Chapter 4: Second Year of Middle School Arc – Conclusion
What was that just now?
I couldn’t hide my confusion at the fact that some strange new ability had sprouted during my internal monologue.
Hello there. I’m Netora Reiko.
I already possess the incomprehensible power of “Blood Manipulation,” so quit adding these weird attributes to me. Stop with the addition. Start with the subtraction.
I’m the heroine of a perfectly ordinary school romcom, you know? Which means that even if I act tough, in reality, I’m just a fragile, delicate human being.
But you see… it is precisely because humans are weak that they can cherish the person beside them. They can walk forward hand-in-hand.
In the end, what matters most is the bond. There is no future for someone who would easily discard another for their own convenience.
Anyone who thinks only of their own interests and treats human relationships like a game of “keep or toss” is absolute trash.
They are monsters who have lost their human hearts. Unforgivable, isn’t it?
You all should follow my example. Look at how I love every single one of my NTR candidates equally.
Phew, that felt good. I said everything I wanted to say, and now I feel refreshed.
And since I feel refreshed, it’s now the second semester.
After shattering Kota-kun’s brain to satisfy my mid-day cravings, I spent the rest of my summer vacation in a relatively peaceful manner.
Partially because I had officially adopted Chi-chan into the NTR route, I needed to rework my plans, so I held back a bit on the summer vacation events with Yuu-kun and the others.
We still went to a summer festival and went swimming at the beach together, though.
There weren't any particularly noteworthy events, so I’ll spare you the descriptions.
Well, okay. Maybe I did destroy everyone’s emotional stability just a tiny bit, or flirted with Yuu-kun just enough to shatter Fuyuki-kun and the others’ brains, but that’s the kind of stuff you’d just see summarized in a post-credits C-path scene. At that level, it’s practically the same as nothing happening at all. That’s how we’re defining it.
“Alright, everyone, gather ‘round!”
I was lost in thought, but the sound of the PE teacher’s whistle echoing across the field snapped my focus back to reality.
The time was mid-afternoon, right around when the final PE period was wrapping up.
“That’s it for today. Hmm, we used a lot of balls today… Netora, sorry, but could you help me clean up?”
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
I nodded at the teacher's request and began carrying the balls gathered at the edge of the field toward the transport bin. Yuri-chan called out to my back.
“Rei-chan, I’ll help too.”
“Thanks, Yuri-chan. But I think I’ll be done in a second, so it’s okay. Besides, didn’t you have that career counseling session after school today?”
“…Ah, that’s right!”
“Hehe, I’m fine here, so you should go get changed early, okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry, Rei-chan…”
At my words, Yuri-chan bowed her head apologetically and joined the group heading back to the school building.
I’ll finish this up quick and go play with Yuu-kun.
“And… that’s the last one.”
Once I finished hauling all the balls into the storage shed, I gave a light stretch to loosen my body.
Well, my middle school life is now at the halfway point.
As with Yuri-chan just now, it’s about time to start narrowing down specific career paths.
Of course, as far as I’m concerned, my grades and internal reports are flawless. What I need to worry about are the parameters of my NTR candidates, like Yuu-kun.
…Though, saying that, I’ve never been worried about Fuyuki-kun, and as for Yuu-kun and Yuri-chan, I’ve been thoroughly and meticulously grooming them since our first year. Another six months should be plenty of time to get them into the safety zone for Mikage Academy. I’ve already mind-controlled them into choosing Mikage as their first choice anyway.
The problem is Kanda-kun… surprisingly, in terms of academic ability, he’s only slightly below Fuyuki-kun, putting him firmly in the "talented" category.
The bottleneck is his record of delinquency from first year. Honestly, there’s not much to be done about that, but since becoming a second-year, Kanda-kun has become more of a “mild yankee” with a slightly bad attitude. It’ll probably work out.
Besides, if it comes down to it, I can just discard Kanda-kun and secure a new yankee-type whenever I want. Unlike the "best friend" slot held by Fuyuki-kun, the "delinquent interloper" slot is a replaceable position, after all.
I like Kanda-kun, but I won’t make the blunder of letting my emotions cloud my grand design.
Fools who can’t process their feelings are the ones who fail like that.
A softie who can’t even handle the "keep or toss" of human relationships will never achieve their great ambition. Those who cling to vague things like “bonds” are the ones who lose in the end. That’s what we call reality.
As if to confirm my own bright future, I bared my gums in a wide smile.
Squelch ♥
“…Wait?”
I reset my facial expression back to default and reached for the door of the gym storage shed.
However, the heavy metal door only let out a grating, metallic screech. It showed no sign of opening.
＊
“…Hmm?”
After PE, I—Kurushima Fuyuki—was returning to the classroom from the restroom when I spotted Yuuki wandering his gaze around restlessly. I called out to him.
“What’s up, Yuuki?”
“Ah, Fuyuki-kun… um, have you seen Rei-chan?”
“Rei? No, I haven't. Hasn’t she come back yet?”
Yuuki nodded at my words and looked at the bag sitting abandoned on Rei’s desk with a troubled expression.
“Wouldn't Shirase know?”
“Shirase-san is in a career counseling session with the teacher. She was already gone by the time I got back…”
As Yuuki failed to hide his anxious expression, Kouichi, who had just bought a carton of juice from the vending machine, gave Yuuki a light, exasperated poke on the head.
“She’s probably just in the bathroom or something. You worry too much, Tachibana.”
“Y-yeah… No, but even so…”
“…Well, let’s wait a little longer. If she’s still not back, I’ll help you look for her. Here, drink this and calm down.”
Kanda said that as he pressed one of the juice cartons into Yuuki’s hand.
“…Yeah. Thanks, Kanda-kun.”
“Kouichi~, where’s mine?”
“Who knows. Buy your own.”
At the banter between Kouichi and me, Yuuki seemed to relax a little, his lips curling into a small smile.
