Rice Shower's POV
H-hello there! Rice Shower here!
Right now, we're back at Tracen Academy and right in the middle of training. Today, I'm helping Mr. C.B. with her "chase training" for her next race. Since her upcoming start is the 1,800m Kyodo Tsushin Hai, we're focusing heavily on speed. I'm participating too, but since my goal is the 2,500m Nikkei-sho, I'm pacing myself for a 2,000m run. C.B.-san and the President are running side-by-side to push each other, so I have to give it my all too!
Wait, you're wondering if Rice has a training partner? Of course I do! And that person is…
"Huff… huff… Phew. As expected of you, Rice-san. Your stride is excellent. And… as I thought, running with you is truly enjoyable."
"I'm having fun too, Bourbon-san! When I see your back in front of me, I just feel this urge to overtake you no matter what… ehehe."
"I see," Mihono Bourbon replied, her expression as stoic as ever, yet her eyes softened. "Then it seems I must acquire more speed—enough that even you cannot reach me."
That's right—I'm training with Bourbon-san! When I went to visit her in the hospital last November right after my overseas trip, I heard she was recovering so well she'd be discharged the following week. She's been working hard on her rehab ever since, and today is our very first joint training session. I wonder how long it's been since we last ran like this…?
"Bourbon, how are your legs feeling?" Trainer Kuronuma asked, walking over.
"Master. I am maintaining optimal condition. I feel no abnormalities at this time."
"Good. If you feel even the slightest twinge, tell me immediately."
"Acknowledged, Master."
Big Brother walked up to me next. "You seem to be in high spirits too, Rice."
"Yeah! Running with Bourbon-san makes me so happy!"
"It's good to enjoy yourself, but don't let your form slip, alright?"
"I know, I'll be fine! I'm focused!"
I can't wait for the day Bourbon-san and I can stand on the same starting line in a real race again.
"That was a dead heat!" C.B. chirped, wiping sweat from her brow. "Man, Rudolf, you really don't make it easy to pass you, do you?"
"I can't afford to lose to you," Rudolf replied with a regal tilt of her head. "Besides, if I don't give it my absolute all, you'd leave me in the dust in a heartbeat. I can't let my guard down for a second."
"I love that! That's the spirit!" C.B. laughed. "That's what makes overtaking you so much fun!"
Hachiman looked around the track, his eyes narrowing. "I think your 'spirit' is starting to draw a crowd… look at the stands."
Kuronuma nodded. "It's only natural. Rice is the woman of the hour right now after winning a G1 overseas. Add Bourbon's return to the track and a joint session between Mr. C.B. and Symboli Rudolf? People were bound to swarm. I can't predict how the Classics will go this year, but I know one thing: it's going to be legendary."
"True," Hachiman sighed. "And it's mostly this one's fault." He gestured toward C.B.
"Hey! Don't act like you're innocent!" C.B. pouted, crossing her arms. "The indirect cause of all this hype is you, Hachiman!"
"You had to go there, didn't you? Fine, I can't argue with that."
"Damn right! I haven't forgotten what you did with Rice last year. That 'Demon Training' session… Rice was terrifying! If you ever made me do that, my face would go permanently blank!"
"Huh?! Rice was scary?" I squeaked.
Hachiman glanced at me. "Well… back then, you were basically a apex predator in the guise of a small, fluffy animal. But don't worry, C.B. I won't put you through that unless you specifically ask for it."
"Wait a second, Big Brother! What do you mean by 'apex predator'?! Is Rice a monster?!"
After Training
"Alright, good work today," Hachiman said, packing up his clipboard. "We've got more tomorrow, so make sure you rest up."
"Aren't you coming back with us, Hachiman?" C.B. asked.
"I've got work. Things I need to take care of. What about you, Rudolf? No student council duties?"
"I've already cleared my schedule for the day. There are no issues."
"Good. Then get back to the dorms. It's starting to get col—"
"Hold on." C.B. stepped into his path, her eyes narrowed playfully.
"What is it now, C.B.?"
"Hachiman… are you hiding something from us?"
Hachiman didn't flinch. "What makes you say that?"
"Because you're asking questions you never usually ask! You're acting suspicious. Something is definitely up!"
Hachiman sighed, a look of mild annoyance crossing his face. (Honestly, why is C.B.'s intuition so sharp when it comes to the most trivial things? This doesn't even involve her.)
"I won't deny I have things to do," Hachiman said flatly. "But it's not something I need to share with you. Understand?"
"Aww, but I want to know everything about you, Hachiman~"
"Yeah, yeah, thank you. If I were still a high school student, I would have definitely fallen for that just now."
C.B. grinned. "And now?"
"Now? Let's just say 'I'm sorry' and leave it at that."
"Wait, did I just get rejected without even confessing?! Hey, don't change the subject!"
"Look," Hachiman said, his voice becoming serious. "Like I said, it's not something that concerns you. It's mundane. Do you really want to know something that boring?"
"I do!!"
"You're hopeless..."
Seeing them like this, I started to get curious too. If Rice asked, would Big Brother tell me?
"Oh, Trainer Hikigaya. There you are."
We all turned to see Ms. Tazuna Hayakawa walking toward us.
"Hello, Ms. Tazuna," Hachiman said. "I'll be right there, just give me a moment."
"Take your time, I don't mind waiting."
C.B. practically bounced over to her. "Hey, hey, Ms. Tazuna! Do you have plans with Hachiman? Are you two going on a date?!"
"Brother," Rudolf's voice dropped an octave, "I will not tolerate inappropriate—"
"I'm not," Hachiman interrupted. "Why does your mind immediately jump to the most dramatic conclusion?"
"O-oh... I see. My apologies. I jumped to conclusions."
Tazuna giggled politely. "I'm afraid it's nothing so romantic. I'm just helping Trainer Hikigaya with the paperwork for his change of address."
Hachiman groaned, slapping a hand over his eyes. "Haa… you just had to say it, didn't you?"
"Change of address?" C.B. blinked.
"Wait..." I felt my heart skip a beat. "Does that mean...?"
"Yes," Tazuna smiled. "Trainer Hikigaya is moving out of the trainers' dorms."
WHAAAAT?!
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"