...
Without daring to delay, after getting off work, Lucian invited Ines Fujin to chat at the coffee shop they often visited.
"Trainer, why suddenly call me out for coffee? I've already quit—I haven't made coffee in a long time~"
"Can't I call you out if there's nothing to do?" Lucian suddenly realized a problem, "Ines, aren't you one or two years older than me?"
"Trainer only just noticed? I'm a mature big sister—if we're outside, you're allowed to call me Onee-san." Ines Fujin's smile curved beautifully.
"Onee... never mind, I'll still call you Ines." It was too embarrassing—Lucian couldn't say it.
"Trainer, you didn't call me out just to drink coffee, right?"
"Mm... you're free the first few days of the break, right? We're going on a team-building trip together."
Lucian had originally wanted to talk to Ines Fujin about the gift. But stating it directly or expressing apology didn't seem like the right choice.
It would be better to prepare it secretly and then give it to her.
Ines Fujin smiled with her eyes, stirring her coffee, "I'm free, I guess?"
"What kind of answer is that? Can you be more definite?"
"My time is very precious~" Ines Fujin winked at Lucian.
"Name your price—I'll pay extra." Lucian paused, "Wait, no—I'm inviting you to have fun, covering food and lodging, and you still want a salary? Don't let money blind you."
"Hahahaha, Trainer is really too funny." Ines Fujin laughed without any grace.
Lucian looked at her like she was an idiot, "Ines, this isn't funny."
Ines Fujin restrained her laughter, but her lips couldn't help puckering like a little cherry.
"What would happen if I recorded Trainer's flustered look?"
Lucian calmly sipped his coffee, "Deduct your pay—what else?"
Ines Fujin immediately stopped joking.
"Alright, I'll take it as you agreeing—make sure I see you then... you can bring your two little sisters."
"Got it—thank you, Trainer."
The two chatted idly for a while. Interestingly, Lucian had decided not to mention the gift, but the horse girls back at the dorm started a gift showcase in the group chat.
Ines Fujin couldn't ignore it even if she wanted to, and Lucian couldn't avoid talking about it.
Twin Turbo: "I love this new outfit so much—these doodles are awesome, so unique!"
Nice Nature: "Trainer, why did you give me a doll of myself? Why is she holding a sign that says 'No Manners'? Why does her expression look like she's scolding someone? @TheVeryVeryVeryVeryVeryVeryBestTrainer... Also, Trainer, why is your group nickname so long?"
Nice Nature's gift wasn't plain—first, it was a doll of herself, plus many beautiful outfits, pants, and shoes.
Matikanetannhauser: "My phonograph is so pretty, hehe~ And I found a bunch of tea leaves the Trainer hid around the gift box!"
Doto: "Just finished feeding little Dango something yummy~o(￣▽￣)o"
Doto's gift was equally valuable—after all, the Dango at Lucian's house was worth a hundred red bills.
Tokai Teio: "McQueen~ speak!"
After returning to the dorm from the lounge, Tokai Teio was in a great mood—at least she knew she was special.
Mejiro McQueen: "I'm from the Mejiro family—I wouldn't show off something like that."
Tokai Teio: "Then I'm coming to your place~ (sinister.jpg)"
Mejiro McQueen: "Wait, fine—I'll just send it for you all to see."
Mejiro McQueen's gift looked special too: a diamond-inlaid hairband, a bracelet strung with variously shaped crystal stones, and a "Universal Dessert Voucher."
She wasn't confused—seeing the hairband and bracelet reminded her of Lucian's earlier "princess" nickname for her.
Tokai Teio: "What does this dessert voucher mean? McQueen, explain quick."
Mejiro McQueen: "I don't know either, @TheVeryVeryVeryVeryVeryVeryBestTrainer, Trainer-san, explain—also, why is your nickname so long?"
...
"Trainer, they're calling you." Ines Fujin finished reading the messages and smiled.
"I see~"
Lucian picked up his phone and replied: "I heard someone calling me. As for why the nickname is so long—if there were no limit, it could be longer. Don't you think this nickname suits me?"
Tokai Teio: "(vomit.jpg)"
Seiun Sky: "(vomit.jpg)"
Haru Urara: "(vomit.jpg)"
Twin Turbo: "(vomit.jpg)"
Dextrous Bailey: "Aren't you afraid the Trainer will open his mouth? (ah.jpg)"
Lucian: "6666666"
"Dextrous Bailey has been muted by the group owner for 10 minutes."
Lucian: "That felt good~ Let me explain the dessert voucher—with this voucher, you can enjoy top-tier service for free at any master patissier's shop... any master patissier, and it's valid permanently."
This was the most unique gift Lucian had secured for Mejiro McQueen using his connections.
Mejiro McQueen: "This... this is too valuable."
Behind the screen, Special Week was already swallowing saliva: "McQueen, can you bring me when you eat?"
...
Mejiro McQueen didn't reply—she had switched to her private chat with Lucian, "Trainer, this is really too valuable."
Lucian: "Don't you like desserts? Mine aren't perfect, but I can have someone who makes them perfectly make them for you to try."
Mejiro McQueen's fingers hovered over the keyboard. She savored Lucian's words like tasting a pastry with her usual elegance—chewing slowly. The sweetness didn't linger on her lips but seepeded into her heart.
He said his desserts weren't perfect, but this was the second time he made her feel incredibly sweet.
After a long while, Mejiro McQueen typed: "Trainer-san, can I use this voucher to come find you?"
"Of course—let you try my newly improved tiramisu."
"Mm!"
...
After replying to all the messages, Lucian put down his phone and looked up to see Ines Fujin watching him with a smiling face.
"Sorry, Ines—I ignored you." He still expressed apology, though it was double-layered.
Ines Fujin shook her head, "Everyone's really happy~ Looks like Trainer's actions match your group nickname perfectly."
"You should post that in the group—I'll appoint you Grand Manager Ines."
"I don't want to become everyone's enemy." Ines Fujin finished her last sip of coffee and stood up, "I'll treat today—I'm heading home first."
"Alright." Lucian's cup still had half left; he could only wave goodbye to Ines Fujin for now.
"Trainer." Ines Fujin had just left her seat when she turned back under Lucian's puzzled gaze, "Being able to return to the track as an assistant coach is the best gift I've ever received."
She stuck out her tongue and lightly tapped her head, "Though... I haven't really received many gifts—bye~"
Under Lucian's dazed gaze, Ines Fujin's figure gradually walked away, melting into the mottled lights of the night.
Lucian lifted his coffee and took a light sip, sighing, "A mature big sister..."
So she understood everything.
But the twenty-something her was mature, and the teenage her probably was too... this kind of Ines Fujin made him feel even more heartbroken for her.
...