“Alright, I’m gonna go grab a drink too.”
“Gotcha.”
“Yeah, see ya later.”
Leaving Yuuki and Kouichi’s replies behind me, I left the classroom.
Standing in front of the vending machine in the hallway, I went to pull out my wallet—and then I stopped.
“…There’s no way, right?”
Suddenly, looking through the window at a corner of the school field—at the gym storage shed—I felt a strange sense of foreboding. I started running toward it.
＊
“Haa, haa… There’s no way it’s actually like one of those manga tropes…”
Holding back my slightly ragged breath from the sprint, I arrived in front of the gym storage shed at the edge of the field.
“The lock isn’t on, but—ngh!? It’s stuck! What the hell!?”
The door was supposed to be unlocked, yet it wouldn't budge at all. As I stood there in shock, a muffled voice came from inside the shed.
“U-um! Is someone there!? The door won’t open…!”
“Rei!? I thought it might be you, but you’re seriously in there…”
“Fuyuki-kun? O-oh, thank goodness. I got locked in… and, um, I need help…”
“Yeah, hold on. Gnnn…! Damn it, how is this thing built!?”
I thought I had a decent amount of physical strength, but even so, I didn't feel like I could do anything about the door in front of me on my own.
It was a little frustrating, but I should go call someone—
“…sniff.”
“—!”
The faint sound of someone sniffing.
The girl I was in love with was crying right in front of me.
That alone was enough to make my mind go blank.
“You… piece of… open up!!”
I poured every ounce of spirit and strength I had into it, to the point where I felt like the veins in my head might snap.
In the next instant, as if whatever had been holding the door had vanished, the iron slab slid easily to the side.
“Rei! Are you okay!?”
“…Ah.”
Beyond the open door, Rei, still in her gym clothes, was sitting on the floor with her eyes brimming with tears.
“…Fu.”
“Fu?”
“Fuyugii-gunnn!”
“Whoa!?”
The next second, a sobbing Rei lunged into my chest.
I froze at the sudden turn of events, but seeing the girl in front of me even more distraught than I was actually made me calm down.
For the time being, I timidly and gently stroked Rei’s glossy black hair as if trying to soothe her.
“Haa… You’re okay now, so just calm down. Alright?”
“Ubu-bu… I-I thought I’d never get out…”
“As if. Come on, stop crying.”
I lightly wiped away the tears spilling from her large eyes with my hand.
…Hiding the heartbeat that quickened slightly at the warmth I felt from those droplets, I gave Rei a gentle smile.
“Sniff… Fuyuki-kun, thank you so much. For coming to find me…”
“…Oh, right. Yuuki was super worried because you weren't coming back. Let’s get back to him quick.”
“Eh!? Awawa… B-but, my face looks terrible right now… I can’t let Yuu-kun see me like this…”
“What’s that supposed to mean? So it’s okay for me to see your 'terrible' face?”
As I gave a wry smile at Rei, who was blowing her nose loudly right in front of me, she looked awkward and pouted.
“F-Fuyuki-kun is fine! You’re a special friend I’ve been with forever. I don’t mind you seeing me when I’m a little embarrassed.”
“…Well, I’m honored.”
I ruffled Rei’s hair a bit roughly.
“Wawa! W-what!?”
“Just come on, we’re going back. If we dawdle, Shirase and Kouichi are gonna start worrying too.”
And I don’t want to see you when you’re embarrassed, either.
To make sure she didn't see my face, which had turned red at her words, I walked ahead of Rei.
＊
—A short time earlier.
“…He’s not coming back. Fuyuki-kun.”
In the after-school classroom where the crowds were starting to thin, Yuuki and Kouichi were idly sipping their juice through straws.
“Did he get caught by a teacher or the sports club guys? I heard the soccer club was off today, though…”
“…I’m gonna go take a look.”
“Gotcha. I’ll stay here in case I miss Netora or Fuyuki.”
Responding to Kouichi’s words, Yuuki headed for the vending machine in the hallway closest to the classroom.
However, Fuyuki was nowhere to be found.
“He’s not responding to my messages either… Where on earth is Fuyuki-kun—”
Unconsciously, Yuuki moved his gaze toward the window overlooking the field.
And then, he saw it.
“Rei-chan, Fuyuki-kun…?”
In a corner of the field, in front of the gym storage shed, a boy and a girl were embracing—it was the figures of Yuuki’s beloved and his best friend.
Even from a distance, it was impossible to mistake them. Yuuki felt a searing thirst in his throat.
“Ha, eh? Why…?”
Fuyuki was gently wiping away the tears from the sobbing girl’s cheeks with his fingertips.
In a casual manner, Fuyuki was stroking the girl’s hair.
With every single movement they made, Yuuki clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms.
“…That’s cruel, Fuyuki-kun. Even though you know I like Rei-chan.”
His head throbbed.
Staggering, Yuuki leaned against a pillar of the school building as if to hide himself from the two of them.
“Even though you told me you were rooting for me.”
He bit his thumb nail. His racing heart wouldn't settle.
“I was the one who was worried about Rei-chan first. I was the one who liked Rei-chan first.”
Even though we’re friends. Even though we’re best friends. Why are you doing something I hate?
“It’s not fair.”
His head hurt.
『It’snotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfairnotfair…』
＊
At dusk, in a corner of a residential area.
A boy—Tachibana Yuuki—stood at the entrance of the Netora residence and rang the doorbell.
Before long, as the door opened, Yuuki put on a gentle smile.
“Good evening, ma’am.”
“Welcome, Yuuki-kun. Come on in.”
At the urging of Reiko’s mother, Yuuki stepped into the house.
“Sorry for always intruding like this…”
“Oh, my, you don’t have to be so formal. Our families have been close for a long time. I think of you as my own son, Yuuki-kun.”
