Chapter 112: A Spiked Scheme—Yukinoshita’s Bold Move
The restroom was filled with an unusual scent.
A subtle yet stimulating aroma that seemed to ignite something primal in the air.
Hachiman Hikigaya couldn't resist stepping inside.
There was no other option; nature called.
However, the moment he entered, vivid memories of what had just occurred there rushed back to him.
Although he had shared intimate moments with both Yukinoshita and Kasumigaoka, witnessing a girl in her private, unguarded moment was still uncharted territory for him.
To be honest, it was... overwhelming.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Hachiman tried to shake off the images in his mind.
A few minutes later, as he stepped out, a playful voice greeted him from the sofa.
"Hey, Hikigaya-kun, you weren't... doing anything suspicious in there, were you?"
It was Sayuri, her tone teasing, her smile knowing.
"No, of course not!" Hachiman stammered, his face flushing crimson as he hurriedly made his way upstairs, avoiding the alluring gaze of the mischievous woman.
---
"Why did you take so long?" Eriri asked, raising an eyebrow as he entered her room.
"Sorry," Hachiman muttered.
"Wait... Was it because of my mom?"
"Uh..."
"I knew it!" Eriri huffed, crossing her arms. "She's been messing with you again, hasn't she? I'll go tell her off!"
"No need for that!" Hachiman quickly waved her off, eager to change the subject.
"Let's just focus on the game," he said, pointing to the screen. "This latest dungeon is brutal. With your shallow roster of characters, you'll need a solid strategy. Let me help you reconfigure your team..."
Reluctantly, Eriri let it go, turning her attention back to the screen.
As they worked together, Eriri seemed distracted.
Every few minutes, she would glance at Hachiman, as if about to say something, only to stop herself.
An hour later, they finally completed the dungeon.
"All done," Hachiman announced with a satisfied sigh.
"You're amazing..." Eriri murmured in awe.
"Anyway," Hachiman cleared his throat. "I should get going."
"Oh, stay for lunch," Sayuri chimed in, appearing at the door, now wearing an apron and smiling warmly. "I'm making something special."
"No, no, that's okay!" Hachiman said quickly, waving his hands in polite refusal. "I promised my sister I'd have lunch at home. I shouldn't impose."
Sayuri looked disappointed but relented.
"Well, at least let me walk you out."
"That's not necessary—"
Before he could finish, Sayuri stepped closer and wrapped an arm around his.
"Come on, Hikigaya-kun~" she purred, her voice teasing.
The sudden proximity made Hachiman stiffen, his face burning red. Eriri, too, looked shocked.
"Mom! What are you doing?!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, nothing," Sayuri replied with a sly smile, releasing Hachiman's arm. "Just reminding him to keep our little secret. Right, Hikigaya-kun?"
"I... I understand," Hachiman mumbled, hurriedly pulling away and rushing downstairs.
---
Later, as Hachiman left their house, Eriri turned to her mother, confused.
"Secret? What secret? What's going on between you two?"
"Hmm..." Sayuri mused, a mysterious smile on her lips.
Then, smoothly changing the subject, she asked, "So, how are things going between you and Hikigaya-kun? Have you made any progress?"
"What?! No! Of course not!" Eriri stammered, her face turning red. "We're just... friends!"
Sayuri sighed inwardly. Her daughter, it seemed, wasn't taking the initiative.
But for some reason, that thought didn't bother her as much as it should have.
Her mind wandered back to the restroom earlier.
It was the first time a man had seen her in such an unguarded state—not even her ex-husband had witnessed that.
A strange mix of emotions stirred within her. Shame, excitement, and... something else entirely.
---
Later that afternoon.
After enjoying lunch prepared by his sister, Komachi, Hachiman announced he was heading out.
"Where are you going?" Komachi asked, surprised.
"For a run," he replied casually.
"Eh?!" Komachi stared at him, wide-eyed.
Her typically lazy older brother was suddenly brimming with energy?
As Hachiman left, she sighed.
"Ugh, stupid brother... Leaving me alone at home again..."
Unaware of Komachi's complaints, Hachiman soon arrived at the park, where he found Yumiko waiting.
"Hey," she greeted him, leaning casually against a lamppost.
"You're early," Hachiman noted.
"Let's get started," Yumiko said briskly. "After today, take a break tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Idiot! Overtraining is bad for you," she scolded, her tone softening. "I know you're eager to improve, but resting is just as important. Promise me you'll take tomorrow off."
"Fine," Hachiman agreed with a small smile. Yumiko always knew how to balance things out.
---
The two began their usual routine, starting with warm-ups before moving on to running laps around the park.
They paused every thirty minutes to rest, drink water, and catch their breath.
An hour passed, and the two took another short break.
But as they resumed their jog, a shadowy figure appeared near the bench where they had left their belongings.
---
Wearing a baseball cap, a white blouse, and tight denim shorts, Yukino approached cautiously.
After ensuring no one was around, she reached for the water bottles Hachiman and Yumiko had been drinking from.
"I'm sorry, Hachiman-kun," she whispered, her hands trembling as she unscrewed the bottle caps. "I really have no choice... Please forgive me..."
Taking out a small vial of liquid, Yukino carefully poured it into both bottles.
The substance mixed silently with the water.
Her hands, and even her legs, were shaking as she completed the task.
"Forgive me," she murmured again. But despite the guilt, her lips curved into a small, triumphant smile.
Her plan was finally coming together.
"Once this takes effect, the two of you will... naturally... bond."
She giggled softly, her heart pounding in anticipation.
"Just wait, Hachiman-kun. This time, everything will fall into place."
****************************
Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.
p@treon/GodDragcell