Fuji Kiseki's POV
After classes, Fine and I headed to the student council room. I got a training break from Hachiman Trainer-san for this, saying I had business. When I told the president about consulting on Air Groove, she quickly made time.
"Air Groove's off to training, so no worries there," I said. "It's just the president in the council room, so we're good."
"What about Brian-san?" Fine asked. "She's not coming?"
"I thought about asking her, but she's got council duties," I said. "The president will probably loop her in later."
"Right…" Fine said. "But the president listening is already a big help. She'll come up with something, I'm sure."
"Hope so," I said. "Let's go."
Student Council Room
"Excuse us, President," I said.
"Excuse me," Fine said.
"Fuji Kiseki, Fine Motion," Symboli Rudolf said. "I've been waiting. I've heard about Air Groove's state, but let's share what we know from last night to this afternoon."
We gathered in the council room, swapping info. Air Groove's been off here too—pausing mid-task, making small mistakes. Like us, she mentions Hachiman Trainer-san every half hour or so, with what the president calls a "downcast look." Same as our "pained" one, I guess.
"So, it's happening here too…" Rudolf said. "Air Groove's mind is more fragile than I thought. To be in such a state…"
"You've seen it too, right, President?" Fine said. "She looks so pained. I want to cheer her up. Got any ideas?"
"I think Air Groove should talk to Hachiman Trainer-san," I said. "What do you think, President?"
"A talk's a good start," Rudolf said, "but it won't fix the root issue. You two probably guessed, but we'll need Hachiman-kun's help for a real solution."
"I figured…" I said.
"Doesn't sound like you're ready to ask him," Rudolf said.
"…Air Groove's spring-to-summer slump is tied to Hachiman Trainer-san," I said. "She got better for a bit, but now it's worse. Her physical condition's great, thanks to him, though."
"So, asking him for help is… tough?" Fine said.
"Probably," I said.
"Worst timing," Rudolf said. "But we should try. We'll need to catch him when Air Groove's not around."
The president's set on asking Hachiman Trainer-san, but will he agree…?
"But when do we ask?" Fine said. "They've probably talked plenty already. And the Emperor's Cup is next, right? They've likely had strategy meetings."
"Yeah…" I said.
"So a talk's not realistic," Rudolf said. "What then? That was our best idea."
"…President, I just thought of something," I said. "Can I share?"
"What is it, Fuji Kiseki?" Rudolf said.
"Hachiman Trainer-san…" I began.
Rudolf nodded. "That's very you, Fuji Kiseki. He might go for it."
"I love it!" Fine said. "Fuji-san, let's tell him!"
"No, we should wait until the week before the Emperor's Cup," I said. "Less chance of her catching on."
"Hmm… Then let's do it the day after the Kikuka Sho," Rudolf said. "Fuji Kiseki, call me when you're ready. I want to ask Hachiman-kun too."
"Got it," I said. "And Fine, you said, 'Call me too! I wanna ask him!' Haha, alright, I'll include you."
Alright, we'll confront Hachiman Trainer-san that day. Gotta give it our all!
Fuji Kiseki's POV Ends
Air Groove's POV
"Huff… huff… huff…" I panted.
"Solid time," Hachiman said. "You're getting faster. You know the Emperor's Cup (Autumn) is in Tokyo. The straight's got a gentle, long slope. Save your legs for it."
"Got it," I said.
"Bubble's your biggest hurdle," he said. "She's not flashy but sticky. You'll need legs to match her and enough stamina to hold speed."
"…" I froze.
"…What's up?" he said.
"! N-Nothing," I said.
"If you say so," he said. "But you've been off since camp ended. Something wrong?"
"I'm fine," I said. "No problem."
"…Alright," he said.
As if I could just say it… No, I can't. Not now, not about wanting… more.
Afterword
Fuji, Fine, and Rudolf hatch a mysterious plan to save Air Groove, whose shadowed heart falters as the Emperor's Cup looms. Her pained murmurs of "Trainer" deepen her trust arc, with Hachiman's role as the key. Fuji's Momiji Stakes waits, but Air Groove's struggle steals the spotlight. The Yahari crossover fuels her turmoil—what's Fuji's plan?
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