Since both of Yuuki’s parents worked, he would occasionally be treated to dinner at the Netora house when his mother was going to be late.
“…In fact, I wouldn't mind if you really became my son-in-law, you know?”
“M-Ma’am!? R-Rei-chan and I aren't like that…”
Having said that much, the scene from the other day flashed back into Yuuki’s mind.
The figures of Reiko and his best friend embracing in the corner of the schoolyard.
At that afterimage, Yuuki felt a dark, heavy sensation filling his heart.
“I…”
“Yuu-kun! Welcome!”
Before his inner self could be completely dyed in dark colors, a bright voice swept it away.
Reiko, coming from the living room with a sun-like smile, grabbed Yuuki’s hand and pulled him along.
“It’s curry tonight! I helped Mom make it. Eat a lot, okay, Yuu-kun?”
“Y-yeah. Haha… I-I’m looking forward to it…”
Feeling Reiko’s smile and warmth, which showed not a single shred of darkness or impurity, Yuuki feigned composure so as not to let his ugly heart show.
That’s right. She must not find out. About these dim, distorted feelings.
Rei-chan belongs to me.
If she’s going to be taken by someone else, I’d rather force her—
“Yuu-kun?”
“…Ah, w-what is it? Rei-chan?”
“Um, are you feeling okay? You had such a scary look on your face…”
At Reiko’s words, Yuuki hurriedly shook his head and squeezed out some artificial energy.
“No, it’s nothing. …I guess I just had a bit of a gloomy face because I’m starving?”
“…I see! Well then, let’s eat quick!”
“Yeah. But before that, I’m gonna go wash my hands. Could you wait a bit?”
Yuuki said that and went into the bathroom.
In the mirror, his eyes looked like lightless, lifeless voids.
＊
“Eh! You’re going to Mikage Academy too, Yuu-kun!?”
After finishing their meal, Reiko and Yuuki were washing the dishes side-by-side.
It had been a custom since they were little that when they ate together, the children would do the cleanup.
…In reality, it was largely due to the meddling of the adults who wanted to bring the two children—who obviously liked each other—closer together.
As he wiped the clean dishes, Yuuki responded to Reiko’s words.
“Yeah. Well, with my current grades it might be a bit difficult… but I thought I’d give it a shot.”
“I see~… If that happens, we can spend time together in high school too! I’ll be rooting for you! If you have any trouble, just let me know!”
“Haha, thanks. I heard Shirase-san wants to go to Mikage too, so if we can all go to the same school again, I’d be happy.”
Having finished washing the dishes, Yuuki took off his apron and asked Reiko in a casual manner.
“…Come to think of it, on the day of Shirase-san’s career counseling. Rei-chan, you were quite late coming back to the classroom after PE, weren't you?”
“Eh? Ah, yeah. A little, I guess. Things happened…”
At Reiko’s evasive manner, Yuuki spoke without letting his smile falter.
“…It looked like you were with Fuyuki-kun in front of the gym storage shed.”
At those words, it looked like Reiko’s shoulders gave a sudden jerk.
“Ah—… Well, actually, I got locked in the gym storage shed then. Fuyuki-kun just happened to be nearby and helped me out.”
“I see. …Hey, Rei-chan. Why did you keep that a secret from me?”
“Eh? A secret?”
Keeping the smile plastered on his face, Yuuki stared into Reiko’s eyes.
“Was there some reason you couldn't tell me? Did something happen between you and Fuyuki-kun?”
“E-eh!? N-no! It’s just, I didn't want to worry you unnecessarily, Yuu-kun, so I…”
Seeing Reiko visibly flustered, Yuuki became certain that she herself had nothing to hide.
Precisely because Yuuki was the type to harbor guilty feelings and hesitation, he was more sensitive than most to those gestures in others.
From Reiko, he didn't feel a single trace of that dark air of hesitation or guilt.
At that fact, Yuuki secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
“…Sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I was interrogating you.”
“N-no…”
“I guess if I had heard that story earlier, I might have worried needlessly. Did I make you and Fuyuki-kun feel like you had to be careful around me?”
“I’m the one who should be sorry. By hiding it weirdly, I made you feel anxious instead, Yuu-kun. I’m sorry…”
Yuuki lightly stroked the head of the dejected Reiko.
“Don’t make such a sad face. You and Fuyuki-kun were just keeping it a secret for my sake.”
“Yuu-kun…”
“…But that’s because I’m unreliable, right?”
At Yuuki’s words, Reiko looked up as if startled.
“That makes me even more worried about you, Rei-chan. That even if something painful happens to you for my sake, you’ll hide it and deal with it alone.”
“Y-Yuu-kun…?”
“Rei-chan. I’m not a child anymore who can’t do anything without hiding behind you. If something happens, I can protect you, and I’m prepared to do anything for your sake.”
The hand that had been stroking the girl’s glossy black hair moved to her soft cheek.
“But you’re kind, Rei-chan. Even if I say this, you’ll probably still deal with things alone so as not to worry me. In that case, maybe it would be better if…”
Yuuki continued calmly, without breaking his smile.
“In order to make sure you don’t run into danger… so that you can’t leave my side, can’t run away… I should just bind you to me.”
The boy’s distorted feelings could no longer be stopped.
“—I wouldn't like that.”
Words of rejection.
To Yuuki’s ugly words, saturated with possessiveness, Reiko replied as such.
Well, it was only natural. People who joyfully accept having their freedom restricted by others are basically in the minority.
The girl in front of him, who possessed a heart as pure as an angel’s and valued altruism, was no exception.
“…Sorry, Rei-chan.”
He had expected that kind of reaction from her.
Even so, the boy felt self-loathing at the fact that his heart was selfishly hurt by being rejected by the girl.
(…I knew it. I knew Rei-chan would react that way. Even so—)
Even if he were hated by her, even if he were despised by his friend, his desire to bind Reiko to his side did not waver.
