It was around the middle of August when Nishino Flower approached me.
"Um, Viola."
"What's up, Nishino-san?"
"Can I bring a relative's child for a few days?"
"Not really a problem… How old?"
"She's six. I just need someone to keep an eye on her."
"Oh okay I will take care of her. While you can focus on training."
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
And that's how Seiun Sky entered our summer camp—a quiet, delicate six-year-old girl with soft light-blue hair and a gentle demeanor.
"Sei-chan is cute."
"…"
She didn't resist when I picked her up, and she nestled into my arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. I found myself stroking her hair without thinking.
Lately, I'd been surrounded by older horse girls. Having someone younger around felt refreshing.
For the few days she stayed, I carried her around during training sessions and even gave her a few simple exercises. She watched Nishino-san constantly—eyes full of admiration.
I assumed Nishino was her older cousin or something similar.
"Um, who's the one always with Sister Flower?"
"That's Mihono Bourbon. They're classmates."
"…"
From that quiet remark, I felt the faint stirrings of a childhood crush.
Later, I brought it up with Lovely.
"So what do you think, Lovely-san?"
"No idea. She's six. Isn't that a bit early for this kind of thing?"
"Maybe. But she clearly admires Nishino. It's classic—seeing your cool older cousin act differently around someone unfamiliar."
"Have you had that experience?"
"Nope. Not even once."
Lovely sighed.
"I always thought Viola-san and Rice-san were the ones with romantic tension."
"Well… Rice-chan does seem to like Nishino-san, so it's complicated."
"Huh?"
Lovely blinked, caught off guard.
"Rice-san and Nishino-san? Why?"
"During our vacation with Rice's parents, they mentioned Rice likes someone younger."
"There are other younger people around Rice, right?"
"Who, though?"
Lovely looked at me seriously. I had no clue.
"Maybe Mihono-san? Her birthday's a little later…"
"Nope. That's not it."
Apparently, I was off the mark.
"But Nishino's popular. Mihono, Rice, and now Sei-chan all seem to like her. She's cute—it's understandable. I just hope no one gets hurt."
"Before worrying about others, maybe Viola should think about herself."
"Me? Why?"
Lovely's comments are always cryptic. I wish she'd be easier to understand.
As for Sei-chan… she was utterly captivated by the short, big-hearted, purple-haired horse girl who kept hugging her, caring for her, and petting her.
There's probably no going back.