Regular checkups are the first and most effective way to prevent injury. So, I decided to inspect Rice Shower's condition thoroughly—by taking a bath together.
Not that I had any ulterior motives. I mean, sure, the idea of soaking in a warm bath and getting to touch soft skin sounded nice… but this was purely professional. Totally normal.
Or so I thought.
The moment we stepped into the bath, I realized something important: I'd never actually seen another girl's body up close. Never touched one, either.
Sure, I'd used the women's bath before. I'm a horse girl, after all. But I was always so embarrassed that I'd rush through washing myself and leave as quickly as possible, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
But now, as Rice Shower's trainer, I couldn't afford to be shy. I needed to check her body for any signs of strain or injury.
Still, I cursed myself for even thinking about ulterior motives.
"What's wrong, Viola?" Rice asked, calm and composed.
Unlike me, she wasn't shy at all. Maybe it was because we're both girls, close in age, and this was part of training. She seemed totally unfazed.
Meanwhile, I was dying inside. Just having her see me like this was mortifying.
"A little embarrassed," I admitted.
"Huh."
Rice gave me a look. Even with our short time together, I could tell she was getting back at me—for all the stretching and food torture earlier.
"Then Rice will wash Viola-chan."
"Wait, what?!"
"No waiting."
She was strong. I couldn't resist at all.
"Can I at least use a towel?!"
"It's better for your skin to wash by hand. I reject the towel."
And so, I was scrubbed head to toe with shampoo, conditioner, treatments—the full spa experience. Then came the second round: washing Rice Shower the same way.
I won't go into details. Too embarrassing. I just shut off my emotions and did what had to be done.
Still, it wasn't all for nothing. By touching her entire body, I could get a sense of her physical condition. If anything felt off, I'd notice it immediately.
"Let's measure our three sizes too," Rice said suddenly.
"Why do you have a tape measure?!"
"To measure Viola-chan, of course."
"I'm the trainer! I don't need to be measured—wait, don't take off my clothes!!"
After the bath, we measured body sizes. Rice Shower's were expected. Mine… were revealed too.
It was humiliating to hear my stats spoken aloud. I don't think horse girls understand how embarrassing that is.
"Viola, you're 132.4 cm tall. Measurements: 65, 46, 67. So tiny."
"It'll grow with time! And don't say the numbers out loud!"
"Even tiny Viola-chan is cute though."
"I'm eating a whole bowl of rice right now! I'll grow soon!!"
Rice patted my head gently.
She's three years younger than me, technically still in middle school. So yeah, I probably do look younger to her.
Still… my pride and my dignity took a hit.