Chapter 3 I'm scared of the remnants of the villain
When my personality emerged, I thought Gouda Akio’s consciousness had vanished. …Seems I was wrong.
“Send me women! Let me attack them! I’ll mess them up good!”
…Violent desires like that surge when my lower half heats up. Probably some remnant of Gouda Akio.
Getting physical with women is something I’d welcome. But I’m not about to commit crimes. My sense of decency’s stronger here, thankfully.
I didn’t mind others—especially a manga villain—doing whatever they wanted. I enjoyed it as fiction.
But this isn’t fiction—it’s reality, and I’m Gouda Akio now. To live laughing under the sun, I absolutely refuse to become a criminal.
“I owe Erika big time.”
Waking up in the morning, Erika was gone.
I almost felt let down, thinking it was a dream, but the bed still held her warmth. That vivid heat proved we’d been together.
“Man, I really did it with someone that gorgeous…”
I recalled that sweet time… Doing this and that with such a beauty.
Erika came to Gouda Akio on her own. I couldn’t resist my instincts and went for it.
If I’d stayed like that, I’d have lost it somewhere. I was that desperate—something I only realized after being with Erika.
The heat in my lower half drowned out all reason. I devoured her body on pure instinct.
And she forgave me. Said she’s just a fuck buddy, so I shouldn’t worry—showing concern for me.
“Let’s keep being convenient for each other. You said that at first too, right, Akio-kun?”
In my hazy memory, she’d said something like that.
Thanks to her, the heat subsided. It seems to have shrunk Gouda Akio’s remnant, and I didn’t end up attacking random women.
“Can’t keep getting spoiled, though. Gotta at least build enough self-control not to cause trouble.”
Next time, I’ll thank Erika. Even if she initiated it, I wanna express my gratitude for saving me.
Checking the time on my phone, it was about time to head to school. Student life’s tough.
“Hm? A message?”
A message had come in. From Shiratori. First time, huh.
It was casual stuff—“The study session was fun,” “Next time, I’ll teach you one-on-one real thorough”—sent last night, apparently. I hadn’t noticed with everything going on.
“Jeez, stay away from the cuckolding jerk.”
For some reason, Shiratori’s dying to get closer to me.
Maybe it’s like a delinquent picking up a stray dog—some gap she felt. But that’s just a fleeting emotion.
Once she calms down, she’ll cringe at her actions and squirm in shame. Youthful mistakes are better avoided if possible.
“Sorry, just woke up. Used my brain so much yesterday I crashed right after getting home. This good enough?”
I replied casually and started getting ready.
“Oh?”
A message popped up right after. That was fast.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Slept like a rock,” I sent back.
Another instant reply.
“Good to hear. Looking forward to seeing you at school.”
Looking forward, huh? Am I the only one who thinks that sounds overblown?
I hurried up and left. Running to avoid being late, I looked every bit the diligent student.
“Eek!?”
“Don’t make eye contact!”
“Scary, Mommy!”
Passersby freaked out. …All because of this thug face.
“Morning, Gouda-kun. Oh, you look kinda down?”
“Well, just woke up.”
Right before reaching school, I ran into Shiratori.
She wasn’t waiting for me, right? It was cutting it close to being late—I didn’t expect to see her on the way.
“You were so tired you slept like a rock, huh? I was worried when you didn’t reply to my message.”
“Yeah, studying that much was a first in a while. Study sessions really aren’t my thing.”
So let’s not do them anymore—I hinted at that, but Shiratori leaned in close, saying, “Then I’ll have to teach you more.” Guess feelings don’t get across without spelling them out.
Also, too close. Doesn’t she know how big her chest is? It’s brushing me a little…
“If you say it’s not like you, what about that hotel thing with me? Totally didn’t match your image.”
“Can you stop bringing that up every chance you get? What if someone hears?”
Shiratori flashed a cheeky grin. Hey, don’t dodge it like that.
I sighed. It’s supposed to be her weakness—why am I the one in a bind?
Just gotta endure till midterms. She’s teaching me to repay her “debt.” Once that’s over, she’ll have no reason to stick around me.
Then Nosaka can fix things with her. I just wait for that.
“By the way, Shiratori, did you sleep? You’ve got some dark circles.”
“Huh, what!? N-No, it’s not like I couldn’t sleep because you didn’t even read my message and I got anxious or anything…!”
“What’re you on about?”
“~~!”
Shiratori’s face went red, and she started smacking my arm. Doesn’t hurt, but it’s unfair.
With all that, we made it to school without being late.
