Hachiman's POV

Two days after Ardan's call, I'm at Trecen Academy's entrance, keeping my promise. It's forty minutes early—figured I'd give myself some buffer. Ardan's not here yet, but girls take time to prep. Waiting's a guy's job. Not that I care about etiquette.

What does Ardan do normally? Can't picture it… She's delicate, probably careful about her health, but I don't see her as the outing type. Whatever—I'm just tagging along wherever she wants. That's the deal, even if I didn't choose it.

Vroom!

A fancy car pulls up. Yep, there it is—the lady's arrived.

A butler steps out, opening the back door. As expected, Mejiro Ardan emerges. Man, clothes make a difference… I've only seen her in uniform or jersey, but this outfit screams refined elegance.

"Good morning, Anii-sama," Ardan said. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."

"No big deal," I said. "It's what we agreed on."

"Ardan-ojousama," the butler said, "we'll take our leave. Trainer-sama, please take care of her."

"Got it," I said.

"Let's go♪" Ardan said.

"Y-Yeah," I said. "Got a place in mind?"

"Yes," she said. "Since it's a rare outing with you, I thought shopping would be nice."

"Biggest mall, then?" I asked. "Or you got a route planned?"

"No specific plans," she said. "I think going with the flow is best."

Huh… Ardan's probably the most normal Mejiro Uma Musume. No scarfing sweets, no muscle obsession, no tsundere vibes, no fake party-girl act, no laid-back dawdling. Truly the Mejiro family's big sister.

"Anii-sama?" Ardan said.

"Oh, sorry," I said. "Just thinking you're pretty normal. Your family's got some quirks."

"My, hehehe!" she laughed.

"Let's go," I said.

"Yes," she said, grabbing my arm.

…Knew that was coming.

Shopping Mall

"So," I said, "what do you usually shop for? No need to answer if you don't want."

"Ingredients for healthy drinks or study books," Ardan said. "I don't go out much. The butlers usually spot what I need first."

"Not exactly sheltered, right?" I said.

"I'm not that out of touch," she said. "But lately, people greet with 'Chorissu!' or hype up with 'Weei!'"

"Whoa, hold up," I said. "Who taught you that?"

"Helios-san," she said.

What's Helios thinking? Teaching a lady like Ardan party slang? It's useless for her! Palmer's fine, but teaching Ardan—the epitome of elegance—this stuff? Is Helios an idiot?

"It's not wrong, but it's not standard," I said. "Stick to your usual greetings. They suit you better."

"If you say so, Anii-sama," she said. "Oh, and… Chorissu! Weei!" Wave-wave

"…"

Folks, new discovery: Ardan pulling that off is amazing. Whoever taught her this is a genius.

"…Only do that around me," I said.

"My, then I shall," she said.

"Anyway," I said, "since you've got no specific buys, wanna window-shop? Check out anything that catches your eye?"

"Yes," she said. "I'll let you know if something interests me."

"Cool," I said.

We wandered the mall, browsing casually. Ardan didn't seem too materialistic—nothing grabbed her much. But I noticed her ears twitch toward things she liked, making it easy to spot. We'd stop by those shops. She caught on eventually, blushing slightly, but it's no big deal.

"Sorry, Anii-sama," she said. "Did you notice?"

"Yeah," I said. "Speak up if you want something."

"I didn't want to waste our time…" she said.

"Don't sweat the small stuff," I said, patting her head. "Just enjoy."

"…Yes, Anii-sama♪" she said.

"Hey, those two have a nice vibe~♪" a passerby said.

"Couple, maybe?" another said. "Or married?"

"I heard 'Anii-sama,' though—siblings?" a third said.

"They're so close~," a fourth said.

Ardan (My ears pick up their chatter, but Anii-sama doesn't seem to hear. Good. Couple, spouses, siblings? Hehe, all lovely comparisons!♪)

"Keep going?" I asked.

"Yes♪" Ardan said.

Bonus Scene

"Hey, hey!" Mejiro Ryan said. "Ardan-san's clinging to Trainer-san's arm!"

"Y-Yeah…" Mejiro Dober said. (Clinging like that… noted.)

"She's got a different vibe around Trainer," Mejiro Palmer said.

"Seeing Ardan-onesama's rare expression is kinda thrilling~," Mejiro Bright said.

"Ardan-san like that…" Mejiro McQueen said. "Trainer-san's amazing."

"Let's keep spying!" Ryan said.

""""Yeah!"""" they cheered.

Raw Meat muttered, "What's the entire Mejiro family doing out here…?"

Afterword

Ardan's elegant outing with Hachiman sparkles with charm, her playful "Chorissu!" and Mejiro family spying stealing the show. Air Groove's trust arc simmers, tied to her Takarazuka prep, while Fuji's prior assist keeps her arc near. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's "Tengan" charm, with Haruno's shadow lingering. Mejiro chaos—priceless!

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