Halloween, the spookiest time of the year! Almost everything was decorated with jack-o'-lanterns and candy, while flimsy skeleton models propped up against walls created an eerie atmosphere throughout the entire city. People went about their day wearing all sorts of costumes— some going around the neighbourhood to ask for candy, others hanging out with friends at parties, while a few simply continued with their work.

You'd been planning on relaxing at home with a cup of hot cocoa, seated on the couch scrolling through your phone. Maybe you'd even give some trick-or-treaters candy if they asked! Unfortunately, those plans were thwarted before you could get to the kitchen, your attention drawn to a message popping up at the top of your screen.

Bright has sent you a new message: hiiii wanna watch horror movies together

Horror movies? Since when was Bright the type to watch those? She seemed more like the type who watched videos of cats and dogs acting cute. Well, it wasn't as if you had anything else planned, and it wouldn't hurt to spend some time with her. She'd been doing great in her recent races, and this could count as some sort of reward. You sent her a response agreeing to the invitation, and not too long after, received the address to her family estate.

Honestly, with Bright's carefree and airheaded personality, you'd almost forgotten she was a member of the esteemed Mejiro family. The same Mejiro family that had produced many famed racehorses in its history, clearly shown by the fact that the estate was nothing short of a mansion— there was a literal fountain in the driveway! You couldn't help but admire the architecture as you approached the front doors, your attention drawn to a patch of wintersweet in the garden. Through the double doors, you could hear the sound of several people before you even knocked, though the doors swung open before you could formulate a full thought.

"Yaaaay~, you made it~!" Mejiro Bright cheered, her usual relaxed voice having an edge of excitement. Her ears pointed fully upward as she gave you a slow, yet surprisingly firm hug, her tail swaying slowly from side to side at your presence. Meanwhile, the rest of the Mejiro family members watched on— some of whom you'd actually met before.

"Oh? So this was the person you said you were inviting." Mejiro Ramonu rubbed her chin as she stared at the scene before her. The slight smile on her face made it hard to tell what was on her mind— maybe she found the situation amusing? Meanwhile, Mejiro Dober had immediately hidden behind Mejiro Ryan upon laying her eyes on you.

"Oh, it's you..." she muttered, her voice barely audible. Judging by her expression, she was just about as put-off by men as you'd heard. On the other hand, Mejiro Ryan seemed pretty awed by what she was looking at.

"Wow...! I've only ever seen this type of thing happen in shoujo manga...!"

"Now, now, Bright..." Mejiro Ardan quietly made her way over, giving her younger cousin a light pat on the shoulder, signalling her to let go. She tilted her head to lock eyes with you, offering a soft, friendly smile.

"I'm assuming that you're Bright's trainer, yes? I've heard a lot about you from her. Thank you for always treating her so well, I understand that she might be rather hard to deal with sometimes. You're welcome to stay as long as you wish."

Upon hearing this, Bright finally pulled away from the hug, flashing you a silly smile as she began to drag you over to the living room.

"We were in the middle of watching Army of Darkness before you arrived. Come on~!"

Already seated on the leather sofa was Mejiro Mcqueen, currently in the middle of eating a slice of strawberry shortcake. Somehow, she hadn't noticed the commotion— perhaps too engrossed in both the movie and her dessert —and only noticed you as you and Bright sat down. After a couple seconds of staring, her brows furrowed in confusion, clearly having never met you before.

"Who...?"