Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

"It's definitely because of the food!!"

Supporting Hikigaya back onto the rooftop bench, Kawasaki instinctively glanced at the bento box.

Did she overdo it?

"K-Kawasaki, d-don't touch me anymore! Just go!"

Hikigaya weakly pushed away Kawasaki's arm, urging her to leave.

"Huh?"

Kawasaki froze for a few seconds before anxiously asking:

"Then what about you?"

"It's fine... I'll handle this myself."

"What?"

Kawasaki's face flushed red.

"Y-you'll handle it yourself? You're not saying you're going to... on the rooftop...?"

"Just go. Don't worry about it." Hikigaya continued to insist.

Silence fell for a few seconds.

Biting her lip, Kawasaki's emotions twisted with guilt and hesitation before she murmured regretfully:

"This is all my fault... If I hadn't added those supplements, you wouldn't be like this... It's my fault."

"You didn't do it on purpose. You meant well. I don't blame you."

Hikigaya shook his head and urged her again.

"Just go already."

"I..."

Seeing him in such distress, urging her to leave, made Kawasaki hesitate even more. How could she just walk away?

"Hikigaya, how about I—"

"No need."

Before she could finish, Hikigaya cut her off.

Gritting her teeth, Kawasaki protested:

"But you're alone..."

"I've always been alone when Yukinoshita isn't around. What's the difference?" Hikigaya muttered, exposing a bit of his past loneliness.

"You—!" Kawasaki's face turned red.

"If you don't leave now, I'll start to hate you! Go!"

"I..."

Seeing him so determined made Kawasaki's heart ache even more. The longer she hesitated, the more guilt and frustration built up inside her.

It felt like an eternity.

Finally, Kawasaki made up her mind and stepped closer.

"N-no! You'll... hurt yourself if you handle this alone! In a situation like this, you need a woman!"

"Huh? Kawasaki, I—"

"It doesn't matter! If you hate me, so be it. In fact, it's better if you do! I... I don't care!"

With that, Kawasaki suddenly threw her arms around Hikigaya.

"!!"

Hikigaya's body tensed instantly.

His hands trembled.

Instinct told him to hold onto the warmth in front of him.

But—

This was still Hikigaya.

His self-control was strong.

"We agreed last time would be the last... I can't let this happen again, Kawasaki. You're a girl—you shouldn't have to deal with this because of me..."

Hearing his concern, Kawasaki blushed, lowering her head and hesitantly mumbling:

"At a time like this, stop worrying about me. Worry about yourself for once. I... I don't mind. After all, the first time was already with you..."

"Kawasaki..."

Her shy words made Hikigaya's heartbeat quicken.

He sighed.

"Kawasaki, you're too kind. Girls who are too kind often suffer for it."

"Y-you—!"

Avoiding his gaze, Kawasaki licked her lips and, as usual, spoke stubbornly:

"I-it's not because I'm kind! This is for Yukinoshita! It's for her! If you don't take care of this, you could—c-could have problems later! For Yukinoshita's future happiness, I... I have to help you! This isn't about being kind!"

She repeated it again, as if convincing herself.

"For Yukinoshita, huh..."

Hikigaya smiled bitterly.

"Ugh..."

Kawasaki's face burned even hotter. Guilt weighed on her as she mumbled:

"I know this is... wrong, but I really am doing this for her. I... I..."

And before she realized it—

She leaned forward, pressing her lips to Hikigaya's.

"!!!"

Hikigaya's body stiffened, instinctively wanting to pull away.

But...

His arms, almost against his will, wrapped around her.

Minutes passed.

Their lips parted.

Their gazes met.

Both of their faces were flushed, eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

After a few moments, Kawasaki looked away, fidgeting.

"There's not much time. We should hurry—"

"Wait. Kawasaki, do you... um, have protection?"

"?"

Kawasaki blinked, then her face turned completely red.

"Why would I have that at school?! A-actually, I've never even bought that kind of thing before!"

"Then that's a problem..."

Hikigaya hesitated.

Kawasaki pulled him closer, pouting.

"You're really thinking about that right now?"

"I'm just worried... Is this a risky time for you?"

"Ugh... yeah..."

Kawasaki admitted, her face burning. But she quickly added:

"But there's no way we'd be that unlucky, right? I mean, last time we—cough! A-anyway, don't worry about that! You're sweating so much. If we delay any longer, you might really get sick!"

"No. Kawasaki, what if something happens? Maybe we should just... stop."

"I—I already agreed! Are you trying to drive me crazy?!"

Kawasaki huffed.

"Forget it. I'm done arguing with you!"

And without giving him a chance to resist—

She kissed him again.

That moment—

Hikigaya's resolve shattered.

This time, he didn't push her away. Instead, he pulled her closer.

Kawasaki shivered.

She realized—this was really happening.

Oh no.

Oh no oh no oh no!

I'm betraying Yukinoshita again.

But as Hikigaya held her tighter, an unfamiliar emotion surged in her chest.

Betraying Yukinoshita... actually feels a little good.

Oh no.

Oh no oh no oh no!!

Her heart pounded wildly.

She wanted to slap herself.

I'm awful.

I'm a horrible person.

I'm so sorry, Yukinoshita...

At that moment—

Outside the rooftop entrance, Yukinoshita took a deep breath and silently closed the door.

She had to admit.

Her beloved's willpower was truly impressive.

That supplement was designed to cloud judgment, and yet he resisted for so long.

Good thing Kawasaki was patient and willing to take the initiative.

Sighing, Yukinoshita took out her red-framed glasses, put them on, and quickly descended the stairs—leaving the two alone.

Mission accomplished.

Was she happy? Yes.

Was it painful? Also yes.

After all, her boyfriend had just been "taken" by someone else.

But she left quickly, pushing aside her complicated emotions.

A few minutes later—

Walking through the hallway, she unexpectedly ran into someone.

"Huh?"

At the same time, holding a melon bread, Kasumigaoka twitched her eyebrow, staring at Yukinoshita's slightly flushed face.

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