Returning to the classroom's attached room, 'Friend' was already sitting on the sofa, having waited for quite some time.
She was currently wearing Manhattan Cafe's casual clothes: an off-white top paired with a black checkered mini-skirt.
Under Manhattan Cafe's guidance, her long black hair was tied into a crown braid.
And this time, to make the transformation complete, Manhattan Cafe had even purchased colored contact lenses. Paired with a black face mask, the 'Friend' sitting in the room looked utterly different from before.
'I'm really getting the hang of this disguise thing,' Manhattan Cafe silently praised herself.
"Sorry, that took a bit longer than I thought."
"It's fine…"
Her figure was reflected in the pinkish-red contacts, and the girl nodded instinctively.
"Was there any issue with the Student Council?"
"Well, a little…"
Manhattan Cafe then recounted Symboli Rudolf's task.
"Become a deputy for the Student Council, responsible for matters related to the school league…"
Listening to her, 'Friend' murmured softly.
'This is good.'
Manhattan Cafe, who had always disliked socializing, had finally taken an important step forward.
And it was no small step either—leaping directly from an ordinary student right into the Student Council itself.
With a start like this, Manhattan Cafe could build connections with the Student Council members. They were all the top-ranked in both academics and training at Tracen Academy.
Building good relationships with them would be a significant help for Manhattan Cafe's future, both in studies and training.
'As expected, becoming close with seniors Green Grass and Ten Point was the right move!'
As retired Uma Musume, they were already well-acquainted within the academy.
Even a casual mention from them could gradually bring the inconspicuous Manhattan Cafe into their circle.
A wave of relief washed over her.
The girl's efforts hadn't been in vain; everything was moving in a positive direction.
"I proposed to President Rudolf that I be allowed to bring one additional person for this incident," Manhattan Cafe continued.
One additional person…
Who? Agnes Tachyon?
The girl couldn't help but wonder.
But would that research maniac really do something so time-consuming with no tangible return?
She'd seen it firsthand.
In just three months, Agnes Tachyon had caused no less than seven accidents.
A glass tube had shattered from gas expansion, its contents spilling out and filling the room with a nauseating stench.
It even prompted the disciplinary committee to rush over. Wearing gas masks, they bagged up the strange brown-black liquid and tossed it into the incinerator.
The foul odor clung to the curtain dividing the room for a full three days before finally dissipating.
Gas leaks or setting reaction solutions on fire were common occurrences. Manhattan Cafe had grown accustomed to them, and aside from the occasional urge to strangle her, felt no particular impulse.
What Manhattan Cafe found most unbearable were those machine components of hers.
She couldn't fathom what Agnes Tachyon was even trying to build.
The space behind the curtain was constantly filled with the grating whir of electric drills, going on all day long.
It drove Manhattan Cafe to clamp her hands over her ears and flee to the library for some peace and quiet.
Incidents like these were everywhere.
Even when Manhattan Cafe complained to her afterwards, Agnes Tachyon would only offer a verbal apology, then carry on exactly as before.
'That girl… Someday, I'm going to make her experience everything she's created… on herself.' Manhattan Cafe had muttered something rather dark.
'Somehow, asking this research-obsessed madwoman to do Student Council work seems completely unrealistic.'
That left only Manhattan Cafe's roommate, Yukino Bijin.
Aside from them, there didn't seem to be anyone else particularly close to Manhattan Cafe.
She couldn't possibly go ask Green Grass, could she? Having a senior help share her tasks?
A storm of thoughts raged in her head. Just as the girl felt she had mostly figured Manhattan Cafe out, Manhattan Cafe pointed at her.
"I told President Rudolf that I want to complete it with 'Friend'."
Friend?
"M-Me?" the girl stammered.
"Correct." Manhattan Cafe nodded.
'Whoa…'
The girl inwardly gasped in surprise.
"But in that case…"
Thump—!
A pale hand slapped against the sofa's backrest. Manhattan Cafe closed the distance, leaning over 'Friend', their faces nearly touching. Even through the mask, she could feel Manhattan Cafe's soft, warm breath.
"Is there a problem?"
"…"
"You'll help me with the work, won't you."
"…"
The girl tensed up, her body going rigid.
She had a feeling Manhattan Cafe might press closer any second.
"I won't micromanage your actions, but…" Manhattan Cafe's voice dropped to a whisper, close to her ear. "I hope… when you act, you'll consider my feelings…"
She knew about 'Friend' participating in the race. She had also heard the rumors circulating in the news.
It was no exaggeration to say Manhattan Cafe was furious. So furious she'd once felt like storming into the central building, grabbing those people by the collar, and demanding an explanation.
That anger was beyond words, reaching a point where violence seemed the only answer.
Then Agnes Tachyon handed her a cup of coffee.
'While coffee doesn't help suppress dopamine secretion, the current you doesn't seem to need chemical means to curb your anger.'
As usual, she rested her chin on her hand, acting as if it had nothing to do with her.
Wearing her typical composed expression, Agnes Tachyon continued, 'Just like the central authorities—in the short term, it can redirect conflict and relieve pressure.'
'But in the long run, it's nothing but a slow-acting poison. If the other side doesn't compromise under the pressure of rumors, then the central authorities will be pushing themselves into a pit of fire.'
That's right—
Agnes Tachyon pointed at her.
'Just like you right now.'
'Rather than venting your anger and seeking momentary satisfaction regardless of the consequences…'
'Why not go see how the person you cherish truly feels about it?'
'You can make your decision then—it's not too late—'
Breathing in the soothing aroma of coffee, Manhattan Cafe finally unclenched her fist.
Just as Agnes Tachyon had said, her 'Friend' remained unaffected by the vile gossip.
She was, as always, running quietly under that star-filled night sky.
As if the entire world had narrowed down to that grassy track.
Manhattan Cafe understood.
Others' attitudes couldn't touch her.
But…
Every time she heard voices insulting her 'Friend', every time she saw those glaring words, Manhattan Cafe's mood soured like never before.
They didn't understand—no one understood! Just how perfect her 'Friend's' running form truly was.
Even if it had changed somewhat now, in the past, her form was like the wind blowing in spring, the rain falling in summer—utterly natural, a work of art.
She wanted everyone to know!
"You are my most important 'Friend'. I don't want others to treat you that way."
So, please…
"Please pay a little more attention… to me, who's always right here behind you…"
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T/N: The selfcest angle lowkey going a little hard but im lowkey into that
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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.