Hachiman's POV
Two days since the Emperor's Cup. Yesterday was a rest day, as usual, but training starts again today. Knowing Air Groove, she probably did some solo practice anyway. I'll let it slide—part of our deal from the start.
Now, where's the clubroom key…
"You're already here, Hachiman," Air Groove said.
"? Yeah, just got here," I said.
"Good timing, then," she said.
"Timing for what?" I asked.
"For meeting you this morning," she said.
"…" I blinked.
…
"…Not gonna open the clubroom?" she asked.
"! Y-Yeah…" I fumbled.
"Heh," she chuckled. "You're zoning out too much."
Since Sunday, something's off with Air Groove. Her usual sharp edge—the "tsun"—is gone. No biting remarks, no insults. What's the word… softer?
Clubroom
"Next is the Japan Cup," Air Groove said. "Distance isn't an issue, but we're up against international Uma Musume. Hachiman, what's your take?"
"Hmm," I said. "I'd focus on boosting either your speed or stamina."
"Why stamina, not just speed?" she asked.
"Timing your sprint," I said. "Go early, and you can check rivals while keeping the lead. Speed's for the final corner's push. You're smart—you get it."
"I see…" she said. "Hachiman, looking at me now, which would you pick?"
…Okay, fine, it's not a big deal, but why's she calling me by name? I'm not saying stop, but it's so sudden. Started in the winner's circle and hasn't let up.
"Hachiman?" she said.
"! Uh, stamina," I said. "Gotta keep the Arima Kinen in sight too."
"Arima Kinen, huh?" she said.
"Yeah," I said. "You're this close to a grand slam. Don't you want that path?"
"True," she said. "Let's go stamina-heavy for Japan Cup training. Hachiman, let me know when the menu's ready."
"Got it," I said.
Where's the old Empress? No jabs, no "fool" or "idiot" thrown my way. Even this setup feels weird…
"Hey," I said. "You're kinda close, aren't you?"
"Am I?" she said.
"We used to sit across from each other," I said.
"This way, we can see the same things better," she said.
"So, what, my side's more convenient now?" I said.
Come on, say it. "Fool! It's not some shameless reason!" Not that I want her to, but…
"You're right," she said. "I wanted to be next to you. That's part of it."
…Huh?
"Like at the Emperor's Cup," she said. "Being near you calms me."
…What?
"And your warmth feels nice…" she said. "Just feeling it… it makes me happy///"
…WHAAAT!?
"…S-Say something!" she said, blushing. "This is… embarrassing///"
"S-Sorry," I said. "Your answers keep coming out of left field. I couldn't even react."
"Do better next time," she said. "I'll let it slide just this once."
…So this is gentle Air Groove, huh? Two and a half years as her trainer, and I'm still learning.
"Well, see you after class, Hachiman," she said.
"Y-Yeah…" I said.
…Hold up. Is that really my Uma Musume? She's like a different person. The "tsun" in her tsundere is gone, and the "dere" is cranked up. She's closer—physically and emotionally—and she's even smiling. Not her usual "hmph" smirk, but a real, soft smile. What's going on?
Hachiman's POV Ends
Air Groove's POV
"…"
…Did I come off weird? Since the Emperor's Cup, I've been trying to be honest with Hachiman, but he seemed a bit stunned.
No helping it—it's only the first day. I'll get used to it. But…
"W-Was saying that stuff out loud a bit too forward?" I muttered.
His warmth being comforting… It's true. When I hugged him at the Emperor's Cup, overwhelmed, it wasn't just calming—it felt good. I want that to be just for me…! N-No, what am I thinking!?
"…But I do want that," I admitted, blushing.
Heh, I'm looking forward to this afternoon.
Afterword
Air Groove's "tsun" vanishes, replaced by a disarming "dere" that leaves Hachiman reeling in the best way. Her newfound warmth and name-calling signal a deeper bond, setting the stage for the Japan Cup. The Yahari crossover fuels this charming shift—will Hachiman keep up with his transformed Empress?
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