Hachiman's POV
Home at last.
It's been a month and a half… no, nearly two months. I felt a small pang of guilt for being away so long, but the relief of finally stepping onto familiar ground washed it away. I couldn't see the usual landmarks of my daily life yet, but I knew they were close.
Rice and I made our way toward the arrival gates. Perhaps because I'd slept through the flight, I didn't feel the weight of exhaustion yet. It was 8:30 AM in Japan, which meant it was currently 1:30 in the morning back in France. My internal clock was a mess, but my mind was sharp.
"Do you think anyone will be here to meet us?" Rice asked, glancing around the terminal.
"Hard to say," I replied. "I sent word to the teachers that we'd be landing at 8:30, but that was about it."
"Did the Professor say anything?"
"...I'm sure he's revved up and ready to go. Though I doubt Rudolf or C.B. will be here; they have classes to attend, after all."
"I really hope the Professor and Taliato-san are here," Rice said with a hopeful smile. "I've missed them."
I feel the same way, I thought. I had so much to tell them about everything that happened in Europe.
The Exit Gate
"Welcome home, Mr. Hikigaya, Miss Rice Shower. I have secured your luggage for you."
I blinked as a member of the Symboli household staff appeared before us, bowing deeply. "Sorry for the trouble," I said. "You didn't have to go through the effort of hauling all this."
"Not at all, sir. It is my duty. Furthermore, it has been an honor to assist you both on this journey."
"Well, thank you. I'm sure we'll be heading to the Symboli estate eventually, but please give my best to Mrs. Luna and Speed Symboli-san. I'll be sure to reach out to them properly later."
"Understood. If you will excuse me, then. I look forward to our next meeting."
With another polite bow, the attendant disappeared back into the crowd. Well, that was seamless. I turned toward the sliding glass doors of the terminal.
"Alright, let's go—"
"HACHIMANNNNNNN!"
I didn't even have to look. That voice… it was the Professor.
"Ah! Big Brother, look!" Rice pointed. "The Professor is charging right at us!"
"He shouldn't be running like that at his age… wait, stop! Don't run! I can't brace for a—!"
WHAM!!
Man o' War: "Hachiman! You're back! You're finally back!! And Rice! That was a magnificent race! You showed the world exactly what Japanese racing is made of!"
"T-thank you very much!" Rice stammered, surprised by the sudden energy.
"And as for you…" The Professor pulled back just enough to look me in the eye, his expression pure joy. "It's been far too long since I've seen you in the flesh. I am overjoyed! My beloved grand-pupil is finally home!"
He pulled me into a crushing hug.
"Professor… I appreciate the sentiment… but even for you… this is a bit tight…" I wheezed.
"I have endured two whole months without your company! This is well within the acceptable margin for a reunion! If anything, it's not enough!"
"...I... see..." I managed to choke out.
"Master," Taliato sighed, walking up behind him. "You find the boy and immediately resort to this? I understand your excitement, but do you even know the meaning of the words 'restraint' or 'consideration'?"
"They are unnecessary at a time like this!" the Professor barked happily.
Taliato shook her head and turned to me, her expression softening. "Welcome back, Hachiman."
"Thanks. And thank you for looking after Rudolf and C.B. while I was gone. It was a huge help."
"Think nothing of it. It was your request, after all. And fulfilling the whims of a student is a teacher's duty. Rice, you ran a beautiful race in France. I watched the live broadcast. Maintaining that level of performance during an overseas trip is no small feat. It's a testament to your unyielding effort. Be proud."
"Y-yes, Ma'am!" Rice beamed.
Seeing her get recognized like that made the whole trip worth it. But we couldn't stand around the airport forever. I needed to report to the Chairwoman.
"Taliato-san, Professor—should we head back to the Academy first? I have a mountain of stories for you, but I need to let the Chairwoman know we've officially returned."
"A fair point," Taliato agreed. "Let's head back. Hachiman, Rice—I've borrowed a car. We'll take you."
I could have hugged her (if the Professor wasn't already doing so).
The car ride was... an experience. The Professor refused to leave my side, spending the entire trip in the backseat either rubbing my head or clinging to my arm. I kept thinking about the students who might see us and prayed for a little bit of decorum, but my prayers went unanswered.
Tracen Academy – Main Gate
"Hachiman, Rice, you should head in from here," Taliato said as the car pulled up. "It's a shorter walk to the office."
"Got it. Thanks for everything."
"Master, we have our own business to attend to now," Taliato said, eyeing the Professor.
"Hmph… very well," the Professor grumbled.
I stepped out of the car, stretching my cramped limbs. "We're off, then. See you later."
"Thank you so much!" Rice added with a wave.
"Indeed," Taliato nodded.
"Don't you dare be late for our chat!" the Professor shouted as the car pulled away.
I watched them go and let out a long breath. "...Well. Shall we?"
"Mhm!" Rice nodded, her eyes bright.
Since Ms. Hayakawa wasn't at the gate, she was likely in the administrative wing.
"Rice, once we've reported to the Chairwoman, I'm planning on letting you have the rest of the day to yourself. What do you think? Do you want to stop by the clubroom once classes are over?"
"Yes! I have souvenirs for the President and C.B.-san."
"Sounds like a plan. Until then, you're free to relax."
The Chairwoman's Office
Knock, knock, knock.
Akikawa: "PERMISSION! YOU MAY ENTER!"
"Excuse us," I said, opening the door.
"Pardon us," Rice followed.
"Ooh! Trainer Hikigaya! And Rice Shower! WELCOME! And ADULATION! Your performance in France was nothing short of spectacular!"
"Thank you, Ma'am. We've come to report our safe return and the conclusion of the racing series."
"Indeed! We watched Rice Shower's brave efforts on the live broadcast! To have such an exemplary student is my greatest PRIDE!"
The meeting was high-energy but mercifully brief. Once the formalities were handled, Rice and I parted ways at the school exit to head to our respective dorms.
It was time to unpack, sleep, and prepare for the storm that I knew was coming once the other students found out we were back.
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