Ardan's Perspective
"So?" Hachiman started, breaking the silence. "How's McQueen's recovery coming along? Technically, I should be asking her trainer, Okino, but I figured you'd have a better handle on the family side of things when it comes to her injury."
"I'm told things are proceeding smoothly," I replied. "According to the old family governess, it will still be some time before she can return to the track. However, the reports say she should be fully recovered by next spring at the latest."
"About what I expected, but… that's a long haul," Hachiman muttered. He leaned back, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I suppose that's the price of such a heavy injury. They're prioritizing her long-term future, then?"
"Precisely. If word got out that a Mejiro horse girl was bedridden due to a worsening injury, it would cause quite a stir. Besides, after seeing Tokai Teio's performance at the Arima Kinen, McQueen has been throwing herself into her rehab with everything she has."
It's probably less about team spirit and more about not wanting to lose to her rival, Hachiman thought to himself. Still, the silence where her constant shouting for "Sweets!!" used to be was... a little lonely. Maybe I'll drop by the Mejiro estate and whip something up for her. I'll have to keep the calories in check, though.
"I see…" Hachiman said aloud. "Would it be alright if I dropped by to check on her soon? I'm not her trainer, but she's the girl who ran that race against my Rice Shower. I'm concerned."
"Of course. I'm certain McQueen would be delighted."
"If you say so… Anyway, Ardan, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"We're currently in the Trainer's Room, right?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"And you prepared tea for us across the table so we could discuss McQueen, right?"
"Yes, I believe so."
"Then why," Hachiman sighed, deadpan, "are you currently entrenched right next to me, drinking your tea as if it's the most natural thing in the world? Usually, people sit on the opposite side, don't they?"
"I felt we've had far too few opportunities to talk or be close lately, Brother. I simply decided to seize the moment."
"Listen, I'll hear you out, but at least ask if you can sit next to me first."
"I shall endeavor to do so in the future."
Hachiman looked at me, his gaze full of doubt. He clearly didn't believe I'd actually ask. Well, he was right to be skeptical, but surely he'd realize that with me, things would be fine.
"...Brother," I whispered. "You don't have any training sessions scheduled for today, do you? Perhaps you should take a rest as well?"
"I wish. The Derby is right around the corner. People might think Mr. C.B. has it in the bag given her talent, but that kind of complacency is exactly what leads to disaster. I want to do everything I can."
"I understand your devotion, Brother, but there is a proverb: 'Haste makes waste.' You mustn't let your zeal outpace your well-being. You truly should rest, even if only for a moment."
"...Getting lectured by a student. I must be slipping," Hachiman grumbled, though he finally let his shoulders drop. "Fine. I'll take a break. Though for me, 'resting' just means sitting here and taking it easy like this."
"That is more than enough," I said softly, setting my teacup down with a small clink.
"...Could you please stop using my shoulder as a pillow?"
"In that case, might I borrow your lap instead?"
"Is me being a pillow a non-negotiable requirement here?"
"Yes."
"She didn't even hesitate..." Hachiman muttered under his breath.
I can't exactly rest like this, he thought. Wait, didn't she come here for tea? Is she really going to ignore her drink just to use me as a mattress?
...Fine. I don't usually like playing these kinds of games, but this is for the sake of my own relaxation. Sorry, Ardan, but you're going to be the sacrificial lamb.
"Ardan," Hachiman said, his voice dropping an octave. "I can't relax like this. You're being a bit too bold, don't you think?"
He reached out and began to stroke my head. Pet, pet.
"—!" My breath caught.
"You're the one who said I needed to rest, right?" He continued, his fingers moving rhythmically. "But can you stay relaxed while I'm doing this?"
Stroke, stroke.
"Nnh… haah… ah…"
To be clear—lest there be any misunderstanding—Hachiman was currently stroking my ears. He was using all five fingers to trace the sensitive curves of the cartilage. A horse girl's hearing is incredibly sharp, making their ears an exceptionally sensitive spot. If he had used this technique with the precision of some ASMR recording, it would have been truly dangerous.
"Ardaaan," Hachiman said playfully, his hand never stopping. "Care to answer my question now?"
"B-Brother… that… nngh…"
"Heh. Sorry, sorry. I went a bit overboard. But you get the point now, right?"
"... " I felt my posture melting, my gaze growing hazy and unfocused.
"Right then. I'm going to spend the rest of the day taking it easy, so why don't you go ahead and—"
"More…" I whispered, cutting him off.
"...Huh?"
"I want you to do it... more..." I looked up at him, my expression completely softened.
"...Excuse me?"
"The way you touch me, the way you whisper… it's so provocative. Please… I want more…"
"Wait, no, absolutely not! I only did that because I wanted you to back off! Don't tell me you actually liked having your ears touched?!"
"If it is you, Brother, I have no objections at all. In fact… that just made me want you to touch me even more while you whisper to me…"
Oh, you've got to be kidding me… Hachiman thought, his face paling.
Wasn't this the part where she gets embarrassed and leaves? Why is she closing in on me instead?
"I guess this is what they mean by 'reaping what you sow'..."
------------------------
I've posted 40+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"