Yes, in fact, even at this very moment—
“Because you don’t look like you’re having any fun at all, Yuu-kun.”
“…Eh?”
Gently, the girl’s hand stroked Yuuki’s cheek. As if wiping away invisible tears.
“You’re always like that, Yuu-kun. The more painful and difficult things are, the more you try to force yourself to smile. I’m going to say it now—that’s a bad habit, you know?”
“Fugah.”
As if to unravel the boy’s plastered smile, Reiko’s smooth fingertips gave his cheek a good pull.
“Rei-chan?”
“…I don’t know what happened, but just now, Yuu-kun, you looked like you were holding back tears because you were doing something you 'didn't actually want to do'…”
“—!”
At Reiko’s words, which pierced right through to the core of the matter, Yuuki involuntarily gasped.
That’s right. In reality, he didn't want to do something like ignoring Reiko’s will and locking her in a cage called himself.
He didn't want to doubt or be jealous of Fuyuki—his best friend. He didn't want to do something that would make his friend despise him.
—And above all, he didn't want to become the kind of person who couldn't stand tall before her!
“Hehe, the usual Yuu-kun is back.”
When Reiko finally released her fingers from playing with Yuuki’s cheek, the boy felt a sense of clarity, as if a dark, stagnant mist had cleared.
His mind sharpened, and realizing how much of his ugly emotions he had been throwing at the girl, Yuuki tried to stammer out an apology to Reiko.
“Rei-chan. Um, sorry. I…”
“You don’t have to do things you don’t want to do, and you can run away from things you don’t want to face. No matter what happens, I will ab-so-lute-ly be on your side, Yuu-kun. Okay?”
“…Haha, I think that might be spoiling me a bit too much. I’m fourteen now, you know?”
“Why not? Since entering middle school, you’ve become so grown-up, Yuu-kun. It’s been a little lonely. Once in a while, please lean on your childhood friend.”
Truly, he felt like he would never be able to win against this girl as long as he lived.
Yuuki confirmed that fact once more with a bright heart.
“…Um, hey, Yuu-kun.”
“Yeah, what is it, Rei-chan?”
Suddenly, the girl leaned her face close to Yuuki’s ear and whispered secretly.
“Um, I said that earlier… but if it’s something you really want to do… I’ll do anything for you. Okay?”
“—Eh, what!? R-Rei-cha…!”
At the girl’s outrageous statement, Yuuki instinctively covered his ear and turned back.
Reiko, her face turning so red it was almost pitiful, continued with watery eyes.
“S-so, um… if I find something I want to do to you, Yuu-kun… will you accept it then?”
“Y… yeah…”
In the midst of a tension that felt like his heart might jump out of his mouth, Yuuki nodded at Reiko’s words, his breath hitching.
“…Understood. I promise. If you find something you want to do to me, Rei-chan, I’ll accept whatever it is.”
The boy’s words were full of resolve.
Reiko gave a soft smile at Yuuki’s appearance and offered her words of thanks.
“Hehe, you’re so kind, Yuu-kun. T h a n k y o u.”
＊
“Damn it! I got played!”
After dinner.
After seeing Yuu-kun off, I was back in my room, clutching my head and slumped over my desk.
Good evening. I’m Netora Reiko.
Well, it’s been a while since I made such a huge blunder.
I might have raised Yuu-kun’s affection levels a bit too high, and he ended up sprouting a "yandere" attribute.
I believe that NTR men should basically have a plain, personality-less seasoning.
Yuu-kun is already handsome enough due to my childhood blunders.
If I go and add a yandere attribute on top of that, the original flavor of NTR will be blurred.
In the first place, I was planning on giving the yandere attribute to Fuyuki-kun or Yuri-chan in the "interloper" slots, so for it to sprout in the "cuckolded" Yuu-kun of all people… what a total miscalculation.
Read the room! Read MY room!
Well, as long as I’m flawless from here on out, it shouldn't be a problem. I’ve switched gears.
Besides, this incident probably served as a good release for the frustration Yuu-kun had been building up internally. If I think about it as having created some breathing room in the future NTR chart, it’s not all bad.
Still, Yuu-kun is really cute, isn’t he?
I recalled the image of yandere Yuu-kun being “brought back to the light” in the palm of my hand, and I licked my lips.
I knew Yuu-kun had witnessed Fuyuki-kun and me embracing, but if he was that distraught, he should have just caught us in the act and called us out.
The fact that he didn't do that shows that even if he is a yandere, he’s a total softie—to me, he’s just a cute little Pomeranian.
You shouldn't give me time to prepare!
Well, even if he had caught us on the spot, I could have handled it somehow.
After all, an attribute like "yandere" is just a small bug caused by the illusions born from the mucous membranes of what people call "love." It doesn't work on me, who possesses the firm truth of “endless malice” at my core.
And so, I successfully managed to delete Yuu-kun’s yandere attribute.
Remodeling a personality is easy. There’s nothing difficult about it.
After all, I’m the best example of that. As the perfect heroine for Yuu-kun’s pure-love romcom, I’ve undergone repeated physical and mental remodeling… and this must be the aftereffect. My humanity had already completely collapsed.
Wait, so I was actually a victim of the demonic cuckold Yuu-kun…?
To think he could warp even me this much. What a sinful man.
I might be the lowest trash with a cuckold fetish. I might be garbage who thinks two-timing or three-timing is perfectly normal for the sake of an NTR situation, and who doesn't have a shred of desire to take responsibility for the other person’s life.
But even so, Yuu-kun told me he would accept me. I can’t just trample on Yuu-kun’s feelings…!
Well, I hadn’t told Yuu-kun a single concrete detail, so if it went to court, I’d lose in a landslide. It’s what you’d call a "narrative trick."
But romance isn't a legal battle.
