Perspective: Hachiman
...Right. We have officially entered December. With that in mind, I think a brief reflection on November is in order.
First, there was Maurice's Mile Championship. She won without so much as a wobble. Honestly, her growth since the start of the year has been nothing short of transformative; she's practically a different person. She tore past the Senior Class Horse Girls with such speed that the phrase "bringing down a flying bird" doesn't even do her momentum justice. It was an easy victory. With this kind of performance, consecutive Spring and Autumn victories are on the table for next year. Furthermore, since the turf suitability in Hong Kong isn't too different from Japan, she might be able to show her true strength there as well. It's certainly worth considering.
Next was the Japan Cup. As for C.B.'s race... well, she won. But that girl has definitely developed a bad habit of hanging back in the rear and trying to overtake everyone in one go. Watching her pass 17 opponents is certainly thrilling, but the thought of that strategy misfiring is terrifying. That said, it was a solid run that showed no traces of the awkward "overseas style" I had criticized before. Naturally, she tackled me the moment it was over, but given the victory, I decided to overlook it. Since she managed a run like that before the year ended, I'm actually starting to look forward to Dubai next year. I really hope that invitation comes through...…
"Hachiman~ Come on, hurry up, hurry up~! Air Groove is coming too~!"
"Haaah... I really don't want to do this."
"I share your sentiment entirely..."
"Trainer-san, Air Groove-senpai, it's already been decided," Maurice said, playing the mediator.
"But still... It was supposed to be 'two-shots for volunteers only.' Why did it turn into 'everyone'? And being told it's impossible to shoot without flash..."
"...It cannot be helped. But this is truly the definition of 'being unenthusiastic.'"
"Let's just survive this together today."
"Agreed. We shall raise a toast when we return."
"I-I feel like this is the first time I've ever seen Brother and Air Groove bond like this..." Rice whispered.
"You might be right..."
— The Photo Shoot Location —
"Director~! Team Polaris from Central Tracen Academy has arrived~!"
"Ah!! Well, well, if it isn't Trainer Hikigaya! Thank you so much for accepting our request again despite your busy schedule!!"
"We look forward to working with you again. We discussed shooting in race attire beforehand; are there any changes to that plan?"
"No, no changes at all, so please rest assured. However, Trainer-san, you have the task of taking two-shots with every single team member. You'll be bearing the heaviest burden, but we're counting on you."
"Understood."
"Alright then! We'll split up and start shooting, so make sure to get some great shots, everyone!!"
"...Do I just wait on standby for a bit?"
"No, actually, we'd like to start with a two-shot of you and Air Groove-san."
"A shoot like this with Hachiman... it's been two years," Air Groove mused. "Back then, a rather unexpected photo ended up being published. We must ensure that does not happen this year."
"We're in race attire, so I doubt that will happen. Though I suppose it depends on the pose."
From there, we split up to do the individual shoots, and as members finished, they rotated in for their two-shots with me.
There was a shy Maurice and Rice; an energetic, high-spirited C.B. and Bakushin O; and the efficient trio of Arrow, Ardan, and Air Groove (though Air Groove was visibly enduring the camera flashes with sheer willpower). When it came to C.B. and Ardan, they both ended up clinging to my arm, but perhaps because their smiles were so photogenic, the shots were approved without issue.
And finally...…
"Ahaha... It took quite a while, didn't it?"
"It's fine. All that's left is you and the group shot. Let's get this over with."
"Alright! Let's start the shoot!" the photographer called out.
"Yes." / "Okaaay!"
"Let's start with a standard shot. Why don't you two go with whatever vibe you like!"
...…We've taken dozens of photos, but what exactly does "whatever vibe you like" mean?
"Hmm~ then how about this?"
Fuji placed her right hand over the center of her chest and extended her left hand forward—a classic theatrical gesture. As expected of the Prince... So, does that mean I should act like a butler? I had no idea what to do, so I just tentatively extended my right hand.
"Ohhh~! That's excellent! You two look perfectly in sync! Hold that pose, please!"
"In sync, he says... I just copied what Fuji did."
"Maybe that's why it works?"
"Thank you! Alright, next is... actually, you two just go ahead and shoot however you want!"
No, seriously, what does "however you want" mean?
"Oh? I can do whatever I like? In that case, maybe I'll snuggle up to Hachiman-san."
"...Excuse me, do you have a sofa?"
"Eh? We do, but... I'll bring it right out!"
"Hachiman-san?"
I had Fuji sit on the sofa they prepared and cross her legs. Then, I stood behind the sofa, placing one hand on the backrest. It's a bit of a cliché, but it should look stylish enough.
"To come up with a composition like this... as expected of Hachiman-san. But I can't cling to you like this. I suppose I'll have to settle for this."
"I guess it was going to end up like this one way or another..."
"Ohh! That's great! I'm taking the shot!!"
Fuji reached back and held the hand I had resting on the backrest. And since she was looking up at me, it was obvious to anyone watching that she wasn't paying attention to the camera at all.
After that, we were scheduled to take a photo with the entire group. Needless to say, we spent several minutes arguing over who would get to stand next to me.
(Author's Note)
I thought about including some flirting, but I couldn't make it fit.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!