Air Groove's POV

I'm deep in preparations for February's Kyoto Kinen. It's late January, and last week's intense training has shifted to body maintenance—stretches, mostly. Even after a light run, Trainer insists on thorough stretching. I've no complaints; I'm grateful for his care to keep us injury-free.

Fuji Kiseki piped up. "Hachiman Trainer-san, got a sec?"

"Hm? What's up?" he said.

"Do you like sweets?" she asked.

"Sweets? Love 'em," he said. "Haven't had my favorite Chiba drink since coming here, but I'm all about sweet stuff. Why?"

Fuji grinned. "No reason. But, yeah, you make snacks too, right?"

"I can," he said. "Don't feel like eating what I make, though. Rewards or special occasions? Sure, I'm game."

"Hmm~," Fuji hummed.

"What, want a reward?" he teased.

"Your cooking's delicious," she said.

"Flattery gets you nothing," he shot back.

Hmph, they're so chummy. I can't talk to him like that. Fuji and the chairman's conversational skills make me jealous sometimes.

"But why ask?" Hachiman said.

Fuji tilted her head. "You're asking that? C'mon, isn't it obvious?"

"Not to me," he said.

"…Seriously?" she pressed.

"Why would I lie?" he said.

Fuji fell silent.

Hachiman blinked. "Why're you quiet?"

Even I'd go speechless at that.

Fuji sighed. "Got it. You're clueless about that, huh? Alright, I'll prepare something amazing for the day!"

Hachiman frowned. "I'm lost here."

Training wrapped soon after. Fuji and I changed and headed to the dorms.

Fuji chuckled. "You heard, right? I'm shocked Hachiman Trainer-san didn't catch on. Valentine's Day's around the corner, and he's oblivious!"

I nodded. "Surprised me too."

"I'm making him chocolate," Fuji said. "What about you?"

"He's done a lot for me," I said. "Of course I'll give him some. Doing nothing goes against my principles."

Fuji grinned. "With his cooking, he'll get tons from other pony girls. And with his new female fans, thanks to those glasses, he'll probably get more from outside the academy."

I frowned. "It irks me that people flip for his glasses alone, but you're probably right."

Chocolate, huh… I can make it, but I'm no pastry chef. Time to experiment.

Air Groove's POV End

Hachiman's POV

I scribbled away at my desk.

Click.

Mr. CB burst in. "Hachiman! Yo, I'm dropping by~."

"Hey," I said. "What's up?"

"I'm bad at secrets, so can I be straight?" she asked.

"…Sure," I said.

"So, February's coming, right? Valentine's Day?" she said.

"…Oh, yeah, that's a thing," I said. "And?"

"I'm making you chocolate," she said. "Sweet, regular, or bitter—which do you like?"

"Sweet," I said. "Love sweet stuff."

"Really? No fibbing?" she pressed.

"Why lie about my tastes?" I said. "Yeah, that's it. I've been getting these questions a lot lately—now it makes sense."

CB blinked. "…Have you never gotten chocolate?"

"I have," I said. "First time was in high school. Now it's just Sensei and Professor, so I see it as a minor 'popular kid' event."

"Then why forget about Valentine's?" she asked.

"No one asks," I said. "Sensei and Professor know my tastes, so they don't need to. First time was high school, and since then, it's just them—no questions."

"Wow…" CB said. "What about those high school friends? Still talk?"

"Nah," I said. "Lost contact. New phone, haven't seen 'em in years."

Wonder how they're doing… It's been, what, ten years? They'd flip knowing I'm a trainer.

CB grinned. "Alright, look forward to my chocolate! No running away!"

"I won't," I said.

"What're you writing?" she asked.

"Fuji's custom menu," I said.

CB pouted. "…Lucky."

"Don't give me that look," I said. "You're practically a freeloader here."

"Then make me a menu!" she said.

"Sorry, no contract, no deal," I teased.

"Ugh, you always dodge!" she huffed.

It's just the truth~.

Early Morning, Student Council Room

Symboli Rudolf spoke up. "I know it's sudden, Air Groove, but we need instructors for a Valentine's event workshop. Can we count on you all?"

I was stunned. I understood how this came about, but the surprise lingered. Let me explain: with Valentine's Day nearing, many Uma Musume are struggling to make chocolates. They've been consulting skilled cooks among us, but the demand's overwhelming. The suggestion box, checked weekly, was flooded with requests for a chocolate-making class. And the instructors chosen for this?

