Inside the girls' restroom, Kawasaki and Kasumigaoka had just finished an intense argument.
In the end, they reached a shocking conclusion—both of them had gotten far too close to Hikigaya.
Kasumigaoka's expression was unreadable, shifting between various emotions. Meanwhile, Kawasaki's face was red with frustration, her whole body trembling.
For Kawasaki, watching her close friend, Yukinoshita being cheated right in front of her was simply unacceptable.
A brief silence followed.
Finally, after taking a deep breath, Kasumigaoka broke the tension.
"Kawasaki, I have a suggestion. How about—"
But before she could finish, Kawasaki interrupted.
"From now on, neither of us should go near Hikigaya like that."
"...What?" Kasumigaoka blinked, completely caught off guard.
"Excuse me?!"
At that moment, hidden inside a restroom stall and eavesdropping on their conversation, Yukinoshita nearly lost her balance on the toilet seat.
Kawasaki, no! What kind of ridiculous idea is that?!
If you both stay away from Hikigaya, then what happens to my plan?! I need both of you to help take care of my dear husband!
Kawasaki remained firm. "Is there a problem? Neither of us are his girlfriend. If that's the case, then there's no reason for us to be involved in that way."
Kasumigaoka scoffed. "No way. That's impossible."
There wasn't a shred of hesitation in her voice. "I need Hikigaya. Without him, I won't survive! I'm a normal, healthy young woman!"
That's right, that's right!
High school seniors are in their prime! It's only natural for them to need… companionship!
Kasumigaoka-senpai, I support you! Keep taking care of my dear husband!
Kawasaki twitched. "You're seriously saying you need a guy for this? You have hands, don't you?"
Kasumigaoka shot her a sharp look. "That's not the same at all."
Exactly! How could that possibly compare to my dear husband?!
Kawasaki exhaled sharply. "Then go find someone else."
Kasumigaoka folded her arms. "Do I look like the kind of person who'd just settle for any random guy?"
Kawasaki's tone turned cold. "Either way, I won't let you keep doing this with Hikigaya. He's Yukinoshita's boyfriend, and I won't allow you to mess up their relationship."
Oh, Kawasaki… you're such a good friend…
But seriously, it's fine! You can share! I don't mind at all!
Kasumigaoka rolled her eyes. "Mess up their relationship? Please. I'm not trying to steal him. I'm just borrowing him for a bit. Yukinoshita is my friend too—I'd never take her boyfriend away from her."
See? Even Senpai understands!
"Like I'd believe that!" Kawasaki shot back.
"If you really cared about her, you'd stay away from her boyfriend. That's the best way to avoid any misunderstandings."
Kawasaki, stop! You're making this so much harder for me!
Kasumigaoka smirked. "Well, what if I told you I was doing this for Yukinoshita's sake?"
Kawasaki frowned. "What?"
Kasumigaoka leaned in slightly. "Do you know what Yukinoshita is like when it comes to… this kind of thing?"
Kawasaki's face turned red. "W-What are you talking about?"
Kasumigaoka sighed. "Let's just say she's… intense. She nearly knocked Hikigaya out."
Kawasaki gulped. "A-And?"
Kasumigaoka grinned. "So I'm just helping him keep up. You know, training him a little."
Her voice took on an air of exaggerated wisdom.
"The more experience a guy has, the better he gets! That's just common sense, right?"
"You—you can't seriously be using that as an excuse!"
Kasumigaoka remained calm. "It's not an excuse—it's a fact. If he keeps losing every time, his confidence will take a hit. And if he can't keep up with Yukinoshita, she's going to get frustrated. If that happens, their relationship will suffer."
She spoke with the authority of a seasoned strategist.
"Eventually, that frustration will turn into disappointment. Then resentment. And before you know it, they'll drift apart. Do you really want to see that happen?"
Kawasaki hesitated. "O-Of course not. I want them to be happy together."
Kasumigaoka nodded approvingly. "Exactly. So as friends, we have to help them. It's our duty to make sure their happiness lasts."
Kawasaki looked conflicted, her face growing redder by the second. "But… but this is just too…"
"If you won't do it, then I will," Kasumigaoka declared, eyes gleaming with determination. "Even if it means sacrificing myself, I'll make sure Hikigaya becomes strong enough to handle Yukinoshita. For their future!"
Senpai, you're amazing. You're actually making this sound noble.
Kasumigaoka then turned toward Kawasaki, flashing a knowing smile.
"But of course, friends should help each other out. So, Kawasaki… why don't we help him together?"
"H-Help together?"
Kasumigaoka nodded. "That's right. We take turns. One day you, one day me. That way, we both contribute to Yukinoshita's happiness."
Kawasaki's mind went blank.
"Or," Kasumigaoka added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "if taking turns is too much trouble… we could just help him at the same time."
Kawasaki felt a shiver run down her spine. "W-Wait… you don't mean—"
Kasumigaoka leaned in closer. "Three of us. One bed."
Silence.
Even Kasumigaoka blushed at her own words.
"W-WHAT?!" Kawasaki stumbled back, waving her hands frantically. "No way! Absolutely not!"
"Why not?" Kasumigaoka stepped forward, her excitement growing.
"If we work together, we can maximize Hikigaya's growth. He'll improve faster, and Yukinoshita will be even happier! It's the perfect plan!"
"T-This is for… Yukinoshita's sake…?" Kawasaki muttered, overwhelmed by Kasumigaoka's flawless reasoning.
Kawasaki, just say yes already!
From inside the stall, Yukinoshita was gripping her skirt in frustration. She wanted to burst out and force Kawasaki to accept the plan.