Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Hiding behind a bookshelf, Yukinoshita silently observed Hikigaya and Eriri.

Out of habit, she checked the affection levels.

[Hikigaya Hachiman's affection for Sawamura Eriri: 25/100]

"Up by 10 points! Hmm, looks like their manga chat went pretty well just now..."

Unfortunately, she could only see Hikigaya's affection level and not Eriri's.

Sigh, I wonder what Eriri's affection level is right now—it's a little frustrating not knowing.

During their conversation earlier, Yukinoshita clearly noticed Eriri blushing inexplicably. She figured something Hikigaya said must have hit a soft spot for the tsundere.

Honestly, Yukinoshita wouldn't mind if Eriri just outright fell for Hikigaya. That way, it would save her a lot of effort.

Otherwise, if Eriri stays passive, Yukinoshita would have to take the lead to push things forward later, which is honestly a bit of a pain.

Of course, all of this effort is simply for coldly farming points.

At the end of the day, as long as Hikigaya continues liking her, it doesn't matter if others like him too. As long as Hikigaya doesn't fall for them in return, everything should be fine. She could handle that.

Yukinoshita continued her silent observation.

But…

Unfortunately, the scene she envisioned didn't happen.

Eriri didn't reach out for Hikigaya's pant leg again, let alone make any intimate moves. In fact, the two of them didn't even exchange a single word—they simply immersed themselves in their respective manga.

Huh? What? Wait!

You two were chatting so happily earlier—why the sudden silence?

Come on! Keep talking!

Yukinoshita grew increasingly anxious, nearly stepping out from her hiding spot to push the two closer. Unfortunately, her naturally shy demeanor held her back.

Sigh, I was overthinking it, wasn't I?

Just because they talked for a bit doesn't mean Eriri would suddenly throw herself at my Hikigaya-kun.

Yukinoshita sighed internally.

Of course, there was another possibility: she could tell that Eriri was an extreme tsundere, someone who had difficulty expressing herself. Taking the initiative to talk was probably incredibly challenging for her.

In any case, judging by the current situation, if Yukinoshita didn't push things forward herself, any progress between these two would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens.

Yukinoshita instinctively thought about using a Forced Intimate Card—a direct and effective option. Unfortunately, the card was limited to one purchase per day.

Sigh, I'd have to wait until tomorrow to buy another.

Is there any other way I can help today?

Oh, right!

I still have the Dream Simulation Card!

Yukinoshita's eyes lit up.

If I want Hikigaya to get closer to other girls...

Then today's Dream Simulation Card definitely shouldn't go to the affection-maxed Kasumigaoka-senpai. Yep, today it'll go to Sawamura!

Yukinoshita began silently strategizing. She was determined to bring the two closer, even if it meant sparing Kasumigaoka some of the emotional turmoil.

---

More than ten minutes passed.

The two closed their manga at the same time and tacitly stood up.

While slacking off was fun, they couldn't do it forever.

After putting his manga back on the shelf, Hikigaya glanced at the book Eriri was holding.

Seeing this, Eriri quickly spoke up, "I-I can do something this simple myself! I don't need your help!"

Hikigaya gave a noncommittal "Oh" and stepped aside.

Eriri tiptoed, attempting to return the manga to the shelf.

Unfortunately, due to her height, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach.

"Uh, Sawamura-san?"

"Don't bother me! I-I'll manage on my own soon!" Eriri huffed, stubbornly refusing to show weakness. She didn't want Hikigaya to witness her embarrassing struggle. "You go back first! I'll come after putting this away!"

"This..."

Hikigaya hesitated.

Help her already, you idiot!

Hiding behind the bookshelf, Yukinoshita was growing increasingly exasperated.

And sure enough, her boyfriend didn't disappoint.

Completely ignoring Yukinoshita's mental plea, Hikigaya actually looked around and seemed ready to leave.

Yukinoshita nearly stomped her foot in frustration.

You've got to be kidding me!

Hikigaya-kun, are you really walking away?!

Do you want me to come out and stand right behind you to make you help her?!

Just as Yukinoshita was fuming internally, Eriri overexerted herself, lost her balance, and twisted her ankle. She fell backward, about to hit the floor.

Eriri's face paled with shock.

Hikigaya, who had been observing her all along, sighed and finally stepped forward to catch her, preventing her fall.

"Sawamura-san, be careful."

"Eh? Ah, um..."

While she felt the warmth of his reliable arms, Eriri didn't look particularly thrilled. Instead, her expression shifted to one of awkward discomfort.

"Why... Why are you back?! And why are you holding me so tightly..."

"I..." Hikigaya looked at his hands gripping her waist a little too firmly and quickly let go. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Hmm... about Yukinoshita's level, huh?

"You—"

Eriri hugged herself protectively, her face flushing red. The atmosphere between them began to grow tense.

At that moment, a voice cut through the awkward silence.

"Well, isn't this interesting."

"!!"

Startled, both Hikigaya and Eriri turned toward the source of the voice.

Kasumigaoka approached with a shadowy expression. But when she stopped in front of them, her lips curved into a smile as she addressed Hikigaya.

"Hikigaya-kun, so you like someone small like Sawamura, huh? No wonder... Heh."

"..." Hikigaya stood frozen, speechless.

Eriri's face turned beet red. "W-What?!"

Meanwhile, Yukinoshita, still hiding, blushed slightly and unconsciously squeezed the air around her.

Hmph! Of course, my Hikigaya-kun prefers petite ones!

Cough cough!

Ahem, that's not the point.

The point is...

Hikigaya-kun finally made a move to help Sawamura. Judging by the situation, her affection level must have increased quite a bit!

And Kasumigaoka just happened to show up!

From her reaction, it seemed even after her failed confession, she still had lingering feelings for my Hikigaya-kun. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so upset—jealous, even—seeing him with Eriri.

Surprisingly, Yukinoshita wasn't upset by this. In fact, she found the sight of her boyfriend being fought over by two girls... rather amusing.

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