The entrance ceremony's over, and I've just finished stowing chairs, banners, and mics. Narita Brian pitched in—surprising, since I expected her to grumble. Honestly, it was a huge help. We wrapped up faster than planned.
No plans next, but where's the president? Not in the student council room… Maybe the chairman's office, the cafeteria, or the field?
"What's up?" Brian asked.
"Just wondering where the president is," I said. "She wasn't in the student council room."
"…You okay?" Brian said.
"…I'm fine now," I replied.
"Doesn't look it," she said. "But whatever."
"Hey, did you hear!?" a student shouted. "The president's racing! Against CB-senpai and Fuji-senpai!!"
"No way! That's insane!!"
"We gotta see this!!"
President… what are you up to?
Brian smirked. "Dumping cleanup on us to race? Gutsy."
"Yeah," Brian said. "Follow those kids, and we'll find the spot."
Following the gossiping students, we reached the training course, where a crowd of students and trainers circled the track. There, in jerseys, were the president, CB-senpai, Fuji… and Oguri Cap, Rice Shower, Mihono Bourbon, Mejiro Ardan, Manhattan Café, and Super Creek, all prepping. Six more?
"What's going on?" Brian asked.
"No clue," I said. "But my trainer's involved, that's for sure."
"Seems like it," Brian said. "Not joining them?"
"I'd rather not…" I said. "But I need to know what's happening."
Hachiman sighed. "…How'd it come to this?"
"Trainer," I said. "Mind explaining?"
"Air Groove," he said. "This mess, right?"
"Look, I don't even know," he said. "Rudolf suggested a weekend outing. CB jumped in, and next thing I know, the group tripled."
"An… outing with you?" I said.
An outing with Trainer… We've never done that. Wishing for it now feels pointless…
"Somehow, I'm the prize," he said. "Can't even escape."
"…I'm at a loss for words," I said.
"That's enough, thanks," he said.
"!? I said that out loud?" I gasped.
How embarrassing… But he doesn't seem offended.
"Hey, Air Groove, Brian," Rudolf said. "Thanks for the cleanup."
"While we slaved away, you prepped for a race?" Brian said. "Real nice."
"Sorry," Rudolf said. "An unavoidable battle came up."
"This got big fast," CB said. "When did it spread?"
"We heard rumors and came," I said. "Not intentional, it seems."
"No idea how, but the crowd just grew," Maruzensky said. "We're as shocked as you."
"Trainer said this is about going out with him," I said. "Is that right?"
"Totally!" CB chirped. "I wanna date Eight♪"
"I started it," Rudolf said.
"I've been curious about an outing with Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said.
"Same here," Oguri Cap said.
"Rice wants to go with Onii-sama!" Rice Shower said.
"Status: [Desire] confirmed," Mihono Bourbon said. "I request an outing."
"A sightseeing trip with Anii-sama sounds fun," Mejiro Ardan said.
"A coffee tour with Trainer-san… sounds nice," Manhattan Café said.
"Hehe~ I've always wanted to go out with Trainer-san~," Super Creek said.
"You're popular, Trainer," Brian said. "Nine suitors. What's your move?"
"Don't ask me," Hachiman said. "I'm the prize here. Winner of this mock race gets the outing, apparently."
"Rough spot," I said. "I… almost pity you."
"Let's get to it!" Maruzensky said. "The crowd's dying to see you race!"
"Indeed," Rudolf said. "Let's warm up and start. Hachiman-kun, will you check our prep?"
"Using me like a tool…" Hachiman muttered. "Fine, you're all set. Ready when you are."
A mock race erupts as nine seniors—Rudolf, CB, Fuji, and more—compete for a "date" with Hachiman, whose "Tengan" fame fuels the chaos. Air Groove, watching her trainer, feels a quiet ache, her Osaka Hai struggles and Takarazuka Kinen resolve looming large. The Yahari crossover amplifies Hachiman's stardom, with Haruno's shadow lingering. Fuji's flair shines—her arc's near!
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