Perspective: Hachiman
"Hah? Christmas caaake?"
"Exactly. I was thinking I'd like your cooperation on this, Hachiman-san. What do you say?"
"I don't mind the idea, but... you have Flash in your dorm, don't you? Couldn't you ask her?"
"Of course, I asked her, and she gave the OK. However, making cakes for the entire dorm is too heavy a burden for her alone. I've already reached out to Air Groove and Akebono as well. It would be even more reassuring if you were to join us, but..."
"Even if you say that... You're doing this at the dorm, right? I can't exactly go in there."
"With my authority as Dorm Leader, I can make anything happen! ♪"
"Don't abuse your authority. How about this instead? I'll make cakes too, but I'll make a separate menu from yours. You guys plan your strategy, and just make sure those six don't get their hands on your batch."
"Why six? Ah... wait... don't tell me..."
"Yeah, exactly. How about I give my cakes to those six? It'd be more of a surprise that way, wouldn't it? And if it's a present from you, everyone will accept it without complaint."
"I see... so there is that method. But that means taking up your time, Hachiman-san. Is that really alright?"
"It's no big deal. If anything, it's better than being pestered by McQueen and Spe in your dorm. If I were nearby, they'd likely demand I make even more."
"Then, I'll leave the cakes for those six to you, Hachiman-san. I'm sorry for asking such a thing of you."
"Don't worry about it. I make them occasionally for a change of pace anyway. Simple ones, at least."
Well, this much should be no problem. I just need to bake a whole cake and slice it into six pieces. Once I hand the finished product to Fuji, the job is done.
Since it's Christmas, it'll be around the time of the Arima Kinen, but Fuji will likely handle the scheduling around that. I don't need to nitpick the details.
"I'll let the others who are helping know. By the way, are you making any for the team members?"
"Greedy, aren't you? Well, I couldn't make any last year because I went back to my parents' house, so I'm thinking of making some this year. Tell you what—if you win the Arima Kinen, I'll make whatever you request."
"Really?! In that case, Hachiman-san, do you know a cake called Chocolat Amer?"
"The chocolate cake famous in France for being authentic and aimed at adults? I didn't expect you to desire something like that... Very well. If you win, I'll make it just for you."
"Fufufu, then I really have to do my best on the day!"
"Take first place, got it?"
"Of course! ♪" Smile!
"...…"
Why is it... that I found myself wanting to keep looking at that smile? It's been this way since the Tenno Sho. I still don't know what this feeling is. But...
"?"
"Actually, never mind."
"What were you talking about?"
"No, just talking to myself, don't worry about it. More importantly, don't forget about the photo shoot. December is packed with events, so make sure you don't lose track, okay?"
"Yep. I've written everything down in my planner and I'm checking it constantly, so no problems there."
"Is that so? Good."
"Ah, that's right! Hachiman-san, if you'd like, why don't we go to a shrine on our next day off? It's my first long-distance race in a year; it's not exactly 'reliance on the gods,' but I'd like to offer a little prayer."
"Yeah, sure. Though the next day off won't be until after C.B.'s Japan Cup. After that, we've got training, the photo shoot, cake baking, interviews... we have to go when we can."
"Right. So, the day after C.B.-senpai's race, then?"
"Sounds like a plan."
"I'm looking forward to it already. ♪" Squeeze.
For some reason, Fuji grabbed my hand. Well, we were walking while talking, so I didn't pay it much mind. Or rather, since C.B. and Fuji hugging me has become the norm, I've stopped getting flustered over having my hand held.
"Hey, Hachiman-san?"
"What?"
"Who do you think is in the clubroom?"
"...Isn't it C.B.?"
"Your reason?"
"A hunch."
"Ahaha! A reason with zero evidence, but simple is good. And if you're wrong?"
"Eh, do I have to do something?"
"No, I didn't mean it like that."
"Alright then, if I'm wrong, I'll pat your head until everyone else gathers. How about that?"
"Eh?! Wait a moment, Hachiman-san! That would be... rather embarrassing for me... ///"
"Then, let's say we hold hands until they arrive."
"...Well, if it's just that much. ///"
I don't know why I proposed such a thing... but strangely, there was a feeling inside me that didn't want to let go. Maybe that's why.
Click.
"Ah! Fuji-senpai, and Trainer-san! Good work today!"
"Y-Yeah... good work..."
"...Well, a deal's a deal."
"?" Maurice tilted her head. "Why are you holding hands?"
"Just accept that this is a penalty game for me, imposed by Fuji."
"?"
Yeah, you don't need to understand, Maurice. Please stay just as you are. Like Rice, you don't need to know the impurities of the world.
(Author's Note)
After that, as you might expect, C.B. came in, grabbed his other hand, and eventually ended up hugging his arm entirely.
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