Chapter 267: You Two Are Already Living Together?!
During this time, Almond Eye also came over to visit quite often.
Every time she came, she would share some interesting things she had encountered recently, or talk about her progress in studies and how she was preparing for exams.
Through these interactions, Makoto gradually realized that Almond Eye's competitive spirit was even stronger than Kitasan Black.
Not just in studying or training—even when playing games, she would secretly compete with Kitasan Black. From the way she spoke, it was clear she treated friends and classmates the same way.
For example, when a new game was released or she just started playing one, if no one around her played it, she wouldn't care much.
But the moment someone she knew started playing that game, she would reach the same level as quickly as possible—and then push even further, determined to surpass them.
Take the past couple of days as an example. After learning that Kitasan Black was playing a game called Monster Hunter, she had looked completely clueless on the first day. Yet by the next day, when they played together, she had already almost caught up to Kitasan Black's progress and level.
That morning, in the living room of Makoto's rented apartment—
Rubbing his sleepy eyes as he walked out of his room, Makoto froze in shock.
It wasn't because the sofa had been pushed aside.
Nor because a bed had been placed in the middle.
And not even because red lanterns were hanging from both sides of the ceiling.
The bed and sofa arrangement was because Kitasan Black had been taking care of him these past few days. To let her sleep more comfortably, Makoto had simply ordered a bed and had the delivery staff move the sofa aside.
As for the lanterns—that was Kitasan Black's habit.
She said that both her bedroom at home and her dorm were arranged that way, and without lanterns, she felt something was off when sleeping.
Makoto could only sigh inwardly at that and silently sympathize for Kitasan Black's roommate, Satono Diamond, before quickly accepting it.
After all, they weren't hanging in his bedroom, so it didn't affect him much.
What truly left him dumbfounded was that it was only a little past six in the morning, yet Kitasan Black and Almond Eye, who had stayed over last night… were actually playing games.
And… it looked like they had been playing for quite a while.
The two of them were staring intently at the TV screen, their hands moving rapidly over the controllers. Their eyes were full of focus, and from time to time, they let out low, excited exclamations.
Kitasan Black's cheeks were slightly flushed from concentration, her bangs a little messy.
Almond Eye, on the other hand, had her brows tightly furrowed, completely focused on dealing with the monsters in the game, with even a thin layer of sweat forming on her forehead.
"Hey, you two…"
Makoto felt a headache coming on, along with some concern.
"Don't tell me you stayed up all night playing? If that's the case, I'm going to be mad."
Hearing his voice, the two of them snapped out of it and turned their heads at the same time.
Kitasan Black first showed a slightly awkward smile, though her eyes still carried a hint of excitement.
"Uh, Trainer, we didn't stay up all night… we just woke up really early… well, not that early, just around five…"
Her voice grew quieter as she continued:
"Did we wake you up, Trainer? I'm sorry…"
Almond Eye also looked embarrassed. She bit her lower lip and said softly:
"Um… Trainer, it was me who dragged Kita-senpai into playing. I'm only about ten levels behind her now…"
Makoto glanced at the screen in front of them—and became even more surprised.
They were playing Monster Hunter, a game he had played with Kitasan Black before.
From what he remembered, Kitasan Black's character was already over level 160, while Almond Eye had only started playing two or three days ago.
And yet now, on Almond Eye's screen, her character level was clearly over 140—just a dozen or so levels away from catching up to Kitasan Black.
"…So, Almond Eye… I know you hate losing, but don't be competitive in such strange areas…"
Holding his forehead, Makoto let out a helpless sigh.
"And you too, Kitasan—you're the senpai. You should know better about self-control."
"I don't mind you playing games, but you need to balance work and rest."
"If gaming starts affecting your training and studies, then like I said earlier—I really will get mad."
Kitasan Black nodded quickly.
"Got it, Trainer. We won't do this next time."
As she spoke, she glanced at Almond Eye and added in a small voice:
"Trainer's right, it's my fault. I should've stopped you instead of getting so into it myself…"
"Senpai, please don't say that…" Almond Eye also said shyly, lowering her voice. "I already said I was the one who dragged you into it…"
Seeing the two of them like this, Makoto sighed again, then smiled.
"Alright, stop apologizing to each other. As long as you understand moderation, it's fine.
"Stop playing now, go wash up and get ready for breakfast."
"O-okay, we'll go make breakfast right away…"
The two Umamusume quickly stood up, turned off the screen, and hurried into the kitchen.
During breakfast, the two of them were quiet at first, as if reflecting on their actions. But when they noticed Makoto didn't look upset, they gradually started chatting softly about the game again.
Kitasan Black enthusiastically shared gameplay tips, while Almond Eye listened attentively, occasionally asking questions, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.
Seeing this—and knowing they weren't the type to neglect responsibilities for entertainment, plus the fact that it was currently winter break—Makoto didn't stop them, only chiming in occasionally.
After finishing the meal, Makoto stood up and was about to speak when his phone suddenly rang.
He took it out and glanced at the screen—then froze.
Noticing this, Kitasan Black, who was clearing the dishes, asked curiously:
"What's wrong, Trainer? Is the driver here to pick us up?"
It was just a few days after the New Year, and their plan for today was to go together to Asakusa Shrine for a visit. Almond Eye had stayed over for that reason.
"Not that, it's just…"
Makoto replied quickly, then cast a strange and slightly worried glance toward the window. Just as he was about to continue, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it! Trainer, just rest!"
Before Makoto could move, Kitasan Black quickly ran to the door and pulled it open with a bright smile.
"Hello, this is the Yasui residence, may I ask—?"
She stopped mid-sentence, stunned.
Standing outside was a tall and slender Umamusume.
She looked to be around thirty years old. Perhaps due to long periods of outdoor work, her skin had a healthy wheat-colored tone.
Her black hair was tucked under a thick knitted hat, which seemed to be handmade. A few loose strands framed her face, gently swaying.
Her facial features were soft, with a high nose bridge. Faint dimples could be seen at the corners of her mouth, where a gentle smile rested.
Looking at that smile, Kitasan Black felt a strange sense of familiarity.
Before she could think it through, she saw the Umamusume outside glance her up and down, then peek inside the house.
Her gentle smile shifted into something more meaningful—almost teasing.
Then, she slowly spoke:
"It looks like… you and Makoto have already started living together?"
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Tn: I updated the story daily, but if you want to see more chapter of this story ahead of time, please go to my Patreon.
Latest Chapter: Chapter 314: Kita, You're Truly Amazing[1]
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[1] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/umamusume-it-all-161293563?collection=1617249
[2] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl/posts/umamusume-it-all-161293563?collection=1617249