Shirayuki's appearance had been so sudden and bizarre that Fujiwara Chiya had completely overlooked something important.
She wasn't his disguise or a puppet.
She wasn't just an extension of him. She was her own person.
And that meant she had to live like one.
She needed to eat, sleep, attend classes in the morning, and rest at night like any other student.
…I really messed up.
Fujiwara Chiya held his head.
He hadn't expected this many complications. He had assumed she would simply train with him and compete in races. Instead, she now had to live as a proper student and spend her days at Tracen like everyone else.
So after finally graduating from university and becoming a working adult…
Now I have to go back to school again?
Is there anything worse than this… I hate classes.
"What's wrong, Trainer Chiya? You don't look well."
Seeing him lower his head in distress, Tazuna assumed he might be dissatisfied with the school's arrangements and asked with concern.
"Does she really have to attend classes?"
"Well, of course. Without classes, there are no grades. If grades fall short, students have to take makeup exams. In serious cases, they may even be barred from training. That's why trainers are also responsible for monitoring their Uma Musume's academic performance."
"…That makes sense. Grades are important…"
Chiya covered his face.
"…Then what about the dorms?"
"The dorms? What about them?"
"Does she really have to stay in the student dorms? Can't she just live with me?"
At those words, Tazuna's expression shifted slightly.
"Trainer Chiya."
She stepped closer.
"I don't know how close you are with Shirayuki, but once people grow up, they can't stay together the same way children do. Everyone has their own privacy and their own life. Relationships between men and women are no longer as simple as they once were."
"So, having Shirayuki share a room with a young man like you would be inappropriate. Especially when you're living in the male staff dorms."
Even though Tazuna was shorter than him, standing in front of her, Chiya felt as if he were facing something overwhelming. Her calm yet meaningful smile made him break into a cold sweat.
"Miss Tazuna, you're absolutely right. However…"
Shirayuki is literally me!
So what, I'm supposed to sleep in the girls' dorms?
As a respectable young man with proper values, there was no way Fujiwara Chiya could do something so shameless. He firmly condemned the idea of using this situation as an excuse to enter the girls' dorms. Not just sleeping, but what if the girls decided to bathe together? He would end up seeing everything.
"…However?" Tazuna asked.
"Does Shirayuki have some reason she can't stay in the girls' dorm?"
"Of course not. Please have her stay in the girls' dorms. I'm sure she'll get along well with her roommates."
Chiya answered with a completely straight face.
Yes, letting Shirayuki stay with him, or even alone somewhere else, would be irresponsible. Since she was now a student of Tracen, she should fulfill her role properly and return to the dorms on time each day.
That was the correct choice.
At least, that was what Chiya told himself.
"I see… as long as you understand."
Tazuna blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his sudden change in attitude.
"Then, Miss Tazuna, which dorm is Shirayuki assigned to? And who is her roommate?"
Chiya wanted to know as soon as possible. If luck was on his side, maybe he could even recruit her in the future.
"Mejiro Dober."
Tazuna answered.
"Mejiro… from the Mejiro family?"
"That's right."
Jackpot…
Chiya grinned to himself.
The Mejiro family was one of the most prestigious names in racing. Not only did they have status, but nearly every generation produced winners of graded races. Beyond their strong bloodline, they were also known for their unique training methods, especially suited for long-distance runners.
That meant Mejiro Dober was likely a long-distance specialist as well.
If he could recruit her, it would be a huge boost to the team.
A prestigious background and long-distance strength… winning a graded race was practically guaranteed.
This year's trainer evaluation would definitely have his name on it.
"Heh… hehehe… hahaha…!"
Chiya couldn't stop himself from laughing.
"Trainer Chiya," Tazuna said, tapping his shoulder lightly. "When you laugh like that, you should probably check if anyone's watching."
"Ah… sorry. I got carried away."
"That's not what I meant." Tazuna shook her head gently. "It's good for young people to have energy. It's best to stay cheerful and optimistic."
Though if it gets too excessive, people might start thinking you're a bit strange.
"I understand. Thank you."
"But still…"
Tazuna looked at the young man in front of her.
"You seem much better than you did a few days ago. Is it because your sister came?"
"…Better?"
"Yes." Her green eyes softened. "After those contract terminations, you looked exhausted. You were distracted all the time, like you were sick."
"S-so you noticed…"
Of course she did.
"I was even thinking of asking the chairwoman to give you a few days off so you could rest and recover… but seeing you like this now, I feel relieved."
She smiled.
It was a gentle, almost motherly smile.
Seeing it, Chiya felt his heart skip.
No. Get a grip.
Miss Tazuna is just doing her job. Don't get the wrong idea.
One of life's greatest illusions… "She likes me."
He slapped his cheeks lightly to snap himself out of it, then cleared his throat.
"Sorry, Miss Tazuna. I've caused you concern. But I've made up my mind. I'm going to lead my team to victory. Those setbacks were just trials. I'll overcome them and become a top trainer."
"I believe you will."
Looking into her clear green eyes, Chiya felt his face heat up.
"Th-then I'll take Shirayuki to collect her things. I won't keep you any longer."
"See you tomorrow, Trainer Chiya."
Tazuna remained on the training grounds, watching until his figure disappeared before finally turning to leave.