Hachiman's POV

"Alright, next is tag," I said. "CB, you're the first 'it.' Then…"

Air Groove stared. Jii~

Fuji stared. Jii~

CB stared. Jii~

"…You guys listening?" I asked.

Air Groove snapped to. "Huh?! Y-Yes! CB-senpai's 'it,' right? Fuji in the middle?"

"Yup," I said. "Start the chase at the corner's midpoint, end at the straightaway's wooden board. The rules… huh?"

All three stared again. Jii~

What's with them? They've been eyeing me all training. Do the glasses make me look that weird? Back in the clubroom…

Air Groove had said, "N-Not bad for you. This should… work fine." Her face was red.

Fuji had nodded, "Y-Yeah, looks good. Suits you, I think." Also blushing.

CB had grinned, "Hachiman… different, but in a good way." She was flushed too.

Really? That big a difference? Are my usual self and glasses-self that far apart? Is regular me that bad? Kinda stings…

I sighed. "Anyway, Fuji up front, Air Groove next, CB last. Got it? Focus on legwork too. Your rivals won't wait."

Air Groove nodded. "G-Got it."

Fuji stammered, "Y-Yeah."

CB started, "Hachi—" then caught herself. "Yes!"

Why'd she almost say my name?

"Head to the start," I said. "Front runner signals the go. Clear?"

Fuji nodded. "Got it."

"…Feels weird," I muttered.

Takanotsume approached. "Um, Hachiman Trainer?"

I flinched. "Y-Yes?"

"You're… wearing glasses today?" she asked.

"Fakes," I said. "They bought them for today. Got a posture corrector under this suit too. It's killing me."

"I see," she said. "But you seem… sharper, more intellectual. Honestly, you look… nice." Her cheeks pinked.

"Uh, thanks," I said awkwardly.

Symboli Rudolf joined us. "Takanotsume, how are the visitors?"

"They're free to explore," Takanotsume said. "With Air Groove, the Triple Tiara champ, and other top Uma Musume in a parallel run, they're all focused."

Rudolf nodded. "Good. Hachiman, thanks for taking this sudden request."

"No big deal," I said. "We had no plans, and they were game."

Rudolf tilted her head. "Glasses now?"

"Fakes," I said. "That surprising?"

"N-No!" she stammered, blushing. "Just… surprising."

This reaction again. Do I look that off?

"Be honest," I said. "Do the glasses look bad?"

"Not at all!" Rudolf said. "Just… startling. They suit you."

"You don't lie, so I'll trust you," I said. "But everyone's staring…"

Rudolf thought: Hachiman, it's obvious. You're practically a textbook heartthrob now. To those who know you, it's a huge shift—especially those distinctive eyes…

The tag game kicked off, and after a few rounds, the main training wrapped.

Takanotsume addressed the group. "So, everyone, what did you think? That's the training of Trecen's hottest trainer and Uma Musume."

Rudolf added, "If you aim to be trainers, strive to be like him—refined, brilliant."

I waved a hand. "Rudolf, that's too much. I'm not that smart—"

She frowned. "Something wrong?"

"…Yeah," I said. "Fuji, sit here."

Fuji blinked. "W-What's up, Trainer-san?"

"Let me check your legs," I said. "Bear with me."

"O-Okay…" she said.

Muscle strain. Pushed her too hard. Throwing her in with CB and Air Groove was rough.

"Overdid it," I said. "Sorry."

Fuji shook her head. "No, no! I want to keep up with them. I meant to say something but lagged—sorry."

"Your drive's enough," I said. "I'll massage it later. Cool?"

"…Please," Fuji said.

"Go to the clubroom with them," I said.

Fuji started, "Sorry, Train—"

"Don't apologize," I cut in, patting her head with a gentle smile.

Fuji flushed, looking down. "O-Okay…"

"Good," I said. "Take care of her."

Air Groove nodded. "Got it."

CB grinned. "Perfect timing for a chat~."

"…Chat?" I said. "Fine."

Gotta rethink training. I put too much on Fuji without noticing. Still got work to do.

Rudolf spoke up. "Like now, he can read an Uma Musume's condition at a glance. His knowledge is vast, his insight deep. I know no trainer more attuned to injuries. He's a model trainer, truly. I'll say it again—aim to be like him."

Rudolf, I'm not that great…

Afterword

Hachiman shines as the ultimate trainer! His makeover—glasses and posture fix—stuns everyone, from Takanotsume to Rudolf, crushing those "prize money thief" rumors. Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy anchors the demo, with Fuji's emotional moment and CB's flair adding spark. Hachiman's keen eye for Fuji's strain cements his skill, making him a true model. What's next for this crew?

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