Chapter 2 Villains are being reevaluated without our knowledge
I want to chase my youth. But given the classroom situation, it’s gonna be a rough ride.
My classmates’ image of me still seems bad. I’ve been trying—smiling, taking on chores—but their fear hasn’t budged. If anything, they’re more wary, like I’m plotting something. I look like a carnivore, but inside, I’m a herbivore.
“Himuro, what do you think I should do?”
“If anything, everyone’s more scared. Even I find your smile kinda creepy, Akio.”
“What, seriously?”
“…Sorry.”
No, don’t apologize! That’s a real reaction—it’s brutal honesty!
It’s Gouda Akio’s fierce face that’s the problem. What’s with this thug mug? Even I’d look away if I were a normal guy.
Looks really matter. Reincarnation’s taught me that harsh truth.
“You’re nice, Himuro. Hanging out with a thug-faced guy like me.”
“It’s not about looks to me…”
A blushing gyaru’s pretty cute. In the original story, she just couldn’t defy Gouda Akio, but maybe she’s not a bad kid at heart.
“Up we go.”
“Akio, you sound like an old man. Going somewhere?”
“Just the bathroom.”
Why does the urge hit right when break’s almost over? I wish my bladder had better timing. Now I’m speed-walking to the toilet.
“Oh.”
As I went to enter, I nearly bumped into a guy coming out. No fateful encounter here—just two dudes stopping to avoid a collision.
“H-Hey.”
“Yo.”
He bowed awkwardly as we passed each other. I get it—running into a delinquent makes you wanna bow, right? Sorry about that.
“Wait, that was…”
The guy who passed was a classmate. The one I’m most careful around.
Nosaka Junpei. The original story’s protagonist, the guy who gets cucked. Always in pitiful situations, his despairing face was iconic.
I thought I knew him from the manga, but he’s just an average, medium-built guy with no standout traits. Meeting him like that, I almost didn’t recognize him.
“Don’t worry, man. You won’t end up in a tragic plot.”
I muttered quietly before heading in. His red eyes bugged me—maybe he got something in them and washed them out.
Every bathroom or bath reminds me I’m the “rod” character, but I’ve got no plans to use it to steal anyone’s girl.
This is an ero-manga world, sure. But it’s real now. Fantasies are one thing—reality has limits.
“Still, I need to figure out how to let off steam…”
Even if this is reality, I’m still Gouda Akio, the ero-manga rod guy.
Must be the rod role—my libido’s off the charts. Let my guard down, and the thing dangling between my legs swells up and causes trouble. Even the bathroom’s a hassle.
It’s like the desire’s building up beyond what I can handle alone. I’m scared that if it hits a breaking point, I’ll lose control no matter what I want.
“This isn’t some world’s will, right?”
Like some god’s hand pushing me back to the original plot. Since I’m reincarnated, I can’t rule it out.
The more I think that, the more I feel the beastly urges stirring.
“Please, little guy. Don’t turn into a wild one.”
Talking to it won’t help, but I can’t help wishing. If I turn into a real cuckolding jerk, I don’t know if I could face the world.
“Oh, Gouda-kun.”
“Shiratori?”
I ran into her coming out of the bathroom. Bad timing, considering my lower half’s state.
“What? You don’t wanna see me?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“It’s written on your face.”
“…Seriously?”
A thug face that can’t hide anything? Maybe I need to work on my poker face.
I stifled a sigh and headed back to class. Naturally, Shiratori walked beside me.
“Hey.”
“What?”
“Why’re you walking next to me?”
“We’re going to the same classroom. Or what? You want me to take a different route?”
Can’t argue with that. It’s not far, so I guess it’s fine?
As usual, only Himuro and Shiratori can talk to me normally.
Himuro’s my friend, so that’s cool. But Shiratori’s different. The original story’s correction force could kick in and cause a mistake. With my lower half acting up lately, just being near her makes me nervous.
