SWNOVELXO Chapter 18: Chapter 17: One Week Later
It's been a week since I was assigned to this academy. Time to get serious and pick a charge. After the mock race two days in, I've been swamped with scout offers from Uma Musume. Hesitating's just stalling—I need to decide fast.
Waiting longer might give a bad impression. I'll go with my gut. Whether they agree… that's anyone's guess.
I sighed. My mentor told me to observe the Uma Musume closely, but at this rate, I'll fall behind…
"Yo, Hikitani, mind if I sit?" Kuronuma showed up.
"Sure, go ahead," I said.
"So, a week here—picked anyone yet?" he asked.
"Nope. Sorry for worrying everyone, I'm just indecisive…" I admitted.
"Nah, makes sense. Kinda relieved, actually. These Uma Musume aren't ones you pick lightly. Most are top-tier here. Caution's the way to go," Kuronuma said.
"Thanks, that takes some pressure off. What about you? Any Uma Musume catching your eye?" I asked.
"A few. But your hype's bigger—everyone's curious about you. I'm not getting much attention," he replied.
"Sorry about that…" I muttered.
Honestly, I don't need the rumors. I curse my past self for standing out so much.
"Don't sweat it. Means you're noticed. This world's cutthroat—weak get weeded out," Kuronuma said.
"…Yeah," I nodded.
Choosing a charge is one thing, but it's just my luck they'd be unavailable when I decide. Not there yet, but it's a looming fear…
"Morning grind, huh, Memory?" I called out.
"Morning, Trainer-san! Disciplinary committee duty—greeting's a must!" Memory chirped.
"Keep it up, but don't miss homeroom," I said.
"Yes, sir!" she saluted.
"Morning, Trainer-san!" one Uma Musume called.
"Good morning!" another chimed in.
"Yo, morning," I replied.
I'm getting used to this—no more stuttering at greetings. Early on, I was so nervous I used formal speech with students. After all the stares, you adapt. Fewer Uma Musume avoid my gaze now, but some still do. Kinda stings…
"What's with that slouch? Straighten up! You're a trainer—posture like that won't draw anyone," Air Groove scolded.
"Oh, Air Groove. This is just me. At 23, it's not changing. Gave up," I said.
"You don't look that old," she replied.
"Slouching since before high school. It's permanent," I shrugged.
"Over ten years…" she muttered.
I don't think it's bad. Everyone's got quirks—live and let live.
"Good morning, Trainer-san," Cafe said softly.
"Morning. Brought it—want some?" I offered.
"Yes, please!" she replied.
I poured coffee from my thermos and handed it to Cafe.
"Sigh… Bliss," she murmured.
"What's that?" Air Groove asked.
"Just coffee," I said.
"So good… Trainer-san's coffee stays perfect," Cafe said.
"Glad you like it," I replied.
"Interesting. Can I try?" Rudolph asked.
"Rudolph… It's Cafe's blend. Might not suit you," I warned.
"I drink coffee often. Cafe, may I?" Rudolph asked.
"Sure," Cafe nodded.
"Thanks… Strong bitterness, no astringency. Great," Rudolph said.
"Trainer-san, can I get the coffee recipe?" Flash asked, startling me.
"Flash?! Don't sneak up. Here's the breakdown—black coffee only, no milk or sugar tweaks," I said, handing her a note.
"Thank you," Flash said.
"Get to school, you'll be late," I urged.
"Late at this hour? Never heard of it," Rudolph chuckled.
"Fair, but…" I trailed off.
Your presence draws eyes, especially you, President. People stare from afar. Give me a break. Why do they all flock to me?
"You're heading to the academy, right? No need to go separately. Let's move," Air Groove said.
"Wait—'Morning, Trainer-san!' …Fuji," I said as another appeared.
"Hard at work, huh? Being the hot topic's rough," Fuji teased.
"Let's go. These stares are too much—I wanna hide in the trainer's room," I groaned.
"That's not very trainer-like," Cafe remarked.
"Whatever. Oh, Cafe, take these. Share or toss them if you don't want," I said, handing over a bag.
"What are they?" Cafe asked.
"Cookies I baked. Plain, chocolate, matcha, coffee, tea, coconut—that's it," I listed.
"Various flavors…" Flash murmured.
"Tempting. All of them?" Rudolph asked.
"Want some?" I said.
"Everyone here's curious, I bet," Rudolph replied.
"I'll bake more next time. For now, ask Cafe," I said.
"A promise?" Rudolph grinned.
"Yeah. Let's go before we're stuck here," I urged.
"Something up?" Air Groove asked.
"If the stomach black hole sees these cookies, I'd need to bake a hundred more," I said.
"You mean Oguri Cap?" Rudolph asked.
"Who else fits that nickname?" I replied.
"Haha, what do you take Oguri for?" Fuji laughed.
"Like I said—stomach black hole," I repeated.
"That doesn't sound like a joke…" Flash said.
It's not. I'm serious.
Bonus
Oguri sat quietly.
"What's up, Oguri?" Tamamo asked.
"Lately, cafeteria food doesn't fill me up sometimes…" Oguri said.
"Seriously? That's a big deal! Since when?" Tamamo pressed.
"Oh my, are you sick?" Creek asked.
"No, I'm fine. Wait… It started when Trainer gave me an onigiri. It tasted like Tome-san's from home!" Oguri realized.
"Trainer-san cooks too?" Creek said.
"Thinking about it… I'm hungry again," Oguri said.
"Hold up! You stuffed yourself at the cafeteria! Still eating?!" Tamamo exclaimed.
"Trainer's onigiri is a separate stomach," Oguri declared.
"Onigiri's a main dish, not dessert!" Tamamo retorted.
"Trainer-san's really won Oguri-chan's stomach, hasn't he?" Creek giggled.