Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

The next day.

Hachiman arrived first at a plaza in Chiba City.

After waiting for about ten minutes, his casual demeanor shifted as he noticed a girl walking toward him.

She wore a sky-blue sleeveless shirt with a stand-up collar, paired with an over-the-knee white skirt that swayed gracefully with her steps. Her hair, rarely tied up, was styled into two twin tails, which fluttered lightly in the breeze like ribbons.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Holding a beige handbag in both hands, Yukinoshita walked up to Hachiman.

"I just got here too," Hachiman responded casually.

However, his eyes betrayed him. They kept flickering between glances at Yukinoshita and evasive attempts to look away, caught in a perpetual cycle of hesitation.

Yukinoshita noticed, of course, and smiled playfully. "So? How is it?"

"How is what?"

Feigning ignorance, Hachiman turned his gaze skyward, pretending to admire the clear blue sky.

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes. "Hmph, you know what I mean. How do I look today?"

"Uh... it's fitting."

"Oh."

"Ahem, I mean... you look really cute," Hachiman mumbled, blushing as he reluctantly admitted it.

Hearing this, Yukinoshita's momentary disappointment turned into a radiant smile.

"Anything else?" she teased.

"Huh?"

"You're so good at Japanese, Hachiman. Can't you use a different word to describe... your girlfriend's outfit, other than 'cute'?"

"I..."

Hachiman paused awkwardly, inwardly cursing Yukinoshita for seizing every opportunity to tease him.

After a resigned sigh, he finally replied, "Flowery rhetoric often feels insincere. Simplicity, on the other hand, conveys truth. The word 'cute' might seem ordinary, but it encapsulates the essence of your... beauty."

Yukinoshita blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned. Then, leaning closer to him, she remarked, "Impressive, as expected from Hachiman, ranked third in Japanese."

"I—"

As Yukinoshita drew closer, Hachiman's face grew redder.

"Not so close! There are people around."

"Oh... right."

Not just Hachiman—Yukinoshita's cheeks also turned a light shade of pink as she realized how close she'd gotten.

Still, she murmured under her breath, "There aren't many people around in the morning. Besides... we're a couple. What's wrong with being a little close?"

Hachiman, face flushed, chose silence.

Of course, Yukinoshita herself couldn't help feeling shy after saying such a thing. She lowered her head to hide her own embarrassment.

Though they had already crossed significant milestones in their relationship, both were still thin-skinned when it came to public displays of affection.

Before heading to Kasumigaoka's home, Yukinoshita suddenly thought of something.

"Um... Hachiman, lower your head a bit."

"Why?"

Hachiman's guard immediately went up as he looked at her cautiously.

"You're not planning to... kiss me, are you?"

"What are you thinking? I wouldn't do that in public," Yukinoshita huffed.

"Then what is it?"

"We're going to Senpai's house, right? I don't want you embarrassing me. Your hair and clothes are a bit messy. Let me fix them."

"Oh, okay..."

Hachiman nodded and bent down slightly, letting Yukinoshita fuss over him.

She straightened his collar carefully, then turned her attention to his bangs.

Her boyfriend's messy bangs framed a face that was strikingly handsome underneath.

"Really..." Yukinoshita sighed softly.

In the end, she tidied his bangs as well.

Her boyfriend needed to look his best today—it was crucial for his mission with Senpai.

"All done."

"Thanks."

Once finished, the two quickly put some distance between themselves, though Hachiman couldn't help reaching up to touch his unruly cowlick.

Yukinoshita teased, "Hmm~ Disappointed I didn't kiss you, Hachiman?"

"Of course not!"

"Don't be so stubborn." She chuckled, her tone softening. "After we're done at Senpai's place, let's go on a date."

"Really? Uh... but I haven't finished the task yet."

"It's fine. For you to make two female friends already, I'm satisfied. You can keep working on it afterward."

"When did you become so... lenient?"

"I've always been gentle with you, haven't I?" Yukinoshita smiled sweetly at him.

"Ugh..."

Hachiman wanted to retort but decided against it after seeing her mischievous smile.

"Let's just head to Senpai's place already."

"Oh? Can't wait, can you?"

"W-What? Of course not!"

"..."

The two bantered along the way, filled with moments of laughter and playful arguments.

---

Unlike Hachiman's single-family home and Yukinoshita's hotel accommodations, Kasumigaoka's residence was a fifth-floor apartment in the city.

At the door to Unit 503, Hachiman pressed the doorbell.

"Coming!"

A voice called out from inside. Moments later, the door opened.

"You're finally here, Air—"

Kasumigaoka greeted them excitedly but froze the moment she saw Yukinoshita standing beside Hachiman. Her expression stiffened.

"Y-Yukinoshita? What are you doing here—"

"I came with Hachiman," Yukinoshita said smoothly, "and I thought I'd visit Senpai while I was at it."

Her gaze shifted to Kasumigaoka's current outfit.

Far from her usual school uniform, Senpai wore a long purple braid draped over her shoulder. She was dressed in a unique purple kimono, which parted at the shoulders and had a much shorter hemline, barely reaching her thighs.

Her legs, accentuated by thigh-high stockings, ended in a pair of wooden geta sandals. Unlike traditional kimonos that modestly covered the chest, hers showcased exaggerated curves and an alluring neckline.

Yukinoshita was momentarily stunned.

Wow, she looks amazing!

Her figure was flawless.

However, as beautiful as it was, it felt oddly suggestive, as though she were trying to seduce someone.

Hachiman, meanwhile, was left utterly speechless.

The atmosphere grew awkward.

In the end, Yukinoshita broke the silence.

"Senpai, your outfit..."

"Ahem!"

Kasumigaoka quickly covered herself with her hands, though her provocative attire made it impossible to hide much.

"Sorry, could you wait just a moment? I'll change right away!"

With that, she shut the door in a hurry.

Yukinoshita's expression turned thoughtful.

"Senpai's outfit just now was... unusual."

"Cough~ That was cosplay. She was dressed as a character from a game."

"Cosplay?" Yukinoshita looked puzzled, encountering a concept she wasn't familiar with.

"It's like wearing special costumes," Hachiman explained.

"Oh? It seems Hachiman has quite the interest in this, considering how you couldn't take your eyes off her just now."

[Hachiman Hikigaya's favorability with Kasumigaoka Utaha: 59/100 (Friend)]

After one glance, his favorability with Senpai inexplicably increased by one point.

"I..."

Hachiman was visibly flustered.

Yukinoshita smiled faintly. "It's fine. If you like it, I can wear whatever uniform you want to see in the future."

"Really?" Hachiman's spirits lifted immediately.

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes. "Hachiman, you really do like uniforms. Fine, but you'll have to earn it."

Blushing, Hachiman nodded earnestly.

Yukinoshita chuckled softly. If it makes him happy, wearing uniforms isn't a big deal.

Still...

She reached into her bag, her fingers brushing over the special items she had prepared.

This is the first time I'm attempting something this bold. It's both nerve-wracking and strangely exhilarating.

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