Even now, her arm brushing mine makes my heart race. Her scent’s seductive, and the way she sneaks glances at me is slyly cute. Her curvy body, obvious even through her uniform, threatens to fry my reason—I couldn’t look straight at her.
The main heroine of an ero-manga isn’t messing around. I should keep my distance from Shiratori Himari for safety.
“Hey, Gouda-kun.”
“What?”
I stayed calm despite my inner jolt. I worried my ulterior motives might show.
“I need some time later to talk. Spare me a bit, okay?”
“Huh? Wait—”
She said that and slipped into the classroom. With classmates’ eyes on us, I couldn’t press her.
“What the hell…”
I wanted to sigh. I don’t get what Shiratori’s thinking. Why keep bothering a delinquent?
I got to my seat before the bell. A piercing stare hit me—guess I stand out, so I pretended not to notice despite the unease.
Lunch break. Shiratori dragged me to the rooftop for her “talk.” I ate beforehand, so my stomach’s quiet.
Rooftops in school stories are usually open, right? My old high school banned them, so this feels fresh. Nice view, cool breeze.
Yeah, I’m good. …Can I head back now?
“About teaching you to study—my place is fine, right?”
“No, it’s not.”
Shiratori puffed out her chest confidently with her suggestion. When I shot it down instantly, her eyes widened in disbelief.
“W-Why… It’s my house! You get to come to the house of the girl you called cute! I can’t believe you’re not jumping at this!”
Does she think she’s an idol or something? Her sudden overconfidence is a total turn-off.
“I’m the one who can’t believe it. A teenage girl inviting a guy she’s not close to over? Use some common sense.”
“Getting a common-sense lecture from you? That’s a huge shock…”
Shiratori clutched her chest and staggered dramatically. She’s playing up the shock, but her hand’s making her chest a dangerous sight. Pure poison for a teenage boy’s eyes.
It’s like a magnet pulling my gaze. I gritted my teeth to resist.
“I appreciate the tutoring offer, but it doesn’t have to be your place. The library or somewhere normal would work.”
I don’t wanna get too close to the main heroine. I’m fine with her repaying her “debt,” but I can’t let it spiral into a misunderstanding.
“The library’s got people watching.”
“Not that many, right? It’s fine for a quick study session.”
“Have you ever used the school library, Gouda-kun?”
“Nope.”
Even Gouda Akio’s memories don’t include the library. It doesn’t fit the delinquent vibe.
Shiratori sighed and shook her head like she was exasperated. It ticked me off a bit.
“Midterms are coming up. Plenty of students study in the library. If you showed up there, you’d disturb everyone working hard.”
Harsh words. But I can’t deny it—that’s how toxic Gouda Akio is.
Still, the library’s a popular study spot, huh? Delinquents aside, this school’s got a lot of serious students.
“Then after the test is fine.”
“What? What are you saying, Gouda-kun? I’m not feeling any motivation for the test from you.”
Shiratori hit me with a smiling pressure. I’ve heard somewhere that smiles can be intimidating.
She lectured me. “Think about your future more.” “If you don’t work steadily, you’ll regret it.” Are you my mom?
…Let me rephrase. I got some very honor-student-like advice. The real Gouda Akio might call it preaching to the choir, but I’m the one listening.
“Yes, I’ll work hard at studying…”
“Good.”
Lacking the guts of a cuckolding jerk, I caved to her pressure. She smiled, satisfied. Smiles come in a lot of flavors, huh.
To be honest, I wasn’t totally free of anxiety about my first test post-reincarnation.
Clearing my nerves while letting Shiratori pay off her “debt” kills two birds with one stone. It’s not a bad deal to take her up on it.
But going to her house still feels off. If I really saw this as a chance, I’d have chosen the villainous cuckolding path ages ago.
“Anyway, you’ve got a boyfriend—doesn’t he mind you inviting another guy over?”
