Fuji Kiseki's POV
The morning of the shoot. Air Groove and I are already at the academy gate, waiting for Hachiman-trainer. He was throwing a fit about not wanting to come, but we made it clear he's joining us—no excuses.
Air Groove: "Mmm… Did we get here too early?"
"Haha, maybe," I said. "Let's just say we're pumped. We've got good reasons for it, right?"
Air Groove: "…True. With reasons like these, arriving early can't be helped."
"Hehe, you've changed, Air Groove," I said.
"How so?" she asked.
"You're not putting up a front anymore," I teased. "The old you wouldn't have been this chill, right?"
"…Perhaps," she admitted. "I was still immature. But lately, I've let go, and it's been nothing but good days."
"That's awesome to hear♪" I said.
Hachiman: "You two are early… Forty minutes before the meet-up time?"
While chatting with Air Groove, Hachiman-trainer arrived. He's got his glasses and braces on, like we told him yesterday, so we're good.
Air Groove: "You're pretty early yourself, Hachiman. What, secretly excited?"
"Idiot, as if," he scoffed. "I'd bolt right now if I could. But you two would drag me back, so I gave up."
"Smart move," I said. "Let's go♪ More time means more fun!" Grab!
Air Groove: "Indeed. More time to pour our all into this." Grab!
Hachiman: "I'm not running, so you can let go."
Air Groove/Fuji: "Nope♪"
Hachiman: "Fine, fine."
Photoshoot Studio
Hachiman: "Excuse us. Hiki-trainer from Central Tresen Academy, with Air Groove and Fuji Kiseki."
Staff: "You're here!! It's an honor to have the legendary trainer and Uma Musume! Come this way!!"
Set
Staff: "Director, Central Tresen Academy's group is here!"
Director: "Oh! Hiki-trainer, thank you for coming! Sorry to drag you out during such a busy time!"
Hachiman: (Yeah, thanks to you, my schedule's toast.) "No, it's good publicity for Tresen Academy. About the shoot…"
Director: "The concept's set! We'd love for you to wear a special outfit and shoot with your Uma Musume. What do you think?"
Hachiman: "Won't I just ruin the vibe?"
Director: "Not at all! You're a perfect match with these stunning ladies!!"
Hachiman-trainer, you're way too hard on yourself… You should own it more.
Director: "Let's get started! Fuji Kiseki-san, you're up first! Air Groove-san, your outfit's a bit intricate, so it'll take time. Fuji Kiseki-san, please!"
"Got it," I said.
Director: "Hiki-trainer, please change too."
Hachiman: "…Fine."
Fuji Kiseki's POV Out
Hachiman's POV
I changed, but… "Why a suit?" I asked.
Staff: "It just fits! And wow, it looks great on you."
What, like clothes make the man?
"Fuji's… not done yet?" I asked.
Staff: "She's a lady—takes time to get ready."
"Fair enough," I said.
Fuji: "Sorry to keep you waiting, Hachiman-trainer."
"Oh…" I froze.
Fuji stood before me, transformed. Gone was her casual look, replaced by a stunning dress—deep purple with silver accents, a red gemstone necklace sparkling. She radiated elegance.
Staff: "Wow, it suits you perfectly!"
Fuji: "Thanks! Hachiman-trainer, your usual suit's nice, but this one's sharp too♪ So, what do you think of my dress? Gimme some feedback."
"…It suits you," I mumbled, looking away.
Fuji: "C'mon, look at me when you say it."
"…Ugh, fine," I said. "You look gorgeous. Seriously, I barely recognized you. Never seen you like this—kinda shocked."
Fuji: "H-Hachiman-trainer… You can actually give a proper compliment? Should've started with that///"
"Whatever," I muttered.
Director: "You two look amazing! Let's start with Fuji Kiseki-san's solo shots. Over here, please!"
Fuji: "Coming!"
Fuji followed the director's lead. The staff mentioned the concept's a ball, which explains the outfits. Still, am I really the right guy for this?
Director: "As expected from a Tresen student—quick and perfect shots! Now, Hiki-trainer, time for the two-shot!"
"Don't expect too much," I said.
Afterword
The photoshoot kicks off with Fuji Kiseki stealing the spotlight in a dazzling dress, as you noted—her gentlemanly charm shines in this elegant look! Air Groove's ready to join, and Hachiman's dragged along, grumbling. The Yahari crossover fuels the playful banter, setting up a glamorous break before the G1s.