With the workplace tour done, I finally ditched the posture corrector. The glasses? They told me to keep them on for some reason, so here I am. Today was weird. Morning started normal, but once I put on these glasses, everything went sideways. Air Groove and the others kept averting their eyes, Takanotsume got oddly close, and Rudolf acted normal but had a slight blush. What's going on?
I told them they could head home, but somehow, all three are still tagging along. Why?
"Look," I said, "can't I take these off? First time wearing glasses, and my ears are starting to hurt."
Fuji grinned. "I'm fine with you going back to normal Hachiman Trainer-san, but Air Groove's not having it."
Air Groove huffed. "I didn't want you to remove the corrector either, but long-term strain's no good, so I allowed it reluctantly."
"So, ideally?" I asked.
CB chirped, "You'd stay like earlier!"
"Give me a break…" I groaned.
Fuji's eyes lit up. "Hey, Hachiman Trainer-san, why not send a photo of this look to your mentor? Bet they'd be shocked at the new you!"
"Please, no," I said. "Remember the Shuka Sho? Professor showed up and snapped a million photos. 'Commemorative shots,' they called it, but making me wear different outfits was torture."
Air Groove snorted. "It's just photos with your mentor and their mentor. Let them have it. Stop complaining."
"Air Groove," I said, "imagine getting flashed by cameras over and over. You feel me?"
She paused. "…Sorry, I went too far. You did great."
Air Groove's being… nice today.
CB laughed. "So dramatic over photos."
"CB," I said, "could you handle an hour in a cramped elevator? I couldn't. Too boring, too tight."
CB's eyes softened. "You really toughed it out, Hachiman! I'm proud of how far you've come!"
Yeah, you get it! Also, are you my mom?
"Thanks," I said. "Your kindness hits deep."
Fuji chuckled. "Heh…"
"Alright," I said. "I'm cooking dinner for you three. A thank-you for your kindness, and an apology to Fuji for pushing her too hard."
CB bounced. "Hachiman's cooking! I've been dying to try it~!"
Air Groove raised a brow. "Is it like last time's menu?"
"Want something similar?" I asked. "I can whip up something close. Your call."
"I'm in no position to demand," she started.
"Don't hold back," I cut in. "Name a request."
She hesitated. "…Fine, same as before. But use seasonal ingredients if you can."
"Got it," I said. "I'll use autumn seafood. Dressing—change it up or keep it?"
"You can make others?" she asked.
"…Then do it," she said.
"Done," I said. "You two?"
CB grinned. "I haven't tried that course, so same's fine!"
Fuji nodded. "Me too."
"Alright," I said. "Be at the academy cafeteria around six. But don't tell anyone else—it'll be chaos."
Should I invite Takanotsume? Today was probably rough for her.
Air Groove mused, "What'd he make…?"
Fuji tilted her head. "He said it's like last time, so the concept's probably similar. Just different fish and dressing, right?"
"You think?" Air Groove said. "Last time was potatoes and carrots. It's autumn now—sweet potatoes instead of potatoes, pumpkin instead of carrots, maybe?"
Fuji blinked. "…Now that you mention it."
CB waved. "Yo, Fuji, Air Groove!"
Air Groove nodded. "Right on time. Let's go."
Fuji sniffed. "Smells amazing already."
Symboli Rudolf greeted them. "Great work today, everyone. I enjoyed watching."
Takanotsume smiled. "Good job, all!"
Air Groove blinked. "Chairman! And Takanotsume? You were invited?"
Rudolf nodded. "His kindness."
I pushed a cart over. "Everyone's here? Food's ready. Take a seat."
I set the dishes on the table.
"Tonight's reward dinner," I said. "Menu's like before: bifuteki, plus autumn sanma and salmon carpaccio, pumpkin and sweet potato stew, and seasonal rice."
Rudolf's eyes widened. "Impressive…"
Takanotsume beamed. "You cook too, Hachiman Trainer? Amazing!"
"College forced me to learn," I said. "No seconds this time, though. Got rice and stew, but academy rules limit how much I can use."
Air Groove nodded. "Lots of brown tones, but balanced with vegetables. Well thought out."
"Athletes need to stay healthy," I said. "It's a given."
CB bounced. "C'mon, let's eat! It'll get cold!"
Rudolf smiled. "True. Itadakimasu."
"Itadakimasu!" they chorused.
Hachiman's cooking warms hearts and stomachs! Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy shines as she savors the reward, while Fuji's cheer and CB's enthusiasm light up the cafeteria. Hachiman's glasses stay on, keeping the charm from the demo, and his autumn menu shows his care. Rudolf and Takanotsume's surprise inclusion seals the cozy vibe—now I'm hungry too!
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