Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Afternoon, Library.

Since most third-year students had already completed their high school coursework, regular classes had become sparse. Many opted to spend their self-study periods in the quiet refuge of the library.

Currently, Hikigaya, Katou, Sawamura, and Kasumigaoka had gathered by a window-side table on the second floor, ready to study.

As the group leader, Kasumigaoka was the first to speak, addressing the other three:

"If you encounter any problems while studying, feel free to ask me for help."

Hikigaya and Katou nodded in response.

Sawamura, however, being her usual rival-like self, simply snorted without sparing Kasumigaoka a glance.

Unbothered, Kasumigaoka gave an indifferent smile before turning to Hikigaya.

"Air-kun, sit next to me. Your math is absolutely hopeless. I'll tutor you myself."

"...Huh?"

"No 'huhs'—just sit down already."

Without waiting for a response, Kasumigaoka pulled Hikigaya into the seat next to her. Across from them, Katou and Sawamura took their places.

Resigned to his fate, Hikigaya sighed and dug into his bag for his math worksheet.

Well, it was true—his math grades were abysmal. But now, with added motivation, he resolved to make an effort.

After all, his goal wasn't just to improve academically but to secure that—Yukino-sensei's contact information!

---

The group settled into their studies, but Kasumigaoka refused to behave.

Her sleek, nylon-clad legs would occasionally brush against Hikigaya's. She leaned closer than necessary, causing fleeting touches and offering tantalizing glimpses of her neckline.

It wasn't even warm, so why was she doing this?

It had to be on purpose, right?

Could you please stop tempting poor little Hachiman?

Squirming in his seat, Hikigaya forced himself to focus.

Stay calm, for Hiratsuka-sensei… Study, study…

---

An hour later.

"I'm going to the restroom," Katou announced, standing up.

Kasumigaoka nodded, "Mm-hmm."

"I'll go too," Sawamura added.

"Oh~ Didn't you just go earlier? Are you… on your period?" Kasumigaoka quipped with a sly grin.

"Mind your own business!" Sawamura snapped, her cheeks flushing.

She's really doubling down on the rivalry today, Hikigaya thought. Poor Sawamura… constantly bullied but resilient. Respect.

With Katou and Sawamura gone, only Hikigaya and Kasumigaoka remained. The atmosphere immediately became… charged.

"Air-kun, are there any questions you don't understand?"

Kasumigaoka leaned closer, her faint scent of strawberry ice cream wafting into Hikigaya's nose. Her impressive figure loomed dangerously close.

"Y-Yeah, there are a few…"

He pointed to a triangle problem on his worksheet.

"Really? This is first-year material. Air-kun, you're hopeless," Kasumigaoka teased.

"Fine, I'll take pity and guide you through it."

Leaning even closer, Kasumigaoka began her explanation, peppering it with sarcastic remarks. But what stood out to Hikigaya wasn't her tutoring—it was the series of "accidental" physical contacts that made his heart race.

Kasumigaoka-senpai! Please, stop teasing me! I can't handle it anymore!

Desperate, Hikigaya finally broke:

"Senpai, I understand how you feel, but—"

"Huh?"

Kasumigaoka froze, her previously teasing expression replaced by genuine curiosity.

"What do you mean?"

Hikigaya took a deep breath, summoning all his courage.

"Senpai, I know you like Yukinoshita. You're trying to get closer to her by seducing me. You probably even planned to secretly film our 'moments' to ruin my relationship with her. But this is too much. Please have some self-respect."

"...What?"

Kasumigaoka's playful demeanor evaporated, her face darkening.

"You think I like Yukinoshita?" she said coldly.

"And that I'm seducing you to break you two up? Wow, Air-kun, your imagination is something else. Too much manga, perhaps?"

Hikigaya froze, confused by her reaction.

"Wait, so that's not—"

"I'm a normal woman," she interrupted, her tone icy but calm.

"My preferences are for men. Not women."

"...Oh."

Hikigaya felt the weight of his misunderstanding crash over him, embarrassment written all over his face.

Amused by his awkwardness, Kasumigaoka leaned in again, her finger tracing lazy circles on his thigh.

"Air-kun, I suggest you take a good, hard look at yourself. Why do you think I'm so… fond of you?"

"!!"

The ambiguous words, paired with her closeness, sent Hikigaya into full-on panic mode.

"I-I need to go to the bathroom!"

---

As Hikigaya fled, Kasumigaoka let out a deep breath and squeezed her thighs together, her mind wandering as she watched him leave.

"Last night… why was it so intense?" she murmured to herself.

---

Elsewhere.

Behind a nearby bookshelf, Yukinoshita pretended to browse but was actually spying on the pair.

Hmm… last night's Dream Simulation was… odd. But I have to admit, its effects are outstanding. Kasumigaoka-senpai has been unusually proactive today!

While Yukinoshita wanted to nudge Kasumigaoka closer to Hachiman, she drew the line at letting him make the first move. After all, it would feel far too much like betrayal if he initiated contact with another woman.

No way. I'm the one pulling the strings here.

---

Evening.

After an uneventful day in the Service Club, Yukinoshita couldn't complain.

Thanks to Kasumigaoka's involvement, she'd racked up over 500 system points. Even after purchasing another Forced Intimate Card and a Dream Simulation Card, her balance still stood at 940 points!

---

Before bed, Yukinoshita prepared to use her Dream Simulation Card.

[Enter target for Dream Simulation.]

"Hmm… let's go with Kasumigaoka-senpai again."

After some thought, Yukinoshita chose to focus on Kasumigaoka.

[Would you like to view the dream sequence?]

She hesitated, conflicted.

"It's not real… one last peek, then."

Yukinoshita sighed, steeling herself before pressing play.

*****************************

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