Maruzensky grinned. "Leave it to your big sis, Rudolf!"

Special Week nodded. "I'm happy to help if you think I'm up for it."

Super Creek beamed. "Count me in~!"

Eishin Flash chirped, "Making tasty chocolates with everyone sounds fun~! I'm in!"

Nice Nature smiled. "I'm not sure how well I'll teach, but I'll give it a shot~!"

Rudolf smiled back. "That's reassuring. I cook, but sweets aren't my forte. With your experience, I'm confident."

Valentine's, huh… Trainer said he likes sweets, but how sweet does he prefer?

Rudolf turned to me. "Air Groove, please handle the kitchen reservation."

"Understood," I said.

Special Week mused, "Valentine's gifts aren't just chocolates. Cookies, puddings—other sweets might come up. How should we handle that? I can make most Western desserts."

Maruzensky nodded. "Then, Flash-chan, you take cakes and such! Proposing specific sweets first will make teaching easier."

Super Creek agreed. "Got it… I'll handle cookies, teaching dough from scratch."

Maruzensky looked at the others. "Nature-chan, Eishin-chan, got any specialties?"

Eishin Flash smiled. "I'll do puddings~! Baked ones too!"

Nice Nature shrugged. "Guess I'll stick with classic chocolates."

Maruzensky clapped. "Then I'll do rochers. They're surprisingly simple."

Rudolf nodded. "Perfect. I'll post the details—teachers, sweets, date, and time—on the academy board. That should draw a crowd."

What should I do? I've made chocolates before, every year for Mother as thanks, so I'm no stranger to it. But with a race coming up, should I join the workshop or focus on training?

Minutes Later

No decision was made then. After submitting the kitchen request, I headed to the clubroom. What will the others do? Are they planning to give him something?

Fine Motion spotted me. "Oh, Groove-san! Off to train?"

"Yes," I said. "You?"

"Yup!" she chirped. "Hey, heard about the Valentine's workshop?"

"I was just at the student council discussing it," I said. "They're finalizing the schedule."

"So you don't know the details yet?" she asked.

"Sorry," I said.

"No worries!" she said. "See ya~!"

Fine's joining the workshop? With her charm, she could give chocolates to anyone, but the volume might be staggering. He'll be buried in sweets.

Clubroom

"Pardon me," I said, stepping in.

Fuji Kiseki smiled. "Good work at the council, Air Groove."

Hachiman nodded. "Nice job."

Mr. CB waved. "Good work~!"

"You're here again, CB-senpai?" I said. "What's up today?"

"Training!" she chirped.

"As usual," I said.

Hachiman shrugged. "Yup, same old. But seriously, CB, don't you get tired of showing up?"

"Till you make me your Uma Musume," she teased.

"That's forever…" Hachiman groaned.

Click.

We all turned. "?"

Rice Shower peeked in. "B-Brother… um, are you here?"

"Right here," Hachiman said. "What's up, Rice? Why so nervous?"

"Um… uh…" she stammered.

Why's she so tense?

Rice blurted, "Brother! Can you eat chocolate?!"

Hachiman blinked. "…Yeah, I can." She's struggling to ask. Guess I'll go to her. "Rice, I'll answer over here."

"Huh? I-Is that okay?" she said. "What about training?"

"Plenty of time," he said. "Wanna join?"

"Me? Train with you all?" she said. "Won't everyone mind…?"

"No way," Hachiman said. "Anyone gives you trouble, bring 'em to me. I'll give them an hour-long lecture on why Rice Shower's awesome, with a side of preaching."

Rice giggled. "Ehehe, thanks, Brother."

CB pouted. "You're kinda soft on Rice-chan, huh?"

Fuji nodded. "Yeah, a kindness you don't show us."

I crossed my arms. "He's always had that side. No surprise."

Afterword

Valentine's fever ramps up! Air Groove juggles Kyoto Kinen prep and student council duties, pondering chocolates for Hachiman amidst the academy's workshop plans. Fuji's teasing and CB's energy spark laughs, while Rice's shy question brings out Hachiman's warmth. Maruzensky, Special Week, and others lead the sweet charge, but Air Groove's resolve shines. What treats await the "Tengan" Trainer?

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