NOVEL WEB Chapter 119: Playing Catch-Up
Air Groove's POV
The summer festival buzzes with life every year, drawing a crowd—our Tracen Academy students, media crews, regular folks, all swept up in the lively atmosphere. It's no surprise some students get carried away. It's a festival, after all; that open, carefree vibe is understandable. Amid the throng, I spot Uma Musume laughing with their trainers, enjoying the moment together… Should I have pushed harder? No, Trainer's busy. Dragging him out wouldn't be right… But seeing those pairs stirs an emotion I hate to admit, swirling in my mind…
Envy.
"Senpai, something wrong?" Mejiro Dober asked.
"…No, it's nothing," I said. "What about you, Dober? It's a festival—don't you want to enjoy it?"
"Sure, but my trainer's fired up for the fall's final race," she said. "Didn't want to interrupt."
"Right… The last crown," I said. "No wonder they're intense."
"Was your trainer like that, senpai?" she asked.
"My trainer…" I trailed off.
What was Trainer like? The Classic races, with the Triple Tiara on the line—those aren't light pressures.
"My trainer probably wasn't as intense as yours," I said, "but the weight was there. The final race of the Triple Tiara? You'd be odd not to feel it."
"Yeah, makes sense," Dober said.
"My trainer's not the warmest," I said, "but he's meticulous with us Uma Musume. You've heard, right? He can spot an injury with one glance."
"Not firsthand, but yeah," she said.
"He's almost overly sensitive to injuries," I said. "This is just a guess, but if one of his Uma Musume got hurt, he'd probably stick by them until they're fully healed."
"That far?" Dober asked, eyes wide.
"I think he's got a strong sense of duty," I said.
Otherwise, why would he pick someone like me? What his mentor said was dead-on—he wouldn't choose an Uma Musume like me. Just a transactional relationship…
"Really, I disgust myself," I muttered.
"Did you say something?" Dober asked.
"No, nothing," I said. "I'll head back to the dorm soon. You?"
"I'm going now," she said.
"Alright, be careful," I said.
"Yes, you too, senpai," she said.
…Time to patrol.
Minutes Later
No students acting out, it seems. Looks fine. Handover's done. "Rice-san, how's your side?" …Wait?
"I got it!" Rice Shower said. "This should get Onii-sama in the festival spirit, right?"
"I'm sure Brother will be delighted," Mejiro Ardan said. "He's likely in his room, poring over menus. This'll be a perfect break."
"Yeah, if Onii-sama's hungry this late, cooking's a hassle," Rice said.
"Indeed," Ardan said.
…Oh. It wasn't just about inviting him. There was that option too…
"Yakisoba, takoyaki, ramune…" Rice listed. "Castella and chocolate bananas for dessert. This should do, right?"
"I'd love to bring kakigori," Ardan said, "but in this heat, it'd melt before we reach the dorm. This is perfect."
"Let's take it to Onii-sama!" Rice said.
"Yes, let's♪" Ardan agreed.
"…" I stood silent.
Hilltop
Somehow, my feet carried me to this secluded hilltop, a place I hadn't planned to visit. Why? After overhearing Rice Shower and Mejiro Ardan planning to bring festival treats to Trainer, I didn't head to the dorm—instead, I came here. It wasn't about wanting to be alone. So why…?
No, the answer's clear. I've fallen behind again. No, not just behind—I didn't even think to act.
"…Ha," I sighed.
Even with my training on point, I fumble when it comes to Trainer… Pathetic. I'm supposed to be the closest to him, yet I feel the farthest. That wall between us—it's real, isn't it?
"…No point staying," I said. "Time to go."
Going back to the festival won't lift my mood. I headed to the dorm. The starry sky from this hilltop is breathtaking, but right now, even that beauty looks dull.
Afterword
Air Groove's envy and hesitation leave her trailing, her trust arc tangled by missed chances with Hachiman. Rice and Ardan's gesture deepens her regret, while Fuji's absence keeps her debut near. The Yahari crossover fuels Air Groove's doubts, with Haruno's shadow lingering. Will she catch up, or stay stuck? CB's loyalty looms large!
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