Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Before stepping out of the library, Kawasaki glanced around suspiciously.

"I could've sworn I saw Hikigaya and Kasumigaoka leave together just now…"

Muttering to herself, Kawasaki turned and instinctively headed toward the gymnasium, hoping to confirm her suspicions.

"Hey, Kawasaki?"

A familiar voice called out, causing her to stop in her tracks.

She turned to see Miura standing nearby, dressed in a tracksuit and wearing a tennis cap, her expression one of puzzlement.

"It's you?" Kawasaki frowned, clearly annoyed.

Of all people to run into, it had to be Miura.

Noticing the irritated look on Kawasaki's face, Miura gave a dismissive snort. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be studying in the library?"

Unlike most third-year students preparing for exams, Miura had chosen a different path.

Though she'd also opted for liberal arts, her focus was on sports, as she planned to apply to a physical education university. Academic subjects weren't a high priority for her, so she spent most of her time training on the field or in the gymnasium.

"Why would you care?" Kawasaki retorted, her tone clipped.

Ignoring the question, Miura pressed further. "So? What brings you here?"

"I'm looking for Hiki—" Kawasaki caught herself mid-sentence, then quickly changed her tone. "I mean, did you see Hikigaya and Kasumigaoka around here just now?"

"Hikigaya? Kasumigaoka?" Miura raised an eyebrow.

"They were acting suspicious, leaving the library together…"

"And what's your point?" Miura asked, folding her arms.

"I think they're up to no good," Kawasaki said bluntly.

For a moment, Miura was silent. Then, with an icy expression, she retorted, "First off, Hikigaya isn't that kind of guy. Second, Kasumigaoka probably just wanted to help him study. But in your head, somehow, it turns into something improper. You're really good at overthinking, huh?"

"Excuse me?" Kawasaki shot back, struggling to keep her composure.

"Two people leave the library together, and you immediately assume the worst? Unless you see it with your own eyes, don't jump to conclusions."

"Why does it matter to you, anyway?" Kawasaki countered.

Miura's gaze sharpened. "You're just an outsider. If you care this much about Hikigaya being around other girls, maybe it's because you're into him yourself?"

Kawasaki's expression shifted, and she quickly denied it. "I've told you already—I'm doing this for Yukinoshita!"

"Sure, sure. You're just helping a friend protect her love life? Come on, normal girls don't go out of their way to be that considerate."

"You're absolutely right. Normal girls don't do that," Kawasaki said coolly. "But a certain someone seems just as concerned. Funny, isn't it?"

"Y-you…" Miura faltered, her face flushing red as Kawasaki's pointed words hit home.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Miura glared. "You better really be doing this for Yukinoshita."

"Same goes for you," Kawasaki shot back, unyielding.

The tension between them was palpable, but both girls chose to back off before the argument escalated further.

"Damn Kawasaki!" Miura muttered under her breath as she stormed into the gymnasium, her face clouded with frustration.

Her presence immediately caught the attention of the students around her, who quickly moved aside, intimidated by her stormy demeanor.

Once inside the equipment room, Miura busied herself searching for a suitable tennis racket.

Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake Kawasaki's words from earlier.

Was she right? Miura asked herself. Am I really doing this just for Yui?

At first, it had all been for her friend—trying to help Yui get closer to Hikigaya.

But now…

Her heartbeat quickened, and she instinctively clutched her chest.

"This is all Yukinoshita's fault," Miura muttered, her face tinged with a deep blush. "If she hadn't stirred things up, I wouldn't feel like this…"

As her thoughts raced, a faint noise caught her attention.

"Huh? Was that… Hikigaya's voice?"

---

Meanwhile, behind a pile of gym mats, Hikigaya stood rigid, facing Kasumigaoka.

"This is risky…" Hikigaya whispered, his voice tense.

Kasumigaoka smiled coyly, her gaze soft but intense.

"No risk, no reward~"

"You…"

Hikigaya's heart pounded uncontrollably. The fact that Miura was so close by only added to his anxiety.

"And here I thought you'd be worn out from whatever you did with Yukinoshita yesterday," Kasumigaoka teased, leaning in closer. "But judging by that kiss earlier, I'm pleasantly surprised. You've still got plenty of energy, Air-kun."

She pressed her lips together, then whispered into his ear, "Honestly, I can't wait to see what happens next."

"…" Hikigaya's expression grew conflicted.

Truthfully, he wasn't sure why, but despite feeling exhausted lately, today he felt oddly energetic.

Was it Kawasaki's lunch earlier? The hearty meal had certainly recharged him…

Kasumigaoka wrapped her arms around him, inhaling deeply as if savoring his scent. "Come on, Air-kun. Let me take good care of you~"

"W-wait!" Hikigaya stammered, his face pale. "At least… wait until Miura leaves!"

Kasumigaoka's smile widened into a mischievous grin.

"!!!"

Hikigaya shivered. He knew all too well—his resistance only fueled her excitement.

With a heavy sigh, he resigned himself.

Kasumigaoka's triumphant smirk grew even brighter. But as she reveled in her victory, Hikigaya's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Maybe… just this once, I should turn the tables on her.

He swallowed his nerves. It was time to put his plan into action.

Not far away, Miura finally found a racket she liked and prepared to leave.

However, just as she turned around, she noticed the stack of gym mats shift slightly.

Her brow furrowed, and her voice rang out sharply:

"Who's behind those mats?!"

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