“Junpei-kun? I broke up with him.”
“…What?”
She said it so casually I thought I misheard.
Hold up. Did I just catch a bombshell?
As if confirming my panic, Shiratori kept going.
“My relationship with Junpei-kun was just me going along with it because I couldn’t say no. To face my true feelings, I decided to reset things.”
“But… you don’t hate him, right?”
“He’s my childhood friend. I don’t hate him. But I had my own feelings to sort out. To figure out what I really want, I thought it’s better to put some distance between us. That’s all.”
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! The original story’s veering off course without me knowing?
Shiratori Himari was supposed to be way more devoted to Nosaka Junpei… In the original, even after Gouda Akio [self-censored beep] her, her loyalty didn’t break easily. That’s why her eventual fall hit so hard.
Sure, this is reality, so it might not follow the script. But if her change of heart is because of me, I’d feel responsible.
“Is this… my fault?”
“…No, it’s not. So don’t make that face, Gouda-kun.”
What face am I making? Don’t tell me that when you’re the one looking like you’re holding something back.
“Forget me and Junpei-kun. Let’s focus on you, Gouda-kun. We’re gonna study hard for midterms together.”
“Y-Yeah.”
I got swept up and answered. Damn my weak will.
But I can’t keep letting myself get carried away.
Shiratori being single now means a mistake could happen if we’re alone. My lower half’s been rowdy lately—I’m not sure I can control it.
“Shiratori, I’ve got one condition for studying at your place.”
To take the lead, I made her an offer.
◇ ◇ ◇
The original story kicked off before summer break in our second year. Shiratori Himari got assaulted by Gouda Akio, who used her weakness to break her down over the summer.
It’s May of our second year now. There was still time before the story started, but Shiratori and Nosaka’s relationship’s already over.
No cuckolding plot now. Not that I planned to steal her…
I figured as long as I didn’t make a move, their love would bloom properly. So how’d this happen?
““““…””””
After school, at Shiratori’s house—specifically, her room.
Four of us, guys and girls. Shiratori, obviously, me under the pretense of studying, plus Himuro and Nosaka.
In original roles: the cucked heroine, the cuckolding villain, the protagonist, and the villain’s sidekick. A chaotic crew. Knowing that, I can’t exactly relax.
But this is reality. No cuckolding’s happened. The protagonist couple’s already split.
So it’s just an honor student tutoring two delinquents and an average guy. Yup, a study group—very student-like. …Even reframing it, this crew’s still a mess.
“Hey, Akio. Why’d you drag me here?”
Himuro, sitting next to me, whispered. For the record: Himuro’s on my right, Shiratori’s across, and Nosaka’s next to her.
“The honor student’s offering to teach us. I’m sharing the chance.”
“You know I suck at studying, right?”
“Sucking and not trying are different. You don’t wanna flunk—it’d be a pain. You’ve gotta study a little, don’t you?”
“W-Well, maybe a little…”
“You wouldn’t do squat alone. So let’s do it together.”
“With you… W-Well, if you insist, I guess I’ve got no choice.”
Himuro seemed convinced. The ero-manga didn’t have proper study scenes, but Gouda Akio’s memory calls her a dunce. Studying young matters, you know.
Looking ahead, Shiratori glared at me, grumpy.
Her eyes screamed, “How’d this happen?” I shifted my gaze, uncomfortable.
Inviting Himuro and Nosaka was my condition to Shiratori.
A girl’s room, just the two of us? No way. What if my lower half went wild and I couldn’t take responsibility? No telling how the ero-manga setup might kick in, especially with it acting up lately.
So I suggested bringing them. They’re the only ones I could ask. Shiratori muttered something like, “Gouda-kun’s more of a coward than I thought? Or is he just teasing me?”—I ignored it.
I figured at least one would do. I knew Himuro’d come if I asked, but Nosaka agreeing so easily caught me off guard.
