I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 258 257 Chocolate Chaos

Hachiman's POV

A month after the winter break, the Uma Musu are diving headfirst into training. April's packed with Classic races and spring G1s, so they're gearing up for trial races—or even going straight for the big stage. Fuji's set for the Hankyu Hai, a trial for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. She's looking solid. Rice, though, is prepping for the Spring Stakes, a Satsuki Sho trial. The distance might be a stretch for her, so I'm not expecting miracles—just a solid run.

But right now? The races are taking a backseat to sothing way bigger. Not for everyone, mind you, but for any woman born in Japan, it's practically a sacred tradition.

"Valentine's season is here again! Shopping malls are already overflowing with chocolates! It's that ti of year—will the ladies win the hearts of their special soone?"

Hachiman: "…Valentine's, huh."

Yeah, I got so last year. The team wasn't fully ford then, so it was just Air Groove and Fuji, plus my teacher, the professor, a few female trainers, the janitorial staff, so faculty, the chairman, Tazuna… and a bunch of students. Too many to count, honestly.

Hachiman: "Wonder how this year'll go. Not that I'm sweating it—too busy for that. Back in high school, guys would brag about how many chocolates they got. ? I don't need the ego boost."

One Week Later – February 14

Hachiman: "…" strolling along

Sa old routine: wake up, eat, head to work. Nothing special. No need to shake things up.

Tazuna: "Morning, Hachiman! Early as always—great work."

Hachiman: "Morning, Tazuna."

Tazuna: "And… here you go! Valentine's chocolate. Enjoy it during a break!" beaming

Hachiman: "Thanks."

Never thought I'd be the guy getting chocolates, but I guess that's what happens when you work at Tressen Academy.

Janitor: "Hey, Hikigaya, sorry to make you help out so early again!"

Hachiman: "No worries. I use this place all the ti—can't let you folks carry the load alone."

Janitor 2: "You're too proper! You know you're the only trainer who pitches in like this? Having a young guy lend a hand is a treat."

Hachiman: "Haha…"

After Maintenance

Janitor: "Man, things go so fast with you helping, Hikigaya. You're a lifesaver."

Hachiman: "It's just habit by now. Only been at it four years, though."

Janitor 2: "Four years is plenty impressive! Here, this is for you. You're the only trainer we're giving this to—special treatnt!"

Hachiman: "I'll take it with thanks."

Huh. I figured helping out every ti would make them forget the gratitude, but they still rember. Alright, students'll be here soon. Ti to hole up in the trainer's room.

Trainer's Room

Hachiman: "…" scribbling

door rattles

Aoi: "Hikigaya-kun! Morning!"

Classmate 1: "Knew you'd beat us here!"

Hachiman: "Morning."

Classmate 1: "Was gonna sneak so chocolate into your desk drawer, but you're always here first!"

Hachiman: "Early bird, you know. Wait, chocolate? You're giving so this year too?"

Aoi: "Yup! You've given tons of advice, so this is my thanks!"

Classmate 1: "Not a crush or anything, right?" teasing

Aoi: "N-No way!" flustered

Hachiman: "Don't tease her."

Classmate 1: "Here you go, Hikigaya!"

Aoi: "Happy Valentine's!"

Hachiman: "Thanks. I'll treasure it forever."

Aoi: "I'd rather you eat it…"

Hachiman: "Kidding. Thanks."

The rest of the morning's a blur of chocolates from junior and senior trainers. I'm pushing double digits already.

Lunchti

Hachiman: "Bell's rung. Guess I'll grab lunch."

door rattles

CB: "Hachimaaan! Your VIP's here!" grinning

Hachiman: "I didn't invite you."

CB: "Details, details! Co on, let's eat!"

Hachiman: "Tch, no point saying no now."

CB: "Oh, and—Happy Valentine's!" hands over chocolate

Hachiman: "Nice, thanks."

CB: "Yay! Oh, wanna trade so side dishes? Mine for yours!"

Hachiman: "Sure, sure."

CB: "And after lunch, can I borrow your lap? It's my tradition—co here, eat, then nap!"

Hachiman: "Every ti with you. Use the sofa, not my lap."

CB: "Nope! Your lap's the comfiest!" pouting

Hachiman, you're quite the heartthrob, huh?

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