What matters is a verbal promise and a heart that trusts the other person.
＊
Now then, it’s time for a girls' hangout at Yuri-chan’s place.
We gathered a few girls from class who were relatively close, and while enjoying tea and snacks, we let the "girls' talk" blossom.
Managing hate among the girls and gathering various types of information is one of my important tasks.
A top-tier cuckolding woman is top-tier in social situations as well.
“—I mean, really, what’s the deal, Reiko? It’s kind of pitiful to keep Tachibana-kun waiting so long, isn’t it?”
“E-eh? W-well, it’s not like Yuu-kun and I are like that… and besides, I kind of want that sort of thing to come from the guy’s side…”
At my innocent reaction, the girls let out high-pitched squeals of delight.
The girls here are the types who don't have any romantic feelings for Yuu-kun or Fuyuki-kun.
So, they’re the type who give you more points if you play up a shy, hesitant relationship.
Heckling someone else’s romance from the sidelines is one of humanity’s universal forms of entertainment.
“Well, Tachibana-kun does have that side to him~. He’s kind, but… he’s kind of indecisive, or shy, I guess.”
“I get it. He’s handsome, but for better or worse, he lacks that 'macho' vibe.”
“But Reiko, you like those herbivore types, don’t you? If that’s the case, you need to go on the offensive more, Reiko!”
“Ah, jeez! Enough about me! Hey, hey, Yuri-chan, don’t you have any boys you’re interested in?”
“E-eh!? I-I, um…”
Suddenly having the conversation turned on her, Yuri-chan’s shoulders gave a start.
Their sadistic sides tickled by her small-animal-like behavior, the girls shifted their interrogation target from me to Yuri-chan.
“True~! I’m curious. Yuritchi never talks about that stuff.”
“What about Kurushima-kun? You guys are always together.”
“You’ve been getting along with Kanda-kun lately too, haven't you~?”
“U-uu… R-Rei-chan, help me…”
Pressed by the girls, a flustered Yuri-chan clung to me.
“Hehe, I guess I have no choice. Here, come here.”
Yuri-chan dove into my chest as I opened my arms for a hug.
“Reiko and Yuritchi really are close, aren't they~?”
“Maybe Tachibana-kun’s real rival is Shirase-san…”
“Ehh~? Hehe, what should we do, Yuri-chan? They say we look like 'that kind' of couple?”
Joining in with the girls’ teasing, I gave Yuri-chan a chin-lift.
Seeing Yuri-chan gulp as she stared at my face from point-blank range, my smile deepened.
That’s right, get even more obsessed with me. Steal me away from Yuu-kun~!
The other day, due to a blunder, Yuu-kun sprouted a yandere attribute, but originally, Yuri-chan was supposed to have more talent in that department. Let’s make it sprout soon.
The yandere attribute is extremely useful for the interloper slot.
When it comes to committing an act as unethical as cuckolding, a yandere attribute where reason is blown away by excessive love is very convenient for me. It makes it easy to guide their thoughts.
Words like 『I failed but I did my absolute best』 have zero value.
What matters is not the process, but the result.
The result of having won the beloved me away from Yuu-kun. Effort that doesn’t lead to results is just self-satisfaction.
If Yuri-chan works hard, it’s only fair she should be rewarded, right?
Therefore, I shall kindly remove those useless parts called "conscience" and "ethics" from Yuri-chan. How kind of me.
However, it seems there was an obstacle to my goodwill lurking in Yuri-chan’s house.
“Waf!”
“Ah, it’s Samo-chan! So cute~”
“Did she get worried her master was being taken away~?”
A white furball intruded into Yuri-chan’s room, where the girls' party was being held.
It was the Shirase family pet, a Samoyed named Samo-chan.
The massive dog, nearly 60 centimeters tall, wedged its snout right between me and Yuri-chan.
I hid my desire to click my tongue and flashed a smile at the dog.
“Ahaha, Samo-chan really loves Yuri-chan, doesn't she~?”
“Vrrr-rrr-rrr…”
When I tried to pet her head, she bared her teeth and growled at me.
Truth be told, this dog absolutely hates my guts.
Yuri-chan hurriedly tried to scold her beloved pet for threatening me.
“H-hey! Samo!”
“It’s okay, it’s okay. I was sticking to her favorite master, so maybe she got jealous~?”
“Vrrr-vrrr—”
Piece of crap. She has no intention of opening up to me.
I haven't been bitten yet, but Samo-san is on extreme alert against me.
Even though this dog always spreads its "Samoyed smile" and charm when other girls touch her, the moment I reach out, her teeth and pupils go wide open.
However, I don’t let things like that get to me every time. They say kind-hearted people like animals. By extension, that means I like animals.
Peeeeeet. Let’s get along, shall we~?
“There, there~, Samo-chan’s fur is so fluffy again today, isn’t it~?”
“Vrr-grrr-vrr-grrr…!”
“Samo! Hey, Samo! Why are you only so harsh to Rei-chan!”
Hahaha! Seeing the dog show no sign of yielding to me at all, I was actually starting to have fun.
Thinking about it, since reincarnating into this body, this might be the first time I’ve had such hostility shown so openly to me.
The stinging gaze of enmity that I haven't felt in a long time…!
My biological instincts are being stimulated~!
I’m gonna make you submit…!
The battle between me and the dog begins.
＊
—Evening.
At the entrance of the Shirase house, my classmates and I waved to Yuri-chan.
“Sorry for intruding~. See you later, Yuri-chan.”
“Uu… Rei-chan, I’m so sorry about Samo…”
“Ahaha, I told you, it’s fine. Samo-chan, let’s play again, okay?”
“Grrr…”
In the end, I wasn't able to make the dog submit.
I secretly praised Samo-san for being a worthy foe.
Things might have been different if I had beaten her into submission with violence, but even I couldn't bring myself to punch a pet in front of its owner, so let’s call it a draw, shall we?