He just broke up with Shiratori. I thought he’d refuse out of awkwardness.
But maybe me asking worked in his favor. A notorious delinquent barging into his beloved childhood friend’s house? No guy could ignore that.
“A-Alright. Let’s hit the test prep hard.”
“…Sure.”
Shiratori replied, super grumpy. Mask your expression a little, will you?
The study session started calmly on the surface. Nosaka’s quiet but studying seriously. Himuro’s not complaining—surprisingly diligent.
“Gouda-kun, use this formula here.”
“Got it.”
Studying with her showed me Shiratori’s legit smart.
She lives up to her honor-student rep. Ask a question, and she breaks it down clearly.
Nosaka’s about average, I’d say. Himuro… might need to hustle to dodge a failing grade.
Gouda Akio’s base smarts are a bit above average. For a guy so busy as the “rod,” that’s plenty. With my knowledge added, I can handle this midterm range.
“Ugh, I’m done~!”
An hour and a half in, Himuro finally tapped out.
For her, that’s solid effort. I patted her head as she flopped on the table.
“You studied hard. Let’s take a break.”
“Akio? …Hehe, I did good, right?”
She’d been focused—now she’s unwinding. Her smile makes her look kinda young.
“!”
Shiratori’s glare got sharp… No slacking allowed?
“Aw, crap. Hey, Shiratori-san, can I use your bathroom?”
“Y-Yeah. Down the stairs, right at the end.”
“Thanks.”
Himuro left. The room’s tension eased a bit. Shiratori’s face softened too.
Left behind: me, Shiratori, and Nosaka. Still a chaotic trio—mostly my fault.
“Nosaka, anything you didn’t get?”
“Huh? Me? Uh, a little…”
“Shiratori-sensei’ll help you out.”
“R-Really?”
Nosaka side-eyed her. She pretended not to notice, staying neutral.
Getting back together soon looks tough. She’s holding a grudge. Girls’ hearts are delicate.
But guys’ hearts are too—hope she gets that. Watching Nosaka mope, I couldn’t help thinking it.
I opened my mouth to say something supportive when—
“Hey, Gouda-kun. Is Himuro-san your girlfriend or something?”
Shiratori stared right at me with that question.
“What’s that out of nowhere?”
“Just curious. I’ve only seen you talk to Himuro-san in class. I wondered if she’s… your lover.”
What’s Himuro Haya to Gouda Akio?
In the original, a convenient, submissive girl. But not now. She’s a friend I can laugh with.
“She’s my friend. Nothing more, nothing less. A damn good one for putting up with me.”
So I told the truth.
I’m a lost cause, but Himuro could get along with the class. I played up the “damn good one” part for her sake.
“Oh? So do you have a girlfriend outside school, Gouda-kun?”
“You’re assuming I’ve got one? I don’t have anyone that fancy.”
No lie there. Gouda Akio never had a proper “girlfriend.”
Just one-night stands or fuck buddies… Different durations, but plenty of adult flings.
“So… you’re free right now, Gouda-kun?”
Did her eyes glint like a predator’s? No, must be my imagination. Tell me it’s my imagination!
“H-Hey, Himari! What’re you asking?”
Nosaka panicked—his beloved childhood friend getting cozy with the school’s top delinquent must’ve freaked him out. Good, keep it up.
“It’s nothing. Just some love talk. We’re high schoolers—other people’s romantic gossip is a hot topic, isn’t it?”
“I-I get that, but think about who you’re asking! There’s no way Gouda doesn’t swap girls like clothes. How much of what he says is even true…?”
“Can you not talk about that kind of stuff in front of me?”
I meant to say it gently, but Nosaka flinched. I think my voice is pretty cool… Guess it’s this thug face again.
I’m not even mad. He’s right—Gouda Akio’s a scumbag who plays with women like toys. That’s a solid fact.
