Chapter 113: Miura’s Salty Water – Surprisingly Good!

"Let's take a break."

"I think I can keep going."

"I said, break!"

"Uh, okay."

Faced with Miura's commanding glare, Hachiman quickly nodded.

Miura scolded him lightly, "I get that you're eager to get stronger, but you need to pace yourself. Don't overdo it!"

Ahem, Queen Miura, aren't you a bit hypocritical on that point?

Of course, Hachiman kept that thought to himself, obediently nodding along like a dutiful student.

The two returned to the bench where they had started their rest earlier.

"Phew, I'm so thirsty!" Miura gasped.

Hachiman also let out a breath and reached for his water bottle, intending to take a long drink. However, as soon as he picked it up, he frowned.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

Miura grabbed her own bottle as well.

"It's just… I remember leaving about a third of my water, but now it's…"

"Empty?" Miura glanced at his bottle with a furrowed brow. "Weird."

"Maybe you just forgot you drank it all earlier."

"No way—I'd know if I finished it."

Miura scanned their surroundings with a serious expression but remained silent.

"Forget it. No point dwelling on it," Hachiman shrugged. "I'm not super thirsty anyway. Let's just get back to—"

"Drink mine!"

Miura suddenly thrust her water bottle toward him.

"Uh?" Hachiman blinked in surprise.

Her face was turned away, making it hard to read her expression.

"It's your water…"

"I said drink it! I'm an athlete; missing a sip won't hurt me. You need it more."

So considerate—Miura never changes.

"Alright, I get it," Hachiman relented, taking the bottle from her.

Miura let out a subtle breath of relief, a faint blush dusting her face as she sneaked a glance at him.

Unscrewing the cap, Hachiman paused, realizing the implications of drinking from her bottle. This would be an indirect kiss.

He stole a glance at Miura, who remained focused on the distance, oblivious to his internal turmoil. Deciding not to make a fuss, he took a swig.

"Gah! So salty!" Hachiman almost spat it out. "It's salt water?"

"After intense exercise, your body loses sodium. Drinking salt water helps replenish it," Miura explained calmly. "Not exactly tasty, huh?"

"Actually," Hachiman shook his head, "It's not that bad. Sure, it's salty, but there's a hint of sweetness if you savor it."

"Sweetness?" Miura's blush deepened.

"You're imagining things! Salt water doesn't taste sweet!"

Hachiman mused aloud, "Maybe it's because you drank from it first... or something else?"

"Huh?" Miura bit her lip, her face heating further.

This guy... always blurting things that make her heart race.

"What? Did I drink it all?"

"You drank the whole thing??"

"Oops, sorry." Hachiman apologized sheepishly, scratching his head. "It was just so strange—tasted unique, and I couldn't stop…"

"Ugh, forget it!" Miura turned away, flustered.

Feeling guilty, Hachiman offered, "I could buy you a new one."

"No need."

"But—"

"Hachiman!"

Miura faced him, her expression both determined and embarrassed.

"I…"

Before she could finish, Hachiman's face suddenly tensed. He shot up from the bench.

"Hnnng... excuse me, I need the restroom."

"What's wrong?" Miura asked, startled.

"Nothing, just a bit of stomach trouble. I'll be back."

She watched him jog off toward the public restroom, concern flickering in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Yukinoshita hid behind a tree, dumbfounded.

Miura's water… Hachiman drank it.

"And his water bottle… Where did it go??"

She frantically scanned the area but found nothing. Could an animal have taken it?

Desperate, she consulted the system.

[If a non-target drinks the Forced Intimate Potion, there will be no effect.]

"Good," Yukinoshita breathed a sigh of relief.

[However, the potion will still induce physical needs. Without resolution, it may cause harm.]

"Huh?"

Wait! If Hachiman doesn't address this… won't he explode?!

Miura's out of the picture now. Should she step in to help?

"Looks like I have no choice," Yukinoshita muttered, heading toward the restroom. "But how do I even explain why I'm here..."

At the sink, Hachiman splashed water on his face repeatedly, trying to cool down. Despite his efforts, the heat and restlessness persisted.

"Why do I keep thinking about Yukinoshita all of a sudden?"

Her image lingered in his mind—insistent, unavoidable.

The scent of something familiar wafted through the air, stirring his senses.

Hachiman turned sharply.

"Yukinoshita? Is that you?"

...

Meanwhile, Yukinoshita sighed, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Where is the restroom? Hachiman, why did you run off so fast?"

Navigating the unfamiliar park had left her disoriented.

"Ugh, I need to hurry before Hachiman gets overwhelmed!"

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