Perspective: Hachiman
"...…"
"Man, it's been ages since we gathered like this as a cohort to drink, hasn't it? And to think, the only ones left are the three of us and that guy none of us can stand. It feels kind of sad, but I guess that just shows how cutthroat this world really is."
"It has already been half a year since then," Aoi noted. "Besides, I rarely go out for drinks in the first place."
"Can't be helped," Colleague 2 said, waving his hand dismissively. "The job of a Trainer has a low employment rate and a high turnover rate to begin with. Out of the original six of us: one was exiled immediately after assignment; one is just a lackey for Senior 1 and Senior 2, showing no notable results despite working as a main trainer for the same amount of time as us. Then there's us two—I finally got my second win recently, and this guy here is challenging a Graded race next."
"And Aoi-chan just won the G1 at Oi with Meek-chan recently! That marks the birth of the second G1 Trainer in our cohort!" Colleague 1 cheered, gesturing grandly. "And right here in front of us is not just the pride of our year, but the top trainer in all of Tracen Academy! A ridiculously skilled trainer who has won consecutive G1s from his first year to the present and even won overseas—Hikigaya-kun!"
"Knock it off," I grumbled. "I didn't come here to be praised."
"No, no, we didn't call you here for that," Colleague 2 said, his tone shifting. "Hey, Hikigaya. You hiding something recently?"
"...What brought this on?"
"Eh?!" Aoi blinked, surprised. "Hikigaya-kun is hiding something?! Is something troubling you!?"
"Wait, Aoi-chan, you didn't notice? Even though you're in the same room as him?"
"Eh, I didn't notice at all!"
"Oi, wait a minute," I interjected. "Why are we proceeding on the premise that I'm definitely worried about something?"
"Well, because you're sighing way more often, and you've got that brooding look on your face," Colleague 2 pointed out. "I thought maybe you were hit with a training block, but looking at your team members, that doesn't seem to be the case. So, I figured you must be hiding something or worrying about something personal."
"That's why Colleague 2 and I thought we'd use this opportunity to drag it out of you," Colleague 1 grinned. "Though, realizing that Aoi-chan hadn't noticed was a discovery in itself. Surprisingly dense, aren't you?"
"P-Please stop that!"
"Well, that's the gist of it. So, Hikigaya, just spit it out. There are no seniors, no juniors, and no Horse Girls here. Just us."
"No, it's not really a worr—"
"Hikigaya-kun, give it up," Colleague 1 interrupted.
"...…"
"We promise we won't tell anyone. Or is it something hard to say to others? Look, this is a private room, so it's fine, right?"
"...…"
"H-Hikigaya-kun..."
A worry, huh... I certainly have one, but is this really something I should disclose to these guys?
"Hey, Hikigaya," Colleague 2 said, his voice dropping to a sincere register. "We've learned a lot from you. You've taught us things, and we're grateful. But I feel like I haven't been able to give anything back to you. As a trainer, there's not a damn thing I can say to you, so I thought I couldn't do anything. But if you're worried about something personal... depending on what it is, I want to help. So... won't you talk to us?"
"...…"
My current worry... this incomprehensible emotion. Will consulting these three actually solve anything?
No, at this point, it doesn't matter. They're concerned about me. It would be rude not to respond to their kindness. Especially since Colleague 2 seems genuinely bothered by it.
"...Alright. I'll talk."
Having made the decision, I told the three of them about the vague, undefined emotions I had been harboring since the Tenno Sho.
"...And well, that's about the size of it."
"...…Hey, Aoi-chan. Do you get it?"
"Ah... u-um, somehow... yes... ///"
"I think I get it too..." Colleague 2 nodded slowly. "But the fact that Hikigaya doesn't understand it must mean he's never experienced it before. Even I figured it out, man."
"...You understand what it is?"
"Hikigaya-kun," Colleague 1 leaned in, her expression serious. "That is... love, I think."
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...…Hah?
"L-Love?"
"Um..." Aoi spoke up timidly. "Not wanting others to see your assigned girl's smile... not wanting to let go of her hand... I can only speculate, but I believe that is something akin to possessiveness."
"...…"
"...Wait, are you not convinced?"
"...No. It was just such an unexpected answer that I'm bewildered. Love... Me? In love... This is that?"
"Well, we're judging based on fragments, so we can't be 100% sure," Colleague 2 admitted. "But I think it's the most logical answer. What do you think, Hikigaya?"
"...…"
If this is indeed love, then a lot of things make sense. But I want a little more evidence.
"I want a few more materials for judgment."
"Even if you say that... do you have anything in mind?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Eh?" both colleagues chorused.
The Christmas cake Fuji asked for. I can verify it there. I need to implement a stratagem to test this. Besides, that situation allows me to get close to Fuji without it seeming unnatural. I can't do it during training because C.B. is there.
"I intend to make a judgment at that time."
"Will you really be able to tell?"
"I don't know. But I think I'll be able to reach a certain level of acceptance. Phew... I'm glad I consulted you guys. I feel like a heavy load has been lifted off my shoulders."
"Hoh~... I finally feel like I paid Hikigaya back for something! All right! Let's drink!!"
"L-Let's keep it in moderation, okay?" Aoi warned.
"Fufuu~n! I have an afternoon shift tomorrow! I'm sleeping all morning!!"
"You're fully planning to get wasted, aren't you..."
Well, whatever. I suppose I'll cover a larger chunk of the tab today.
(Author's Note)
Hachiman... is it love?
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