Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

The Service Club.

As always, the girls were chatting and laughing. Meanwhile, Hachiman Hikigaya sat in the corner like a wooden figure, immersed in a book, entirely out of place.

While Yukino appeared to be engaged in light conversation with Komachi and Yui, her mind was focused on planning her boyfriend's future.

Isshiki, for instance, was proactive and clearly fond of Hachiman. Yukino thought she should nurture that relationship; after all, the weekend meeting could be a chance for the two to bond closely.

Yui, on the other hand, was clumsy and lacked initiative. Yukino decided she could wait and see with her. However, Yui's mother might be worth considering—she was quite elegant, and her attentiveness to Hachiman could lead to… opportunities.

As for Komachi...

Yukino's sharp eyes detected something subtle. Her potential sister-in-law seemed to occasionally steal glances at Hachiman.

Interesting.

Komachi showed potential as well. Yukino recalled how she'd subtly encouraged Komachi during a shopping trip, suggesting she spend more time with her brother and strengthen their sibling bond.

After all, the more points she could gain, the better.

Cuddles, kisses, even bathing together and sleeping in the same bed—well, so long as they didn't cross the ultimate line.

Yes, such gestures would all be perfectly acceptable between siblings.

Yukino was lost in thought when Yui hesitantly glanced at Hachiman in the corner, concern etched on her face.

"Hikki, are you stressed? You look so tired today."

"Oni-chan, why are you always pushing yourself so hard with studying? If you keep this up, you're going to turn into some frail weakling!" Komachi scolded him.

"...College entrance exams are coming up," Hachiman replied flatly, barely glancing up from his book. "Studying comes first."

"Ugh, my nerdy big brother," Komachi muttered before turning to Yukino with a pleading expression.

"Yukino-nee, you've got to help! My brother is going to burn out at this rate!"

"Komachi's right." Yukino patted her head gently as though soothing a cat, then looked at Hachiman with a soft smile.

"Hikigaya-kun, don't push yourself too hard. Study in moderation and make time for your family. Spend more time with Komachi, especially."

"...Fine. I get it."

Though Yukino's tone was calm, Hachiman couldn't help but feel there was an underlying message. Still, he put the book down.

"See? Yukino-nee is the best!" Komachi grinned and moved to chat with Yui and Hachiman, leaving Yukino to sip her tea, contentedly watching the scene.

Hmm… Komachi was right.

Her boyfriend did look a bit drained.

But Yukino could understand why.

After all, the past few days had been non-stop for Hachiman—he'd spent time with Kawasaki the day before, herself the day before that, and today, it was Kasumigaoka-senpai.

Frankly, Yukino was impressed he was still standing.

Can he really keep this up?

Especially since Yukino had plans for him to spend quality time with Kawasaki tomorrow.

With this thought, she opened her system panel to assess the situation:

[Hikigaya Hachiman Stamina: 61/100 (Fairly Robust)]

[Hikigaya Hachiman Endurance: 9/100 (Nearly Depleted)]

Stamina was self-explanatory—physical energy for "those kinds of activities."

As for endurance, it symbolized his… reserves.

If his endurance hit zero, the best-case scenario was hospitalization. The worst-case scenario? Well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

This is serious, Yukino thought grimly.

If she let things continue as they were, Hachiman might not survive tomorrow's "date" with Kawasaki.

Fortunately, her system shop offered a restorative potion that could boost endurance significantly. Though expensive—500 points per bottle—it was worth it to keep her beloved healthy.

After the Service Club meeting, Yui and Komachi left for some shopping, while Yukino and Hachiman walked home together.

On the way, Yukino stopped at a vending machine, pretending to crave MAX Coffee. She bought a can, drank half, and then discreetly poured the potion into the remaining coffee.

Returning to Hachiman, she handed him the can with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I drank some... there's half left."

"Oh, I'll finish it then."

"Fufu~" Yukino's eyes gleamed. "Actually, let me feed it to you."

"Feed me? I'm not your pet!" Hachiman protested.

Ignoring his resistance, Yukino smiled sweetly, took a sip of the coffee (now mixed with the potion), and, before Hachiman could react, wrapped her arms around his neck.

Standing on her toes, she kissed him, transferring the coffee to his mouth.

[System Notifications]

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Corruption -1]

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Endurance +2]

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Corruption -2]

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Endurance +4]

Several minutes later, Yukino pulled back with a satisfied smile.

Perfect.

His endurance was restored, his corruption reduced, and she'd enjoyed herself in the process. Truly, a win-win!

"Should we… continue?" Yukino asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Wha—again?" Hachiman flushed.

"Of course~" Yukino giggled. "There's still a bit left. Let me 'feed' you properly~"

Before Hachiman could object, another voice interrupted:

"Fufu, you two seem to be having fun. I want to feed Hikigaya-kun too~"

"?!"

Both Yukino and Hachiman froze, turning to see a familiar figure.

Wearing a white blouse and denim shorts, the poised and mature Haruno Yukinoshita stood nearby, watching them with an amused smile.

"H-Haruno-san?!" Hachiman stammered, suddenly on high alert.

Haruno, appearing in such a moment, always spelled trouble.

"Onee-sama?!" Yukino blushed furiously. Her initial shock quickly turned to wariness, though a strange light flickered in her eyes as if she'd just come up with a bold idea.

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