Beep beep beep, beep beep beep, beep
I hit the snooze button and stretch. I call it an alarm clock, but when I wake up to this, I'm usually still sleepy.
Honestly, I feel like I might just go back to sleep.
Well, I have plans with Nana, so I'd better get dressed and eat breakfast.
"Morning."
"Yeah, you have plans today, right? Just eat already."
"It's fine. I woke up with plenty of time to spare."
"Huh."
Even though I said it was fine, being asked like that made me worry.
Now, what time is it... 7:37 AM. Fine...
"Shit, I'm gonna be late!"
I was being way too relaxed, and now it's really bad.
At this hour, I'll be in real trouble unless I run.
I said I almost went back to sleep earlier, but I actually did fall back asleep.
No choice. I stuff a piece of bread in my mouth, throw my backpack on, and rush to the front door.
Why is it that shoes are always harder to get on when you're in a hurry?
"I'm off!"
"Don't you dare fall!"
Walking to the station takes 40-50 minutes, but running gets me there in about 10-20.
Times like this, having a special lane for Umamusume is a godsend. What would I be doing right now if it didn't exist?
...Anyway, gotta hurry!
"Hum hum hum♪"
Finally here! Thanksgiving Festival! I'm so excited I arrived 20 minutes early!
I'll meet Fujikiseki-san, watch Rudolf-san's race! And so much more!
Whoa, it happens every year, but will I have enough time? No, I'll make sure I do!
Still, I wonder how True-chan runs in races?
I've only ever seen her run during the sports festival.
...Hope True-chan doesn't oversleep and show up late.
15 minutes passed...
That should be about right for arrival time. Still, coming 20 minutes early really leaves me with nothing to do.
Maybe I should've come just 10 minutes early? But I was so excited, so no problem!
"I see her!"
Finally spotted her. Checked my watch—7:57. Phew, barely made it.
Whew... I'm exhausted. Way more tired than after deliveries. Catching my breath as I walked to the station to meet Nana.
"Good morning... wheeze... Nana..."
Damn, I wasn't even close to catching my breath.
"Ah, good morning, True-chan!... What happened? Why are you so tired?"
"I almost overslept, so I rushed over here and got pretty worn out."
"Well, you oversleeping is pretty much expected, though."
Stop talking like I oversleep all the time?
"Alright, the train's about to leave. Let's go?"
"Yeah, you're right."
And so, Nana paid for my train fee, and I ended up spending about two hours swaying on the train.
The whole time, I just slept. I think I fell asleep like five minutes after boarding?
Then Nana fell asleep too, and we almost overslept at the transfer station.
Anyway, after all that, we arrived at Torasen Academy.
"We're here!"
"Weren't you groggy just a moment ago?"
"I was, yeah. But now I'm getting energy from all the Uma Musume right in front of me, so I'm fine!"
Looking around, it was true—Uma Musume were everywhere. I'd never seen a sight like this before.
"Wow, so many Uma Musume gathered here."
"Right?! Isn't it amazing?! But don't get too excited yet! After all, this place is... Hey, Digital-san!"
"Huh? That voice... Nana-san! Long time no see!"
So this is the Umamusume Nana called her comrade... I can't say this in front of her or Nana, but she radiates an aura that screams "stay away."
"Huh? Nana-san, that Umamusume next to you... could it be...!?"
"Yes! Let me introduce you. This is True-chan!"
"H-how... how do you do? I'm Trueno Sprinter. Nice to meet you."
"Ooooh... At last, I get to see your noble countenance! Shining white hair harmonized with a single strand of black! It's like the golden ratio exists solely for you, Trueno-san!"
"Eh... Eh?"
What's gotten into this person all of a sudden? Did she get excited the moment she saw me? Whatever it is, her energy is overwhelming.
"It's surprising, right? Digital-san gets even more excited than I do when it comes to Uma Musume."
Noticing my confusion, Nana explained about Digital-san.
"She joined this academy because she loves Uma Musume. She says she's happy just seeing her favorite girl's this and that every day."
"Is that okay? This is an Uma Musume school, right? Does this mean she's like this every day?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Last time she talked about True-chan on the phone, she apparently passed out."
How can she say that so casually? She passed out? And over me?
I just got here and I'm sorry, but I want to go home already. Is this academy full of weirdos? I know it's too soon to judge based on just one person, but that's the impression I'm getting.
...Huh? I'm supposed to race here? Nana, sorry, can I go home? I'm not feeling well.
"By the way, Trueno-san! Are you participating in today's mock race!?"
"Huh!?... Ah, yes, I suppose..."
Digital-san, who'd been talking to herself, suddenly fired off a question. It was so abrupt I just blurted out yes.
"What!? You're joining us!? Then let me guide you to the venue~!"
"See!? Come on, let's hurry, True-chan!"
"Whoa, whoa!? There's too much information, I can't keep up!?"
"Calm down, calm down."
The two grabbed my hand, then suddenly calmed down as if forgetting their earlier excitement. ...Creepy.
"What's wrong? Nana? Digital-san?"
"Calm down, calm down, calm down."
"Wait, what just happened? You calming down like that is actually kind of scary."
"Calm down, calm down, calm down."
You've been saying "calm down" like a broken doll since a moment ago. What's going on?
"Calm down, calm down, calm down."
"Alright, alright! I get it! I'm coming!"
"Good! Then let's head to the field!"
"Wow~ I wonder what kind of Uma Musume are there~? This is exciting!"
What was that all about earlier? Just being told "calm down" over and over is this scary.
If anything happens, I'll get back at Nana.