Chapter 18: A Meeting Between Kasumigaoka and Yukinoshita
Under Kasumigaoka's relentless interrogation, Hikigaya eventually confessed to his relationship with Yukinoshita.
"...Yukinoshita-san?"
Kasumigaoka, seated on the bench, looked visibly surprised. She turned her head slightly, glancing at Hikigaya beside her, her brows furrowing deeply.
Hikigaya sat awkwardly on the bench, avoiding her gaze.
Alright, Senpai, I get it.
I mean, someone like me, a total bottom-feeder, actually dating someone as stunning as Yukinoshita—your confusion is entirely justified.
Kasumigaoka stayed silent for a moment, then spoke again:
"Hikigaya-kun, could it be that you're blackmailing Yukinoshita-san with some kind of dirt you have on her to make her your girlfriend?"
"...Huh?"
Hikigaya's mouth twitched.
That's just mean!
How could I possibly be the type of guy who'd do something so underhanded?
Cackling internally: Yukinoshita, you wouldn't want these shameful photos of you to go public, would you? Remember, behave yourself.
Yukinoshita, become my loyal servant!
...Wait, am I seriously imagining such nonsense right now?
Geez, my imagination sure runs wild sometimes.
"It's nothing like what you're thinking, Senpai," Hikigaya explained weakly. "Yukinoshita and I are both in the Service Club. And due to... some peculiar circumstances, we just... sort of ended up together."
To be honest, even I don't fully understand how we got together. It's like we're cursed.
"Some peculiar circumstances led to you, of all people, ending up with the most beautiful girl in our grade? Heh, it sounds just like a plot out of a light novel," Kasumigaoka remarked dryly, tapping her heel rhythmically on the ground, the soft thuds punctuating her words.
"...Yeah, it's pretty... surreal, I guess."
Hikigaya replied half-heartedly, all the while fighting the urge to flee.
Why does the atmosphere feel so stifling?
And what's with this inexplicable tension?
Somebody, help me...
As Hikigaya inwardly prayed for salvation, Kasumigaoka spoke again, her voice calm yet unsettling:
"No wonder you've been so resistant to me from the beginning. You're worried Yukinoshita might find out about the... intimate moments we shared on the rooftop earlier, aren't you?"
"Uh... intimate?"
All we did was play a game—how is that considered intimate?
Senpai, please be more mindful of your phrasing!
Hikigaya wanted to retort, but under Kasumigaoka's intimidating presence, he could only stammer, unable to voice his thoughts.
"If there's nothing else, Senpai, I think I'll head back now."
"Leaving already? Taking advantage of your lunch break to meet up with your beautiful girlfriend, are we?"
"No, it's not like that!"
"Then why are you in such a rush to leave? Are you that afraid of spending time with me? Your girlfriend isn't here right now, you know."
That tone—why does it sound... irritated?
Is it just my imagination?
"I just..."
"Look me in the eyes and speak properly."
Kasumigaoka's dissatisfaction with Hikigaya's avoidance was evident.
"...Alright."
"Why so hesitant? I'm not some kind of monster. Or is there something strange on my face that's scaring you?"
"...No, nothing like that," Hikigaya muttered, shaking his head quickly. After hesitating for a few seconds, he finally mustered the courage to lift his head and meet her gaze.
Kasumigaoka, sitting with her legs crossed in black stockings, her hands resting confidently on her lap, exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. The perfect curves of her figure—her posture accentuating both her chest and hips—were on full display.
There's no denying it...
She's dazzling.
Every curve, every detail—it's almost overwhelming.
And paired with her stockings and that mature, alluring face...
XP overload.
Truly deserving of her title as the most beautiful senior from last year.
...Wait.
What am I thinking?
I have a girlfriend!
I can't keep staring like this.
Focus. Focus.
Hikigaya instinctively recoiled slightly, forcing his gaze downward in a panic.
"Between me and Yukinoshita-san, who do you think is more attractive?" Kasumigaoka suddenly asked.
"...Huh? Comparing you to Yukinoshita?"
Wait a minute!
Why are you asking me this deadly question?
Something feels off about this!
Hikigaya's instincts kicked in. Ever since he mentioned Yukinoshita, Kasumigaoka's demeanor had shifted.
What's going on here?
She's acting... strange.
Could it be...
No way.
Does Kasumigaoka-senpai... like me?
Idiot!
This is Kasumigaoka Senpai we're talking about!
The most stunning and accomplished senior, compared to me—a mere nobody.
Get a grip, Hikigaya! There must be another explanation!
"Senpai, why would you ask something like that? I mean... both of you are really amazing and beautiful in your own ways."
"But if you had to choose, setting aside personal feelings—who's prettier?"
Kasumigaoka leaned in closer, her alluring gaze piercing through Hikigaya.
"!!"
Too close!
Senpai, stop teasing me!
Hikigaya felt himself shrinking under the pressure, unable to respond.
"Tell me, Hikigaya-kun. What's your answer?"
As Kasumigaoka leaned in further, the tension mounted, her presence becoming nearly suffocating.
But just as Hikigaya was about to break, the sound of a door creaking open from the rooftop entrance shattered the charged atmosphere.
"!!"
Both of them instinctively pulled back, startled by the unexpected interruption.
Who comes to the rooftop during lunch break? A confession, maybe?
Either way, I'm saved.
Hikigaya let out a silent sigh of relief.
But as he turned to see who had arrived, a familiar figure entered his view.
"...No way."
The elegant, raven-haired girl approached hesitantly, her gaze locking onto Hikigaya.
"Why is it her?"
Indeed, the unexpected intruder was none other than his girlfriend—Yukinoshita Yukino.
"What a coincidence, Hikigaya-kun. Taking a breather on the rooftop too?" Yukinoshita offered him a soft smile before turning her attention to Kasumigaoka.
"Oh, Kasumigaoka-senpai, it's been a while."
Kasumigaoka, momentarily stunned, returned the smile after a brief pause. "It has been a while, Yukinoshita-san. Why don't you join us?"
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