Hachiman's POV
October had bled into mid-November, and the G1 season was in full stride. Despite the chaos of the racing world, the atmosphere around Rice and me was strangely stagnant. We were at a crossroads, trying to decide on our next move—or more specifically, her next race. I had an answer in mind, but I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt. I'd broached the subject with Rice, but she hadn't given me a clear answer yet.
"Something on your mind, Hikigaya?"
I looked up to see Okino-san watching me.
"I'm still trying to figure out what's next for Rice," I admitted. "There are races she could run before the year ends, but after everything that happened at the Kikuka-sho, I'm leaning toward holding her back. At the same time, I don't want to kill the momentum we've built."
The Main Trainer chimed in, crossing his arms. "An Umamusume's mental state is a fragile thing. Pushing them into a race just because they're physically capable isn't always the right call."
"Your situation is a bit unique," Okino added. "In a team, we can rotate girls in and out to keep things fresh. As a solo trainer, you don't have that luxury. Honestly? Why not just let her rest? Send her somewhere rural, somewhere quiet, and let her just be for a while."
"...That might actually be the best move," I muttered.
Rest. It sounded so simple, yet we hadn't really had any. The Classic season had been a non-stop whirlwind of pressure and high stakes. Letting her recharge for the spring campaign felt like the most logical, humane path. There was no need to run her into the ground just for the sake of the schedule.
"Looks like you've made up your mind," the Main Trainer noted with a small smile.
"Yeah. Thanks, Okino-san, sir," I said, nodding to them both.
"Don't mention it!" Okino laughed.
"We're here if you need to bounce ideas around again," the Main Trainer added.
Right. Decision made. Now to talk to Rice.
— After School: The Clubroom —
"A break from training until January?" Rice repeated.
"Yeah. You've been going non-stop through this whole Classic season. I've tried not to overwork you, but the mental strain alone can take a toll on the body in ways you don't notice until it's too late. I'm thinking we take a breather from mid-December through the New Year. What do you think? Unless, of course, there's a specific race you're dying to run."
"No, there isn't a race..." Rice said, looking down at her hands. "But you always give me days off anyway, and I really love our training sessions. If we stop... I'm worried I won't know what to do with myself. Ehehe."
"Well," I said, leaning back. "How about going back home for a bit?"
"To my... family home?"
"Your parents must be incredibly proud of you for winning a G1. I think it would do them—and you—a lot of good to see each other."
Rice went quiet for a moment, a soft light entering her eyes. "...Yeah. I think I'd like to go home for a while."
"Good. Then it's settled. Just let me know—"
"U-um! Actually!" she interrupted, her voice suddenly high and nervous.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"I... I was wondering if you would come with me?" she asked, her eyes darting to the floor, her fingers fidgeting. "Would that be... okay?"
I blinked. She wanted me to go to her family home? I mean, I didn't have plans, but... why me?
"Can I ask why?"
"Well, when I told my mother that I finally had a personal trainer, she told me something," Rice whispered, her face turning pink. "She said, 'Please bring that kind trainer of yours home at least once. I want to thank him properly.' So... I really want you to come."
I see. An invitation from the mother. If the parent of my trainee is calling for me, it would be rude to refuse. I should probably stop referring to her as "the mother" in my head, but since I don't know her name... well, "Mother" it is.
"Alright. Just tell me when you're planning to head out. And let your mother know I'll be coming and that I'm looking forward to meeting her."
"Really?! Oh, thank you! I haven't been home in so long, I'm so excited!" Rice beamed, her tail giving a happy little flick.
I'd better start thinking about a gift. It would be a disaster if I showed up empty-handed. I'll have to put some serious thought into this.
— After Training —
If I buy something local, it'll probably be carrot cake or carrot macarons, I thought as I walked toward the gate. But I don't know if her parents like sweets. I'll have to ask. Then again, showing up with cheap snacks after winning a G1 feels wrong. Though personally, I'd be perfectly happy with a box of manju.
As long as it isn't anything like raw tomatoes. I can't stand that grassy smell.
Still, a family home, huh? I realized I hadn't been back to my own place in years. Since I moved out for university, I hadn't stepped foot in Chiba once. My life had been consumed by the "Spartan Curriculum" of my Teacher. Honestly, considering how intense those days were, the fact that I actually graduated with all my credits is a minor miracle. I'm technically the first person from that uni to become a licensed trainer, though I owe about 100% of that to Sensei's relentless prodding.
"Good evening, Trainer Hikigaya. Are you finishing up for the day?"
I stopped. It was Hayakawa Tazuna, the Board Secretary.
"Evening. I was just heading back to the dorms. Did you need something?"
"Oh, nothing official," she said, her usual professional smile firmly in place. "But if you're free this evening, would you care to go out for a drink? Last month was... quite a lot for you to handle. I thought it might be good to blow off some steam. What do you say?"
I stared at her. I'd never actually gone out for drinks with a colleague before. And this wasn't just any colleague; this was the Chairwoman's right hand.
"...As long as you aren't planning to pump me for gossip or school secrets, I'm in."
Tazuna let out a light laugh. "I assure you, I have no such intentions. Shall we say nine o'clock at the main gate?"
"Works for me. See you then."
"Wonderful. I'm looking forward to it!"
My first real outing with Tazuna-san... I guess we'll just have some food, a few drinks, talk shop, and go home. Right?
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