"So exciting, right?" Fuji said. "What's Hachiman Trainer-san cooking up this time?"
"Last year was lavish," I said. "I expect something solid, but with our races in mind, probably not as indulgent."
"Could be," Fuji said. "After last year's spread, I'm dying to know~."
"Look at those three," I said, nodding toward Special Week, Oguri Cap, and Narita Brian. "They're practically pouncing already."
No food's even out yet, and they've got that look. How hungry are they? Well, after last year's feast, anyone would feel the same.
"Sorry for the wait," Hachiman said, rolling in a cart. "It's ready~."
"Finally!" Fuji said. "What's the menu?"
"Prosciutto and onion pepper carpaccio, tomato and salmon marinade," he said. "Then onion-cabbage consommé, cheese-bacon Hasselback potatoes, and croquettes. Five dishes total."
Less flashy than last year, but the balance and vibrancy shine through. Croquettes as the main? Unexpected.
"Naturally, you can have seconds on any dish," Hachiman said. "Got enough ingredients. And…"
He pushed the cart toward Rice Shower and Mejiro Ardan.
"For you two, a share," he said. "Less than these guys, but a thank-you for the festival vibe. Dig in."
"C-Can I really have some?" Rice asked.
"If you don't mind," Hachiman said.
"Mind? Not at all, Brother!" Ardan said. "We'll gladly accept."
"Thank you, Onii-sama♪" Rice said.
…Right, a thank-you for the festival.
"Like I said last year, eat quick or you'll run out of time," Hachiman said.
At his words, students—including Rice and Ardan—rushed to grab food. Their portions are smaller than ours, so it makes sense.
"Let's eat before it gets cold," I said.
"Yeah, let's dig in!" Fuji said.
"I'm torn," I said. "Everything looks delicious."
"I'm starting with the potatoes," Fuji said. "Potatoes, cheese, and bacon? Can't go wrong. Gotta eat 'em hot and fluffy."
"Good point," I said. "I'll start with the soup."
We ate under six pairs of hungry eyes. Hachiman's cooking is undeniably delicious—no flattery needed. But halfway through, something odd happened.
"These potato croquettes are great," I said. "Perfectly done."
"Huh? Potato?" Fuji said.
"Mine was sweet potato," she said. "Maybe Hachiman Trainer-san's pulling a prank?"
"Is that it?" I said.
"He's got a mischievous streak," she said, taking a bite. "Mm? Pumpkin? And cheese!?"
"What's going on?" I said.
"Look at this croquette…" Fuji said.
She was right—hers had pumpkin and cheese inside…
"What's this?" I said, biting another. "Curry flavor."
"Curry croquettes now!?" Fuji exclaimed.
"Enjoying yourselves?" Hachiman said, grinning. "Each croquette's got a different filling. You named potato, sweet potato, pumpkin-cheese, and curry. Four kinds so far. What's the last three?"
"Whoa, this is some entertainment!" Fuji said. "I'm shocked~."
"Indeed," I said. "Now I'm dying to know the rest."
We finished every dish, devouring the croquettes. The remaining three? Corn, beef, and crab cream. I thought it'd be less lavish, but this twist was clever.
"Seconds?" Hachiman asked.
"Absolutely!" Fuji said.
"Coming up," he said.
"Even I, no big eater, can't resist," Fuji said. "Hachiman Trainer-san's the real deal."
"Agreed," I said. "These croquettes took effort. Quite a feat."
"Not really," Hachiman said. "You get the hang of it."
"Here's seconds," he said.
"Thanks," Fuji said. "This is so good, I'd eat it daily. Wanna cook every day?"
"No way," Hachiman said. "That'd bring a mob of freeloaders. At least three are guaranteed."
"Haha, true," Fuji said. "Let's finish before those three's stares burn holes in us."
Hachiman's surprise croquettes steal the show, delighting Fuji and sparking Air Groove's quiet admiration, though her trust arc lingers. The foodie trio's hunger and Rice-Ardan's joy add warmth, while Fuji's Niigata debut nears. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's craft, with Haruno's shadow looming. What's next for Air Groove's heart?
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