Hachiman's POV

Lunch with CB's done, and afternoon classes are probably wrapping up by now. For trainers, this is a fine time to roll into the academy. I show up early to help with racecourse maintenance and sneak in a quick run, so I'm here before most. Plus, you know what they say: early bird catches the worm.

Hachiman: "Time to unlock the clubroom."

Outside

Phew… the walk from the academy to the clubroom's no joke. It's nothing for an Uma Musume, but for a regular guy like me? Feels like a marathon.

Okino: "Yo, Hikigaya! Fancy meeting you here."

Hachiman: "Okino…"

Okino: "How's it going? Team in good shape?"

Hachiman: "Not bad. We're building up strength for the spring G1 season. That's when we show our stuff."

Okino: "Haha, no doubt! So, what's your haul today?"

Hachiman: "…Haul?"

Okino: "Don't play dumb—Valentine's chocolates! How many'd you get?"

Hachiman: "Got some. Maybe ten or so."

Okino: "Ten?! You're raking 'em in!"

Hachiman: "What about you?"

Okino: "…Gold Ship gave me an aluminum foil ball."

Hachiman: "…Come again?"

A foil ball? Seriously?

Okino: "I know, right? She was like, 'Chocolate's too good to give away, so I ate it! Here, take this instead—I worked hard on it, so be grateful!'" shows shiny orb

Hachiman: "…That's actually pretty impressive. Looks like a perfect silver sphere."

Okino: "Yeah, but I don't know whether to laugh or cry. My emotions are a mess."

Hachiman: "Tough break on the chocolate front. Maybe lay off touching the Uma Musume's tails? You're getting a rep as a perv—not Digital-level, but close."

True story.

Okino: "…Maybe I'll quit for real."

Hachiman: "Worth a shot. Though it'd kill your whole vibe."

ding-dong-dang-dong

Okino: "Class dismissal bell. Catch you later, Hikigaya. Let's grab a drink sometime."

Hachiman: "Only if I'm not footing the bill."

Time to prep for training.

A Few Minutes Later

Student 1: "Trainer, this is for always putting together our menus! Please take it!"

Student 2: "From us too! Thanks for everything!"

Student 3: "You've been a huge help!"

Hachiman: "Thanks. I'll eat these with a nosebleed."

Student 1: "That's from eating too much!!"

The Uma Musume are swarming—some heading to training, others to the dorms—and I'm getting chocolates left and right. It's great, don't get me wrong, but the sheer volume is overwhelming.

Maurice: "Trainer! Afternoon!" beaming

Hachiman: "Hey, Maurice. Done with classes?"

Maurice: "Yup! And you too! Oh, right—here! Valentine's cookies. I figured you'd get tons of chocolate, so I went with something different."

Is she… an angel?

Hachiman: "I'm writing in my diary that Maurice was today's MVP Uma Musume."

Maurice: "Huh?!"

Hachiman: "Kidding. But seriously, I appreciate the thought. Thanks."

Maurice: "No problem! Oh, and these are from Hikari and Isla. They couldn't make it, so they asked me to pass them along."

Hachiman: "Got it. Tell them thanks for me."

Maurice: "Will do! I'll head to the clubroom now!"

…What a good kid.

Palmer: "Found him! Altan, everyone—Trainer's here!"

Hachiman: "Hm?"

Ryan: "We looked for you all morning! Thought you might've taken the day off, but you're here. Phew!"

Hachiman: "What's with the Metjiro clan rolling in like this?"

Dober: "Last year, when you visited the Metjiro estate, you made us cakes and snacks, right? This is just… thanks! That's all!"

Bright: "Dober's such a shy one, isn't she?" teasing

Dober: "I-I'm not shy!" ///

Altan: "But she's not wrong. This is Valentine's chocolate from the Metjiro family. Please accept it."

McQueen: "We made them together at the estate last night. It was hard work, but fun!"

Ryan: "McQueen made some clumsy mistakes, though, didn't she?" giggling

McQueen: "H-Hey! Don't tell him that!"

Hachiman: "I'm the one who owed you for the hospitality, but I'll take these with gratitude. Thanks."

Altan: "And this is from me, personally. Happy Valentine's, big brother."

Hachiman: "Thanks. I'll return the favor."

McQueen: "Ooh, with what?!"

Hachiman: "…How about wagashi? Think you can handle it? Might not fit your tea parties, but on your own, it could work. Or maybe wagashi with a chocolate filling."

McQueen: "Chocolate-filled wagashi, please!"

Hachiman: "Uh, I was asking everyone."

Palmer: "Any sweets are fine by me! We're not picky—anything but stuff we hate is good."

Hachiman: "Alright, McQueen gets normal ingredients, and the rest of you get low-calorie versions of the same treat."

McQueen: "What kind of sabotage is that?!"

Gold Ship… a foil ball? That's some dedication.

McQueen… getting bolder by the day, huh?

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