The time to see out the year has finally arrived. In other words: year-end. A normal salaryman would probably be taking time off starting around the end of the month, but we trainers have no such luxury. Whether it's the end of the year or summer vacation, as long as there are races, there is work to be done.
And today is the day of the year-end Grand Prix—the Arima Kinen. Which means Fuji is running. It's a long-distance race at Nakayama, though it is the shortest of the long-distance G1s. Since Fuji managed to run the full 3000 meters at Yodo, she should be more than capable of handling Nakayama's 2500 meters.
"Phew... Still, the crowd is incredible," I muttered, looking around. "I can't tell if it's because it's the end of the year, or if Fuji's popularity is just that immense."
"It is likely a combination of both," Air Groove replied calmly.
"Fuji is super popular, after all," Mr. C.B. added. "She holds tea parties with her fans pretty often, right? She might actually have the highest number of fans in all of Tracen Academy."
"Could be," I agreed. "Fuji has that 'Prince' persona, so she's definitely a hit with the girls. But even from a guy's perspective, she has this mysterious magnetism. She just has the power to draw people in."
"Yawata..." C.B. peered at me, grinning. "Could it be?"
"Hm? What?"
"C.B.-senpai," Air Groove interjected in a low voice. "There is no need to say it. This situation might actually be convenient for us."
"...Okay, I got it~♪" C.B. chirped.
Those two are whispering about something again... well, I'll just ignore it. Incidentally, it's just the three of us today: Fuji, who is racing, plus Air Groove and C.B. watching from the stands. The others are helping Ardan adjust for the Hopeful Stakes.
"Alright, I'm going to head over to Fuji now. I'll be gone for a bit, so hold down the fort."
"Have fu~un! ♪"
"Right. Give Fuji my regards."
Perspective: Air Groove
He's gone... Now then, perhaps we should discuss this a little.
"C.B.-senpai, did you realize it?"
"Oh yeah, even I realized it~," C.B. laughed. "Yawata is definitely aware of it now. I think he really loves Fuji."
"But what will he do?"
"What do you mean, 'what'?"
"Even if Yawata is self-aware, I do not believe he will act immediately," I explained. "Knowing Yawata, he will likely formulate various plans before attempting a confession. I suspect an actual relationship is still a ways off."
"Plus, Yawata himself said he isn't thinking about marriage," C.B. mused. "Even if it doesn't go as far as marriage, just the fact that feelings of love have sprouted is something to celebrate, right?"
"But I wonder when they'll start dating? If those two get together, it's going to be harder for me to cling to Yawata in the future. I kinda hope it drags on for a while~."
"That is a truly worthless reason..."
It was such a selfish justification that the words left my mouth before I could stop them. Well, it couldn't be helped.
"What do you mean 'worthless'!? It's a matter of life and death for me!" C.B. protested. "I won't be able to use Yawata's lap as a pillow! There might be no more headpats! No more sharing lunch side-dishes or squeezing his arm! Are you saying you're okay with that, Air Groove!?"
"I do not particularly mind."
"Hmm... really? Then no more headpats for you from now on, okay?"
"...That would be tyranny."
...I had to admit, if Yawata were to stop patting my head, I would be somewhat troubled. There is a sense of security in the way he does it.
"However," I corrected my stance, "if the feelings are mutual, I would prefer they start dating sooner rather than later."
"Eh? Why?"
"Think about it. How would you feel if they displayed that syrupy-sweet atmosphere without actually being a couple? It would be irritating. One would simply want to shout at them to hurry up and date."
"Aaaah... yeah. That would probably happen."
"Still... I wonder when Yawata fell for Fuji? I do not recall him ever showing signs of it until now."
"I don't know either, but isn't it fine? If those two get together, it's a win-win."
"You certainly changed your tune quickly from what you said a moment ago. Well, fine."
But I wonder... are Yawata and Fuji doing alright? Though, asking that now feels a bit late.
Perspective: Fuji Kiseki
"..."
My face felt hot.
"..."
Yawata's arms were wrapped firmly around me.
"...U-Um... Yawata-san?" I stammered.
"What?"
"Umm... it's rare for you to initiate this. What's the occasion?"
"We've been doing this since the Sprinters Stakes, haven't we?" he murmured near my ear. "I just decided to be the one to start it this time."
"O-Oh... okay..."
I never expected Yawata-san to hug me first... I'm happy, of course, but the surprise is winning right now. And... the strategy meeting has been over for a while, but he's still holding me. It feels longer than usual.
"Yawata-san... this is incredibly precious to me, but the time is coming up. Should we...?"
"...Ah, right." He finally let go, stepping back. "Think you can do this?"
"Yeah. I'm feeling perfect," I beamed at him. "I feel like I can put out more power than I ever have before."
And that was the truth. After all, Yawata-san hugged me.
I am absolutely going to win this race!
Author's Note:
Yawata makes the move himself!
-------------------------------
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!!!