It was the first time Hikigaya had ever carried a girl and helped her use the bathroom due to physical discomfort.
The scene spoke for itself.
For any guy, it would've been a lot to take in—and even someone as usually composed as Hikigaya found his mind wavering.
Especially with Horikita's mixture of shyness, resistance, and... unintentional allure, the situation inevitably led to a few minor incidents inside the bathroom.
By the time he carried her out, both their faces were tinged with a soft blush.
"Y-You pervert…"
Nestled in Hikigaya's arms, Horikita couldn't help but mumble teasingly.
"…"
Flustered, Hikigaya stammered,
"S-Sorry. Is your body okay now?"
How did it come to this?
One mistake after another.
Every time he was alone with Horikita, he felt himself slipping… She really did feel like a girlfriend—no, even better than one, in so many ways.
How could this be? They were both girls, and aside from her chest being a bit larger than Yukinoshita's, they weren't all that different… So why did she feel newer, more… exciting?
Exciting?
Wait. Calm down. Yukinoshita hasn't lost her charm, not by a long shot. Hikigaya Hachiman is loyal. He loves Yukinoshita. He loves Yukinoshita…
"My body was almost fully recovered, and now thanks to you, I…"
Horikita raised her eyes and shot him a glare.
"S-Sorry…"
All he could do was apologize again. Then he gently placed her back on the soft bed so she could rest properly.
"Keep massaging me."
Horikita huffed, issuing a command.
"Yes, ma'am…"
Hikigaya smiled bitterly.
His massage continued, focusing mostly on her legs.
He was careful, attentive, completely focused. His clear eyes held no ulterior motives—just the genuine intention to help Horikita feel better.
But as she looked at his serious expression, Horikita's eyes sparkled. Her heart started to race. The feelings that had long been buried inside her began to surge up again, stirring her emotions.
After everything that had happened between them, the line between them and a real couple—or even husband and wife—had long blurred.
Horikita was a conservative girl. She valued her first time immensely. In her eyes, it should belong only to the man she saw as her future partner.
Of course, that alone wasn't enough for Hikigaya to qualify.
Her future partner had to be outstanding—not just good in certain areas, but truly intelligent. Not a slacker.
To that end, she'd secretly done her research over the past week. Through Shizuka Hiratsuka, through other channels, she'd gathered information.
And now, she had a relatively clear picture of who Hikigaya really was.
This man was worth investing in. Worth calling husband.
After all, he was the one chosen by Yukino Yukinoshita, the pride of Sōbu High, the jewel of the Yukinoshita family. How could he be anything less?
On the surface, she always looked displeased with him. But in truth, Horikita had long started to like what she saw more and more.
"Not so hard—you trying to crush me or what?"
She let out a discontented hum and gave Hikigaya a firm pinch on the cheek.
"Ow ow ow…"
Hikigaya quickly said, "Sorry, sorry, I'll be gentler. Please don't pinch again."
"Hmph~ Keep massaging."
"Yes, yes…"
He sighed, like a tired old ox resigned to his fate, and continued kneading her thigh.
Outwardly, Horikita wore a cold, annoyed look—but inside, she was secretly pleased.
Hmm. Not bad at all.
Quite obedient.
She disliked overly assertive guys. She preferred the type who listened to her—who followed her lead. And Hikigaya? He fit the bill perfectly.
Yes, Yukinoshita's pick truly didn't disappoint.
The more she looked at him, the more satisfied she felt.
Then suddenly, she asked with startling directness:
"Hikigaya, when are you breaking up with your girlfriend?"
"…?!"
Hikigaya froze mid-motion. After a moment of silence, he muttered:
"I'm not breaking up…"
"Even after what happened between us, you don't feel a shred of guilt? If you're being honest with yourself, the best thing you could do now is break up with her."
Horikita's tone was sharp.
"And then be with you?"
Hikigaya asked flatly.
"Hmph, who said anything about being with you?"
She scoffed, then changed tone quickly. "But… if you did break up with her… I might, out of pity, consider… giving things a try with you."
"…"
Hikigaya didn't bother responding to her tsundere act. He took a deep breath and said firmly:
"No matter what, I won't break up with Yukinoshita. Even if I do feel terrible about this… even if—technically—this is a breakup-worthy offense…"
Knowing Yukinoshita's strong exterior and fragile heart, he couldn't imagine what would happen if he confessed. In the worst-case scenario… no, he didn't even want to go there.
Unless he found a way to make everything right, he couldn't bring himself to hurt her.
And more importantly, in his heart, the one he truly loved was Yukinoshita. No one could replace her—not even Horikita, no matter how much she resembled her.
Staring at him, Horikita's heart stirred at the conviction in his voice. She took a few deep breaths, then said:
"You're more loyal than I expected."
"Heh… if I were truly loyal, I wouldn't have let things go this far with you."
Hikigaya smiled bitterly.
Horikita's face flushed. Then she let out a cold snort and said,
"Fine. If you won't break up, then you won't. But… this thing between us? It's not over. From now on—every week, whenever I have free time—I'm coming to see you."
"…Huh? Wait, what?!"
Hikigaya gaped.
"Coming to see me… means what, exactly?"
"Hmph. Idiot~"
Horikita turned away, cheeks red.
"!!!"
She's crazy. Is she planning to make me cheat on Yukinoshita weekly?!
"Sōbu High is stressful. I need a way to release that pressure. And after everything you've gotten out of me… it's your responsibility to help."
She said it calmly, face still flushed.
"Uh…"
So I've become… her stress-relief assistant?
Hikigaya could only sigh, helpless and bitter. Meanwhile, Horikita turned her blushing face away—but the tiniest, rarest smile began to form on her lips.
She had time. She wasn't letting this man go that easily.
Especially now that she'd tasted what it felt like to be with him… there was no going back.
Hikigaya Hachiman would be hers.
And one day—he'd become the son-in-law of the Horikita family.