Hachiman's mind churned over the council president's offer. Another Uma Musume? The idea felt like a curveball he hadn't seen coming. Training Air Groove was enough—forming a team required clout he didn't have yet. How many can you even handle without a team? He'd need to ask someone seasoned, like Tojo-sensei, but pestering random trainers might earn him jealous glares. Better play it safe.
The trainer dorm's cafeteria hummed with morning chatter, the clink of trays blending with Hachiman's thoughts. He shoveled breakfast, barely tasting it, his mind still on team limits.
"Morning, Hikitani-kun!" Kirari's bright voice cut through. "Mind if I sit here?"
Hachiman swallowed. "Yo, morning. Go for it."
"Thanks," Kirari said, sliding in. "Huh, no scribbling today?"
He blinked. "What's that mean?"
"You're always jotting down menus or something," she said, tilting her head. "Most days, I hear your pen scratching. Today? Nothing."
"Didn't notice," Hachiman said, shrugging. "Guess it's a habit."
Kirari's eyes sparkled. "Unconscious, huh?"
"Not something I think about," he said. "Just happens."
When'd that start? Hachiman wondered. The habit had crept up, so ingrained he sometimes missed people around him. Still haven't kicked it.
Kirari's gaze flicked to his ear. "Whoa, those earrings—where'd you get them?"
"Yesterday," he said, touching one. "My mentor sent them to the academy. Not piercings, just earrings."
"Unexpected," Kirari said, grinning. "I pegged you as the no-frills type."
"I'm not big on flair," Hachiman admitted. "But they're from her, so I'm wearing them. Can't ignore a gift like that."
Kirari's thoughts flickered. He's loyal to his mentor, huh? Wearing her gift so dutifully—surprisingly principled.
"They look pricey," she said. "Asked about the cost?"
"Nope," Hachiman said. "Just the box and these. Probably worth more than a G1 purse, though."
"That's no joke!" Kirari laughed.
"Yeah, I know," he said, deadpan.
But his mentor would pull that stunt. She was like Yukino's sister—doting to a fault on things she cared about, indifferent to the rest. Except she'd perfected it: showering affection without breaking what she loved, keeping just the right distance. Suits me fine.
The training course was quiet under the dawn sky, the crisp air a welcome change. Hachiman leaned against the fence, taking it in. Not bad coming out this early. Track's empty now, but after school, it'll be swarmed with Uma Musume.
"Onii-sama?" a soft voice called.
Hachiman turned. "Oguri? Morning workout?"
"Yes," Oguri Cap said, her eyes bright. "Just light exercise, nothing too intense. What brings you here, Onii-sama?"
"Nothing special," he said. "Thought I'd catch some fresh air. Scenery's decent."
"As expected of Onii-sama," Oguri said, nodding sagely.
"Cut the 'Oniisama' stuff," Hachiman groaned. "I'm not your big brother, like I've told you before."
Oguri tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "That's odd. You let Rice Shower call you 'Onii-sama,' but I can't?"
Hachiman froze. "You knew?"
"I overheard Rice Shower talking about you," Oguri said, her smile innocent.
Rice, what have you done? Hachiman sighed inwardly. Not her fault, but still…
"So," Oguri pressed, "no problem if I call you Onii-sama too, right?"
"Fine, you win," Hachiman said, defeated. "Do what you want."
"Yay, Onii-sama!" Oguri beamed. "I can't wait to tell Mack, Bell, Ryan, and Permer!"
"That's worth bragging about?" Hachiman muttered.
Somehow, he ended up watching Oguri's training, not coaching, just observing. Her delicate frame belied her graceful strides, each step a blend of beauty and fragility. Like cherry blossoms, Hachiman thought. Gorgeous, delicate, but fleeting. Yet Oguri pushed on, a budding flower straining to bloom fully.
"You do this every morning?" he asked as she caught her breath.
"Yes," Oguri panted. "Daytime's too crowded, and mornings are cool, refreshing. Best time to run without overdoing it."
"Smart," Hachiman said, impressed. "You've thought it through." He ruffled her hair without thinking.
Oguri froze, her eyes wide. Oniisama's hand… It felt like her sister's—gentle, praising, yet slightly reserved. Just like Onee-sama.
"Well done, Oguri," her sister's voice echoed in her mind. "You're doing great."
Hachiman pulled back. "Get ready for school."
"Onii-sama, just a bit longer…" Oguri said, hesitant.
"When you can run even stronger," he said, smirking.
Oguri's breath caught. "Until you can keep up with me longer, this is on hold," her sister had said.
"I'll get there," Oguri said, her voice firm. "Promise."
"Do your best, but don't push too hard," Hachiman said.
She'll be fine, he thought, watching her go. Oguri's got that spark.
Oguri glanced back. Onii-sama… he's a lot like Onee-sama.
Hachiman's in deep now! That "Onii-sama" from Oguri Cap—total heart-stealer! And Kirari spotting his mentor's fancy earrings? The guy's got layers. With the council pushing for a second trainee, who's gonna step up? Oguri's cherry-blossom run was pure poetry, but will she bloom in time? Thought it was Rice Shower, didn't ya? Nope, Oguri stole the show! Track's calling—, go!