◇ ◇ ◇
“Akio and Shiratori… went to a hotel?”
I hadn’t noticed someone overheard that conversation yet.
◆ ◆ ◆
Himuro’s acting weird.
She’s usually chattering nonsense every break, but today she’s been quiet since morning. Like her mind’s elsewhere—spacing out, not focused on class. …Not that she ever listens in class normally.
“Hey, Himuro~! Class is over~!”
“Huh? Oh, Akio…”
She reacted when I called, but when she saw my face, she looked down sadly. Why?
Did she overwork her brain at the study session? Even so, that doesn’t explain why she’d look sad at me.
Maybe she’s bummed about our academic gap? Finding out a buddy you thought was on your level is way ahead can hit hard.
I kinda get that. Yeah, it sucks when a close friend feels distant.
“You okay, Himuro?”
“Huh?”
I patted Himuro’s head gently. With our bond, this much falls within the realm of communication.
“I’m not going anywhere far. I’ll stick by your side, Himuro.”
“~~!?”
Even if there’s a gap in our grades, we’re in this together. I need her at the study sessions—mostly for my sanity’s sake.
“R-Really?”
Himuro’s eyes welled up. She must’ve been anxious, thinking her only delinquent buddy in class might drift away.
“Yeah, for real. So don’t worry.”
“Then… what about Shiratori? What’s Shiratori to you, Akio…?”
Huh? Why’s Shiratori’s name coming up in this flow?
As I hesitated, a shadow fell over us.
“What about me?”
“S-Shiratori…-san.”
Before I knew it, Shiratori was near our desks.
Himuro seemed almost scared of her. They got along fine yesterday, though.
Her eyes turned to me, trembling with unease, like a kid about to cry.
“It’s no big deal. We were just saying how tired we were from the study session at your place yesterday. Right, Himuro?”
I didn’t know the full story, but I brushed it off for now, signaling her with my eyes to play along.
“Y-Yeah! I’ve never used my brain that much before. I was, like, totally wiped out.”
She caught my drift and nodded exaggeratedly, her sidetail swaying with each bob.
“Is that so? Then you’d better get used to it now. Exams are coming up, so let’s work hard to study properly until then.”
“…”
Himuro’s eyes went dead. Honor students and delinquents just don’t mix, huh?
That should mean Shiratori and I don’t mix either. Even with a grade gap, I’m the type who hates studying as much as Himuro.
“Nah, there’s no way we can study that much. We’re fine just getting by without trouble.”
“Huh? Studying never causes trouble.”
Ugh, she’s right, Ascending, but we’re not on the same wavelength. It’s not clicking—maybe because I just reincarnated, I don’t wanna relive the pain of exam prep.
“And—”
Shiratori’s face got closer. Close enough to see her clear skin, a nice shampoo scent wafting over.
Wait, no! Why’s she suddenly leaning into my ear!?
“If you’re in trouble, tell me, okay? I’ll teach you thoroughly and gently.”
“!”
I couldn’t help feeling her allure. I’d just cleared my head thanks to Erika, but now heat’s pooling in my lower half again.
Is this the power of an ero-manga heroine? …Wait, Shiratori wasn’t supposed to be this seductive!
“No way!”
My arm got yanked, pulling me away from Shiratori.
Looking over, Himuro was clinging to my arm, tugging me. Her full chest pressed against me, squished by the contact.
Her loud shout drew the class’s attention.
“Akio’s, uh… busy hanging out with me! I mean, he’s not the type to just study all serious, right? So he can’t be studying with you all the time, Shiratori-san!”
Himuro growled low, like a menacing dog. A small dog, though—no real threat.
“Oh? Gouda-kun’s better at studying than you think, Himuro-san. And if it’s about hanging out, I’d do fine, wouldn’t I?”
Shiratori said that and—unbelievably—grabbed my other arm, hugging it like Himuro. A blissful sensation shot up my arm to my brain.
Uh, what’s happening?
Two beautiful girls fighting over me. On paper, it’s a dream scenario, but I had no idea how to handle it.
“Huh? What’s going on?”
“Why’s Himari-chan clinging to Gouda-kun?”
“Is this a love triangle!? A showdown!?”
The classroom buzzed. The air rippled with tension, and my panic spiked.
This is bad. If this keeps up, the class’ll get the wrong idea. What’s the right move here?
“What’re you doing, Himari!?”
Nosaka appeared. Oh, my savior!
He must’ve been at the bathroom or something. Striding back into the room, he peeled Shiratori off me. As expected of the protagonist—serious thanks!
