Category: I’m a Childhood Friend, and I Want to Remain a Supporting Character, but for Some Reason I Became the Heroine’s Love Interest

09 To Friends

“Oh…”

The waiter placed our order on the table.

I couldn’t help but let out a gasp at the sight.

Fluffy pancakes topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and strawberry sauce.

I’d seen pictures and videos, but seeing it in person was completely different.

“These are really good here.”

Saying that, Hinase-san picked up a knife and fork and began cutting the pancakes.

She cut a bite-sized piece, stabbed it with her fork, and lifted it.

“Here, say ‘ahh.’”

Hinase-san held out the pancake with a grin.

I had no idea what she found so amusing.

“What are you doing? I can eat it myself.”

“Come on, let me feed you.”

I really wanted to stab the pancake with my own fork.

But unfortunately, there was only one serving of pancakes and one set of cutlery.

In other words, I had no way to eat the pancakes other than through Hinase-san.

…I couldn’t just grab it with my hands.

“Come on, come on, it’s the pancake you were looking forward to, Amatsuki-san.”

Hinase-san temptingly wiggled the pancake.

It was like feeding a pet.

“It’s not good to play with your food.”

“Then eat it quickly. Here you go.”

Hinase-san extended her arm.

Before my eyes was a pancake covered in whipped cream stained pink with strawberry sauce.

This was torture…

—Nibble

Unable to resist any longer, I took a bite.

The soft texture and subtle sweetness filled my mouth, combined with the sweetness of the whipped cream and the tartness of the strawberries.

“How is it?”

“…It’s good.”

“That’s the first time I’ve seen someone say something’s delicious while sounding so grumpy.”

Hinase-san continued to look at me with amusement.

“I was just thinking it would taste even better if I could eat it myself.”

“Eh, it’s fine, it’s just this much.”

Saying that, Hinase-san continued cutting the pancakes.

She glanced at me.

“Want another bite?”

“I’ll eat it myself. You should eat too, Hinase-san.”

“You’re right.”

Hinase-san was about to bring the pancake to her mouth when she stopped abruptly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Amatsuki-san, will you feed me?”

Hinase-san’s eyes sparkled.

Did she really want me to do that?

“No, eat it yourself.”

“Aww, too bad.”

As Hinase-san brought the pancake to her mouth, a strand of hair fell loose.

Tucking it behind her ear, she exposed the skin of her neck.

Her bare skin was fair and smooth.

Even the simple act of eating looked picturesque. As expected of a beautiful girl.

She finally brought the pancake to her mouth, her shapely lips moving as she chewed.

“…It’s kind of hard to eat when you’re staring at me like that.”

“Now you know how I feel.”

“Not really. You’re still going to eat more, right, Amatsuki-san?”

Hinase-san placed her knife and fork on the plate.

She slid the plate closer to me.

“…I will.”

This time, I used the knife and fork myself and brought a piece of pancake to my mouth.

The sweetness spread through my mouth.

But being watched by Hinase-san while I ate still bothered me.

“Hey, didn’t you say you didn’t like sweets, Amatsuki-san?”

“…Did I say that?”

“You did. Yesterday, right after you helped me, I tried to thank you and asked if you liked sweets, and you said you didn’t.”

I actually remember. I said that so I wouldn’t have to accept her offer.

Besides, I’m not sociable enough to readily share my preferences with others.

If asked about my preferences, I’d just brush it off with “normal” or “I don’t like it.”

I’m aware that I’m a difficult person.

“I like sweets.”

“Then why did you lie?”

Hinase-san’s gaze pierced me.

She’s always smiling, but at times like this, her expression becomes serious.

I didn’t like that atmosphere.

“…It’s nothing. I’m just embarrassed to tell people what I like.”

That’s the truth.

Keeping my distance from others is a habit of mine.

It won’t change, and I don’t really want it to.

It’s best to keep a healthy distance from others.

That way, I won’t get hurt, and I won’t hurt anyone else.

I think it’s best for everyone, nothing but good can come of it.

“So, that means we’re close now.”

“…Eh?”

That caught me off guard.

“Because you don’t tell other people your preferences, right? I know now, so that means we’re close.”

…Hinase-san relentlessly closed the distance I tried to maintain.

It bothered me somewhere deep inside.

It was a place within me, normally unstimulated, that I couldn’t quite pinpoint.

But it made me feel restless, like I couldn’t stay still.

“You only found out because of the conversation.”

“But I still found out.”

“That’s true, but…”

“We’re friends now.”

Hinase-san smiled.

It’s unfair how she can soften the atmosphere at a time like this after being so serious just a moment ago.

Her expression made me feel relieved.

“We even exchanged contact information, so we can’t just be classmates anymore, can we?”

“…Well, I guess not.”

“Say it.”

Hinase-san leaned closer across the table, listening intently.

Since her hair was still tucked behind her ears, even her soft-looking ears were exposed.

“…Say what?”

“That we’re friends.”

“…”

I didn’t want to.

“Come on, don’t be silent, I won’t know if you don’t say it.”

But she wouldn’t be satisfied if I didn’t say it.

“…‘We’re friends.’”

“You’re totally doing that on purpose, aren’t you?”

Hinase-san puffed out her cheeks.

She looked cute like that, but it might not be good to provoke her any further.

I decided to obediently comply.

“…Hinase-san and I are friends.”

“Yes, that’s right!”

This time, Hinase-san’s voice was filled with genuine joy.

I felt restless and couldn’t look her in the eye.

To avoid the awkward silence and appear normal, I took a bite of the pancake.

…However.

“The pancake… has lost its flavor…”

“Eh, why?”

I think it’s because of the emotions welling up inside me.

Hinase-san was invading the space within me that was supposed to be empty.

I can remain calm because there’s nothing there, but she’s disrupting that.

But for some reason, I didn’t feel annoyed.

It was strange, but I knew it was because it was Hinase-san.

08 Cold Fingertips

“I’m cute…?”

Hinase-san’s statement was wrong.

Let me reiterate.

Amatsuki Suzuna is plain.

Black hair deliberately styled in pigtails, thick-lensed black-rimmed glasses.

Her uniform buttoned all the way up, her skirt a proper length below the knee.

And to top it all off, no makeup, no effort to dress up.

No matter how you look at it, she’s unremarkable.

“Hinase-san, do you know the meaning of the word ‘cute’?”

I don’t know in what sense Hinase-san was using “cute,” but I think it’s a bad habit to use it for everything.

“I know what it means, and look.”

—Touch

Without any warning, Hinase-san touched my cheek.

Her fingertips were cool, leaving only a trace of coldness.

“Wh-What?!”

I flinched and recoiled.

Being touched so suddenly startled me.

“As I thought, your skin is soft, and you’re so fair with fine pores. Super beautiful skin.”

“Th-That’s because I don’t go out much. And I don’t wear makeup, so my skin doesn’t get damaged.”

Someone like Hinase-san, who wears makeup every day and is always going out, probably puts a lot of stress on her skin.

In contrast, I do nothing, so my skin is stress-free. That’s all it is.

“So you’re saying it’s for your skin’s sake? You’re such a hard worker.”

“H-How did you come to that conclusion…?”

Her thinking is too positive.

Or am I just too cynical…?

I often get confused when talking to Hinase-san.

“Let me touch it.”

Hinase-san’s finger reached out again.

“No.”

I clasped my hands together to block her fingertips.

Hinase-san’s fingertips were still cold.

It might be because we’re outside, but being touched by such cold hands isn’t pleasant.

“Your hands are warm, Amatsuki-san.”

I think it’s just that her fingertips are too cold, but relatively speaking, mine feel warm.

Hinase-san stared at my hand gripping hers, seemingly savoring the warmth.

“Yours are cold, Hinase-san. I’ll freeze to death if you keep touching me with those hands.”

“That’s an exaggeration. It just means my heart is warm.”

“So you’re saying my heart is cold.”

I have a feeling she’s right.

“The way you’re so guarded is also cute, like a cat.”

