When they emerged from the karaoke private room, it was already evening.
Myriad Dreams kept her head down, her face still slightly flushed, not quite daring to look Yaeno Muteki in the eye.
The close physical contact during their practice and Yaeno's focused, earnest guidance had left her heart in a state of inexplicable fluster.
"Myriad-san, what's the matter?" Yaeno Muteki noticed her unusual behavior and asked with concern.
Ever since they stepped out, Myriad Dreams had been acting this way.
"It's— It's nothing! Really!" Myriad Dreams waved her hands frantically, her voice a few pitches higher than usual.
"Um... Yaeno-san, thank you for the guidance today! I think Team Spica is having a welcome party tonight, so I have to go! Goodbye!"
Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried away, eventually breaking into a light jog and quickly disappearing around the street corner.
Yaeno Muteki stood there, watching her flurried silhouette.
She blinked in confusion, eventually shaking her head with a smile.
"What an interesting girl."
Myriad Dreams jogged all the way to the entrance of the Team Spica training room before stopping.
She lightly patted her cheeks, trying to make the mysterious heat subside.
"Calm down, it was just normal training..." She took a deep breath, adjusted her breathing, and pushed the door open.
Pop! Pop!
Colored confetti and sequins suddenly rained down from above, accompanied by the cheerful sound of party poppers.
"Welcome to Spica—!"
Inside the training room, members like Gold Ship, Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, Special Week, and Silence Suzuka were all gathered together, their faces beaming with smiles as they clapped loudly.
The Trainer, with his signature lollipop in his mouth, stood at the front and said with a grin:
"Welcome back, Myriad! From today on, you are an official member of Spica! And of course, more importantly, we're celebrating your landslide victory in your debut race! So—"
He stepped aside to reveal a long table behind him, laden with all sorts of exquisite desserts and drinks.
"Let's party!"
"Wow! It looks so delicious!" Special Week's eyes instantly turned into stars.
"What are we waiting for? Dig in!"
At Gold Ship's command, everyone cheered and swarmed the table, the atmosphere instantly becoming lively.
Watching this heartwarming scene, the tension and embarrassment Myriad Dreams felt earlier vanished without a trace, and the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily.
She picked up a cute-looking strawberry cake and took a bite, the sweet flavor melted in her mouth, lightening her mood considerably.
Just then, Special Week approached with a plate piled high like a small mountain. Her own stomach was already visibly rounded.
"Myriad-san, this is great! Now we can train and race together!"
Myriad Dreams swallowed the cake and replied with a smile, "Yeah! But my goal is also the Classic Triple Crown. When that time comes, Spe-chan, you'd better work hard, I won't be showing any mercy."
"Of course!" Special Week waved her fork with fighting spirit, then shoveled a huge spoonful of cake into her mouth, mumbling through puffed cheeks.
"I'll work even harder and harder! Mmm, this cake is so good..."
Looking at Special Week's adorable display, Myriad Dreams couldn't help but laugh.
Right then, she felt someone lightly press a hand onto her shoulder. She turned around and found it was Gold Ship.
"Hmm? Gold Ship, what is it?" Myriad Dreams asked, a bit puzzled.
For once, Gold Ship had a rare, serious expression on her face.
"Dream-chan, there's a very important banquet in a few days. You absolutely must attend."
"An important banquet?" Myriad Dreams searched her memory but didn't recall any mandatory formal events coming up soon. "What kind of banquet is it?"
Gold Ship's expression grew even more solemn, almost dignified (though such an expression on her face was inherently suspicious).
She gripped Myriad Dreams' shoulders with both hands, her tone absolute: "It is truly very, very important!"
Myriad Dreams was taken aback by the intensity.
Looking into Gold Ship's eyes— which for once weren't half-squinted and seemed to radiate sincerity— she felt something was off, but she still nodded hesitantly.
"O-Okay, I get it. I'll go."
"Great! Then it's a deal!"
Gold Ship's serious facade instantly melted away, returning to her usual mischievous grin. She patted Myriad Dreams on the back.
"Alright, alright, keep eating! Today's pudding is a limited edition!"
With that, she skipped away and dived back into the pile of desserts.