The dimly lit room was filled with a strange, indescribable atmosphere.
Hikigaya glanced awkwardly at Horikita, who sat trembling on the bed like a frightened lamb clutching the blanket.
The girl looked terrified, as if she'd just seen a monster. Her wide eyes quivered as they fixed on him.
"You don't have to look at me like that," Hikigaya sighed and took a step forward, intending to check on her.
"Stop—stop right there! Don't come any closer!!"
Horikita's expression changed dramatically, her voice a panicked warning.
"…"
Hikigaya halted in place.
"You devil… you lunatic… you absolute weirdo! Were you out of your mind just now?!"
Horikita's voice wavered between anger and embarrassment as she hurled complaints at him. Still, there was more exasperation than genuine resentment in her tone.
"Ahem…"
Hikigaya cleared his throat and said calmly,
"Well, you were the one who underestimated me, weren't you? I think now… you've realized your mistake."
"I…"
Horikita bit her lip and gripped the blanket tightly, clearly feeling unwilling to admit defeat.
But the memory of their earlier… interaction was still fresh in her mind.
This guy… is not normal.
"Did you take something beforehand?" she muttered through clenched teeth. "You weren't acting human back there…"
"Uhh… or maybe… just maybe… you're a little lacking in experience?"
Hikigaya cautiously offered.
"What did you just say?"
Horikita's voice shot up, flustered. "Are you saying I wasn't good enough?!"
"Ahem," he coughed again, saying nothing.
I mean… it's not like she has any real experience. She can't compare to… well, never mind.
Of course, that didn't mean she was any less attractive. In fact, her awkwardness was kind of… cute.
Wait, no. Get a grip, Hikigaya! You have a girlfriend—Yukinoshita! Yukinoshita!
"Unbelievable… How dare you look down on me! I… I'll show you just how capable I am—!"
Horikita tried to rise, clearly intending to get back at him, but her body failed her. She ended up sinking back into the plush mattress, defeated.
"You shouldn't be thinking about anything else today. Just rest."
Seeing her like this, Hikigaya stifled a laugh and gently advised her.
"I don't need you to tell me! I'm perfectly fine!"
Horikita pouted defiantly, refusing to admit weakness.
"Well, if that's the case, I'll be going, then," Hikigaya said as he turned toward the door.
"???"
Horikita's jaw dropped.
"Wait—wait a minute! You're seriously just going to leave like this?!"
"Do you need something else?"
"You—You're just going to walk off like nothing happened?! Get back here right now! Sit down and stay by my side!"
"…Okay."
He paused, then sighed. Yeah, leaving now would definitely be irresponsible.
Resigned, he returned to the bedside.
Horikita's expression softened just a little, though she still glared at him.
"Did I say you could leave? Unless I tell you otherwise, you're staying right here."
"Got it."
They weren't officially dating, but… at this point, Horikita was almost like a half-girlfriend. Hikigaya had no choice but to comply.
He sat beside her on the bed and began massaging her sore leg—she'd apparently pulled a muscle earlier. Her skin was pale and smooth… maybe even more alluring than Yukinoshita's.
No, stop! Don't compare them! That's just wrong.
Just as he was pulling his thoughts back in line, Horikita suddenly clamped her thighs together—nearly trapping his hand. Thankfully, he pulled away in time.
"What was that for?!"
Hikigaya protested.
"I… I just—"
Horikita's face turned red.
"???"
He immediately put distance between them, wary.
"Given your current state, you really should focus on resting…"
"Idiot! You perv! Who said I was thinking anything weird?!"
Horikita snapped, glaring at him.
Though… that little angry pout was admittedly pretty cute.
"Then what is it? Is your leg still bothering you?"
"It's not that…"
She lowered her head, flushed, and mumbled,
"I… I need to use the bathroom. And it's kinda… urgent."
"…"
Hikigaya blinked.
"Well, if it's urgent, then just go."
"I want to! But I can't walk properly…"
She clenched the blanket tightly, clearly embarrassed.
After glancing at her flushed face, and then at her legs, it suddenly clicked.
"…Alright. I'll carry you."
"Wait—huh?"
Before she could stop him, Hikigaya approached and gently lifted her up.
Again. Effortlessly.
How did this guy have so much strength? Was he even human?
"W-Wait… be careful…"
"Yeah, I got you."
He carried her into the bathroom. Just as he was about to put her down, she stopped him.
"Don't… I can't stand on my own right now."
"Then… how are you going to…?"
"You're supposed to help me."
Horikita buried her face in her hands and mumbled in utter shame.
"..."
Hikigaya froze, silent.
Help her… like a parent would with a toddler??
"Wait, you're not allowed to peek. Got it?!"
She looked up, face burning, and warned him firmly.
"Uhh…"
Seriously? Holding her like this while she…
Hikigaya was both reluctant and oddly nervous.
No, no! Calm down, Hikigaya! Your girlfriend is Yukinoshita. Yukinoshita!
You can't let yourself fall for someone just because she happens to resemble her!