Chapter 34: Whispers, Duties, and Flickering Doubts!!

"So, that trainer was…" a voice chirped.

"No way! Takanotsume's so bold!" another giggled.

"Anything else? Spill it!" a third urged.

"That's the latest scoop! Stay tuned!" came the reply.

"Ugh, so curious!" someone groaned.

For two days, gossip about Takanotsume and a trainer's rumored fling swirled endlessly. Not that it was wrong, but for a trainer to act so carefree on duty? If they had that much free time, they should focus on their job. That guy's days were numbered. Such antics would soon cost him his Uma Musume's trust.

"Pathetic," Air Groove muttered, her voice sharp as she adjusted her tie. "Whatever. I need to deliver these papers to the President first."

In the student council room, Air Groove stepped inside, papers in hand.

"Excuse me, President. Here's the equipment checklist," she said.

"Thank you, Air Groove," Symboli Rudolf replied, taking the documents. "Sorry for the trouble."

"Not at all, it's an honor," Air Groove said, standing tall.

"The academy's gotten lively," Rudolf mused, a faint smile on her lips. "I don't know what sparked it, but love talk's everywhere."

"I overheard students earlier," Air Groove said. "It seems Takanotsume and a male trainer are involved."

"Oh? Takanotsume? She doesn't seem the type to mix personal and professional," Rudolf said, raising an eyebrow.

"I agree," Air Groove nodded.

But with no clear witnesses or proof, it could be true or false. Honestly, Air Groove didn't care much. Still, her curiosity stirred.

"Who could the trainer be?" she wondered aloud. "Neglecting their duties for this? Unthinkable."

"It might just be a misunderstanding among students," Rudolf said, her tone calm. "Stay flexible… hm?"

"What is it, President?" Air Groove asked, following her gaze.

"Nothing. Just spotted Takanotsume and Trainer Hikitani together," Rudolf said.

Air Groove's eyes narrowed. What?

"They're probably just talking," Rudolf added, her voice steady.

Unable to resist, Air Groove glanced over. Sure enough, there were Takanotsume and her trainer, Hachiman, chatting casually—or so it seemed, their voices low against the hum of the academy courtyard.

"Sorry, did I pique your interest?" Rudolf teased, a glint in her eye.

"N-no, not at all!" Air Groove stammered, her cheeks warming. "I was just… checking if that fool was working."

"I see. They're probably fine," Rudolf said. "Now, let's get to work—'No way!'… huh?"

"It's those two," Air Groove said, nodding toward the pair.

Takanotsume's voice cut through. "You said you're free after training! Come with me as thanks!"

Air Groove froze. What did she just say?

Hachiman's reply was hesitant. "Look, I agreed to read the apology letter, but after that—'You're free, right?' Well, yeah, but…"

"Then it's settled!" Takanotsume pressed, leaning closer. "I want to know more about you, Trainer Hikitani! It's a great chance to learn about each other, don't you think?"

"W-Wait, you're too close!" Hachiman protested, stepping back. "Fine, fine. Tonight, then?"

"Yes, it's a promise!" Takanotsume sang, her tail flicking. "After checking the apology letter, we'll head out!"

"Straight there… got it," Hachiman sighed, rubbing his neck.

Rudolf and Air Groove fell silent, the air thick with unspoken questions.

"Well, it's Hikitani, but it's not what the rumors suggest," Rudolf said, breaking the pause. "Nothing romantic, it seems."

"Yes…" Air Groove said, her voice tight. "But why was Takanotsume so desperate to convince him?"

"No clue," Rudolf said. "If it bothers you, ask him before training. It might clear your mind."

Air Groove didn't respond, her gaze lingering on the distant pair.

In the club room, Air Groove stepped through the door, her expression cool.

"Excuse me," she said.

"Hey, you're here," Hachiman said, leaning back in his chair. "Let's start the meeting."

"Before that, one question," Air Groove said, her tone sharp.

"What's up?" Hachiman asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You seem awfully close with Takanotsume. What's going on?" she pressed, arms crossed.

"With her? Uh… stuff happened. She was in a bind, so I helped. That's it," he said, shrugging.

He's hiding something. His words weren't lies, but he was dodging. Something he couldn't share, no doubt.

"So close you're going out together?" Air Groove asked, her eyes narrowing.

"What're you getting at?" Hachiman countered, his voice edging with irritation.

"I think you're keeping something from me," she said, stepping closer.

"I see. Worried, huh?" Hachiman said, leaning forward. "Like I said, I helped her out. Nothing more, nothing less."

"You expect me to buy that?" Air Groove shot back, her tail flicking.

"You're real hung up on me and Takanotsume," Hachiman said, his tone sharp. "Is this affecting your races or training?"

Air Groove froze, her breath catching.