Hinase-san is tall, so compared to her, I’m short.

So maybe my small stature and hunched posture make me seem like a small animal.

“That doesn’t make sense.”

“Say ‘meow.’”

“I’m not saying that.”

Hinase-san’s words and actions were nonsensical.

“Forget it, let’s just go. Where are we going?”

I was also getting tired of the stares from those around us.

I’m sure some of them were eavesdropping on our conversation.

Even though Hinase-san is obviously the beautiful one, it’s uncomfortable to be the one being called cute.

“Eh, but you don’t seem very enthusiastic, Amatsuki-san…”

“That’s not true. Let’s go somewhere you recommend, Hinase-san.”

“Is it okay if it’s something I like?”

“Yeah, anything you like is fine.”

Or rather, I don’t have any preferences.

I’m the type of person who just eats and drinks whatever’s available.

It’s better to leave it to Hinase-san.

“Okay, then this way.”

She returned the grip on my hand.

I followed Hinase-san.

Her fingertips gradually warmed up, as if my body heat was transferring to her.

◇◇◇

The place Hinase-san took me to was a cafe.

The space was mainly wood, with potted plants here and there.

Soft orange lighting created a gentle atmosphere.

“…Unexpected.”

I blurted out without thinking.

“Eh, really?”

“Yeah, I thought you’d go to a more flashy place, Hinase-san.”

“Flashy?”

“I don’t know, like a party place with lots of ‘woo-hoo!’”

“What’s that? That’s hilarious.”

Hinase-san laughed and sat at a table by the window.

I followed her and sat opposite her.

The sofa was a muted green fabric, slightly fuzzy with long fibers.

…I’ve never been to a place like this before.

Hinase-san sat down without talking to the waiter or anything. She must be used to this.

I felt the gap between her world and mine even more keenly.

“What do you want to drink, Amatsuki-san?”

She handed me a menu, and I looked it over.

There were a lot of coffee and tea options, but I don’t really like either.

“…Orange juice, please.”

“Seriously?”

Hinase-san seemed surprised by my choice.

“Eh, is that weird?”

“No, it’s not weird, but… Sorry, do you not like this kind of place?”

It’s not that, but I’m not adventurous with drinks, so I’ll just order juice.

“Do you want anything to eat?”

“…What’s good here?”

There were various items on the menu, but I didn’t know what to choose.

“The scones are good. But the pancakes are probably the most popular.”

Here we go, pancakes.

A food whose true identity, bread or cake, is unknown.

But looking at the picture…

“They look delicious.”

“You’ve never had them before?”

“No.”

Not at a fancy place like this.

“No way, seriously?”

Hinase-san seemed surprised again.

“But I’m not sure I can finish this by myself.”

Judging by the picture, the pancakes looked quite large.

“Ah, I know! Why don’t we share?”

Hinase-san’s voice brightened as if she’d had a great idea.

I don’t really understand, but she seems determined to have me try the pancakes.

“Hmm… I’m fine with it, but are you okay with that, Hinase-san?”

“Eh, I’m fine, but why?”

“From the way you were talking, it sounded like you could finish it by yourself.”

“…It’s fine. Actually, it’s better that way. Otherwise, I’ll just keep eating forever.”

Hinase-san’s demeanor suddenly darkened.

I wonder what’s wrong. She seemed to feel guilty about eating.

…She ate quite a bit at lunchtime too. I wonder if she’s worried about it.

But she’s plenty thin, she doesn’t need to worry.

“Excuse me, can we order?”

Hinase-san raised her hand and called the waiter.

He was a young man with refreshing short hair.

…They look good together.

A handsome cafe waiter and a beautiful gal.

A very good match.

“—Is that all?”

“Yes, please.”

After taking our order, the waiter returned to the counter.

Hinase-san, having finished ordering, turned her gaze back to me.

“Hinase-san, is that… your type?”

“Wait, isn’t that a little sudden?”

“Eh, is it?”

“The timing is terrible.”

Well, that’s true. Normally, I wouldn’t ask.

But honestly, I know Hinase-san’s type.

It’s Shindo Minato.

But I was curious about what kind of person she likes after deviating from that route.

“You’re famous for not dating anyone even though you’re so popular, Hinase-san. I’m sure there were plenty of cool guys, weren’t there?”

“Hmm… how should I put it? I don’t really get the whole ‘cool guy’ thing.”

Well… she likes the unremarkable protagonist, after all.

Maybe looks aren’t important to her.

“Then, what’s the deciding factor?”

“Let me see…”

Hinase-san pursed her lips in thought, then quickly relaxed them.

“Someone who cares about me and protects me, I guess.”

“That’s a wide range…”

“Maybe. What about you, Amatsuki-san?”

Eh, me…?

I’ve never been in love.

I don’t really know, but if I had to say…

“Someone who takes the lead.”

I’m shy.

So I’ve thought it would be nice to have someone who understands that and helps me.

But I’ve never thought someone like that would like me.

“I see. That’ll be fine then.”

“…What is?”

Hinase-san nodded in understanding, which I found a little strange.

07 The After-School Rendezvous

After school, the time of liberation from the confines of school.

“Alright, Suzuna. Let’s go home.”

Shindo-kun turned around and called out to me.

My next shackle appeared right before my eyes.

“Ah, no—”

I started to say, “I have something to do today,” when—

—BAM!!

“Onii-chan, let’s go home!!”

Kokona-chan appeared.

“K-Kokona… Listen, Onii-chan has something to do—”

“No, you don’t! You’re just going home!”

“No… Suzu—”

“You don’t need to go home with Amatsuki Suzuna! Kokona’s here!”

Kokona-chan’s vehemence clearly won out.

Normally, Amatsuki Suzuna would join the fray here, and the situation would descend into chaos, but…

“Be careful going home, you two.”

“Amatsuki Suzuna, are you giving this up too?!”

Kokona-chan seemed deflated by my easy acceptance.

“Yeah, I have something to do today…”

I glanced towards the center of the classroom.

There was Hinase-san, chatting and laughing with her friends.

I knew that interacting with her more in class would only draw more unwanted attention.

“See you tomorrow then. Shindo-kun, Kokona-chan.”

I said goodbye to the two of them and quickly left the classroom.

“…Onii-chan, did you do something to Amatsuki Suzuna?”

“I didn’t do anything!”

“…Your popularity streak is over, huh, Onii-chan.”

“When did I even have one?!”

◇◇◇

I waited for Hinase-san in the corner of the hallway, near the entrance.

The setting sun streamed through the window, dyeing the scenery crimson.

Students heading to club activities and those going straight home passed by.

Either way, their footsteps seemed light.

Meanwhile, I fidgeted restlessly.

“Thinking about it calmly… going somewhere after school with Hinase-san also seems like a pretty bold move…”

Spending time after school with Hinase Riri, a beautiful girl who even adults would hesitate to approach…

Is such a thing possible for me?

Wouldn’t I end up doing something strange?

“…M-Maybe I should go home.”

The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I became.

It’s not too late.

I could still go home and pretend this never happened.

Yes, that’s what I’ll do.

Once I decided, my feet started moving towards the entrance on their own.

“Ah, there you are, Amatsuki-san! Don’t go ahead without me, I was looking for you!”

…But unfortunately, Hinase-san, coming down the stairs, spotted me.

God seems to be telling me to keep my promise.

“S-Sorry…. I thought I’d wait here since you were talking, Hinase-san.”

“Then you should have waited in the classroom. I didn’t know where you were.”

“…I should have told you.”

Even if I didn’t want to be in the classroom with her, I should have at least done that much.

I guess my desire to escape made me rush.

“Ah, let’s exchange contact information.”

“…Eh?”

Hinase-san took out her phone.

It had a pale pink cover with a character illustration.

I thought it suited her.

“Here.”

She opened her messaging app, ready to exchange contact information.

It felt like she was closing the distance between us more and more.

“…Um.”

But I wasn’t keen on it.

“This way, it doesn’t matter who’s around, right?”

“…Yeah.”

But I didn’t have a clear reason to refuse.

