Tracen Academy, student council room.
The atmosphere, unlike its usual solemnity, carried a subtle sense of inquiry.
Symboli Rudolf, the student council president, sat at the head of the table, her fingertips gently tapping the smooth surface.
Air Groove stood before the holographic projection screen, her expression as stern as ever, but with a few more layers of gravity in her eyes than usual.
Beside her, Narita Brian and Marvelous Sunday showed undisguised interest.
Air Groove operated the interface, which listed a summary of Kitano’s recent activities:
Date: First day of the holiday
Event: Purchased a large quantity of personal hobby items at a music store and instrument shop.
Remarks: unique taste, no direct connection to Uma Musume culture.
Subsequently, meticulously selected and sent thank-you gifts to four Uma Musume: Oguri Cap, Rice Shower, Nice Nature, and Hishi Akebono.
Source: Commercial records and partial communication record analysis.
Preliminary Analysis: The student possesses an independent and mature inner world and aesthetic system, has demands for material enjoyment, and is quite diligent in maintaining specific social relationships, understanding the importance of reciprocity.
Date: Afternoon of the first day of the holiday
Event: Fished with Trainer Kiryuuin Yuu, and Hikari High School students Okabe Yuta and Fukuda Daiki at a suburban river section.
Source: Trainer Kiryuuin’s informal report, which mentioned a chance encounter; Okabe Yuta’s Fishing Club activity records.
Preliminary Analysis: Social circle is not limited to Uma Musume; possesses normal, common-interest-based peer and older friends.
Behavior pattern aligns with his pursuit of a peaceful life.
Date: Second day of the holiday
Event: Acted together with local Uma Musume Oguri Cap.
Met at the station in the morning, had lunch at an all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurant at noon.
Remarks: astonishing consumption amount, Oguri Cap’s appetite confirmed.
Visited Meiji Jingu Shrine in the afternoon, following Uma Musume-specific procedures.
Source: Commercial records, anonymized shrine visit records, and an informal conversation with Oguri Cap, indirectly inquired about by Air Groove.
Key Information, provided by Oguri Cap:
“Kitano-kun’s cooking is delicious.” Core evaluation.
Date: Morning of the third day of the holiday
Event: Sent off Oguri Cap at the station.
Source: Station surveillance, access permission.
Preliminary Analysis: Close relationship, peaceful farewell atmosphere, clear agreement to watch a race.
Air Groove closed the projection and turned to Symboli Rudolf.
“In summary: Kitano, male, third-year general studies student at Hikari High School.
He maintains a detached attitude toward Uma Musume culture, but it is not malicious defamation; it is more a lack of understanding and a rejection of being dragged into it.
He possesses independent economic capability, personal hobbies, and a stable social circle, with a maturity far exceeding his peers.”
She paused, emphasizing, “Two points are noteworthy.
First, he maintains stable and good private relationships with several Uma Musume, including Oguri Cap and Rice Shower.
These Uma Musume, despite knowing his attitude, actively support him.
Second, based on Oguri Cap’s vague description and the agility he displayed during informal races with Marvelous Sunday and others, it can be basically confirmed that this student possesses abilities far beyond ordinary humans, but he seems to intentionally control and hide this ability.”
“Oh?” Symboli Rudolf raised an eyebrow slightly.
“An ordinary person who keeps his distance from our field, yet has deep bonds with multiple Uma Musume and hides considerable potential himself?
This combination is indeed rare.”
Marvelous Sunday stroked her chin.
“He sounds like a very interesting fellow!
Not only can he cook, but he can also run?
Narita Brian pondered.
“He doesn’t deny effort, but rather questions the social trend of placing all value on a single thing.
This perspective, though jarring, might… not be entirely without merit.”
Air Groove nodded.
“Yes.
His personal attitude is inconsequential.
But this contradiction about him—the coexistence of rejection and attraction toward the Uma Musume community, as well as his hidden qualities—makes him an unstable observation sample.
I believe it is necessary to raise his observation level from C, potential impact to be assessed, to B, requires continued attention.”
She looked at Symboli Rudolf, awaiting the president’s decision.
Symboli Rudolf’s fingertips stopped tapping the table, and a deep light flashed in her purple eyes.
“Agreed.” Her voice was steady, yet carried an undeniable force.
“Continue moderate observation.
There is no need to actively interfere with his life, but his movements should be noted, especially whether his interactions with specific Uma Musume will bring about any unexpected variables.”
“I am very curious.
