Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

As they settled back into the café, Haruno—behind the wheel—turned to Hikigaya with a mischievous smile.

"Hikigaya-kun, Mother's a bit tired. Why don't you give her a little massage~?"

"Huh? A massage?"

Hikigaya snapped to attention instantly.

"Just like you did for big sis—massage Mother's leg a bit~" Haruno teased, her grin widening.

"Ah?"

Hikigaya's face reddened.

Massaging his aunt's leg? Is that… appropriate?

"Mrs. Yukinoshita, Haruno's joking, right? Surely it's alright with you…"

He looked to Mrs. Yukinoshita for reassurance.

To his surprise, she smiled gently and replied calmly:

"Hikigaya-kun, since Haruno asked—and I'm a bit tired—it's fine. You may masssage my leg."

His jaw dropped.

She actually said okay…?

"Er… um…"

He stammered.

"I… I mean… it seems a bit… untoward. I mean, it's your—leg…"

He sounded like a pure, innocent boy.

"If Mother doesn't mind, why should you worry?"

Mrs. Yukinoshita scooted closer, capturing his hand and guiding it to rest on her thigh.

"It's okay, Hikigaya-kun—feel free to massage."

He gulped and nodded.

"Just be gentle—Mother's legs are quite delicate~" Haruno called over her shoulder as she drove.

Hikigaya's eyes snapped open—but before he could respond—

"Ignore Haruno," Mrs. Yukinoshita said, giving her daughter a look. Then, with calm authority, she said to Hikigaya,

"Just use whatever pressure feels right to you."

"Oh…"

He nodded earnestly.

He took a deep breath, looked down at her kimono, and steeled himself.

Under that kimono… Mrs. Yukinoshita's thigh…

His thoughts drifted to earlier moments in the restroom, and his heart skipped a beat.

She was… undeniably alluring.

Womanly, confident—an embodiment of "the woman every man dreams of."

"Shall I lift the kimono a little?" she asked sweetly, her hand moving to the hem.

"N-No, no need!"

Hikigaya blurted out, startled.

"You can massage through the fabric…"

"Is it easier that way?" she asked softly.

"I… yes, it's easier that way," Hikigaya replied, though he struggled to contain his racing mind.

He'd seen Haruno's legs before—but Mrs. Yukinoshita's legs… they were even more refined, smoother… almost too perfect.

"Well then, Hikigaya-kun…" she coaxed.

"Thank you."

"Mrs. Yukinoshita, you're too kind."

He began massaging carefully, focusing on gentle, respectful pressure along her thigh.

Meanwhile, Haruno stole glances through the rearview mirror. When she saw her mother's surprisingly content expression, she felt a surge of shock.

"M-Mrs. Yukinoshita, is this… okay?"

He asked in a hushed tone, concerned.

"Yes… Hikigaya-kun," she replied, smiling tenderly.

"You're quite skilled. I enjoy it."

"I used to massage my sister often," Hikigaya said matter-of-factly.

"Now, I do it for Yukino sometimes."

He realized he wasn't half bad at this—and briefly wondered if he should open a massage business. (Then remembered: Yukino would never allow such a "silly" venture!)

"Wonderful," she sighed.

"Yukino will be very happy someday… thanks to you."

"Oh, Auntie…"

Hikigaya bowed his head in modesty.

"If you ever need more massages, I'm always available."

"You're family after all," she said softly.

Family, huh…

He hadn't formally joined the Yukinoshita household yet—but his relationship felt that close.

"Yes, Auntie."

"Don't stop now!"

When Hikigaya paused, she gently urged,

"Keep going, don't stop here."

"Alright…"

He inhaled and resumed the massage.

"So good…" she murmured, her voice soft with pleasure.

"It's been ages… Hikigaya-kun, you're truly wonderful."

She looked at him with affection—and Hikigaya's mind spun with conflicting emotions.

Soon, Haruno pulled into Hikigaya's neighborhood.

"Hikigaya-kun, until next time," Mrs Yukinoshita said reluctantly as he stepped out.

"Yes, Auntie. Please be safe, both of you."

As he walked in, he glanced back at her—they held their gaze until he disappeared inside.

Meanwhile, Haruno watched him go with a satisfied smile.

"Want me to start the engine, Mother~?"

"…Go ahead."

Mrs. Yukinoshita's tone was calm but distant.

As Haruno started the car, her eyes flicked one last glance in the rearview mirror—her face unreadable.

"Keep your eyes on the road," Mrs. Yukinoshita called gently.

"Sorry, Mother, it's just—"

Haruno hesitated before speaking again.

"Just what?"

Her mother asked calmly.

Haruno paused, collecting herself. Then, softly and hesitantly:

"Mother… um… do you… have… feelings… for Hikigaya-kun? You know what I mean."

Mrs. Yukinoshita blinked.