Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

"Senpai, do you know how many people are eyeing my position as student council president? That's why I need to work extra hard to secure my esteemed status!"

"So, your plan is to have Sobu High hold a joint training camp with other prestigious schools?" Hachiman asked, his mouth twitching. "And the school you're targeting is Advanced Nurturing High School?"

After some explanation, Hachiman finally understood why Iroha had sought him out. She wanted his help to solidify her position as student council president.

Iroha smiled smugly. "Well, I don't have much choice. The third-years' declining college entrance exam scores last year really disappointed the school administration. This year, as the student council president, it's only natural for me to plan something to ensure your grade's performance improves, right?

"And one way to improve third-years' performance is through something like a training camp. So I worked super hard to invite one of the most famous high schools in the country to join Sobu High for a training camp!"

"Let me tell you, Senpai, I've already scheduled a meeting with the student council president of Advanced Nurturing High this weekend! If things go well, we'll have a joint training camp! Isn't that amazing?"

Iroha was practically glowing with excitement. If she could pull this off, her position as student council president would be unshakable.

"You're dreaming."

Hachiman deadpanned, "Advanced Nurturing High is a nationally renowned school. They rarely, if ever, conduct joint training camps with other schools. Actually, they've probably never done one at all. You should just give up on them."

That school's students… They're all monsters. Sure, it might improve academic performance, but it would be brutal for Sobu High's students.

Besides, how did Iroha even get in touch with their student council president? It was baffling.

"Wha—?!"

Iroha panicked. "Give up? No way! Senpai, do you know how much sweat and tears I've poured into making this happen? It's been so hard just to arrange a meeting with their president! You don't understand at all!"

"I don't."

Hachiman was blunt. He had no interest in listening to Iroha complain.

Seeing his lack of empathy, Iroha suddenly threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"Wh-what are you doing? Let go of me!"

"Nu-uh! I'm not letting go!"

Clinging to him like a pitiful kitten, Iroha pleaded tearfully, "Senpai, if you don't help me, I… I really don't know what to do! You're the only one I can rely on now..."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she begged, looking heartbreakingly vulnerable. The glistening tears made her look as if she might start crying at any moment.

But Hachiman remained unnervingly calm.

"Pick a different school."

"Senpai..."

"It's my advice to you."

"You're so cruel, Senpai… sob..."

Seeing Hachiman's cold demeanor, Iroha started to cry for real, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Wha—?!"

Hachiman froze. Judging by the wetness soaking through his shirt…

Wait! She's actually crying?!

"You were the one who pushed me into becoming president, but now that I'm in trouble, you're completely washing your hands of it!"

"All I wanted was to organize a high-quality training camp for the third-years… No, that's not it. I wanted to do this for you, Senpai. I just wanted to help you improve your grades, so you could go to the same university as Yukino-senpai… But now… now..."

Iroha's sobbing grew louder, as if she were pouring her entire heart out.

Hachiman was flustered.

He knew Iroha was a master manipulator, but this… this felt strangely real.

"Stop... Don't cry..."

"Senpai, if you don't agree to help me, I'll just… just…"

Iroha tightened her grip on him.

"!!"

Hachiman's nerves were on edge.

Her… figure was really something else!

Though every fiber of his being resisted the idea of agreeing to her absurd plan, he couldn't completely ignore her plight. After all, he had been the one to push her into becoming student council president. Abandoning her now would feel irresponsible.

With a deep sigh of resignation, Hachiman finally relented.

"Fine… I'll try to help."

"I knew you'd agree, Senpai! Hehehe!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Iroha's tearful expression vanished. She looked up at him with a triumphant smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"???"

Seriously?! Her ability to switch gears was that fast?!

Realizing he'd been played, Hachiman could only sigh again.

"Alright, now let go of me."

"Hehe."

Iroha released him, her grin as bright as ever.

"For some reason, Senpai, I feel so refreshed now!"

"Huh? What are you talking about..."

"Ah, um... never mind!" Iroha quickly corrected herself, coughing lightly to cover up her slip. "What I meant was, if you really manage to pull off the training camp, I think I'll feel like I'm on top of the world! I mean, this is Advanced Nurturing High we're talking about! Just imagine our school having a joint camp with them!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself."

Hachiman shook his head.

"Even if I agree to help, there's no guarantee they'll say yes. If they refuse, don't blame me."

As he spoke, Hachiman pulled a pack of tissues from his pocket and handed a few to Iroha.

"...Oh."

Iroha hesitated for a moment before flashing him a sly smile.

"Senpai made me cry, so Senpai should be the one to wipe my tears!"

"Huh?"

"Come on, just wipe them for me, Senpai~"

"Fine, fine. Just stop leaning on me!"

"Hehehe, Senpai, you're so kind. I'm starting to feel jealous of Yukino-senpai! Having someone like you as her boyfriend must feel amazing."

"Can you not bring her up right now?"

"Hehehe~"

Smirking playfully, Iroha leaned closer and whispered, "Senpai~ If you can actually secure this training camp with Advanced Nurturing High, I might just reward you... How does that sound, Senpai~~~?"

"???"

Hachiman froze, his instincts screaming at him to run.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Yukino's sharp eyes gleamed.

Hmm.

Iroha's got potential after all.

Not bad, not bad.

With some nurturing, she could very well blossom into a true troublemaker.

Satisfied with her observations, Yukino quietly turned and walked away, ensuring neither of them noticed her eavesdropping.

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