Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Yukinoshita forced herself to remain calm as she greeted Kasumigaoka.

"Good afternoon, Senpai."

"Good afternoon..."

Kasumigaoka instinctively glanced behind Yukinoshita. Seeing that Hachiman wasn't with her, she felt an odd sense of unease.

Yukinoshita smiled and extended an invitation.

"Would you like to have lunch together?"

"Sure."

Kasumigaoka subconsciously glanced toward the upper floors before nodding in agreement.

The two found a spot in the school hallway, enjoying their lunch while admiring the campus scenery.

Their meals were quite simple.

Kasumigaoka had a pineapple bun, while Yukinoshita had a sandwich today.

"Thank you, Senpai, for looking after Hachiman recently."

"You asked me to take care of him, so of course, I did my best."

The two chatted back and forth, their conversation fairly mundane.

Starting with Hachiman, then moving on to academics, followed by discussing university aspirations and future plans.

However—

These topics were rather dry.

Inevitably, their conversation drifted back to something more interesting—particularly, Hachiman.

Specifically, Yukinoshita and Hachiman's love story from their second year of high school.

"You and Hachiman had quite the eventful journey. But tell me, who confessed first?" Kasumigaoka couldn't help but ask, intrigued.

"Who confessed first..."

Just as Yukinoshita was about to answer, her expression suddenly shifted, and she coughed a few times.

"Did you choke?"

Noticing this, Kasumigaoka reached out and patted Yukinoshita's back.

"Thank you."

Yukinoshita shot her a grateful glance, then adjusted her red-framed glasses, regaining her composure.

"Ahem. Who confessed first? Well... of course, it was Hachiman."

"Oh? He confessed first?"

Kasumigaoka was intrigued.

"Hachiman isn't exactly the proactive type. He actually took the initiative?"

"Of course."

Yukinoshita smiled, her expression softening as she recalled that fateful confession on the pedestrian bridge. A hint of happiness surfaced on her face.

"That was the most unforgettable day of my life... It was incredibly romantic."

"Oh? Do tell. What exactly did Hachiman say to you?"

"Ugh, Senpai, this is so embarrassing..."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

"Well... alright."

With a slightly bashful expression, Yukinoshita began to recount the scene of their confession, little by little.

"…And at the very end, Hachiman looked me in the eyes and said, 'Please entrust your life to me.'"

"Hachiman actually said something that poetic?"

Kasumigaoka's gaze held a trace of envy.

"And then? Did you say yes right away?"

"…Mm."

Yukinoshita blushed.

"He even stepped forward and kissed me. And then... he, um... secretly touched me... Ugh! I can't say any more, it's too embarrassing!"

"Wow, I never expected that. Hachiman, that loner, was actually so forward with you? He must really love you."

Kasumigaoka sighed.

This is peak pure romance. Pure romance so intense it makes you want to go feral!

"Ahem. It's not that big of a deal. Hachiman isn't that reserved around me."

Yukinoshita's cheeks flushed faintly.

Alright, fine.

She may have exaggerated a little.

That last line? She had been the one to say it. But in front of others, naturally, she had to make it seem like her boyfriend had taken the initiative. Otherwise, wouldn't that be embarrassing?

That night, after his confession—

She had been so elated she could barely sleep, even dreaming of cuddling up with him four or five times.

"You're so lucky. It's a romance anyone would envy." Kasumigaoka sighed again.

"Am I lucky...? Sigh..."

Hearing that, Yukinoshita let out a long sigh.

Don't envy me, Senpai.

After all, right now, my dear boyfriend is up on the rooftop... cuddling with another girl.

Ughhhh!

My Hachiman, my Hachiman, my Hachiman…

Bitterness surged in her heart as she instinctively squeezed her thighs together.

Refocusing, she checked the live feed through her glasses.

At first, she didn't think much of it. But upon closer inspection, her pupils suddenly shrank.

"...Oh no. This might be too intense. She's not going to... pass out, is she?"

"Huh? What's too intense? Are you talking about the people on the field?"

"Uh… cough cough, yes."

Yukinoshita coughed lightly, maintaining her composure.

"Senpai, I'll have to excuse myself here. I, um, need to visit the restroom. Please continue looking after Hachiman in the future."

"No problem."

Hearing Kasumigaoka's response, Yukinoshita nodded in relief and quickly headed toward the ladies' restroom.

"Phew, that should've stalled enough... but did something go wrong? Kawasaki looks like she…"

"Something wrong?"

Just as Yukinoshita was about to step inside the restroom, a short-haired girl suddenly walked out.

Kato looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"???"

Yukinoshita's heart nearly stopped. She barely managed to keep her expression neutral.

—

At the same time.

Kasumigaoka didn't return to class.

Her mind was still filled with the story of Hachiman and Yukinoshita's pure love.

She envied it.

She craved it.

Why had she never met a destined one like that?

The more she indulged in envy and jealousy, the more her dark side stirred.

"…Yes. The greater the purity, the more thrilling it will be to taint it."

Kasumigaoka murmured to herself.

The purer their love, the more exhilarating it would be when she finally took Hachiman for herself.

If their love wasn't so perfect, it wouldn't be as fun.

"Hehehe. My dear Air-kun~ I'm coming for you..."

Licking her lips, Kasumigaoka eagerly ascended the stairs.

She wasn't foolish.

Judging from Yukinoshita's behavior and Hachiman's movements after class, she deduced that he was likely still upstairs—probably on the rooftop.

The only thing she didn't understand was why he hadn't come down yet.

Was he reading up there?

Avoiding her?

Hmm. Possible.

Either way—

There was still some time left in the lunch break.

She needed to check.

Kasumigaoka quickly reached the rooftop entrance.

As she approached, she heard a muffled voice.

"I'm sorry, Kawasaki. I'm sorry... Are you okay?"

"It's all my fault... all my fault..."

"...?"

Though faint, the voice sounded familiar.

"Air-kun?"

Kasumigaoka raised an eyebrow and cautiously pushed open the rooftop door.

Through a small gap—

She saw Kawasaki unconscious in Hachiman's arms.

Hachiman looked utterly remorseful.

And most importantly—

Their clothes were slightly disheveled.

Kasumigaoka's pupils shrank.

"???"

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