Splat!
"Ah, Starlight-chan, are you okay— "
Seeing Starlight get knocked over by the other Uma Musume, Tamamo Cross rushed forward to check on her.
"Hiss... I'm fine, I'm fine. Um, are you okay?" Starlight asked with concern, looking at the girl in her arms.
The girl had a distinctive white streak in her bangs, blue eyes, and a cute little face.
"Oh~ Sorry, sorry! I accidentally ran into you. I'm okay— "
Tokai Teio finished her apology, then froze, staring at Starlight's face from such a close distance.
Seeing her just blankly staring, Starlight waved her hand and laughed. "Um, excuse me..."
Snapping back to reality, Tokai Teio directly grabbed Starlight's waving hand.
"You're Divine Starlight, right?!"
"Um, yes, that's me. And you are?"
"I'm Tokai Teio! The legendary Uma Musume who's going to become an undefeated Triple Crown winner!"
"That's a wonderful goal."
"Right, right? And then I can become a legend just like the Student Council President..." Tokai Teio said longingly, still sitting on top of Starlight.
"Um, maybe we should stand up before we continue talking?"
"Oh, oh! Sorry! I got a bit excited and forgot."
After Tokai Teio got up, Tamamo Cross helped Starlight to her feet as well.
"Teio! Why are you running so fast? We haven't even finished our warm-up yet..."
A familiar voice called out from behind them.
The three turned to see Mejiro McQueen walking over slowly in her swimsuit.
"Hehe, I just couldn't wait to get in the water and train. Oh, right! This is Mejiro McQueen, my teammate for the upcoming training session," Teio explained, scratching her head before introducing everyone.
'Tsk... why did I have to run into her?'
McQueen's heart skipped a beat, and she looked at Divine Starlight with a hint of awkwardness.
"Hello. I'm Divine Starlight, and this is my training partner, Tamamo Cross."
"Oh~ Nice! I saw your match yesterday, it was super exciting! Once I get a trainer, can I have a race with you two?"
"Of course! Teio, this senpai here won't be holding back!" Tamamo Cross said confidently, patting her chest.
"H-hello... Starlight..."
"Ah, you're... Mejiro-san, right? Your expression looks a bit strange. Are you feeling unwell?" Starlight asked out of concern.
'What is that supposed to mean? Are you suddenly pretending not to know me?!'
McQueen's eyes narrowed as she stared at the silver-haired Uma Musume in front of her.
"I'm perfectly fine. Teio, let's go warm up over there."
With a cold face, she stepped forward, grabbed Teio, who still wanted to chat, and pulled her away.
"Wait, wait! At least let me finish what I was saying!"
Once the two had walked off, Tamamo Cross said in confusion, "That Mejiro McQueen sure changes her mood fast."
"...So it seems. Alright, let's start our training."
"OK! I'll time you. Let's go!"
It was nearly noon. Inside the locker room after training had ended.
Starlight was changing her clothes at a leisurely pace when, suddenly, a pair of hands covered her eyes from behind.
"Huh? Why did it go dark? Wait... who is it?"
"Take a guess, Starlight-san."
"Are you... Mejiro Ardan?"
"Oh my, you guessed it so quickly. It seems I have a place in your heart, Starlight-san."
Removing her hands, Mejiro Ardan stepped to Starlight's side and spoke with a smile.
"Well, your voice is very beautiful, it's easy to remember."
"Is that a compliment? I'll take it."
"Mm. Did you need something from me?"
"Can't I look for you if I don't need anything?"
"Ah... of course not. You can come find me anytime, Ardan-san."
Looking into Starlight's golden eyes, Mejiro Ardan smiled.
"You're going to watch the stars tonight with Yaeno-san, right?"
"Mm, that's right."
"Could you bring me along? I'd also like to get to know you better, Starlight-san."
"Of course, no problem. You're more than welcome."
Starlight agreed without a second thought.
As she finished putting on her school uniform, she looked at her locker with a feeling of contentment.
However, in the next second, an imposing Uma Musume appeared and immediately cut their conversation short.
"Divine Starlight-san, I have something to say to you. Come with me for a moment."
"President? Alright, I'll be right there. Ardan, let's talk tonight."
"Mm, okay."
Picking up her school bag, Starlight jogged after her.
Watching them walk away, an ambiguous smile suddenly played across Mejiro Ardan's face.
"Oh, McQueen... what a pity~"
In a quiet corner, Starlight looked at Symboli Rudolf in front of her and asked curiously:
"Did you need something, President?"
"Starlight-san, I heard what happened just now. Are you aware that you are a filly? Inviting two colts to a gathering at night is against the rules."
"Eh? Does the school have such a rule?"
"Ahem, of course... otherwise, why would I come looking for you? Therefore, as a safety precaution, I will be accompanying you tonight to prevent any accidents from happening."
"But President, aren't you a colt yourself?"
"I am the President, naturally, I am not like other colts. Are you questioning me?"
"Ah, no, no, it's not that. It's just... President, if you actually wanted to come, you could have just said so directly."
"By the way, my dorm room is currently undergoing repairs, so I may be moving to the room across from yours."
"Oh, okay. Don't worry, I won't disturb you, President," Starlight said with a smile, nodding her head.
"Mm. Nothing else then. Go get some lunch."
"Got it! Take care of yourself too, President. Bye-bye!"
As Rudolf watched Starlight walk away, she folded her arms, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"President."
Suddenly, a flat voice sounded from behind her. Rudolf's expression froze.
"Air Groove? When did you get here?"
"Er... I had the task of supervising the landscaping today. I've been here for a while."
"Is that so? Well, do you need something? If not, I'm heading to the cafeteria."
"Wait, President. You said it yourself— several colts going to a filly's dorm room to watch the stars... no matter how you think about it, it's strange, isn't it?" Air Groove said, rubbing her forehead.
"And?"
"The President is busy with a myriad of state affairs, it's better if you rest early. As for the supervision, I believe I am more suited for the task. Right...?" Air Groove walked slowly up to Rudolf, squinting with a smile.
"Air Groove! Are you actually questioning the President's authority?"
"Sigh... President, why don't you look behind me?"
Hearing this, Rudolf looked back. She saw Hayakawa Tazuna holding pruning shears, looking over with a smile.
"She heard what was just said too?"
"Naturally. So, President, please follow the rules."
"...I understand."
That evening, a knock came at the door.
Divine Starlight, dressed in her pajamas with her hair draped loosely over her shoulders, walked to the door. Looking through the gaps in her bangs at the people outside, she froze.
"Oh? What's wrong with you guys?"
Yaeno Muteki's expression wasn't particularly good, and Mejiro Ardan beside her was also wearing a strained look. Standing behind them was a smiling Air Groove.
"Hello, Starlight-san."
"Vice President? Why are you here? Isn't the President coming?"
"Yes. According to the regulations, the President... isn't coming. I am here in her place."
"Oh~ Well then, please come in!"