C.B.'s POV
"Nnn-gh!" I squeezed him with everything I had.
"…C.B., honestly. Let him go," Rudolf sighed, her voice laced with a mix of exasperation and envy. "At this rate, Brother and the others will never be able to depart."
"But! But still!" I squeezed even tighter, burying my face into him.
"Hachiman, I knew they were fond of you, but this is… quite unexpected," Taliato (Secretariat) remarked, watching us with a wry smile.
"Hahaha! This girl has the right idea!" Man o' War bellowed, laughing heartily. "I understand her feelings perfectly! Who wouldn't want to hold onto him?"
"This is no time for admiration, Master," Taliato chided her mentor.
Hachiman remained silent, looking like a man who had accepted his fate as a human climbing post, while Rice stood by, watching us with a polite, nervous smile.
It's been three days since we returned to Tracen Academy from the August training camp. Now, we're at the airport to see Hachiman and Rice off to France, but…
I know. I know, okay? I knew today was the day! But knowing it and accepting it are two completely different things! I don't want them to go!
"…C.B., it's only for a month and a half. Just endure it," Hachiman said, his voice muffled. "I can't exactly let Rice go to a foreign country by herself, can I? Besides, your debut is coming up in November. I need you to focus on that."
"Mmuuuu!" I responded with another squeeze.
"Good grief…" Hachiman sighed.
"C.B., that is quite enough," Rudolf warned.
"I agree, I agree!" Miz (Man o' War) cheered. "I feel your pain so deeply it hurts, C.B.!"
Is Miz Man o' War the only one on my side here?! Why?! Is something wrong with everyone else? Aren't you all worried about Hachiman leaving?! Seriously, am I the only sane one here?!
"Fine, I give up," Hachiman muttered.
"…What is it, Big Brother?" Rice asked.
"Look, C.B. When I get back, I'll grant you one wish. Anything within my power. So, let go—"
"One isn't enough."
"—Fine. Then I'll lend you this jacket. Take it."
"Deal. I can live with that." I let go instantly, reaching for the garment.
"…How is it that my old jacket is the thing that finally seals the deal?" Hachiman grumbled, rubbing his sore ribs.
Rudolf stepped forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Brother… do I get nothing?"
"…I don't have another jacket on me. You'll have to settle for the 'wish' when I get back. Is that alright?"
Rudolf's expression softened into a satisfied smile. "Very well. I shall look forward to it."
"Hachiman," Taliato interjected, "it's good to be close to your trainees, but do mind the boundaries, won't you?"
"I'm aware," Hachiman replied, sounding tired. "It's just C.B. She's the only one who's this… physically invasive. Rice and Rudolf have a much better sense of personal space."
I really didn't want to let go, but if I kept clinging to him, they'd miss their flight. I have to be a big girl about this.
"Well then, Professor, Miz… please look after Rudolf and C.B. while I'm gone," Hachiman said, addressing the two legends. "And you two, make sure you actually learn something from them."
"Of course," Rudolf replied with a nod.
"Uuu… Hachimaaan…" I whined.
"You, stop that already," Taliato sighed at me.
"Hachiman… must you really go…?" Miz added, wiping a mock tear from her eye.
"Master, please don't let C.B. influence you. We're leaving now. I'll send an email once we touch down."
"We're off, then!" Rice added with a brave wave.
"Indeed. We expect a grand performance," Taliato said. "Hachiman, keep a sharp eye on Rice."
"I will."
And just like that, they were gone. Sigh. An entire month and a half without seeing Hachiman…
"Don't make such a face, C.B.," Rudolf said. "They've only just left. If you're like this now, I fear for your state of mind by next week."
"Rudolf is right," Taliato added. "And Master, please pull yourself together as well."
"I can't help it!" Miz cried. "Just as I finally get to spend time with Hachiman, he flies off to France! He won't be back until late October—that's right around the time I have to return home!"
"I suppose the timing is unfortunate," Taliato admitted. "But Hachiman entrusted these two to us. It is a mentor's duty to fulfill their student's request."
"…Alright!" I shouted, pumping myself up. "Then I'm going to have such a spectacular debut that it'll blow his mind! I'll give Hachiman the surprise of his life!"
"That's the spirit," Rudolf agreed. "In that case, Lady Secretariat, Lady Man o' War… we look forward to your guidance over the next six weeks."
"Indeed," Miz said, regaining her composure. "Time to show off what Hachiman's 'Grand-Master' can really do. The pleasure is ours."
"I promise you," Taliato added firmly, "we will make your running even better than it is today."
Just you wait, Hachiman! When you get back, I'm going to make your jaw drop!
C.B. Side: OUT
Hachiman's POV
"C.B.-san was really something, wasn't she?" Rice giggled softly as we walked through the terminal. "She just wouldn't let go of you, Big Brother."
"Tell me about it…" I sighed. "I didn't expect to be exhausted before I even set foot on the plane. If this happens every time we go on an expedition… I might have to reconsider my career path."
"B-But is this really okay?" Rice asked, her voice dropping to a whisper as we approached the gate. "For us to use such a fancy plane…?"
"Speed Symboli and the rest of the Symboli family arranged everything," I explained. "To be honest, it makes me a little uneasy too. But by the time I found out, the bookings were already finalized, so I couldn't exactly say no. I'm just as bewildered as you are."
The "plane" waiting for us wasn't a commercial airliner—it was the Symboli family's private jet. The only people on board were Rice and myself, the pilot and co-pilot, and two flight attendants. Six people in total.
I don't even want to know the cost. Speed Symboli, Sweet Luna… just how much money are you people spending on us? You aren't going to come looking for some terrifying favor in return later, are you? Please tell me you aren't.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"