Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

After school.

In Class 3-B, students gradually left the classroom in small groups.

Hikigaya packed his bag while reflecting on the class meeting earlier.

The study groups set up by Kirisu-sensei weren't just aimed at improving individual grades; they were primarily intended to help others raise their scores.

For example, if one student in the group fell behind, the other members were supposed to help. Otherwise, if anyone lagged and dragged down the group, the whole group would face penalties—just as Kirisu-sensei decreed!

In summary, Kirisu-sensei's point was to encourage teamwork within the group. She wanted everyone to cooperate, help each other, and grow together, rather than studying selfishly.

Hmm... Despite her cold and strict exterior, she's actually a great teacher!

She reminds me of Hiratsuka-sensei.

Hiratsuka-sensei often used tough love to keep us in line, but in truth, she was a gentle and kind-hearted teacher!

Suddenly, reminiscing about this mentor made Hikigaya zone out a little.

I wonder where Hiratsuka-sensei transferred to.

If I had another chance...

At the very least, I should have gotten her contact information!

Hiratsuka-sensei was the first teacher I could genuinely call a mentor. Deep down, Hikigaya hoped he could meet her again someday, rather than losing touch forever.

"Hey, Air-kun, see you tomorrow. Don't go home fantasizing about my legs and doing weird things."

"Eh? Who would do that!"

Hearing the teasing voice of Senpai Kasumigaoka behind him, Hikigaya snapped out of his daze, utterly speechless.

Anyway, setting aside thoughts of Hiratsuka-sensei for now...

At the moment, the pressure was mounting!

Since he had ended up in a study group with Kasumigaoka, Sawamura, and Kato, he would inevitably have to talk, chat, and discuss studies with them from now on.

Even just dealing with Senpai alone was exhausting enough, let alone adding an invisible demon queen like Kato and Sawamura, who spent the whole day glaring at him.

Sigh... If only they were normal people, this task from Yukinoshita could be completed smoothly. But as things stand... Do I really have to force myself to befriend these three?

It feels so dangerous!

I have this strong sense of walking into a lion's den.

In short, befriending them requires careful consideration.

After parting ways with Kasumigaoka, Hikigaya, burdened with his backpack, trudged toward the Service Club room.

Due to the delay caused by Kasumigaoka earlier, he was the last to arrive today.

Opening the door, he saw Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and Komachi sitting around the long wooden table, chatting and laughing casually.

Yuigahama was the first to glance up and greet him with a smile: "Yahallo~ Hikki! How was school today? Anything fun happen?"

"...No."

Hikigaya shook his head and walked to the seat at the far left of the long table, next to Yuigahama, intending to pull out the chair.

"I see."

Yuigahama shifted slightly, making room. Her fair thighs gleamed, and her ample chest bounced rhythmically a few times right in front of Hikigaya.

That size is ridiculous!

Probably something Yukinoshita could never achieve in her lifetime.

Unconsciously, Hikigaya recalled the moment yesterday when Yuigahama had suddenly fallen into his arms.

Soft and fragrant.

...Absolutely outrageous.

Wait!

What am I daydreaming about!

Hachiman, get a grip! You used to fantasize like this all the time, but now you have a girlfriend!

After sitting down, Hikigaya instinctively put some distance between himself and Yuigahama to avoid a repeat of yesterday's accident.

"Huh, Onii-chan, why do you look so pale again today?"

Komachi, sitting directly across from Yukinoshita, immediately noticed her brother's off expression.

"You were like this yesterday, and today too? Is third-year studying really that exhausting? Yui-neesan and Yukino-neesan seem fine, so it must be your problem, Onii-chan!"

"Uh..."

Hikigaya was at a loss for words.

It's all because of Kasumigaoka-senpai tormenting me!

Sigh, the days ahead will only get harder...

Seeing Hikigaya's bitter expression, Yukinoshita delivered a sharp jab: "Heh, looking so weak already. Could it be that you're even less capable than a girl? If Yuigahama-san arm-wrestled you, I bet you'd lose."

"Huh?"

What kind of insult is that?

What do you mean, I can't even beat Yuigahama in arm wrestling?

I'm a guy!

"Oh? That's true! I think so too!" Komachi chimed in with a mischievous grin. "But seeing how annoyed Onii-chan looks, why don't we have Yui-neesan arm-wrestle him?"

Hikigaya: "??"

Hey, hey!

Are you that bored?

Do you really think Yukinoshita would agree?

My foolish little sister!

Right, Yukinoshita?

But Yukinoshita nodded with a sly smile: "Yes, Komachi has a great point. Let's follow the club president's suggestion—Yuigahama-san, why don't you arm-wrestle Hikigaya-kun?"

Yuigahama: "Eh?"

Hikigaya: "Huh?"

A few minutes later...

Hikigaya found himself sitting face-to-face with Yuigahama at the long table, their awkward gazes locked in silence.

So...

Why am I arm-wrestling Yuigahama?

Seriously, I'm a guy!

Do you all think so little of me?

"Ready to start!"

Komachi, thrilled, grabbed their hands and forcefully placed them into position, making sure both had a firm grip for the match.

Wait!

Komachi is one thing, but Yuigahama and Yukinoshita, are you two really taking this seriously?

Is this actually happening?!

Why am I suddenly so nervous?

This is only the second time I've held a girl's hand, right?

Yukinoshita's hand was so delicate, while Yuigahama's is so soft.

Ugh!

What am I thinking? Why am I comparing their hands?

This is bad—really bad!

Am I sweating?

Oh no, I can't summon any strength!

No, no!

I'm going to lose to Yuigahama!

Fine, I'm just a weakling... Hikigaya Hachiman, you're nothing but a useless wreck who gets nervous holding a girl's hand!

As Hikigaya's mind spiraled into chaos, Yuigahama, who had her head lowered, was even more flustered. Her cheeks turned pink, her hand limp as she fidgeted nervously.

And so...

Before they even started, Yuigahama's hand flopped over like a rag doll's, conceding defeat.

"Uh..."

Komachi, acting as the referee, froze in confusion.

"Yui-neesan, you... lost already?"

"Ugh, I... I lost."

Yuigahama quickly withdrew her hand, embarrassed, her flushed face nearly buried in her ample chest.

Ah, Yuigahama is so cute!

But still, as adorable as she is, she's such a klutz!

I didn't even use any strength, yet you lost just like that.

Of course, it wasn't just Hikigaya who thought Yuigahama was hopeless. Yukinoshita also rubbed her temples in exasperation. This interaction ended far too quickly to meet her expectations—she didn't even score many points from it.

While Yukinoshita fretted over Yuigahama's ineptitude, the Service Club's door suddenly swung open, and a sweet, soft voice rang out.

"Senpai, Senpai, what are you all doing? The Service Club seems lively today!"

As the little devil, Isshiki Iroha, casually strolled into the room, Hikigaya's face stiffened, and he averted his gaze, while Yukinoshita's eyes gleamed as she smiled slightly.

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