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Returning to Japan for a short vacation was a surprise even Silence Suzuka hadn’t expected.
Her teammates in the U.S. more than urged her to come back and see her crew; even her coach insisted in an unusual way.
She tried to let the team know, but with all the rushing around and organizing things, she had no signal by the time she boarded the plane.
Though she had a lovely memory from yesterday. They stayed up talking until Special’s eyes closed, unable to stay awake any longer. The flash from her phone lit up her innocent, affectionate face. Even cotton candy would be jealous of the softness of her cheeks.
And although her initial observation was embarrassing, little by little she simply couldn’t look away. The rising and falling, the murmuring, and everything with such adoration that, if anyone were spying on her, they’d believe it would leap off the screen without a doubt—though she’s imagined it more than once.
Airports always made her feel uneasy, with the noise and crowds that even her earmuffs couldn't block out. Although Japan was obviously known for its politeness and efficiency, the sheer volume of people meant noise, and noise meant discomfort.
Suitcase in hand, she dragged her feet on this unplanned trip, searching for the gate, the exit marked by arrows on the floor. But footsteps—a rhythm she knew well— alerted her; her ears twitched with nervous anticipation.
And there it was, the star that guided her north on dark nights. She ran toward it, with others close behind, but her tunnel vision kept her from seeing beyond the field, because for the first time, she didn’t just want to run across it; she wanted to reach it.
Her suitcase forgotten, small steps that began to grow faster and faster. She didn’t care about the crowd, she didn’t care about the stares.
When a pair of arms reached her, embraced her, and lifted her up, even with the fear of falling, of slipping and kissing the ground. Nothing seemed more important to her than the warmth, the sweet laughter, and the scent of the countryside.
Her tail wagged at breakneck speed, happy and at home.
—SUZUKA! Welcome back! I missed you so, so much!—
—Me too.—
Her adorable friend—a friend who left a bitter taste in her mouth just thinking about that description—but happy, so overflowing with joy she was almost on the verge of tears. Nothing beats the strong arms wrapped around her, nothing beats this feeling of her heart calming down, because Special didn’t just make her heart race, but also brought her peace and a sense of home.
—You’re worse than you were trying to thank me that day, Teio.— McQueen was the first to hear Suzuka, aside from Special’s laughter.
—Hey! You can’t deny you had a good time on our date! I really went all out that Halloween.—
—So much love, you’re going to make me throw up. Special, stop hogging Suzuka, Golshi wants a hug too!— Gold Ship pushed through the crowd, trying to pull the magnets apart.
—Make me!— Special clung on tighter.
—You know I can.— Gold Ship kept pulling, like a ship’s anchor.
—Come on. Let her go, Golshi. You know Special’s the one who’s been waiting for this more than anyone else.— Scarlett stepped in to defend the young brunette. —You’d be just as miserable if McQueen left for that long.—
—Or you would if I left your side.— Vodka boasted.
—That’s not true! You could leave for a month and I wouldn’t care at all!—
—Then you could leave for a year and I’d be just like a rose!—
—I already put up with enough waiting for Stego most of the time. But I can’t stand these two anymore.— Her white ears flattened, receiving a stroke from Suzuka that perked them up immediately.
—Hehe, it’s okay, it’s good to see you all, girls. But how did you even find out? It all came as a surprise to me.— Suzuka was doting on two big puppies, affectionate and in need of love. Teio was the first to glance sideways at McQueen, who smiled and looked at Kita, setting off a chain reaction.
—Well, maybe it wasn’t as random as you think.— The moment Kita said those words, a bag covered Suzuka’s eyes.
—Huh!?—
A car ride with a sack over your head is always quite an experience. Special had hoisted her onto her back, inducing a deep sleep that lasted the entire journey, though every now and then she managed to pick up snippets of laughter and whispered words.
It wasn’t until the car slammed on the brakes that her consciousness returned more or less to normal. And a hand removed the bag to reveal that she was still in the van she’d known for a long time.
Spe was laughing softly beside her. They weren’t at the academy; she could tell from the view in the rearview mirror. There were no buildings —the neighborhood near Trancen is famously known for its lack of them— but there were birds and a blue sky shining on a perfect summer day. Wait, what day was it?
