During this training session, Yaeno Muteki felt confident that if Starlight was only at this level, then achieving victory over her would be a simple task.
But even so, her opponent's stride, the sound of her footsteps, and that beautiful silhouette were all incredibly captivating. Training alongside Starlight, she didn't feel the slightest bit of fatigue, instead, her body remained in a state of high excitement.
"It's about time, Yaeno-san. Let's head to the cafeteria."
"Eh? You're not going for one more lap?"
"No, I have training this afternoon. If I push too hard in the morning, it will affect my efficiency later."
"I... I see. Okay then."
What she said made sense, but... why couldn't they practice just a little longer?
Watching that silver figure gradually walk away, Yaeno Muteki quickly jogged to catch up.
"Um, Starlight-san."
"Hmm? What is it?"
Turning her head in confusion, Starlight looked at the somewhat fidgety Yaeno Muteki and asked.
"About the training just now... what did you think?"
"It was great! Yaeno-san is really amazing. You were more than five lengths ahead of me by the end."
Hearing Starlight's praise, the tail behind Yaeno Muteki began to wag. She clenched her fists and spoke up.
"Hehe... thank you for the compliment. But Starlight-san, your start is incredible. I hadn't even taken a step and you were already that far ahead of me."
"I'd love to tell you how, Yaeno-san, but it's a secret. How about you experience it for yourself when we meet on the racetrack in the future?"
"No problem, I understand."
By the time the two finished breakfast, class was almost about to start.
"Starlight-san, there are only three minutes left. If we run now, we can still make it."
"Oh! Right, okay."
The moment she rose from the cafeteria chair, a wave of weakness instantly swept through both of her legs. Starlight trembled, staggered forward a few steps, and collapsed directly onto the ground.
"Whoa— !"
"Starlight! Are you okay? What's wrong with your legs?"
Turning around to see that she had fallen, Yaeno Muteki hurried over with a look of concern.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. I just pushed a bit too hard during practice. I probably can't use any strength for a little while."
'If I had known, I wouldn't have turned on Level 3 Gravity to push my limits...'
Glancing at the time, Starlight patted Yaeno Muteki's shoulder and said, "You go ahead, Yaeno-san. Otherwise, you'll be punished for being late."
"No, I..."
Yaeno Muteki's brain stalled for two seconds, and then her gaze sharpened.
'Starlight-san probably gave it her absolute all because she was training with me, and that's why she's like this.'
Once this thought took root in her mind, Yaeno Muteki ignored whatever Starlight was saying. She stepped forward, picked her up in a princess carry, and started running toward the classroom.
"Wait! Yaeno-san, you— "
"It's okay, Starlight-san. I'll get you there."
Her face flushed slightly. Seeing the determined expression on the other girl's face, Divine Starlight eventually swallowed the words she was about to say.
"Eh? Why hasn't Muteki-chan arrived yet? Isn't she usually the first one in the classroom...?"
Sakura Chiyono O, with her deep pink hair, looked toward the seat next to her in confusion.
"I don't know. Maybe she got delayed by something."
Bam!
The classroom door was suddenly thrown open.
Everyone looked over in unison, only to see Yaeno Muteki walking in while carrying Starlight. Both were wearing training kits stained with a bit of dirt, and sweat still clung to their foreheads.
Without saying a word, Yaeno Muteki silently placed Starlight into her seat and sat back down in her own place as if it were no big deal.
"Eh... why did Yaeno-san carry Starlight in?"
"What's the relationship between those two? Looks like they went for a training session together."
"She actually carried her to class? Yaeno-san is so cool..."
"I want to hold Divine-san too~"
A noisy chatter broke out.
However, it didn't last long. The ringing of the school bell plunged the entire class into silence.
Leaning on her desk to rest, Starlight found that her sleep wasn't as peaceful as usual.
Starlight felt incredibly unsettled, it seemed like far more eyes than usual were fixed on her.
'What is going on... why did this girl pick me up at the drop of a hat? She could at least have put me down outside the classroom door...'
In any case, there was no way Starlight was going to get any decent sleep this period.
'Where is my NPC aura? Someone save me... how am I supposed to sleep when it feels like I'm streaking naked down the street with all these stares?'
Pretending nothing was wrong, Starlight remained slumped over her desk for the entire class. Having finally endured until the bell rang, she originally intended to go out and clear her head.
But as soon as she lifted her head, she saw a dark shadow looming over her desk.
Looking up slightly to see it was Yaeno Muteki, Starlight gave a wry smile.
"W-What is it? Yaeno-san... do you need the homework?"
"No, I just came to check on you. Are your legs feeling any better?"
"Ah, about that..."
She stood up slightly and tested her legs.
"They're okay. Um, thanks for bringing me to class."
"No, it was nothing."
An awkward atmosphere began to spread. Combined with the lingering gazes focused on them, Starlight felt a bit at a loss for what to do.
"Ahem... Divine Starlight of High School Grade 2, Class B, please come to the Student Council office. The President has business with you."
Hishi Amazon's voice rang out over the PA system.
'Saved...'
Relieved, she was just about to get up and make her escape when a set of options appeared before her, making her freeze.
[Option 1: Have Yaeno Muteki carry you to the Student Council office]
[Option 2: Choose Option 1]
[Option 3: Choose Option 2]
'Is this some kind of joke? Is there even a difference between the bottom two?!'
Taking a deep breath, a look of grim determination flashed in Starlight's eyes. Then, with a flushed face, she tugged on the sleeve of the Uma Musume beside her.
"Yaeno-san, um... could I trouble you to take me to the Student Council office? It's still a bit difficult for me to move..."
"...Is that so? Of course, Starlight-san."
Seeing her like this, Yaeno Muteki was momentarily stunned.
However, she quickly agreed without any hesitation. She reached out, picked Divine Starlight up, and headed toward the Student Council.
This move caused the already buzzing classroom to completely boil over. Watching the two of them depart, Super Creek, who sat in the row in front, furrowed her brow.
"Starlight-chan..."
"Wow~ since when did those two get so close?" Sakura Chiyono O said in surprise to the Uma Musume wearing a yellow hooded jacket next to her.
"Who knows. Why don't you go ask her in a bit?"
"True. When they come back, I'll go ask."
Student Council Office.
Symboli Rudolf was sitting comfortably on the sofa, legs crossed, savoring the black tea in her hand.
Click—
The sound of the door opening reached her ears. She set down her teacup and looked toward the entrance.
"..."
Instantly, Rudolf's calm expression faltered. She watched as Yaeno Muteki walked in, carrying Divine Starlight in a princess carry.
"President, good day."
"P-President, good day..."
"Uh. Yes... please, have a seat."
Rudolf's eyes followed the two Uma Musume until Yaeno Muteki placed Divine Starlight down on the opposite sofa. Seeing the other girl standing beside her like a personal bodyguard, Starlight said with a forced laugh:
"Um, I can head back on my own later. Yaeno-san, you should go take care of your own business first."
"Eh? You don't need my help anymore?"
"No, it's fine. I'll be okay after resting for a bit. Thank you..."
"I see... well, alright then. President, Starlight-san, I shall take my leave."
Frowning slightly, Yaeno Muteki hesitated for a moment but eventually chose to depart.
Creak—
As the door closed, leaving only Symboli Rudolf and Divine Starlight in the room, Rudolf finally couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out a question.
"You two... are you together...?"