Thaliard's POV
Thaliard: "Honestly, a heads-up would've been nice."
Man o' War: "Haha, my bad. But it's for Fuji Kiseki's sake, so cut me some slack. Besides, you'd just lecture her sternly, right?"
Thaliard: "Well… maybe."
Man o' War: "Exactly. And if you knew the details, you'd jump in to help Hachiman. I held back because you're great at pushing people away but can't resist meddling."
Thaliard: "And you're not too soft?"
Man o' War: "Hahaha! Carrot and stick, right? If you're wielding the stick, I've gotta offer the carrot."
Thaliard: "When have I ever used a stick…?"
Man o' War: "Still, you've thought it too, haven't you? Hachiman needs a partner."
Thaliard: "…"
Can't hide anything from Master… She's really something.
Thaliard: "Hachiman's fine for now. But that's just now—who knows about the future? He carries too many burdens alone. There's a limit to what one person can handle."
Man o' War: "True."
Thaliard: "He needs a partner to share the load—an equal. He's managing alone for now, but if those burdens pile up, he'll get crushed."
Man o' War: "Got it."
Thaliard: "Hachiman needs someone he can trust with his weight. A true partner."
Man o' War: "I hear you. I'll keep it in mind. But you keep this in mind—it's Hachiman's call, not yours as just one of his mentors. Don't go doing anything flashy."
Thaliard: "No worries, I'm not making moves. But, Master, Hachiman says he doesn't have a shot at romance. Won't that keep people away?"
Man o' War: "No issue there."
Thaliard: "That's some confidence."
Man o' War: "Fuji Kiseki's got it covered."
Thaliard: "…Seriously?"
Man o' War: "Yup, I confirmed it."
Thaliard: "Then I guess we're safe… for now?"
Man o' War: "Just confirmed her feelings. What happens next is up to her."
Master… don't get all vague at the end like that.
End Thaliard's POV
Fuji's POV
Fuji: "Last bite—say 'ahh'!" ///
Hachiman: "Nom… Alright, done. Thanks for the meal."
Fuji: "You're welcome!"
Hachiman: "You say that, but I did most of the cooking."
Fuji: "I helped, so it's fine to say, right?"
Hachiman: "Sure, sure." dryly
Fuji: "Such a lifeless response… Whatever, I'll wash the dishes."
Hachiman: "No way I'm letting a guest do that. I've got it—go relax."
Fuji: "But you're tired, aren't you?"
Hachiman: "So are you."
Fuji: "Ugh, we're going in circles… Fine, let's do it together. I'll wash, you dry and put them away. Deal?"
Hachiman: "Fine, deal."
Yes! Working with Hachiman again—love this vibe!
A Few Dozen Minutes Later
Sigh, it's over already… Can't be helped; it wasn't a long task. Nothing to do now, so I'm watching TV. The news is buzzing about the Classics, but this weekend's Takamatsunomiya Kinen is getting hype too—Triple Crown Uma Musume showdowns and all.
Hachiman? He's heating the bath. It's a decent-sized tub, so it takes a bit to fill. Man, I'm bored… What's this? Hachiman's training notebook?
Fuji: "Let's take a peek… Whoa! So detailed…" flipping pages
What's further in?
Hachiman: "Fuji, bath'll be ready in about 30—What're you doing with my training notebook?"
Fuji: "Oh, sorry!"
Hachiman: "No big deal. Didn't think anyone but Hayahide would care about it. Wanna read it?"
Fuji: "Nah, I was just bored…"
Hachiman: "TV's not that great, huh? I don't watch much myself. Just eat, bath, plan training, sleep, maybe bake sometimes."
Fuji: "No hobbies?"
Hachiman: "Used to be reading, but I'm out of books I want. Reference materials are running dry too. Lately, I just test training ideas myself."
Fuji: "So, working out's your hobby?"
Hachiman: "Guess so."
Fuji: "Then how about we go for a run together sometime?"
Hachiman: "If it's a day off, sure."
Fuji: "It's a promise!" beaming
Hachiman: "Yeah."
Yes! Score!
Fuji, making a promise without knowing when it'll happen…
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