—Did your classmates force you to bring your swimsuit?— Special asked, both of them still sitting in the back of a car in the middle of nowhere. Maybe this was the first time she could actually call it a proper kidnapping, and yet, Special’s sparkling gaze made her go along with it.
—Good! Thank goodness. Then let’s get out of here; I imagine you’re sick of having your legs cramped up.— Her hand slid the car door open, the sliding sound, the blinding brightness of the day, and then a commotion —loud, high-pitched— of people laughing and cutting each other off with laughter.
—Here she comes! Here she comes!—
—Guys, calm down. She’ll be out in a minute.—
—Good luck is on its way!—
They were all voices she recognized. Holding Special’s hand like a lifeline, she stepped out of the van and…
—SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!—
It was a unified shout, at the top of their lungs and, above all, full of life. Classmates, trainers. Everyone dressed in beachwear, because guess what? They were at the beach.
The sound of the ocean, seagulls screeching, almost laughing at her look of disbelief. Now she was going to hate the seagulls that were her classmates, who were laughing, coming up to her, and hugging her one after another.
Air Groove, Taiki, Matikanefukukitaru, Grass, Cóndor, more and more.
Her mother was even there, smiling tenderly as Special approached her and lowered her head, talking to her about something she couldn’t hear.
—When? How? Why?— Her voice stammered, trembling on the verge of tears.
—Is this what you’re saying? Because of that airhead of a roommate you have.— Condor laughed heartily. —You know, when she sets her mind to something, she gives it her all.—
—Even if she loses.— Grass finished with a soft smile. —She spent several months asking for permission here and there. Somehow she knew you would forget even your own birthday. Which I genuinely didn’t expect her to get right.—
—Is it May 1st?—
—It is! Happy birthday and Labor Day!— Kita and the others pushed the young woman toward the barbecue and decorated area. —I love a good festival! I also gave it my all to help senpai.—
—Well, we all did our part, even the good trainer. — Suzuka looked at the shaven-headed guy with brown hair talking to the other adults. —He contacted your family so they could attend. — McQueen moved slightly closer, with Dia by her side, dragging Kita away so the poor birthday girl could breathe.
Green and yellow decorations, balloons swaying in the faint breeze, serpentines coiled like snakes.
—Happy birthday, sweetheart.— And there was a male voice she hadn’t heard in a long time, her father in a Hawaiian shirt and swim trunks.
—Dad! Weren’t you on a business trip!?— Suzuka approached him, incredulous. Her love of travel and exploring new places had always been her father’s doing. He’d taken her to thousands of places when she was little, until she settled down with her mother. Her temperament undoubtedly came from him, and he gently embraced her without hesitation.
—I’ve already missed quite a few birthdays, but I wasn’t going to miss your coming-of-age party. My little girl is a woman now.— Even with those words, Suzuka curled up and began to tremble, clinging to her father’s ridiculously Hawaiian shirt.
Amid laughter and some (not-so-subtle) tears from a few.
When she calmed down, Yuka Saitou, better known by her title, the mother of Special Week, approached the girl and ruffled her hair.
—Come on, sweetie! This is a party! Wipe those tears away, it’s time to celebrate.—
—YEEEEES!— The collective shout cheered Suzuka up, and she nodded and ran off with the rest to get changed.
The day flew by. Otaru Dream Beach might not have been the prettiest beach, but today it did nothing but make Suzuka smile.
From spotting crabs, burying Cóndor in the sand (and nearly getting crushed by Grass’s stick during the watermelon game), to swimming and the barbecue, she was more than satisfied.
The food satisfied her, brochettes with carrots. Her father’s showboating in his attempt to be the cool dad caused some of them to burn, drawing laughter at his clumsiness.
Her mother also hugged and pampered her like a little girl, braiding her hair into plaits that framed her face. And obviously, Special was slightly dumbfounded, receiving a friendly slap on the head from her group of friends.
Forgetting her own birthdate, damn it, Spe knew her all too well. She laughed shyly; that was surely why she was so tired yesterday.
Their eyes met tentatively, and time and again they looked away, but without stopping their tails from wagging happily.
Special’s plan had been a success; she’d caught her by surprise and unintentionally made her cry. But hey! All’s well that ends well.
And there was still time left in the day, so more time to celebrate.
