Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

"Mrs. Yukinoshita, what exactly do you mean by that?"

Sitting directly across from Mrs. Yukinoshita, Hikigaya cautiously asked the question.

Mrs. Yukinoshita took a sip of coffee, her eyes smiling.

"Hikigaya-kun, Haruno's quite an exceptional girl in every way, you know. And she's currently… single."

"?!"

Hikigaya stiffened.

Wait—what was that supposed to mean?

Single?

What did that have to do with him?

"Haruno talks about you a lot, you know," Mrs. Yukinoshita continued with a gentle smile. "She seems to be… very fond of you."

"Ah… th-that's really flattering."

Hikigaya forced a laugh, visibly uncomfortable.

"So I mean, Hikigaya-kun… if Yukino ever becomes too much for you to handle—"

Mrs. Yukinoshita chuckled softly, "—you could spend more time with Haruno. She could help mediate with Yukino, tell you more about her."

Hikigaya could see through the surface of her words—this wasn't just about "getting help." She was subtly trying to push him into Haruno's arms, into her warmth and seduction.

Not happening.

There was no way Hachiman would fall for that.

"In-instead of being with Haruno-san, I'd actually rather… rather spend time with you, Mrs. Yukinoshita. You know, to ask about Yukino."

He lowered his voice, hesitant but sincere.

"Eh? Me?"

Mrs. Yukinoshita looked genuinely surprised.

"W-well… you're gentle, and kind. Being around you makes me feel at ease… comfortable…"

Hikigaya pushed through the awkwardness and spoke, even though in truth, the last thing he wanted was to spend time alone with the final boss herself. Being near her was a pressure cooker—he could practically feel his soul being peeled away layer by layer.

"You like me that much, Hikigaya-kun?"

Mrs. Yukinoshita looked at him, touched.

"Mm…"

"…Well then, I guess that wouldn't be so bad."

A faint flush spread across her cheeks as she lightly touched her face and gave a small nod.

"O-of course, Auntie, I know you're busy with work, so I wouldn't want to bother you too often."

Realizing the implications of what he'd just said, Hikigaya quickly tried to backpedal.

"Oh, it's not a problem," she said with a warm tone.

"I don't work all the time. Just like now, I do have breaks. When I'm free, feel free to message me."

"Yes, auntie."

"…Though, about Haruno… hmm, never mind. Guess you'll just have to settle for me then. We'll talk about Haruno another time."

Her voice trailed off, but there was a subtle shift in her tone. She'd initially hoped to nudge Haruno and Hikigaya closer together—but seeing that wasn't going anywhere… maybe she should make the move herself?

Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled quietly to herself.

"Speaking of which… hasn't Haruno-san come back yet?"

Hikigaya seized the moment to shift the topic.

"Huh? You're right. What's keeping her?"

Mrs. Yukinoshita finally realized something was off and frowned.

It was just a quick trip to the restroom—how could it take this long?

…Did she fall in?

"Could she have run into the same issue… as you did, Auntie?"

Hikigaya mused aloud.

"…The same issue as me? You mean… no toilet paper?!"

Mrs. Yukinoshita froze, eyes wide.

And then—

Her phone rang.

It was Haruno.

Sure enough, just like her mother earlier, Haruno had run into the exact same awkward situation: no toilet paper.

"Sigh… what are the odds…"

Mrs. Yukinoshita exhaled heavily.

Mother and daughter… using the same stall and suffering the same fate.

"Haruno-san really is in sync with you, Auntie."

Hikigaya added from the side.

"Should I go bring her some tissue?"

"I could… but my legs are still a bit unsteady. Hikigaya-kun…"

Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she turned to look at him.

"Eh? Me?"

"Would you mind doing me this favor?"

"…Ah—"

He wanted to say no.

He really did.

But faced with that gentle, radiant smile, Hikigaya knew he couldn't refuse.

"…Alright. I'll take some tissues to Haruno-san."

"Be careful, okay?"

"Y-yes, auntie."

Hikigaya nodded, pulled out a few tissues, and stood up.

Sigh…

Honestly, he couldn't even count how many times he'd ended up walking into the women's restroom. It was starting to feel like a daily routine.

Hachiman, what the hell are you doing?

You're a guy—how did you end up becoming a regular in the girls' bathroom? That's… borderline criminal!

He arrived at the door to the women's restroom.

Hikigaya checked his surroundings to make sure no one was around, then tiptoed inside and called out:

"Haruno-san? You in here?"

"Is that you, Hikigaya-kun? Uuugh, yes, I'm here, I'm here! Onee-chan's right here—come help your poor big sister~ Honestly, I can't believe there's no paper… I'm gonna die of embarrassment~"

"…."

Hearing the familiar voice, Hikigaya sighed deeply and headed in her direction.

"Hurry, Hikigaya-kun~ Your sister's in a bit of a crisis here~"

Haruno called out urgently.

"I'm here, Haruno-san. Could you open the door a little? I've got the tissues."

Hikigaya knocked on the stall door, glancing around anxiously in case anyone walked in.

"Coming~ Onee-chan's opening up~"

The door creaked open slightly, and a slender, delicate hand reached out from inside.

Hikigaya moved to hand over the tissues—only to feel his wrist seized.

And in the next moment—

He was yanked inside.

"?!"

Hikigaya's heart dropped.

Haruno-san, what are you—

Wait…

Why did it suddenly go dark—?!

---

Meanwhile, elsewhere—

[Ding! Control Card time depleted. Haruno Yukinoshita has returned to normal.

Ding! Task complete—Hikigaya Hachiman and Haruno have engaged in "intimate contact." Reward granted—]

Hearing the system's voice, Yukino murmured to herself:

"Hmph… that Control Card really is handy. Using it to make other women cling to my Hikigaya-kun…"

She sighed bitterly.

"…It's just too expensive. 500 points per use, and the time limit's way too short."

Still… Yukino blushed.

Just how long were her sister and Hikigaya going to keep "clinging"?

Could they not separate already…?!