Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

"Hikigaya, cut it out!" Miura snapped coldly. "Don't think I don't know how you guys think. Men definitely prefer cute and gentle girls like Yui, don't they?"

Hikigaya shrugged and replied casually, "To me, Miura-san, you're not inferior to Yuigahama at all. Honestly, you're better suited to be a girlfriend."

"Wha—? Hikigaya, you…"

Miura's eyes widened as her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.

What's with this sly guy?!

Noticing the awkward shift in their conversation, Hikigaya quickly changed the subject. "Yuigahama should be done by now. You should check on her."

"Why me?"

"I'm a guy. Asking her if she's 'done in the bathroom' would sound way too creepy."

"Sigh."

With a resigned sigh, Miura called out toward the bathroom, "Yui, are you done yet? Didn't fall in, did you?"

"Ugh! No, I didn't! It's just…"

"Alright, don't panic. We'll come in and help."

Understanding Yuigahama's predicament, Miura ignored her protests.

"Huh? No need! I can manage on my own!" Yuigahama stammered hurriedly.

"Your pants are on, right? Hikigaya and I are coming in," Miura said matter-of-factly.

"Ah—uh, yeah, they're on…" Realizing resistance was futile, Yuigahama could only mutter her consent.

Without hesitation, Miura pushed the door open, dragging Hikigaya inside with her.

Once inside, they found Yuigahama blushing furiously, supporting herself against the wall.

"Well, don't just stand there! Help her!" Miura nudged Hikigaya.

"Yeah, yeah."

Hikigaya sighed and moved to steady Yuigahama.

"Th-thanks, Hikki," Yuigahama murmured shyly.

So cute!

"N-no problem…"

To avoid looking at her overly expressive face, Hikigaya diverted his gaze, scanning the bathroom for something else to focus on. Unfortunately, his eyes landed on the trash bin filled with used tissues and sanitary pads.

"Where are you looking, you pervert!" Miura scolded in disdain.

"Ugh! Hikki…" Yuigahama's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

"Ah, no, I wasn't—" Hikigaya coughed awkwardly, attempting to remain composed.

A few minutes later, they managed to get Yuigahama back to her bed.

After tucking her in, Miura frowned. "Are you sure you'll be okay to go to school tomorrow?"

Yuigahama lowered her head. "I think so…"

"Sigh, you should really take more time to rest. Your health is more important," Miura said while gently touching Yuigahama's cheek. "Don't worry about schoolwork. I've already brought your assignments. Just stay home and study."

"Huh?" The mention of homework made Yuigahama nearly faint.

"I'll go grab them from downstairs," Miura said with a nod.

"Thanks, Yumiko."

"Mm."

Miura glanced at Hikigaya, who seemed lost in thought. "Take good care of Yui while I'm gone."

"??"

Being left alone in the same room as Yuigahama?!

That would be way too awkward!

"I'll head down too," Hikigaya blurted.

Miura raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Uh… to peel an apple for Yuigahama." He turned to Yuigahama and asked cautiously, "Do you want one?"

Her heart raced as she nodded quickly.

Relieved, Hikigaya followed Miura downstairs.

Miura, however, sighed deeply as she walked.

This won't do. At this rate, nothing will happen!

Yui, you clueless idiot! You don't even understand my good intentions!

Distracted by her thoughts, Miura suddenly missed a step on the staircase.

"Ah?!"

She toppled forward uncontrollably.

This is bad! It's a staircase!

Just as she was about to fall, Hikigaya grabbed her hand, trying to pull her back.

Relieved, Miura began to steady herself.

But then—

Hikigaya's foot slipped.

In an instant, the two tumbled down the stairs together, landing in a heap at the corner of the landing.

When they came to their senses, they realized their lips were pressed together.

Hikigaya: "???"

Miura: "???"

"What's going on out there?" Yuigahama's concerned voice came from the bedroom.

"!!!"

Miura's face turned crimson as she hastily broke away from Hikigaya.

"N-nothing! I just tripped," she called out.

"Ah? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

Thankfully, it wasn't a long staircase—just four steps. And she had a rather cushy landing.

"That's good," Yuigahama said with relief.

Miura sighed, then turned to her "cushion."

"Are you alright?"

"You're heavy. I'm about to be crushed to death."

"Excuse me?! I'm barely over ninety pounds!"

Blushing furiously, Miura stood up angrily.

But then—

Her foot slipped again.

Thud!

Amazingly, their lips met once more.

Hikigaya: "!!!"

Miura: "!!!"

This time, their lips seemed magnetized, refusing to part.

Wait! Yui is still upstairs!

Hurry up and separate!

I can't keep kissing my friend's crush! That's betrayal!

But… why does this feel so… thrilling?

Without thinking, Miura felt an inexplicable urge to wrap her arms around Hikigaya.

---

Meanwhile, at the mall, Yukinoshita walked with Komachi, a faint smile on her lips.

After some thought, she made a decision.

This week, she would ensure her dear Hikigaya-kun took Miura down.

Any surprises? Not at all.

After all, those "accidental kisses" were carefully orchestrated by her.

Looking at Komachi, Yukinoshita asked, "By the way, Komachi, do you like your brother?"

"Huh? My dumb brother?" Komachi paused mid-bite of her spicy snack. Then, with a bright smile, she nodded. "Of course! Komachi loves him the most!"

"Good. That's all that matters."

Yukinoshita gently patted Komachi's head, a mysterious glint in her eyes.

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