“Tch… W-Wah!?”
With Shiratori’s pull gone, Himuro lost balance. I instinctively caught her as she stumbled.
“Ah, Akio…!”
Himuro blushed in surprise. Good thing she didn’t fall and hit her head. Relieved, I unconsciously patted her blonde head.
“What am I doing!?” I wanted to self-roast. But this wasn’t Gouda Akio’s instinct—it was my own choice.
“Hehe.”
Himuro seemed happy, so no harm done. Maybe it’s just me, but her sidetail looked like a wagging dog tail.
“Ahh! What’re you doing, Junpei-kun!?”
“That’s my line. What’re you doing in the classroom? Cut it out with the messing around.”
Shiratori glanced around at Nosaka’s words. She finally noticed everyone staring. Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
“Oh, just messing around, huh?”
“To mess with Gouda like that, Shiratori-san’s wild.”
“Himari-chan… Don’t give me a heart attack~”
Nosaka’s intervention eased the room’s tension.
“Tch, I lose this round.”
“There was a win-lose thing?”
Shiratori returned to her seat, looking frustrated. The break-end bell rang soon after.
“Akio~! Pet me more~?”
“I said class is starting!”
I pried Himuro off as she rubbed her head against me. I’d thought I couldn’t keep being spoiled, but being the one spoiled felt ticklish too.
“…Hey, Akio.”
“What?”
As I focused on class, Himuro whispered to me.
“I’m kinda dumb, so… I’ve got tons I don’t get… Teach me lots, okay?”
She said it shyly, cheeks red.
She’s probably desperate not to be left behind. If it boosts her study drive, I’m game.
“Leave it to me. I’ll take good care of you, so brace yourself.”
“~~!? Y-Yeah… I’m counting on it.”
Himuro’s attitude toward studying shifted a bit. A good tweak to the original story, I’d say.
We navigated school life and study sessions at Shiratori’s place. What started as chaos grew comfy as midterms neared.
And we made it through the midterm exams without a hitch.
“Phew~! So tired~!”
On the last test day, the moment Himuro turned in her paper, she flopped onto her desk.
She usually didn’t study much. For her to join every study session during the test period? No wonder she’s beat.
I’d invited her at first to avoid being alone with Shiratori, but seeing her push this hard made me wanna pat her on the back.
“Hey, Akio~?”
“What?”
Still slumped over, Himuro shot me an upward glance.
“Tests are done, so let’s hang out?”
Her voice was timid but brimming with excitement.
She deserves a reward for her effort. Plus, I haven’t really chilled since reincarnating. It felt like a win-win.
“Yeah, let’s go all out.”
“Yes! Where should we go?”
Her fatigue vanished, and she beamed brightly.
In the original, she was a sub-heroine, so I didn’t pay her much mind. But Himuro’s crazy cute. Her innocent smile, unhidden by makeup, captivated me.
Hanging out with a girl like her? Thinking it over, isn’t that peak youth?
“Oh, you’re going out? Mind if I tag along?”
A pink shadow piped up—Shiratori, joining in with her honor-student face.
“As a study session wrap-up. Hey, Junpei-kun, you’d wanna go too, right?”
“Huh? Me?”
Nosaka, poised to pull Shiratori away, froze. He’d been creeping up behind her, but her timing was so perfect I wanted to ask if she had eyes in the back of her head.
“We studied together, didn’t we? Going all out for a wrap-up’s pretty normal, I think.”
“Uh, well…”
This is bad. Nosaka’s getting roped in by Shiratori.
Her reasoning’s solid. Anyone with a shred of social sense couldn’t turn it down.
“Wait a sec, Shiratori.”
“What’s up, Gouda-kun?”
I reflexively stalled her, but now what? Feeling her smile’s pressure, I opened my mouth.
“Where Himuro and I are going? It’s bound to be some shady spot.”
““Huh!?””
Himuro and Shiratori reacted. Nosaka, imagining who-knows-what, blushed and flapped his mouth.
“S-Shady places? Just the two of us…?”
Himuro asked bashfully, red-faced, fidgeting with her fingers.
Yeah, that’d throw you off. But I had to say it, or Shiratori’d tag along.
Gouda Akio’s bad rep and thug face should make my words believable.
“Gouda-kun, you’re really taking Himuro-san somewhere shady?”
Shiratori leaned in close. Less embarrassing, more intimidating—my heart raced for a different reason.
“Y-Yeah. So we can’t take you guys. We don’t settle for wholesome fun.”
The study sessions paid off her “debt”—I’m confident about my midterm results.
