Hachiman's POV
With my schedule cleared for the remainder of the year, I decided to take it easy until the New Year. My plan is to kick off the next season with Mr. C.B. at the Keisei Stakes. That doesn't mean we're slacking on training, though. As the saying goes, "A day's delay leads to ten days' loss." I have no intention of neglecting our preparations.
C.B. is destined to be the star of next year's Classics. Our path might veer away from the "Royal Road" of traditional racing, but that's exactly why the spotlight will be even brighter. My goal? To swoop in and snatch it all in one fell swoop.
We've now entered December, and by the calendar's reckoning, winter has truly arrived. It's Friday after school, training is cancelled… and I am currently behind the wheel of a car. If you're as sharp as I think you are, you've already figured out the situation, right? We're heading to the hot spring inn Rice won tickets for. The voucher expires at the end of the year and covered up to five people, so I'm glad we could all make the trip together without any issues.
…Wait, who exactly am I talking to right now? If this is just pointless narration, can we outsource it to someone else?
(Note: Everyone prefers it when Hachiman does it, so just keep going!)
…Good grief. No point overthinking it, I guess.
Mr. C.B.: "Hachiman, are we there ye~t?"
Hachiman: "Almost."
Rice Shower: "It looks like such a grand inn. I'm so excited!"
Symboli Rudolf: "To be able to stay in a place like this for two days is a genuine pleasure. We must ensure we enjoy ourselves to the fullest."
— The Onsen Inn —
"Welcome! We have been expecting you."
Hachiman: "I'm Hikigaya. We have a reservation for four. Rice?"
Rice Shower: "O-Oh, right! Um, can we use this here?"
"...Yes, this is well within the expiration date. No problem at all. We have been waiting for the Hikigaya party. To confirm, you requested two rooms, is that correct?"
Hachiman: "Yes, that's right."
"Thank you. I will show you to your rooms shortly, but before that, I have one small request…"
A request? What, is she going to tell us not to be too loud because there are other guests? Or maybe the open-air bath is under maintenance?
"Would it be possible to get your autograph? Most of our staff are huge fans of Rice Shower. If you're willing, we'd love to display it at the front desk… Would that be alright?"
I'll be damned. Actual Rice fans… I've been her trainer for three years now, but aside from that little restaurant we frequent, is this the first time we've run into fans in the wild?
Hachiman: "Rice, what do you think?"
Rice Shower: "E-Eh? Um… if you're okay with my signature… then I'd be happy to."
"Oh! Thank you so much! I'll go grab some signature boards, please wait just a moment."
"Wait, let me get one for my personal collection too!"
"Me too!"
Before we could even get to our rooms, Rice ended up signing boards for every single staff member currently on shift. I've never seen this kind of thing happen in person; it's actually a little refreshing.
"Um, if you wouldn't mind, could we have your autograph as well, Mr. Hikigaya?"
…Wait, mine too?
— The Camellia Suite —
Hachiman: "This is a nice room."
Symboli Rudolf: "Indeed. It has a wonderful traditional atmosphere. And being surrounded by nature makes the air feel so crisp."
Mr. C.B.: "Even just being inside feels great, doesn't it? ♪"
Hachiman: "Yeah. Good work back there, Rice. I didn't expect an impromptu autograph session."
Rice Shower: "Ehehe, yeah. It surprised me a little, but it made me really happy."
Hachiman: "Well, we've got some time before dinner, so feel free to do whatever. Just don't cause any trouble. I'm in the room right next door, so if you need anything, call, text, or just come knock."
Mr. C.B.: "Alright then, see you two later~♪"
Hachiman: "You're staying in this room too."
Mr. C.B.: "Ehhhhh?! But I want to stay with Hachiman!!"
As if I'd share a room with someone who isn't my daughter, sister, or relative! Honestly, you need to learn some self-restraint.
— The Cypress Suite —
Hachiman: "It feels a bit indulgent using a room like this all by myself… but hey, I've won three G1 races this year, and two of them were overseas. Surely the gods will forgive this much."
It really was a surprise, though—finding out the staff here were Rice fans. Maybe it wasn't just a coincidence that she won those tickets at the lottery after all. Still, what are they going to do with my signature? Unlike the girls, a Trainer's autograph is basically worthless. Well, I didn't have a reason to say no, so I signed them anyway.
Even when I'm supposed to be resting, I find myself thinking about my trainees. C.B. is probably wandering around outside, and Rice is likely browsing the gift shop. Rudolf is probably just taking in the view.
Hachiman: "While I'm here, I should forget about work and just relax. You can't keep going if you don't set the burden down once in a while. Since I'm here, I might as well hit the baths. I'll change into the yukata first. Apparently, the water here has all sorts of health benefits—perfect for relaxing."
— The Men's Bath —
Hachiman: "Aaaaaaaah… This is the life… I can feel it soaking into my very bones…"
To top it off, I have the place to myself. No one in the indoor bath, no one in the outdoor one—complete solitude. I figured there'd be at least someone else, but I guess at this hour, people prioritize their appetites over a soak.
The dinner menu on their website looked incredible, too. I'm actually looking forward to it.
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