The next day.
Returning to the academy after the Arima Kinen was, frankly, a nightmare... I underwent what can only be described as an interrogation—disguised as "questions"—from the ponies in the dorm. They asked about the crying. They asked about hugging the Trainer. They asked about everything in between, relentlessly.
And today, even though training is technically off, Air Groove has issued a summons to the entire team. An emergency meeting in the Trainer's Room. The agenda is probably... no, definitely about me.
"Haa... I wonder what's going to happen after school today," I sighed.
"Before that, I might just interrogate you myself about your situation with Yawata, you know?"
"Ah..."
"Good morning, Fuji."
...It seems today is going to be Hard Mode right from the morning. Sigh... I just want it to be lunch break already.
Lunch Break - Corridor
"Hmm-hm-hmm~♪"
Finally, lunch break. Haa~, that felt like an eternity.
"...Hey, about Fuji-senpai's 'thing'... it's true, right?"
"Yeah, I think so. I mean... did you see it?"
"I've never seen Fuji-senpai so easy to read. Besides, she looks like..."
"'She's in love'..."
I ignored the whispers, humming as I walked. I need to hurry up and eat my bento with Yawata-san~♪
Location: Trainer's Room
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
"I'm coming in, Yawata-san! ♪"
"Oh, Fuji. Welcome," Yawata said, looking up from his desk. "Wait, is it that time already?"
"Ahaha, were you so engrossed in something you lost track of time? What were you thinking about?"
"...I was thinking about training, but... I was also thinking a little bit about you."
"Ah... I-Is that so? ///"
"Well, let's eat."
Clack!
"Yahoo, Yawata~! Let's have luuunch~♪"
Mr. C.B. burst through the door with her usual energy.
"Yo, C.B.," Yawata greeted her flatly. "Unfortunately, you're second today."
"Ah, Fuji's here! You're already here, huh? As expected of lovers, you move fast!" She grinned mischievously.
"W-Wait, C.B.-senpai! Yawata-san and I aren't actually dating yet..."
"Eh...?" C.B. froze. "You're not dating? You're kidding, right? Why? You both know you like each other, right? Eh, why? Why aren't you dating?"
"Wait, wait, wait. Calm down," Yawata interjected, raising a hand. "I want to date her, too. But think about it: 'Student and Trainer dating.' If that gets out, it'll be a mess, won't it? So, I don't intend to make any waves until graduation."
"Is that so?" C.B. looked at me. "Are you okay with that, Fuji?"
"I accept his reasoning, so I am fine with it," I replied firmly. "Besides... I have absolutely no intention of falling in love with any male other than Yawata-san."
"I-I see..." C.B. laughed nervously. (I'm definitely not gonna tell anyone... except the team, lol.) "Well then, let's eat! Let's trade side dishes again today~♪"
"Mm, sure."
"Yes, let's."
We enjoyed our lunch, swapping food just like usual. After eating, I joined C.B.-senpai in using Yawata-san's lap as a pillow for a nap. As I drifted off, I felt Yawata-san gently stroking my head.
"Fufuh."
"hm? What is it, Fuji?" Pat, pat.
"Nn-nn, nothing at all. ♪"
"...Is that so." Pat, pat.
"Fufuh~♪"
After School - Trainer's Room
"Right, let us begin," Air Groove announced. "Fuji, I will ask you once again. Are you not dating Yawata?"
"...Nope. We aren't dating yet."
"Oh my, is that true?" Ardan put a hand to her cheek. "I had assumed you were..."
"She gave the same answer at lunch," C.B. chimed in. "But are you really okay with that? Aren't you worried Yawata might have a change of heart?"
"It's fine," I said, smiling pleasantly. "I will be watching Yawata-san very closely."
"Hmm... In that case, if I were to make a move on Yawata—"
"Of course, you are welcome to try... Fufufu... ♪"
"!!?" C.B. recoiled violently. "A-Actually, never mind! I won't!!"
(S-Scary!! The light just vanished from Fuji's eyes!! She had the kind of cold stare that could silence every student in this academy in under a second!?)
"But I'm glad!" Maurice spoke up, oblivious to the tension. "I always thought Fuji-senpai and Yawata-san looked good together."
"Eh!?" I leaned in instantly. "What parts!? Specifically!?"
(I didn't expect her to bite that hard...) Air Groove thought.
(Fuji-senpai has this side to her, too...) Arrow observed.
"U-Um..." Maurice stammered. "Like... you both have black hair... and you both have the same cowlick... and you both have a mature vibe, I guess?"
"I-Is that so~? Heheh..." I broke into a goofy grin.
(That was only three things, yet look at that reaction...) C.B. stared at me with half-lidded eyes. (Fuji is surprisingly simple when it comes to love.)
"Oi, Fuji," Air Groove chided. "It is fine because it is us, but you are making a face you certainly shouldn't show in public."
"I can't help it! I'm happy!" I protested, blushing.
"Even Fuji-san makes faces like that..." Rice murmured.
"S-Stop it, Rice! It's embarrassing!"
"Fufufu, it's somewhat refreshing and innocent," Ardan giggled.
"...It seems there is no cause for concern," Air Groove concluded. "At this rate, our daily lives won't change much from how they have been."
"Totally~," C.B. agreed. "Even if they got married, they'd probably still act like shy beginners."
"Ma—!? Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Married!?" I shrieked. "Isn't it a little too early for that!?"
"Ah... yeah. No need to worry," Rice nodded.
"Pfft, fufufu. Indeed," Maurice laughed.
"Yeah, looks safe," Arrow agreed.
"Yes, I concur," Ardan smiled.
"Wh-What is with you people!?" I huffed, looking around. "More importantly, where is Bakushin O!? This was supposed to be a full team meeting, but she's not here!"
"Ah..." Rice raised her hand. "Bakushin O-san is in remedial class."
"That girl... not again..." Air Groove facepalmed.
Author's Note:
Wait, they seriously aren't dating... yet!?
-------------------------------
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