“Sorry, Nosaka. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No, I’m not scared or anything…”
Then don’t look away, man. Is he one of those guys who can’t chat honestly when our eyes meet?
“It’s just, lately I’ve been thinking about changing myself. So I decided not to treat people carelessly anymore. That’s it.”
“I-I see. So Gouda’s got a lot on his mind, huh…”
Nosaka looked uninterested or maybe just awkward. Fair enough—hearing a scary delinquent’s life story isn’t exactly fun.
I was about to drop it when Shiratori leaned forward eagerly.
“So, the next time you get a girlfriend, you’ll treat her preciously, right?”
“Y-Yeah… That’s how it’d work.”
Going straight makes getting a girlfriend harder, though. I’ve started wondering if, for Gouda Akio, stealing other guys’ girls was his twisted way of “communicating.” …If so, he’s the ultimate socially inept asshole.
“I see… So that’s how it is…”
Shiratori let out a heated sigh. Did I flip some dangerous switch? Feeling a twinge of danger, I edged away from her slightly.
“I’m back~! Huh, did something happen?”
“Nah, just chatting normally.”
Himuro returned from the bathroom. Her presence softened the tense vibe. The opposite of earlier—I realized swapping out the air really matters.
“Now that Himuro-san’s back, shall we get back to studying?”
“Ehh, can’t we rest a bit more?”
“No way. It’s test prep—you need to focus more.”
“Boo~”
In the end, Shiratori overpowered Himuro, and we resumed studying. For a girl who doesn’t usually study, Himuro held up well. By the end, she was totally wiped out.
◇ ◇ ◇
After the study session, we left Shiratori’s place.
“Well, my house is this way.”
Being childhood friends, Nosaka lived nearby Shiratori. He split off from me and Himuro quick.
“Nosaka, thanks for today.”
“Huh?”
As we parted, I thanked him.
“I was glad a guy like me got to study with you. Everyone in class is scared of me, so I thought you might not show. Thanks for coming, seriously.”
I meant it for Himuro too—I’m genuinely grateful. If I’d ended up alone with Shiratori… pathetic as it sounds, I might not have held back.
My thanks must’ve caught him off guard—Nosaka looked stunned.
He blinked rapidly, mouth half-open, then snapped out of it and tightened his expression.
“D-Don’t get the wrong idea! I only came to protect Himari. I didn’t come to get chummy with you or anything like that!”
Oh, what a tsundere! It sounds tsundere-ish, but he was probably just worried about Shiratori for real.
Even fresh off a breakup, he can’t help caring about his beloved childhood friend. That’s how strong Nosaka’s feelings for her must be.
“Yeah, I get it. As long as you cherish Shiratori, I won’t do anything bad to her.”
“For real? If I’m around, you won’t touch Himari, right?”
“Of course. So protect her no matter what.”
“I don’t need you telling me that!”
Nosaka spun around with a dramatic whoosh and bolted. Was he posing or just embarrassed? Only he knows.
“Huh, Nosaka’s kinda interesting, huh?”
Himuro, who’d quietly watched the guy-talk, chimed in.
“He’s a straight shooter, I bet. Don’t tease him, okay?”
“I won’t, jeez. It’s cool—a guy who can flat-out say he wants to protect the girl he likes. I like that.”
Oh, as expected of the original protag! Making Himuro say “I like that” shows he’s got the makings of a lady-killer.
“Hey, Akio, changing the subject… Can I come over to your place now?”
“…I live alone, you know.”
“So?”
“I mean, it’s a bad idea for a girl to come to a guy’s place when he lives alone.”
I gave a legit reason, but Himuro just grinned.
“Huh? What’s bad about it~? I don’t get it~♪”
This chick’s annoying as hell… I kinda get why Gouda Akio treated her so carelessly.
“Anyway, enough joking.”
“That was a joke…?”
“What, did you actually get your hopes up? Can I really come over?”
