Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

On the way home after school.

Two lively teenage girls walked side by side.

"Can't you stop being so timid?"

"But... Hikki is Yukinon's boyfriend..."

"Hmph! So what?"

Miura stopped abruptly, crossed her arms, and frowned at Yuigahama.

"Who says a guy having a girlfriend means no other girl can go after him?"

"Ugh..."

Yuigahama hung her head like a scolded child.

Miura patted her shoulder and said with firm determination, "Yui, don't hold back! Go for it! Don't live with regrets!"

"Yumiko..."

Yuigahama hesitated, words caught in her throat.

For some reason, she felt like Miura had changed.

In the past, Miura had never supported her pursuit of Hikigaya. But now, she suddenly seemed on board.

Could it be...

"Did Yukinon upset you again?"

"Huh?"

"Did Yukinon make you angry, and now you want me to go after Hikki to make her feel bad? Is that what's going on?"

"???"

Miura's lips twitched as she stared at Yuigahama in disbelief.

"Your imagination is running wild. Sure, my relationship with Yukinoshita isn't great, but I wouldn't stoop to such petty tactics. I'm doing this mainly because, well..."

She huffed and turned her head.

"It's because you've been such a listless idiot lately!"

"Me? Ugh..."

"Cough, cough!"

Miura cleared her throat and continued.

"Another reason is, well, Hikigaya... After observing him closely, I think he's... acceptable."

"Eh?"

Yuigahama blinked, surprised.

For some reason, she noticed that Miura's expression seemed odd when she mentioned Hikigaya.

"Oh, right. You're coming out tonight."

"Huh? For what?"

"For a run."

"Ah?"

Yuigahama gave an awkward laugh.

"I'm not as athletic as you, Yumiko. If I run with you, I'll just slow you down..."

"You...!"

Hearing this, Miura frowned, tempted to scold the gentle girl in front of her.

But when she thought about Yuigahama's personality, she sighed instead.

"Hikigaya will probably be running at the park tonight. You can use the chance to chat with him. Running alone at night is lonely, after all."

"Hikki runs at night?"

"Probably trying to stay in shape."

Miura shrugged.

"Anyway, it's a good opportunity. You two barely talk at school during the day, so make use of this time to connect."

"Yumiko..."

Deeply moved by Miura's enthusiasm, Yuigahama stepped forward and hugged her.

"Thank you~"

"Ugh! Don't hug me; it's gross."

Miura's face turned red as she squirmed uncomfortably.

"Hehe~ Got it~"

---

That night.

"I'm heading out, Komachi."

"Going for another walk?"

"Yeah."

Hikigaya replied casually to his sister, who was lounging on the sofa, and then left the house.

A few minutes later, he arrived at the park.

As usual, he was ready to start running.

But then...

A voice he dreaded most called out from behind him.

"Hikki~"

"!!"

He turned around immediately, only to see two girls walking toward him—Miura and Yuigahama.

Miura wore her usual yellow tracksuit, her high ponytail swaying behind her.

Yuigahama, on the other hand, sported a pink tracksuit with a matching cap. Both girls wore ultra-short athletic shorts, exuding youthful energy.

"What are you two doing here?" Hikigaya asked, surprised.

Miura scoffed, "Hmph! So you're allowed to run here, but we're not?"

Compared to Miura's blunt tone, Yuigahama greeted him gently, "Good evening, Hikki."

"Good evening," Hikigaya replied awkwardly, forcing a smile. "If there's nothing else, I'll get started with my run."

"Hold on!"

Seeing Hikigaya turn to leave, Miura quickly called out.

"What now?" Hikigaya asked warily, stepping back as he eyed the two girls.

Miura crossed her arms and commanded, "Run with Yui and show her the ropes."

"Eh?"

"Ugh..."

Hikigaya was startled, while Yuigahama shyly lowered her head.

"Yui, go on."

Miura gave her a nudge.

"Hikki, I—"

Yuigahama hesitated, glancing at Hikigaya's uncertain expression, before turning back to Miura.

"Yumiko, maybe we should drop it. I don't want to trouble Hikki..."

"Huh?"

Miura glared at her, exasperated.

"Sigh."

Hikigaya let out a long sigh and finally said, "Yuigahama, let's go."

"Really, Hikki?"

Yuigahama's eyes lit up as she stepped closer to him, her excitement unmistakable.

As she approached, Hikigaya blushed and leaned back slightly, mumbling, "Yeah."

"Great! Let's get started!"

Satisfied, Miura nodded.

---

As Hikigaya and Yuigahama ran side by side, Miura watched them with a faint smile.

"Yui, good luck!"

But then...

She suddenly clutched her chest, a tight, uncomfortable feeling welling up inside.

"Why... Why do I feel so restless seeing Hikigaya and Yui together?"

Shaking her head, Miura pushed the thought away and started her own run.

---

Half an hour later.

Yuigahama was gasping for breath on a bench, while Hikigaya leaned against a lamppost, equally winded.

As Miura passed by, she asked, "How's it going?"

"What?"

"You idiot! Did you check on him? Show some concern?"

"Ugh, I... I didn't know what to do..."

Yuigahama looked down, embarrassed.

"We just kept running, and I forgot."

"You—"

Miura's face twitched in frustration.

"How are you this hopeless?!"

Glancing at the breathless Hikigaya, Miura sighed.

"Let me show you how it's done!"

"Okay!"

Yuigahama nodded eagerly.

Taking the towel from around her neck, Miura walked toward Hikigaya, ready to wipe his sweat.

"Hikigaya, thanks for helping Yui. Lower your head; I'll..."

But as she got closer and saw his sweat-drenched yet handsome face, Miura froze.

Her heart skipped a beat, and memories of his kindness from the day before surfaced in her mind.

Before she knew it, her hands cupped his face, and, unable to control herself, she leaned in and kissed him.

"???" Yuigahama froze.

"!!" Hikigaya stood paralyzed.

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