...
"Trainer-san, did Spe-chan do something to upset you?"
"No, why ask that all of a sudden?"
"Because... Trainer-san refused my cake." Special Week lifted her eyes, carrying a fragile accusation.
"I already told you—I was really full." Lucian lowered his gaze to Special Week's delicate, full lips. "I drank too much earlier; my mouth feels dry. Need some moisture. Could Spe-chan help get me a cup of warm water?"
"No need for warm water—for this, I can do it." Special Week covered Lucian's lips with her own.
The moment their lips met, Special Week felt a rush of heat sweep through her body, washing away all anxiety and grievance, leaving only an intense, melting longing.
"Trainer-san, are you hungry?"
"This time... can you not refuse me? Just treat it as a reward for the Japan Cup, okay..."
Lucian couldn't resist an Uma Musume already lost in emotion.
"Okay."
...
Morning sunlight slipped through the slats of the blinds, cutting stripes of light and shadow across the room. Rays fell on Lucian's pillow but couldn't dispel the heavy drowsiness.
Only the scent of Special Week beside him offered any comfort.
She was curled up tightly, breathing even and long; one restless leg draped over Lucian's waist.
There was supposed to be class today, but seeing Special Week so dead-to-the-world lazy in bed, Lucian had no choice but to call in sick for her.
So he dialed Silence Suzuka.
"Hey, Suzuka." Lucian cleared his throat to shake off the post-sleep rasp. "Tell the teacher later that Spe-chan's taking the day off."
"Mm, got it." Silence Suzuka of course knew why—but she was surprised it was Special Week asking for leave.
She also knew Special Week had endured nearly a full month, which was exactly why she was so astonished...
"Lucian-kun, why aren't you the one taking leave? How are you awake so early?"
"I set an alarm." Lucian supported his aching waist; an exhausted yawn escaped uncontrollably—long and loud. "I've decided to take a month off starting now."
"That's more like it..." Silence Suzuka murmured to herself, sounding relieved, as if confirming something.
"What do you mean 'that's more like it'..." Lucian rubbed his temple, helplessly complaining.
"Nothing. Lucian-kun, do you need me to help request your leave for the month?"
"Isn't that what I'm doing right now..." Lucian knew Silence Suzuka was pretending not to understand; how could she miss the implication?
"Oh? And what if I don't agree?"
"Then I'll wash it for you to see."
"How much to wash?"
Lucian: "..."
...
Their conversation sometimes synced perfectly, sometimes completely missed. But Lucian didn't want to drag it out—he was far too sleepy; his eyelids felt weighted with stones.
"Lucian-kun, tonight I'll make the medicinal stew like last time. Drink plenty. No more refusing because it's bitter like before." Silence Suzuka's tone returned to its usual gentleness.
Last time, she'd coaxed him like a child into drinking the herbal soup she'd simmered for hours.
"Got it~" Lucian drawled lazily.
"Also, Lucian-kun, have you really thought this through? Spe-chan's month is over—so what about mine next month? And the month after, you'll face two months of Seiun Sky. Not to mention Haru Urara, Teio, Little Bailey..."
After Silence Suzuka's analysis, Lucian sobered up a little.
She actually made a lot of sense! Every one of these team members was a little temptress. A month's break sounded nice—but what about the suffering afterward?
"Then... then what should I do?" Lucian was grasping at straws.
"So Lucian-kun has to obediently listen to me." Silence Suzuka's tone carried a hint of victory.
"Fine... I'll obey Suzuka-sama."
"Mm. Lucian-kun can go sleep properly now."
...
After hanging up, Lucian carefully lifted Special Week's leg away, got out of bed, and drew all the curtains.
Light was banished; the room returned to warm dimness—a safe cradle for deep sleep.
He slipped back into bed; the mattress dipped slightly with a faint spring creak. But the soundly sleeping Special Week showed no sign of waking.
After her bath last night, she'd changed into a soft beige camisole nightdress.
The thin fabric clung to her curves, rising and falling gently with her breaths. One slender strap had slipped, revealing a small patch of smooth, fair skin.
Her long hair was slightly tousled, spread across the pillow; a few strands rested softly against her pale cheek and pink lips.
A faint bath fragrance drifted into Lucian's nose.
Looking at her sleeping face, Lucian's heartbeat quickened slightly. He couldn't resist drawing closer, arm gently wrapping around her waist, pulling this soft human-shaped pillow into his embrace.
Drawing in that warmth and peace, Lucian drifted back into sleep once more.
...
Several hours later, Special Week suddenly jolted awake and sat bolt upright.
"Trainer-san!! Oh no!! I'm late!!!"
"It's fine... I already had Suzuka call in sick for you." Lucian said weakly.
"Oh, already taken care of—scared me half to death." Special Week patted her chest. "Trainer-san, why didn't you tell me?"
"You were sleeping so soundly—how could I wake you?"
"Oh~ okay." Special Week lay back down, snuggling into Lucian's arms. Her big eyes blinked as she thought about something.
"Spe-chan, what are you thinking?"
"Trainer-san, time passes so fast. In the blink of an eye, Little Bailey's retiring."
"Yeah. We'll have to throw her a grand retirement ceremony when the time comes."
"Mm." Special Week nodded. "Trainer-san, if I retire someday... will you be sad?"
"Sad? Why would I be sad? You're saying goodbye to racing—not to your Trainer. And even if I'm not your Trainer anymore, I'll still be..." Lucian stopped himself just in time.
Special Week lifted her head anxiously. "Trainer-san, say it—what will you still be? Please finish?"
"I won't say it. You already know the answer in your heart."
"But... I want to hear Trainer-san say it out loud."
"Still..." Lucian met her expectant gaze and finally stopped teasing. "Your future husband. And what will Spe-chan be?"
"Wi... wife... your future wife."
...