But that’s it. I don’t dislike Shiratori, but getting closer is risky. Gouda Akio’s personality could pop up anytime, and if the world’s correction force kicks in, we’d regret it.
Himuro’s fine, though? Hard to explain, but she feels safe. In the original, she stayed close but wasn’t touched much. I just feel okay with her.
“!”
I shot Nosaka an eye signal. He glared back. Eyes don’t usually sync up like that, huh?
“Himari, let’s leave those two alone.”
But Nosaka got my vibe and tried to pull Shiratori away.
Good job, Nosaka! I believed in the original protag.
I thought I’d distanced myself from Shiratori. But an ero-manga heroine’s more stubborn than I expected.
“It’s none of your business, Junpei-kun. Leave it.”
Her unexpected counter hit Nosaka hard.
He clutched his chest and staggered back. I rushed to intervene.
“H-Hey! That’s no way to talk. Nosaka’s just worried about you…”
“Oh? Calling me ‘you’ like that—”
“Ah! S-Sorry.”
I apologized on reflex, bracing for a “You’ve got guts” from her.
But against my guess, Shiratori smiled, cheeks flushed.
“—That just means I’ve become someone you’re comfy with, right, Gouda-kun? Hehe, I’m glad.”
“…”
I don’t know how to handle Shiratori anymore. Someone get me a Shiratori Himari manual!
“Hey, Akio, why not let her come along?”
Himuro suggested it like she had no choice.
“Huh, all of us doing shady stuff?”
“That was a joke, right!?”
“Eh!? I-It was a joke…?”
Once she flat-out said “joke,” I couldn’t keep lying. Oi, Nosaka, don’t look disappointed.
“Shiratori-san taught us, so let’s do the wrap-up together as thanks. It’s just the four of us from the study group—not a big crowd. Safe spot, obviously, and if we end before dark, no issues, right?”
True. Himuro, who I thought was the dumbest, gave the most mature take.
“That cool with you, Nosaka-kun? Four’s safe, right?”
“W-Well… if it’s four. And not too late.”
“Then it’s settled.”
No reason left to object.
Sure, it was to clear Shiratori’s debt, but she taught us seriously. A little courtesy’s due.
Plus, ending before dark means I won’t lose it. Even Gouda Akio wouldn’t try anything in broad daylight, I bet.
“So, where’s everyone wanna go? Somewhere we can go all out.”
Himuro took charge. Is she secretly good at leading? I watched her shine, thinking that.
◇ ◇ ◇
We settled on karaoke.
How long’s it been since I last went? I’m kinda hyped.
A prim girl, a gyaru beauty, a plain guy, and me with my villain face. This mismatched crew rolled in, and the staff looked startled. Chill, we’re just here to sing.
“It’s been forever since I last did karaoke! I’m getting so pumped~!”
“I haven’t been lately either. I wanna belt it out for once.”
Himuro and Shiratori chattered excitedly. Are they close or not? Girls’ vibes are tricky.
“…”
“…”
Meanwhile, us guys just watched them quietly, no chit-chat.
I mean, I’ve got no topics for Nosaka. We weren’t friends, and all I know is him getting cucked and despairing in the original. Can’t bring that up.
Nosaka’s wary of me too, keeping distance while eyeing me. Not exactly a casual vibe.
“H-Hey, Gouda—”
“Alright, first up, Himuro Haya’s singing~!”
Nosaka started to say something, but Himuro grabbed the mic and cut him off.
He’ll speak up again if it’s important. For now, I’m stoked for Himuro’s song.
“—♪”
Listening to her, I tilted my head.
A song I’d never heard. Judging by Shiratori and Nosaka’s reactions, it’s pretty well-known.
I’m no music buff, but I know big hits. I’m a high schooler—shouldn’t be that out of touch…
Then it hit me. This is a manga world—singers might differ from my old one.
I hadn’t thought about it since the setting’s modern, but there’s stuff unique to this manga world. Scrolling the touch panel, no artist names I recognize.
W-What do I do…!? I can’t sing anything! Never imagined this mess.
“Yay~! Thanks~!”
While I panicked, Himuro finished. I barely heard the end…
“Gouda-kun, picked a song yet?”
“Not yet… Go ahead, Shiratori.”
“Thanks.”
I handed her the device. She picked her song smoothly.
Standing gracefully with the mic, Shiratori sang. Nosaka leaned forward, glued to his crush’s performance like a die-hard fan.
I wasn’t in that headspace. I scrambled for a singable song.
“Akio~! Decided on a song?”