Exhaustion hit the young birthday girl like an Isekai truck, with jet lag undoubtedly acting as the sandman for her eyelids. It happened gradually, as she chatted with her mother while wrapped in a beach towel; at some point, watching her friends play, time slipped away, and she found herself in what she could only guess was her mother’s lap.
Time passed; the sound of the waves lulled her, the breeze cooling her warm body, the sound of laughter playing here and there. Under a beach umbrella, and a caress on her hair? She let it happen, purring with pleasure and, almost childishly, moving closer. She might be an adult, but her mother was her mother.
—Ummg?—
—Don’t worry, you can keep sleeping. You need to recharge your energy for the cake.— Wait, that’s not her mother’s voice.
—Special?— Her ear twitched, registering the voice.
—Uhum. Your mother traded places with me to be your pillow. She told me she wanted to stretch her legs, which seems to suggest that restlessness runs in the family. Huh?— A gentle tingle ran down her spine as Special’s hand stroked one of her ears.
—I…—
—You can go back to sleep. I’m sorry I woke you up.—
—No, no. I just… how did you pull all this off, Spe?— She yawned, settling in slowly. —It must have been terribly exhausting.— Her voice dragged like small pebbles in the tide, still heavy with sleep.
It was also cute to see how Special’s ears drooped like a puppy’s. Sad that Suzuka settled down nearby, but not on her lap.
—It was. Without a doubt.— She fidgeted with her hands nervously. —But it was a big occasion. It’s not every day you turn eighteen. At least that’s what my mom says.—
She gazed slowly at the sea, the calm, the ebb and flow. They had spent nearly a year apart. The phone calls eased her longing, though she craved more physical contact, which she wouldn’t ask for out of shame.
Suzuka slowly rested her head on the shoulder next to her. She couldn’t go back to her thighs without dying of embarrassment, angry at herself for leaving them.
A small jump shook Special’s body like a spring. She remained completely still, as if Suzuka wanted to leave again, though her tail kicked the towel so hard that the sand rumbled.
Suzuka, though more awake, loving the serene day full of emotions, let her tail wander. It tangled with Special’s.
Dusk was approaching, bidding farewell.
In what she thought was unbreakable silence, Special pricked up her ears, as she did when she suddenly remembered something.
—Oh! By the way, get ready for the alcohol. It’s a rite of passage.—
—Alcohol?—
What Special said wasn't a lie. All the adults present helped Suzuka take her first sip of sake.
Suzuka had obviously never tasted alcohol in her life. Expecting something bitter and strong, she was surprised to find a mild, slightly fruity flavor.
Her mother, Wakia, blushing uncharacteristically, teased her father affectionately; he ended up being the only one who chose not to drink alcohol to keep the peace in the kingdom. (Apart from Special, obviously.)
Special’s mother laughed even more freely, having invited everyone present to a modest inn owned by an acquaintance who owed her a favor (and whom she took full advantage of).
The other girls had already fallen asleep. And those who hadn’t took the giggling ones to their rooms. Golship, without a doubt, was a tough nut to crack for Rio Nijisaki, aka the trainer. And the winner wasn’t him, nor Golshi, but Hana. Triumphant, she dragged Rio off to another room.
But anyway, I was rambling.
—Suzu-chan… what if I adopt you? Having another cute daughter would be wonderful.— Yuka bubbled with every syllable.
—Wait, what…?— Okay, she had to stop drinking now.
—Mom! You can’t take her daughter away from her!— Special was standing close to Suzuka but not close enough to her mother to tell how many drinks she’d had.
—But she’s so cute!—
—I mean…— Wakia interrupted. —I feel the same way, Special-san. If I could, I’d adopt you right now.—
—Ha ha ha.— Suzuka’s father’s somewhat awkward laugh was enough to make Special tremble slightly. —Honey, stop teasing the girl.—
—But Take. Didn’t you say when we got married that you’d have liked to have another daughter?—
—Those are things I’m glad I didn’t give in to over time.— Take lifted his wife up. —Enough partying for today. Time for bed, honey.—
—Nooooo.—
Suzuka, speechless, just watched the scene. She knew her mother in many ways —angry when she was a little younger, worried when she got hurt, sad for the same reason— but drunk and childish? That was definitely a whole new side of her.