Overwhelmed by Hinase-san’s momentum, I exchanged contact information.

I stared at her phone, frozen.

Hinase-san’s profile picture was of her sitting in a loose hoodie and shorts against a backdrop of a pure white wall and antique furniture reminiscent of Scandinavia.

…Cute.

She didn’t look out of place in such a stylish setting.

Or rather, why does she look so cute even in such simple clothes?

The hoodie was gray, and the shorts were black.

A completely ordinary outfit, yet cute.

It could only be explained by her beautiful features and good figure.

“Um, Amatsuki-san? What’s wrong? Why are you staring at my phone so much?”

“…No, it’s just, you’re cheating, Hinase-san.”

“Eh, what is?”

“Looking this cute in such normal clothes… Give me a break. If I wore that, it would just be pajamas.”

“Ah, uh… you saw that.”

“And is this picture edited? It’s not, is it?”

“Eh, what are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“There’s natural beauty, and then there’s this. No one can compete with this.”

Now I was starting to feel sorry for the popular girls who hung out with Hinase-san.

Trying to stand next to such a radiant girl would probably crush your pride.

“Well, look. I did edit my legs to make them thinner.”

“Ehh…?”

At her words, I swiped and zoomed in on the picture.

“Hey, don’t zoom in on just my legs… It’s embarrassing.”

I compared the picture with her actual legs peeking out from her short school uniform skirt.

“They’re the same.”

Long, slender, beautiful legs.

Basically, her legs were so long, they were on a different level from ordinary people.

“A-Are you… complimenting me?”

Hinase-san’s cheeks seemed slightly flushed.

I wonder why.

She must be used to hearing this kind of thing, and there’s no reason for her to be shy about my words.

Maybe it’s so obvious that she’s thinking, “Don’t state the obvious.”

◇◇◇

I walked through the after-school streets alongside the naturally beautiful Hinase-san.

…It was probably because I saw that picture.

I was reminded once again of the vast distance between us, and felt uncomfortable.

“Is there anything you want to eat, Amatsuki-san?”

“…Hmm. Nothing in particular.”

“Anything you want to drink?”

“…I’m not really thirsty.”

Hinase-san gave a clearly troubled laugh.

“Well, I can’t do anything with that.”

“That’s true, so…”

I tried to think, but I couldn’t concentrate.

The reason was the stares from those around us.

As expected, Hinase Riri stands out.

As always, the gazes of passersby (mostly men) were focused on her, and I felt awkward standing next to her.

“…Is something bothering you?”

Hinase-san noticed my state and spoke to me in a rather concerned voice.

“No, I just feel bad that a mob character like me is walking next to you, Hinase-san…”

“Mob character…?”

“An unremarkable girl.”

Good grief.

Anyway, let’s go into a store, quickly finish what we need to do, and say goodbye.

“You’re cute, Amatsuki-san.”

But Hinase-san said that in a rather serious voice.

“…Are you just being nice? I appreciate the sentiment, but I understand my own limitations, so it’s okay.”

Hinase-san is kind, so she’s probably just trying to compliment me.

But it’s not an accurate assessment.

“Cute” refers to girls like Hinase-san, with beautiful features and who take care of themselves.

It definitely doesn’t refer to an unremarkable girl like me.

“I mean it.”

…Hm?

Her words, spoken with more intensity than before, reached my ears, and I couldn’t ignore them. I looked at Hinase-san.

Her lips were pressed firmly together, and her eyes were fixed on me.

“I seriously think you’re cute, Amatsuki-san.”

…Putting it in Hinase-san’s terms, she was being super serious.

06 A Slight Discrepancy

“Is that all you’re having for lunch?”

Hinase-san tilted her head curiously, looking at the sandwich in my left hand.

My right hand was still trapped in her grip.

“Yeah, this is enough.”

“Seriously? You’re a light eater, Amatsuki-san.”

Hinase-san’s free hand held a transparent plastic bag.

Inside were a hamburger bento, salad, melon bread, snacks, chocolate, and a plastic bottle of tea.

My sandwich was exposed, while Hinase-san’s various purchases were contained within the bag.

…Hinase-san eats quite a lot, surprisingly.

There weren’t any detailed descriptions of how much she ate when I played the original game.

There was no mention of portion sizes during date meals either…

Or maybe she was just putting on an act in front of Shindo-kun?

A girl in love probably feels self-conscious about eating a lot in front of the person she likes.

Seeing that side of her made her seem kind of cute.

“Oh, right. Let’s eat lunch together, Amatsuki-san.”

Hinase-san invited me as casually as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

…It didn’t seem like a bad suggestion.

I’m not so steely-hearted as to willingly choose to eat alone.

It’s just that I have a tendency to push people away…

It’s not like I never want to be with someone.

Besides, I’ve gotten a little used to Hinase-san, so it might be okay…

“Okay.”

But just as I was about to say it, my throat tightened.

“…On second thought, no.”

“Rejected again!”

Because if I did, I would inevitably end up eating with Hinase-san’s popular group.

A plain girl with glasses mixed in with a circle of sparkling high school girls… a complete anomaly.

I can’t imagine it being a pleasant experience for either of us.

“Because I’d feel out of place.”

“Eh? That’s not true. You’re interesting, Amatsuki-san, and everyone’s easygoing, they’ll accept you.”

…No, non-verbal communication like that, with all the high energy and banter, is what I’m worst at.

The more I think about it, the more I imagine myself sticking out like a sore thumb.

I’ll refuse.

“No.”

“So stubborn!”

Hinase-san swung our joined arms back and forth.

“Come on, it’s more fun to eat together!”

Hinase-san wouldn’t back down.

What do I do? What can I say to convince her?

I racked my brain for another reason.

“…After school.”

“After school?”

Hinase-san asked back, puzzled.

“Let’s go eat something after school. I turned down your offer of thanks yesterday, Hinase-san.”

“Ooh.”

Hinase-san stared intently at me.

Her eyes were a beautiful almond shape, and her already large pupils were wide and sparkling.

“I-If you don’t want to, it’s totally fine. I don’t particularly need you to thank me…”

“No, no! Let’s do that!”

“S-So, we’re eating separately for lunch…”

“Okay. That’s a shame, but I’ll be looking forward to after school!”

…Hmm.

I agreed to her request so she’d listen to mine, but…

I wonder if this was the right thing to do. I’m worried.

◇◇◇

“Ugh… bleh…”

Back in the classroom, Shindo-kun was slumped over his desk, his face pale.

He was making strange noises, and he didn’t look well.

“…Are you okay?”

It was concerning to hear those weird noises right before I was about to eat.

I’d prefer him to act normal.

“Ah, uh… Suzuna. Hey, um, what do you think if… the tamagoyaki was sour?”

“…I’d think the seasoning was wrong.”

“What if the stir-fried vegetables were incredibly hard?”

“I’d think they weren’t cooked through.”

“What if the rice was crunchy?”

“I’d think it wasn’t cooked properly.”

“That… that’s it.”

That’s right, Kokona-chan is a terrible cook.

That’s why Shindo-kun was so insistent on Amatsuki Suzuna’s lunch.

I forgot.

“But you ate it all. You’re a good older brother.”

“She… watched me until I finished it all. I ate it like my life depended on it, and this is the result.”

“…She’s a thoughtful little sister.”

“Think about it, Suzuna. My little sister brought me lunch to the classroom and wouldn’t leave. It looks like I’m obsessed with her! Everyone’s staring, I couldn’t take it.”

Well, I understand what he means.

Still, it’s not normal for a younger sister to be so devoted.

It might be more trouble than it’s worth, but I also feel like he should appreciate her love a little more.

“…So please, Suzuna. Make me lunch tomorrow. My life depends on it.”

“Impossible. Look, I only have a sandwich.”

“Then what am I supposed to do tomorrow…?!”

“Eat Kokona-chan’s lunch.”

“Are you saying you don’t care if I die, Suzuna…?!”

Such an exaggeration…

Besides, Kokona-chan’s cooking will improve.