Well, I failed, but I did my absolute best, so I’m satisfied.
What matters is not the result, but the process of making the effort itself. I swapped my palm for a drill.
“…By the way, there’s something I want to ask everyone.”
Once we had walked about a few minutes away from the Shirase house, I brought up the “real purpose” of today’s girls' hangout to the surrounding girls.
“What is it, Reiko? So sudden.”
“Um, it’s about Yuri-chan…”
Seeing my serious expression, a sense of tension appeared on the girls' faces.
“…Don’t you think Yuri-chan’s been acting a bit strange lately?”
＊
“—I see. Thanks, Morita-san.”
“N-no. If it’s just something like this… U-um, Netora-san. What I told you…”
“I know. I won’t tell anyone, so don’t worry, okay?”
I watched with a smile as the girl I had been having a secret meeting with in the empty classroom scurried away awkwardly.
…Well, I had thought this kind of trouble would happen eventually. I sat on the teacher’s podium in the empty classroom and pondered.
It all started a few weeks ago.
Noticing Yuri-chan had an expression that looked like she was exhausted or troubled… I casually asked her what was wrong.
However, Yuri-chan only gave vague answers and didn't tell me anything concrete.
Since I had a general idea of what was going on by then, I busied myself with confirming the facts.
I gathered information from students inside my class—where I’ve established an absolute monarchy—as well as from other classes, underclassmen, upperclassmen, and both boys and girls, sometimes even using something akin to plea bargaining. The truth was exactly as I had expected.
It seemed Yuri-chan was being subjected to light bullying by a girl from another class.
“Takane-san from 2-C, huh. We shouldn't have even known each other… but well, I do stand out.”
As a result of my information gathering, it seems the primary target of the ringleader, Takane-san, was actually me… but because I have no openings, she compromised and set her sights on my friend, Yuri-chan.
The harassment was light, like putting trash like empty cans in Yuri-chan’s shoe locker or saying bad things about her within earshot, but these things tend to escalate over time. Let’s just take care of it now.
I’ve already brought the girls who follow Takane-san over to my side. Morita-san, who just gave me the information, is one of them.
When you’re a man of character who empathizes with the human heart as much as I do, it’s easy to tell what someone would hate the most.
After striking that point and making a roundabout “request,” they were apparently so moved by my passionate sense of justice that they easily switched from Takane-san’s group to mine.
This is what you call “falling into the light.”
Now then, with the outer moat filled, let’s storm the castle.
I licked my lips, predicted Takane-san’s behavioral patterns, and moved to catch her in the act.
＊
Yuri-chan and I are probably the closest friends of the same gender—you could call us best friends.
So, I can somewhat guess the reason why she didn't ask me for help.
Yuri-chan is a kind girl, so she was probably afraid that she might get me caught up in the bullying. Thinking, 『I’m the only one who needs to get hurt.』
…But even if that was her kindness, I was lonely.
It was like being told, 『This has nothing to do with you.』
I want her to rely on me more.
I want her to ask for help when things are painful, and I want her to pull me close and say, 『Stay with me』 when she’s lonely.
Because we’re friends.
For my friend—for Yuri-chan—what can I do? I thought deeply, deeply about it.
After thinking about it, I kidnapped Takane-san and brainwashed her.
“It must have been hard, Takane-san. Your entrance exam studies weren't going well, your mom and dad were always fighting at home, and you were lonely, right? That’s why you got jealous of Yuri-chan and me, since we always look like we’re having fun, right? But even so, hurting people is wrong, you know? It’s okay. From now on, I’ll stay by your side. No matter how bad a girl you are, no matter how much of a failure you are, I’ll validate you. You’re happy, aren't you? You want me to be even happier, don’t you? Then you have to prove it, Takane-san. Prove that you’re someone who can be useful to me. Make me happy. If you do, I’ll love you even more. I’ll validate you. For starters, let’s stop harassing Yuri-chan, shall we? You can say sorry properly, right? Because you want to make me happy, Takane-san. Because you want me to love you. If you can do it right, I’ll pet your head. You’re happy, aren't you? Come on, if you’re happy, smile? Smile for me? There, you’re so cute~~”
“Ah♥ Ah♥ Ah♥”
Takane-san, tied to a chair, was shaking and drooling with a wide smile on her face.
Of course, I didn't use any drugs. It was pure conversational skill.
A top-tier cuckolding woman can do anything. Brainwashing is just the basics.
I’ve been well-versed in this kind of technique since my previous life, but now on top of that, I’m using Blood Manipulation to adjust the rhythm of my voice and movements to a 1/f noise level. It’s what you call a “healing voice.” It’s that thing you often see in manga. Google it for details.
If I were to seriously try to brainwash someone now, most people would become my followers without being able to resist. I have no intention of using it normally, though, since creating yes-men isn't interesting at all.
“Now then, when I say the word 『Keikatsu』, you will prioritize my orders above all else for one minute. And you will forget this entire interaction. Understood?”
“Yeth… I underthtood…♥”
Well, since I went to the trouble of brainwashing her, I’ll have her act as a meat shield or something if the need ever arises.
Humans are creatures that prize friendship.
When things are painful, they take each other’s hands, support each other, and help each other live.
In other words, the one who takes the loss must be someone other than me. It’s what you call teamwork.
And thus, I solved Yuri-chan’s bullying problem at high speed.
Perfect communication!
＊
“Yuri-chan, what did those girls want with you just now?”
After returning from being called out by girls from another class, I—Yuri Shirase—offered a smile to Rei-chan, who was looking at me with a worried expression, and told her it was nothing.
“It was nothing, really. We just talked for a bit.”
“Hmph. Well, if you say so, Yuri-chan, I guess it’s fine, but...”
