CB's POV

♪~♪~ It's entrance ceremony day, and Trecen Academy's buzzing! The freshmen are probably getting their orientation now, right? Either way, the spring breeze feels so nice~♪

"Oh, CB," Symboli Rudolf said. "What're you doing here?"

"Probably her daily stroll," Maruzensky teased. "Or stalking her favorite Tengan-kun?"

"Don't make it sound creepy, Maruzen!" I huffed. "I'm not stalking Eight. I'm just fiercely pitching myself to be his Uma Musume!"

"Sounds about the same," Maruzensky said.

"Anyway, Rudolf," I said. "You done with your speech? Are the freshmen in class orientations?"

"Exactly," Rudolf said. "Soon, teams will start recruiting."

"Ohana-san's probably scouting already," Maruzensky added.

"Cool, but Rudolf," I said. "Any talk about Eight forming a team?"

"You really like him," Rudolf said. "No such documents came my way. It's likely years off."

"Ugh, how long do I gotta freeload off Eight's training!?" I groaned.

I just wanna be his Uma Musume already!!

Maruzensky smirked. "Rudolf, she's finally admitting she's a freeloader."

"Well, CB hasn't contracted with anyone," Rudolf said. "She trains solo or with Hachiman-kun. Other trainers probably gave up."

"Rudolf, can't you tell the chairman to push for Eight's team?" I pleaded.

"I can't favor one person, even a rising star like Hachiman-kun," Rudolf said.

"Ugh, thanks for the predictable answer!" I said.

Fuji Kiseki strolled up. "Good work, everyone."

"Nice speech, Rudolf," Hachiman said. "No clue what you two were up to, but morning."

"Heya, Tengan-kun!" Maruzensky chirped.

"Morning, Eight!" I said, glomping him.

"Why the hug?" he asked.

"We're tight, right?" I grinned.

"So steamy~!" Maruzensky teased.

"Cut it out," Hachiman said.

"Hey, Eight," I said. "I told Rudolf, but make a team already! I wanna be your Uma Musume!"

"Look," he said. "I'm not thinking teams. Even if offered, I'd pass."

"So I freeload forever!?" I whined.

"Then join another trainer," he said. "Problem solved."

"No way! It's gotta be you!!" I insisted.

"Two years, and you're still this stubborn," he said. "Kinda respect that."

"Don't forget I'd like to be your Uma Musume too," Rudolf said.

"You're saying that now?" Hachiman groaned.

Maruzensky laughed. "Tengan-kun's got it rough. More Uma Musume will come knocking, huh?"

"No doubt," Fuji said. "He's famous. Photos are circulating, after all."

"I saw that," Maruzensky said. "He looked like a different person. I legit wondered if that trainer was from our academy."

"Oh, speaking of," Fuji said. "Wanna see Hachiman Trainer-san in glasses?"

"YES!!" I shouted.

That sounds crazy cool!!

"Fuji…" Hachiman warned.

"It's fine," Fuji said. "It's not like it costs you anything. It's already all over Umasta. Just one pic—here."

"My mental HP's already dropping," Hachiman muttered.

Lemme see… Whoa!!

"Well, Tengan-kun," Maruzensky said. "Give up. Wanna go for a drive to cheer up?"

"Pass," Hachiman said. "I'm still dreaming of normal drives."

"Hachiman-kun," Rudolf said. "I saw Fuji's photo. How about a sightseeing trip this weekend?"

"An outing?" Hachiman said.

"Yes, what do you say?" Rudolf asked.

"Hold up!!" I yelled. "Then I wanna go out with Eight too! A date!!"

"It's not a date…" Hachiman said.

It's totally a date! A guy and girl going out? Date! DATE!!

"How about I throw my hat in?" Fuji said.

"You too? Seriously?" Hachiman said.

"What a player, Tengan-kun~," Maruzensky teased.

"I didn't ask for this!" Hachiman said.

"Hmm," Rudolf said. "Simple. Let's settle it with a showdown."

"I'm winning this, Rudolf," I said. "Fuji, you're going down too!"

"I won't lose to either of you," Fuji said.

"Sorry to interrupt your hype," Hachiman said, "but I haven't agreed to anything."

"They're not listening," Maruzensky said. "They're too fired up about racing."

"All this for a hangout?" Hachiman said. "Overkill, no?"

Afterword

CB's fiery pursuit of Hachiman sparks a hilarious showdown with Rudolf and Fuji, all vying for a "date" with the "Tengan" Trainer, whose fame draws chaos. Air Groove's Osaka Hai struggles and Takarazuka Kinen resolve linger, anchoring her arc, while Fuji's flair hints at her rising role. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's reluctant stardom, with Haruno's shadow looming. Who'll win this race?

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