If you go down her route, her skills dramatically improve, and she learns to cook just the way Shindo-kun likes it.

In that respect, she has a family advantage.

Knowing that, I’m not worried.

“More importantly, please stop making those weird noises.”

“That’s all you’re worried about?! Suzuna, don’t you have anything else to say?!”

“…I’d also like you to stop calling me by my first name.”

“That’s not the point!” Shindo-kun shouted.

“Is there any other way to call you?!”

“Amatsuki-san.”

“We’re childhood friends, aren’t we?!”

“There’s such a thing as politeness even between close friends.”

“Isn’t that way too distant?! We’re not even close anymore at that point!”

“Yes.”

“You agree?!”

Well, lowering my affection level this much should be fine.

I’ll leave the rest to Kokona-chan.

“If you have the energy to shout like that, you’ll be fine. I’m going to eat my sandwich, so be quiet.”

“No, this is what you call a ‘tsukkomi.’ And to tell me to be quiet after making me shout… that’s a pretty advanced…”

I silently opened my sandwich wrapper.

I chose an egg sandwich.

I peeled off the sticker and pulled it open.

Opening the clear plastic bag, I picked one up and brought it to my mouth.

The bread was fluffy.

“…That’s unusual.”

Shindo-kun looked at me eating and spoke curiously.

“I told you to be quiet.”

“I’m not allowed to say a single word?!”

“No. Face forward.”

“You’re rejecting even my gaze?!”

It’s one thing if we were eating together, but it’s unsettling to be stared at while I eat.

“It’s distracting. Come on, face forward.”

“Fine, I’ll turn around, I’ll turn around, but… since when did you start eating egg sandwiches?”

“…Eh?”

That was a slightly unsettling question.

“Well, Suzuna, your sandwiches were always ham and lettuce, or potato salad, right? You always said, ‘Egg is good, but I like these better.’”

“…Did I?”

That was information I didn’t even know from the game.

Even though I share her memories as Amatsuki Suzuna, our preferences are different…

Well, I guess it’s natural for there to be some differences.

And hardly anyone would notice anyway.

Probably only her childhood friend, Shindo-kun.

“With your changed attitude and now your different food preferences, you seem like a different person.”

“Eh…”

My heart skipped a beat at those words.

It was a little scary that he could see through me with just that much.

“…It was the only one left.”

“I see,” Shindo-kun said, seemingly convinced, and turned back around.

It’s nothing.

I’m not the real Amatsuki Suzuna, after all.

It’s natural for there to be some differences.

A discrepancy this small shouldn’t be a problem.

Chewing thoughtfully, I swallowed the sandwich along with my anxieties.

The egg was properly sweet.

05 I Wasn’t Told It Would Be This Tiring at the School Store

Hinase-san took my hand and led me out into the hallway.

“So, shall we go buy something at the school store?”

She invited me with a smile.

…For some reason, her grip on my hand was firm, and it didn’t feel like I had much of a choice.

“W-Why with me…?”

“Because you didn’t make lunch either, Amatsuki-san, right?”

That’s true, but…

That doesn’t mean she has to go with me.

“You could go with your friends.”

“But you’re my friend.”

Hinase-san pointed at me.

“…?”

Not understanding what she meant, I looked behind me.

No one was there.

“Hey, isn’t that reaction a bit harsh?”

Hinase-san wore a terribly sad expression.

“…You mean I’m your friend, Hinase-san?”

“Is there any other option?”

When did I become friends with Hinase Riri?

….

No way, no way, impossible.

Introverts are allowed to exist because they stay in the corner, in the shadows.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with a social butterfly, basking in the sun at the center of the class…

It’s too out of place, I’d be laughed at.

No, that’s not even the worst part.

The other girls would definitely hate me.

They’d definitely target me as the brown-nosing introvert trying to suck up to Hinase Riri.

“…We’re classmates, right?”

“Isn’t that a bit distant?”

Hinase-san’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

“…I feel like it’s still too early to call us friends.”

In reality, Amatsuki Suzuna didn’t have any real friends.

She was just inconspicuous and harmless, so no one disliked her.

But she didn’t have any particularly close friends either.

That’s the kind of girl she was.

“Ahh, is that so? I don’t think it’s something to think so deeply about.”

“But we’ve only just started talking, Hinase-san…”

“If our vibes match, isn’t that enough?”

…No, I think our vibes are the least compatible.

“Well, whatever. Then we just need to talk lots and become good friends, right? Okay, let’s go.”

“Ah, wait a minute…”

Hinase-san started walking, chuckling.

Since she was holding my hand, I had to follow…

“D-Doesn’t it bother you…?”

I thought my reactions to Hinase-san were terrible.

She said she “liked” me, and I replied “normal.”

She said we were “friends,” and I replied “classmates.”

…No matter how I think about it, it seems natural that she’d be offended.

“Not really. It’s more tiring to be treated nicely by someone who doesn’t actually like you.”

Is that how it is?

“Besides, Amatsuki-san, you’re interested in me, aren’t you?”

“W-What makes you say that?”

“Otherwise, you wouldn’t have saved me from that creepy guy in the suit.”

…So it always comes back to that.

I cursed my own shallow actions right after being reborn.

◇◇◇

The school store was more crowded than I expected.

“Ahh, it’s always crowded during lunch break.”

“It is.”

…Or rather, too crowded.

Students were crammed into a space that wasn’t exactly large.

It was so chaotic, I felt a little overwhelmed.

“But we’ll get hungry if we don’t buy something. Let’s get in line.”

“O-Okay…”

I wasn’t enthusiastic at all, but my hand was still being held.

I had no choice but to obediently follow.

We joined the back of the line.

…After a while, I noticed something strange.

“Aren’t we being stared at?”

It was hard to tell because of the crowd, but the students’ gazes were clearly focused on us.

Both boys and girls, but the stares from the boys were especially intense.

…Well, I quickly understood why.

“Sorry. I might have mentioned this before, but I seem to attract attention. People often say my voice and the way I talk are loud, so it’s probably that.”

…Oh, come on.

Not satisfied with just the protagonist, this heroine is also oblivious?

I knew it, but seeing it firsthand makes me want to call it an act.

“It’s not that, I think it’s because you’re beautiful, Hinase-san.”

“…Eh?”

“It’s not ‘eh.’ I know you get a lot of confessions, right? You’re popular, aren’t you? So it’s not because of your voice or the way you talk… no way.”

“Hehe…”

Huh, for some reason Hinase-san looked pleased…

“What are you laughing about…?”

“Nothing, it’s just that you think I’m beautiful, Amatsuki-san.”

“…Ah.”

I-I messed up…

I’m such an idiot.

It’s true, but what am I doing saying something that makes Hinase-san happy?

I don’t want to raise her affinity any further…!

“I-It’s just an objective fact…”

“I’m happy you think so, Amatsuki-san. So, see? We should be friends, right?”

“No, we shouldn’t!”

“Ehhh…”

No, no, no.

Raising strange flags is bad.

I’ll refrain from saying anything complimentary.

◇◇◇

“…Finally got it.”

With a sandwich in hand, my spoils of war, I was once again walking down the hallway with Hinase-san holding my hand.

“That took longer than I thought.”

The time wasn’t the only issue, the mental damage was greater.

…I realized partway through that the stares weren’t just directed at Hinase Riri, but at me too.

I think they were skeptical stares, like “Who’s that plain girl next to her?”

That made me even more tired of being in that space.

“Kids who don’t bring lunch do this every day. I can’t handle this.”

Hinase-san recalled the chaos with a mix of awe and exhaustion.

I definitely can’t handle it either.

The crowd is one thing, but the strange stares are just as bad.

And it’s all because Hinase-san forgot her lunch.

If she had been more responsible, this wouldn’t have happened.

I conveniently ignored my own role in this.

“…It’s rare for you to forget your lunch, Hinase-san.”

“Eh, is it?”

“Yeah, because you make it yourself, right? You seem pretty diligent when it comes to cooking.”

“…Eh?”