Himuro plopped next to me, asking.
“N-No… I’m clueless about new stuff… Kinda lost here.”
“Old ones are fine, right? We might know some from when we were kids.”
It’s not about eras! The whole world’s different!
…Saying that won’t help. Confusing Himuro won’t fix this.
“Phew. Been a while, so my throat’s off.”
“No way, Himari. Your voice was gorgeous!”
Nosaka’s wild clapping alerted me to Shiratori’s finish.
Crap. Gotta hurry, or it’s my turn.
As I freaked, Shiratori sat on my other side.
“Hey, Himari! Next to Gouda—”
“Here, mic’s yours, Junpei-kun. Your turn, right?”
“Oh, uh… thanks.”
Taking the device from me, Shiratori punched in a song. As childhood friends, she knew his pick without words.
Nosaka took the mic, glaring at me. “Don’t mess with Himari!” screamed silently.
“So, what’re you singing, Gouda-kun?”
Shiratori leaned in, asking. Tilting her head, her long pink hair flowed. …So calculated.
“S-Still thinking.”
No matter how I search, no familiar songs. I’m an idiot—too slow to catch on. If I’d checked the song list when we decided on karaoke, I wouldn’t be here…
“How about this top-ranked one? Most sung means easiest, right?”
Himuro pressed her face to my shoulder, pointing at the screen. If they’re all unknown, might as well pick an easy one.
“Yeah, let’s go with that.”
Relief at picking a song. But the real deal’s next.
“Man, I was nervous~! How was my song?”
“Yeah, it was good, Nosaka.”
“…”
I clapped for him post-song. But he wanted Shiratori’s take, not mine. His face got super awkward.
“Nosaka-kun, you rocked! Nice voice too!”
“R-Really?”
Himuro’s praise made him blush. Even as delinquents, a pretty girl’s compliment beats a thug guy’s, right? Yeah, I get it.
“Your turn, Gouda-kun. Hehe, can’t wait to hear you sing.”
Shiratori piled on pressure without realizing.
Damn it~! I could sing fun stuff if I knew it. Hitting an unknown song cold isn’t a blast.
Music started. Familiar-ish tune, but still an alien rhythm and melody.
Screw it! I’ll do it! I gripped the mic hard.
“Pfft. Gouda’s kinda tone-deaf, huh?”
As I sang, Nosaka burst out, unable to hold it.
Can’t blame him. I’m not singing—I’m chasing lyrics. This won’t hype anyone, and I’m not having fun…
Ugh, I wanna quit now. That urge hit hard when—
“—♪”
Another voice rang out.
Himuro was singing with a mic, winking and grinning at me.
…Follow her lead?
I matched her voice and sang.
It felt like the rhythm clicked, and it kinda worked.
Singing with Himuro’s easy. By the end, I was having fun.
“Phew~! Thanks, Himuro. You saved me.”
“Just wanted to sing. It’s fun with you, Akio.”
Her smile dazzled. My view of her might’ve shifted big-time right then.
We all sang once, so we sipped soft drinks and chatted.
“What, Gouda-kun lives alone!?”
I let slip I’m solo during the convo, and Shiratori freaked out more than expected.
It came up because I’m so clueless about songs. They asked why.
No TV at home. No family, no info. So I’m out of touch with music. …Not lying, right?
Gouda Akio probably wasn’t into singing either. Digging through his memories, it’s fuzzy at best. Delinquent or not, no friends means no karaoke trips, I guess.
“No family… like, they’re stars now?”
Himuro softened it, maybe out of care. “Stars” is a new one for me.
“Not dead. Just had a falling out with my folks. They send living cash, though.”
They do send money, but Gouda Akio had zero gratitude.
…I get why he couldn’t like them. His memories paint his parents as bad news. Even I can’t see them as good.
Doesn’t mean I get a free pass to be a jerk, though. NTR? Hell no.
“Living alone’s cool. And they send money? Gouda’s a rich kid, huh.”
Nosaka’s eyes sparkled with envy. High school guys dream of solo life, I bet.
“Hey, Junpei-kun. Gouda-kun’s got his own stuff—”
“Right? No need for a job to get by. Naked at home, no worries. Jealous of my free life yet?”
“Whoa~! Awesome~! So cool~!”
Before Shiratori could scold Nosaka, I laughed it off brightly.
We came to go all out for the wrap-up. I didn’t wanna drag the mood down.
“Hey, Akio~?”
“Hm?”
Himuro tugged my sleeve.
“Next one, sing with me?”
She cut the convo and swung us back to karaoke.
