— Hachiman's Perspective —
"I'm counting on you, Hachiman."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. But if you're this worried, wouldn't it be better if you went yourself, Mom...?"
"What are you saying? If I go, she'll inevitably feel pressured to act perfect. But if it's you, the child will feel a little more at ease, won't she? Besides, I don't want her seeing her mother looking this anxious."
"But she's fine with me seeing it?"
"She's already seen through your act, so it doesn't matter."
"Right, right. I'm going."
And so, here I am, heading toward Fuchu City in Tokyo—specifically, the Japan Uma Musume Training Center Academy—to check on my little sister. Even though both Mom and I stay in touch with her regularly, we can't help but worry about whether she's actually getting any rest.
Well, I'll just frame this as a sightseeing trip to Tokyo with a quick detour to check on my sister. That's the excuse, anyway. Obviously, she's the main event.
— Tracen Academy —
Hachiman: "Excuse me, do you have a moment?"
Tazuna: "Yes, how may I help you?"
Hachiman: "My name is Hachiman. I requested permission to tour the campus today. Is this the correct entrance?"
Tazuna: "We have been expecting you, Master Hachiman! Here is your visitor's badge. Please, take your time and enjoy your visit. However, please understand that as students are currently in class or training, we ask that you limit your tour to the outdoor grounds."
Hachiman: "Understood. Thank you for your kindness."
I agreed, but this is a bit of a bind... I didn't expect to be barred from entering the buildings. Should I come back another time? No, I'm already inside; I might as well take a look around. It'll give me a chance to imagine exactly how she's training, at least.
— The Racetrack —
Hachiman: "Whoa, it's massive... You could train a small army of Uma Musume here. But since classes are in session, I probably shouldn't linger too long—hm?"
That ear decoration. And those bangs...
There's no mistake. That's my sister. Surely no one will complain if I just watch for a moment.
Sister: "—! —hph!"
Hachiman: "Looks like she's doing well, even in a place like this. Though, looking at the intensity, my concern about whether she's resting seems justified."
Sister: "—?"
Ah... someone pointed at me.
Sister: "!!!" (Dash!!)
Ahh... I've been spotted.
(Time skip)
Air Groove: "Brother! Why are you here?!"
Hachiman: "Uh... to see how you were doing? Well, you know. Just got a bit worried as a big brother, that's all. Relax, I've got a visitor's pass, and I was planning to move on to another spot soon. I didn't intend to get in your way."
Air Groove: "I-Is that so...? Thank you for going out of your way to come here."
Hachiman: "No, I'm the one who should apologize for showing up unannounced. Look, you'd better get back to it."
Air Groove: "Yes. Please excuse me."
I guess she can't exactly speak casually in a place like this. Or has that stiff tone just become her default setting?
— Several Tens of Minutes Later —
Oh, the chime... What signal is that? Well, whatever. I'm getting hungry. I can always check on her again tomorrow; I should probably call it a day for now.
Air Groove: "Please wait, Brother!"
Hachiman: "Hm? Oh, Groove. Sorry about earlier."
Air Groove: "No, please do not worry about that. More importantly, have you decided on your schedule for the rest of the day?"
Hachiman: "No, nothing specific. I plan to come back tomorrow, so I was thinking of leaving now to do some sightseeing in Tokyo. Wandering around the academy without a purpose would just be a nuisance to everyone."
Air Groove: "That isn't true at all! In that case... would you care to join me for lunch? You've come all this way, so by all means, let us eat together!"
Hachiman: "Is that allowed?"
Air Groove: "Of course!"
Hachiman: "...Then I'll take you up on your offer. But are you sure it's okay for me to enter? Today is a school day, isn't it?"
Air Groove: "If you are with me, it will be fine. I will explain the situation to Ms. Hayakawa myself."
— The Cafeteria —
Persuaded by my sister, Groove, I found myself in the place where the students enjoy their lunch. It's impressive. There are so many of them...
We placed our orders and took our seats. As expected, I'm drawing stares. It makes sense—I'm clearly not a trainer, yet here I am sitting inside the academy. It's only natural I'd attract attention.
Hachiman: "Come to think of it, you're actually wearing it. That ear decoration. I knew Mom's gold craftsmanship was top-tier, but the part I contributed was just an ordinary ribbon."
Air Groove: "What are you saying?! It is a present from you, Brother. It is only natural that I wear it."
Hachiman: "I appreciate you saying that. More importantly, are you resting your body properly? As the Vice President of the Student Council, you must have a heavy workload. Knowing your personality, you're likely working even when you should be taking a break. That's what Mom and I are worried about."
Air Groove: "...Please rest assured. I am making sure to take breaks. Besides, if I don't rest, my roommate becomes quite noisy about it."
Hachiman: "Is that so...? I'm glad you have a good roommate. And above all, I'm glad to see you looking well." (Pat, pat)
Air Groove: "...///"
Hmm. It feels the same as it used to. Smooth... almost like spun silk. She really takes care of herself. It wouldn't feel like this otherwise.
Air Groove: "Brother, we are in the cafeteria... Please, refrain from doing this sort of thing. We are attracting attention...///"
Hachiman: "Ah, my bad. I was just so happy to see my sister's face, I couldn't help myself. No ill intent."
Air Groove: "No, I understand that, so it is fine. But more importantly... your hand...///"
I hear you, Groove, but when you look at me with such a lonely expression, it makes it really hard to pull my hand away, you know?
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