I ignored her teasing to dodge more hassle. Himuro giggled, clearly enjoying my reaction.
“Well, if you’re busting your ass studying, I can’t just slack off, right? I’ll head home quietly today and refresh my overworked brain.”
“You don’t use it much, so studying too hard might’ve overheated it. Cool it off good when you get home.”
“You little—!”
Himuro rammed her blonde head into my stomach. I shot back, “You little—!” while ruffling her hair into a mess.
Laughing like idiots together—just that felt so damn fun.
Maybe these dumb, happy moments are what youth’s about. That thought hit me vaguely.
◇ ◇ ◇
But I couldn’t just sit around savoring youth.
“Hah, hah, hah, hah…!”
My breathing got ragged. My body burned. Something felt like it was thrashing deep in my gut.
Shiratori’s room, with her sweet scent, kept stoking my animal urges the whole time I was there. Then Himuro touching me… I’m at my limit.
My lower half was itching. It was turning into a hot mass, ready to blow any second.
Gouda Akio’s consciousness hadn’t fully died out. Only now, in this state, did I realize that.
I need to get home fast… My mind hazy, I somehow stumbled back to my apartment.
“Oh, welcome back, Akio-kun!”
A stunning blue-haired beauty was sitting in front of my door.
Of all times…! The moment I saw her, my lower gut flared up like it caught fire.
I unconsciously twisted my mouth. It seems this world is dead-set on making Gouda Akio the lowest of men.
“You showed up at just the right time. You’ll take care of me right away, yeah?”
“Sure. That’s what I came here for♡”
Swept away by instinct, I invited the beauty into my room. As expected, a guy and a girl alone in a room is a bad situation.
◇ ◇ ◇
I got heated and did it… Never thought I’d understand that feeling myself one day.
“Nn… Akio-kun, that felt so good~♡”
“T-That’s good to hear…”
I was resting on the bed with the blue-haired beauty, both of us still naked. In other words… embarrassing as it is, this is post-coital.
It was kinda unavoidable, or something like that. Just let me explain.
On the way back from the study session at Shiratori’s place, it felt like Gouda Akio’s personality was trying to surface—or maybe it was the overwhelming lust taking over me.
If it kept up, I might’ve grabbed some random girl off the street for a one-night stand. That’s how irresistible the urge was.
I rushed back to my apartment to avoid that, but waiting for me was this blue-haired beauty.
Her name’s Koyama Erika. A college student, older than me.
I didn’t recognize her name from the original story, but her appearance rang a bell.
Semilong blue hair, droopy eyes giving her a gentle vibe, and a mature allure with huge breasts worth a look.
Erika was one of the girls Gouda Akio “ate” in the original story. She only showed up in a flashback, but her main-heroine-level looks made her quietly popular.
So technically, she’s a mob character. But this is reality—being a mob in the story doesn’t mean her life doesn’t exist.
Gouda Akio’s memories confirm we had a one-night stand before. Drowning in pleasure, she came back to be embraced by him again.
“I couldn’t stop myself… I decided not to treat women badly, but…”
Erika doesn’t have a boyfriend. We had a thing before I reincarnated, and this time, she came here wanting it herself.
It’s not like I stole her. If it’s mutual consent, no one can blame me for this physical relationship, right?
“…”
Still, it doesn’t change that I betrayed my initial resolve. Even if I was dominated by uncontrollable desire, I can’t help blaming myself for not finding another way.
“Huh? Didn’t it feel good for you, Akio-kun?”
She clung to me sweetly, her soft body wrapping around mine.
A passionate embrace. Yet Erika’s gentle expression didn’t falter.
“No, it’s not that—”
“Right? You looked so into it… You were adorable, Akio-kun♡”
Being teased by an older woman brought up a crazy wave of shame. Well, mentally, I’m slightly older than her if you count my past life, but still.
“Maybe you’re worried about something? If so, Erika-neechan will listen.”