Rei-chan puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction. Watching her, I felt a warm, fuzzy feeling in my chest as I ruminated on the details of that meeting.
＊
I had been somewhat on guard when I was called out to the deserted area behind the school building, but their very first words were a desperate apology.
They confessed that they were the ones behind the recent harassment.
They said they deeply regretted it and swore they would never do it again.
They even declared that if I wished it, they were prepared to be beaten by me until I was satisfied.
I was a bit taken aback by the intensity of their apology—they looked ready to prostrate themselves right there on the dirt—but I accepted it.
Relief washed over the girls, and one of them spoke up.
“Um, could you tell Netora-san as well? Tell her we’re truly sorry...”
“Eh?”
“...Eh?”
...Apparently, she had been working behind the scenes to trigger this sudden apology.
I had kept quiet about the recent bullying because I didn't want to worry my kind friend... but it seemed she had seen through everything anyway.
“Honestly, I’m no match for her...”
＊
Ever since the day we first met, she has been my idol, my friend, and my most precious person.
But now, more than ever, I feel that she is—
“...Rei-chan.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“I... I think I... really... really like you, Rei-chan...”
At my sudden confession, she blinked in surprise before her large eyes began to sparkle.
“I’m so happy! I love you too, Yuri-chan!”
“Uhyah!?”
She lunged at me, pulling me into a hug. My heart started racing. Her smile was so dazzling that I couldn't look at her directly.
“Yuri-chan. Let’s stay close from now on, okay?”
“Yeah...”
To hide the feelings overflowing for her, I averted my gaze toward the window where the setting sun was streaming in.
I’m so happy.
I love her.
I love her.
I love Rei-chan.
I want her.
I want her for myself.
I want her to be my light.
My very own Rei-chan.
Mine, and mine alone—
Squelch...
＊
“Merry Christmasss!”
“Yeaaaah!”
The seasons turned, and it was now December.
The setting was a large-scale integrated leisure facility located a few stations away from school. Inside one of the karaoke rooms, the sound of party poppers and cheers echoed.
“Here, Yuu-kun. Let’s have a toast, okay?”
“Yeah. Good job on being class rep this year, Rei-chan.”
Clink. I—Tachibana Yuuki—tapped my cheap plastic cup against the one held by the girl sitting next to me and took a small sip of my juice.
The hectic second semester had come to an end, and after the closing ceremony, we members of Class 2-B had gathered for a Christmas party.
『Next year we’ll be busy with entrance exams, so we won’t have time for this. This is the only year we can really enjoy Christmas, you know?』
Under that terrifyingly accurate logic, the Christmas party—led by Rei-chan, who had become something of a charismatic figure within the class—was overflowing with energy.
“Haa, exams, huh...”
I muttered under my breath, just quiet enough that no one nearby could hear.
Entrance exam study itself was a pain, of course, but more than that, the weight of the pressure came from a single fact: if I failed to get into Mikage Academy, my school of choice, I would be separated from Rei-chan for the next three years.
Even if we went to different schools, we were neighbors. It wasn’t like our relationship would just end there.
...Still, the thought of spending the majority of my day in a different learning environment from the girl I had always been with was terrifying to even imagine.
Even without the bias of being her childhood friend, Rei-chan was a beautiful, cute, cheerful, and kind—a perfect angel.
The reason there was still no sign of a boyfriend around her was—and I felt truly sorry about this—likely because I was always by her side.
Because the people around us saw us as a semi-official couple, no other guys tried to make a move on her.
...But if we went to different schools, that premise would easily crumble.
She was someone who had zero guard against the opposite sex. It wasn't hard to imagine what kind of provocations she might unconsciously commit in front of high school boys who had nothing but dirty things on their minds.
If I wasn't by her side then, how many people would ask her out?
And what if Rei-chan felt a spark of destiny with one of them—?
Just the thought made my brain feel like it was turning to ash from the inside out, and my whole body shuddered with fear.
...No, I know.
If I'm going to worry that much, I should just hurry up and confess to Rei-chan.
Actually, I’ve tried to confess to her many times already.
During the culture festival, the sports festival... I’ve tried to set the mood in my own way more times than I can count. If I’m not being too full of myself, there were plenty of times it felt like Rei-chan was about to confess to me, too.
—However, every single time, something got in the way.
Kurushima-kun or Shirase-san would accidentally cut in, a teacher or security guard on patrol would call out to us, or a phone would suddenly ring at the perfect moment...
It was as if someone was orchestrating it; every time I or Rei-chan tried to confess our feelings, some kind of interference always occurred.
Having my resolve crushed so many times had caused a certain cowardice—disguised as "caution"—to rear its head. It was pathetic.
If I confessed, I was almost certain she would say yes.
But on the off-chance she rejected me—
『...Um, sorry, Yuu-kun. I didn't mean it like that... Can we just stay good friends?』
We would never be able to stay friends.
If anything, the confession would cause us to drift apart. I absolutely hated that idea.
If that was going to happen, staying as close childhood friends in the current status quo was much better.
As a result of being blown about by those calculations and the winds of cowardice, I still hadn't been able to move my relationship with Rei-chan forward.
“W-Well, the real exams are coming up... It’d be bad to give Rei-chan extra stress by confessing now...”
“What are you mumbling about, Yuuki?”
Fuyuki-kun suddenly threw an arm around my shoulder as I was spiraling into useless thoughts.
“Here, the mic. I put in a duet for the next song, so we’re singing together!”
“Ueh!? F-Fuyuki-kun! You know I’m not good at this!”
“If I don't do this, you'll just be doing backup vocals the whole time. You're not tone-deaf or anything, so don't worry about it.”
Having the mic forced upon me by Fuyuki-kun, I was dragged over to stand next to the display showing the song title.
“Eh, Tachibana-kun is singing!? Good luck!”
“A duet between the 2-B ikemen... I should record this so I can brag about it later~♪”
“Kurushima! Don't just do it for laughs!”
