Time passed swiftly, like a white colt slipping through a gap.
The sun dipped westward, dyeing the sky orange; clouds burned crimson as if set ablaze. Sunset rays gently lit the flushed cheeks of the Uma Musume on the practice field, making the sweat from their efforts sparkle.
With the help of the Emperor, Symboli Rudolf, Team TAC had made remarkable progress—taking a big step toward getting stronger and truly spending a meaningful day.
"Ahh~ So tired~"
The little Uma Musume lay sprawled on the grass, pleasantly sore and sighing contentedly.
"Good work, everyone…" Mizuno awkwardly maneuvered his wheelchair closer to them, handing out clean towels and bottled water.
"Training ends here for today. Rest up; we'll work hard again tomorrow," he reminded gently.
"Thank you~" The girls accepted the towels and water happily.
Planned drills, careful guidance during practice, and thoughtful care afterward—being on Trainer Mizuno's team was far too comfortable.
After a short rest, they rose one by one, waved to Mizuno, and left the field in groups.
"Hehe~ See you later~"
Symboli Rudolf chuckled, then—leaving Mizuno with an oddly ominous remark—walked off chatting cheerfully with Tokai Teio toward the dorms.
"…" Mizuno grimaced silently.
That thing Rudolf said about "checking his body" tonight… she wasn't actually serious, right?
"…" He looked toward Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, who were about to push his wheelchair.
"You two head back to the dorms to shower and change. I need to talk to McQueen-san alone, so you don't need to help with the wheelchair right now."
"Alright~" The two nodded and left with the others.
Only one Uma Musume remained.
"McQueen-san…" Mizuno sighed, glancing at the Mejiro family's young lady standing a few meters away.
"Trainer Mizuno…" Mejiro McQueen crossed her arms and lowered her gaze guiltily, avoiding his eyes like a child being scolded at the front of a classroom. She knew exactly why he'd asked her to stay after practice—he was going to question her about what happened at the clothing store the other day, when she tried to corner him. There was no other reason. Mizuno wasn't stupid; someone as careful as him wouldn't let someone who'd already shown dangerous intentions hang around.
After all, attempting to abduct a human was violent and clearly harmful!
In old times it might have been normal for Uma Musume to take a human home as a husband, but society was civilized now. At the very least, a proper engagement would be required before hauling someone home for Uma Pyoi…
Without a formal relationship with the family, forcibly taking him would provoke complaints from other families.
That was why her grandmother had ordered McQueen and her sisters to romantically win Mizuno's favor—if he officially became family, the Mejiros could do as they pleased.
McQueen had panicked because Mizuno had too many Uma Musume around him. Fearing another family would snatch him away, she'd impulsively sent maids to ambush and kidnap him—capture him first, then secure the relationship later.
Of course, it had failed miserably.
Not only had she failed to secure an outstanding trainer for the family, but she'd also left a terrible impression on Mizuno—a complete disaster.
She'd prepared herself for cold treatment from him afterward…
So why hadn't he reported her? Why had he acted as if nothing had happened? Even today he hadn't treated her any differently; he still designed her training and guided her earnestly.
Guilt filled McQueen's heart.
"Is Trainer Mizuno… too forgiving of me?" she wondered.
That indecision made the heart above her head flicker between pink and black.
Then—when Symboli Rudolf had declared, "Trainer Mizuno owes me a date"—McQueen's worry had spiked. If President Rudolf made a move first, the Symboli clan's relationship with the Mejiros would complicate any interference.
If I don't kidnap Trainer Mizuno quickly, there might never be another chance!
McQueen hugged herself and edged closer to Mizuno, restless and excited. The heart above her head turned black at visible speed.
"Guah?!" Mizuno stared in horror at the darkening heart, trembling.
He'd intended to create a calm, private space to clear up the misunderstanding. He hadn't expected his good intentions to backfire, triggering McQueen's "isolated and helpless" effect and making her keener than ever to abduct him.
He had no idea why her malice had spiked before he'd said a single word, but one thing was clear:
If he didn't act fast, he'd soon be inside Mejiro Manor.
Running was impossible—humans couldn't outrun Uma Musume, and he was wheelchair-bound. Even if McQueen let him go at first, she could stuff something in his mouth, bind him, and sneak him out.
With Tracen security's famously apathetic attitude and other trainers too wrapped up in their own lives, dragging their trainer from the academy to a love hotel would be practically obstacle-free.
Can't run, can't resist…
Dialogue was his only option. He'd try gentle persuasion.
"McQueen-san, can you tell me… why exactly do you want to kidnap me?" Mizuno asked softly, careful not to provoke her. He relaxed his face and reached out a warm hand.
"McQueen, if something's bothering you, let's talk and fix it together, okay? Violence… is not the way…"
His voice was gentle, overflowing with sincerity—like a kindergarten teacher coaxing a misbehaving child to repent.
"…" McQueen froze. Seeing Mizuno's gentle expression, her guilt deepened.
Even in this desperate moment, Mizuno treated her with such kindness.
Like an indulgent elder who forgave any wrongdoing and patiently taught the proper path.
For McQueen, raised nobly and kept at a distance, such warmth was rare. In a great family, distance was cultivated to encourage independence—servants solved daily needs; tutors drilled education; family warmth was a rare mealtime interlude.
Trainer Mizuno's unconditional kindness filled the emotional gap in her heart.
He wasn't a servant, yet he met her needs. Not a strict tutor, yet he lit her path.
Was his gentleness now quietly knocking on the door to her heart?
"Ugh…" McQueen's pulse thundered; her vision blurred. She asked herself why she wanted to kidnap this kind, gentle trainer.
Was it only her grandmother's mission? Or something she wouldn't admit to herself?
"I kidnapped you… because… because…"
She hesitated, words failing, then her heart answered for her.
"Because… I want you!"