“Hell yeah. Singing with you was a blast. Was about to ask myself.”
“Right? We rock together.”
Himuro puffed up proudly. Her chest popped through her uniform. Wow…
“Hey, no fair! Gouda-kun, sing with me next. I’ll lead you gently.”
Shiratori grabbed a mic, sliding her finger across my chest while saying “lead you.” What’s she leading, huh?
“Then I’ll sing too. Don’t get it twisted—I’m just stepping in ‘cause a guy who can’t sing kills the vibe. No choice, got it?”
Nosaka turned away, tossing out a tsundere line. Stop that—you’re not tsundere! What if I misread it? And stop turning—rein in Shiratori!
I was worried at first, but the wrap-up went all out as planned.
◇ ◇ ◇
On the way back from karaoke, we split from Shiratori and Nosaka since our homes are different directions. I walked with Himuro.
“Hey, Akio, can I come over now?”
“I said it’s a guy living alone.”
The sun’s about to set. I told Himuro to get home before dark.
“But~! I haven’t had enough fun. Just a bit, please~! I’m curious about your place. Just a peek, then I’ll go. Please, just the tip~!”
Himuro begged me, practically praying with her hands clasped. How obsessed is she with my place?
But maybe that’s normal for a teenage girl? I mean, I’d be curious about a girl’s solo apartment too… Not in a weird way—just pure, innocent curiosity!
“…No way.”
I shut her down firmly, voice serious.
Part of me thought, Maybe just a little? With Himuro, it might be fine.
But even if I’m okay now, there’s no telling when Gouda Akio’s remnant might flare up again. Bringing a gorgeous girl into my solo apartment? That could easily trigger it.
Because Himuro’s a precious friend, I couldn’t nod to something that might hurt her.
“…I’m not good enough?”
Her voice trembled. No “Just kidding~♪” vibe like before.
Her face crumpled, tears welling up, ready to spill.
“Huh?”
I didn’t expect her to cry. My heart started racing in a panic.
Wait, last time I said no, she was fine, right? Why’s she suddenly this upset?
“Shiratori was okay… but I’m not…”
“What?”
“You went to a hotel with Shiratori, didn’t you!? So why am I not good enough!?”
Her sudden shout startled me. On this empty street, her voice echoed.
Hold on, what did she just say?
“You and Shiratori have that kind of relationship, right? That’s fine, whatever. Just don’t leave me out…”
Tears finally streamed down Himuro’s face as she broke down.
Car and train sounds hummed in the distance. But her sobbing rang loudest.
How does Himuro know about me and Shiratori at a love hotel? What’s even happening? My brain couldn’t keep up with this whirlwind.
Amid the chaos, my top priority became clear: I had to comfort her.
“Calm down, Himuro.”
“Ah.”
I hugged her, patting her back gently like soothing a kid.
Yeah, total harassment. A move only hot guys get away with—I pulled it off in the heat of the moment…
“…!”
Feeling her press her face into my chest, I decided to stay like this until she stopped crying.
My chest dampened. Her hands gripped my uniform tight around my back.
“There, there. It’s okay. I’m right here.”
I kept murmuring gentle words to calm her. Her muffled sobs? I pretended not to hear.
Can’t win against a crying kid. Gyaru or not, that part’s universal.
“Sniff! …Phew, crying my heart out felt so good.”
Himuro blew her nose into a tissue. Her face was so bright, you’d never guess she’d been bawling.
“Good, good. Glad to hear it.”
Scene shift: my apartment. I ended up caving and letting her in.
Couldn’t just leave her crying out there. If someone saw, I’d look like the bad guy—damn this thug face.
No heat’s pooling downstairs yet. The room smells faintly of a girl’s sweet scent, but I’m not weak enough to cave to temptation over that.
“Hey, what’re you doing, Himuro!?”
“Huh? Just looking for porn mags?”
Before I knew it, she was on all fours, peeking under my bed, wagging her butt. I wanted to yell if it was on purpose, but I held back.
Her skirt’s already short as hell… Does she have no shame!? Wait, I can see her—!
“Hmm… Nothing juicy down here. Guess these days it’s all on phones, huh?”
“Oi, Himuro. Do you always do this when you enter a guy’s room?”
She whipped her head out from under the bed toward me.
“No way! I’ve never done this… I-I mean, only with you, Akio!”
Her earnest gesture and upward glance were cute… I’d love to think that, but given what she’s doing, I could only sigh. First thing in a guy’s room is hunting for porn mags, seriously?
