Rice's POV
Two weeks have passed since we began our dedicated training for the Derby. Now that we're into May, the intensity has ramped up significantly.
I'm not sure if Big Brother finally just gave up on trying to fight it, but lately, our sessions with the Student Council President have become a daily occurrence. With Mr. CB already a permanent fixture, the three of us have been training as a group. They are both so incredibly fast, but lately, I've finally reached a point where I can actually keep up with them.
Even so, I don't know if this will be enough to beat Bourbon-san. That's why I have to give every single thing I have to this. I can't lose the Derby… I won't lose!
"Hah… hah… hah…" My breath came in ragged bursts as I pushed through the final stretch.
"Fuu… fuu… fuu…" Beside me, Rudolf-san's breathing was a rhythmic, controlled cadence.
"Wow, Rice is really coming along, isn't she?" CB chirped, barely looking winded as she coasted near us. "Hey, Hachiman! With her running like this, don't you think the Derby is in the bag?"
Hachiman checked his stopwatch, his eyes narrowed in focus. "Yeah. The proof is right there—she's been marking Rudolf and staying on her heels for the last few reps. She hasn't managed to overtake her yet, but she's sticking to her like glue. I'm willing to bet even Rudolf is feeling the pressure of having Rice right behind her."
CB grinned. "But you're hoping she'll actually pass her, aren't you?"
"If she pulls that off, it'll be a miracle, not just a success," Hachiman sighed, clicking the timer. "As she is now, Rice can keep pace, but overtaking is a different story. The sheer gap in racing experience between her and Rudolf is still a mountain to climb."
"Hmm… which reminds me," CB said, leaning over the railing toward him. "When are you finally going to form a team? I want to officially join your stable already."
Hachiman looked at her like she'd suggested they go live on Mars. "...You do realize I've only been a trainer for two years, right?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Then you should know a rookie like me can't just start a team. You need a proven track record of results before the academy even considers the paperwork. Do you understand that, or do I need to draw a map?"
"But you have results!" CB protested, her tail swishing aggressively. "You won a G1 in your first year! You're winning graded stakes in your second! How can you stand there and say you don't have a track record?!"
"Usually, you need at least three G1 wins or a few more years under your belt," Hachiman said dismissively, waving her off. "Until then, it's a pipe dream. Oh—look at that. They crossed the finish line. The time gap narrowed again. Rice is definitely closing in."
He muttered the last part to himself, looking genuinely impressed. She's growing so steadily. I can see the difference with my own eyes. But seriously… why is CB so obsessed with the team thing?
"Alright," Hachiman called out. "Your turn, CB. Get out there. It's part of a senior's job to show the underclassmen what strength looks like."
"Fiiine~!" CB sang, skipping toward the starting line.
Rice trotted over to the railing, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Big Brother… how was I?"
"You beat your previous record for the gap," he said, his voice softening. "You're getting used to it, aren't you? The sensation of the hunt?"
"Mhm! Because the President is running in front of me, I feel like I have to catch her! But I'm trying to focus on just pulling up alongside her first before I think about passing."
"Spoken like a pro," Hachiman said. Then, almost reflexively, he reached out and gently patted my head. "Good girl."
"Ah… ehehe~" I leaned into his touch, my ears twitching with happiness.
Having Big Brother pat my head… it really is the best feeling in the world.
"Hachiman?" / "Brother?"
Two voices spoke in unison, vibrating with a very specific kind of energy. Hachiman blinked, looking up at CB and Rudolf, who were both staring at his hand on my head.
"What? It's almost time for your rep," he said.
"Before that," CB said, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Isn't that a bit unfair to Rice? Why don't I get headpats? Isn't that weird? Isn't that cruel? Is this discrimination?!"
"...Where did this come from?"
"Brother," Rudolf added, her tone regal but undeniably insistent. "I find myself in agreement. I am also working hard under your guidance. It is only logical that I should receive the same form of encouragement as Rice Shower, wouldn't you say?"
Hachiman stared at them, the silence stretching for a long beat. "...So you're saying you want headpats too?"
"YES!" CB shouted.
"...We're in public," Hachiman muttered, looking around nervously. "I'll… I'll consider it once training is over."
"'Consider it' isn't an answer," Rudolf noted sharply.
"Fine, fine! I'll do it! Just focus on the training for now, okay?!"
"It's a promise!" CB chirped. "You can't take it back!"
Wow… I guess Big Brother's headpats are even more popular than I thought…
— After Training —
"Alright, that's a wrap for today," Hachiman announced. "Rudolf, thanks again for the help. You're a lifesaver. CB, good work on the 'forced participation.'"
"T-thank you both very much!" I bowed deeply.
"Think nothing of it," Rudolf said, graceful as always. "I find I learn a great deal from your training methods as well."
"ENOUGH TALK!" CB shouted, skipping over to Hachiman. "Headpats! Time to pay up on that promise!"
Hachiman sighed, the sound of a man who had accepted his fate. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I honestly don't get what you find so great about this."
He reached out and placed his hand on CB's head, giving her hair a gentle ruff.
"Hawaaa…" CB let out a soft, airy sound. Her face literally melted into a look of pure, unadulterated bliss. Her tail started wagging so hard it was a blur, and her ears flopped down contentedly.
She looks… completely undone, I thought, amazed.
"Um… Rudolf-san?" I whispered. "Do you… do you like being patted by Big Brother too?"
"I have never actually experienced it," Rudolf admitted softly. She was watching Hachiman and CB with a look of quiet longing. "However, I have seen him do it to you many times. I will confess… I found myself feeling quite envious."
"Oh… I see."
"Now then," Rudolf stepped forward as CB reluctantly moved aside. "Brother, I believe it is my turn. If you would be so kind?"
"Ehhh~ Nooo, more nade-nade!" CB whined, trying to wiggle back in.
"CB, don't be greedy," Rudolf said, a small pout forming on her lips.
"Don't fight," Hachiman groaned, placing his hand on Rudolf's head.
"Nnn…" Rudolf's eyes slid shut instantly.
Even the Great Emperor wasn't immune. Just like CB, her tail began to sweep back and forth with rhythmic intensity. She looked incredibly peaceful.
"♪~" CB hummed, still looking dazed.
"..." Rudolf remained silent, soaking it in.
"...Okay, that's enough—"
"Not yet. Not enough," CB said, her eyes still closed.
"Indeed. Please continue," Rudolf added.
Hachiman stared at them. "You've got to be kidding me. Is this going to take a while?"
"Ten more minutes," they said in unison.
"You get one minute. I'm not spending ten minutes standing here like a scratching post. Rice, you can head back to the dorms first."
"O-okay…"
I walked away, glancing back over my shoulder. Even after the sun goes down, it looks like Big Brother is going to be very, very busy.
[Bonus: Post-Credit Scene]
The Narrator: "Don't you want a turn, Rice?"
Rice: "R-Rice? Um… well…"
The Narrator: "You're his official trainee, you don't have to hold back."
Rice: "Actually, about the food Big Brother makes for me… he said someone has been secretly providing all the high-quality ingredients as a gift. They must be such a kind person! Do you know who it is, Mr. Author?"
The Narrator: "I have no idea~ I wonder who it could be? But for that person's sake, you'd better eat plenty and run your heart out, okay?"
Rice: "I will!"
The Narrator (Thinking): (Give it your best out there, Rice.)
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