Karaoke.
Typically defined as a recreational establishment offering audiovisual karaoke equipment and private rooms—it actually wasn't a bad place for Umamusume to practice. Other venues were too restrictive; even when they weren't, combining singing and dancing simultaneously was tricky.
But…
Would this really just be dance training?
Could things actually be that simple?
Garden Gale set aside her lingering confusion, suppressing all unnecessary thoughts.
In the end… only time would tell.
...
Inside the private room.
Tokai Teio occupied the central spot, idly flipping through the song menu with one hand, the other propped against her cheek. She glanced sideways at Garden Gale with a casual smile.
"So, GG, what song should we start with? Any favorites—songs, dances, whatever. I can do them all, you know! Pretty amazing, right?"
She praised herself without missing a beat.
Garden Gale sat quietly beside her, eyes half-blinded by the neon glow of ambient lights.
Well, she'd already gone to a nightclub last time… Visiting karaoke was probably no big deal, right?
As she silently reassured her inner angel, Teio's voice snapped her back to reality. A sudden rebellious thought rose within her, and before she could stop herself, it slipped out.
"Can I… not learn anything?"
Garden Gale asked earnestly, eyes wide and pleading—soft, puppy-like eyes glistening with desperation, entirely at odds with her usual tough persona.
Tokai Teio cast a sideways glance, quickly averting her gaze.
"Is that your way of begging?" she teased lightly. "But nope. President Rudolf gave me clear instructions to supervise you personally, to ensure you don't embarrass yourself again during Winner's Live. Speaking of which, last time your Bear—"
"Nope!"
Garden Gale abruptly raised a finger, cutting her off instantly. She definitely didn't need another reminder of her infamous Bear Dance.
Biting her lip slightly, Garden Gale inwardly cursed Rudolf. Dammit, President, you're really ruthless! She clenched a fist, sulking silently.
Teio said nothing, merely shot her another brief glance before pressing the remote decisively.
"We'll start with this one today!"
Garden Gale had no idea why Tokai Teio suddenly looked so pleased with herself, swinging her legs happily from the oversized sofa—her delicate calves swaying lightly. Then, with unexpected vigor, Tokai Teio hopped off, skipping straight to the door.
Instead of beginning the dance, she actually turned and locked the door firmly behind her.
Garden Gale stared in alarm.
Feeling the eyes upon her, Teio spun around, smiling innocently. "Just making sure you won't escape before mastering the routine! President Rudolf's orders, after all."
As she spoke, the song finished loading on-screen. A vibrant, high-energy trumpet intro burst forth, bright enough to dazzle. The rhythm gradually softened before exploding upward alongside thunderous audience applause.
Garden Gale's eyes glazed over upon seeing the song's title:
Umapyoi Legend.
This again…
She'd been forced to awkwardly stand through it after the Satsuki Sho. She hadn't known a single step back then—
"Come here, stand beside me," Tokai Teio instructed, pulling Garden's scattered thoughts back together.
With anxious hesitation, Garden Gale slowly approached, gently biting her lip. Nervousness flowed plainly through her mismatched eyes, unsure exactly how to position herself.
Fortunately—Tokai Teio sensed her unease. "Start like this," she said, taking Garden Gale's hand gently. "You grab hands with the girls on either side—unless you're the winner, then it's second and third who hold your hands. Run down the stairs together; that's the opening for Umapyoi. It's easy."
As she spoke, she demonstrated the simple jog forward, her movements sparkling with practiced charm. Then she stepped back, releasing Garden's hand, striking a playful dance pose.
"When you reach the stage, raise your hands high above your head—greet the audience enthusiastically."
Watching Tokai Teio's graceful demonstration closely, Garden Gale felt her earlier doubts fading away…
Wait.
So Teio-san really was just here to teach her dance? No hidden intentions? Had she overthought everything?! With the heavy burden lifted, Garden Gale's spirits quickly recovered.
She even started mimicking the steps with genuine effort.
After all, standing on stage without a clue would be social suicide!
Thus, she calmed her nerves and focused earnestly on learning.
...
Three hours later.
Garden Gale sprawled exhausted across the sofa, cheeks flushed red, barely able to lift a finger.
Meanwhile, Tokai Teio stood composedly, smoothing her clothes and inspecting herself carefully in the mirror. Once satisfied her appearance was flawless, she turned back toward Garden Gale with a casual smile.
"I'll head back first."
"Okay…"
Garden Gale weakly managed a reply, struggling to straighten out her disheveled clothes.
After Tokai Teio finally left…
Only Garden Gale remained, melted into a puddle on the sofa. She buried her face in her hands, emitting a tiny, helpless whimper.
Seriously...
It was supposed to be just a simple dance practice—how did it end up like this?!
Of course, absolutely nothing weird had happened. It really was just dancing…but why did it feel like Teio-san had deliberately taken every possible chance to get handsy?
Those little hands definitely weren't innocent.
...
Outside the karaoke room.
A sly smile bloomed on Tokai Teio's lips.
She had to admit—the Ruined King's tactics really worked! Not just worked; they were downright miraculous!
Step one: Create a situation the other party absolutely can't ignore you in.
Step two: Conceal your true intentions as much as possible.
Today…
She'd executed these two strategies to perfection.
Feeling immensely satisfied, Tokai Teio made a mental note to text the Ruined King again, eager to get even more advice. She might even treat her to drinks as thanks. From now on, she officially declared the Ruined King her personal romance consultant, the designated kind.
Tokai Teio practically hummed as she walked, a spring in every step.
Nobody else knew—Tokai Teio teaching Garden Gale to dance today had been entirely her own idea.
She'd personally volunteered herself to President Rudolf.
---
T/N: OMG!!! HER INNOCENCE!!! anyway gg... you must understand that teio is talking about you now right...? you wont suggest anything else too crazy?
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