"…" Looking at Mejiro Dober, who had fallen into self-isolation, Zero was a bit at a loss for words.
However, some things still needed to be said, otherwise, it wouldn't be good to let her continue like this.
Mejiro Dober's performance at the Takarazuka Kinen was arguably abysmal, completely unlike the results she used to achieve. It could only be said that her obsession was simply too deep, so deep that once she fell into it, she couldn't get out.
But well…it was only that she couldn't get out herself. If Zero, the source of everything, were to pull her out, she could still be pulled out.
Why do I feel like I've become the source of all evil? = =
"Ha…" She sighed, reaching out a hand and, like she did with Special Week, gently pulling Dober down to rest her head on her lap.
"Eh?" The sudden attack made Mejiro Dober freeze for a moment, then her small face flushed crimson.
"It's alright, it's all in the past now," Zero said softly while stroking Dober's head.
And Mejiro Dober, who was semi-forcibly enjoying the lap pillow, couldn't hear a single word at this moment, her mind buzzing.
"There's no need to think 'I'm not worthy of this or that.' Everyone has negative emotions; it's human nature. Besides, didn't you yourself realize that this thought was wrong?" Zero continued to speak, unaware of Mejiro Dober's state on her lap.
"Have some confidence in yourself. And, I should also thank you, that I can hold such a position in your heart, www." To be honest, the two had barely communicated before. In Zero's eyes, Mejiro Dober was a cool, aloof young lady, but now it seemed she was just a child lacking communication experience.
"Believe in yourself, don't feel inferior. You haven't done anything wrong." Should I say she's too sensitive, or too kind? Zero wasn't sure.
"So, I don't dislike this side of you, okay?" But precisely because of this, she also loved pure Uma Musume.
And Mejiro Dober, lying there, felt a complex mix of emotions deep down.
She had thought about being forgiven by Zero, about being disliked by Zero, and even about being alienated by Zero.
But this was a bit too stimulating!
Because of her innate fear of men, she tended to be especially gentle when facing women, and she also had a greater fondness for girls.
Especially Zero, the Uma Musume who had shone brightly since her debut, who had snatched victory from her hands again and again. Her impression of Zero was a mix of admiration and affection, but due to her poor communication skills, they had never really interacted.
However, she had truly never imagined being so close to Zero, enjoying her touch, and having her head stroked for comfort.
Her heart was racing, and her face felt like it was on fire.
At this moment, Zero suddenly offered something, aiming for her mouth.
In her dazed state, she instinctively opened her mouth, and accidentally took Zero's finger into her mouth.
Ah…My goddess…And Zero, at this moment, looked at Mejiro Dober, who had fainted after being fed a piece of candy, with a bewildered expression.
What was that? Was it a liqueur candy?
Then, something occurred to her, and she let out a chuckle.
After maintaining that position for a while, Dober woke up, apologized for her lapse, and then left.
Seeing that the gloom on her face from earlier on the road was gone, Zero didn't say anything, just asked her to pass on that he would watch the night view here for a bit longer before returning.
And Dober's mood at this moment was incredibly joyful; her previously terrible mood had long been thrown to the winds.
Zero was still so gentle; it would be too undignified for her to remain downcast in such a situation.
Moreover, after being guided, she also had a breakthrough. Or rather, what she had always lacked was just an opportunity to communicate with Zero.
Since Zero said it was fine, she couldn't continue to trouble her. Yes, she absolutely couldn't trouble such a Zero!
Zero loved to run, so she couldn't continue like this either. For the next period, she would focus on regaining her form, and then prepare for the Arima Kinen at the end of the year!
And being told "I don't dislike you"…does that…mean…she likes me?
At the thought of this, Dober felt like she couldn't suppress her tail.
If someone were nearby, they would see her tail wagging happily.
"Oh, Dober-san, you seem to be in a much better mood?" Just then, Mejiro McQueen, who had been worried about the two and was looking for them, saw Dober in good spirits.
"Ah, McQueen…Mm, thank you very much this time."
McQueen, guessing that Zero had probably cheered her up, didn't probe further. After Dober went inside, she edited a message on her phone and sent it to the family group chat specifically created for Dober.
[For the Noble's Mission: It's resolved!]
[Great Escape is Justice: Huh? That fast? It's only the first day, right?]
[Muscles! Muscles! Protein!: It must be Z-chan, right? I saw Dober go out with her.]
[Mejiro Ardan: That's truly wonderful then. Let's all enjoy the holiday together now.]
Suppressing the urge to comment on the only member in the group who used her real name, McQueen also contacted Zero.
"Hello? Not enough sweets?"
"Why would you think it's that reason? = =" The most important thing was that for a split second just now, she actually felt tempted.
If she had to say, joining Spica was truly the best decision she had ever made. She had the guidance of various famous seniors, could occasionally pet Zero, and even had sweets that wouldn't make her gain weight!
At first, she didn't quite believe it, but after eating them and then training, she found that the effects truly improved and she didn't gain weight, so she was instantly hooked.
Especially since the taste of those sweets was even more delicious than those made by the chefs at home. Occasionally, when Zero was in the mood, she would even adjust the flavor according to the other person's taste to make exclusive desserts!
In cooking competitions, adjusting the flavor according to the judges' tastes is often called a "trick" or "heresy," but it's undeniably a very effective method, especially when it's just in daily life.
Coupled with this incident involving Mejiro Dober, she was very grateful to Zero for helping her so much.
Although Zero often teased her in various ways, leaving her helpless.
Things like, [Keep your weight at 492kg when you debut, good luck!] or [Today's grit training is to stare at this delicious cake for five hours, don't eat it, okay?]. Absolutely devilish.
"Well, anyway, is there something?"
"Nothing, I just wanted to thank you."
"Why so sudden, www?" A silvery laugh came from the phone.
"Really nothing! Also, it's getting late, please come back quickly!" She quickly hung up the phone and let out a sigh of relief.
And when Zero returned, she found the situation extremely chaotic.
Someone had started a pillow fight, and it seemed everyone had been wiped out. Her first suspects were the energetic Teibo and Gold Ship.
Especially Trainer Okino, who must have been caught in the crossfire while passing by, lying on the ground unconscious.
The others weren't much better off. The entire hall was a mess. Fortunately, everyone had intentionally or unintentionally avoided the game consoles, discs, and bookshelves, otherwise it would have been even worse. And Uma Musume like Suzuka, McQueen, and the few from the Mejiro Family were all blushing shyly.
Looking at the large group of Uma Musume kneeling on the ground, staring at her pitifully, Zero rubbed her temples.
"Go take a bath. We still have training tomorrow…" she said weakly.
"Yay!" xn
What else could she do? Of course, she chose to forgive them.
Of course, Oguri Cap didn't participate at all. She was in the kitchen, sipping tea and watching everyone's interactions with an auntie-like smile. When everyone went to shower and Zero was about to clean up, Oguri Cap picked up Zero, carried her to the bathroom door, and then went to clean up herself.
Zero: ???
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