One Day Later
Hachiman's Side
A day had passed since the Irish St. Leger. Yesterday was truly an incredible day in many ways. Ever since C.B. achieved the Triple Crown, her popularity has skyrocketed. People at the racecourse were practically begging her for autographs and handshakes, and everyone wanted to take a photo with her. It's probably a combination of her genuine personality that makes her so approachable—she's truly "effortlessly charming."
Today is a day off. Ideally, we'd fly straight back to Japan, but that's not possible right after a race. Considering C.B.'s condition, we're scheduled to return the day after tomorrow. So, right now, C.B. and I are out in the city, buying souvenirs for our Japanese team members.
You can probably guess what that means, right? We're surrounded by people… Seriously, please, just let us enjoy our private time. Even C.B. looks a bit troubled, forcing a wry smile.
C.B.: "Did everyone perhaps watch yesterday's race?"
Crowd Member 1: "Of course! Yesterday's race was amazing!"
Crowd Member 2: "I've never seen a race like that before!"
C.B.: "Ahaha, thank you. But today is private time, so... you understand?"
—A Few Minutes Later—
C.B.: "We bought so much!"
Hachiman: "Yeah, well, this should be enough."
C.B.: "By the way, did you get any calls, Hachiman? I got tons right after the race. And quite a few while I was sleeping too."
Hachiman: "I got a call right after we won. It was from Air Groove, and the whole team was on screen. The first thing she said was, 'You managed to pull off another outrageous development over there, too.' I mean, I was just training C.B., that's all."
C.B.: "Oh, really? Well, Ireland and Japan are practically opposite time zones. It's daytime for us, but night for them."
Yeah, that's the thing… At the dorms back home, they have lights-out times, so you can't just call whenever you want.
C.B.: "So, that means we can go on a date while we're still here, right? Today was for the Derby, but we still have the St. Leger one left! So let's go on another date tomorrow!"
Hachiman: "Well, I'm the one who promised, after all. And she worked so hard in a foreign country, so she deserves this much, you know?"
C.B.: "Yay! Hachiman is so sweet!"
So, there you have it. To everyone back in Japan, just wait a little longer. We'll be home soon with souvenirs.
Hachiman's Side Out
Air Groove's Side
Yesterday, when Senior C.B. achieved the Irish Triple Crown, it sent shockwaves across Japan. Newspapers featured it on the front page, and it was the top story on the news. It truly was an extraordinary feat. And Hachiman, as a Triple Crown trainer overseas, gained even more renown.
We are incredibly proud of him as our trainer. Hachiman is still in Ireland now. He's been away from Japan for about two weeks, and one of my friends is getting a bit… starved for attention.
Fuji: "Sigh… I miss him so much."
Air Groove: "Fuji, I've heard that tens, hundreds of times already. It's only a few more days of patience."
Fuji: "What do you expect? He's been gone for two weeks, of course I'd be like this… Besides, he's alone with Senior C.B. over there, isn't he? Just this once, let me say it: Senior C.B. is getting unfair treatment."
Air Groove: "…For you to use those words."
Fuji: "Aren't you lonely, Air Groove? This is the longest Hachiman-san has ever been away, isn't it?"
Air Groove: "It's true, I do feel lonely without Hachiman. But not as much as you. You could consider that feeling to be love-sickness."
Fuji: "…Then I'll tell Hachiman-san that you were looking lonely too. That you mentioned his name every ten minutes."
Air Groove: "That would be you… So, may I also tell him that you were so desperate to see Hachiman that you cried once a day?"
Fuji: "I didn't cry, but I can't deny it…"
However, Hachiman and the others aren't returning until the day after tomorrow. Even though the rest of the team can see them via video calls, they still feel a sense of longing. Of course, I do too. Having Hachiman around was normal, so perhaps I'm just not used to this.
Rudolf: "Hello, Air Groove, Fuji Kiseki."
Air Groove: "—! Chairman, good work."
Fuji Kiseki: "Chairman, is something the matter?"
Rudolf: "No, I've just finally finished a batch of work. There was quite a lot relating to Hachiman-kun. His great achievement in Ireland seems to be having an immediate effect. Truly, he always manages to pull off so many things."
Air Groove: "We are very proud of him as our trainer."
Rudolf: "I truly envy you all. And that goes not only for Hachiman and his charge, but for all of you. Achieving a Triple Crown in this country is no easy feat. Your own strengths are undeniable."
Fuji: "That's a bit embarrassing to hear."
Rudolf: "However, I do feel a little lonely without Hachiman-kun here. Don't you all agree?"
Air Groove: "Yes, we were just discussing that. Fuji was saying—" (Sees Fuji glaring) "…Just kidding."
Rudolf: "Hahaha, it's good to see you all getting along so well."
Hachiman, please come home soon.
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