The quarrel between Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka didn't last long—after barely a minute, it fizzled out.
Maybe they realized that dragging out each other's secrets would only end in mutual destruction, or maybe they simply had better things to do than waste energy fighting.
"Hmph!" With matching snorts, they cut it off.
Time spent bickering was better spent cuddling the person they liked.
But when they turned back to Mizuno, they were startled to find the object of their affection quietly watching them.
Not only that, he kept taking off the glasses on his face, wiping them with his sleeve, putting them back on—then a few seconds later, taking them off again and tapping the frames like he was smacking an old TV, as if suspecting the glasses were malfunctioning.
"Glasses?" Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka spoke in unison, confused.
They'd seen Mizuno's true face. He didn't usually wear glasses. So seeing him produce a pair from nowhere made them instantly wary.
Were they for vision… or something else?
They didn't know why he had them, but their Uma instincts told them these glasses were a serious threat.
"Could it be…?" Both girls touched the small necklaces at their throats—the ones Agnes Tachyon had given them earlier.
They hadn't heard the details of Mizuno's deal with Agnes Tachyon, but they'd learned afterward that she'd provided him with a pair of glasses with a special function…
And soon after, Agnes Tachyon had quietly handed them these necklaces…
Putting that together with Mizuno's fussy tinkering with his frames, an absurd yet perfectly logical conclusion clicked into place.
"So that's it." They stared at the Intent Glasses in Mizuno's hand, suddenly understanding.
Now they knew why Agnes Tachyon-senpai insisted they wear the necklaces whenever they were with Mizuno-san.
And they knew why, after putting them on, Mizuno's attitude toward them was obviously more relaxed and trusting than with other Uma Musume.
Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka traded a quick look, reading the same thought in each other's eyes. They nodded once—unspoken agreement sealed.
"Mizuno-san…" Cheeks still flushed, Daiwa Scarlet bent down, gently took one of his hands, and said earnestly:
"Vodka and I have disliked each other for a long time. When we argue, we get carried away and say things that aren't true. Everything we said just now was fake—completely made up. Please don't take it seriously."
"That's right!" Vodka grabbed his other hand, eager to back her up. "We were just angry! There are definitely no 'erotic stories' or 'soaked body pillows'—we made all that up to mock each other! Please believe in our character!"
"Really…?" Mizuno narrowed his eyes, skeptical.
Their behavior had been way too weird, and yet the Intent Glasses hadn't flagged anything. It left him unsure whether they were actually dangerous. What if he was wrong?
Even so, you shouldn't go around assuming the worst. Better to stay cautious.
He didn't have proof, but he'd keep an eye on them and watch how they acted from here on out. Maybe something would slip.
"Alright, I believe you," Mizuno said, nodding as if reassured. He gave both their hands a gentle squeeze to show he didn't mind and was willing to trust them.
"Really? That's wonderful~" The two Uma Musume exhaled in relief. But as they stroked Mizuno's soft, weak hands, their impatience only grew.
They finally saw the big obstacle they faced whenever they tried to close the distance:
Mizuno-san deliberately kept a safe distance from Uma Musume who showed romantic interest.
Whether it was a trainer's professional boundary or something else, he always took a cautious stance toward girls who tried to get close.
Which made Agnes Tachyon-senpai's plan crystal clear.
She'd given Mizuno the glasses that detect romantic intent, making him depend on them and dulling his own judgment—then secretly armed the two of them with necklaces to hide their true feelings.
That not only cut down the competition; it let them stand out from the crowd and earn his trust—more chances to stay by his side. After all, the pavilion closest to the water sees the moon first.
But support items were only support. They couldn't land the finishing blow.
As long as Mizuno wasn't an idiot, being together day and night would eventually make him notice their feelings.
It's not like he could stay oblivious even after an Uma Musume had stripped his pants—he'd at least realize someone wanted him, right?
But if they waited too long, Mizuno might catch on to Agnes Tachyon-senpai's scheme and realize they meant to stick to him forever. Then he'd start keeping his distance from them too.
So they had to win him over first.
Even if he wouldn't openly accept their feelings, they had to secure an irreplaceable place in his heart before anyone else did.
For example…
If persuasion wouldn't work, then they'd just sleep with him.
Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka exchanged another look, sealing the plan.
Tonight—make the move.
"Mizuno-san, let's hurry to where you'll be staying tonight~" Vodka sang out, looping her arms around his neck, her horse ears brushing the brim of his hat.
"Yes, yes~" Daiwa Scarlet straightened and pressed her soft chest lightly to his shoulder, smiling sweetly as she teased, "I'm really curious whether Trainer-san's bed tonight will be nice and soft~"
Mizuno lowered his head without a word, watching their tails slowly twine around him, a vague ache spreading through his whole body.
These "ordinary friends," as the Intent Glasses claimed, were way too affectionate…