Fuji Side
Fuji: "Mmm… Old habits, waking up early as usual. But… yeah, it's a refreshing morning. Perfect for welcoming the new year♪"
It's the third day at Yahagi-san's home. Today's January 1st—New Year's Day. It's 5 a.m., still dark outside since the sun hasn't risen. Is anyone else awake? I didn't hear anything, so probably not…
Living Room
Fuji: "H-Hachiman-san!?"
Yahagi: "Oh? Fuji, you're up early… Happy New Year. Here's to another year."
Fuji: "Happy New Year! Thanks for having me… Wait, you're up super early! And that outfit?"
Yahagi: "I'm going for a run. It's a habit since becoming a trainer. Moving my body gives me insights. I even experiment on myself."
Fuji: "Really…? Can I join you?"
Yahagi: "Sure, but I'm not fast—just your warm-up or cool-down pace. That okay? And… did you even bring workout clothes?"
Fuji: "Yup, just in case."
Yahagi: "(Just in case?) Alright, I'll wait."
Fuji: "Cool, I'll get ready quick."
Unexpected chance to hang with Yahagi-san—lucky start to the year! Hehe♪
A Few Minutes Later
Yahagi: "Huff… huff… huff…"
Fuji: "Ha… ha… ha…"
How far have we gone? Feels like a good distance, but Yahagi-san's not even winded. His face is unchanged—still got energy. Must be that legendary Uma Musume blood. Could he keep going?
A Few More Minutes
Yahagi: "Huff… huff… Alright, that's enough. You okay, Fuji?"
Fuji: "Yeah, I'm fine. But wow, I didn't expect you to run like that. Were you athletic in school?"
Yahagi: "Nah, nothing. Middle school, I was in the go-home club. High school, I joined a literary club. Only exercised during PE or for fun."
Fuji: "And you can run like this…?"
Yahagi: "Guess I got some of Grandma's blood. I'm better at longer distances than short ones."
Fuji: "Wow… How far did we go? Felt pretty long…"
Yahagi: "About 30 minutes, so… 3-4 km, give or take."
Fuji: "That much!?"
Yahagi: "Roughly. But we're close to home, so the return's quick. Don't worry."
Fuji: "Got it."
As Yahagi-san said, we got back in about 10 minutes. I wanted more time with him, but oh well…
House - Living Room
Yahagi: "I turned on the boiler. Fuji, shower first. Even a little sweat can chill you."
Fuji: "You sure? What about you?"
Yahagi: "I'm fine later. Turned on the heater earlier, so it's warm enough. Go ahead."
Fuji: "…Thanks, I'll take you up on that. No peeking, okay?"
Yahagi: "Don't sound like CB. Hurry up."
Fuji: "Haha!"
I showered and relaxed for a bit. Yahagi-san showered too, chilling like me. The sun's finally rising—perfect timing.
A Few Minutes Later
Door opens
Someone's here.
CB: "Yahagi!♪ Morning! Happy New Year~ First hug of the year~!" hug
Yahagi: "Same old CB, even in the new year. Here's to another year."
CB: "I went to your room, but you weren't there. Wondered where you went, and here you are."
Fuji: "I woke up around 5, but he was up even earlier. Came down at 5:30, and he was just… here. Surprised me."
Yahagi: "Wait, why were you in my room? New Year's greeting?"
CB: "That, and maybe to sleep together♪"
Yahagi: "I've never been happier to wake up early."
Fuji: "Haha… maybe."
CB: "What's that supposed to mean!? You don't wanna sleep with me!?"
Yahagi: "Not like that. Imagine if Air Groove saw you—she'd strike me down with lightning."
CB: "Oh… yeah, true."
Even CB-senpai fears a lecture. After that, everyone came down, exchanged greetings, and we enjoyed osechi and ozoni, savoring the New Year's morning.
CB: "Hm? You two smell the same."
Yahagi: "I showered."
Fuji: "Me too. Forgot my toiletries, so I used the house ones. That's probably why."
CB: "…I'm showering too!"
Air Groove: "CB-senpai's sharp about the weirdest things."
Yahagi: "Right? She's got this knack for noticing pointless stuff."
Fuji: "Pointless stuff…"
Fuji and Yahagi, morning workout together.
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