Fuji's POV
Air Groove: "So? Really nothing happened?"
Fuji: "I've told you a million times, yes! Air Groove, you're being too persistent!"
Air Groove: "You've got a record, so I can't just take your word for it."
Fuji: "I can't deny that, but can you stop making it sound like I committed a crime? I didn't do anything wrong!"
For hours since morning, Air Groove's been grilling me about whether anything happened with Hachiman-san last night. She's relentless. Okay, sure, this time it wasn't an accident like before—it was intentional from the start—but she's been at it from Hachiman-san's house all the way to this train ride.
Hachiman: "By the way, Komachi, why'd you come to watch the race this year? Air Groove's Triple Tiara was on the line last time, too."
Komachi: "Well~ I didn't know you were a trainer back then~ I knew Air Groove-san was close to the Triple Tiara, but I didn't connect it to you~"
Hachiman: "Guess it was a topic the year before, but fine. Cheer for us this time. We just visited Grandma's grave to pray for strength."
Komachi: "What!? You went to pay respects!? Tell me next time—I'd have gone with you!"
Hachiman: "My bad, my bad. You went this year, right? Next time, we'll go together."
Komachi: "Yay!"
They're having such a family moment over there.
Fuji: "Hachiman-san and Komachi-san are so close. It's heartwarming to watch."
Air Groove: "…Really—'I said nothing happened!' Want to share a hotel room with Hachiman tonight, then!?' W-What!?"
Fuji: "But you'd like to, right?"
Air Groove: "…I won't deny it///" turns away
Fuji: "…You're not one to talk, huh?" glare
I wonder how the hotel rooms are assigned? Same as last time, maybe?
Kyoto: Hotel
Hachiman: "Phew, we're here. Drop your bags and do whatever, but any questions?"
Fuji: "Hey, Hachiman-san?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, what's up?"
Fuji: "Who's sharing a room with you?"
Hachiman: "…Huh?"
Fuji: "There's ten of us here. You'd be lonely alone, right? Maybe Komachi-san?"
Komachi: "No way, no way! If that's the case, I'll give my spot to someone else."
Hachiman: "Why's it assumed I'd be with Komachi? I'm fine alone, don't worry. Not lonely either."
Fuji: "Is your room for two?"
Hachiman: "…Two-person room."
CB: "That won't do! Hachiman, I'll sleep with you, so it's all good!!"
Air Groove: "No, Senpai, I'll share with Hachiman."
Hachiman: "Ugh, don't fight here! Let's check in already!"
Hachiman-san's so wholesome—not just as a trainer, but as a person. Totally trustworthy.
Hachiman's POV
Hotel: Hachiman's Room
Hachiman: "So, why're you here?"
Ardan: "Anii-sama, are you really spending tonight alone?"
Hachiman: "Why?"
Rice: "B-Because, Onii-sama, we thought you'd be lonely… We're paired up, but you're alone…"
Maurice: "Last time, Komachi-san wasn't here, so it couldn't be helped. But this time, we're ten—an even number—so you don't have to hold back, Trainer-san."
Why am I being treated like I'm lonely? I'm fine, really.
Ardan: "Anii-sama, as I said yesterday, no Uma Musume here would refuse you. So you can choose without worry."
Hachiman: "I'm not holding back…"
Rice: "B-But, Onii-sama, you didn't sleep well last night, right? I saw a sleeping bag at the entrance—you slept on the floor, didn't you?"
Maurice: "! T-That's true!?"
…Can't deny that one.
Hachiman: "Uh… Yeah."
Maurice: "So you slept alone on the floor in a sleeping bag?"
Hachiman: "Not alone, but… yeah."
Maurice: "But it was a sleeping bag, right?"
Hachiman: "…Yeah. (Not really, though.)"
Ardan: "Then tonight, you should share a bed with someone."
Rice: "So, Onii-sama, pick one of us! We talked it over. Of course, it's your choice, so if you pick no one… um, we'll accept it, I guess?"
Hold up. Don't phrase it so I can't say no! If I refuse, at least two of you will tear up…
Hachiman: "…What if I say no?"
Ardan: "…If that's your decision, I'll accept it."
Rice: "I-I'll accept it too, but Onii-sama, are you really okay alone?" teary
Maurice: "Don't sleep on the floor if you pick someone, okay? But are you sure you're fine?" teary
See? Told you they'd cry!!
Afterword
Hachiman's soft spot for his "little sisters" shines in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Fuji fends off Air Groove's suspicions, while the team pressures Hachiman to share his hotel room. Poor guy can't escape their care!
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