Fuji and Air Groove are digging in like it's their last meal—always a good sight. Ardan and Rice are beaming too, savoring every bite. The other Uma Musume are practically glued to the four of them, eyes wide.
"Trainer, any leftovers?" Oguri Cap asked.
"How much do you eat?" I said. "You just scarfed down a mountain of food. Still not enough? What's your stomach made of?"
"Doesn't matter," she said. "Got any croquettes left?"
"…You think there are?" I said.
"…" Oguri slumped, deflated.
"…I've got white rice," I said.
"I want sides," she said, still sulking.
…Oguri saying "mon"? That's a first. She's that bummed? Really?
"Trainer…" she said, eyes pleading.
"…" She didn't budge.
"…Fine," I said. "Wait there. I'll whip up some croquettes."
"For real!?" she said, lighting up.
"Not much left, so it'll be a mix," I said. "That okay?"
"Totally!" she said. "Thanks, Trainer!"
"Don't tell those two," I said, nodding at Special Week and Narita Brian. "I don't have enough for three. Just you."
"Oguri, here," I said, handing her a plate.
"Wow!" she said, eyes sparkling.
"Those two seem distracted," I said. "They're locked on Air Groove and Fuji. Eat quick before they notice."
"No way," she said. "Your cooking? I'm savoring it."
"Suit yourself," I said. "Looks like they're about done."
Time to check on dessert.
"Hey, Hachiman Trainer-san!" Fuji said. "Thanks for the feast—so good♪"
"Delicious," Air Groove said.
"Glad you liked it," I said. "I've got dessert ready. Want it?"
"You didn't mention dessert earlier," Air Groove said. "You prepared it again this year?"
"I knew it was coming on the bus," Fuji said, "but not what. What'd you make?"
"First, you want it?" I said.
"Absolutely," Air Groove said.
"Count me in!" Fuji said.
"I'll take it!!" Mejiro McQueen chimed in.
…Did I just hear a voice that shouldn't be here? Nah, my imagination.
"Alright, I'll get it," I said. "That last voice? Gotta be my imagination."
"It's not!" McQueen said.
"Here," I said. "Strawberry tart for Air Groove. Fuji, tiramisu for you."
"Whoa, looks amazing!" Fuji said. "You can do this too, Hachiman Trainer-san? How'd you know I'm not big on sweets?"
"I'm your trainer," I said. "Gotta know that much."
"Last year was Sachertorte, right?" Fuji said.
"Indeed," Air Groove said. "But what's this?"
"What's up?" Fuji asked.
"Strawberries peak in May to June," Air Groove said. "They're not in season now…"
"Good eye," I said. "Normally, yeah, strawberries are spring. But these are Hokkaido's Natsumizu strawberries. Strawberries don't usually grow in summer, but Natsumizu's peak is now. They're cultivated year-round. Sweeter than most—Kyushu's Amaou hits about 16 Brix, but Natsumizu averages 16, maxing at 18. You'll taste the difference."
"Such strawberries exist?" Air Groove said.
"Now it looks extra tasty," Fuji said.
"…" McQueen trembled, eyes locked on the tart.
Alright, this slice goes to…
"Remember our talk a week ago?" I whispered. "This is thanks."
"You didn't have to~," she said. "But I'll take it. Thanks♪"
"Mmmph!" McQueen quivered.
"Mac?" Mejiro Ryan said.
"Something wrong?" Ardan asked.
"She's dying for that tart," Mejiro Dober said. "With Trainer's explanation, it sounds sweeter than ever."
"You'll need to boost Brother's favor to get one," Ardan said.
"You're close with Trainer, right?" Ryan said.
"Oh, yes♪" Ardan said. "Rice-san's tight with Brother too."
"Yup!" Rice said. "Onii-sama's super kind."
…The Mejiro ladies and Rice are having a blast over there. Whatever.
"Trainer-san!!" McQueen said.
"Don't I get one!?" she pleaded.
"Please, I beg you!!" she said.
"…Ardan, McQueen's really into sweets, huh?" I said.
"Absolutely," Ardan said. "She's the Mejiro family's biggest sweet-tooth."
"Guess I'll grab a tiramisu," I said.
"Don't tease me!!" McQueen said.
In the end, she was so persistent I gave her a slice. Like last year, she ate it teary-eyed, savoring every bite.
Oguri's sulky "mon" steals hearts, CB's tart rewards her loyalty, and McQueen's dessert frenzy brings the chaos! Air Groove's quiet presence hints at her trust arc's slow thaw, while Fuji's cheer keeps her Niigata debut near. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's craft, with Haruno's shadow lingering. What's next for this lively crew?
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