I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?!

[Air Groove Side]

The day after my conversation with his mentor, her words still burned in my mind. Not him being unworthy of me—but me being unworthy of him. I never imagined I'd hear it from that perspective. Her explanation was convincing, yet I couldn't quite sort out my feelings.

"Good morning, Air Groove," Symboli Rudolf greeted.

"Hey, Air Groove," Mr. C.B. added.

"…Good morning, President, Senpai C.B.," I replied.

"By the way, I forgot to mention," Rudolf said. "The training with your trainer started two days ago, didn't it? Today's the last day, but I'm sorry for only telling you now."

"It's fine…" I said.

"You know, I'm jealous, Air Groove," Mr. C.B. chimed in. "I've trained with Hachiman a few times, but you're always his main focus. This time, we got to take the lead, and he's really thorough, isn't he? I'd love to be his trainee too!"

"…"

Had I ever spoken of him so highly? Had I ever boasted about him to anyone? Come to think of it, I'd never bragged about anything—not him, not even myself.

"As C.B. says, he's an exceptional trainer," Rudolf added. "Even in just two days, I can see it. It's only strengthened my desire to train under him."

"Hey!" Mr. C.B. laughed. "If Hachiman gets to pick another trainee, I'm not letting you have him!"

"Haha, sounds like a tough rival," Rudolf said with a chuckle.

"…"

I'd never had such playful banter with him. Our conversations were always about training or races—nothing more. Everyday chatter? Practically nonexistent.

"You okay, Air Groove?" Mr. C.B. asked. "You seem kinda down today."

"No, this is just how I am," I said.

"Really? You look a bit gloomier than usual. Still feeling under the weather?"

"No, the fever's gone. I was planning to report that to the trainer today."

"I see," Rudolf said. "You're the Uma Musume with the best shot at the Triple Tiara. It's a tough time, but I'm rooting for you to get back in top form."

"Thank you. If you'll excuse me," I said, turning to leave.

I couldn't just do nothing. If I didn't take action, nothing would change.

Trainer's Office

Never had this door felt so daunting. Beyond it was him. I had one thing to say: report my fever's gone. That's all. Nothing else to discuss. Just a report. A day early, but better early than late. That's what I told myself.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in!" Hachiman called.

I took a deep breath. "Here goes… Excuse me."

"Hm? What's up? You've got one more day, right?" he said.

"No, it's… I thought I'd report early," I said. "I checked my temperature yesterday and today, morning and night. The fever's gone. I can't say I'm fully recovered, but I should be able to start training tomorrow."

"Got it. Thanks for the report," he said. "Come back tomorrow, and we'll check your condition again."

"Understood. Then I'll—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Oh, one more thing."

"What?" I asked, pausing.

"For the past three days, including today, I trained other Uma Musume without your permission. That probably didn't sit well with you, and I was careless. I also said some harsh things. Sorry."

No… I'm the one who should apologize. Why was he lowering his head? It should be me.

"No, I…" I stammered. "I was selfish too. You're a trainer—it's only natural you'd work with other Uma Musume. But… maybe next time, just let me know."

"Yeah, I'll do that," he said. "Though as long as you're training, it won't come up."

"Right…" I said. "Then I'll see you tomorrow. Excuse me."

"See ya," he replied.

I closed the door and walked a few steps, my mind reeling. He apologized first. That's not… Wait. I didn't apologize to him! I just accepted his apology and made a request. That's no different from how I've always been! But going back now felt… daunting. Tomorrow. I'll do it before training starts.

"This can't drag on," I muttered. "I'll settle it quickly, rebuild what we had. Just apologize. That's all it takes."

If that's the plan, I needed to think about how to apologize. My anger was one-sided, so I should lower my head, just as he did, even though he wasn't at fault. I'd need to choose my words carefully too.

Bonus

"I warned you back then, didn't I? Don't take your eyes off your trainee. Did you forget?"

"No, I remember perfectly," Hachiman said. "I just… I'm sorry."

The mentor sighed. "You get so clumsy when it comes to people. This is the only time I'm bailing you out. Given her personality, she's not likely to apologize first. You need to make the first move—it'll ease the tension."

"Understood," Hachiman said. "I'll do it."

"Ideally, she'd come to you, but you need to create the opportunity."

"Got it. Thank you."

"No need for thanks. Just win that G1 at Hanshin."

"You mean the Oka Sho?" Hachiman said. "That's the plan."

"I'm rooting for you," the mentor said.

"I'll do my best," Hachiman replied.

"I'm counting on it. See you at Hanshin."

"Yes, excuse me…" Hachiman paused. "Does she already assume we're racing? Or did she see Air Groove yesterday and know she's ready?"