Where will such an existence, determined to walk on the edge, ultimately be pushed by the torrent of this world?
Or… can he forge his own third path?”
The student council’s resolution quietly settled.
A web of attention, of which Kitano was still unaware, had quietly tightened a little…
On the last night of his holiday, Kitano spent the evening fully and comfortably.
He first contacted several Uma Musume friends.
Kitano: Did you receive the music box?
I hope I didn’t disturb you.
Rice Shower: After a while.
I received it… Thank you very, very much.
The sound is very gentle… Rice Shower likes it very much.
[Attached: a photo of the music box glowing with warm light on her bedside table]
Kitano: Glad you like it.
Get some rest early.
Rice Shower: Mhm!
Kitano-kun, you too!
Kitano: A small gift, just a token of my appreciation.
Nice Nature: Replied quickly and politely.
Kitano, you’re too kind, you shouldn’t have spent so much.
The diary and pen are very thoughtful.
I’ll make good use of them.
Kitano: You’re welcome, as long as they’re useful.
Nice Nature: I look forward to seeing you again next time.
Kitano: [Image of a seasoning gift box]
Hishi Akebono: Kitano-kun!
You’re the best!
This seasoning set is amazing! This story is hosted at g.com.
I heard this brand is really hard to get.
I’m already thinking of a new dish for the next bento tasting meeting!
[Screen flooded with various thank-you and excited emojis]
Kitano: I’ll be waiting to see your cooking’s attack power.
[nose-picking emoji]
Kitano: Arrived?
Oguri Cap: Mhm.
Hungry.
Kitano: …Always thinking about food.
Focus on training, there’ll be a big meal if you win the race.
Oguri Cap: Oh.
[dutifully sitting and waiting to be fed emoji]
After handling these social interactions, Kitano took a comfortable hot bath, washing away the day’s fatigue.
Afterward, he entered his meticulously arranged audio-visual room—the largest extra expense for this apartment.
He turned on the projector and selected an art-house film with a gentle rhythm and beautiful visuals.
Then, he walked to the record player and, with extreme care, took a brand-new vinyl record from its sleeve.
It was Enigma’s album MCMXC a.D., a first edition he had recently found.
In an era where CDs were not yet fully widespread and streaming was still a distant dream, he was fortunate to acquire these future classics at a relatively reasonable price.
He gently placed the needle on the record, and an ethereal, mysterious prelude, featuring Gregorian chants and modern electronic beats, slowly flowed out—it was Sadeness (Part I).
The profound music filled the entire room through a quality amplifier and speakers, intertwining with the film’s visuals, creating an immersive, unique spiritual enjoyment for him.
He half-reclined on the comfortable sofa, closing his eyes.
“Unfortunately, this version is too new, lacking the historical feel of crackling sounds…” he thought with slight regret.
“But it doesn’t matter.
In a few decades, this version will naturally have that flavor, and then it will be a true treasure.”
In this high-level sensory feast, he completely relaxed, and all the external disturbances about Uma Musume seemed to temporarily fade away.
The next morning, Kitano woke up naturally to his biological clock.
He had a dreamless night and felt refreshed.
He stretched, feeling a long-lost sense of invigoration.
The holiday’s rest, especially the last night of complete personal tranquility, had a significant effect.
As usual, he walked into the kitchen, listening to light music on the radio, deliberately avoiding Uma Musume-related channels, while skillfully preparing a simple breakfast—fried eggs, toast, milk.
Sunlight streamed through the window onto the countertop; everything seemed so calm and orderly.
After a leisurely breakfast, he packed his schoolbag and changed into his uniform.
Before leaving, he glanced at the bright weather outside after the rain, and his mood lightened even more.
“Alright, holiday’s over, back to routine,” he thought.
“Classes, fishing, listening to music, playing games… this kind of life is the right track.”
However, just as he pushed open the door and stepped onto the path to school, a faint, almost imperceptible tremor inexplicably stirred deep within him.
“Today… there shouldn’t be any trouble, right?” he subconsciously prayed.
“Vice President Air Groove should have quieted down, right?
Those three new Uma Musume should have given up, right?
I’ve even reformed… Anyway, please, let me have one peaceful day!”
This trace of hidden worry, like a ripple on the water, was quickly suppressed by his anticipation of routine.
He took a deep breath of the fresh morning air, adjusted his schoolbag straps, and, with a still relatively brisk pace, merged into the stream of students going to school.
It really helps the fic grow!