Hikigaya's Inner World of Spring

Chapter 55: Chapter 55: A Night of Downfall



Kasumigaoka was deeply conflicted.

She liked Hikigaya—a lot. So much so that she often dreamed of being with him, indulging in fantasies that were better left unsaid.

Naturally, if she had the chance, she would gladly become his girlfriend, building their relationship on mutual affection and shared moments.

But not like this.

Not under these circumstances—where Hikigaya, confused, had mistaken her for Yukinoshita and was on the verge of doing something intimate.

What would that make her?

For someone as proud and self-respecting as Kasumigaoka, this situation was entirely unacceptable.

And yet...

While her rational mind rejected this, her emotions stopped her from immediately revealing the truth.

She couldn't bring herself to push Hikigaya away. Nor could she muster the courage to confess, "I'm not Yukinoshita. I'm Kasumigaoka."

Covering her mouth with trembling hands, she feared Hikigaya would leave if he realized the mistake.

Why am I like this?

Why can't I just come clean to him?

The usually composed Kasumigaoka found herself overwhelmed by panic.

She knew full well that the longer she kept silent, the worse things would get.

But... deep down, she didn't want to.

Being in Hikigaya's embrace gave her a bittersweet happiness—a warmth she couldn't deny.

Her heart fluttered uncontrollably.

No! This wasn't right!

Even though she had feelings for Hikigaya, she couldn't let things progress like this. Not when Yukinoshita was just in the next room.

If she didn't stop this, it would ruin everything. How could she face them after this?

Kasumigaoka inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself.

Just as she gathered her courage to speak, Hikigaya's voice broke the silence behind her.

"Scared now, huh? Heh, you call me a small fry, but you're the real weakling here, Yukinoshita."

"What did you say?!"

The words struck a nerve. Kasumigaoka's momentary composure crumbled as her mind flashed back to last night's nightmare—where she was humiliated by Hikigaya, being called a "useless, pathetic senpai."

"You're the weak one here!" she retorted instinctively.

But the moment she spoke, her face froze.

No! She had just given herself away!

And yet...

"Heh, we'll see who's weak soon enough," Hikigaya chuckled confidently.

Wait... he still hadn't realized?

Despite her voice clearly being different, he didn't seem to notice.

Kasumigaoka was utterly baffled.

Could he be... sleepwalking?

The thought sparked a flicker of curiosity.

If he truly had no idea...

Her resolve wavered again.

Why was her heart racing so fast?

The scent of Hikigaya—so intoxicating, like aged wine—clouded her mind.

An uncontrollable urge welled up inside her, just as it had earlier in the restroom.

A wild impulse to kiss him.

No, this isn't right... but...

Perhaps this is fate.

Perhaps tonight is the night that changes everything.

If it was unavoidable...

Forget it!

Throwing caution to the wind, Kasumigaoka spun around to face him.

"You were the one who tempted me first!"

With that declaration, she leaned in and kissed Hikigaya.

Their lips met.

Hikigaya froze for a moment but then slowly closed his eyes.

So did Kasumigaoka.

Hah, if the opportunity comes to me, how can I let it slip away?

---

Meanwhile, in another room...

"No!"

Yukinoshita abruptly threw open her door, clutching her chest as her heart raced uncontrollably.

Her trembling eyes locked onto Kasumigaoka's room.

What had once felt like relief at completing her mission now twisted into unbearable pain.

Her legs moved before she could think, carrying her toward the door.

"Don't touch him... don't touch my Hikigaya-kun..."

"Hikigaya-kun, the woman in that room isn't me—it's Kasumigaoka-senpai! You've got it all wrong..."

"Senpai, I... I shouldn't have used that forced intimate card on you. I shouldn't have done this!"

"This is all my fault... Hikigaya-kun, forgive me... Please, come back to me..."

Yukinoshita reached Kasumigaoka's door.

She wanted nothing more than to burst in and separate them.

But the moment her hand touched the doorframe, she froze.

Her pupils contracted as her ears picked up faint yet unmistakable sounds from within.

It was too late.

The truth hit her like a tidal wave.

Her legs buckled, and she collapsed to the floor.

A torrent of emotions—panic, regret, fear, despair—overwhelmed her.

"Senpai... please..."

"Hikigaya-kun..."

Covering her mouth to stifle her sobs, Yukinoshita could only sit there helplessly.

As his girlfriend, she longed to intervene, to undo this terrible mistake.

But...

It's too late now.

Inside the room, the irreversible was already happening.

---

[Ding! Mandatory Mission Complete...]

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