Huh, Hinase-san’s eyes widened.

That’s strange. I don’t think I said anything off the mark.

And I didn’t say anything complimentary this time either.

“Did I say something weird?”

“No, it’s just that I’ve never told you that I cook or make my own lunch. I was just thinking you knew a lot about me.”

“…Ah.”

Ahhh… I’m such an idiot…

My prior knowledge, my prior knowledge from playing the game…

I know things I shouldn’t know because I’ve already completed it.

“What, what? You said you thought I was ‘normal,’ but you’re totally interested in me, aren’t you, Amatsuki-san?”

“No, I’m not!”

“Then how does a ‘classmate’ like you, Amatsuki-san, know something that only my ‘friends’ know~?”

Hinase-san beamed at me, trying to read my expression.

T-Too close… Too close…!

“Any classmate would know that much. It’s just rumors.”

“Ehh…? I haven’t heard any rumors about you making lunch, Amatsuki-san.”

Stop treating me like I’m the same as you.

No one’s interested in Amatsuki Suzuna’s information, so of course there wouldn’t be any rumors.

Forget it, I’ll just forcefully change the subject.

I feel like I’ll only reveal more flaws if she keeps digging.

“So, why did you forget your lunch, Hinase-san? I asked you earlier, so answer me.”

“I told you this morning, I wanted to walk to school with you, Amatsuki-san. I woke up early and waited, so I didn’t have time to make lunch.”

Ah, so that’s why.

In the end, it’s all my fault, damn it.

04 Careful Flag Management

“Um, Hinase-san… we’re almost at school, so could you let go of me?”

I pleaded with Hinase Riri, the girl who was holding my arm and showing no signs of letting go.

“Why? Did you not like it?”

T-Too close…

Why would she think I’d be okay with such sudden closeness…?

Is this the difference between a social butterfly and an introvert?

“No, but it’ll be troublesome if other people at school see us.”

“…Why? I don’t mind.”

Hinase-san tilted her head, looking completely unconcerned.

Is she really such an impartial person…?

But sometimes, that kind of universal love can be tough on introverts.

“No, no… for the Hinase Riri to be seen with a gloomy, corner-dwelling girl like me… it’ll damage your image. It’s better not to.”

“Hey, I’m not that big of a deal to be called ‘the’ Hinase Riri.”

…Is she serious?

Hinase Riri is supposed to be the super popular girl who gets confessions from boys all over the school.

She rejects them all, and the only boy she falls for is Shindo Minato…

Anyway, why is such a wonderful girl clinging to Amatsuki Suzuna, the representative of unremarkable girls?

“Um, Hinase-san. Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Why are you so eager to talk to me?”

“Because I’m interested in you, Amatsuki-san.”

Such a straightforward expression…

Honest words that I, a twisted person, could never utter.

It’s… kind of embarrassing.

“W-Why are you so interested in me?”

“Because you’re my benefactor, you saved me? Of course I’d be interested.”

…I’ve heard that before.

That’s a line that was meant for Shindo Minato.

It seems that me rescuing her in that situation really was a problem…

W-What do I do?

Two heroines who aren’t interested in the protagonist have been born.

“So, let’s become friends.”

She pressed closer.

…Why is she clinging to me so much?

Is this level of physical contact normal?

I don’t know, being bad at socializing.

Should I just ask her?

“Hinase-san, what do you think of me?”

Ah, even I think that question sounds kind of clingy…

I think my sense of distance is off too.

“Hm? I like you?”

But Hinase-san is also strange.

She’s too straightforward.

…And I want her to direct those words towards Shindo-kun.

Why is one of the heroines telling the childhood friend heroine that she “likes” her?

“What about you, Amatsuki-san? What do you think of me?”

She asked in return.

…W-What do I…

I don’t like or dislike her yet.

“…N-Normal.”

“Eh?”

Hinase-san looked surprised, and her grip loosened.

I seized the opportunity and ran away.

◇◇◇

I sat at my desk in the classroom, holding my head in my hands.

(By the way, my seat is at the back by the window, which is good.)

…What should I do?

Shindo-kun and Hinase-san’s intimacy level hasn’t risen at all.

While I’m just one person, wouldn’t it be a problem if the other heroines are the same?

“…I guess I won’t know until more time passes.”

Fortunately, there are other heroines.

If they connect with Shindo-kun, it might be okay.

Anyway, I’ll just keep quiet so I don’t mess up the direction of this story any further.

I want a peaceful school life.

I don’t want a rom-com with the protagonist, nor a flashy youth entangled with high-ranking girls.

I’ll make sure not to get involved with them anymore.

“Hey, Suzuna. What was that this morning?”

…Just as I was thinking that, Shindo-kun appeared in the classroom and called out to me.

Of course he did, his seat is in front of mine.

It’s troublesome that even our seating arrangement reinforces our childhood friend positions.

“What was what?”

“Walking to school with the school madonna, Hinase Riri. When did you two become so close?”

“…There was an opportunity yesterday.”

“It was so unexpected, I was shocked.”

I know that without you telling me.

“You’re not going to suddenly become a gal, are you?”

“…I’m not. The timing would be weird.”

A high school debut would be one thing, but a personality change now, as a second-year, when relationships are already established, would be crazy.

“Good. I’m relieved.”

“…I don’t understand why that would relieve you, Shindo-kun.”

“Because I want you to be my Suzuna.”

As expected of the protagonist. Such a self-centered statement.

“…I’m… just me.”

I might not be the original Amatsuki Suzuna, but I’m also a plain, inconspicuous girl.

I’ll make sure not to interact with Hinase-san anymore.

I should be able to live a peaceful life from now on.

◇◇◇

Classes ended, and lunchtime arrived.

Shindo-kun, who sits in front of me, stretched widely.

“Haaa… It’s over…”

Then he turned around to face me.

“Suzuna, lunch?”

“…”

That’s right.

This childhood friend diligently provided Shindo-kun with lunch every day without fail.

“I don’t have one.”

“…Seriously?”

Speaking of which, I forgot to prepare my own lunch too.

“I… can’t cook. From now on, please prepare your own.”

“Eh! But Suzuna, you’re such a good cook! Why?!”

“…A slump.”

“Is that a thing with cooking?!”

I don’t know.

But since I share her memories, I might be able to do it if I tried.

However, I have absolutely no intention of cooking.

Even if I have the skill, it’s meaningless if I lack the motivation.

“…W-What am I going to do? I’ll starve to death!”

Shindo-kun glared at me resentfully, as if he couldn’t accept it.

…That’s an exaggeration.

—Clatter

The classroom door opened.

“Onii-chan! I brought your lunch!”

Shindo-kun’s savior appeared.

Pink twintails, a petite and adorable girl.

Unlike Hinase-san, who clearly broke the school rules, her skirt length, pushing the boundaries but still within regulations, made her strangely relatable.

“K-Kokona…?! What are you doing here?!”

The girl who appeared carrying a lunch bag was Shindo Kokona.

As you can probably guess from her name, she’s Shindo Minato’s younger sister.

A new first-year student who started this spring, one year younger than us.

Also one of the heroines.

“I said, your lunch! Onii-chan, you went to school before Kokona finished preparing it!”

“Eh?! Why would you do that?!”

“Because Onii-chan always eats Amatsuki Suzuna’s lunch, right?! I figured you’d be trying to eat hers today too… but there’s none?!”

As you can probably tell, Shindo Kokona is a complete brocon.

Therefore, she’s always felt a sense of rivalry towards Amatsuki Suzuna, who has been close to Shindo Minato since childhood.

Now that she’s finally enrolled in the same school, she’s trying to take the initiative…

“Good for you, Shindo-kun. Now you can have lunch.”

As I chimed in, Kokona-chan turned towards me.

“Amatsuki Suzuna, you didn’t make Onii-chan lunch?!”

She addressed me informally even though I’m her senpai, probably because she sees me as a rival for Shindo Minato’s affections.

I’m the type who doesn’t care about seniority, so I’ll ignore it.