She was so cool at karaoke, though. Classic Himuro—my tension melted away.
“Still, there’s barely anything here. The bed’s nice, but don’t you have hobbies, Akio?”
Gouda Akio’s hobbies? Women and [bleep] (self-censored). …Can’t say that, can I?
He mostly lived to pick up and sleep with girls outside, so this place was just for crashing. Thinking that, it’s got more life now than before.
“Picking up random hobbies costs cash I don’t have. A guy living alone’s fine like this.”
“Huh. Guys are like that?”
“Yep. What about the guys you’ve dated, Himuro?”
Just a casual toss, but she freaked out.
“…None.”
She mumbled something, face down.
“Huh? What’d you say?”
“I said I’ve never had a boyfriend! Not once! Ugh, happy now!?”
Her red face shot up as she exploded. I reeled back from the force.
“What, for real?”
“For real! I can’t be like you, Akio… Waaah!”
She dove onto my bed, buried her face in the pillow, and wailed. Fake crying this time, right?
I knew she was a virgin in the original. But never having a boyfriend ever? Didn’t see that coming.
I mean, she acted so seasoned in the story—like, “No way she’s a virgin”—I’d even griped about it.
“Akio, you…”
She peeked up slightly, eyes on me. Hesitant, she mumbled into the pillow.
“Do you… have a girlfriend?”
Her teary eyes asked.
“…”
Himuro likes Gouda Akio, doesn’t she?
I never got why she was so loyal in the original. No blackmail scenes, and Himuro Haya didn’t seem like she enjoyed helping with the NTR stuff.
Looking back, there were subtle hints she liked him—hard to spot, but there. When he forcibly took her virginity, she looked happy, even.
Why she liked him was never explained. As a sub-heroine, they probably didn’t think it mattered. Gouda Akio himself didn’t seem to think he was loved romantically.
I scratched my head. I’d been too focused on the steamy bits to question it.
“Nah, no girlfriend.”
“But you went to a hotel with Shiratori, right?”
She’s still hung up on that…
I’m not thinking of getting with Himuro right now. With Gouda Akio’s consciousness still lingering, getting too close feels bad for her.
She’s a precious friend. It’s not that I don’t see her as a woman—I just don’t want her hurt.
“So what? Going to a love hotel doesn’t mean what you’re thinking—”
“The hotel was a love hotel!?”
…Oh?
“I thought it was just a business hotel… If it’s a love hotel, then you really…”
Did I just dig my own grave?
Wait, calm down, me. There’s still a way out.
“Chill, Himuro. Love hotels get used for girls’ hangouts too, you know. So me and Shiratori using one to talk? Nothing weird about that!”
“S-So you lured Shiratori to a love hotel like that…”
Crap. No matter how I spin it, she’s not buying it.
She fiddled with her sidetail, maybe to calm herself, but her eyes darted around restlessly—she was anything but calm.
“N-No big deal… I know you’re that kinda guy, Akio… Yeah, if that’s what you want, I won’t complain…”
Argh, don’t go submissive mode!
“Himuro.”
“If you wanna… do that with Shiratori… I’ll help…”
“Listen to me, Himuro!”
“Y-Yes!”
Raising my voice finally got her to look up.
Words weren’t getting through. All I could do was show her I wasn’t lying with my actions.
I straightened up, meeting her eyes dead-on.
“I went to a hotel with Shiratori. That’s true. But all I did was comfort her while she cried. Nothing else happened.”
No lies. I showed off my lively “little guy,” saw her naked, but didn’t do anything.
My seriousness must’ve hit her—she nodded slightly.
“…You’ve really changed, huh, Akio.”
“Told you. I’m gonna live straight. Change the old me for that.”
“For youth, right?”
“Yeah. I wanna make high school fulfilling. And I need you for that, Himuro.”
“!?”
She flailed her legs like she was dying of embarrassment.
Exactly. I need her to change too.
Gouda Akio the villain and Himuro Haya. If we don’t change, I can’t enjoy youth in peace.
If Gouda Akio’s consciousness takes over, the current Himuro would just obey.
I’ll change her so that doesn’t happen. I want her to have a great youth too—from the bottom of my heart.
“Ahh! There’s lipstick on your pillow… You are bringing girls here!”
“…Isn’t that from when you buried your face in it earlier?”
“Oh.”
Changing this dumb Himuro’s gonna take some serious effort.
◆ ◆ ◆
I met Akio in the summer of my third year of middle school.
“P-Please, stop…”
Cornered by rough-looking guys in town, I couldn’t fight back—just trembled.
