I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 266 - 265 A Prank?

Hachiman's POV

It's been a week since Teacher and Professor arrived, and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen is this weekend. Training's at the final tune-up stage. The ntors have been keeping busy—checking out my sessions at Tressen, exploring Japan's cityscape, and dragging into their whirlwind. It's been an intense week…

Speaking of, those rookie female trainers Fuji and Air Groove ntioned haven't shown up lately. Probably busy with prep, so they stopped coming. Good thing it was before the ntors arrived—they'd probably intimidate the newbies just by existing.

Anyway, training's done, and I'm heading ho from the academy. The ntors are off sightseeing in Tokyo today. They're known quantities by now, so I hope they're not causing a scene. Then again, it's been two years since the last ti…

Hachiman: "…You're waiting again?"

CB: "Why not? I get to walk ho with you!" grinning

Hachiman: "Just 'cause you live alone…"

CB: "Hehe!" smirking proudly

Hachiman: "Don't look so smug."

CB: "C'mon, Hachiman, let's head to our ho base!"

Hachiman: "Your ho and mine are different places, you know."

Hachiman's House

Hachiman: "That girl… I don't mind her waiting, but every ti? She should spend so ti on herself."

clunk

Hachiman: "Hm? The ntors aren't back yet? This late, they're probably eating out. Would've texted , though…"

Whatever, I'm alone tonight. Kinda nice—I need to think about the Takamatsunomiya. I've gone over strategies with Fuji, but they might not be enough.

Hachiman: "Sigh… haven't felt this uneasy since the Kikka Sho."

Fuji: "Yeah, it's nerve-wracking, huh?"

Hachiman: "Exactly—wait, what?!" jumps

Fuji: "Hey, Hachiman!" smiling

Hachiman: "Fuji?! How the hell did you get in here?!"

Fuji: "Well, I had a little help from your ntors."

Hachiman: "I see… That's why they're not here. So, you're staying over?"

Fuji: "Pretty much. That a problem?"

Hachiman: "Not a problem, but why do you guys always sche behind my back? I'm not gonna snap—talk to first…"

Man, that scared the crap out of …

Hachiman: "Mind if I call Teacher real quick?"

Fuji: "Go ahead."

Ti for a little chat…

Outside

Hachiman: "So, Teacher, you set this up?"

Thaliard: "This? No, that was my master. She and Fuji were chatting about sothing."

Hachiman: "At the café that day?"

Thaliard: "They seed to hit it off. No clue what they planned, but this is probably part of it. Just roll with it, Hachiman."

Hachiman: "I was going to, but why all the secrecy?"

Thaliard: "Like I said before—won are full of secrets. You'll never figure them all out."

Hachiman: "Not my problem, then."

Thaliard: "We'll see. You'll get it soday."

Hachiman: "Will I?"

Thaliard: "Heh. Anyway, get back to Fuji. Don't leave a girl waiting too long."

Hachiman: "Right, talk later."

Phew… back inside.

Living Room

Hachiman: "Alright, I get the picture."

Fuji: "Sorry, Hachiman. I'm crashing here tonight."

Hachiman: "Yeah. First ti since last year, huh? You were waiting the whole ti?"

Fuji: "Yup. It was a prank, after all."

Hachiman: "Race is coming up—don't pull weird stunts like this. You haven't eaten dinner, have you?"

Fuji: "Haha…" awkward laugh

Don't give that hollow laugh…

Hachiman: "Fine, let's make dinner. I'm throwing sothing together, so don't expect much."

Fuji: "I'll wait without expecting anything! Oh, can I help? I'm imposing, so let pitch in."

Hachiman: "You guys never hesitate to barge into my place but get all proper about helping. Why's that?"

We kept bantering while cooking. But seriously, going this far for Fuji? What are you up to, ntors?

A Few Dozen Minutes Later

Hachiman: "Done."

Fuji: "Yup, all set!" beaming

Hachiman: "Let's eat."

Fuji: "Yay!"

…

Fuji: "Hm? What's wrong?"

Hachiman: "Can I ask… why are you sitting next to ?"

Fuji: "What? Is it a problem?"

Hachiman: "Not a problem, but… why not across from ?"

Fuji: "Watching CB-senpai, I sotis think it looks nice. So I figured I'd try it."

What does that even an… Please don't catch CB's clingy habits. If you do, there'll be no one to rein you all in. Not that you're the designated rein, but still.

Hachiman: "Whatever, do what you want."

Fuji: "Cool, I will. Let's dig in!"

Hachiman: "Go for it."

Fuji: "Um… want to feed you?"

Hachiman: "Don't let CB's influence rub off that much."

Fuji, uh… isn't that breaking and entering?

-------------------------------

I've already posted the newest chapters on Patreon!

If you enjoy this story, co check them out and support there too.

Here's the link: [pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]

Thank you so much for your continued support!