Chapter 40: Kawasaki’s Not Too Bad Either

Honestly, at first, Eriri was utterly at a loss about walking into the men's restroom. She had never imagined she'd suddenly take such a bold action.

Was it because guilt overwhelmed her? Did she just want to apologize to Hikigaya immediately?

That's what Eriri had thought initially.

But the moment she saw Hikigaya fumbling to pull up his pants, a strange, audacious idea unexpectedly popped into her mind.

She wanted to kiss him.

Yes, that's right.

Especially when her eyes caught Hikigaya awkwardly adjusting his pants, his face flushed red as he nervously looked her way, the inexplicable urge surged even stronger. Her legs, almost as if acting of their own will, began moving closer to Hikigaya.

Eriri's heart was in turmoil—she was terrified, confused, and overwhelmed with embarrassment.

What kind of girl sees a guy pulling up his pants and immediately thinks about kissing him?

She wasn't some kind of pervert!

Logically, Eriri knew this wasn't the reason.

Was it because of how Hikigaya helped her yesterday?

Because he was her fan?

Because he encouraged her dream?

Or perhaps it was that intense dream she had last night?

Piece by piece, these feelings had piled up, and now...

Could it be that she had already started liking Hikigaya, and this was the result?

To be honest, Eriri wasn't sure.

Her feelings for Hikigaya were blurry at best, but to say she felt nothing for him would be a lie.

There was definitely some affection there.

But, but, but, but, but... this was too impulsive, wasn't it?

Was she losing her mind?

Kissing a boy in the men's restroom?!

Eriri was deeply conflicted—she desperately wanted to stop herself.

However.

The more she resisted, the stronger the desire to kiss Hikigaya grew. Her legs refused to halt, and even her hands began reaching out on their own to cup his face.

Ugh!

Maybe...

Maybe she really did like Hikigaya.

Hmm.

When you think about it, securing a boyfriend wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

It could even help her fulfill her mother's expectations!

But aaaaargh!!

Kissing him so openly, especially when he was so clearly trying to avoid it, was just too mortifying.

If only they were in a less awkward place!

Why... why did it have to be here, of all places?

It was humiliating beyond belief.

At this rate, she'd rather not kiss him at all!

As Eriri struggled internally, fate stepped in.

A certain blue-haired girl suddenly barged into the restroom.

The newcomer quickly walked over, forcibly shoved the two apart, and then...

...she slipped and fell, knocking Hikigaya to the ground and accidentally locking lips with him.

Oh.

Freedom.

She didn't kiss him after all!

...What's there to be happy about?!

Eriri froze on the spot, utterly dumbfounded.

Her first thought? Who the hell is this random girl ruining my moment?!

She had been ready to confess her feelings to Hikigaya, and this girl just had to barge in!

And that wasn't even the worst part.

She... she kissed him!

That was her spot, damn it!

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated Eriri became.

If a dog walked by right now, she might actually want to bite it.

Infuriated, Eriri's face flushed red as she snapped at the pair on the floor. "Y-you two! What on earth are you doing?! How long are you planning to keep kissing?!"

Hikigaya, his face bright red, hurriedly pushed the girl off him.

Kawasaki, equally flustered, quickly got up from the ground, her cheeks burning crimson.

Watching the two of them, Eriri felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort. A strange irritability bubbled up from deep within her, filling her chest.

Before she could say anything more, Hikigaya took a deep breath and broke the awkward silence. "I-I'm sorry for the mess just now. Kawasaki, are you okay?"

"Eh?" Kawasaki stiffened, stammering as her face grew even redder. "I-I should be the one apologizing..."

"Anyway, as long as you're not hurt," Hikigaya said, trying to maintain composure. He then turned to Eriri. "S-Sa-Sa-Sa-Sa-Sa-Sawamura, you're fine too, right? Honestly, what's gotten into you two? Walking into the wrong restroom? This is the men's room! MEN'S!"

"Ugh..."

"Ah..."

Hikigaya's words caused both girls to lower their heads in embarrassment, their faces flushed.

Without waiting for a response, Hikigaya quickly turned and started walking toward the exit. "Anyway, I'm leaving. You two should hurry up and get out of here too before someone sees you!"

And with that, he bolted out of the restroom.

Goodness!

The girls around him were acting stranger and stranger lately.

First it was Kasumigaoka, then Eriri, and now Kawasaki?!

Yukinon, please save me! I'm really scared here, okay?!

With Hikigaya gone, only Kawasaki and Eriri were left in the restroom. The two glanced at each other, their expressions awkward.

But soon, they both let out a small "hmph," each turning their head away with a slight pout.

Meanwhile, outside, Yukinoshita stood hidden in the shadows, finally snapping out of her shock. She mumbled to herself, "Kawasaki's a potential route too?"

Just moments ago, Kawasaki had kissed Hikigaya, earning her a solid 180 system points.

If the system awarded points, there was no doubt she was a viable candidate for Hikigaya's affection.

Judging by the hefty 180 points, Kawasaki was no lightweight—her "quality" wasn't any worse than that of a certain senior.

Well, what could she say?

It was surprising, sure. After all, the original plan had been for Eriri to take the initiative. Kawasaki's involvement was purely accidental.

But then again, after seeing the point increase, Yukinoshita thought, If it's Kawasaki... maybe it's not so bad after all.

Kawasaki was, after all, a good person.

With that thought, a bold idea crept into Yukinoshita's mind. Maybe in the future, I could have Kawasaki and Hikigaya "stick together" too!

After all, according to the Law of Adhesion Conservation, the more women around Hikigaya, the less each individual would weigh on his heart.

And she, as the one with the highest affection score, would only see her position grow more secure.

That settled it—Kasumigaoka and Eriri alone weren't enough.

"Wait, why's Hikigaya coming out already..." As Yukinoshita pondered her plans, she spotted her boyfriend hurrying out of the restroom, his face a mix of panic and fear.

Ah, as expected of her boyfriend.

He's so adorable.

Yukinoshita smiled to herself. She wanted to step forward and comfort him, but Hikigaya moved too quickly, vanishing before she could even react.

Oh well.

There would be plenty of chances to comfort him later.

Yukinoshita turned her gaze back toward the restroom.

Her Hikigaya had already left.

But Kawasaki and Eriri... why were they still in there?

What could those two possibly be doing?

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