"Um, Yuni?"
The white-haired Uma Musume, held in a tight embrace, felt the other's warm breath on her neck and shifted uncomfortably. "Could you let me go?"
Since morning, she'd noticed Neo Universe staring at her intently.
She thought that was the extent of it, but right after her afternoon training ended, Neo Universe had rushed up to the stands and clung to her.
Even though the weather was getting colder each day, she was bundled up in so many layers that Neo Universe's body heat felt like a furnace pressed against her, making her unbearably warm.
All she wanted was for Neo Universe to get off her back quickly, so she could escape this sweltering discomfort.
"Miss you."
Neo Universe tightened her arms around the white-haired Uma Musume's waist, her voice muffled.
Yesterday... she had observed a parallel timeline that left her deeply unsettled.
In it, she saw Bless the Moment, limbs restrained, pinned down by several other Uma Musume.
Driven purely by desire, they ignored Bless the Moment's pleas, focused only on their own gratification.
Even when the one beneath them had rolled back her eyes and lost consciousness, they showed no intention of stopping.
Remembering that other parallel timeline she'd witnessed, Neo Universe buried her face deeper, pressing it against Bless the Moment's back.
It took so long to find a timeline where nothing bad happens to Bless the Moment. I absolutely won't...
"Didn't we just see each other at school yesterday?"
Feeling Neo Universe nuzzling her back, Bless the Moment was caught between amusement and exasperation. "Won't you please let me go? It's way too hot like this."
"Mmm..."
Neo Universe didn't release her; instead, her arms around Bless the Moment's waist tightened even more.
...Did this kid have a nightmare last night?
Seeing the golden-haired Uma Musume behind her had no intention of letting go, Bless the Moment resigned herself to being clung to like a body pillow.
Just what kind of dream did she have last night?
Bless the Moment couldn't shake the feeling that the golden-haired Uma Musume was holding on so tightly out of fear that she might run away.
She was curious about the content of last night's dream, but no matter how she asked, Neo Universe didn't satisfy her curiosity.
Fine, if she doesn't want to talk about it, I won't force her.
Bless the Moment forced herself to shift her attention away from her back and looked down at the sun-scorched track.
She was wearing too many clothes... She'd take off a layer once she got back to the classroom.
Glancing at the cloudless sky, the white-haired Uma Musume swished her tail, her ears drooping listlessly.
It's so hot...
Bless the Moment felt completely drained.
"Bless, I came to find you... now..."
Kitasan Black, having just finished her training, bounded up the stands, taking three steps at a time.
But when she saw the two Uma Musume pressed tightly together on the stands, the black-haired Uma Musume froze.
"Oh, it's you, Kita-chan. Just give me a moment."
The white-haired Uma Musume leaning against the railing called out, then turned her head to look at the golden-haired Uma Musume clinging to her back. "Uni... someone's here. Could you let go of me now?"
"It's a bit embarrassing to be seen like this."
"Want to be with you."
Neo Universe looked up, meeting the white-haired Uma Musume's helpless gaze.
"Okay, okay, I get it."
Bless the Moment nodded. "So, can you let me go now?"
Neo Universe didn't reply. Instead, she silently loosened her arms, only to then grasp Bless the Moment's hand—its bones distinct yet not overly so.
...Well, this was much better.
"I thought I'd be the first one here."
Kitasan Black walked over to the two, smiling. "...I didn't expect Yuni to get here even faster than me."
"Wanted to see Bless the Moment."
The golden-haired, blue-eyed Uma Musume answered, completely missing the point. "So I came."
"Ooh~"
Hearing this, Kitasan Black drew out the sound, a teasing look on her face as she glanced at her childhood friend. "Someone's got a thing going on~"
"Anyone else might have room to talk, but you're the last one who can tease me about this, Kita-chan."
Bless the Moment smiled. "You and Dia—"
"I was wrong, I was wrong! Sorry!"
The moment Bless the Moment started, Kitasan Black nervously glanced toward the track. Seeing Satono Diamond was just starting her training for the day, she clasped her hands together in apology.
"...And I've said so many times, that was just an accident!"
"Bless, you can't keep using that to tease me and Dia!"
"Mhmm, it was just an accident, I know."
No, you are definitely not listening to a word I'm saying.
Looking at her smiling friend, Kitasan Black complained internally.
Whatever, it's not like Bless is the type to spread things around. I'll just let it be.
Knowing her friend's mischievous streak all too well, Kitasan Black chose to give up struggling.
...So when exactly did Bless develop this personality of liking to mess with people?
The black-haired Uma Musume pondered, trying to pinpoint the culprit from her memories.
"Kita-chan... aren't you planning to join Spica next year?"
"Yep."
Her thoughts pulled back to the present, the black-haired Uma Musume nodded.
"Is it because of 'Hachimi'?"
"Bless, stop giving Teio-senpai weird nicknames like that!"
Kitasan Black protested on Tokai Teio's behalf first, then nodded again. "...It's because I really want to be in the same team as Teio-senpai!"
"But have you looked into the training style of Spica's trainer?" Bless the Moment continued. "Training in the same team as the senior you admire can definitely be a motivation, but you also have to consider if the team's training style suits you."
"A training style that doesn't fit you will only wear down your enthusiasm and patience faster, and might even lead to you skipping training or slacking off."
"I've watched Teio-senpai and the others train."
Kitasan Black thought about it. "I think Spica should be a pretty good fit for me."
"Then that's fine."
Seeing her friend had already made her decision, Bless the Moment didn't say more. "But it seems like Spica's trainer really likes touching the Uma Musumes' legs, so you'd better be careful, Kita-chan."
...That guy's old habit of touching the Uma Musumes' hooves still hasn't changed after all this time.
She had to warn Kita-chan to be careful, so she doesn't accidentally kick Okino too hard one day.
"..."
Kitasan Black didn't reply. Instead, she turned her head away, not daring to meet Bless the Moment's eyes.
Judging by that reaction... Had Okino already gotten his hands on her?!
Bless the Moment was shocked.
Seriously, after being kicked by so many Uma Musumes and still bouncing around alive and well, just what planet are you from, Okino?
Just what planet is your physique from?!
--+--
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.