Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

"I'm sorry, Hikigaya-kun, I'm so sorry… Mama's such a shameless woman… I can't believe I said something like that to you… sob…"

Mrs. Yuigahama's eyes welled up with tears. She looked pitiful—utterly heart-wrenching.

At the moment, she and Hachiman were still hiding behind a tree.

Looking at the flustered and tearful Mrs. Yuigahama, Hachiman shook his head and gently tried to comfort her.

"It's okay, Yuigahama-san… You just said it without thinking."

"But…"

Mrs. Yuigahama bit her lip, her voice timid.

"It really was… so improper…"

"I understand how you feel," Hachiman said carefully. "You've been alone for a long time… I mean, ever since—well…"

He coughed awkwardly.

"Mhm… it's been many years since I lost my husband…"

She let out a sorrowful sigh.

"You'll be okay," Hachiman said. "You will."

"No… I don't think I will. I doubt I'll ever remarry. That's why you don't have to console me, Hikigaya-kun…"

She lowered her head, voice trembling.

"Why would you say that?"

Hachiman looked serious.

"You're still young and so gentle. Honestly, if I were thirty-something and single… I'd definitely want someone like you as my wife."

"Eh…? H-Hikigaya-kun…"

Her face turned crimson.

"You… You really think I'm that attractive?"

"Of course. You're elegant and caring. Any guy would be lucky to have someone like you."

Hachiman said this without a hint of joking.

"Hikki-kun… you're too kind. Mama's just… an older woman, past her prime. I'm not attractive at all…"

"That's not true," Hachiman said firmly.

"You're one of the most graceful women I know. Please have a little more confidence."

Mrs. Yuigahama looked at him in a daze, her heart racing uncontrollably.

A bold idea started to take root.

She wanted to hold onto this boy.

She wanted to treasure him.

But…

He was still so young.

It wasn't right.

But still… that desire wouldn't go away.

"Hikigaya-kun… i-if you were my age… would you… choose someone like me?"

She kept her head low, face burning red.

"Eh? Y-Yuigahama-san?!"

Hachiman was caught off guard.

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, "I keep saying the wrong things… But I just really wanted to know. Hikki-kun…"

She slowly raised her eyes, gazing at him with emotion.

"Mama… really likes you."

"Wha—? You mean… that was a confession?!"

Mrs. Yuigahama, blushing but determined, looked directly into his eyes.

"Yes. I know I'm being selfish. But I couldn't hold it in anymore. I like you, Hikigaya-kun."

"…"

Hachiman's heart skipped a beat. He instinctively averted his gaze.

"A woman as kind and beautiful as you… Of course I like you too. Like I said before, if I were older and single, I'd definitely confess to you."

"I'm just a single mother raising a child…"

"That doesn't matter," Hachiman said earnestly. "As long as the feelings are real, nothing else should."

Mrs. Yuigahama couldn't hold it back anymore. She reached out and hugged Hachiman tightly—her emotions overflowing.

"A-Auntie?!"

"Hikki-kun…"

Their lips brushed briefly, and before Hachiman could react, she kissed him again, holding him gently.

This… wasn't good.

"I'm so happy… even if just for a moment…"

She gazed at him as if trying to memorize his face forever.

"Auntie… p-please calm down."

Things cooled down after a few minutes. The two gradually returned to their usual selves—like a senior and her junior.

"A-Auntie… I was only speaking hypothetically. I'm still in high school. And I… I have a girlfriend…"

Hachiman tried to sound composed, unwilling to betray Yukinoshita.

"I know," she nodded, quietly. "I know everything. I don't want to come between you and Yukino-chan. But… I really couldn't help myself. I'm so sorry, Hikki-kun. I really am…"

Hachiman drew a deep breath.

"I get it," he said softly. "Honestly… you're already doing your best to stay respectful. If it had been someone like Sawamura-san, she might've gone way over the line. So please, Yuigahama-san, don't keep blaming yourself."

"You don't hate me…?"

"I don't."

"Mm…"

She looked down shyly. Silence hung in the air.

Then—

"Hikigaya-kun," she said carefully. "Would you… let me help you with your training?"

"Eh? You mean…?"

"N-not like that!" she waved her hands frantically. "I meant just regular fitness! If we both help each other… maybe it'll ease some of the tension. I'm not asking for anything in return, and I'm not trying to cross the line…"

Her face flushed bright red as she spoke. But now that she'd laid everything bare, she figured there was no point in pretending anymore.

Because without Hachiman… she truly didn't know how she was supposed to go on with her life.

"!!!"

Hachiman's mind reeled.

If this keeps up… it might really cross the line one day.