One morning, I pressed something into Golshi-chan's hands as she rubbed her sleepy eyes.
"Golshi-chan. Here, take this."
"What's this? It says No.5…"
"It's a membership card for the Deji-tan Fan Club. If you join, good things might happen someday."
"Hmph. Well, that's something. But I refuse. Even if the heavens and earth were to flip, I wouldn't join something like that."
"No, no, you really should join. Even though it's called a fan club, it's really just a casual, unofficial community—no membership fees or anything bothersome. If anything, the only duty is sharing recommended stuff to excite fellow fans… or, well, it's not exactly mandatory, but something like that."
I plan to give Deji-tan the No.1 card later. Given the purpose of this fan club, she won't have a choice but to join.
"Seriously, a membership card? A proper plastic one… where did you even get this made?"
"…Well, you know Deji-tan's parents, right?"
"No, I don't. Why?"
"Her father runs a printing company. I actually went to greet him the other day…"
"You… aren't a bit too reckless when it comes to anything about Digital?"
That's true. For Deji-tan's sake, I'll go anywhere. I had a little trouble finding out without asking her directly, but with the power of love, I managed. Love conquers all.
"Well, when I spoke with them… they were totally on board with my Deji-tan Fan Club plan. They immediately contacted a company they know that prints cards, and a few days later, I happily held the No.3 and No.4 cards."
They covered all the costs, so I can't thank them enough. From meeting them, I could tell that Deji-tan inherited their qualities. There's no doubt about it.
I wanted to say, "Give me your daughter," but I held back. Instead, I said, "The daughter belongs to me."
(T/L:lol (≧▽≦). )
"Haha, this is getting funny all over again. But seriously… will people even join that?"
"Yes, actually, quite a few joined. At least three digits' worth."
I searched online on the Uma Musume boards and in places Deji-tan frequents. It turns out quite a few people know her.
"Otaku who love romance jumped on it, thinking of it as an early investment."
Besides, who doesn't like a beautiful girl? And if they share the same hobby, otaku fall easily.
"Wow… Digital really can't disappoint."
"Deji-tan won't. She won't just meet expectations; she'll exceed them."
"I see. By the way, have you told her yet?"
"Not yet. You keep your big negotiation cards for the right time."
"Don't drag me into this too much."
"Of course. Only a little."
Of course, completely avoiding involving her isn't an option.
"…Alright… Let's go eat breakfast."
As Golshi-chan walked to the door, her eyes seemed to look off into the distance. Somehow, in the meantime, the heavens and earth had apparently flipped. Watching her pocket the card, I followed her out.
---
◆
Tracen Academy, Student Council Room.
I came here right after training today.
"…Phew, what is this strange nervous excitement…"
Whenever I enter a room I don't usually go into, I get a bit tense even if I have nothing to hide. Is it just me?
As I reached to knock, the door suddenly burst open from the other side.
"…!? Watch it!?"
"Gwah—!?"
I was completely knocked over by someone bursting out from inside. With the force, we both fell to the floor.
"…Hey, are you okay?"
"Ah, yes. I'm fine…"
"I see. Then I'll be off…"
I saw the face of the Uma Musume who'd bumped into me. A bandage on her nose, sharp hunter-like eyes… judging by how she came rushing out of the Student Council room, it must be Narita Brian.
"Oi, Brian, you idiot! What's with that attitude after colliding with someone! Colliding with a running Uma Musume can be life-threatening! Luckily, this time it wasn't too fast, but the Student Council must never run in the hallways!"
Before she could finish, Air Groove came out and caught her, looking very stern.
"…Tch, fine, fine. I get it. My bad."
"You're not only apologizing to me, right?"
Hearing that, Brian turned toward me. Wow… up close, this is… what an attractive face.
"…I apologize."
"Oh, no, it's my fault too. I wasn't careful enough…"
I came here to talk to the Student Council anyway.
"…Um, actually, I have something I want to discuss with the Student Council… is now a good time?"
"You have business with us? Then come in and speak. The president is here too."
Perfect timing. I wanted to speak with the president, so this is helpful.
Following Brian, who was guided in by Air Groove, I entered the Student Council room.
"Hahaha. You couldn't escape her, could you, Brian? Slacking off too much will soon get you in trouble."
…Shining even in the sunset, the living legend, Symboli Rudolf, Student Council President. Her presence is always overwhelming, but because I know her playful side, my brain can't keep up. Cute Rudolf, cool Rudolf.
"President… you're too lenient with this one. No matter how many times you tell her not to slack, she never learns…"
"Well, well… And, long time no see, Aurora-kun. What brings you here?"
Now to the main topic.
"President, about the upcoming Fan Appreciation Festival, I have a request… no, a rather big request."
