Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

In the clearing.

Yuigahama turned to her mother and Hachiman as they approached, asking curiously:

"Mom, where were you and Hikki just now? Exercising?"

"Just over there," Mrs. Yuigahama replied with a serene smile, gesturing vaguely. "We did a light jog."

"In that outfit? You're still wearing your house clothes! You can run in that?"

"It was just light exercise—nothing too intense."

Mrs. Yuigahama smiled gracefully, then asked,

"How was your workout, Yui?"

"I…"

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Yuigahama sighed dramatically.

"I'm dead tired. Yumiko went too hard on me, ugh…"

"You're just out of practice," Yumiko said, stepping over. She turned to Mrs. Yuigahama and offered confidently,

"Auntie, I'll get Yui into shape, don't worry. She needs the stamina to deal with her future, after all."

As she said this, Yumiko cast a subtle glance at Hachiman. He quickly looked away, pretending not to notice.

"I'll be counting on you, Yumiko-chan."

"No need to be so polite, Auntie."

Mrs. Yuigahama nodded with a smile, then turned to her daughter.

"Yui, you holding up?"

"Let's go home, Mom… If we keep going, I'm gonna fall apart…"

Yuigahama pouted pitifully.

Mrs. Yuigahama sighed, exchanging a knowing look with Yumiko, then said helplessly,

"Alright, alright. Let's go back and get some rest."

"Yay."

Yuigahama breathed a visible sigh of relief.

They said goodbye to Yumiko and Hachiman.

On the walk home.

"By the way, Mom…" Yuigahama looked at her mother and smiled.

"You're in such a good mood today. You look… way younger than usual!"

"Really?" Mrs. Yuigahama blinked.

"Mhm! And you seemed really cheerful too. Did Hikki say something funny to you while you were out together?"

"Huh? Oh… nothing special. We just talked about everyday things… mostly exercised. Hachiman-kun was very considerate. It was quite refreshing."

Her tone was composed, but there was something unusual in her expression.

"I see! Well, if it makes you feel that great, you should work out with Hikki more often! You looked like a different person after your jog, Mom! I'd say… maybe you like him too?"

Yuigahama laughed teasingly.

"...He is a good kid, yes."

"Yup! That's why both Mom and I like Hikki~!"

Yuigahama said with a wide grin.

"..."

Mrs. Yuigahama gave a wry smile.

This girl… sigh.

To be honest, she felt a pang of guilt in her heart.

As a mother, she'd gone and entered into a "contract" with the very boy her daughter liked. It felt incredibly wrong—like a betrayal.

Yui, I'm so sorry. But please believe me… I won't do anything inappropriate with Hachiman-kun. I won't.

At most… I'm just trying to help you understand him better. That's all. I'm doing this for you, to protect Hachiman-kun. Yes, that's right. I'm helping…

Elsewhere.

Hachiman and Yumiko were also getting ready to part ways.

"Hachiman, tomorrow night…"

Yumiko's eyes darted to the side. She hesitated before speaking.

"You mean… more jogging tomorrow night?"

Hachiman gave a weary smile.

"I can't keep up with you. Have mercy, my queen."

"Hmph. I'll go easy on you. And… who said it was going to be jogging?"

Yumiko huffed and looked away.

"If not jogging… then what?"

"Baka!"

"?"

Seeing her flustered expression, Hachiman's heart skipped a beat.

Wait… what kind of 'training' is she talking about exactly…?

---

A few minutes later.

Hachiman returned home.

Even after stepping through the door, he couldn't shake what had just happened in the park from his mind.

Never mind Yumiko and her mysterious invitation.

The real issue was… Mrs. Yuigahama.

Yikes.

His head was still spinning from the awkward memory. He remembered how distressed she looked, how emotional, and how he'd—somehow—ended up agreeing to her request.

But I was just trying to comfort her, nothing like what Sawamura-san would've done. I… cough.

He coughed a few times, trying to snap himself out of it.

Besides—

If it helps me train and get stronger for Yukinoshita's sake, then… yeah. That's a net gain, right?

"Yukinoshita… sigh. If only she were here… It's nights like this that are the hardest."

He let out a deep sigh.

After spending the day around several beautiful girls, even someone as composed as Hachiman was starting to feel the pressure.

If Yukino were here, there'd be no hesitation in his heart—he'd hold her without a second thought.

Unfortunately, the only one at home was his little sister, Komachi.

And she was off-limits, obviously. No weird thoughts allowed.

After a quick shower, Hachiman got ready for bed.

Komachi was already fast asleep.

"Good night, Komachi."

He whispered outside her door before heading into his own room.

Today had been… exhausting.

Hachiman collapsed into bed and closed his eyes.

"Tomorrow… I should go see Yukinoshita. If I don't, I'm really gonna lose it."

He murmured to himself, pulling the blanket up.

Later that night.

A quiet figure crept into Hachiman's room.

Silently.

Like a cat, the shadowy figure slipped into his bed under the blanket.

Seconds later, a flushed face peeked out from under the covers—Ai Hoshino, cheeks glowing red, heart pounding in disbelief.

"Hachiman-kun, tonight is really…"

Before she could finish her thought, Hachiman unconsciously pulled her into an embrace and mumbled softly:

"Yukinoshita… Yukinoshita… is it okay…?"

"Eh?!"

Again?! He's dreaming about Yukino-chan??

And judging by his voice, it's definitely one of those dreams…

Hoshino Ai froze for a moment—then suddenly smirked.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she whispered:

"Well then, Hachiman-kun… guess I'll just have to be part of your dream tonight."

"Yukinoshita… is that alright…?"

"Darling, no need to be so polite… Just be gentle, okay?~"

He's finally mine. Hehe… finally mine…