Perspective: Hachiman
Well then, the end of the year is creeping up on us. Even though it's only mid-November, you can't help but think about it: a year feels long, yet it passes in the blink of an eye. Naturally, you start looking back on things. However, it is still November. I think I'll postpone writing the "Reflecting on the Past Year" essay that elementary schoolers love to title their assignments until later.
Right now, I am making my way to the Chairwoman's office. Hayakawa-san asked me to come by in the afternoon, so here I am. I just hope it isn't a headache, but considering that Chairwoman is involved, there is a 100% chance she's going to say something ridiculous. I'm already feeling slightly depressed.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Chairwoman, Hayakawa-san. It's Hikigaya."
"Permission!! You may enter!!"
(She's here...) "Excuse me."
"Welcome!! Good of you to come! And thank you for your daily hard work!!"
"Right... thank you."
"Trainer Hachiman," Tazuna added politely. "Thank you for making the trip."
"No problem... more importantly, what is this about?"
"Listen closely!! First, I want you to hear me out! Do you remember the photo shoot we held two winters ago with you and your assigned Horse Girls?"
"Yeah. You mean the photo shoot you approved a week before the race without asking me or the girls for permission?"
"Ugh... Affirmative! That company has sent another request! They want to feature Team Polaris on the front page of the magazine! This time, they wish to photograph the team wearing their race attire!!"
"...I see."
"It is my hope!! If possible, I would like you to accept this request again!! We have also obtained a guarantee that the decision rests entirely with us!!"
"Are you absolutely certain that the decision to accept or decline is left to us?"
"Yes," Tazuna confirmed. "I was listening at the time as well, so there is no mistake."
Hmm... So it isn't a forced situation like last time. In that case, there is room to consider it. I need to discuss it with the members anyway. That makes deciding things much easier.
"I understand the situation. I'll take this back to the team, discuss it with them, and then make a decision."
"I await a positive response!!"
"I'll do my best. Now, if you'll excuse me."
...…This might be easier than the last one.
— Before Training —
"Everyone, listen up before we start training. The Chairwoman passed along a small request... we haven't accepted it yet, but since the decision has been left to us, I want you to hear it. I want to get everyone's opinion."
"Eh? What is it?" Mr. C.B. asked.
"Two years ago, Air Groove, Fuji, and I did a photo shoot. That same company has sent another request. They want to feature Team Polaris on the front page of the magazine. That's the offer, but what do you all think?"
"P-Photos? We're taking photos?" Maurice stammered.
"Yeah. I have the magazine from back then, but... well, some of the content is a little intense, so I can't really show it to you. Back then they provided costumes, but this time it looks like you'll be participating in your race attire."
"Hoh," Air Groove interjected. "So we aren't doing that kind of shoot?"
"They want to conduct individual interviews while taking photos this time, so no, nothing like what you two did. It'll be a standard photo shoot."
"What kind of shoot was it before?" Rice Shower asked.
"There were solos, a two-shot with Hachiman-san, and finally one with the three of us," Fuji explained.
"Really? Then I'm in favor of the photo shoot! ♪ I want to take a picture with Hachiman!" C.B. cheered.
"You just want to take a picture with me... So, what does everyone else think?"
"I'm fine with it," Fuji said. "This sort of thing is practically part of our job, after all."
"I am fine with the shoot," Air Groove noted, "but can something be done about the camera flash?"
"Right... I'll try to negotiate that. If I can't fix it, what then?"
"We will accept it regardless."
"I wonder if Rice is really okay for this?" Rice murmured anxiously. "I'm sure there are better people..."
"But the request is for the team, so I think it's fine!" Maurice encouraged her. "Besides, Rice-san, you are a double-crowned Horse Girl!"
"I also agree," Ardan added softly.
"I'm not interested," Arrow stated coolly, "but if everyone else is fine with it, I don't mind accepting."
"If it is to spread the Bakushin to the world, I shall cooperate!!" Bakushin O shouted.
"...Alright then. So the photo shoot is a go. I'm thinking of scheduling it for the second week of December. Does that work?"
Everyone nodded their acceptance. However...…
"Hachiman, make sure to emphasize this! We definitely want two-shots!!" C.B. insisted.
"No, isn't that demand unnecessary?"
"I think it's important, you know?" Fuji chimed in. "Taking a picture with Hachiman-san raises motivation, right? ♪"
"We're already confirmed to take a group photo. Isn't that enough?"
"No good!! I want a two-shot!!"
"Brother," Ardan smiled, "I also agree with the two-shots. As a proposal, how about we arrange it so only those who wish for it take a photo with you?"
It feels like too much of a pain to argue, so let's just go with that. The photographers would probably be happy to snap those anyway.
(Author's Note)
Next time, it's a photo session with the team!
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