“Yeah, I’m not cooking anymore.”

“Does that mean… you’re giving Onii-chan to Kokona?”

…What a bombshell.

Well, she was always a high-strung character in the game, but…

It’s impressive how boldly she states it.

Incidentally, this part originally leads to a scene where Amatsuki Suzuna, who is usually quiet, unusually refuses to give in.

It’s a moment where you can glimpse her single-minded devotion to Shindo Minato…

“Giving him, giving him. Be happy together.”

“Wha…?! Amatsuki Suzuna approved?!”

I showed Kokona-chan that I had no intention of resisting.

“Hey! Kokona, don’t talk about me like I’m some object you can ‘give away’!!”

“That’s not… That’s not what I meant…!!”

And so, the two of them misunderstood each other.

He’s an oblivious protagonist, so her intentions went completely over his head.

Do your best, Kokona-chan. I won’t get in your way.

“Ah, Amatsuki-san. You don’t have lunch?”

Then, for some reason, Hinase-san appeared.

She usually eats lunch with the popular crowd, so why…?

“I don’t, but…”

“I forgot to bring mine today too. Want to go buy something together?”

And she was already holding my hand.

A silent pressure, or rather, a forceful act, saying “Let’s go”.

What a steely mentality, considering I ran away from her this morning.

Unable to refuse Hinase Riri’s invitation in front of the whole class, I was dragged away.

“…Ah, Amatsuki Suzuna is being corrupted by a gal.”

And from behind me, I heard Kokona-chan’s baseless misunderstanding.

03 The Heroines Drift Apart

“My Girlfriend Next Door is Super Sweet”

A dating sim that wasn’t particularly famous or a big seller.

My reason for trying it was almost entirely coincidental.

It goes back to the time before I was reborn, when I was a human called Yukitsuki Mashiro.

“Oh, this person started out as a game illustrator.”

At the time, I had found an interesting manga and was researching the author.

I made it a habit to check out all the works by manga artists I liked.

Thinking about it now, perhaps it was a mistake to diligently follow such a self-imposed rule, even though no one asked me to.

“…Why is this protagonist so self-centered? And what’s with these heroines who fall for him?”

I enjoyed reading manga and novels, but this was the first time I’d tried this genre of game.

It was a typical harem game, where the heroines unconditionally fell in love with the protagonist, Shindo Minato.

While the girls had their quirks, they were generally good and cute.

And yet, it was this convenient story where they all fell for the same boy…

Is this a man’s dream?

The strange phenomena unfolding on the screen only made sense when viewed in that light.

Even so, I completed all the scenarios just to see all the illustrated CGs with my own eyes…

◇◇◇

“To think I’d actually become one of those heroines…”

The morning after my reincarnation.

I squinted at the morning sun as I walked to school alone.

The April wind was cold.

Why did I have to become a heroine in such an awkward position, and relive a life in a world so similar to actual Japan?

There’s no change at all.

If I was going to be reborn, I wanted to be a duchess or something.

I wanted to experience something more… like medieval townscapes, magic, that kind of fantasy.

“Yo, Suzuna! Did you come to pick me up again today?!”

“Eh…”

Just as I was stewing in these gloomy feelings, Shindo-kun appeared.

Right…

I was unconsciously following the usual route to school, but apparently this path passes in front of Shindo-kun’s house.

It was a mistake to follow the routine that felt so natural.

Is this the fate of a heroine?

“Hey, hey, why the long face so early in the morning? Come on, cheer up—”

Then, Shindo-kun reached out his hand.

This was the act of patting her head, something he did to cheer up his childhood friend, Amatsuki Suzuna…

“St-Stop it!”

I instinctively raised my voice and jumped back.

“Eh, w-what… What’s wrong, Suzuna? You usually happily offer up the top of your head.”

What kind of line is that?

I didn’t say it out loud, but I had no intention of allowing such a strange act.

“I… I don’t like that kind of thing…”

“What… What’s wrong with you, Suzuna? You’ve been acting strange since yesterday, I’m trying to cheer you up…”

“Being patted by Shindo-kun doesn’t cheer me up.”

“Wha…?!”

Shindo-kun’s jaw dropped.

His expression was comical, but he might actually be hurt.

“Ah, and also, Shindo-kun.”

“Hey, Suzuna. By the way, why have you been calling me “Shindo-kun” since yesterday?! You always called me “Minato-kun”?! I can’t help but feel a distance between us!”

Of course there’s a distance.

That’s Amatsuki Suzuna’s distance, not mine.

I’m sorry, but I have no intention of shortening it any further.

“Anyway, I didn’t come to pick you up, Shindo-kun. I’m going to school now.”

“Hey, wait…!”

As Shindo-kun reached out, still trying to follow me—

“Good morning! Amatsuki-san!”

—A bottomlessly cheerful voice rang out, interrupting him.

It was Hinase Riri, a girl as bright and sparkling as the morning sun.

“Uh, um…”

I was bewildered, not understanding why Hinase-san was suddenly here.

“We’re going to school together today, right?”

Hinase-san approached me with a bright, beaming smile.

But I didn’t remember making such a promise.

“I didn’t make any promi…”

“It’s that thing where our hearts are connected!”

Hinase-san uttered those incomprehensible words as she linked her arm with mine.

Contrary to her cheerful demeanor, her grip felt undeniably firm.

“W-wait, Suzuna…? Why are you with Hinase-san…?”

Shindo-kun stared in disbelief, just as confused as I was.

He probably never imagined such an odd pairing.

“Ah, this girl has something to do with me. Sorry, ‘kay?”

Hinase-san waved her hand gracefully.

“Come on, Amatsuki-san. We’ll be late if we don’t hurry.”

“Eh, uhm…?”

In the end, still unable to comprehend the situation, I started walking, being pulled along by Hinase-san.

◇◇◇

“Ahaha, I didn’t think I’d actually run into you.”

Hinase-san said cheerfully.

I didn’t have enough information to understand what she was talking about.

“Run into me…?”

“Well, yesterday, you ran off in this direction, right, Amatsuki-san? So I thought I might see you if I waited around here, and bingo!”

“You were waiting for me…?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

She replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world…

“Why…?”

I simply didn’t understand.

“Because you helped me yesterday.”

“I don’t think that’s a good enough reason…”

“Well, well, it’s fine. This way, I was able to help you too, Amatsuki-san.”

“Help me…?”

Was she referring to the incident with Shindo-kun just now?

“Was I wrong? You looked like you were really annoyed, Amatsuki-san, so I thought it was my time to shine and jumped in.”

Ah, I see…

She saw me being bothered by Shindo-kun and helped me.

Our roles had reversed from yesterday.

“No, well… I was in a bit of a bind.”

“Right? I know, I know. It’s so annoying when guys you’re not interested in keep pestering you.”

Well, I don’t want you to think we’re on the same wavelength…

And what do you mean, “guys you’re not interested in”?

“But Hinase-san, you like Shindo-kun, right?”

“…Shindo-kun?”

Hinase-san blinked and tilted her head as if she didn’t know who I was talking about.

“…The boy from earlier.”

“Sorry, I don’t remember. Ah, is he a classmate?”

Well… he is…

Apparently, she hadn’t even noticed him.

Well, I’ve had a personality change, so that’s one thing.

But you’re supposed to be the heroine who falls in love with Shindo Minato.

…This is giving me a headache.

This is my fault… isn’t it?

What do I do? I wonder if she’ll properly fall for Shindo-kun…

I’m determined to keep rejecting him because I don’t want to be a heroine candidate, but it would be troublesome if the other heroines did the same.

I don’t want to imagine a situation where everyone deviates from their routes.

“…Shindo-kun. He’s a boy I recommend, so I was hoping you’d get along.”

“But, Amatsuki-san, you were totally rejecting him, weren’t you?”

Ah…

That’s certainly how it looked.

“I wasn’t rejecting him.”

“But you ran away?”

Ugh… Hinase-san doesn’t believe me because she saw my behavior.

In that case, I’ll tell her the truth.