—Well then,— Yuka hiccupped, raising a tiny cup of liquid. —At least they could get married in the future; my dear daughter talks so much about hers that I wouldn’t be surprised, honestly.— A shameless laugh rippled across the table.
—That’s it, Take! Let them get married! Wouldn’t you like to walk your daughter down the altar?— Wakia laughed even harder, happy and jostling her poor husband, who was holding her in his arms.
For the two young girls, time stood still. Suzuka was a little tipsy from the alcohol, but she wasn’t stupid. Not stupid enough to fail to realize that both mothers, though drunk, had given them their blessing. And the worst part was that, thanks to her slight drunkenness, images of Special in suits, ceremonial kimonos, and wedding dresses flashed through her mind at dizzying speed, making her blush instantly.
—W-we can’t do this yet! We’re too y-young for this!— Special slammed her hand on the table, stuttering too quickly.
—Does that mean you don’t want to marry me?— Suzuka spoke without thinking. A slight sadness in her voice that would melt a lamb’s heart.
Special swallowed hard, and then felt the coldest chill she had ever experienced as piercing, icy green eyes stared down at her from the sky. This must be how a rabbit feels with an eagle nearby.
She glanced sideways at Suzuka’s father, who looked even more frozen than the smiling women. Watching as Special’s face turned from red to crimson, stiffening as she defended herself against her daughter, who looked at her with an expression so similar to her own five-year-old self when begging for five more minutes at the park to run around. She genuinely had to feel some compassion upon seeing her younger, timid reflection in this girl with a white streak in her hair, who was being scolded by three adult women.
Suzuka, in a gesture of calm, took the hand of the new cherry named Spe. Although this didn’t calm Special down at all.
Surely when they grow up, it will be a funny memory, but the poor girl was so upset she could have crawled into the school stump, made a burrow, and turned into a cute, happy bunny, free from embarrassing mothers, intrusive thoughts, or the stares of overprotective parents, let alone crocodile eyes and hints of future weddings.
Take sighed, nodded, and left.
The blonde was already snoring at the table, carefree and likely with a headache coming the next morning.
—I-I’m going to put my mom to bed. Y-you can go to your room if you want.—
Suzuka looked into Special’s eyes for a moment. Maybe it was like her mother when she had alcohol in her system, but right now? She didn’t want to be apart from Special, just like that feeling on the beach that made her tails curl up.
—Actually, Spe. Could you sleep with me tonight?—
—Huh!?—
—Do-don’t yell so much, please. My head’s throbbing a little.—
—I-I! Um, I’m—I’m sorry, I didn’t expect you to a-ask that.—
—We’ve slept together before.—
—That’s true!— She quickly lowered her voice. —That’s true, but… don’t you…?—
—Please.— Suzuka pleaded, grabbing the sleeve of her yukata.
—Gods, give me strength.— Special muttered so quietly that not even a dog could hear her, but to Suzuka, it only drew her in further. To push harder. —Okay. All right.—
None of the rooms were particularly roomy, and they were all designed to accommodate no more than two people. The futons weren’t the best quality, and the material of the walls made it clear they weren’t even as thick as a brick; yet, unbelievably, Special was unable to hear, feel, or think of anything other than the girl who, out of sheer stubbornness, wanted to curl up, snuggle close, and—if she could—glue herself to the young woman who didn’t have two brain cells to rub together. Can brain cells dance?
Suzuka wasn’t asleep, not at all. She was waiting. Taking advantage of the situation, just as Special had done with her, calculating her next move.
Every time Special tried to question why, she silenced that line of thought with a caress, distracting her.
—I’m not going to let you drink anymore. This is a trap for my poor heart,— she complained, sweetly, just like everything she’d done today.
—And what kind of trap am I luring you into that puts your heart at risk, Spe-chan?— The syllable was emphasized, finishing the sentence, hammering away at the weak heart that was holding back as best it could.
—I-I can’t say.—
—Why not?—
—I might be putting a lot of things at risk, and I want you to remember it if it happens.—
—I didn’t drink that much.— Little by little, the same childishness her mother had was taking over. —I want you to tell me.—
—I-I really can’t.— She closed her eyes; if she didn’t see it, she wouldn’t feel it, and if she didn’t feel it, she wouldn’t break down. A foolproof plan, right? It didn’t take long for her peaceful world to settle in. Suzuka moved her, laid her down, and a weight —which she knew was there but refused to believe— crushed her hip.
