Air Groove Side
The year's almost over… With winter break approaching, students are submitting homecoming forms or staying to train. Last year, after winning the Autumn Senior Triple Crown, I went home and relaxed. This year? I'm probably not going back. Why? Because of Yahagi.
Yahagi: "…" scribble scribble
Air Groove: "Yahagi, got a moment?"
Yahagi: "Hm? What's up?"
Air Groove: "You mentioned in October, when Komachi came, that you'd go home for New Year's. Is that true?"
Yahagi: "Yeah, Komachi was right. I haven't gone back in a while, and it's been a hectic year, but I'm planning to."
Air Groove: "I see… Yahagi, about that trip—mind if I come along? I've paid respects at your grandmother's grave, but I've never met your parents. As your Uma Musume and team leader, I feel I should greet them. What do you think?"
Yahagi: "Hmm… I don't mind, but is that necessary? Not many Uma Musume here visit their trainer's parents."
Air Groove: "Maybe, but as student council vice president, I believe in showing proper respect."
Yahagi: "…Alright, one guest is fine. We leave on the 30th, back on the 2nd."
Air Groove: "Three nights, four days. Got it."
Good. I've secured his word. Not that I'd misuse it, but I don't want complaints later. Sorry to the others, but this is my win from negotiating with Yahagi.
Yahagi: "Funny, last year you invited me to your place, and now you're coming to mine."
Air Groove: "Quite the coincidence."
Yahagi: "You didn't plan this, did you?"
Air Groove: "Of course not."
Yahagi: "Good. Don't tell the others, okay? My place is just a regular house. Eight people would fill every room and leave no space to sleep."
Air Groove: "I learned that at your place. I won't burden your family. I'll keep it from the team."
Yahagi: "Thanks. Though CB and Altan might ask. I did mention going home in front of them…"
They'll ask, those two. And Fuji, too, since she's already… Well, I'll stop there.
Air Groove: "Just come up with an excuse. Lying's an option, but they know where you live, so be careful."
Yahagi: "…I'm screwed, aren't I?"
Air Groove: "Yup, you're cornered."
Yahagi: "Ugh… I'll deal with it when the time comes."
Air Groove: "Got it."
Ritto Dorm
Air Groove: "Gotta be careful not to let this slip. I'd feel bad if Yahagi's plans got leaked." mutter
Fuji: "Lost in thought, Air Groove?"
Air Groove: "Just a bit."
Fuji: "I can help if you want. What's up?"
Air Groove: "I'm brainstorming how to get you and Yahagi closer, you lovesick girl. Any ideas?"
Fuji: "W-What!? Why are you thinking about that!? You don't have to! ///"
Air Groove: "It's a friend's first crush. Isn't it normal to want to help?"
Fuji: "I don't need that! Stop shouting about it! ///"
Air Groove: "Your voice is louder…"
Fuji: "Tch! That's your fault! Don't you get it? ///"
Air Groove: "Alright, I was just teasing. My bad."
Fuji: "Fine, but… ///"
Fine: "Oh, Fuji-san, Groove-san! What's going on? Fuji-san, your face is red!"
Fuji: "N-Nothing!"
Fine: "Really? It looked fun. I wanna join!"
Fuji: "N-No, it's not like that, right, Air Groove?"
Air Groove: "Is it?"
Fine: "C'mon, spill it!"
Fuji: "Ugh…"
Heh, seeing Fuji this flustered is rare.
Fine: "Oh, how's the team? Having fun? Anything exciting happen?"
Air Groove: "Exciting… Well, something came up at the Kikuka-sho."
Fine: "What!? Tell me!"
Fuji: "No way! We can't talk about it! Drop it!"
Fine: "Aww… Fine, my turn. I went to a new ramen shop recently♪"
Air Groove: "Ramen again?"
Fuji: "You love your ramen."
Fine: "It was so good! Ever since I went with my buddy, I'm hooked on that soy sauce, extra backfat flavor♪ The new place was another spot my buddy found, and it was a hit!♪"
Air Groove: "…Hold on. This 'buddy' isn't Yahagi, is it?"
Fine: "Huh? Yeah, it's him. We go together a lot♪"
…Oh? Looks like I need to have a word with Yahagi soon.
Air Groove secures her spot first!!
And Fine's off on a ramen adventure with Yahagi!
------------------------------
If you like this story and want to read more, I've pre-posted 30–40 chapters on Patreon:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Your support means a lot to me.