Hachiman's POV
Dyna: "Let's get straight to it. Can I explain why I asked you to come here today?"
Air Groove: "Yes, Mother."
Hachiman: "…"
Dyna: "…Trainer-san?"
Hachiman: "Huh? Oh, y-yeah, please go ahead."
Uh… Hello, everyone. I'm Hachiman Hikigaya, somehow finding myself at Air Groove's family home with no clue what's going on. Seriously, what's happening? Why am I at Air Groove's place right at the start of winter break?
Flashback: The Day After the Arima Kinen
Air Groove: "Hachiman, what are your plans for this winter break? Going back to your family?"
Hachiman: "Nah, no plans to go back. My room's probably a storage closet by now. I'll just stay at my place. Why do you ask?"
Air Groove: "I'd like you to come to my family home this winter break. Mother wants to talk to you."
Hachiman: "Wait, your family home?"
Air Groove: "I know it's selfish, but they've even prepared tickets. I have no idea when they arranged this…"
Hachiman: "Hold on, I'm supposed to go to your place without knowing what's happening?"
Air Groove: "…Sorry."
End Flashback
…And that's how it went down. Now, here I am, sitting face-to-face with Dyna Car and Air Groove like it's some kind of three-way meeting. What is this, a parent-teacher conference?
Dyna: "Trainer-san, first, I'm sorry for dragging you here without consulting you. But this is very important to me, so I had to resort to these measures."
Hachiman: "No, it's fine. But is there just one thing you want to discuss?"
Dyna: "Yes."
One thing… If it's something trivial, I'm gonna lose it.
Hachiman: "Alright, I'm listening."
Dyna: "…First, Air Groove, I'm asking you. You like Trainer-san, don't you?"
Air Groove: "Wha—!? M-Mother!? What's with that question out of nowhere!?" blushing
Dyna: "You did that during your Winning Live in front of everyone. Of course I'd think so."
Air Groove: "Ugh…///"
Dyna: "So, Air Groove? Do you like Trainer-san?"
Air Groove: "…I… I do///"
Dyna: "How much, exactly?"
Air Groove: "…! I love him so much I don't want anyone else to have him!! He's the best man I've ever met!!////"
…Oh man, this is embarrassing/// Is this some kind of public execution? At least it's just the three of us, right? That's not so bad, yeah?
Dyna: "Alright, I understand your feelings. Trainer-san, same question. What do you think of Air Groove?"
Hachiman: "…I…"
Air Groove: "…////" sneaky glances
Hold up, hold up! I asked Air Groove for time to think about my answer, and now, days later, her mother is putting me on the spot like this!?
Hachiman: "…I don't dislike her, at least. If it's like or dislike, I'd say I like her. But if you're asking if I see her as a woman, that's… hard to answer."
…That's the truth. I've never really seen Air Groove as a woman before. I only started noticing her that way on the way back after the Arima Kinen.
Dyna: "…That's fair. Honestly, I'm relieved you're so sincere. Relationships between trainers and Uma Musume aren't unheard of, but if you'd said you loved her outright, I might've asked Air Groove to give up depending on your answers next."
Hachiman: "I-I see…"
Dyna: "Trainer-san, what's Air Groove like to you as a woman?"
Hachiman: "…She's full of charm I can't sum up in one word. I don't fully understand it myself, so I can't say clearly. But I do think she's a woman too good for someone like me."
Air Groove: "Hachiman…"
Dyna: "So, you're saying you don't think you're good enough for her?"
Hachiman: "The old me would've said that. But that's just an outsider's view or some vague assumption—it's not what Air Groove or I actually think. Even if I don't measure up now, I'll become a man who can stand by her side in the future."
Dyna: "…No taking that back, right?"
Hachiman: "If I were a woman, would a second chance be allowed?"
Dyna: "…Pfft♪ Trainer-san, you're hilarious. And I'm holding you to your word, so no backing out♪"
Hachiman: "Huh?"
Air Groove: "What do you mean, Mother?"
Dyna: "What? Trainer-san said it himself—he'll become a man worthy of you. But I think you two are already a perfect match♪"
Air Groove: "!?"
Hachiman: "What!?"
Dyna: "Alright, it's a joyous day!! That's the end of the serious talk! You two are now a couple and engaged♪ Argue if you want, but I recorded everything, so it's pointless~!"
What is this woman doing!?
Dyna: "Now, you young lovebirds enjoy yourselves♪ I've got dinner to prep! Maybe some sekihan for the occasion? Or something Christmassy since it's the season? Oh, what to do♪"
…She started and ended this whole thing on her own. What am I supposed to do with this situation?
Hachiman: "…That escalated fast. You okay with this? Me, engaged to you…///"
Air Groove: "It's what I wanted. It just happened sooner than expected. But… are you okay with it? I'm not as perfect as you think."
Hachiman: "…Honestly? I want to know all of you, flaws and all. Is that not enough?"
Air Groove: "Couldn't you have said something better?"
Hachiman: "Sadly, I don't have great memories of confessions. I'm clueless about making moves. Can you imagine me confessing with a straight face?"
Air Groove: "…Not really. But having your face in front of me makes me… inexplicably happy."
Hachiman: "…That's not the point I was aiming for… Man, you've really changed."
Air Groove: "Let me ask you… Are you unhappy being my fiancé?"
What a question… The answer's obvious.
Hachiman: "If I was unhappy, I would've shut Dyna Car down and gotten a slap from you. I'm not unhappy, so relax. Don't make that face."
Air Groove: "…Good. I'm relieved." smiling softly
…My fiancée is pretty cute, huh.
Afterword
Engaged, with Dyna Car's seal of approval!? Talk about a leap forward! Air Groove's bold confession and Hachiman's honest response, sealed by Dyna's whirlwind matchmaking, make this Yahari-infused Uma Musume moment a heart-pounding milestone!
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