Hachiman's POV
It's been a week since Teacher and Professor arrived, and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen is this weekend. Training's at the final tune-up stage. The mentors have been keeping busy—checking out my sessions at Tressen, exploring Japan's cityscape, and dragging me into their whirlwind. It's been an intense week…
Speaking of, those rookie female trainers Fuji and Air Groove mentioned haven't shown up lately. Probably busy with prep, so they stopped coming. Good thing it was before the mentors arrived—they'd probably intimidate the newbies just by existing.
Anyway, training's done, and I'm heading home from the academy. The mentors are off sightseeing in Tokyo today. They're known quantities by now, so I hope they're not causing a scene. Then again, it's been two years since the last time…
Hachiman: "…You're waiting again?"
CB: "Why not? I get to walk home with you!" grinning
Hachiman: "Just 'cause you live alone…"
CB: "Hehe!" smirking proudly
Hachiman: "Don't look so smug."
CB: "C'mon, Hachiman, let's head to our home base!"
Hachiman: "Your home and mine are different places, you know."
Hachiman's House
Hachiman: "That girl… I don't mind her waiting, but every time? She should spend some time on herself."
clunk
Hachiman: "Hm? The mentors aren't back yet? This late, they're probably eating out. Would've texted me, though…"
Whatever, I'm alone tonight. Kinda nice—I need to think about the Takamatsunomiya. I've gone over strategies with Fuji, but they might not be enough.
Hachiman: "Sigh… haven't felt this uneasy since the Kikka Sho."
Fuji: "Yeah, it's nerve-wracking, huh?"
Hachiman: "Exactly—wait, what?!" jumps
Fuji: "Hey, Hachiman!" smiling
Hachiman: "Fuji?! How the hell did you get in here?!"
Fuji: "Well, I had a little help from your mentors."
Hachiman: "I see… That's why they're not here. So, you're staying over?"
Fuji: "Pretty much. That a problem?"
Hachiman: "Not a problem, but why do you guys always scheme behind my back? I'm not gonna snap—talk to me first…"
Man, that scared the crap out of me…
Hachiman: "Mind if I call Teacher real quick?"
Fuji: "Go ahead."
Time for a little chat…
Outside
Hachiman: "So, Teacher, you set this up?"
Thaliard: "This? No, that was my master. She and Fuji were chatting about something."
Hachiman: "At the café that day?"
Thaliard: "They seemed to hit it off. No clue what they planned, but this is probably part of it. Just roll with it, Hachiman."
Hachiman: "I was going to, but why all the secrecy?"
Thaliard: "Like I said before—women are full of secrets. You'll never figure them all out."
Hachiman: "Not my problem, then."
Thaliard: "We'll see. You'll get it someday."
Hachiman: "Will I?"
Thaliard: "Heh. Anyway, get back to Fuji. Don't leave a girl waiting too long."
Hachiman: "Right, talk later."
Phew… back inside.
Living Room
Hachiman: "Alright, I get the picture."
Fuji: "Sorry, Hachiman. I'm crashing here tonight."
Hachiman: "Yeah. First time since last year, huh? You were waiting the whole time?"
Fuji: "Yup. It was a prank, after all."
Hachiman: "Race is coming up—don't pull weird stunts like this. You haven't eaten dinner, have you?"
Fuji: "Haha…" awkward laugh
Don't give me that hollow laugh…
Hachiman: "Fine, let's make dinner. I'm throwing something together, so don't expect much."
Fuji: "I'll wait without expecting anything! Oh, can I help? I'm imposing, so let me pitch in."
Hachiman: "You guys never hesitate to barge into my place but get all proper about helping. Why's that?"
We kept bantering while cooking. But seriously, going this far for Fuji? What are you up to, mentors?
A Few Dozen Minutes Later
Hachiman: "Done."
Fuji: "Yup, all set!" beaming
Hachiman: "Let's eat."
Fuji: "Yay!"
…
Fuji: "Hm? What's wrong?"
Hachiman: "Can I ask… why are you sitting next to me?"
Fuji: "What? Is it a problem?"
Hachiman: "Not a problem, but… why not across from me?"
Fuji: "Watching CB-senpai, I sometimes think it looks nice. So I figured I'd try it."
What does that even mean… Please don't catch CB's clingy habits. If you do, there'll be no one to rein you all in. Not that you're the designated rein, but still.
Hachiman: "Whatever, do what you want."
Fuji: "Cool, I will. Let's dig in!"
Hachiman: "Go for it."
Fuji: "Um… want me to feed you?"
Hachiman: "Don't let CB's influence rub off that much."
Fuji, uh… isn't that breaking and entering?
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