Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Haruno's car stopped by the roadside. Inside, an awkward silence fell over mother and daughter.

Haruno had just dropped a bombshell question—and even the composed Mrs. Yukinoshita blinked a few times in surprise. However, her calm temperament prevailed:

"You're being ridiculous—don't joke like that with me."

"Mother, maybe you didn't notice, but… I really did. Your glances toward Hikigaya‑kun, your... body language…"

Haruno pressed, her voice trembling.

"To me, he's still a child," Mrs. Yukinoshita replied evenly.

"I know, but he is a man!" Haruno insisted. "Yes, it's embarrassing, Mother, but women being attracted to men is totally natural."

"True, Hikigaya‑kun is admirable... and attractive. Aren't you drawn to him too, Haruno?" she coaxed, shifting focus onto her daughter.

"What?" Haruno gasped.

"When you went to the restroom, I bet something almost happened between you two," Mrs. Yukinoshita teased.

"Mother, no—it didn't! He just handed me some tissue, and I accidentally slipped…"

Haruno stammered.

"A slip, huh?" Mrs. Yukinoshita chuckled.

"Save that cover story for someone else. You know exactly how you 'slipped.'"

The remark silenced Haruno, heat rising in her cheeks.

"Your eyes lingered on his lips. Did he... kiss you?" the mother asked gently.

Haruno froze.

"Told you… you kissed him, right?" Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled knowingly.

"Mother—it's not true! We didn't kiss... we…" Haruno trailed off.

"Stop denying it—you're bright red!" Mrs. Yukinoshita said with affectionate amusement.

"I won't scold you, Haruno. He's practically family—if he stays with us forever, even… well, even if you took him fully, Mother wouldn't mind."

Haruno flushed even deeper.

"I... if we did something... what about you, Mother? What would you do?"

"Me? What do you mean?" Mrs. Yukinoshita arched an eyebrow.

"Mother... I have a bold idea." Haruno said gently.

"Go on," Mrs. Yukinoshita prompted, curiosity piqued.

"What if... you and I… both… took Hikigaya‑kun for ourselves?" Haruno looked at her with wide, daring eyes.

Mrs. Yukinoshita frowned softly:

"Haruno, what are you saying?"

"Mother… then Hikigaya‑kun would be ours—your man and mine." Haruno dared.

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Yukinoshita snapped.

"If you two want him, go ahead—Mom doesn't need to join. Are you losing your mind?"

"Mother, honestly—don't you have any thoughts about him?" Haruno persisted.

"I don't mind if he likes me... as long as Yukino doesn't find out, maybe… it could stay secret?"

"No," Mrs. Yukinoshita said firmly.

"Don't bring this up again."

Haruno took a deep breath and tried one final question:

"But what if... Hikigaya‑kun actually likes you, Mother? Would you remain unmoved?"

Mrs. Yukinoshita stopped, her heart racing. She remembered some of his earlier words, felt unsettling feelings—but returned to poise:

"He's just a boy—how could I feel anything for him?"

Haruno crossed her arms:

"But he's not a boy anymore—for us, he's a man."

Mrs. Yukinoshita sighed inwardly—her daughter's boldness was overwhelming. She steeled herself.

---

Later that evening, at the park…

Hikigaya was on his regular workout routine. Miura—the beautiful young gymnast—was already warming up nearby. Today, though, something was off; she usually performed gracefully, but today her posture was stiff.

Concerned, Hikigaya asked her:

"You alright? You seem troubled."

They'd grown close enough to be friends.

"Competition's soon—and my practice's been sloppy," she admitted, stretching her leg.

"Too much pressure?" Hikigaya suggested.

"You've worked really hard. Maybe taking a break could help?"

"With a competition looming, I can't afford to relax. And... who would I relax with?" Miura glared for a beat, then softening, asked almost shyly:

"Would you help me unwind, Hikigaya?"