Her palm traced my face. What’s this thrilling shiver? I could get hooked on it.
Her hot breath hit my face. I had to say something— that urge made my mouth open naturally.
“Well… I’m trying to change myself right now. I decided not to treat women carelessly, but I ended up throwing my selfish desires at you again… I don’t know how to put it, but I thought I shouldn’t do this. So because it felt so good with you, Erika, I’m regretting it even more.”
I haltingly spilled my honest feelings.
It wasn’t well-organized, but Erika listened quietly. When I finished, she patted my head like I was a kid.
“I see. You’re trying to be kinder, huh, Akio-kun?”
She hugged me. My face ended up buried in her full chest.
Wrapped in her big, soft swells, I closed my eyes. Feeling comforted, her calm, gentle voice rained down.
“Humans aren’t that simple. We’re not creatures that run on logic alone. Cutting off all your emotions at once? Impossible.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Take me, for example. I know I shouldn’t get involved with a bad boy like you, Akio-kun, but I couldn’t forget that one night and came here anyway.”
Her tone was playful yet brimming with kindness. I let myself sink into her.
“That’s naughty.”
“Right? Even knowing it’s wrong, I turn into a bad girl. But it’s not like I’ll keep doing bad things forever. Probably the same for you, Akio-kun.”
Drowsiness crept in. Exhaustion played a part, but her words seemed to untangle my heart.
“At least I’m glad I came to see you today. Wanting to not hurt others is admirable, but what matters is how the other person feels, don’t you think?”
She pressed her lips to my forehead. It felt like a warm, motherly kiss.
“Don’t regret things on your own. Regret by yourself tends to miss the mark a lot. Look around and think about what everyone else feels. That’s probably what being kind means.”
“Yeah… Got it.”
Her warmth enveloped me. My mind and body relaxed, and I felt like I could sleep peacefully.
“…And you’re the one who made me realize that, Akio-kun. Hehe, I thought you were mature, but you really are younger, huh?”
At some point, the heat in my lower half faded. A pleasant warmth spread through my whole body instead.
“Thanks, Akio-kun. Seeing you tonight made me realize I can’t keep clinging forever. I want you to cling to me more instead… Hehe, what am I saying? …Good night.”
My consciousness sank deep. It was a warm, sweet, incredibly comforting place.
◆ ◆ ◆
If someone asked me what kind of guy Gouda Akio is, I’d answer without hesitation, “A dangerous dude.”
A notorious delinquent at school. A guy with endless bad rumors, feared by everyone thanks to his thug face and beefy build.
And I ended up in the same class as him after the second-year shuffle.
“Ugh, seriously…?”
That was my reaction when I found out. A hundred times worse than stepping in dog crap on the street. I wasn’t the only one—everyone stuck in class with Gouda probably felt the same.
“This year, I’m with Junpei-kun again. Heehee, I’m glad we’re together.”
“Y-Yeah. I’m happy to be in the same class as you too, Himari.”
The one silver lining of this shuffle was being with my childhood friend, Himari.
Himari’s cute, smart, and has an amazing figure. When we were little, she was just a playmate, but as she grew into a beauty, I fell for her at some point.
Now, as high schoolers, we weren’t just childhood friends anymore.
“Hey, Himari, let’s go on a date soon.”
“Sure, sounds good.”
We’d become a couple. The feelings I’d held since we were kids came true. Himari must’ve felt the same, I think.
We went on tons of dates, growing closer as lovers. Where that leads for a guy and girl our age is pretty obvious…
“Alright, next time I’ll invite Himari to my place… I’m gonna become a man!”
I made that secret resolve alone.
“Oi, you’re in the way. Move.”
“S-Sorry!”
Guess he’s got zero consideration for yielding to others. I stepped aside as Gouda strutted down the hall like he owned it.
If it weren’t for him, this would’ve been the perfect class. Seeing him act so arrogant soured my mood, dampening my resolve.
