Hachiman's POV
The next morning, I woke up at my usual time for a run. Since I was taking the same route as my last visit, the path was already etched into my memory. As I ran, my mind drifted back to yesterday at the station—the sight of Rice receiving such a passionate welcome from her hometown. I quickly realized why…
"Good morning, Trainer! You're certainly keeping busy this early!"
Hachiman: "Morning."
"Good morning, Rice-chan's Trainer! Beautiful day, isn't it?"
Hachiman: "Good morning."
"Morning, Trainer. Give our best to Rice-chan, okay?"
Hachiman: "Will do."
Every few steps, I found myself exchanging greetings with people out for their morning walks or starting their daily routines. I wasn't being slowed down or interrupted; it was just the natural rhythm of walking through this town. I'd decided to take this path, and just like last time, I couldn't help but think... this really is a good place.
—— Rice's Family Home ——
Luck: "Oh, welcome back, Trainer. I'm just finishing drawing your bath. It should be at the perfect temperature right about now, so please, feel free to use it."
Hachiman: "Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate the hospitality."
Luck: "Don't mention it! Oh, and breakfast will be hot sandwiches and salad, okay?"
Hachiman: "Thank you for the meal as well."
I'd offered to help out, but Rice's mother had insisted: "You take such good care of Rice-chan every day during her training! The least we can do is handle your food and board while you're here!" Since she put it that way, I figured it was best to accept her kindness rather than be difficult about it.
—— The Bathroom ——
Hachiman: "Right then, time for a soak... Wait, there's a hell of a lot more steam in here than yesterday. Is it possible...?"
Splash.
Hachiman: "Gah! Hot! Tch... Son of a... Okay, I see how it is. Last time was a cold-water endurance test, and this time it's a boiling-water challenge? I'm not a variety show comedian. I need to get some cold water in here."
Did she forget to turn the cold valve while the boiler was running? That seemed unlikely... Is she just a bit airheaded?
Either way, it was going to take a while before this was actually swimmable.
—— The Living Room ——
Rice: "Ah, Brother! Good morning! ♪"
Hachiman: "Morning, Rice. Sleep well?"
Rice: "Mm-hm, I slept like a log! But... my memory of last night is a little fuzzy. I remember being in your room, but when I woke up, I was in my own futon."
Hachiman: "Well, let's just say... you fell asleep at the wheel."
Rice: "Wha?! Rice fell asleep in your room?!"
Hachiman: "Technically no, but it was basically a knockout—partially thanks to CB. I ended up carrying you back to your room."
Rice: "Uuu... I'm sorry, Brother. I went and caused you trouble again."
Hachiman: "Don't worry about it. I don't consider that 'trouble.' As long as you got some rest, that's all that matters."
I decided it was probably for the best not to mention that "Hachiman Component" nonsense CB was spouting last night.
Luck: "Oh, Trainer! You were in there quite a while. How was the water? Was it relaxing?"
Hachiman: "Uh... well, when I first got in, it was basically a boiling cauldron. I had to spend some time adjusting the temperature."
Luck: "FUEH?! A-A boiling cauldron?!"
Hachiman: "Yeah... the steam was so thick I had a bad feeling, so I tested it with my finger first. Good thing I did. It took a bit of cold water to make it human-habitable, which is why I was late."
Luck: "Ugh... uuuuugh... Trainer, first last year, and now this... I'm so sorry! Why am I always like this...? Sniff."
...Yep. In moments like this, they really are mother and daughter.
Hachiman: "Please, don't let it bother you. It was a nice soak once I got it right."
—— Breakfast ——
Rice's Father: "What? Boiling water this year? Luck, dear, I thought you said you turned the cold water on too. How did you manage to create a lava pit?"
Luck: "Stop it! I didn't do it on purpose!"
CB: "Hahaha! That's incredible! A boiling water challenge instead of a bath? That's so hardcore! Ahahaha!"
Rudolf: "CB, don't laugh. It's not a joking matter. Look at Lady Luck—she's devastated. Watch your tongue."
CB: "I'm not being mean, I promise! It's just so funny I couldn't help it!"
Luck: "Uuu... go ahead, just mock me until there's nothing left..."
Hachiman: "No one's mocking you. You went to the trouble of preparing it for me, so I have no reason to complain. Besides, you're even providing breakfast. I have nothing but gratitude—I'm certainly not going to hold a mistake over your head."
Luck: "...Oh, Rice-chan... you really did find the best Trainer in the world! He's being so kind to me... I think I'm going to cry!" (Eyes welling up)
Hachiman: "Wait... is it really that big of a deal?"
Rice: "Mm-hm! Rice thinks every day how lucky she is to have met you!"
Rice's Father: "Yes, quite. Always remember to be grateful for everything the Trainer teaches you, Rice."
Rice: "I will!"
The Whole Family: "..." (Glistening with pure, radiant gratitude)
It was the same exact picture as last year. Seriously... I'm begging you, please look away. Those sparkling, innocent eyes are way too bright for a guy like me. I feel like I'm going to disintegrate...
[Afterword]
First cold water, now boiling... Rice's mom is accidentally putting Hachiman through a ninja training regimen.
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