One month into summer camp, and that day's here again. Last year was chaos, and now? Four freeloaders are probably eyeing my cooking already. My imagination, maybe? Whatever, I'm making dinner for two—Air Groove and Fuji. Ingredients are ready. Once training's done, I'll hit the kitchen.
"Woke up early today," I said. "Morning beach vibes aren't bad."
Last year, I came at midnight with Fuji. We ended up on a hammock in the woods, swaying until dawn broke. Had to grovel to Rudolf and the others. Then Fuji and I bickered over who messed up, landing us both cooking breakfast. Never again.
"Brother, good morning," Mejiro Ardan said.
"Hey, Ardan. Morning," I said. "Still sticking to early training, huh?"
"It's my routine," she said. "You?"
"Woke up early, so… enjoying the view," I said.
"I see," she said. "Rumor has it you're quite the cook?"
"I get by," I said. "Nothing like your Mejiro family's gourmet stuff. Mine's commoner fare."
"Still, I'm curious about your cooking," she said. "Could I try it sometime?"
"If the big eaters and your dessert fiend aren't around," I said.
"Fufu, very well," she laughed.
…Gotta keep the crowd small. Another "me too" and I'm done for.
"Training's done," I said. "Today marks one month at camp. You've crushed hard training, so a reward dinner's waiting."
"Been waiting for this!" Fuji said. "Air Groove and I were guessing today's the day. What's the vibe this time, Hachiman Trainer-san?"
"Not spilling," I said. "But it's not heavy like last year's. Sapporo Kinen's in late August, so the menu's built for that."
"A bit of training should handle it," Air Groove said.
"It's hot here," I said. "A month of intense training? You'll burn out. From August, we shift to lighter adjustments. Less strain."
"Overdoing it and flopping on race day's no good," Fuji said.
"Exactly," I said. "Get to the cafeteria for dinner. Skip it, and someone else gets my food."
"I'll be there!" Fuji said.
"No fool in this academy would snub your cooking," Air Groove said.
…That's some conviction.
"Yo, mind if I borrow the kitchen?" I asked.
"Hey, last year's trainer!" the cook said. "Cooking again?"
"Something like that," I said.
"You've got it rough," he said. "Use that station like last time."
Last year was bifteki and all that… This time, it's not grill-heavy. Some grilling, sure, but not the main event. Wonder how they'll react?
Post-training, I was chilling in my room when those three stormed in. They'd even counted the one-month mark—talk about dedication. I'm not heartless enough to kick them out, so I played host. But all they talked about? Tonight's dinner.
"You guys don't quit, huh?" I said. "That obsessed with Hachiman Trainer-san's cooking?"
"Totally!" Special Week said. "It's so good!"
"Really was," Oguri Cap said.
"Unfair you responsible ones get it," Narita Brian said.
"Unfair?" I said. "It's just a perk of being his charge."
While entertaining the foodie ponies, dinner time rolled around.
As expected, the pony gang was blocking the cafeteria entrance. Troublemakers… They're making it hard for us to get through.
"Hey, quit blocking the way," I said. "You're holding up traffic."
"F-Fuji-senpai!?" one said. "Sorry! But your trainer's cooking, so we just…"
"I get it," I said. "It's that day, right? But what's he making? No savory grilling smells like last year."
"You're here, Fuji," Air Groove said.
"Hey, Air Groove," I said. "Is Hachiman Trainer-san still cooking?"
"Yeah," she said. "Can't tell what from here. Shall we wait at our seats?"
"Sounds good," I said.
What's on the menu? I'm buzzing with excitement♪
Hachiman's reward dinner sparks anticipation, with Air Groove's reserved presence hinting at her trust arc's unresolved knots. Fuji's cheer and the foodie trio's chaos keep the vibe lively, while her Niigata debut looms. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's diligence, with Haruno's shadow lingering. What's cooking, and will Air Groove open up?
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