(Fuji POV)
Fufu, I feel absolutely amazing♪ Now I can face Hachiman-san with my head held high!
Though, if I'm being honest... I really wanted him to be waiting for me in the Winning Circle. It felt like that had become the norm recently, so his absence left me feeling just a tiny bit lonely.
But really, this is the norm. Hachiman-san rushing down to the course track before was the exception, not the rule. I shouldn't take it for granted that he'll always come running.
Still... I really want the first "Congratulations" and "Good work" to come from him.
Knock, knock, knock.
Oh? Who could that be?
"It's me. Can I come in?"
"Hachiman-san? Of course, come in."
Yes! It is Hachiman-san♪
Click.
...
...
...
BANG!!
"Wha—!?"
"Hi there! Your mother came to watch the race! It's been a while, Fuji Kiseki! And I must say, that was a wonderful run!"
"Ehh!? M-Mother!?"
"Fuji, good work on the race," Hachiman's voice came from behind her. "I just ran into her a moment ago myself. Turns out your mother was in the audience."
"Hachiman-san!? Wait, then that voice just now..."
"Ahem!" Her mother cleared her throat. "As expected, that was a fine run." She grinned. "How was that? Couldn't tell the difference, could you?"
"That really wasn't me just now," Hachiman sighed. "Your mother mimicked my voice perfectly."
"..."
I-I can't believe it. Mom actually came to watch my race... I'm shocked.
"Even so..." Her mother chuckled, eyeing Fuji with a teasing glint. "Is this what they call growth? Or was it just my imagination that the voice answering through the door sounded awfully happy?"
"Eh? What are you talking about? I don't really understand what you mean."
"Ahaha, playing dumb, are we? Well, the Trainer doesn't seem to have caught on either."
"I'm sorry," Hachiman said flatly. "I am completely lost."
"Don't worry about it. In fact, it might have been dangerous if you had noticed. Right?"
"C-Could you please stop throwing this at me? ///"
To think she figured it out just from my voice... As expected of you, Mother. That sharp intuition is still very much alive. You saw right through me instantly.
"Well, I get the feeling it's better for my own sake if I don't ask," Hachiman muttered. "More importantly, Fuji. You did it."
"Yeah. Now I can stick my chest out a little! I had so much help from you and the other girls, after all. If I had lost again here, I wouldn't have been able to face anyone. I'm so glad I won♪"
"You don't need to put so much pressure on yourself... but, well, after the loss in spring, I suppose it couldn't be helped. You did well."
"Mhm♪" Smile.
(Fuji's Mother's Inner Thoughts)
(Good grief. To think you would show a smile like that. You might as well just scream that you're in love with him. Still... so spring has finally come for you, too? For the girl who was always treated like a Prince, fawned over by other girls... finally. Fufu. It feels nostalgic, like I'm looking at my past self.)
...Hm? What is this? I feel a warm, gentle gaze coming from Mother.
Wait, it's not like that! No, I mean, I know I have to admit it eventually, but right now it's not—!
"Trainer-san," her mother interrupted the silence. "Could I borrow a little bit of time? I'd like to speak with Fuji Kiseki for a moment."
"Of course, I don't mind. However, there are interviews scheduled, so we don't have too much time..."
"Oh no, I won't take that long. It's just a quick chat. It's just... a bit awkward to discuss with the Trainer listening."
"I see. Understood. In that case, I'll head over near the interview area. I take it this is something I shouldn't know about?"
"That's right."
"Then, excuse me."
With that, Hachiman-san left the waiting room. What on earth does she want to talk about?
"I'll ask you point-blank," her mother said, her expression turning serious. "You are in love with your Trainer, aren't you?"
"...Yeah. I am. It's not a momentary lapse in judgment or a fleeing emotion. I am seriously in love with him."
"I'm glad you didn't try to mince words. That confirms just how strong your feelings are. Since you've fallen for him, make sure you claim him, alright? Having someone else snatch him away would be the least funny joke in the world."
"Yeah, I know."
"Good. Then I'm sure you already understand this, but that Trainer is a very good person. I don't know much about the training industry, but even I can tell he is an exceptional existence within it. He doesn't view us Horse Girls as a collective 'Whole,' but sees each one of us as an 'Individual.' That is what I felt."
"..."
"That might seem obvious for a Trainer, but maintaining that perspective is incredibly difficult. But watching from the stands, and seeing your interactions just now, I thought so: that Trainer is truly looking at each person properly. That means he must be looking closely at you, too. Don't lose, okay?"
"Ahaha, don't worry. Even with all that, it's almost been a year of unrequited love."
"A year...? That might be dragging on a bit too long, don't you think?"
"Ugh..."
"If you make an approach and he still won't turn your way, try giving him a kiss on the cheek or something. I'm sure he'd react to that whether he wants to or not."
"W-Wait, what are you saying!?"
"Oops, it's about time for me to go. Well then, see you at the next stage♪ I'm looking forward to your success. And... your progress with the Trainer, too, okay?"
Snap!
POOF!!
Smoke erupted right in front of my eyes, and by the time it cleared, she was gone. The room was empty, leaving me alone in the space.
"L-Like I could do that!!"
Was that last part advice from Fuji's mother?
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