Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

The next day.

At Sobu High, Class 3-B.

To fulfill the task assigned by his beloved girlfriend, Hachiman Hikigaya found himself chatting with Katou early in the morning.

Since Katou had recently started playing a certain game, they now had a shared topic to discuss.

During their conversation, Katou expressed an unexpected interest in the open-world game, though her focus was more on map exploration than character builds. As a result, she hadn't even cleared the dragon boss yet.

While they chatted, Eriri also arrived at class.

The blonde twin-tailed girl hesitated before making her way to Hachiman's desk. She stood there for a few moments, conflicted, before finally turning to him.

"Hachiman, tomorrow..."

"I got it," Hachiman replied, nodding before she could finish.

"I'll come by to help tomorrow."

Eriri let out a soft "Oh" and quickly returned to her seat. For someone as tsundere as her, speaking to him so openly in front of other classmates was already a significant effort.

"Is Hachiman planning a date with Sawamura-san tomorrow?" Katou asked curiously.

Eriri's body stiffened, and she hurriedly turned around, ready to explain.

However, Hachiman was quicker. Calmly, he clarified, "No, it's not a date. I'm just helping her clear a level in the game—the same one you're playing."

"Oh, I see," Katou nodded. "That game really is tough. I can't even get past the main story..."

"Uh, yeah... it is," Hachiman replied awkwardly.

But internally, he was panicking.

Please, Katou, don't ask me to come over to your house to help you clear it too! I beg you!

As Hachiman silently prayed, a certain black-stocking-clad long-legged senpai entered the classroom.

Mature and alluring as ever, Kasumigaoka calmly took her seat behind Hachiman and greeted him casually while unpacking her bag.

"Good morning, Air-kun~"

"Morning..." Hachiman replied with practiced indifference, though he internally sighed.

What kind of trouble will she bring today?

To his surprise, however, Kasumigaoka was unusually well-behaved that day.

She didn't tease him during or between classes, nor did she bother him during lunch break.

Could it be...?

Did she finally accept defeat after I subdued her yesterday?

Ahem! No way, no way. I'm not that capable yet.

Still, this version of Senpai was great. He hoped the rest of the day would go smoothly.

Later that Afternoon – The Library

Determined, Hachiman focused entirely on studying. After all, according to Yukinoshita's mother, if he could get into the same university as Yukinoshita, they could officially be together—and maybe even get married!

Though the idea of becoming the Yukinoshita family's servant didn't sit well with him, the prospect of being with his beloved Yukino made it worthwhile.

Mid-study, Hachiman stood up and said to Kasumigaoka, "I'm going to grab a few books."

"Alright," Kasumigaoka replied with a faint smile as she also stood.

"What about you?" he asked, puzzled.

"I'm going to the restroom," she answered casually, smiling in a way that sent a chill down Hachiman's spine.

Oh no...

A Few Minutes Later – The Restroom

Hachiman found himself dragged into the women's restroom by Kasumigaoka.

Now they were in the same stall.

Despair washed over him.

I knew it! The calm this morning was just the eye of the storm! How could I have been so naive?

"C'mon, Air-kun~ It's time to 'pay up'~," Kasumigaoka teased playfully.

"Are you insane?!" Hachiman turned his head away, frustrated. "This is the library! Katou and Sawamura will notice something's off!"

"It'll only take half an hour—maybe even less. They won't suspect a thing."

Are you underestimating me, or are you just overly confident in yourself?!

"Absolutely not! This is way too risky!"

"Oh, Air-kun~," Kasumigaoka cooed, her leg brushing against his. "Just this once, okay?"

Hachiman twitched, his patience wearing thin. "No way! I'm too exhausted—you're overwhelming!"

Kasumigaoka tilted her head, surprised. "Huh? This tired already? But yesterday you were..."

"Cough!" Hachiman cut her off with an exaggerated cough, brushing her leg away. "It's because you're too... too much!"

"Hmm..." Kasumigaoka hesitated before relenting with a smile. "Fine, I won't make you 'pay up' today. But since we're already here, let's not waste the moment, shall we? Remember the equipment room last time...?"

Her dazzling smile left no room for misinterpretation.

"!"

Hachiman froze, conflicted. After a moment's thought, he sighed. "Fine. But at least go to the restroom first. Finish up, then we'll talk..."

"Hehe, I'll go later. It feels a bit awkward otherwise."

"No way! You're going now!"

Hachiman shook his head frantically. "If something unexpected happens because you didn't, it'll be a disaster!"

"Alright, alright," Kasumigaoka finally conceded. "Luckily, I brought some wet wipes—much better than regular toilet paper."

"Then hurry up," Hachiman muttered, turning away.

Seeing this, Kasumigaoka smirked. "You know, with our relationship, you don't really need to turn away, Air-kun~"

"..."

Hachiman stayed silent, resolutely facing the wall.

---

Meanwhile – The Study Group

Over ten minutes had passed, and two seats remained conspicuously empty.

"I'm going to grab some books," Eriri announced, standing up abruptly.

Katou nodded quietly.

Eriri strode toward the bookshelves, grumbling to herself.

"Ugh, all this studying is so boring. I wonder if Hachiman's slacking off somewhere. I'll go check..."

After a week of limited interaction, Eriri was itching for a conversation. There were so many new anime releases she wanted to discuss with a fellow otaku like Hachiman.

A few minutes later, Eriri frowned in annoyance.

She couldn't find him anywhere.

"Whatever. Might as well hit the restroom first, then I'll hunt him down," she muttered, heading toward the women's restroom in frustration.

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