"Fine, since it's a hassle," Hachiman said, sighing. "I shooed off some unauthorized press at the academy. She invited me out tonight as thanks. We're just colleagues. That's it. Satisfied?"

"…Yes," Air Groove said, her voice softer now.

"Good. And stop prying into people's relationships. You wouldn't like it either, right?" he added, his gaze steady.

That was… tactless of me. Air Groove's ears twitched, a flicker of guilt crossing her face.

"Sorry," she said quietly.

"If you get it, we're good," Hachiman said. "Let's start the meeting."

With just a month left in the year, the academy buzzed with its usual ferocious energy. But the season wasn't over. The final week loomed with the grand Arima Kinen and Tokyo Daishoten races, plus December's dirt G1 Champion Cup and the three G1s crowning the junior best: Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, and Hopeful Stakes. The excitement was guaranteed to be electric.

The student council had to support the racing Uma Musume with all their might, treating everyone equally, no favoritism.

"Hey, watch my run!" CB chirped, clinging to Hachiman's arm.

"Where's your trainer?" Hachiman asked, eyebrows raised.

"Nope, only you!" CB teased, her tail flicking.

"Don't say that in front of other trainers. You'll start a riot," Hachiman warned.

"No worries! No human can match an Uma Musume's power!" CB grinned.

"Sure, but… let go," Hachiman said, tugging his arm.

"Nope!" CB sang, tightening her grip.

CB was her usual self, glued to Trainer Hikitani. Hachiman looked exasperated, but his lack of effort to shake her off suggested he didn't mind that much.

"CB-senpai's at it again, clinging to that fool," Air Groove muttered, crossing her arms. "What's so great about him?"

"It's rare to see CB like that," Rudolf said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "She's really opened up to Hikitani. Like a little sister with her big brother."

"Too clingy," Air Groove scoffed.

"How about you, Air Groove?" Rudolf asked. "Training and prep going well? Only two weeks left—how's your form?"

"No issues, as always," Air Groove replied, her tone crisp.

"Good. I'm looking forward to it," Rudolf said.

In two weeks, Air Groove would race in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, a junior G1 packed with heavyweights—Uma Musume with heavy race wins, open-class victories, or extensive track records. Air Groove was among them, her performance a sure bet.

CB hummed, still latched onto Hachiman.

"Let go already," Hachiman grumbled.

"It's fine, right?" CB teased, batting her eyes.

"It's rough on a guy with no immunity to girls," he muttered.

"Then let me help you build some!" CB said. "Problem solved!"

"Pretty sure that makes more problems," Hachiman sighed.

"They seem close. That's nice," Rudolf said, chuckling.

"Rudolf, Air Groove—jealous?" CB teased, winking.

"It's fine to be close, but this spot's public. Keep it moderate," Rudolf said, her tone gentle but firm.

"Don't get too smug," Air Groove snapped at Hachiman.

"I'm not! If anything, I'm the opposite—CB, let go!" Hachiman protested.

"Nope!" CB sang again.

"Been like this the whole time," Hachiman groaned. "I'm not a teddy bear."

She's really attached, Rudolf thought. CB was friendly with everyone, but this level of closeness was new.

"You're kinda ripped, huh?" CB said, poking Hachiman's arm. "I can tell through the suit. Didn't expect that. You training?"

"I work out what needs work," Hachiman said. "Arms included. Speed's not just legs. You wouldn't want a run where your head bobs because your arms don't sync, right?"

"Definitely not," Rudolf agreed, nodding.

"So I test it myself," Hachiman said. "I can't match an Uma Musume's speed, but human running helps. Forms are different, but it works."

"Does it help?" Air Groove asked, skeptical.

"It does. I wouldn't bother otherwise," Hachiman said.

"…Now I wanna run," CB said suddenly.

"Huh?" the three said in unison.

"Hachiman, let's hit the course! Run together?" CB urged, eyes sparkling.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Hachiman said, waving his hands. "Your 'run' and my 'run' are worlds apart. Bad idea. I'd quit halfway."

"That's fine! Let's go!" CB insisted, tugging him.

"Whoa, hold on! I'm not dressed for it!" Hachiman yelped, stumbling.

"You've got workout clothes in the trainer's room, right?" CB grinned.

"You knew…" Hachiman muttered, defeated.

And so, Hachiman was dragged off by CB—or rather, hauled away. Rudolf watched them go, amused.

"When did CB start calling him by name?" Rudolf wondered aloud.

"No idea," Air Groove said. "Probably just CB being CB. I doubt she asked that fool's permission."

"Speaking of, no training today?" Rudolf asked. "Oh, right—Monday's your free day."

"Yes," Air Groove said. "I'm resting. Overtraining now does no good."

"True," Rudolf said, then smirked. "Though one trainer's getting quite the workout."

"He deserves it," Air Groove said coolly.