CB's Perspective
"Ahahaha! Hachiman, over here! Come join me—it feels amazing!"
"...Listen, CB. Do you actually understand your position in the Classics right now?"
"Eh? Yeah, I'm a racer, right? What are you even talking about, Hachiman?"
"That's not what I mean!" Hachiman's voice cracked with exasperation. "You're the heavy favorite for the Triple Crown this year! So why is the star of the season standing in the middle of a literal deluge, without an umbrella, taking a 'natural shower' like a lunatic? If you catch a cold and have to scratch from the race, it won't be a laughing matter!"
"Aww, but it's finally raining! It's been nothing but sun lately. When the sky finally opens up, don't you just feel like running outside?"
"You're the only girl in the world who thinks that!"
But really... it's the rain. I've always loved the rain.
"That damn free-spirited horse girl..." Hachiman muttered, rubbing his temples.
"Now, now, Brother. It's not as if CB's whims are a new development," Rudolf interjected smoothly. "I could ask her to stop, but... Hachiman, would she listen even if I told her that she's racing a G1 tomorrow?"
"...You've got a point. But still, is there really no stopping her?"
"But CB-san looks like she's having so much fun," Rice Shower added softly.
Hachiman sighed. "If this were just any other day with nothing on the schedule, I wouldn't say a word. But Rice, look at her. Could you ever imagine soaking yourself to the bone the day before you're set to run a G1?"
"...I don't think I could," Rice admitted, shrinking back slightly. "I'd... I'd probably just go to bed early and try to prepare."
"See? That is a normal reaction," Hachiman said, his voice softening. "Thanks, Rice. You're the only thing keeping me sane right now."
"Brother," Rudolf said, a hint of a tease in her voice, "where does that leave me?"
"You're the low-maintenance second daughter. Rice is the youngest who needs to be spoiled. And CB..." He gestured toward the soaking-wet girl in the distance. "Well, you can see for yourself."
"...I think I understand your classification better now," Rudolf noted with a small smile.
"Yeah," Rice agreed. "Me too..."
— A Few Minutes Later —
"Phew! That felt great!" CB chirped, stepping inside.
"Whoa! CB, you're drenched!" Katsuragi Ace barked, jumping back. "Have you been outside this whole time?"
"Oh, hey Ace. Yeah, pretty much. The rain felt so good after such a dry spell... you should go try it!"
"I prefer my showers hot, thanks. Besides, who goes out to play in the rain while still wearing their school uniform?"
"Ahaha! Hachiman said the exact same thing!"
Ace sighed, looking toward the hallway. "Man... I don't envy your Trainer. The sheer amount of stress you put that guy through must be off the charts."
"But isn't that what a Trainer is for?" CB asked playfully.
"I'm saying you should show a little restraint since you're the one causing it! Have a little empathy, will you?!"
But I can't help it. I just wanted to go outside!
"Yo, Ace. How are you holding up?" Hachiman appeared, looking exhausted.
"Oh, Trainer! Yeah, I'm good. You here to pick up this runaway?"
"Something like that. Sorry for the trouble my problem child caused you."
"Don't sweat it. I'm used to her."
"Hey now," CB pouted. "Could you guys not talk like this is all my fault?"
"WHO ELSE WOULD BE TO BLAME?!" Hachiman and Ace shouted in perfect unison.
"Eek! Help! I'm being attacked!" CB laughed, ducking away. "Oh, Hachiman? Later, in the Trainer's room... you have to give my hair a good drying, okay? Lots of head pats!"
Hachiman narrowed his eyes. "Fine. I'll do it. I'll shove my fingers so deep into your ears you'll be hearing colors."
Uh oh. He's serious. Time to bolt!
"Ehehe, just kidding! See ya, Ace! See you tomorrow!"
— The Trainer's Room —
"Really, you shouldn't trouble Brother so much," Rudolf scolded gently, her hands busy briskly toweling off CB's hair. Washa-washa.
"I just couldn't help the impulse, you know?" CB murmured.
"I would prefer it if you did help it. Sigh... You should apologize when he gets back, you know." Washa-washa.
"Yeah, yeah... I was planning on it. Don't worry."
"I-it's okay," Rice chimed in. "Rice will apologize with you!"
"No," Rudolf said firmly. "I think it's better if you stay out of this one, Rice." Washa-washa.
The door creaked open.
"I figured you'd be here," Hachiman said, stepping in. "Actually, it was a given."
"Hachiman... Hey. Sorry about earlier."
"Forget it. I don't even have the energy to be angry anymore..." Hachiman slumped toward his desk. "I'm going to take a short nap."
"Brother, do you want to use the sofa?" Rice asked.
"No, the chair is fine. Thanks anyway."
"Okay... but tell me if you need anything!"
Hachiman pulled a pair of earphones from his drawer, plugged them in, and closed his eyes as the music started... Come to think of it, CB realized, this might be the first time I've seen him sleep.
"I wonder what he's listening to?" CB whispered.
"Why not ask him when he wakes up?" Rudolf suggested. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind answering a simple question like that."
"Yeah, let's do that!"
"There we go..." Rice whispered, carefully draping a lap blanket over Hachiman's legs. "He shouldn't catch a chill. It's cold today."
"He's usually so reliable," CB giggled softly, leaning in to look at his face. "But he looks surprisingly cute when he's asleep, doesn't he?"
"You think?" Rudolf countered. "I think he looks quite dignified, even in rest."
"Rice thinks... Brother has been so busy lately. He hasn't had any time to rest. Let's let him sleep until it's time for us to head home, okay?"
"Agreed," Rudolf said. "That's a good plan. Until then, let's finish what work we can here. And let's keep the noise to a minimum."
"Mhm. Roger that," CB nodded.
"Okay," Rice whispered.
...Well then, I guess I'll take this time to look over the lineup for tomorrow's Satsuki Sho.
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