Interesting.
Inside the laboratory, Agnes Tachyon had just finished analysing Shirayuki's bodily fluids and could not help but sigh in admiration. A pleasant scent drifted through the air, one that seemed to lighten the mood just by being present. She discovered that Shirayuki's fluids contained a certain hormone capable of affecting the emotions of Uma Musume.
The most common reaction appeared to be excitement, though other forms could not be ruled out.
This was likely a product of Shirayuki entering her growth period. There were similar records in the data, generally appearing in fillies. The reason was still unclear, but after reviewing various materials, Agnes Tachyon found that this hormone was rarely secreted outside the body.
A case like Shirayuki, where it was released in large amounts, was extremely rare.
Agnes Tachyon guessed that this phenomenon might be connected to Shirayuki's rapid growth. After all, her body was still tender, almost like a newborn's, yet every day she underwent intense physical activity. In order to keep up with that consumption, her body had no choice but to accelerate the production of large amounts of hormones.
And that fragrance was the scent of those hormones.
This phenomenon had little effect on Shirayuki herself, but it had a rather large effect on the people who smelled it, especially Uma Musume. They would passively receive the hormonal stimulation, causing their emotions to change.
She should tell Shirayuki to be careful. In the future, when she was sweating heavily, she should avoid staying too close to other people. If the stimulation became too strong, it would be easy for others to act irrationally. After all, once Uma Musume entered their growth period, their emotions were already harder to control than usual.
Agnes Tachyon took out her phone and called Shirayuki. It rang several times, but no one answered. Then she called Chiya.
Again, no one answered.
Were they busy?
Agnes Tachyon put down her phone. Forget it. It was not especially urgent anyway. Telling them tomorrow would not be too late. Thinking this, Agnes Tachyon brewed herself a cup of black tea and leisurely began drinking.
On the other side, Shirayuki had been carried back to the dorm by Grass Wonder and placed on the bed. Grass Wonder locked the door, then pressed her ear against it and listened for a while. After confirming that the corridor was quiet, she returned to Shirayuki's side.
Under the double effect of exhaustion and breathlessness, Shirayuki's body was soaked with sweat. Her training clothes clung tightly to her skin, outlining her soft curves.
Grass Wonder took a deep breath. Shirayuki's body continuously gave off a dandelion-like floral scent. It was Grass Wonder's favourite smell.
Yuki-chan, why are you so tempting, Yuki-chan...
Looking at Fujiwara Shirayuki, whose face was flushed and whose breathing was unsteady, Grass Wonder reached out and gently touched her cheek.
"Yuki-chan, you look really unwell. Are you sick?"
"No..."
The breathless feeling had still not vanished. On Chiya's side, Hayakawa Tazuna was still being intensely affectionate with him, and Chiya's consciousness was almost drifting away. Even so, Tazuna did not stop.
Along with that breathless sensation came a strong stimulation that seemed capable of melting her mind. Shirayuki's heart beat rapidly. The unfamiliar comfort made her eyes grow watery.
So hot. It was really too hot.
"Grass... I'm hot..."
Her gaze unfocused and hazy, Fujiwara Shirayuki spoke unclearly to Grass Wonder.
"I can see that, Yuki-chan. You're burning up."
Grass Wonder swallowed and replied softly.
She felt that Shirayuki looked as though she had been pushed past her limit. Grass Wonder guessed that Shirayuki had probably suppressed herself for too long and had no way to release that tension, which was why she had ended up in this state.
After all, Shirayuki had become so nervous just from seeing Grass Wonder's body that she had gotten a nosebleed. During summer training camp, everyone often bathed together too.
Poor Yuki-chan. You never say anything and just keep enduring until you become like this. But it's fine, Yuki-chan. I'm your closest friend. How could I just watch you suffer and do nothing?
Grass Wonder picked up a towel and sat beside the bed. She lightly touched Shirayuki's leg through the towel, trying to help her cool down.
"Eek..." Shirayuki let out a soft cry. "G-Grass... don't. My body right now..."
"Yuki-chan, don't speak. I'll help you cool down."
Feeling her own body growing warm as well, Grass Wonder carefully loosened Shirayuki's clothes enough to help her breathe more easily. In an instant, a fragrance strong enough to cloud one's reason spread from within.
What an incredibly alluring scent. It was better than even the finest dessert Grass Wonder had ever smelled.
She pressed the cool towel against Shirayuki's body and wiped gently. Even such a soft movement made Shirayuki tremble as if struck by electricity.
"G... Grass..."