“…The me before I was reborn, we got along.”

Hearing that, Hinase-san burst out laughing, as if I’d said something funny.

“Did I say something that amusing?”

“No, I just didn’t think you’d tell jokes, Amatsuki-san. You seem so calm and collected, but you’re pretty bold.”

“It’s not a joke, I’m serious.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course. I got it, I’ll check out this ‘Shindo-kun’ next time. He might be my type.”

She totally doesn’t believe me…

Honestly, what’s with this heroine who’s oblivious to the protagonist?

I want her to be more aware of her role as a heroine.

I’ll ignore the fact that this is a self-deprecating statement.

“Um, hey…”

There was one more thing I wanted to say to Hinase-san.

“What?”

“When are you going to let go of my arm?”

Hinase-san had been walking with her arm linked in mine the whole time.

In this chilly season, another person’s warmth was comforting, but…

Now that we were nearing the school, it was just too strange for Amatsuki Suzuna and Hinase Riri to be walking arm in arm.

I wanted her to let go quickly.

“Why? It’s fine, I have things I want to talk about with you, Amatsuki-san.”

I don’t think wanting to talk and linking arms are the same thing…

Looking into Hinase-san’s eyes, I got the feeling she wouldn’t listen to reason.

02 Entangled with the Gal Heroine

“Wait a minute. This is a bit much, don’t you think?”

I took Hinase Riri’s hand and hurried away from the downtown area.

Driven by the fear that the man might chase after us, I ran without stopping.

As a result, we’d covered quite a distance before I realized it.

“S-Sorry…. You must be tired.”

“No, I’m totally fine. Actually, I’m grateful.”

Hinase-san certainly didn’t look tired.

Rather, I was the one out of breath.

Even after being reborn, my introverted clumsiness remains…

“You’re Amatsuki-san, right…?”

Hinase-san looked at me, half-doubtful as she spoke my name.

It was the spring of our second year, and we’d only just become classmates.

It couldn’t be helped if she wasn’t sure.

“Yes, Amatsuki Suzuna…”

I introduced myself for now.

Hinase Riri is the flashy girl at the top of the class hierarchy. You could even label her as a “gyaru” and a social butterfly.

In contrast, Amatsuki Suzuna is the introverted girl at the very bottom.

Normally, we’d never interact.

Even though there were opportunities to talk in the game, centered around the protagonist, Shindo Minato…

“Thanks, Amatsuki-san. That guy was being really persistent, it was getting annoying.”

Hinase-san smiled brightly, without a care in the world.

…I never thought I would be the one approaching her like this.

“Ah… yeah, seeing your expression, Hinase-san, I kind of got the feeling you were in trouble.”

“Oh, you know my name?”

“Of course. We’re classmates, and you’re famous, Hinase-san.”

Large, round eyes, loosely curled brown hair.

Her blazer was open, and the buttons of her blouse were undone, revealing a hint of her cleavage.

Her skirt was short, and her legs were quite exposed.

Slender, but not too thin, a healthy physique.

She was the most popular girl at Seiran Academy, someone who caught everyone’s eye.

…That was the setting, anyway.

Well, even without that prior knowledge, anyone could see at a glance that she was popular.

“A-Ahaha… I do stand out, don’t I? There are probably some unsavory rumors about me.”

“It’s not like that…”

And Hinase Riri is also a girl oblivious to her own popularity.

With her outstanding looks and feminine attire, she wasn’t haughty.

Rather, she had a very casual personality.

Of course she’d be popular. Even I, her complete opposite, could understand that.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. I tend to be underestimated. That guy probably approached me because he saw me that way.”

Is it just my bad personality that makes that sound like a roundabout way of bragging…?

Well, even I, as a girl, think Hinase-san is beautiful. So it’s probably unavoidable that men would hit on her.

I looked at my reflection in a nearby window.

An unremarkable, dull face, thick black-rimmed glasses.

My black hair was in pigtails, my uniform buttoned all the way up, and my skirt length strictly adhered to the school rules.

The picture-perfect image of an introverted girl.

Well, it is literally a picture-perfect world, so I guess it’s natural…

Anyway, Amatsuki Suzuna is plain.

That’s to be expected. While this character exists as a heroine, when you get down to it, her role was mostly to mediate and move the story along.

Her ending was also a bit ambiguous, with the relationship with the protagonist not progressing beyond that of childhood friends…

Well, whatever.

My previous self was also plain and inconspicuous like Amatsuki Suzuna, so it doesn’t feel that strange.

Rather, it’s so true to life that I almost feel a slight sense of self-loathing.

But if you were to ask me if I wanted to be the polar opposite, like Hinase-san in front of me…

No way.

I couldn’t maintain that level of femininity for even a day.

“Amatsuki-san, you’re pretty gutsy.”

“Eh, ehh…?”

Isn’t “gutsy” a bit of an overstatement…?

I mean, I’m aware that I lack femininity, but…

“Everyone on the street just pretended not to see me when I was in trouble. It’s fine since I wasn’t asking for help, but it was surprising that you, Amatsuki-san, were the first to speak up.”

Ah, so that’s what she meant.

Originally, this was the scene where the protagonist would save her.

I guess it could be considered gutsy. It was originally an action a boy would have taken.

“I’m glad I could help. Well then, I’ll be…”

There was nothing more to talk about between us, with our different personalities.

I should retreat before an awkward silence falls.

“Eh, wait!”

However, Hinase-san grabbed my arm.

My movement was restricted.

“Um… is something the matter?”

“Let me thank you.”

…A bad feeling.

“I didn’t do anything that warrants thanks.”

“No way, I can’t just let a classmate help me and go home without saying anything.”

Hmm…

I’ve seen this exact same scenario play out before.

These are the lines she’d use to invite Shindo Minato, who should be here…

What am I supposed to do, receiving them instead?

“Amatsuki-san, do you like sweets?”

“…I hate them.”

I actually like them.

But if I accept, we’ll end up going to get sweets… so I have to refuse.

“Ah, is that so. …It’s after school, aren’t you a little hungry?”

“I’m not hungry.”

Hinase-san is desperately trying to treat me to something…

I don’t need it, I don’t need it.

You don’t have to raise any flags with me. Please do that with Shindo-kun.

“…Not even a little?”

“I’m actually pretty full.”

“…Wow.”

“Yeah, I get full easily.”

“Too easily.”

Hinase-san seems slightly taken aback…

Well, a girl saying she’s full in the evening after school is certainly strange.

Of course, it’s a lie, and I’m actually getting hungry.

“Ah, then you must be thirsty, right? We ran quite a bit, and you were out of breath, Amatsuki-san.”

Hinase-san’s eyes lit up as if she’d had a brilliant idea.

She’s probably thinking of taking me to a cafe.

But that’s no good either.

“I’m not thirsty.”

“…Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Even after running that much?”

“I’m the type who doesn’t get thirsty even after exercising.”

“…Do such people exist?”

“Right here.”

“Amatsuki-san, you’re not in any sports clubs, are you?”

“…I’m in the going-home club.”

Hinase-san’s gaze pierced me.

“Amatsuki-san, are you rejecting me?”

“…”

The way she asks such a delicate question without sugarcoating it… it’s so… “social butterfly” of her.

I couldn’t ask something so scary.

Even a polite reply would make me feel awkward, and if she told me the truth, I’d just get hurt.

Anyway, I don’t know how to react when asked something like that.

“No, it’s not like that…”

My reply lacked conviction, even to my own ears.

It was obvious I was hiding something.

In times like these, I, with my lacking communication skills, don’t know how to handle things properly.

“Right? There’s no way you’d help someone so boldly if you disliked them.”

Hinase-san smiled.

Judging by her expression, she believed me.

Amazing… She accepted it so easily.

“I see. But I’m in a bind, now I can’t thank you.”

“It’s fine, really, it’s okay.”

I couldn’t let this drag on any longer.

Seizing the opportunity, I shook off her grip on my arm.

“Ah, Amatsuki-san! Where are you going!?”

“Home.”