But Himari could make me forget all that. If we became one, it’d be even more…
With that hope swelling, I invited her over.
“U-Um… Okay… I’ll come to your place, Junpei-kun…”
Himari nodded, probably catching my intent. Since she didn’t refuse, I took it as a green light to go all the way.
—We wanted each other, and it was supposed to be the best day, becoming one with Himari. So why’d it turn out like this?
I was writhing in despair.
I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed—!!
I invited Himari over and tried for our first time. But of all times, my “little guy” was in awful shape.
Normally, it’s way too lively… But in this crucial moment, it didn’t twitch once. I never imagined this—I panicked and blurted out,
“Oh, I’m not good with girls with big boobs.”
What a load of crap. Truth is, I love big boobs. That’s why I think Himari’s curvy figure is the best. I’ve used her as “material” countless times as proof.
I screwed up… I didn’t mean to say that! But it was too late.
“I see… Sorry, it’s because my chest is big… You couldn’t get in the mood, right, Junpei-kun…?”
Even with tears wetting her cheeks, Himari didn’t blame me.
That just stabbed my guilt deeper. I didn’t know how to comfort her and ended up doing nothing.
—Was that really so bad?
Himari’s not just gorgeous—she’s kind and caring inside too.
“Let’s break up. I think some distance will help us both cool off right now.”
I never dreamed that sweet Himari would dump me. It was so sudden, my mind went blank.
How’d this happen? No, I know it’s because I botched our first time. I didn’t wanna think about it, so I avoided it. That made things awkward between us.
She probably picked up on my attitude and decided to end it. Himari notices even my smallest changes. That’s why she thought distance was best.
As time passed, her thoughtfulness sank in.
“Pathetic…”
I made Himari worry about me. I’m mad at myself for not realizing that until she dumped me.
She gave me time to calm down. I’ll talk it out with my “little guy” and overcome my nerves to make our next first time a success.
—Right as I thought that…
“Hey, Nosaka. We’re doing a study session at Shiratori’s place—wanna join?”
Why the hell is Gouda talking about going to Himari’s house?
I couldn’t believe it. This is Gouda—the delinquent rumored to screw any girl he sees.
Himari’s not clueless about him. But knowing how kind she is, it wouldn’t surprise me if she reached out to a delinquent. That’s just her. I know because she’s my childhood friend.
“I-I’ll go!”
I had to protect Himari no matter what. If I’m there, even Gouda wouldn’t dare touch her easily.
…My worries turned out to be for nothing. The study session ended surprisingly peacefully.
As we left Himari’s house and parted ways with Gouda and the others…
“Nosaka, thanks for today.”
I was floored when Gouda thanked me out of nowhere. I never thought he was the type to thank anyone.
“I was glad a guy like me got to study with you. Everyone in class is scared of me, so I thought you might not show. Thanks for coming, seriously.”
Words so unlike Gouda. Is this really him? I couldn’t believe it, but we’d barely talked much before anyway.
“Yeah, I get it. As long as you cherish Shiratori, I won’t do anything bad to her.”
“For real? If I’m around, you won’t touch Himari, right?”
“Of course. So protect her no matter what.”
“I don’t need you telling me that!”
The conversation led to me saying that.
Was it okay to say that to Gouda? More than the unease, embarrassment heated my face, and I bolted.
But thanks to him, I reaffirmed my feelings for Himari.
I love Himari. She’s kind and dependable, and this time, I wanna be the one to protect her. I’ve always felt that way.
“That Gouda guy… Maybe he’s not exactly like the rumors?”
His looks and rough attitude built up a bad image, but he was calmer than I’d imagined.
“Doesn’t mean I’m letting my guard down, though.”
…But if someone asked me what kind of guy Gouda Akio is, I’d still say “A dangerous dude” without hesitation—cut him that much slack, at least.
That day, my view of Gouda shifted just a little.
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