I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 163 162: Progress

Hachiman's POV

After the Winning Live, I waited for Air Groove outside the racecourse. That performance… unless I'm imagining things, she was definitely looking at . Not the whole ti, but during the chorus, her eyes were on . What was that all about…?

Air Groove: "Hachiman, sorry to keep you waiting."

Hachiman: "! Y-Yeah…"

Air Groove: "Shall we head back to the academy?"

It's my first ti taking this route back from Nakayama. It's chilly, but not enough to bother . Honestly, sothing else is occupying my mind right now.

Hachiman: "…Hey, what was that during the live?"

Air Groove: "…Are you really that dense? I didn't think you'd miss it."

Hachiman: "No, I an, if it was just my imagination, I couldn't be sure…"

Air Groove: "What, so you already figured it out? That makes this easier. I won't lie to you. What you're thinking isn't a misunderstanding, and I'm confirming it."

Hachiman: "…"

Air Groove: "…Or would you prefer I say it outright?"

Hachiman: "N-No! I'm good!"

No way… I never expected a confession like this, so indirect yet so clear.

Air Groove: "…You're not going to give an answer?"

Hachiman: "Ugh… I might sound like a coward, but I need ti to sort out my feelings. Can you wait? This feels… complicated."

Air Groove: "Hachiman, don't keep a lady waiting too long."

Hachiman: "…I get it///"

Tresen Academy - Ritto Dormitory

Air Groove: "Sorry for making you walk back."

Hachiman: "No big deal. I was planning to work in the trainer's room anyway."

Air Groove: "Don't overdo it just because tomorrow's a day off. It's bad for your health."

Hachiman: "I know. You rest up too."

Air Groove: "Yeah. See you tomorrow, then."

Hachiman: "? It's a day off, isn't it?"

Air Groove: "…Take a hint. Wanting to see the person you like is only natural///"

Hachiman: "! R-Right… S-See you tomorrow, then. Yeah, tomorrow///"

Air Groove: "Y-Yeah… Goodnight, then."

…

...

...

Why isn't she going inside? Wait, hold on! I'm the one who's stuck here! What's with those eyes? That look like she wants to stay a bit longer—it's making this hard!

…Ugh, damn it!!

Hachiman: "D-Don't give that look. It makes it impossible to leave…///" pats head

Air Groove: "! S-Sorry…///"

Hachiman: "…///" keeps patting

Air Groove: "…///"

Fuji: "Um, excuse ?"

Hachiman/Groove: "!!?" jumps

Fuji: "Could you not flirt in front of the dorm? This is supposed to be a wholeso academy for pony girls, you know."

Air Groove: "S-Sorry!"

Fuji: "Hmm… Not denying the flirting, huh?"

Air Groove: "N-No, that's not what I ant…"

Fuji: "Whatever, just wrap it up before everyone starts gossiping over coffee."

Hachiman: "S-Sorry, Fuji. See you tomorrow, then."

Fuji: "Yup, see ya!"

Air Groove: "Yeah, tomorrow."

So embarrassing… Not just Fuji, but the other Ritto Dorm Uma Musu saw us too.

Hachiman: "…I'm heading ho."

Instead of going to the trainer's room, I decided to head back to my place.

Hachiman's POV Out

Air Groove's POV

Fuji: "Honestly, you two… I never thought you'd do that in front of the dorm. Listen, you're the academy's vice-president. I'm not saying you should stop, but what's soone like you doing enjoying romantic monts like that?"

Air Groove: "…I have no excuse."

Fuji: "Ugh, I never thought I'd be lecturing you about this. But… I'm relieved, too."

Air Groove: "What?"

Fuji: "Things seem to be going well with Trainer Hachiman. I was worried since you don't show that side much around . I'm happy for you."

Air Groove: "…Thanks for your help back then."

Fuji: "I don't mind, consider it settled. Why don't you rest, Air Groove? You must be more exhausted than usual after today's race."

Air Groove: "…Yeah, I'll do that."

After parting with Fuji, I headed to my room. I wonder if Fine's still awake? Knowing her, she might tease about what happened at the entrance… but since we're the ones who ssed up, I can't argue back too hard.

♪~♪~

Air Groove: "Hm? …From Mother?"

Why's she calling at this hour?

Air Groove: "Hello… Thank you, it's all thanks to Hachi—er, the trainer's efforts… Yes, that's what I call him… W-What, you noticed!? Since when!? …Tch, too obvious… I'll be more careful… W-Wait, with the trainer? And I'm joining too? …Tomorrow's a rest day from training, but… Yes… Yes… Understood, I'll let the trainer know. Goodnight… Y-Yes, I will/// Goodnight…"

Air Groove: "…I need to tell Hachiman."

Afterword

Hachiman and Air Groove, too sweet! The post-live confession and dorm flirtation are pure Yahari-flavored romance, with Fuji's teasing and the dorm girls' gossip adding humor. Air Groove's call from her mother hints at more to co!

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