Back then, I was super plain. No makeup, no dyed hair—totally unpolished, just a country middle school girl.
Those guys didn’t approach me to flirt. Three grown men pinning me against a wall? They wanted cash.
“So, like, just show us your wallet real quick.”
“We’re strapped for cash, y’know. How about a little toll fee?”
“Gyahaha! ‘Toll fee,’ what’s that!?”
No shame, extorting a middle school girl?
But I didn’t have the guts to snap back—just shook like a leaf.
I glanced around for help, but of course, barely anyone was there. The few who passed looked away and hurried off.
“Oi, enough already. You’re not handing it over? You disrespecting us?”
“N-No, I’m not—”
“Then cough it up! Don’t defy us, you ugly brat!”
Yelled at, the wall banged—I could only tremble.
Scary… These guys wouldn’t hold back just ‘cause I’m a girl. They’d hit me. My heart was breaking from fear.
If I gave them my wallet, they’d let me go. I knew that, but my body wouldn’t move. Shaking, I could barely close my eyes tight.
“You’re in the way.”
“Guh!?”
In that hopeless pinch, one of the guys surrounding me suddenly flew.
“What the—!”
One tried to complain, but his voice faded into a whimper.
Peeking up cautiously, I saw a big guy with spiky blonde hair. His thug face radiated more menace than the guys harassing me.
“What’s that, huh? You wanna mess with me?”
“N-No… S-Sorry!”
They bolted, terrified. I stood there, stunned.
“Oi.”
“Eek!?”
I thought the danger wasn’t over. That face—way worse than those guys—had me shaking.
He stomped closer. Too scared to look, I shut my eyes again.
He lifted my bangs without asking. Terror maxed out, I couldn’t open my eyes.
“Hmm. Not bad. You’d look better with makeup.”
That’s all he said before I felt him walk away. Too dazed to process, it took a while to sink in.
Opening my eyes, he was already far off.
“T-Thank you…”
I finally realized he’d saved me. My weak thanks couldn’t reach him, and the blonde guy didn’t turn back.
“S-So scary~!”
My heart pounded. After that terror, no surprise.
But I knew it wasn’t just fear making it race.
“Maybe makeup could change me a bit?”
His words replayed in my head. I didn’t know what he meant. But I wanted him to say “Not bad” again if we ever met.
A few days later, I tried makeup for the first time and dyed my hair blonde.
After summer break, everyone was shocked at my change. Teachers scolded me, but I ignored them ‘til they gave up.
I wanted to be like the guy who saved me. I meant it, so what else could I do?
Maybe ‘cause my looks changed, my personality shifted too. I got assertive, able to talk back.
“Oh… It’s him…”
Graduating middle school, I started high school. And there, I reunited with the guy who saved me.
His blonde hair was red now, but that thug face? Unmistakable. I knew instantly.
“Huh? Who’re you?”
I’d changed too much from the plain girl he helped—he didn’t recognize me. Thinking back, he just forgot. Typical Akio.
“I’m Himuro Haya! Hey, tell me your name. I wanna be friends.”
“Tch… Gouda Akio.”
He gruffly gave his name. I wasn’t as scared of him anymore.
Meeting again felt like fate’s red thread. I’d changed a bit, but my giddy heart was still the old me.
—But calling it fate with Akio? He was too rough for that.
His bad rumors were endless. Being close, I knew they weren’t just talk.
More than his looks or vibe, his violent nature scared me most. Still, he was my goal—the only place for an outcast like me at school.
If even Akio ditched me, I’d be lost. So I tried hard to obey him, to be a girl he needed.
Scared but in love. Those clashing feelings drove me.
“Don’t be dumb. I’m gonna live straight now. Take back my youth.”
“Yoo-th?”
A total bad guy like him suddenly changed.
At first, I thought he’d hit his head. It was so different—like he’d been swapped out for someone else.
The sudden shift freaked me out. Was he planning to ditch me?
“If Akio goes straight… can I still be by his side?”
“Of course. You’re my friend, Himuro.”
“Friend…”
But no. Far from ditching, he called me “friend,” and my chest warmed.
His first gentle smile melted my fears away.
“Got it. I’m the understanding type. If you wanna go straight, I’ll support you.”
“Thanks.”
His big hand patted my head.
So warm, so good… Wrapped in indescribable happiness.
I love Akio. But he scared me, and I trembled near him.
Now, he’s kind, warm, reassuring—makes me wanna stay by him forever.
“I wanna be with him… always.”
If only he’d stay this gentle. I wished it hard.
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