Hachiman's POV
After the Winning Live, I waited for Air Groove outside the racecourse. That performance… unless I'm imagining things, she was definitely looking at me. Not the whole time, but during the chorus, her eyes were on me. What was that all about…?
Air Groove: "Hachiman, sorry to keep you waiting."
Hachiman: "! Y-Yeah…"
Air Groove: "Shall we head back to the academy?"
It's my first time taking this route back from Nakayama. It's chilly, but not enough to bother me. Honestly, something else is occupying my mind right now.
Hachiman: "…Hey, what was that during the live?"
Air Groove: "…Are you really that dense? I didn't think you'd miss it."
Hachiman: "No, I mean, if it was just my imagination, I couldn't be sure…"
Air Groove: "What, so you already figured it out? That makes this easier. I won't lie to you. What you're thinking isn't a misunderstanding, and I'm confirming it."
Hachiman: "…"
Air Groove: "…Or would you prefer I say it outright?"
Hachiman: "N-No! I'm good!"
No way… I never expected a confession like this, so indirect yet so clear.
Air Groove: "…You're not going to give me an answer?"
Hachiman: "Ugh… I might sound like a coward, but I need time to sort out my feelings. Can you wait? This feels… complicated."
Air Groove: "Hachiman, don't keep a lady waiting too long."
Hachiman: "…I get it///"
Tresen Academy - Ritto Dormitory
Air Groove: "Sorry for making you walk me back."
Hachiman: "No big deal. I was planning to work in the trainer's room anyway."
Air Groove: "Don't overdo it just because tomorrow's a day off. It's bad for your health."
Hachiman: "I know. You rest up too."
Air Groove: "Yeah. See you tomorrow, then."
Hachiman: "? It's a day off, isn't it?"
Air Groove: "…Take a hint. Wanting to see the person you like is only natural///"
Hachiman: "! R-Right… S-See you tomorrow, then. Yeah, tomorrow///"
Air Groove: "Y-Yeah… Goodnight, then."
…
...
...
Why isn't she going inside? Wait, hold on! I'm the one who's stuck here! What's with those eyes? That look like she wants me to stay a bit longer—it's making this hard!
…Ugh, damn it!!
Hachiman: "D-Don't give me that look. It makes it impossible to leave…///" pats head
Air Groove: "! S-Sorry…///"
Hachiman: "…///" keeps patting
Air Groove: "…///"
Fuji: "Um, excuse me?"
Hachiman/Groove: "!!?" jumps
Fuji: "Could you not flirt in front of the dorm? This is supposed to be a wholesome academy for pony girls, you know."
Air Groove: "S-Sorry!"
Fuji: "Hmm… Not denying the flirting, huh?"
Air Groove: "N-No, that's not what I meant…"
Fuji: "Whatever, just wrap it up before everyone starts gossiping over coffee."
Hachiman: "S-Sorry, Fuji. See you tomorrow, then."
Fuji: "Yup, see ya!"
Air Groove: "Yeah, tomorrow."
So embarrassing… Not just Fuji, but the other Ritto Dorm Uma Musume saw us too.
Hachiman: "…I'm heading home."
Instead of going to the trainer's room, I decided to head back to my place.
Hachiman's POV Out
Air Groove's POV
Fuji: "Honestly, you two… I never thought you'd do that in front of the dorm. Listen, you're the academy's vice-president. I'm not saying you should stop, but what's someone like you doing enjoying romantic moments like that?"
Air Groove: "…I have no excuse."
Fuji: "Ugh, I never thought I'd be lecturing you about this. But… I'm relieved, too."
Air Groove: "What?"
Fuji: "Things seem to be going well with Trainer Hachiman. I was worried since you don't show that side much around me. I'm happy for you."
Air Groove: "…Thanks for your help back then."
Fuji: "I don't mind, consider it settled. Why don't you rest, Air Groove? You must be more exhausted than usual after today's race."
Air Groove: "…Yeah, I'll do that."
After parting with Fuji, I headed to my room. I wonder if Fine's still awake? Knowing her, she might tease me about what happened at the entrance… but since we're the ones who messed up, I can't argue back too hard.
♪~♪~
Air Groove: "Hm? …From Mother?"
Why's she calling at this hour?
Air Groove: "Hello… Thank you, it's all thanks to Hachi—er, the trainer's efforts… Yes, that's what I call him… W-What, you noticed!? Since when!? …Tch, too obvious… I'll be more careful… W-Wait, with the trainer? And I'm joining too? …Tomorrow's a rest day from training, but… Yes… Yes… Understood, I'll let the trainer know. Goodnight… Y-Yes, I will/// Goodnight…"
Air Groove: "…I need to tell Hachiman."
Afterword
Hachiman and Air Groove, too sweet! The post-live confession and dorm flirtation are pure Yahari-flavored romance, with Fuji's teasing and the dorm girls' gossip adding humor. Air Groove's call from her mother hints at more to come!
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