Chapter 16: So, You’re Just Using Me, Hachiman?

The School Rooftop.

Upon arriving, Hachiman's gaze was immediately drawn to Kasumigaoka-senpai, who was seated on a bench a short distance away, engrossed in a book.

Serious and poised.

Yet... she was wearing an extraordinarily suggestive pair of black stockings, her crossed legs exuding a seductive charm.

Hachiman took a deep breath, clutching the melon bread and bottle of milk in his arms, before walking toward her.

"Here. Your milk and bread, as requested."

Carefully placing the items next to Kasumigaoka, Hachiman prepared to make a swift exit.

"Defile me, and then leave just like that?"

"??"

Startled by this outrageous comment, Hachiman flinched, hurriedly looking around to confirm they were alone. Relieved no one else was present, he let out a long sigh.

With a bitter expression, he pleaded, "Kasumigaoka-senpai, could you please refrain from saying things that can cause misunderstandings?"

"Is that how you intend to treat me?" Kasumigaoka turned a page in her book, her tone calm and unhurried.

"Hikigaya-kun, you're such a disappointment."

Hey, hey, hey!

Please don't twist this into something it isn't!

I didn't do anything to you…

Okay, fine.

I might have accidentally touched your leg during class.

My bad, that's on me.

Realizing escape was futile, Hachiman resigned himself to the inevitable and reluctantly sat down next to Kasumigaoka, awaiting her judgment.

"Huh? Why did you just kick me?!"

"Ow! You're still kicking me?!"

At first, Hachiman assumed Kasumigaoka was venting her frustrations. But when he caught the faint sound of a growling stomach, it all became clear.

Silently, he opened the melon bread, unwrapped it, and offered it to her.

Kasumigaoka took the bread, her fingers brushing against the back of Hachiman's hand.

She touched me… She actually touched me!

Flustered, Hachiman quickly prepared the milk, inserting the straw before handing it over. Once again, her fingers lingered on his.

She's doing this on purpose. She must be!

Yukinoshita, she's flirting with me!!

After finishing her food, Kasumigaoka casually remarked, "Since you know the author of Love Metronome, you must be familiar with the upcoming plot. Care to share some spoilers?"

"Eh?"

Hachiman had been bracing for more complaints about his accidental leg touch earlier, so this sudden shift in topic caught him off guard.

Apparently, Kasumigaoka-senpai was a devoted fan of Love Metronome!

"Hmm? Lost your hearing?" Kasumigaoka's calm voice was accompanied by another kick to Hachiman's leg.

What's with her and kicking?!

Hachiman couldn't help but wonder if, in the future, her husband would end up as her personal footstool.

"Cough, no. About that…" Hachiman cleared his throat and quickly explained, "I did know the author back in middle school, and we even discussed the story a few times. I made some minor suggestions, but…"

"But?"

"But later, she blocked me."

"..."

Kasumigaoka's eyebrow twitched slightly.

"Why did she block you?"

"Uh… I think she found me too annoying. I used to message her every night, after all."

"..."

A moment of silence passed between them.

Okay, fine.

I lied.

The truth is, the author of Love Metronome didn't block me.

In fact, she jokingly suggested meeting up in person and even offered to be my girlfriend.

But…

Hah!

After confessing to Orimoto and getting brutally rejected, how could I ever trust women again?

Meeting up in real life? Becoming my girlfriend?

That's obviously impossible.

How could two people who've never met fall for each other?

Just from chatting online?

Ridiculous.

I, Hikigaya Hachiman, falling in love with some internet stranger? That would never happen.

Even if it could, it wouldn't happen to me.

And so…

I ended up blocking her instead.

Sorry, Kasumigaoka-senpai, for lying to you.

I promise I won't do it again. Hachiman is an honest guy, after all.

"So, about the future plot of Love Metronome... I'm afraid I can't help you, Senpai."

Breaking the silence, Hachiman timidly raised his head to explain.

But the next moment, he noticed something. Kasumigaoka had leaned in close, her beautiful face just inches from his, her almond-shaped eyes locking onto his own with a gaze that seemed almost… alluring.

"!!"

She smells so good...

And her beauty is blinding!

This was the top beauty of her senior class!

Just as Hachiman thought she'd stop, Kasumigaoka edged even closer, as if intending to kiss him.

At this, alarm bells blared in Hachiman's mind. His entire body tensed, his breath quickened, and his heart raced.

Wait! Senpai, what are you doing?!

Don't come any closer!!

"S-Senpai? W-What are you…"

"Nothing," Kasumigaoka pulled back with a calm expression. "I was just a bit surprised. Turns out Air-kun looks somewhat like… a man."

"Eh?"

Like a man?

Uh… thanks for the compliment, I guess? But maybe don't do it again.

And...

Senpai, why are you calling me Air-kun again?

Hachiman wanted to leave, but Kasumigaoka's intimidating presence made him stay put.

Desperate, he tried changing the subject. "Cough, speaking of which, the new version of Genshin Impact just launched."

"Pulling for the banner?"

"Well... now that I think about it, I'll probably skip this time." Hachiman shook his head.

"For Electro DPS, Keqing and Raiden Shogun are good enough. I'll just log in to collect rewards and do dailies. Oh, but I'll definitely try the trial run for Clorinde."

"Heh. I see. Before the patch, you were all 'Waifu this, waifu that,' swearing you'd roll for her. But now? After a few trial runs, you get bored and abandon her?" Kasumigaoka gave Hachiman a playful yet sharp glance. "Air-kun, you really know how to love 'em and leave 'em."

"?"

"No wonder. Just like how you touched me earlier, then immediately tried to walk away. Heh~ Air-kun, you're that kind of guy, aren't you?"

Kasumigaoka stared at Hachiman like he was a certified scumbag.

"??"

Hey, hey, hey!

How did we end up here?!

Even if we're alone on this rooftop, please stop saying things that could lead to such massive misunderstandings, Kasumigaoka-senpai!

Honestly, I only wanted to try Clorinde for the 20 Primogems!

Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother!

Hachiman let out a long sigh, silently lamenting his misfortune.

To be honest, he had considered befriending Kasumigaoka to fulfill Yukinoshita's request.

But now? This senpai's personality was just too much to handle.

Hachiman hesitated. What if Kasumigaoka casually said something outrageous to Yukinoshita, causing an even bigger misunderstanding?

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