The study camp went fairly smoothly, and the Uma Musume's grades steadily improved.
After correcting Agnes Tachyon's habit of skipping steps and Gold Ship's tendency to scribble all over her test papers, there was finally hope that everyone could pass.
As for his team, Fujiwara Chiya was basically acting as both father and mother. He handled training, academics, everything. He was doing almost all the work alone.
I'm working this hard… shouldn't the chairman give me a raise?
Even he felt moved by his own dedication. There probably wasn't another trainer as responsible as him. On one hand, he had to revise training plans. On the other, he had to tutor girls like Meisho Doto.
The workload was overwhelming.
By lunchtime, after finishing his morning work, Chiya collapsed onto the sofa in his office and decided to take a nap.
He was too tired to even walk back to the dorms.
Mental exhaustion was far worse than physical fatigue.
At that moment, he really wished he had an Uma Musume's body, one that could go wild all day without ever getting tired.
Through Fujiwara Shirayuki's perspective, he saw that everyone was in the cafeteria. No one would come looking for him now.
So he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
…
After some time, he shifted slightly.
The hard armrest of the sofa suddenly felt soft, springy, and carried a faint fragrance.
It felt… familiar.
Like the time he had laid on Seiun Sky's lap.
But this was softer.
Fuller.
Warmer.
Chiya slowly opened his eyes.
Green.
A familiar green filled his vision.
His mind went blank.
Not just the color, he could also feel someone gently stroking his head.
For a moment, he thought it was his mother.
But when he looked up, he saw a gentle, composed face. Clear emerald eyes gazed down at him.
Chiya froze.
Then suddenly panicked and tried to sit up, only to be stopped.
"Don't move, Trainer Chiya."
"…T-Tazuna-san?"
Hayakawa Tazuna looked down at him with a soft smile.
His thoughts were a mess.
Why was she here?
And more importantly—
Why was he in this position!?
Only now did he realize he was lying on her lap.
Now that he was fully awake, the sensation became even clearer. The softness, the warmth, the faint scent drifting through the air.
His brain shut down completely.
"I knocked, but you didn't respond," Tazuna said softly. "I was worried, so I came in. Then I saw you sleeping here."
"I… see… I was just a bit tired…"
"You looked exhausted."
Her voice was calm and soothing.
"But sleeping like that won't give you proper rest. So I thought I'd give you a better place."
"…And that place is your lap?"
"Yes. Do you not like it?"
"N-No, I mean yes! I like it. Very much."
He quickly shook his head.
"I'm just… a little embarrassed."
He couldn't understand it.
This was far beyond normal kindness.
Why would she do this for him?
He wasn't particularly outstanding. There were many trainers better than him. His looks were average, and his background was nothing special.
So why him?
"You've been helping your girls with their studies recently, haven't you?"
"…Yeah."
"It's been a long time since I've seen a trainer so dedicated. Most trainers only focus on training. You're different."
Hearing that, Chiya felt a bit justified.
By that standard, he really was putting in more effort than others.
"I just want them to pass so they can focus on training. That's part of my job."
"It sounds simple, but it's not."
She gently combed her fingers through his hair.
A wave of embarrassment hit him.
He hadn't had time to properly take care of himself lately.
Won't this dirty your hands…?
"This is your reward, Trainer Chiya," she said.
She took out a cotton swab.
"Your effort deserves recognition. If no one else praises you, then I will."
She leaned closer and began cleaning his ear.
The faint rustling sound sent a shiver down his spine.
This was something he had only ever imagined.
And now it was actually happening.
"…Have there been… other trainers like me?" he asked carefully.
Tazuna smiled faintly.
So that's what he's worried about.
A subtle sense of possessiveness.
"…No," she said.
"You're the first."
Relief washed over him instantly.
"You've had a more difficult path than most. I simply want to support you however I can."
"…Thank you…"
Before he could finish—
She leaned down slightly.
"Fu…"
A soft breath brushed against his ear.
His whole body trembled.
"All clean now, Trainer Chiya."
"T-Thank you…"
He sat up weakly.
"When you're tired, I'll comfort you. When you work hard, I'll reward you."
"If there's anything you need, just tell me. I'll do everything I can."
"…Okay."
"I won't disturb you any longer."
She left the office.
The door closed softly.
Silence returned.
Chiya sat there blankly.
"…What just happened?"
It wasn't just strange.
It was extremely strange.
He had just experienced something incredibly embarrassing.
And yet it ended so naturally.
As if it was normal.
"…Am I losing it?"
He stood up to wash his face.
Then he noticed something.
His neck felt damp.
His cheek.
His ear.
"…Sweat?"
He wiped it away.
That's a lot…
I should take a shower later.
…
Meanwhile, back in her office, Hayakawa Tazuna took out her phone.
"Yes, about the photos I sent earlier… when will they be ready?"
"2 PM? I'll come pick them up."
She hung up and opened her gallery.
On the screen were photos of Chiya sleeping on her lap.
One.
Two.
More than a dozen.
From every angle.
She hugged the phone to her chest.
"…Chiya…"
Her voice was soft.
He hasn't changed at all.
Still just as adorable.
It made her want to cherish him.
To spoil him.
But she couldn't do that openly.
After all, she was the mature, perfect woman in his eyes.
If she went too far, she might ruin that image.
But patience had its limits.
Especially for someone like her.
She smiled on the outside.
But inside, it wasn't always the same.
She lightly licked her lips, recalling his scent.
"…Next time…"
"What reason should I use to reward you?"