—You’ve given me a gift that’s made me cry several times.— Suzuka’s voice softened like honey. —And you can’t grant one more request from the birthday girl?—
One eye dared to open. Big mistake. The breath in her lungs hit her just as thunder makes a sound.
Suzuka looked down at her from above, her cheeks puffed out in a pout so adorable, so stupidly cute that she wanted to take a picture of it and set it as her wallpaper (and everyone knew her wallpaper was off limits); the light from the window helped her make out parts of her face and parts of her slightly displaced yukata. And the less she could breathe, the more she believed she would go to heaven with her mother from a heart attack. The sound of an old clock chimed, like a call, a sentence, and a coffin.
Suzuka’s smile widened. She lowered herself slowly until they were face to face. Their faces were so close that their noses could almost touch.
—Spe-chan. Happy birthday.—
12 o'clock. 12:00 a.m. on the digital clock. The early morning began with the scent of sake on her breath.
Suzuka began, slowly. Without any hurry. The sound of lips parting left the new adult speechless.
—You gave me the best gift I could ever have. Let me give you something of equal value.— She pulled away to speak. —U-unless I’ve misunderstood everything. In which case, maybe… have I gotten carried away?—
Silence.
—Huh?—
Out of service. No coverage. No signal. No battery. Special wasn’t on cloud nine; she was in the fifth galaxy. Or maybe the seventh. She could even see herself in another universe as a four-legged creature that bleated almost like a sheep, but closer to a goat.
Suzuka had kissed her. She’d given her a birthday kiss. What do you mean, "what’s she thinking"? Easy.
—A-am I hallucinating? Did I drink alcohol at some point? Because this is too good to be true.— She choked on every question, clinging to the hands resting on her chest.
—It isn’t.— She could feel the thudding. The galloping heart of an Umamusume. She took Special’s hands, placing them now on her chest. The same thudding, loud and clear.
—And if it is… let’s hold onto that hallucination until we make it real.—
Morning arrived somehow. A warm murmur cradled her. The gentle call of an angel, red-haired and soft.
What a night. Goddesses, thank you. The best night of her life. So beautiful that if she opened her eyes, she feared she’d be proven right and it would turn out to be just a good dream.
Her hands felt a tingling; something was playing with them, caressing them, a texture like wet cotton leaving marks. Kisses. They were kisses.
She buried herself in the fur. Her back, as if reacting to the movement, burned just like her neck and shoulders.
She loosened her grip, giving her dream the chance to turn and take her breath away.
—Aren’t you going to open your eyes?—
—If I do, the dream will end.— Once again, she felt her breath being stolen. —I don’t want it to end.—
—But I want to give the birthday girl a birthday kiss while she’s awake.—
She heard her correctly. She really did hear her properly.
First one eye, then the other, opened tentatively. A slightly flushed face, as orange as the sunrise, dazzled her with a smile that, without hesitation, set her blood pumping.
—So…? Was that real?—
—Yes. A lot happened yesterday.—
—Uh-huh.— Special looked at what was left of her yukata, tangled up with the blankets. —Oh my god! Was all of that real!?—
—Our families practically gave us wedding blessings.—
—Oh my god!—
—I kissed you as a birthday present.—
—Do-o you regret it?—
—Special Week-san, look at me.— Suzuka used a tone that only her mother could use, and that genuinely scared her.
—You threw a party full of people I care about, you worked for me, and I hope you haven’t neglected your training. Because I swear by the three goddesses that if you even suggest I regret anything from last night, I’ll make you run on the sand all day long, even if it’s your birthday.—
—Yes, ma’am!— she exclaimed quickly. —Mother, I really am not dreaming…—
A hand rested on her cheek. It moved down, trailing like a line of ants. Until she felt a pinch on her side that made her scream, and then a kiss that silenced her.
—You know it’s not a dream, Spe-chan.— She laughed with a slightly mischievous tone. —Now I hope you’re ready, because we’re going to have a busy morning.—
—Wh-why?—
—Well, we have to tell our parents, don’t we?—
—Oh, Mom…—
—Happy birthday again, Spe. You’re all grown up now. And not just because of your age.—
—Suzuka!—