Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

At the park.

Hikigaya had been running for quite a while. Eventually, he stopped at the clearing to catch his breath—but Miura was still nowhere in sight.

"She's been gone a while… is she still in the restroom?"

He muttered under his breath.

Thinking back to Miura's expression earlier, Hikigaya sensed that something had felt off about her today.

Miura, after all, had personally coached him in training. She could be sharp-tongued, but her heart was soft—strict on the outside, but genuinely kind underneath.

Honestly, if she needed his help, if she needed someone to lean on, he would definitely step up.

The only issue was… Miura was just so stubborn. Asking for help was probably the last thing she'd do.

After some hesitation, Hikigaya decided to walk toward the public restroom.

Might as well check on her.

And he could use the restroom too.

A few minutes later…

Hikigaya arrived near the public restrooms.

Just as he got close, he heard a voice.

"Huh? That came from the women's side?"

He furrowed his brows and instinctively stepped closer.

The voice became clearer.

It was Miura.

Hikigaya's expression tightened.

Due to the distance, he couldn't make out the exact words, but—

After hesitating for a few seconds and checking that no one else was around, Hikigaya quietly stepped toward the women's side.

Not like it's the first time I've done this…

Just a quick peek to make sure she's alright.

After all, it's unusual for someone to be in there for so long—this clearly wasn't just a regular restroom break.

The voice became even clearer.

"Hikigaya… help… help me, please…"

!!!

She was calling for help!

Without thinking, Hikigaya immediately shouted, "Miura?! What's going on? I'm here!"

"Huh? H-Hikigaya, wait—!"

"Is it this one? I'm coming in!"

He was convinced she was in trouble.

"W-Wait! No—it's not— I—ah—!"

"It's okay, Miura, I'm here!"

"Wait—don't—!"

Too late.

Hikigaya pushed the door open—

And locked eyes with Miura.

At the same time—

"Sigh… I guess I'll use a Bond Card."

Yukinoshita had reached a point where she could use multiple Bond Cards per day now. The only catch was that each use cost double the last, so she had to use them wisely, or she'd be wasting precious points.

[Host, who do you wish to use the Bond Card on this time?]

"Obviously Miura Yumiko. Who else would it be? You think I'd use it on my Hikigaya-kun and let him go chasing someone else?"

[Understood. Bond Card used on Miura Yumiko.]

[Ding! After Hikigaya unexpectedly entered the ladies' restroom, an embarrassed Miura Yumiko—overwhelmed by emotions—pulled him closer…]

Hearing this, Yukinoshita quickly slipped on her viewer glasses.

Ahem.

It's not like I want to watch or anything—this is just for tracking progress efficiently.

"…She just got out of the restroom too. Ugh, seriously…"

Yukinoshita's heart sank. She felt both exasperated and distressed for her boyfriend.

First her sister Haruno, now Miura… again and again, her precious Hikigaya was being "corrupted" by others.

"My poor Hikigaya-kun… don't worry. I'll fix this. I'll bring you back. Just wait for me…"

In the misty bathroom, Yukinoshita clenched her hands into fists.

---

Meanwhile—

After nearly half an hour, both Hikigaya and Miura had finally calmed down.

Miura sat awkwardly on the closed toilet lid, face still flushed and clearly rattled. Hikigaya stood with his back to her, also visibly shaken.

A heavy silence filled the air.

Miura nervously glanced at Hikigaya, then quickly lowered her gaze and murmured, "H-Hikigaya… I'm sorry, I… I didn't mean to…"

Her voice trembled.

Before she could finish, Hikigaya cut her off.

"No, I should be the one apologizing."

"…Huh?"

Miura blinked in confusion. "You… you're apologizing?"

"Yes. I barged in without permission. I thought something was wrong and… I overreacted. I shouldn't have entered the women's restroom like that. I'm sorry."

He took a deep breath, visibly remorseful.

"…"

Miura stayed silent, her face bright red.

But… she knew that she had suddenly acted on impulse—pulling him in, and then… well, things escalated. Her face burned at the memory. What the heck did I just do?!

Just as she was mentally spiraling, she noticed Hikigaya heading for the door.

"W-Wait!"

"…Yeah?"

He stopped.

Miura bit her lip. "It… it wasn't all your fault. You came in because you thought I was in trouble, right? So, um… okay, fine. Maybe it was your fault."

Hikigaya gave a sheepish smile. "So… can I go now? I'll accept whatever punishment you want to give me later."

But then Miura's tone shifted.

"…Still, I was the one who pulled you in and made you—um—do… that. So I guess I share some of the blame. I didn't mean to make things weird. I just… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable…"

"…Huh?"

Hikigaya blinked in surprise. Did Miura just… apologize? That never happened.

"Really… I'm sorry, Hikigaya. I… I crossed the line, didn't I? That must've been super awkward for you…"

Miura's head sank lower.

"…It's okay," Hikigaya replied gently. "You're not… um, dirty or anything. Actually, you're really… uh—"

He stopped himself just in time.

"…What was that?"

Miura's heart skipped. She instinctively pressed her knees together, cheeks glowing. "Y-You're supposed to be grossed out, aren't you?! I mean… after what just happened…"

Ugh. Why does part of me still want to…