From now on, Fujiwara Shirayuki had a new role: Mejiro Dober's communication tutor, helping her overcome her difficulty with social interaction and her fear of men. This meant Shirayuki had to constantly observe her, step in when she struggled, and teach her how to handle similar situations in the future.
Put simply, she was a babysitter.
With a daily pay of 12,000 yen, it already exceeded her current income. It was more than enough to cover her daily expenses, and she could even save a decent amount.
Finally, the team's victory reward had funding. The training equipment problem was also solved.
What a lifesaver.
Back in the dorm, Shirayuki habitually began organizing her "work plan." Just like training, she intended to list out everything Dober needed to work on. Class breaks were short and unlikely to cause trouble. The main focus would be lunchtime, after school, and weekends. As long as she handled those well, things should be fine.
She knew the Mejiro family held gatherings from time to time. If Dober showed no improvement, her role as a "teacher" would be meaningless.
Just as she was planning, the door opened, and Mejiro Dober walked in. Her forehead was damp with sweat, her cheeks flushed. Clearly, she had just finished training.
"You're back, Dober-senpai."
"Mm."
"You started training already? Lunch break isn't even over yet."
"I just did some light independent training."
"You're really dedicated."
"…I just don't want to disgrace the Mejiro name."
"Oh right, Dober-senpai. I have a letter for you. The head of the Mejiro family asked me to give it to you."
"My mother?"
Dober took the envelope.
Why would she ask Shirayuki to deliver this? Did they come to the academy?
After wiping her hair with a towel, Dober opened the letter and began reading. Gradually, her expression turned more and more strange.
"T-This is…"
"What is it?" Shirayuki had no idea what was inside. She had only been asked to deliver it after signing the contract.
"My mother wants me to learn social skills from you… Why is this even happening?"
I see. So they told her about the arrangement too.
Shirayuki had thought she would have to help Dober without her knowing.
"Shirayuki… did you meet my mother?"
"I did."
"They asked you to do this?"
Shirayuki thought for a moment.
"You could say we agreed on it mutually."
"…I see."
Dober's expression remained conflicted.
It seemed they had only explained the "learning" part, not the hiring.
Shirayuki narrowed her eyes.
"Dober-senpai, you have androphobia, right?"
"Did my mother tell you?"
"Yeah."
Dober lowered her head.
"I've had it… for a long time."
"Do you remember what caused it?"
Dober shook her head.
By the time she became aware of it, she was already afraid of men. She couldn't stand their gaze. Just standing in front of them made her tense, sometimes even triggering the urge to run away.
Last time, she had gathered all her courage just to speak to Shirayuki's trainer. Even then, she nearly fled several times.
To avoid letting others see her fear and weakness, she always kept a cold expression.
All these years, she had hoped the condition would improve. It never did. Not just men, even being looked at made her nervous.
Even with the Mejiro household staff.
That was why her room was placed deep inside the estate, somewhere she wouldn't be disturbed.
Looking at Dober's troubled expression, Shirayuki thought seriously.
This "young lady" wasn't living as comfortably as people imagined.
"In that case, leave it to me, Dober-senpai," Shirayuki said, patting her chest. "I'll help you adapt again and regain the courage to stand in front of others."
"…That's impossible," Dober murmured.
"Shirayuki, I know how bad my personality is. I'm not cheerful or outgoing. I easily make people uncomfortable…"
She knew her own flaws. Her personality made it hard for others to like her.
"I just need to focus on running. Train seriously, win races, and live up to the Mejiro name. That's enough."
She wasn't asking for anything more.
She only wanted to catch up to her older sisters.
"Is that really enough, Dober-senpai?"
Shirayuki asked, "Do you plan to stay like this forever? Being a Uma Musume isn't just about running. You'll be in the spotlight. People will look up to you. Once you step onto that stage, you won't just represent yourself anymore. Are you really going to stand on the winner's stage like this?"
A Uma Musume had to live up to her glory.
Back then, Chiya had failed to understand that. He had been too immature.
"I…"
Dober hesitated.
"My problem… is serious."
"That's fine."
Short-tempered runners who broke contracts at the slightest disagreement, nonsensical "alien" types, walking disasters who caused trouble for everyone, and… sweet little Rice.
Shirayuki had seen plenty of problem children. Compared to them, Dober was nothing unusual.
"Dober-senpai, compared to them, your situation is much better. As long as you try, you can definitely change. I'll be here to help you."
"…Them?"
"My classmates. Don't worry about it."
Shirayuki straightened up.
"Dober-senpai, have you ever seriously decided to face your fear?"
Dober shook her head.
"Then let's start now. I'll help you step by step. You'll rebuild your connections with others. If you haven't even tried, how can you say you can't do it? Let's set a small goal first. Make a hundred friends."
"A hundred… that's…"
"The higher the goal, the more meaningful the challenge."
Hearing such an unrealistic statement delivered so seriously, the contrast made Dober laugh a little.
"Dober-senpai, we'll take it one step at a time."
Hearing Shirayuki's sincere words, Dober hesitated, then finally looked at her.
"…For my mother's sake, and because you want this… I'll try. Just a little. I'm really bad at this. Even if I fail… Shirayuki, I hope you won't hate me."
I'm not a good senpai.
"Don't worry."
Shirayuki reached out her hand.
"I'm very tolerant when it comes to Uma Musume."
After a brief hesitation, Mejiro Dober finally took her hand.