Fuji's POV
Kyoto Racecourse
Fuji: "Feels nostalgic. It was like this last year, wasn't it?"
Air Groove: "Yeah. When Brian won the Triple Crown, it was this lively… No, even more so now. An undefeated Triple Crown's on the line."
Fuji: "Can you not add to the pressure?"
Maurice: "B-But wow, so many people! Is this what Classic races are like…?"
Hachiman: "It's not just the Classics. Air Groove's right about the Triple Crown hype, but the real reason is Fuji's personality."
CB: "What do you mean?"
Hachiman: "You all know Fuji's popular inside and outside Tracen. Kind to everyone, plus that look—most girls would see a prince. Add her captivating racing style: dominating the Satsuki Sho with ease, pushing past limits in the Derby. People are dying to see what she'll do in today's Chrysanthemum Sho."
Rice: "A captivating run…"
Hachiman: "Fuji's said it herself—she's an entertainer. She makes races fun and draws people in. Turning the track into her stage is something only Fuji can do. None of you could pull it off."
CB: "Yeah, maybe. Running for my own fun is easy, but making a race everyone enjoys like Fuji does? Probably impossible…"
I never thought about it like that… Is that how Hachiman-san sees it?
Ardan: "Then, Anii-sama, what about the rest of our racing styles?"
Hachiman: "Who knows? You only figure that out on a stage like this. For those who haven't debuted, it's still hazy. You gotta race on a big stage first."
Maurice: "Then I'll work harder!"
Rice: "R-Rice will try hard too!"
Hachiman: "That's the spirit. Head to the stands. Fuji, get ready. I'll walk you to the waiting room."
Fuji: "Escort me nicely, okay♪"
Hachiman: "Don't expect that."
Komachi: "Ugh, this is why you're Trash-chan."
Hachiman: "Don't call me Trash-chan."
Waiting Room
Fuji: "Done changing, Hachiman-san."
Hachiman: "Got it."
Fuji: "…"
Hachiman: "You're nervous, huh?"
Fuji: "Haha… Maybe Air Groove's extra comments got to me? Scold her for me later, Hachiman-san."
Hachiman: "Yeah, sure. Focus on you now. In the race, assume everyone's your enemy. They won't let you run your way. Expect a tough fight—that's the mindset."
Fuji: "Got it. Same strategy as yesterday, right?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, it's all you've got… Have fun."
Fuji: "! …Yup♪"
He threw my own words from yesterday back at me. Hachiman-san's sneaky… But it blew my nerves away♪ Time to make this the best race ever!
Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "…"
Takion: "You're more fascinating than I thought… To get Fuji-kun to that level is impressive."
Hachiman: "…So Fuji was your target. How's she look to you?"
Takion: "Heh, transformed. She's far from the Fuji-kun I knew. Guess staying holed up in the lab isn't always good."
No kidding. What did you even come to Tracen for? Research alone won't cut it…
Takion: "I'm excited for today's race. By the way, I heard from the camp returnees that your cooking's top-notch. How about making something for me?"
Hachiman: "Pass. Why should I? Eat your rations."
Takion: "Cold… Fine, I'll leave you be."
Hachiman: "…"
Time to head back.
Stands
Hachiman: "Yo."
Rice: "Onii-sama, welcome back!"
Hachiman: "Yeah… Need a breather."
Air Groove: "Something wrong?"
Hachiman: "Nah, nothing big. Don't worry."
Air Groove: "…Relax." massage
Hachiman: "You're pretty good at this. Did you do it for your mom too?"
Air Groove: "A bit, when I was younger. Youthful folly, I guess. You work hard for us every day—this is the least I can do." massage
Hachiman: "First time I've had this… Feels nice. I could get used to it."
Air Groove: "Don't get greedy, fool." massage
Still keeps going, though. What a kind [Empress].
Air Groove: "Sleep if you want. I'll wake you when it's time." massage
Hachiman: "Alright, just for a bit then."
Air Groove: "Leave it to me." massage
Wake me gently, please.
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