Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

"I—I really can't anymore… Miura, how did you suddenly get so strong?"

"Hurry up."

Miura turned back, her tone sharp as she urged the boy behind her.

"I-I'm serious, I'm done. I give up. You're… too much."

"You—"

Miura slowed her pace and looked back, only to see Hikigaya completely sprawled on the grassy roadside like a rag doll.

"Get up. Keep going!"

Frowning, Miura barked a command.

"Have mercy on me, Your Majesty the Queen…"

Hikigaya begged pitifully.

Being called "Your Majesty" made Miura feel oddly pleased, but she still let out a haughty snort and scolded him:

"Hmph, get up right now. You just finished running—you can't just collapse onto the grass like that! How many times have I told you that already?"

She gave his leg a light kick.

"Just this once… My legs are like jelly right now."

Hikigaya ignored her and kept pleading. "Never again, I swear."

"…Tch."

Seeing his pitiful state, Miura felt a small pang of sympathy, though she kept up her stern act:

"Hmph. Fine, I'll let it slide this time—but don't think I'll go easy next time. If I catch you dropping flat right after a run again, I will make you regret it!"

"Phew… Thank you, Queen Miura, for your gracious mercy."

Hikigaya sighed in relief.

As expected, no matter how hard he trained lately, when it came to real athletic types like Miura, he didn't even come close.

The gap was just too wide.

"If you keep lying there like that, your legs are gonna be sore tomorrow."

Miura frowned.

"But I seriously can't stand right now."

Hikigaya gave up completely.

"Well, at least give your legs a bit of a massage."

"Why don't you do it? Or don't massage—just step on them a bit."

Hikigaya offered.

"Huh? Y-You want me to step on you?"

Miura's face turned red.

"My legs, I mean. Otherwise they'll cramp up for real tomorrow."

"…Fine! I'll step on them!"

After a few seconds of hesitation, Miura agreed with a determined nod.

"This is for your own good, okay? Don't you dare complain later."

"How could I? I asked for it."

Hikigaya chuckled helplessly.

"Alright, lie down properly—I'm starting!"

"Mm…"

…Wait. This angle… uh-oh.

Oblivious to the subtle change in Hikigaya's expression, Miura lifted her leg and stepped firmly on his thigh.

"If it hurts, tell me."

"Okay… Hhhng~!"

"Is it too much?"

"N-No, it's good. The pressure's just right."

"Then I'll keep going."

Miura continued pressing down, massaging his legs with focused effort.

A few minutes later…

"Whew…"

Miura let out a deep breath, finishing the impromptu massage. As she looked down at the boy lying there completely still on the grass—like a helpless fish on the chopping board—a strange thought crept into her mind.

She suddenly had an urge… a dark little impulse.

She really wanted to mess with Hikigaya.

To steal him away from Yukinoshita…

As her thoughts turned vaguely mischievous, Miura swallowed hard.

Hikigaya looked so defenseless right now. If she pushed just a little further—she might actually get away with it.

Should she…?

Miura slowly leaned forward, inching closer and closer to his face…

But then—

"Yahallo~ Hikigaya-kun! Yumiko~!"

"…Huh?!"

That unmistakable voice jolted Miura, making her stop mid-step. Hikigaya also opened his eyes and looked toward the sound.

Coming their way were Yuigahama and her mother, waving cheerfully.

Seeing them, Miura's expression faltered for a moment, but then she quickly composed herself and greeted them with practiced ease:

"Good evening, Yui, Mrs. Yuigahama."

"Good evening~!"

Yuigahama walked up first, giving Miura a quick smile before turning her worried gaze to Hikigaya.

"Aki, why are you lying on the ground like that?"

"Uh…"

Hikigaya hesitated, unsure what to say.

"He's fine. Just tired from running," Miura cut in.

"Ohhh, as long as you're okay."

"What brings you two out here?"

Miura asked.

"Mom said it was getting stuffy at home, so we came out for a walk."

Yuigahama replied, glancing at her mother.

Mrs. Yuigahama walked over, looked down at Hikigaya with concern, and said to her daughter, "Yui, go grab a bottle of water for Hikigaya-kun. He looks totally wiped."

"Okay~"

Yuigahama nodded, then smiled at Miura. "Let's go together?"

"…Sure."

Miura hesitated, glanced once at Hikigaya, then sighed and nodded.

The two girls walked off to buy drinks.

Left behind, Mrs. Yuigahama quietly knelt down beside Hikigaya, her expression full of warmth and concern.

"Hikigaya-kun, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Auntie."

Hikigaya shook his head.

"You shouldn't stay lying like this for too long."

With a soft smile, she patted her lap and said gently, "Here, rest your head on my lap."

"Eh?!"

Hikigaya waved his hands frantically. "No way, Mrs. Yuigahama! I'm sweaty and gross…"

"Hikigaya-kun, you've never minded me before. Why would I mind you?"

"…Uh."

Hikigaya blushed.

With a calm smile, Mrs. Yuigahama gently guided his head onto her lap.

"Feeling better?"

"…Yeah. Auntie, your lap is really comfy."

"That's good."

As she smiled down at him, something stirred inside her. Then, in a quiet voice, she asked:

"You look so worn out right now… Could it be… was it your Aunt Sawamura again? Did she—harass you tonight?"

"No, I didn't even meet her tonight."

"Really? Thank goodness. I thought she'd—never mind."

Mrs. Yuigahama breathed a small sigh of relief.

But even so, even knowing he hadn't been harassed tonight…

For some reason, just looking at his calm, handsome face—seeing him lying there so tired and vulnerable—made something restless stir in her heart.

Yukino Sawamura might not have tried anything tonight…

But now I'm the one fighting the urge to…?!

She shook the thought off, but the impulse clung to her.

Watching him like this, she couldn't help but think—

This might actually be… the perfect opportunity.

No! What am I thinking?! How could I have such indecent thoughts?!