Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Under the cover of night—

The boy's scent, carried on the breeze, made Mrs. Yuigahama momentarily dazed.

Compared to before, Hikigaya's scent felt richer, more intoxicating.

An uncontrollable restlessness bubbled up inside her.

That tiny voice in her head—tempting, wicked—grew louder.

No.

She couldn't allow herself to spiral. She couldn't become like Sayuri, losing all restraint around Hikigaya-kun.

"…What's taking Yui so long to come back?"

She looked up, her beautiful eyes glancing toward the distance. The park was quiet—no one else in sight. Just her and Hikigaya alone on the bench.

"She should be back soon," Hikigaya replied.

"You must be really thirsty right now, aren't you?"

Mrs. Yuigahama looked down tenderly at the boy resting on her lap.

"…I'm okay."

Hikigaya quickly turned his head away, embarrassed after glancing up at the view above him.

"You've practically collapsed from exhaustion, and you still say you're fine. If only I had some water on me…"

She sighed with concern.

"It's fine. Just lying here on your lap, I already feel much better. Honestly, I don't even feel that thirsty anymore."

Hikigaya said with sincere appreciation.

"R-Really?"

"Mhm. Your lap is really comfortable. Thank you, Auntie."

Hikigaya looked up and smiled earnestly.

"Aww… If you like it, that's all that matters. You can rest here anytime you'd like, okay?"

Mrs. Yuigahama replied gently, her tone soft and motherly.

"Th-that's too kind… I couldn't possibly—"

"It's no trouble. For you, it's absolutely fine."

She smiled warmly again—but then her eyes drifted unconsciously to his slightly dry lips.

She could tell he was parched. He was just holding it in.

Ahh…

Why didn't she bring any water?

If only she had something to offer him… hmm?

That thought suddenly brought her mind to a memory—the one from the restroom earlier.

Back then, Hikigaya had actually… cough, well, that happened…

Wait! What am I even thinking?!

That's way too indecent. Even if Hikigaya-kun is thirsty, that is completely out of the question—too inappropriate, too embarrassing!

Just then—

"Yahallo~ Mama, Hikki, I'm back!"

Yuigahama's cheerful voice interrupted her wandering thoughts. She and Miura were walking toward them.

When Yuigahama reached them and saw Hikigaya lying on her mother's lap, her eyes widened.

"Hikki? What happened?"

"He was just a little too tired," Mrs. Yuigahama explained with a smile, gently brushing Hikigaya's forehead.

"Huh? Is he okay?"

Yuigahama asked with visible concern.

"Hikigaya…"

Miura also looked at him, a faint trace of guilt in her voice.

"I'm alright. Just need a little break… legs are feeling a bit sore."

Hikigaya said, a little sheepishly.

"My bad… I'll try to go a little easier next time."

Miura said with an apologetic tone, seeing how worn out he looked.

"No worries, really. I pushed myself too. You don't have to blame yourself."

Hikigaya reassured her.

"…Even now, he's still thinking of me."

Miura fell silent.

If it weren't for the presence of the Yuigahamas, she wasn't sure what she might have done.

"Hikki, here's your favorite Max Coffee, here you go~"

Yuigahama offered him the canned drink.

"Thanks."

Hikigaya took it gratefully.

"Drink some water too."

Miura handed him a bottle of water, adding, "A few sips of coffee is fine, but don't rehydrate with that alone after running."

That's Miura for you—still as thoughtful and dependable as ever.

"Got it."

Hikigaya didn't argue and accepted both drinks.

"Take it easy and rest for a while."

Miura told him gently, then turned to Yuigahama:

"I'm going to keep training. Yui, want to come along?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Just a light jog. You're going to shower anyway when you get home."

"B-but running is so tiring…"

Yuigahama pouted adorably.

"With how soft your muscles are and how little strength you've got… how are you going to take care of your future boyfriend?"

Miura teased, her eyes briefly glancing toward the boy sipping water.

"Eh?! Uuu…"

Glancing at Hikigaya, Yuigahama turned beet red and nodded quickly.

"Okay, okay! I'll train with you."

"Mrs. Yuigahama, we'll leave Hikigaya to you for now."

Miura added, clearly trusting her completely.

"Huh?"

Mrs. Yuigahama blinked.

"Mom, I'm off to train with Yumiko!"

Yuigahama said brightly.

"Well then… okay, be careful out there."

Mrs. Yuigahama replied with a sigh after a brief hesitation.

"Got it~!"

The girls jogged off into the distance, disappearing from view.

In the blink of an eye, it was just Hikigaya and Mrs. Yuigahama again.

"Hikigaya-kun, once you finish your drink, you can rest on my lap again, alright?"

She said warmly.

"Auntie, are you sure it's okay?"

"Of course it is. Go on."

Mrs. Yuigahama smiled gently, gesturing to her lap again.

Hikigaya didn't resist.

After all, her lap really was incredibly comfortable—soft, fragrant, and calming.

"A little nap wouldn't hurt."

She added in a kind voice.

"Okay."

Hikigaya closed his eyes.

Mrs. Yuigahama gazed down at him affectionately.

So tired… What a sweet, honest child.

She enjoyed this peaceful moment, feeling content having him resting on her lap.

However—

Enjoyment aside, his scent, his face, his presence… all of it stirred something deep inside her.

Her heart, which she had just managed to quiet, began to tremble again.

Oh no…

Didn't I just go to the restroom before we came out?

Why does it feel like I need to go again?

Her legs tensed instinctively, and her face turned red.

This is bad—Hikigaya-kun is still resting right on my lap!

She couldn't exactly excuse herself now, could she?

She pressed her lips together, trying to hold it in.

The urge was growing stronger…

She was fighting a very real temptation—partly practical, partly… questionable.

Several long minutes passed.

Eventually, Hikigaya opened his eyes and glanced at her with some confusion.

"Auntie… is something wrong? Your legs feel really stiff…"

"Eh? M-Mom…"

Mrs. Yuigahama flushed scarlet.

She couldn't possibly admit that she really needed the bathroom.

That would be way too embarrassing.

"Auntie… do you need to go to the restroom?"