Her voice was already unclear. Because of the breathlessness and high body temperature, Shirayuki's consciousness was hazy. Seeing this, Grass Wonder stayed close to her and continued wiping away her sweat, doing her best to help her calm down. The fragrance grew stronger, sweet and rich like flower syrup.
So sweet. How could Shirayuki's scent be this wonderful?
After a brief shiver, Shirayuki's body seemed to lose all strength. She lay limply on the bed, and her eyes closed as if her energy had run out. Grass Wonder held Shirayuki's hand, carefully wiped her fingers, then moved to her wrist and arm.
The usually quiet and gentle Grass Wonder now showed a boldness that was difficult to imagine, but she restrained herself and focused on caring for Shirayuki rather than crossing any further line.
Click, click.
The dormitory door handle rattled. But Grass Wonder had already locked it, so the person outside could not enter.
"Huh? Grass still isn't back?" El Condor Pasa's voice came from outside. "I didn't bring my key. No!"
Half a minute later, the phone in Grass Wonder's pocket began ringing. Grass Wonder stopped moving.
"Hello?"
"Grass, where are you? I'm locked outside the dorm."
"I'm with Yuki-chan. She isn't feeling well, so I may be back later. Can you wait in Sky's room for now?"
"Not feeling well? Then I should go too. Where are you?"
"She needs quiet right now. You'll only make things noisier. Go to Sky's room first and don't run around."
"Fine."
After hanging up, the sound of hooves outside the door gradually moved away.
Good. Now no one will disturb us.
Looking at Shirayuki, whose breathing had gradually become even, Grass Wonder took off her outer coat and placed it over Shirayuki. If she left El waiting too long, El might go directly to the dorm leader to open the door, so Grass Wonder needed to help Shirayuki cool down as quickly as possible and then take her back.
At this moment, Grass Wonder's eyes were flushed with emotion, and she could barely think clearly. In her eyes, there was only Shirayuki, lying there like an angel waiting to be protected.
The next morning, Fujiwara Chiya and Fujiwara Shirayuki opened their eyes at the same time. They stared blankly at their respective rooms.
Fujiwara Chiya knocked his head.
When had he returned? He had no memory of it at all. He only remembered Hayakawa Tazuna pushing him down and kissing him. Because of the lack of air, his vision had grown darker and darker. By the time he regained consciousness, it was already the next morning.
Shirayuki's side was similar. Because of breathlessness and overheating, she had lost consciousness. At some point, she had vaguely opened her eyes and seen Grass Wonder sitting beside her with her back turned, while strange sensations continued coming from her body. As for what happened after that, only a blurry shadow remained.
Although the two of them could think in different ways, their senses were still shared. Whatever happened to either side, both could clearly feel it.
Fujiwara Chiya looked at his damp clothes, the corner of his eye twitching wildly. On Shirayuki's side, someone had changed her into a clean outfit, and both the innerwear and clothes were not her own.
Judging from the style, they might be Grass Wonder's.
When she arrived in class, Fujiwara Shirayuki saw Grass Wonder greeting her. Grass Wonder's skin looked smooth and glossy, as if she had applied skincare cream.
"Good morning, Yuki-chan~" Grass Wonder spoke softly with her usual smile. Her attitude was so normal that Shirayuki almost thought yesterday had been a dream.
"Grass, how did I get back to my room yesterday?" Shirayuki moved closer and asked quietly. She only remembered Grass Wonder carrying her to the room, then helping loosen her clothes and wipe her body. After that, Shirayuki had become dizzy and her memory cut off.
She completely could not remember what happened next. Even the image of Grass Wonder sitting beside her felt unreal.
"You were sweating a lot, Yuki-chan. I helped clean you up and then sent you back to your dorm."
"That's... all?"
"Mm. Or did Yuki-chan want something else to happen?" Grass Wonder gently held her hand. "Did Yuki-chan hope to wake up in my room?"
"No! Thank you for sending me back, Grass. Also... please don't tell anyone how I looked yesterday!"
Although Fujiwara Shirayuki did not know exactly what she had looked like, it must have been terrible.
"Of course, Yuki-chan. My mouth is very strict. I would never say anything that damages Yuki-chan's image."
"Thank you so much, Grass."
Fujiwara Shirayuki thanked her. Seeing that adorable smile, Grass Wonder lightly touched her cheek and smiled.
Of course she would not say anything.
After all, Grass Wonder did not want anyone else to know that last night, she had discovered just how sweet and irresistible Shirayuki's scent could be.