Fuji's POV
Hachiman: "…Hey, Fuji? You know it takes about 4 hours from Chukyo to Fuchu, right?"
Fuji: "…Yeah, I know."
Hachiman: "That's why we're stopping at this highway service area."
Fuji: "…Yeah."
Hachiman: "…Straight up—can you let go?"
Fuji: "…" cling tighter!
Hachiman: "Don't resist harder! Okay, okay. At least hold my hand instead of my arm. This is too noticeable."
Fuji: "…Arm's better."
Hachiman: "Were you always like this?"
Fuji: "I wanna be spoiled right now. That okay?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, but…"
Earlier… well, a few hours ago, Hachiman-san and I talked in the park, and I cried. He hugged me tight to comfort me—I get that. Stroking my head while soothing… But that feeling lingers vividly in my mind and body. I want to soak in it, even a little.
I'll admit it: I've become dependent on Hachiman-san… The warmth, scent, breath, kindness—and an indescribable flood of happiness. Every nerve memorized it all.
Hachiman: "Since leaving the park, you've held my hand non-stop. At the last SA, you latched onto my arm soon as we got out… You're acting weird. Feeling sick? If so, sleep—it's fine."
Fuji: "I'm not sick or sleepy. And this is your fault, Hachiman-san."
Hachiman: "Eh, my fault? What'd I do?"
Fuji: "If you don't get it, we stay like this."
Hachiman: "…CB'd be scary if she saw?"
Fuji: "…Let her say what she wants."
Hachiman: "Eh…"
Hachiman: (No way—even CB's name doesn't faze her. She's ready to fight…)
Hachiman: "Uh… don't fight, okay?"
Fuji: "Come on, I wouldn't do that."
Hachiman: "Sorry, but with your actions and words? Zero convincing power."
Fuji: "Hachiman-san's mean…" rub rub
Hachiman: "Hey, stop rubbing."
Chestnut Dorm
Hachiman: "Alright, we're here. Oh, Air Groove."
Fuji: "Welcoming us… You could've slept."
We got out and headed to Air Groove waiting at the dorm entrance.
Air Groove: "Figured you'd arrive soon… Looks like you're okay now."
Fuji: "Sorry for worrying you."
Air Groove: "Couldn't watch you at the track, but you've reset."
Fuji: "Yeah. Next Yasuda Kinen—I'll win for sure… Talked it with Hachiman-san. Win… and dominate fall! That's my decision."
Air Groove: "Heh, good fire."
Hachiman: "But rest today? Tomorrow's training off anyway—refresh? School ends it, though."
Fuji: "Fine, tomorrow's planned. This way's more meaningful for me."
Hachiman: "If planned, cool. Day after: training hell. Rice's Satsuki Sho, Maurice's New Zealand Trophy, spring GⅠ fest ahead."
Air Groove: "Busy times."
Hachiman: "Yeah. Fuji starts Yasuda prep. Mile—your specialty. Can't lose."
Fuji: "Bring it. If Takamiya rivals enter… I'll crush them."
H&E: "!!?" shiver
Fuji: "Ahaha, just kidding♪ Total joke! Air Groove, let's go? Hachiman-san, thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow♪"
Hachiman: "Y-Yeah…"
Parting's reluctant, but we'll meet at school tomorrow. Hold out till then.
Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "…Hey, Air Groove?"
Air Groove: "…What, Hachiman?"
Hachiman: "Fuji's words… sound like a joke to you? Didn't to me—at all."
Air Groove: "Same. Saw her true intent. Terrifying…"
Her ears pointed opposite ways. Even I felt chills—sensitive Uma Musume feel more.
Hachiman: "You okay?"
Air Groove: "Yeah… Never thought Fuji'd scare me."
Hachiman: "She's usually kind."
Kind ones are scariest when mad… Wait, was that anger? Hmm… no clue.
Hachiman: "Anyway, tomorrow."
Air Groove: "Yeah, tough day for you."
Home: Sensei and Professor's lecture awaits. Brace…
Afterword
Thought she'd be honest—turns dependent!?
And a glimpse of Fuji's rage…
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