"A big request… I see. Recently, you've helped us a lot. I'll try to accommodate as much as I can."
Even before I explained, she said something nice. Just as planned.
Recently, Deji-tan and I have been working ourselves to the bone for the Student Council. Especially Deji-tan, who is arguably the most helpful general student in the council.
"…At Tracen Academy, many Uma Musume haven't debuted yet. Most first-year middle school students are still undeclared… so they usually work backstage during the fan festival, right?"
"Yes. The festival exists because of them. Especially proactive helpers like you are invaluable."
"I'm honored by your praise. So… I propose giving some reward to the students who support the festival behind the scenes."
"Hmm… like what?"
All the Uma Musume present perked up their ears with interest. Good, a promising reaction.
"Many fans will attend the festival. Their support is a huge motivator for Uma Musume. So even undeclared students should have a chance to interact with fans… like mock races, mini live shows, or helping at stalls, for example?"
Honestly, I just want to see Deji-tan running, performing, or serving fans.
"Hoh… sounds interesting."
"…However, there are cost and manpower issues. It might be difficult."
"If it means I don't have to do the annoying part, I'm fine with anything…"
Three different reactions. There's a chance the request might be approved.
"As for manpower, one idea could be to note in the event guide that students who contribute more have a higher chance to participate in mock races. That should encourage helpers."
Air Groove raised her hand.
"What about costs? Mini live shows require a lot of money."
"…I hadn't thought about that. Maybe we could manage with donations?"
I couldn't come up with a good solution for funding. We'd have to rely on the Student Council.
"No worries, everyone. Thanks to someone's hard work this year, we saved a little money. After a rough calculation, if we get more helpers, there'll be enough funds for such events."
…! I know exactly who she means.
Deji-tan is amazing! Her kindness is unmatched.
"So then…!"
"Yes. Let's do it! Let's prepare everything…"
"President! No! That's!"
As the president stood ready, Air Groove intervened.
"…What is it, Air Groove?"
"You've been overworking lately! Leave this to me. Please take care of yourself!"
"No, Air Groove. You should rest too. I respect your dedication, but don't overdo it. I don't want you to hurt yourself—for you and for me."
…A tug-of-war over work begins.
This happens because both genuinely care about the Student Council and the academy.
…Both should rest, really. Air Groove has noticeable dark circles and colorful eye shadow, and the president probably suffers from lack of sleep… their eyes scream "don't disrespect the center."
"Ha… they've started again… it's a habit of these workaholics."
"Habit?" Brian whispered beside me.
"Yes. Especially during busy periods, they argue like this to make sure the other rests…"
Brian shrugged as if he didn't understand.
"But that's probably why everyone trusts and respects them so much."
"Exactly. Ha… can't watch."
Eventually, Brian walked to them and spoke some truly cool words.
"I'll handle it. I should work sometimes too. So you two should relax…"
"…Brian, you… really?"
"Yes. I can't stand seeing your exhausted faces."
"Thank you, Brian. I'm always grateful to you."
What a beautiful sight. Uma Musume always brings us feels.
…But if I leave this to them, it might increase the Student Council's workload. I must minimize the burden as much as possible.
"I'm the one who suggested this! Please boss me around! Since you've accepted a request from a mere student, I'll work like a mad horse!"
"Heh… you're energetic. It's late now. Use that energy starting tomorrow."
…Somehow, seeing a cool Uma Musume like Brian is thrilling. Even more so because her clumsy kindness shows. Makes me… flutter?
…It's different from seeing Deji-tan, who excites me in a different way. What is this feeling?
"Ha… Air Groove. Brian seems motivated. Let's go soak our feet and blow off some fatigue."
"Foot bath…? Yes, let's not accumulate more fatigue."
Good. Both will rest properly.
…A foot bath, huh. I've never seen or heard of that. Maybe the president has a hobby?
"…Thank you for today! I'll take my leave!"
Watching the sunset, I headed home.
---
"Lunaaaaahhh!!"
"What's wrong all of a sudden?"
"Golshi-chan… I can't do this anymore. I messed up again. I haven't learned from last time, it's the worst…!"
"Huh?"
I'm such a useless Uma Musume…! I could have realized it immediately this time!
"…I didn't catch the president's joke again. I really wanted to get it this time…!"
It was a bit unnatural, but I couldn't react…
"Wow… seriously. I've rarely seen someone this ridiculous. Are you tired? Just sleep already."
I probably missed it because of fatigue… no more excuses.
"…Foot bath to relieve fatigue… F-foot bath…!"
"Sleep! Go to bed! Now!"
…In the end, today was a day I realized my own immaturity.
---------------------------------------
(T/L:Poor Aurora.)