“Eh, but then my feelings…”

“Please direct those feelings towards a boy in our class.”

“…Why?”

Leaving Hinase-san tilting her head in confusion, I started running again as if escaping.

Well, this novel recently got a manga adaptation, which is currently on chapter 1, and I liked it, so here it is. The manga it’s a direct adaptation of the web novel; I understand it doesn’t have a light novel.

01 The Childhood Friend Wants to Become a Mob Character

I stood at my desk in the classroom.

“Suzuna, I guess I could walk home with you again today?”

A black-haired boy looked down at me.

…Strange.

I’d never seen this classroom before, and I’d never spoken to this boy.

Even so, I knew.

This was Seiran Academy, and the boy’s name was Shindo Minato.

Somehow, I knew it well.

As I tried to figure out why, it immediately hit me.

“…Ah, this is the world of that game I was playing last. This is it.”

“My Girlfriend Next Door is Super Sweet”

Commonly known as: KanoAma

…I think.

Anyway, I was playing a dating sim with that title.

This world is strikingly similar to that game.

Could it be… this is what they call reincarnation?

“Huh, game…? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Ah, um, it’s nothing. More importantly, Shindo…-kun. What did you just call me?”

“Huh? Don’t ask weird questions… Suzuna is Suzuna, right? What else would I call you?”

Ah… Seriously?

The name of the girl he called was Amatsuki Suzuna.

One of the heroines, her position: childhood friend.

It seems I’ve been reborn as one of these characters.

“See, you don’t have anyone to go home with anyway, right? I’ll walk home with you.”

Shindo Minato and his childhood friend, Amatsuki Suzuna, always went to and from school together.

However, as you can see, Minato’s attitude towards Suzuna is noticeably arrogant.

Even now, he’s giving off this “I’m doing you a favor” aura.

But Suzuna is incredibly kind.

She’s harbored feelings for Shindo Minato since childhood, keeping them hidden while remaining his friend.

That’s why, even when treated like this, she responds with a smile. Such a pure-hearted girl.

If I were to respond like her, going home with him would be the right answer.

…But.

“I’m going home alone, it’s fine.”

I told him my intentions clearly, in a voice that even I thought sounded blunt.

◇◇◇

Even though it was an unfamiliar hallway, I knew the way like the back of my hand, like it was my own home.

As Amatsuki Suzuna, I share her memories of this world.

I headed straight for the entrance.

“H-Hey… Suzuna, what’s wrong? Are you… mad at me or something…?”

But there was a boy following behind me.

“I’m not mad.”

“Th-Then… why aren’t you walking home with me? We always do.”

“Just because we always do, doesn’t mean we have to today.”

More than anything, I wanted him to stop following me.

Being approached by boys is a little scary.

“Did I… do something to you, Suzuna?”

“…Do you have any idea what it might be?”

“Uh… ah, no, like today, you let me copy your homework, and you woke me up right before class when I was sleeping, and you swapped cleaning duty with me… or something?”

Yes, this boy is incredibly lazy. And dependent on girls for everything.

The heroines of this world constantly pamper the protagonist. As if there’s some rule that they can only fall for good-for-nothing guys.

Even though he’s a second-year high school student, they only spoil him and never scold him.

And among them, this heroine, Amatsuki Suzuna, is especially sweet.

Just because they’re childhood friends, she’s always taken care of him since they were young.

She’s constantly subservient, always watching his expression, and always treats him kindly.

Honestly, as the player, I couldn’t understand it.

I didn’t like this protagonist, and I didn’t understand Suzuna’s feelings for him either.

I couldn’t empathize with her at all.

“It might be that.”

“Eh, even so, why all of a sudden…?”

“Anyway, I’m going home alone. Bye-bye, Shindo-kun.”

That’s why, I won’t be captured.

Even if this is the world of a dating sim, I refuse to date a boy I don’t like.

“…He finally gave up.”

Looking back after passing the school gates, Shindo-kun was nowhere to be seen.

“But… did I say too much?”

The image of Shindo-kun falling silent with a hurt expression after my parting words wouldn’t leave my mind.

I had to be clear so he’d understand, but I didn’t want to hurt him needlessly.

I just didn’t want to end up in the troublesome position of being his girlfriend.

“Seriously, even in a game world, I can’t get along with people… Give me a break…”

I sighed a little, remembering the world I came from.

No matter where I am, can I never live the way I want?

“Stop it, stop it. This is a new life, I have to enjoy it.”

Yes, it shouldn’t all be doom and gloom.

By walking this new life, I might gain something different.

Fortunately, Amatsuki Suzuna wasn’t a character that others disliked.

If I play my cards right, I might even be able to have a decent school life.

A heroine who isn’t captured by the protagonist, no, better yet, become a mob character and live a modest school life.

A peaceful life suits me.

Somehow, deciding on a future course of action calmed my mind.

My footsteps became a little lighter, and I hurried home.

I passed through the downtown area.

I’m not very fond of this space, where the buildings suddenly become larger and the crowds increase.

I quickened my pace to get through it quickly.

“I’m teeellling you, I’m not interested!”

…Hm?

A girl’s voice I’d heard somewhere reached my ears.

Looking towards the source of the voice, I saw a girl with light brown, loosely curled hair and heavy makeup, wearing a cheap-looking suit, being harassed by a man.

“You’re cute, so… I think you could easily earn money, even if it’s just for 1 or 2 hours a day.”

“Huh? What’s that? Super sketchy, it’s creepy. I’m not struggling for money, anyway.”

The girl was wearing the same uniform as me.

Hers was quite disheveled, giving off a rather frivolous impression, but she was definitely a student at the same school.

“Lies, dressed like that, there’s no way you’re not interested. It’s not sketchy at all, so just listen to what I have to say, and you can refuse if you don’t like it.”

“I’m already refusing. Seriously, you’re persistent.”

…Ah….

I racked my brain at the sight.

I remember this event.

Originally, Amatsuki Suzuna should have been going home with Shindo Minato today.

Shindo-kun, as usual, would have been boasting to Suzuna.

‘I’d do anything for a cute girl.’

He’d say something superficial like that.

But, because Suzuna is a naive girl…

‘Is that so? Then if there’s a girl in trouble, I can ask you for help, Minato-kun.’

She’d give a carefree reply like that.

And then they’d encounter this scene.

‘Hey Minato-kun, that girl looks like she’s in trouble.’

‘…Yeah.’

‘You said you’d do anything for a girl, right?’

‘……Yeah.’

Unable to back down from his careless words, Shindo Minato would half-heartedly charge at the man in the suit.

The man, thinking he was outnumbered, would retreat…

“Because of me, Shindo-kun isn’t here…”

In other words, the protagonist who was supposed to save her is absent.

The guilt weighed even heavier on me.

I couldn’t just ignore this…

Suppressing the fear welling up in my chest, I quickened my pace.

“Hey, hey, come on. Just a little, just a tiny bit.”

“No, don’t touch me. Seriously, you’re gross.”

The man’s advances were finally becoming forceful, and even I, watching, felt anxious.

I broke into a run, and then…

“Ah, ahhh. Sorry, sorry, were you waiting?”

I forced myself between the two of them and called out.

My voice cracked a little, unused to such lines.

“Uh, um…?”

A classmate she hadn’t made plans with suddenly called out to her.

Of course she’d be taken aback.

“Shopping first? Come on, we don’t have time, let’s go.”

Ignoring her bewilderment, I took the flashy girl’s hand and started walking.

“Hey, wait a minute!”

To the man in the suit who was still trying to pursue us, I opened my mouth.

“Sir, this girl and I have something to do. Besides, if you keep pestering her, I’ll call the police. You’re targeting a minor, and if rumors spread, it could affect your job, you know? Is that okay with you?”

“…Tch, whatever, fine.”

The man clearly looked displeased as he backed down.

Well, at least he wouldn’t bother her any further.

“Let’s go, Hinase-san.”

“Ah, y-yeah!”

I then took her hand—the hand of one of the heroines, Hinase Riri—and left the downtown area behind.