Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Lately, Hachiman had started watching a new anime.

It told a love story between a gym teacher and the captain of the tennis club—a tale of pure and genuine romance.

One scene in particular had left a deep impression on him, one he couldn't shake.

During a P.E. class, after tirelessly instructing the students, the gym teacher washed his hands by the sink. Meanwhile, the tennis club captain, out of concern, squatted beneath the sink, carefully wiping the sweat from the teacher's brow.

Occasionally, passing students would greet the teacher.

But because of the visual blind spot under the sink, no one noticed the captain hiding there. After all, relationships between teachers and students were strictly forbidden. Naturally, they had to keep their romance under wraps.

In short, it was a heartfelt, pure love scene.

Hachiman had nearly been moved to tears watching it.

Ahem. Back to reality.

At this moment, Senpai Kasumigaoka was squatting under the sink.

And as fate would have it, this public sink at Sobu High shared the same visual blind spot. As long as no one approached from behind, students coming from the front wouldn't see the person hiding beneath the sink.

Seeing Kasumigaoka's suggestive smile, Hachiman's heart skipped a beat. He quickly tried to stop her.

"N-no, this won't work! Someone might see us!"

"Hehe, I'm just wiping some sweat off you, Air-kun. Why are you so nervous?"

Wiping sweat?

This devious woman wasn't just here to wipe his sweat!

She was obviously scheming something!

"Senpai, please don't be so bold. I'm begging you. Let's… let's move to the equipment room instead—"

"Wait, I think someone's coming."

"Huh?"

Hachiman froze.

He quickly looked up.

Sure enough, a girl was walking toward the public sink.

"Crap!"

His expression changed instantly.

It was… Miura!

Was she done arguing with Kawasaki already?

"Senpai, hurry and leave! Miura's coming over!"

"Quick, go!"

"Senpai!!!"

Hachiman was frantic, urging her to act.

"No time, Air-kun~" Kasumigaoka's expression was all too gleeful as she watched his flustered face.

"You—"

At this point, Hachiman could only lower his voice and sigh.

"Fine, just stay put and don't move. Don't do anything, and don't come out."

"Don't worry, I won't~ do~ anything~"

"!!!"

Kasumigaoka's playful wink sent chills down Hachiman's spine.

He could only resign himself to fate, silently praying that nothing from that anime scene would happen now.

By then, Miura had reached the sink and turned on the faucet.

The sound of running water echoed.

Miura washed her hands, occasionally glancing at Hachiman across from her.

At first, neither spoke, maintaining an unspoken understanding.

Naturally, Hachiman hoped it would stay that way.

He prayed Miura was just there to wash her hands.

But, as always, things didn't go his way.

Miura pursed her lips and broke the silence.

"Hikigaya, about earlier… I'm sorry."

"Eh?"

Not only did she speak up first, but she also apologized!

Quickly catching on, Hachiman replied, "You were just trying to help me build stamina. It's fine."

"No!"

Even as Hachiman dismissed it, Miura shook her head stubbornly.

"I was careless. I didn't consider how you felt. From now on, I'll be more mindful. What happened today won't happen again."

"Uh… alright then."

Hachiman awkwardly nodded.

His gaze drifted to the hidden Kasumigaoka.

She hadn't done anything so far and was squatting quietly.

However, the faint smirk on her face sent a chill down his spine.

Hachiman subtly shook his head at her, pleading silently.

Let's just keep it this way.

But the more he tried, the wider Kasumigaoka's smile grew.

And then, under his shocked gaze…

She leaned in and kissed his leg.

"Ugh!!"

The sudden gesture made Hachiman jump.

"Hikigaya?"

Miura, who had just finished washing her hands and was about to leave, turned back in confusion.

"N-no, it's nothing…"

Hachiman was mortified.

Senpai, stop this madness!

My leg is sweaty! And you actually kissed it?!

"Nothing?"

Miura narrowed her eyes.

"You're lying!"

"Huh?"

"Hikigaya, what's going on with you?"

As she spoke, Miura leaned against the sink with both hands.

Her perfect S-shaped silhouette leaned closer.

The faint scent of her perfume wafted over.

Her mesmerizing figure shifted in front of him.

Hachiman felt his entire body tense up. He instinctively averted his gaze and stammered, "N-no, really, it's…"

"Are you feeling unwell?" Miura bit her lip, her tone tinged with guilt.

"I knew it. I went too far earlier… Let me take you to the infirmary."

With that, she stepped forward.

Hachiman panicked.

If Miura came over…

It'd be disastrous!

"No need, no need! I'm perfectly fine! I don't need the infirmary!"

"Hmph! Perfectly fine? Then why do you look so pale? And why is your face… so red?"

Miura stopped, studying him closely.

Her lips pursed as if realizing something.

"I see… You're mad, aren't you? You think I'm terrible for forcing you to do something earlier, right?"

"No, I'm not mad."

"Then why are you blushing?"

Miura pressed on.

"That's because… because you looked really cute after the run! It's totally normal for guys to find cute girls irresistible, isn't it?"

In desperation, Hachiman blurted out the first excuse he could think of.

But as soon as the words left his mouth…

He regretted it.

Kasumigaoka immediately tightened her grip on his leg.

As for Miura, her face turned crimson in an instant.

"Y-you… What did you just say?!"

Her voice trembled as she took a step back, flustered.

"You think I'm… cute? Hikigaya! What's that supposed to mean?!"

Miura's reaction only made her look even cuter.

Hachiman coughed awkwardly, trying to remain composed.

"It's just a simple compliment…"

"Ha??"

Miura's heart raced uncontrollably.

She felt as though she might pass out.

Meanwhile, Hachiman was about to speak again when his heart skipped a beat. His pupils dilated in alarm.

Kasumigaoka's mood had shifted drastically.

Her chest heaved as she tried to suppress her emotions.

She had planned to let Hachiman off the hook.

To behave.

But this… This was too much!

He dared to call another girl cute—right in front of her?!

How could she tolerate this?

No, she couldn't.

Licking her lips, Kasumigaoka's grin turned mischievous.

It was time for some payback.

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