Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Hachiman and Kawasaki quietly slipped out of the public restroom.

"Phew, no one's around," Hachiman muttered with relief, turning to Kawasaki.

"I'll be heading off now…"

Before he could finish, Hachiman noticed something odd—Kawasaki was walking awkwardly, almost like she had a cramp in her legs.

Alarmed, he hurried over to steady her. "Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine… It's just… first-timers tend to be like this," Kawasaki replied, her face tinged with red.

"Oh…"

Hachiman blushed slightly, recalling his first time with Yukinoshita. Back then, she had stayed at home afterward, so he never saw her discomfort. The same went for senior Kasumigaoka—it had been in her house as well.

This, however, was the first time Hachiman witnessed such a scene, and he couldn't help feeling a mix of tenderness and guilt.

"Let me walk you home," he offered.

"No need, I can manage," Kawasaki quickly refused, pushing his hand away.

"Also, don't touch me anymore. You have a girlfriend, and it's Yukinoshita. From now on, we should keep our distance," she said firmly.

"Kawasaki…"

Seeing her avoidant expression, Hachiman sighed. "You're too kind."

Indeed, the girls around him—Yukinoshita, Yui, Miura, Kawasaki, and even Kasumigaoka—all had a gentle side to them.

Wait—Kasumigaoka?!

Ahem! No, she doesn't count as gentle!

"Ugh!" Kawasaki's cheeks flushed as she retorted, "Stop calling me kind! I'm not as kind as you or Yukinoshita!"

Hachiman chuckled wryly. "Yukinoshita aside, if I were truly kind, I wouldn't be so irresponsible with a girl's first time."

"What… what do you mean by that?"

Flustered, Kawasaki's heart raced as she covered her face. "You're not saying… you still want my body, are you?"

"I'm warning you! No! Way!" she stammered, her face red. "Not even once more! And another thing—don't let Yukinoshita down! She's a good girl; don't you dare hurt her!"

As Kawasaki continued her frantic tirade, her face grew redder and redder.

But before she could finish, Hachiman suddenly scooped her up in his arms.

"Ah! H-Hachiman, what are you doing?!"

Caught off guard, Kawasaki panicked. "You're not seriously thinking of… No way! I already told you, the last time was the last! I'm not giving you anything more!"

"Shh! Someone's coming," Hachiman whispered, cutting her off.

"Huh?"

"It looks like… Miura…"

"What?!"

Kawasaki's face turned pale. "Quick, hide! She mustn't see us like this!"

"Got it," Hachiman replied, carrying her behind a large tree.

Moments later, a figure appeared on the pathway.

Miura glanced around, her brows furrowed. "Weird… I thought I heard Kawasaki's voice."

Hachiman: "!!"

Kawasaki: "!!!"

Both froze, holding their breath as they clung to the shadows.

"Put me down," Kawasaki whispered urgently.

"Not yet," Hachiman murmured back.

Meanwhile, Miura's gaze drifted toward the tree they were hiding behind.

"Hm?"

Her frown deepened, and she began walking toward them.

Panic washed over Hachiman and Kawasaki.

If Miura found them like this, there'd be no explaining it. Worse, Miura was sharp enough to notice Kawasaki's physical state—everything would be exposed.

What now?!

Their hearts pounded, and cold sweat dripped down their backs.

Then, just in time, a voice called out from a distance.

"Miura~"

"?!"

Miura stopped in her tracks, turning toward the voice.

"Yukinoshita?!"

"That's right," Yukinoshita replied with a soft smile. "I was worried about you, so I came to check. You're all alone—are you okay?"

"Alone?" Miura blinked, then scowled. "What's it to you? I like running alone, alright?!"

Unperturbed, Yukinoshita continued smiling as the two began talking. Miura, however, remained combative.

"Phew!"

Hidden behind the tree, Hachiman and Kawasaki both let out sighs of relief.

Thankfully, Yukinoshita's timely arrival had saved them from disaster.

Still, Hachiman couldn't help but wonder why his girlfriend was here. Had she come to check on him?

The thought filled him with a pang of guilt and unease.

Yukinoshita… I'm sorry…

Meanwhile, Kawasaki's emotions were in turmoil.

Seeing Yukinoshita only deepened her remorse.

As Yukinoshita's friend, she was supposed to protect Hachiman for her.

Yet here she was, having done the unthinkable.

I'm a terrible friend…

Tears welled up in her eyes as quiet sobs escaped her lips.

Hachiman noticed her trembling and whispered, "Don't…"

But Kawasaki shook her head, unable to hold back.

Realizing her cries might give them away, Hachiman leaned in and kissed her to muffle the sound.

"!!!"

Kawasaki's eyes widened in shock. She instinctively wanted to push him away but found herself too weak to resist.

Tears streaming, she clung to him, silently accepting the kiss.

Yukinoshita, I'm sorry…

Hachiman… so warm…

Yukinoshita, forgive me… forgive me…

Nearby, Miura's voice broke through the quiet.

"Hey! Yukinoshita! Are you even listening to me?!"

"Huh? Oh, yes, I'm listening. Go on." Yukinoshita smiled calmly, her tone light.

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