Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

After school.

In Class 3-B, the students were packing their books and bags, ready to head home.

"Tomorrow's Friday, Air-kun. I've got a bold idea for this weekend~," whispered Kasumigaoka, leaning close to Hachiman's ear.

"!!"

Hachiman, mid-way through packing his bag, froze at her teasing tone. The suggestive look in her eyes, her flawless curves—Kasumigaoka was the very embodiment of temptation.

Steeling himself, Hachiman replied calmly, "Sorry, I already have plans this weekend."

"Oh? And what could possibly be more important than that?" she asked, her voice dripping with intrigue.

"Er..."

"Air-kun, this weekend, we're going to—"

Before she could finish, Eriri suddenly stood up from the desk in front of them. Her twin-tails swung as she turned to face Hachiman.

"H-Hachiman, don't forget our plans this weekend!" she said nervously.

"Oh, uh, yeah... I won't."

Satisfied, Eriri nodded, shot a quick glare at Kasumigaoka, and walked away.

Kasumigaoka's smile faltered. "..."

Hachiman tried to explain, "I promised to help her beat a game at her place this weekend. It's just like last week, when I helped you at your house."

"Oh?" Kasumigaoka's lips curved into a sly smile. "Just gaming, huh? Are you sure it won't end up... in bed?"

"That's impossible!" Hachiman retorted, his face serious. "It's just gaming, plain and simple!"

Kasumigaoka stayed silent for a few seconds before laughing lightly. "I know your tastes, Air-kun. I doubt you'd be interested in someone like Eriri with her lack of curves. After all, hehe..."

She straightened up, flaunting her figure unapologetically.

Hachiman's face turned red. He had to admit, her body was... breathtaking. This wasn't the physique of a high schooler—it was otherworldly.

Taking a deep breath, Hachiman turned his head away to avoid falling for her charms.

"Air-kun, how about after school tomorrow? Let's pick a time. Anything's better than gym class—so boring," she suggested.

"Boring?" Hachiman muttered under his breath. "...Just boring?"

"Hm?"

Kasumigaoka chuckled confidently. "Don't let a few compliments get to your head. You're still far too inexperienced, Air-kun. Pick a time, and I'll show you what I'm really capable of."

Her competitive spirit was blazing. Hachiman sighed inwardly. So she did care about what happened during gym class. Even though he ultimately lost to her, there were a few fleeting moments where he gained the upper hand—and that must have bothered her.

Could it be she felt threatened?

Coughing, Hachiman decided to play it safe, thinking carefully. "Senpai, I'm just an average guy. How can I keep up with you?"

Kasumigaoka smiled slyly. "Don't worry—I'll be gentle."

Her casual confidence seemed unshaken, even as Hachiman's eyes gleamed with a hint of determination.

After a few more exchanges, Hachiman finally managed to wrap up the conversation and bid her farewell. Once out of the classroom, he headed straight for the Service Club.

As he walked, he couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at him. Memories of the day flooded his mind.

Yukinoshita... I'm sorry.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the clubroom door.

Inside, Yukinoshita and Komachi were waiting. With Yui still absent due to her ongoing leave, the club's workload had been relatively light recently.

In fact, most of the tasks fell to Komachi, now the Service Club president. Hachiman and Yukinoshita spent their time quietly "supervising," allowing Komachi to grow into her role.

By the time the club activities ended, Komachi announced her plans to visit Yui. Hachiman and Yukinoshita decided to walk home together.

It was a rare moment of solitude between them.

---

On the way home, Yukinoshita seemed troubled.

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Corruption Level: 23/100]

The events during gym class had added to his "corruption level." This wasn't good. If the index climbed too high, there'd be consequences.

She needed to act quickly to lower it.

"Hikigaya-kun, let's take a break over there," she said, pointing to a secluded clearing nearby.

"Huh?" Hachiman hesitated, his mind flashing back to their... questionable moments in similar places before. His face turned red. "I think we should just—mmph!"

Before he could protest, Yukinoshita grabbed his arm and led him toward the clearing.

Once there, she brought him behind a slide.

"Are you planning to play on the slide?" Hachiman asked, confused.

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes. "I'm not a child."

"Then what—"

"Behind the slide, no one can see us... so we can play some adult games," she said, her voice soft but suggestive.

"A-adult games?" Hachiman stammered.

"Hikigaya-kun..."

She held his hand gently, her cheeks flushed. After a moment's hesitation, she murmured, "Let's do something... thrilling, okay?"

"Th-thrilling?"

Hachiman's face burned. "Stop joking around. Let's just go home!"

"N-no!" Yukinoshita clung to him tightly, whispering in a voice barely audible, "Don't go, d-daddy~!"

"???"

Hachiman froze, staring at his girlfriend, whose face was now beet red from embarrassment.

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Corruption Level: -1]

Meanwhile, a black sedan pulled up near the clearing where the couple stood.

From the car emerged a mature woman clad in a traditional kimono. Her appearance bore a striking resemblance to Yukinoshita and Haruno, though her demeanor was even more refined and composed.

With an elegant smile, she began walking toward the clearing, her presence commanding yet gentle.

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