C.B.'s Perspective
"Mmmgh… okay, how do I handle this?" I muttered to no one in particular.
Rudolf: "…"
Ramone: "…"
Seriously, how am I supposed to deal with this vibe?
Rudolf broke the silence, her voice tight. "Ramone, what business could you possibly have in this clubroom? Or are you waiting for my brother again?"
"My," Ramone replied, her voice like silk. "What other reason would I have to be here?"
Rudolf frowned. "How can you say that so boldly?"
I sighed internally. Ramone was back again, her sights set squarely on Hachiman. I don't get it—why doesn't she go to her own trainer's office? It's not like they're on bad terms or had a falling out as far as I've heard, so she should be fine there. And yet, lately, it feels like she's constantly crossing paths with him…
"So?" Ramone leaned back slightly. "Where is he?"
"We don't know either," I said. "Rice, do you have a lead?"
Rice Shower looked up, a bit fidgety. "Um, he mentioned stopping by Trainer Okino's place. It sounded like he was being consulted about McQueen-san's injury."
"...Ah, the suspensory ligamentitis," Ramone mused. "I heard she's under observation at the Mejiro family's recuperation facility. I wonder how she's faring now."
Rudolf eyed her. "You mean you don't know?"
"I've heard she's doing well enough, but beyond that, I know nothing."
"That's just like you," I chimed in. "But Hachiman should be here any minute. Maybe they've asked him to put together a rehab menu for her?"
Click.
The door swung open, and Hachiman stepped in.
"Sorry I'm a little late—" He stopped dead, his eyes landing on the guest. "Ramone? Why are you here? I'm not saying you're forbidden, but we're about to start training."
"Oh? Am I in the way?" Ramone asked, her tone innocent yet sharp.
"I didn't say that. But what about you? Aren't you supposed to be training?"
Ramone gave a small, dismissive wave of her hand. "...What a tedious question."
"Of course I'm going to ask," Hachiman countered, unfazed. "You have your own trainer. You shouldn't just be wandering off on your own whims."
Ramone's eyes gleamed. "My. Does that mean if I were under your charge, you'd be a bit more… flexible with me?"
Hachiman groaned. "How did you even leap to that conclusion?"
"But Big Brother," Rice interjected softly, "you can only take on three students at a time, right?"
"Yeah. So even if Ramone actually wanted in, it's a non-starter. Well, though I suppose we won't know the official assignments for sure until the April reshuffle."
Rudolf hummed thoughtfully. "If the demand for you grows any further, we'll have to start talking about forming an official Team. Brother, do you have any desire to establish one?"
"Not particularly," Hachiman said flatly. "And for the record, I have no intention of taking Ramone on. I'm not interested in poaching girls who already have contracts. If I'm looking for anyone, it's only those who haven't found a trainer yet."
Huh… So that's how Hachiman feels. Does that mean anyone is fair game as long as they don't have a trainer? What if someone had a trainer before but doesn't anymore? Would that be okay?
Hachiman shook his head, bringing the conversation back to the present. "Anyway, back to the point. What are you actually here for?"
Ramone tilted her head. "If I said I simply came to see you… would you believe me, Brother?"
"I suppose I would," Hachiman replied. "You've never lied to me before. If you say that's the reason, I'll take your word for it."
Ramone smiled. "You're quite trusting, aren't you?"
"Maybe. But like I said, training is starting. I really can't entertain you."
"Then I shall simply watch from nearby. Is that a nuisance?"
Hachiman sighed, yielding. "...As long as you're just watching, I don't mind."
—During Training—
Hachiman: "…"
Ramone: Staaaaare.
Hachiman: "…"
Ramone: Staaaaare.
Hachiman finally snapped. "...Hey. Aren't you looking at the wrong person?"
"I am looking exactly where I intended," Ramone replied smoothly.
"No, you're definitely looking at the wrong thing. Why are you watching me instead of Rudolf and the others? What is there to see? Is this actually entertaining for you?"
"Yes," Ramone whispered, her eyes never wavering. "Highly entertaining." Staaaaare.
Hachiman shifted uncomfortably. "...Also, aren't you a little close?"
"Not at all." Staaaaare.
"No, you're clearly sticking to—"
"I said, not at all."
"...Right. Fine."
Ramone! Why are you standing so close to him?! It's weird! They're basically glued together! And she's not even looking at the track—she's only looking at Hachiman!
"...C.B. is watching us, you know," Hachiman muttered.
Ramone didn't blink. "You're the trainer; you should be watching her closely. Isn't that your duty?" Staaaaare.
"You are absolutely the cause of this tension…"
"Fufufu." Staaaaare.
What is with her?! This is so wrong! Hachiman, stand up for yourself! Say something!
"Mmuuughhh…!" I let out a low growl, my pace faltering.
Rudolf pulled up alongside me. "C.B., I understand how you feel, but you need to focus on your training. You're slated for the Satsuki Sho; this is the crucial stretch."
"S-She's right, C.B.-san!" Rice added, trying to be encouraging. "You can ask Big Brother all about it later. For now, let's just focus on the run, okay?"
"Mmuuu… Mmuuugggghhh!" I puffed out my cheeks in a massive pout.
"Come on, C.B.," Rudolf urged. "Let's go again."
Just you wait, Hachiman! I'm going to do the exact same thing to you later!
Ramone giggled softly. "My, how adorable." Staaaaare.
"Give me a break…" Hachiman sighed heavily. "Man, I'm going to pay for this later."
"Then you'd best work hard on your aftercare, Mr. Trainer." Staaaaare.
"Easy for you to say. You're treating this like it's someone else's problem."
"Because it is." Staaaaare.
Hachiman grunted. "Fine. Next time I cook, you're not getting a bite."
Ramone froze for a split second. "...Perhaps I went a little too far. I'm sorry, Brother."
"Don't go calling me 'Brother' just because things got inconvenient for you."
Ramone… first the surprise visit, and now this? What is she playing at?
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