Fuji's POV
Fuji: "Hachiman taking a day off for personal business is pretty rare, huh? Did he ever do that when you were working with him, Air Groove?"
Air Groove: "Hardly ever. And he doesn't strike me as the type to get tangled up in outside affairs. If he says it's important, it must be."
Fuji: "Yeah, you're right. Let's treat this as a rare bonus day off and relax a bit. I finished my dorm leader duties yesterday, so I've got time."
Air Groove: "How about hitting the town? We don't get chances like this often—no one can complain today."
Fuji: "Sounds great! Let's go!"
Air Groove: (If only she were this open in front of Hachiman… Oh well.)
It's been a while since I've been to town!
Shopping District
Fan 1: "Oh my gosh, it's Fuji Kiseki and Air Groove! The Triple Crown and Triple Tiara Uma Musume together!"
Fan 2: "They're the real deal!"
Fan 3: "So gorgeous…"
Fan 4: "And stunning…"
Fuji: "Haha, thanks, everyone! I'm off-duty today, so go easy on me, okay?" winking
Air Groove: "…We're drawing a crowd."
Fuji: "Isn't it fine? Inspiring people is part of our job. Oh, and did you hear that?"
Air Groove: "Hear what?"
Fuji: "Someone else just said, 'The two raised by that ace trainer Hikigaya.' Made my day!" grinning
Fan 5: "Fuji Kiseki! Good luck at the Takamatsunomiya Kinen! We're cheering for you!"
Fan 6: "I'm going to watch in person!"
Fan 7: "Air Groove, nail the Dream Trophy League!"
Fan 8: "Can't wait for more Twinkle Series-level runs!"
Fuji: "Haha, I'm in trouble now…"
Air Groove: "So much for shopping."
I didn't expect this many people to show up—totally caught me off guard. But you know, I haven't had a tea party in a while, so this is kinda fun! Plus, hearing fans directly? That's a win.
A Few Dozen Minutes Later
Fuji: "Phew, we found some great stuff."
Air Groove: "Yeah, outings like this aren't bad once in a while. Maybe I'll make a habit of it on days off."
Fuji: "Definitely."
We decide to take a breather at a nearby park.
Air Groove: "Still a bit chilly…"
Fuji: "Spring's almost here, so it's just temporary. Mmm… the air's crisp too." stretching
Air Groove: "Fuji, can I ask you something?"
Fuji: "Sure, what's up?"
Air Groove: "It's about you…"
Fuji: "Me? Go on."
Air Groove: "Straight to the point—you're into Hachiman, aren't you? Romantically."
Fuji: "Wha—?! W-W-What's with that out of nowhere?!" ///
Air Groove: "Just confirming."
Fuji: "…Yeah." ///
Air Groove: "Got it. Next question—not trying to push, but why haven't you made a move? You've got plenty of charm to work with."
Fuji: "B-Because… I don't know how! I've never done anything like this before! Even if I'm aware of my feelings, I don't know what to do…" ///
Air Groove: "You're more of a maiden at heart than you look."
Fuji: "Sorry for being a hopeless romantic!"
Air Groove: "Fine, but staying this shy won't get you anywhere. You're stuck in a loop—going nowhere fast. You need to act, even a little. I'm not saying mimic CB's clinginess, but something close."
Fuji: "Like… clinging to his arm?"
Air Groove: "Tone it down. Hold his hand, tug his sleeve—how's that?"
Fuji: "…Isn't that more embarrassing?"
Air Groove: "Then what would you do?"
Fuji: "Uh… maybe… sit shoulder-to-shoulder? Like on the clubroom or trainer's room sofa."
Air Groove: "Not bad."
Fuji: "Or… take a walk while chatting…"
Air Groove: "Hm…"
Fuji: "Maybe help him out with stuff?"
Air Groove: "Why do your ideas keep getting tamer…?"
Fuji: "Huh?!"
Air Groove: "Don't act shocked! I'm the one shocked! That last one's something anyone could do anytime! Think bigger—something only a couple would do!"
Fuji: "E-Even if you say that…"
Air Groove: "Picture this: you and Hachiman are already dating. That should make it easier to imagine."
Fuji: "O-Okay…"
Me… and Hachiman…
Fuji: "Um… maybe… going to a café and feeding each other? H-How's that?"
Air Groove: "What do you think?"
Fuji: "Me? It's super embarrassing, but… kinda dreamy, haha…" ///
Air Groove: "Good. That's next."
Fuji: "What?!"
Air Groove: "Café, feeding each other. It's settled."
Fuji: "Wait, hold on! Why so fast—'Fuji, Air Groove?'" turns
Hachiman: "Yo, shopping?"
Thaliard: "Been a while, Fuji Kiseki, Air Groove."
Man o' War: "Long time no see!"
Fuji: AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
Fuji's massive (internal) scream doesn't suit her at all…
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