Hachiman's POV
The day after the Kikuka-sho. It was one of those mornings where you wake up with a bad taste in your mouth. The reason, of course, was the race. We should have been celebrating a G1 victory, but knowing what people were saying about Rice—knowing how they had treated her—I couldn't find an ounce of joy in it.
I'd heard that Kuronuma-san had made a public comment, stating quite simply that "Rice Shower won because she was stronger than Bourbon." But even with that professional endorsement, the headlines were...
"..." I gripped the morning paper, my knuckles turning white. Crrrk.
The articles were absolute trash.
[RICE SHOWER CLAIMS THE CHRYSANTHEMUM! BOURBON'S UNDEFEATED TRIPLE CROWN DENIED! A FEAT DECADES IN THE MAKING CRUMBLES!]
"Yesterday's Kikuka-sho was the highly anticipated day for the birth of the first Triple Crown winner in decades. The girl carrying those hopes was Mihono Bourbon, who had remained undefeated by sticking to her signature front-running style. However, the second-favorite, Rice Shower, overtook her in the final stretch. Rice Shower pulled ahead to win by two lengths, claiming her second jewel after her Derby win. Her future plans remain unannounced."
"..."
"It's a pathetic piece of writing," a voice grunted.
I looked up. "Kuronuma-san..."
"It's a simple matter of Rice Shower being stronger than Bourbon," he said, leaning against the wall beside me. "And yet they write it as if she's committed some kind of crime."
"...Yeah."
"I'd tell you not to let it get to you, but I know that's impossible. Especially for your trainee."
"I told her yesterday not to listen to the noise, but I doubt it stuck," I admitted. "I'm taking her out after school today. I'm hoping a change of scenery will do her some good."
— After School —
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's get going," I said.
"O-okay," Rice whispered. She looked up at me tentatively. "Um, Big Brother..."
"I know, Rice. I know. I just have to ask one thing first..."
I trailed off, staring at the third person standing at our meeting spot.
"...C.B., what the hell are you doing here?"
"Eh? I'm here because you're here, Hachiman!" she chirped with a sunny smile.
"What kind of logic is that? Go home to your own house."
"Aww, but I still want to hang out with you guys! Where are you going, anyway?"
"We're going to a little restaurant to celebrate Rice's win."
"Ooh! Then I'm coming too—"
"Only if you're paying for yourself."
"Ugh! Stingy!" she pouted.
"U-um... Big Brother? I don't mind if C.B.-san comes along," Rice said softly.
C.B. beamed, practically vibrating with excitement. "See?! Rice said it's okay! Right? Right?!" She leaned in close, her eyes sparkling.
"...Fine," I sighed, defeated. "Just keep it down."
"Yay!"
One extra person wasn't a deal-breaker, I suppose. Besides, I had a feeling the proprietress would know how to handle her.
— The Restaurant —
"Well now, look who it is! Welcome back, Trainer!" the proprietress called out the moment we stepped inside. "We've been waiting for you! And Rice-chan, come here, sweetheart! Welcome! I don't know who the other girl is, but any friend of the Trainer's is a friend of mine. Welcome in!"
"Thanks, ma'am!" C.B. chirped.
"Alright, that's it! I'm closing up shop!" the proprietress declared, reaching for the 'Closed' sign. "Today is a private celebration! I want you kids to eat and drink until you're stuffed!"
"Wait... are you sure?" I asked, surprised. "You don't have to close the whole place down for us."
"Don't be so fussy!" she barked with a grin. "This is for Rice-chan's G1 win! We're going to celebrate in style! I'll start cooking right now, so just you wait!"
The lady's energy was something else.
"Um... is this okay?" Rice asked, looking around the cozy, empty restaurant. "Are we really allowed to have the whole place to ourselves?"
"The boss said it's okay, so don't worry about it," I said. "Today is for you, Rice. Just focus on eating, drinking, and having a good time. And also..."
"H-hyeeh? What is it?"
"You're missing a smile."
"He's right, Rice-chan!" C.B. added, leaning over. "I saw the papers today too, but honestly? Just let them talk. It's just a bunch of dirty old men writing dirty strings of words on dirty pieces of paper. Who cares what they think?"
"That's right, Rice-chan," the proprietress called from the kitchen. "Everyone in this shop is on your side! I took one look at that newspaper and ripped it to shreds!"
"She's right," the young waitress added, bringing over some tea. "Don't let those heartless articles get to you. They don't know what they're talking about."
"You should have more confidence in yourself," another staff member chimed in.
"Exactly," the chef added, peeking out from the back. "You didn't do anything wrong, Rice. You should stand tall."
(Note: In the background, a regular customer mumbles: "That's right, Rice!! I'm always on your side! I'll always support you! And don't worry, the people who said mean things about you? I've already... 'taken care' of them...")
"Ehehe..." Rice's eyes began to shimmer, but this time, it was with happiness. "Thank you... thank you all so much. I'm... I'm really happy."
"There we go," I said, feeling a weight lift off my chest. "Alright, eat up. Order whatever you want. It's your party."
"I'm gonna eat everything!" C.B. cheered.
"Reminder: You are still paying for yourself," I said.
"Eeeh?! You're so mean! Stingy! Hachiman!"
"Hey, stop using my name like it's an insult. You want me to take back the invitation?"
"I am so sorry, God Hachiman!"
"Being a 'God' isn't any better..."
"Fufu... ahaha!" Rice finally let out a genuine, clear laugh.
"Here we go! Hot and fresh!" the proprietress shouted, bringing out the first platters. "There's plenty more where that came from, so keep 'em coming!"
Seeing Rice finally relax, I felt like I could finally breathe again. Tomorrow we'd go back to the grind, but for tonight, the world outside this little shop didn't matter.
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