Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Corruption Level: 23/100]

Yukinoshita hid anxiously behind a bookshelf in a prime spot that gave her a clear view of the restroom.

"Ugh... Hachiman's corruption level just went up by two points again…"

Nineteen points earlier at noon.

And now, another two points.

Add to that the update in her mind reporting the increase in corruption due to contact with Kasumigaoka, and Yukinoshita could more or less piece together what was happening.

It must've been her.

Kasumigaoka-senpai couldn't hold it in any longer and spilled the details of that night to Hachiman.

As someone so kind-hearted, Hachiman would naturally feel overwhelmed with guilt after learning the truth, causing his corruption level to rise.

Sniffle.

She'd worked so hard to lower his corruption level to 2/100. Now it was back to 23/100. It hurt—how could it not?

But still…

There wasn't much she could do.

If Senpai chose to talk, Yukinoshita had no way to stop her.

After all, everything—everything—was her fault.

"Ugh… And who knows what they'll do next in that restroom? Would Senpai actually—"

Yukinoshita covered her mouth, suddenly aghast.

Could it be possible?

Kasumigaoka-senpai, after all, still harbored feelings for Hachiman.

"…If they really did go that far, wouldn't that technically complete the Husband-care Task?"

She muttered absentmindedly, only to shake her head furiously, giving her face a few light slaps.

Wait!

Why on earth am I even thinking about this?!

My beloved boyfriend with another woman—and I… I… Sniffle! I should be devastated, right?!

Just as Yukinoshita spiraled into further distress, a shadow appeared, heading toward the restroom.

Not again!

Yukinoshita's expression shifted.

There was no mistaking that silhouette.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward to intercept it.

"Kawasaki-san. What a coincidence."

"Huh?"

Kawasaki turned, pausing mid-step as Yukinoshita's soft voice reached her.

"Oh, Yukinoshita-san… Yeah, what a coincidence."

Yukinoshita nodded with a polite smile.

Sigh.

Kawasaki-san really had a knack for showing up at the worst possible moments.

No. This time, she wouldn't let Kawasaki barge in and ruin things.

---

Meanwhile, in the women's restroom—

Hachiman had just been coerced into striking a shady deal with Kasumigaoka.

"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."

Standing in the women's restroom for too long made him feel profoundly uncomfortable. All he wanted was to escape this nightmare.

"Leave? We just made a deal. Why rush off, Air-kun? Shouldn't we do something to seal the agreement?"

Kasumigaoka's playful gaze roamed over him, making Hachiman squirm.

"D-didn't I already let you touch my face?"

"Hah. Just touching your face? That's it?"

Kasumigaoka pouted, clearly unimpressed.

"Do I look like a woman who's so easily satisfied?"

"Then what else do you want?"

"Hehe, what do *you* think?"

Hachiman froze as her gaze grew increasingly predatory. His instincts screamed danger.

"W-wait! We're in the women's restroom! This is totally inappropriate!"

"Oh, don't worry. I don't plan to devour you here, Air-kun."

"Then… what are you planning?"

"Just one kiss."

"…What?"

"I want a kiss."

"A… k-kiss?"

Hachiman's face twisted in disbelief.

Kasumigaoka smiled sweetly. "This was part of our agreement, wasn't it? You promised to fulfill my small requests. Air-kun is an honest, upstanding boy. You wouldn't go back on your word, right?"

"I…"

Hachiman hesitated, his thoughts inevitably drifting to Yukinoshita.

After a few agonizing seconds, he clenched his jaw and reluctantly nodded, choosing to endure for now.

"I… I understand."

Kasumigaoka's grin widened as she licked her lips, her expression radiant with anticipation.

"...Alright then. Let's do it."

She tilted her head back slightly, inviting him with a playful posture.

Hachiman had no choice but to lean closer, his eyes fixed on her soft, cherry-colored lips.

Her lips were undeniably beautiful—the kind that could drive a man to madness.

And yet, every fiber of his being resisted.

He was wracked with hesitation, guilt, unease, and tension.

The sheer weight of all these emotions froze him in place.

"...What's wrong?" Kasumigaoka asked, growing impatient with his sluggishness.

Hachiman took a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut. "I-I don't know… It feels like there's an invisible barrier stopping me."

"Ah… I see now."

Kasumigaoka tapped her chin thoughtfully before her expression lit up in realization.

"Let me guess—you feel like kissing me would be a betrayal of Yukinoshita? Alright then. I'll take the lead this time."

"Wha—?! You take the lead?!"

"Don't worry, Air-kun. I wouldn't want to force you into something you absolutely hate. I just want to properly… dote on you~."

Standing at nearly the same height, Kasumigaoka didn't even need to rise on her toes.

She merely tilted her head forward.

And then…

Under Hachiman's horrified gaze, her lips once again claimed his.

They kissed.

Again.

Hachiman's mind blanked as he felt himself sinking into a deep abyss.

All he wanted was to escape.

But that devil wouldn't let him.

Bit by bit, the darkness consumed him, leaving his thoughts in disarray.

Without even realizing it, their lips intertwined deeply.

This time, the kiss lasted for five whole minutes—far longer than any accidental brush of lips before.

Longer than the kiss they'd shared that fateful night.

Even longer than any kiss Hachiman had ever shared with Yukinoshita.

When it finally ended, Kasumigaoka's face was flushed.

Hachiman's, too, burned crimson.

But while she smiled mischievously, he could only touch his lips in stunned silence.

It was completely different.

Yukinoshita's kisses were soft and tender.

Kasumigaoka's were wild and untamed.

In comparison… Kasumigaoka's kisses felt…

Wait.

What am I even thinking?!

How could I compare Yukinoshita to Kasumigaoka?!

This is insane!

Hachiman shook his head violently.

Hachiman, you love Yukinoshita!

Don't let a kiss sway your heart!

You cannot fall for Kasumigaoka!

Taking a shaky breath, he glanced warily at Kasumigaoka, only to notice her shifting uncomfortably, her legs pressed tightly together.

"What's wrong with you now?" he asked cautiously.

Kasumigaoka's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Well… after kissing Air-kun for so long, I kind of… really need to use the restroom."

"…What?"

Kissing me… made her need to pee?

Hachiman stared at her, utterly dumbfounded.

But before he could say anything, Kasumigaoka turned, lifting the toilet lid.

And began unbuttoning her uniform.

"H-Hey! Wait—"

Was she seriously about to do that in front of him?!

"D-Don't ignore me!"

Don't tempt me, Kasumigaoka-senpai!

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