling away. He simply held her quietly, wearing a gentle smile.
Perhaps influenced by Kitahara's calm, or something else entirely, Agnes Digital regained awareness the instant her teeth nearly grazed his neck.
She froze.
What was I about to do?
Seeing his unguarded neck, she couldn't imagine what would happen if she bit down or surrendered to her impulses.
Confusion, fear, uncertainty—
Kitahara casually loosened his shirt, exposing his left shoulder, gently stroking her hair, comforting her warmly without any hesitation or fear.
"Bite here instead. It's fine."
Agnes Digital stared, stunned.
Then, overwhelmed, she gently bit his shoulder.
But not roughly—rather softly, cautiously, trembling slightly. More a kiss than a bite, full of yearning.
"You can bite harder," he whispered comfortingly.
Then he froze.
Because warm liquid dripped onto his shoulder—fresh blood, accompanied by an oddly sweet scent.
He glanced down, meeting Agnes Digital's blissful expression, blood pouring gently from her nose.
Kitahara exhaled in relief.
Ah, she's back—the normal Agnes Digital!
She murmured his name softly, blissfully unconscious.
Kitahara carefully laid her back down, sighing softly as he smiled.
He'd gladly endure a little trouble for her—after all, Agnes Digital truly was important to him.