"Sorry, Hiki Trainer. I dragged you into this mess," Rudolf said.
"No big deal. Most people would've freaked out under that kind of pressure. You held your own pretty well," I replied.
"If I hadn't picked the wrong fight, right?" she said.
"Yeah, pretty much," I admitted.
Rudolf and I were walking from the infirmary to the director's office. Blackmarsh, Air Groove, and probably Trainer △△ were waiting there. The cafeteria incident wasn't massive, but with a crowd of students and trainers watching, Rudolf—the spark—and me—the victim—had to join the discussion.
"Ugh… Never thought I'd be back in the director's office on my third day, especially ," I muttered.
"I know it's a drag, but bear with me. You're not exactly uninvolved," Rudolf said.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," I sighed.
In the director's office, Akikawa greeted us. "Glad you made it, Symboli Rudolf-kun and Hiki Trainer! Confirmation: Hiki Trainer, you okay? No injuries?"
"I'm fine. Where's Trainer △△?" I asked.
"Trainer △△ is currently detained. Blackmarsh Trainer, three others, Air Groove-san, and Narita Brian-san are keeping watch," Takanotsume explained.
"Request: Symboli Rudolf-kun, explain what happened!" Akikawa demanded.
"Understood. I'll lay it out," Rudolf said.
She recounted the cafeteria chaos in detail, her memory razor-sharp despite the drama. I'd have forgotten half of it.
"I see… I noticed his behavior was off since he started. His rep among the Uma Musume wasn't great either," Akikawa said. "Takanotsume, how do we handle this?"
"Well… It's early in his tenure, but a transfer to a regional academy might be best. Though, his behavior there would be a concern," Takanotsume replied.
"And the violence against Hiki Trainer can't be ignored… Expulsion, maybe?" Akikawa added.
Whoa, they're not messing around.
No decision was made that day. They opted for a staff meeting later to settle it. For now, Trainer △△ was under house arrest. Doesn't affect me much, but I hope they don't go too soft on him.
"Sorry for keeping you, Hiki Trainer. You were in the middle of lunch, weren't you?" Rudolf said.
"Says the one who didn't eat a bite. What's your plan?" I shot back.
"No need to worry. Skipping a meal won't kill me," she said.
"…Tch, follow me," I said.
"Where to?" she asked.
"Trainer's room. Kiryuin's probably gone by now, so it's perfect timing," I replied.
In the trainer's room, I told her, "Sit wherever. The teachers know you can't just waltz back to class after that mess. You gotta eat properly to keep your strength up."
"Fair point, but what are you doing?" Rudolf asked.
"Cooking, obviously. Something quick and simple," I said.
"What? You cook too?" she said, surprised.
"I'm a trainer, aren't I? Nutrition's part of the gig. Plus, I've got some stuff stashed for late nights, so we're good," I explained.
She looked puzzled but didn't press.
Ten minutes later, I set the food down. "Here, done. Should tide you over, at least."
"What's this, Hiki Trainer?" Rudolf asked.
"Yakitori donburi. Got miso soup and salad too—call it a yakitori donburi set. You can't fight, race, or sort paperwork on an empty stomach. Eat when you can," I said.
"The grilled chicken smells amazing… I'll dig in, thanks," she said.
I'm no chef, but anyone can pull this off. Buy some yakitori, grill it lightly, slap it on rice—done. Used instant rice too. No time to mess around, so she'll deal.
"Mmm! Delicious…" Rudolf said.
"Good. Worth the effort. Sorry it's basic," I replied.
"No, it's great. You made it, that's what counts. The cafeteria's food is fine, but you don't know who cooked it," she said.
"That so…" I muttered.
She polished it off fast—miso soup, salad, everything. Not sure if she loved it or was just starving. Either way, it felt kinda nice.
"Thanks for the meal. Really delicious. I'd love to have it again," Rudolf said.
"This simple stuff? Cafeteria's way better," I said.
"Handmade food's special. You making it proves that. Cafeteria food's anonymous," she countered.
"I should get back to class. Next period's mandatory," she said.
"Wait, you grilled yakitori. It's not charcoal, but you'll smell. Let me hit you with some deodorizer," I said.
"You're thoughtful in small ways, aren't you? Hmm, I'm liking the idea of you as my trainer. Days with you seem fun," Rudolf said.
"Tch, I'm still deciding who to pick. Don't hate me if it's not you," I warned.
"I understand. Thanks again for the meal," she said, leaving the room.
Alright, time for me to eat something. But what? I checked the fridge again—empty. That yakitori was it. Past me didn't buy anything else?
"…Guess I'll skip lunch and just drink something. I'll hit a ramen joint for dinner. Maybe drag Fine Motion along if I'm free," I muttered.
"Seriously!? I can come!?" Fine exclaimed.
"Yeah, I ran out of dinner ingredients, so I'm eating out. Remembered this morning's thing and thought you might wanna join," I said.
"I'm in! Where's this ramen place, Trainer?" she asked.
"It's called ○○○○○. Been there? I can pick somewhere else if you have," I said.
"Nope, never been! Let's go!" she said, eyes sparkling.
"Cool, meet me at the school gate around 6 PM," I said.
"Yes! Can't wait!" she chirped.
Man, she's got energy. Guess that's the exchange student vibe—though it's probably unrelated.
"Alright, back to work," I said to myself.