Even the usually composed Megumi Kato couldn't help but glance at Yukinoshita with a curious expression.
Realizing her words had gone too far, Yukinoshita's pretty face flushed red.
She quickly messaged an explanation:
[Yukinoshita: I meant—I believe in you, Kato-san. I know you can hold on.]
[Megumi Kato: I see… Alright, I'll do my best.]
Seeing Yukinoshita's pleading expression, Kato nodded, reluctantly agreeing. Her eyes briefly flicked toward the boy lying on the grass, and a strange gleam flashed within them.
"Yukinoshita?"
Hikigaya called out.
"Just a second, what's with the rush? Let me catch my breath first."
Before Kato could act, Yukinoshita quickly responded.
"You're a lot… softer than usual today," Hikigaya commented.
"What, is that a problem?"
Yukinoshita huffed, blinking playfully before asking, a little bashfully:
"So… do you like me better today? Or… the way I used to be?"
"Eh? That's…"
Hikigaya hesitated, falling into thought.
He probably thinks the old me was stronger, more assertive. He'll definitely pick the past me.
Come on, Hikigaya-kun, just pick already~
"Isn't it obvious? I prefer the current you."
He answered seriously.
"Eh?!"
Yukinoshita's jaw dropped. Her entire body and voice trembled slightly.
She stared at him, confused.
"Why…?"
"Well, sure, you're a little softer today, but you've been doing great. I like the way you are now. You feel… more natural today. It's kind of like our first… uh, never mind. Anyway, you're perfect today."
He praised her earnestly.
Yukinoshita responded with a drawn-out "oh," looking deflated.
Ugh. Again with this nonsense!
Why is it that whenever my eyes are covered, it feels like every other girl is more appealing than me?
I'm clearly being gentle too. Clearly showing my feminine charm!
This is so frustrating!
At that moment, Kato poked Yukinoshita lightly.
[Megumi Kato: Yukinoshita, I'm ready.]
Snapping back to reality, Yukinoshita gave a weak smile in reply.
[Yukinoshita: Okay.]
"Well then, Hikigaya-kun… since you like me this much today, you'd better appreciate it properly. Ready?"
"Why are you making it sound so dramatic?"
"I've been ready."
Watching Kato slowly approach Hikigaya, Yukinoshita's heart twisted. She wanted to close her eyes, to look away—but in the end, she couldn't.
After all… there were points to earn by watching.
---
Midway through lunch break
In a quiet grove near the school sports field, two girls and one boy were hiding out. The air was tinged with a subtle tension, and a gentle breeze passed through, like a soft caress across their faces.
"Hikigaya-kun… satisfied?"
"Yukinoshita… today, you were… amazing."
Though he tried to sound cool, Hikigaya had to admit, his girlfriend was especially impressive today.
"As long as you're happy with me…"
"Will there be more tomorrow?"
He asked curiously.
"Wha— You greedy little…!"
Flushing again, Yukinoshita gave him a mock glare. "We'll see about tomorrow."
Then she looked over at Kato, who was still visibly flustered.
To be honest—
She rarely saw Megumi Kato show such emotion. Today, her shy demeanor was uncharacteristically adorable. No wonder the system chose her as one of the top-tier girls.
[Yukinoshita: Kato-san, was my boyfriend to your liking?]
[Megumi Kato: I… I suppose so. Yukinoshita-san, with a boyfriend like Hikigaya-kun, you must be very happy. I'm a little envious.]
[Yukinoshita: You flatter me. I'm sure you'll find someone even better.]
[Megumi Kato: Maybe…]
Kato's eyes drifted toward the boy lying on the grass. Her gaze lowered bit by bit, and when it reached a certain point, her blush deepened. She quickly looked away.
Yukinoshita followed her gaze and quickly caught on.
Ah…
Come to think of it, the task isn't quite finished yet.
There's still one part left.
"Hikigaya-kun, wait a second. Stay still. Don't move."
"Huh?"
Though confused by her sudden command, Hikigaya obeyed and stayed still.
Then Yukinoshita leaned closer to Kato, expression serious.
[Yukinoshita: Kato-san, interested?]
[Megumi Kato: Huh?]
[Yukinoshita: Want to give it a try? I mean… you haven't really interacted with a boy this way before, right?]
[Megumi Kato: But he's your boyfriend. Wouldn't it be wrong for me to—]
[Yukinoshita: It's fine. I'm giving you permission. Don't worry, as long as you're okay with it.]
[Megumi Kato: I see…]
[Yukinoshita: Just think of him as a practice dummy, okay?]
[Megumi Kato: A dummy…]
[Yukinoshita: It'll help you get used to it. Otherwise, when you're with your future boyfriend, you might panic, you know?]
Kato stared at Hikigaya for a few seconds.
Then she asked:
[Megumi Kato: If I do this… will it help with your condition?]
Yukinoshita: "…"
Help what? I'm not even sick!
Still, she put on a brave smile and responded:
[Yukinoshita: Totally! I feel so much better already~]
[Megumi Kato: Alright… I'll try.]
[Yukinoshita: Thank you.]
"Hikigaya-kun, don't move. You helped me earlier, so now… um, it's my turn to help you."
"Huh?"
"Stay still, you dummy. If you move, I'll bite you."
Yukinoshita half-joked while watching Kato get closer to her boyfriend.
Her heart ached.
And yet…
She also felt strangely warm.
This… this might be a problem.