Two days after Trecen Academy erupted over my second-trainee announcement, the chaos hadn't let up. It was relentless—only weekday classes offered a sliver of peace. Otherwise, it was a constant wrestle with eager Uma Musume. Air Groove's training kept most at bay during sessions, but the second we finished, they swarmed, begging for my attention. Go pitch to another trainer, I thought. I'm just a second-year rookie, for crying out loud.
It wasn't just the students. My fellow trainers weren't thrilled either. Veterans like Ogino and Tojo, who ran their own teams, called it expected, but the grumbling was loud.
"Just a second trainee, and they're losing it," one whispered.
"He's only hyped because of Air Groove," another muttered.
"If he's taking another, why not grab an instructor gig? He's already making menus."
"It's just Air Groove's fame rubbing off."
The gossip was endless, but I brushed it off. I was used to it—call it thick skin or just apathy.
Today, I was at the student council room, roped in by Air Groove to help with their workload. They were short-handed, and I was the extra pair of hands.
"Done with this batch," I said, stacking papers. "Anything else?"
Symboli Rudolf raised an eyebrow. "Already? I always wonder if you're cutting corners with that speed."
"Rude," I said. "I double-checked everything. Ask Air Groove if you don't believe me."
"Why me?" Air Groove said, frowning.
"You're the reliable one," I said.
She sighed. "Fine, I'll check."
Narita Brian leaned forward. "Hey, Trainer, got time today? I'm craving something."
"Let me guess—meat?" I said.
"What else?" she shot back.
"Wanna try raw meat?" I teased.
Her eyes glinted. "Oh?"
"Fish, though," I added.
"Pass," she said flatly.
Air Groove returned, papers in hand. "President, it's clean. Not a single mistake. His work's solid."
"Thank you," Rudolf said, then turned to me. "Sorry, Hachiman-kun. I keep doubting you."
"No big deal," I said. "I don't get mad over that. Honestly, I'm half-tempted to work here full-time. It's quieter than outside."
Rudolf chuckled. "You're practically a celebrity at Trecen now. No wonder it's chaotic."
"That doesn't mean you get to claim this space," Air Groove said sharply. "You're here when we need help, not otherwise."
"Yeah, yeah," I said, waving her off. "Oh, by the way, you're into flowers, right?"
Air Groove blinked. "Yes. Watering the blooms every morning is my routine. Why?"
"So, uh, the Professor—Sensei's mentor—gave me a flower," I said. "I'm not great with plants. I water it daily, but I'm clueless. Wanna take it? I've been meaning to learn, but timing's off."
"That's all?" Air Groove said. "Fine, just say so. What's the flower?"
"It's a rose," I said. "Looks like one, anyway. The name's tricky… Dama-something? Damask, maybe? Bigger than a regular rose, but…" I noticed her freeze. "What's with the stare?"
Air Groove's voice was low. "Do you… have a picture?"
"Nah," I said. "I don't snap photos of flowers."
She whipped out her phone, fingers flying across the screen. After a moment, she shoved it toward me. "This. Is this the rose you're talking about?"
"Yeah, that's it!" I said. "Damask rose, huh? Cool."
Air Groove's eyes blazed. "We're going to your place. Now."
"What!?" I yelped. "Why?"
"No questions!" she barked. "The Queen of Roses in your room? Unacceptable! We're repotting it, tending it—everything!"
"But I'm giving it to you!" I protested. "Isn't that enough?"
"No!" she roared. "You think the Queen of Roses belongs in some basic pot? You fool!"
"I'm getting yelled at hard…" I muttered, shrinking under her glare.
What's with this intensity? Air Groove was a force, her voice like a whip.
"President," she said, turning to Rudolf, "I have urgent business. I'll step out briefly."
"Uh, sure…" Rudolf said, stunned.
Air Groove grabbed my arm. "Move it!"
"It's fine!" I said. "No one's stealing it!"
"That's not the point!" she snapped.
I'm not getting dragged, so that's something, I thought, stumbling after her. But seriously, flowers flip her ? I'm actually scared of her right now.
Rudolf sighed. "I had more tasks, but… another time."
Brian clicked her tongue. "Tch, missed my meal again."
Holy turf, Air Groove's flower obsession is next-level! Hachiman's just trying to survive the second-trainee frenzy, dodging jealous trainers and eager Uma Musume, when—bam!—Air Groove goes full floral warrior over a Damask rose! The student council's vibing, but that "Queen of Roses" rant? Iconic! With summer racing and a new trainee looming, what's Hachiman in for next? The track's blooming with chaos—let's roll!