The summer camp's final days cast a golden glow over the coastline, where the rhythmic crash of waves mingled with the laughter of Uma Musume, the horse girls of Trecen Academy. The camp, nestled along a pristine beach fringed by lush forests, buzzed with energy as trainers and trainees prepared for their return to the academy in a few days. Unlike the rigid schedules trainers like me, Hachiman, typically enforced, this camp was under the watchful eye of Trecen's student council and academy oversight. Solo decisions were a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets—without Trecen's support, lodging, travel, and food costs would've buried me faster than a bad race bet. Partnering with the academy was the smarter play, no question, allowing us to focus on training while they handled the logistics.

On the sandy training grounds, Air Groove stood panting, her chestnut mane catching the sunlight as she wiped sweat from her brow. Her hooves dug into the sand, leaving deep imprints from her latest sprint. "How was that?" she asked, her voice steady despite the exertion.

"Looking good," I said, jotting notes on my clipboard. "You're pushing the sand with your whole foot now, nice and solid. No more slipping."

"I tweaked my movement a bit," she said, adjusting her stance. "What do you think?"

"No issues," I replied, scanning her form. "Your posture's better—not too low. Unlike Narita Brian, who drops for sprints, you'd risk tripping if you overdo it. No reckless gambles. You're solid as is."

"Understood," she said, nodding, her ears twitching with quiet pride.

That's a wrap for today, I thought, satisfied with her progress. Air Groove's dedication was paying off—she was shaping up to be a contender for the Triple Tiara, her form as polished as the trophies awaiting her.

"Alright, we're done," I said, tucking my clipboard under my arm. "Take care of your cooldown. So, what's the plan? Dessert?"

"There's still two slices left," Air Groove said, her eyes glinting at the mention of sweets. "I'll take one today and save the last for the day before we leave."

"Got it," I said, already craving the rich Sachertorte stashed in the camp's cooler. "I'll grab a slice. Anyone still staring?"

"Mejiro McQueen," she said flatly, her tone laced with amusement.

"That girl's got a serious food obsession," I muttered, shaking my head. McQueen's notorious dessert radar had zeroed in on that Sachertorte since day one, her elegant demeanor betrayed by her relentless snack-hunting.

The training grounds emptied as the Uma Musume headed to the dining hall, their chatter fading into the evening breeze. I wandered to the shore, the sand cool under my feet, and sat facing the sea. The horizon shimmered, waves rolling in with a soothing rhythm. Since becoming a trainer, I hadn't had a moment to just… exist. No schedules, no race strategies, no student council meetings. Just me and the ocean. Not bad, I thought, letting the salty air fill my lungs. This kind of thing's nice.

"Romantic, huh, Trainer-san?" a playful voice cut through my reverie.

I flinched, nearly toppling into the sand. "Fuji? What're you doing here? No pony-chan fangirls around, you know."

Fuji Kiseki, Ritto's dorm leader, stood grinning, her silver mane catching the fading light. Her confidence radiated, as always, but her eyes held a rare softness. "I didn't come for them," she said, her grin widening. "Saw you sitting alone by the beach. Kinda hard not to say hi. So, what's up?"

"Nothing," I said, shrugging. "Just watching the sea. Haven't had a moment like this since I started training. Thought I'd try it."

The industry didn't exactly encourage downtime. Between drills, health checks, and managing Uma Musume rivalries, trainers were always on call. Even here, with Trecen footing the bill, the pressure to prepare for the Triple Tiara loomed.

"I get it," Fuji said, plopping down beside me, her tail swishing. "Training's tough."

"Yeah," I said, glancing at her. "Even I need a break sometimes."

"Fair enough," she chuckled, her voice warm. "A Trainer-san like this is pretty rare, huh?"

"Guess so," I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

"Then," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "how about a little reward for all your hard work?"

"Huh?" I blinked, caught off-guard.

"Wanna move?" she asked, already standing and brushing sand off her shorts.

I raised an eyebrow but followed, curiosity piqued. Fuji led me away from the beach, through a winding path into the forest. The air grew cooler, the scent of pine replacing the salty breeze. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

"Here we are," Fuji said, stopping in a clearing.

I looked around, taking in the tranquil scene. "Nice spot. The woods… as calming as the ocean's waves."

"Come on," she said, leading me forward with a grin.

Ahead, a large hammock swayed gently between two sturdy trees, its weathered ropes suggesting years of use. "This hammock's been here for years," Fuji explained, running a hand along its edge. "No one knows who put it up or why, but it's a perfect spot to unwind in the forest."

"Didn't know about this," I said, impressed by the hidden retreat.

"So," she said, her grin turning impish, "wanna try it together, Trainer-san?"

"What?" I stammered, my face heating up.

"Come on, just give it a shot!" she said, pulling me along before I could protest.

Fuji tugged me onto the hammock, which held our weight without a creak, its sturdiness surprising me. We settled in, the fabric cradling us as the forest's quiet enveloped the clearing. Crickets chirped, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a symphony of calm.

"How's the view?" she asked, her voice softer now.

"…Yeah," I said, settling in, the stars peeking through the canopy. "It's good."

"Glad you think so," she said, her tail flicking contentedly.

"You come here to chill too?" I asked, glancing at her.

"Nah," she said, stretching. "Just remembered this spot and thought, why not? Even I need to relax sometimes."

"Makes sense," I said, nodding. As Ritto's dorm leader, Fuji juggled responsibilities that rivaled the student council's. Managing dozens of Uma Musume, resolving disputes, and ensuring everyone's needs were met—her workload made mine look light. Symboli Rudolf might be the student council president, but Fuji's role was no less demanding. A moment like this was well-earned.

Fuji shivered, her ears twitching. "Brr…"

"It's summer, but nights get chilly," I said, draping my jacket over her shoulders. "Keep warm."

"…Thanks," she said, pulling it close, her fingers lingering on the fabric.

Her thoughts seemed to drift: Trainer-san's suit… a bit big, but that's expected. He's taller, broader. Still… this feels cozier than any blanket. I could sleep like this. Her breathing softened, a faint "Zzz… zzz…" escaping her lips.

Figured she'd crash fast, I thought, watching her sleep. Training, headcounts, health checks—she managed it all, a burden heavier than Rudolf's in some ways. Let her rest.

I leaned back, the hammock swaying gently, and let the forest's quiet wash over me. The stars above, the rustling leaves, the distant hum of the camp—it was a rare moment of peace. Air Groove was nailing her training, McQueen was probably still plotting to steal that Sachertorte, and the Triple Tiara loomed on the horizon. The second-trainee buzz was simmering, but for now, this tranquil reward hit just right. Relaxation was key, and the turf was calm… for now. I'd soak in this view as long as it lasted, the race ever closer.

Talk about a breather! Summer camp's winding down, but Hachiman's stealing a rare moment of peace by the beach, only for Fuji Kiseki to whisk him to a secret hammock hideaway! Air Groove's nailing her training, McQueen's still eyeing that Sachertorte, and the Triple Tiara's on the horizon. With the second-trainee buzz simmering, this tranquil reward hits just right—relaxation's key, folks! The turf's calm for now, but the race is coming!

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