Under the cheers of the girls and the jeers of the boys, I resigned myself to my fate and brought the mic to my mouth.
“Yuu-kun, Fuyuki-kun, looking cool~♪”
At the sight of Rei-chan having fun, I gave a small, wry smile just as the intro began.
...For now, I’ll just enjoy myself. It’s a Christmas party, after all.
Even without romantic matters involved, there was no way that making happy memories with my precious childhood friends could be a mistake.
＊
“Ah!”
“Geh...”
At the vending machine corner in the hallway, a boy sitting on a bench visibly grimaced.
Seeing his reaction, the girl who had called out to him narrowed her eyes and stood before him with her arms crossed.
“Honestly, Kanda-kun! You disappeared so suddenly, I thought you’d gone home without saying anything!”
“What kind of character do you think I am, Netora...? I’m not that socially inept. I was just taking a break.”
The boy—Kanada Kouichi—scratched his head listlessly and tossed his empty juice can into the trash.
＊
“Is it even okay for you to leave the room, Netora?”
“Mm, it’s fine. Everyone’s moving around pretty freely, as long as we gather for the meeting time at the end.”
In the break space next to the vending machines, I—Kanada Kouichi—and Netora were taking a breather with cans of juice in hand.
“Second year is almost over, huh. I made a lot of new friends, it was fun.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
When I gave that non-committal agreement, Netora looked at me with a surprised face.
“...What?”
“...I’m just shocked. Knowing you, Kanda-kun, I thought you’d be all cynical and say something like ‘Nah, it wasn't.’”
“...You’ve got a real nasty personality yourself. I’ve learned that well enough after hanging around you for a year.”
“Ufu, was that a compliment? You’ve got a pretty cute side yourself, Kanda-kun.”
“So annoying...”
Netora giggled at my sarcasm and tossed her empty can into the bin.
“...Actually, I was a little worried. I wasn't sure if you’d show up to the Christmas party today.”
“The whole class is here. It’d be a total dick move for me to be the only one to skip out.”
“I know, but... I was worried you were just forcing yourself to participate even though you hated it...”
Watching Netora peer at me with worried eyes, I sighed and reached out to messily ruffle her hair.
“Kyah!? Hey, Kanda-kun! You’ll mess up my hair!”
“Shut it. It’s because you’re saying stupid things.”
As Netora glared at me while smoothing down her ruffled hair, I let out a cynical smirk.
“Do I look like the kind of nice guy who’d attend a gathering I don't want to be at just out of obligation?”
“Eh? Actually, yeah?”
“...Don't ruin the moment. Anyway, I’m here because I wanted to be. Don't worry about stupid stuff.”
As if to hide my embarrassment, I made a long pass with my empty can toward the trash. It drew a beautiful arc and landed inside with a light clatter.
“...Well, you know. You, Tachibana... and Fuyuki and Shirase too, I guess. It’s thanks to you guys meddling that I was able to fit into the class and make new friends. That’s why I decided to come today. Don't give me that weird special treatment.”
“...I see. I’m glad.”
Netora smiled in relief, her eyes slightly moist. My heart gave a heavy thump.
There weren’t many people around.
I was seized by the urge to pull her slender shoulders toward me.
...But no, not now. I shouldn't.
“...Well, let's head back soon. If the class Queen isn't there, everyone will get anxious.”
“Honestly, stop calling me that.”
I like Netora.
If possible, I want to stand by her side as her boyfriend.
—But more than that, she’s my benefactor.
The fact that I fit in at school and the fact that my relationship with my parents was fixed... it was all thanks to her.
Entrance exam season is about to get serious.
I don't want to be the kind of shameless bastard who confess to Netora out of pure emotion and puts an extra burden on her during such an important time.
I know I’m being slow.
Tachibana and Fuyuki are both around her.
While I’m idling, she might end up dating one of them.
...If that happened, so be it.
Tachibana and Fuyuki are both much better men than I am. I’m sure they would make Netora happy.
If that happened... it might be a little lonely, but I think I could congratulate them from the bottom of my heart.
—But, if.
If me and Netora both become high schoolers, and she’s still single then.
Then...
“Ah! Before we go back, can we peek over there for a second?”
“Hm?”
The place Netora pointed to was a corner of the game area... a row of crane machines.
“Ah, they added these as prizes! How cute.”
Netora was glued to a machine filled with stylized plushies of cats and rabbits.
“...Do you like those?”
“Yeah. But, my allowance is a bit tight this month, so I’ll behave.”
“Hmph...”
...I can probably get one with this layout.
I pulled some change from my pocket and jammed it into the slot.
“Eh, Kanda-kun?”
“Quiet. I’m concentrating, wait a sec.”
The arm I moved skillfully snagged the tag sewn into the plushie and dropped the prize into the exit chute.
“Eeh!? Amazing!”
“Perks of being a regular at the arcade. Not exactly something to brag about... here.”
I grabbed the plushie and shoved it into Netora’s arms.
“...Eh? A-Are you sure?”
“Well, it’s Christmas.”
“Waa! Thank you, Kanda-kun! I’m so happy!”
“Don't get that excited over a one-coin prize. You’re a cheap date.”
“Geez, there you go again! ...Ahaha, I’m so happy...”
Netora hugged the plushie to her chest, then lit up as if she’d had a brilliant idea.
“I know! Let's take a commemorative photo! There’s a purikura machine right there. I’ll pay as thanks for the plushie!”
“Huh? Hey, wait—”
Before I could protest, Netora grabbed my hand and dragged me into the purikura booth.
Flustered by the situation—being alone in a cramped booth—I tried to stop her.
“N-No, hey, don't force it. Didn't you say you were tight on money?”
“It’s fine! If I’d tried to win that myself, I would’ve spent over a thousand yen anyway. I can afford a photo.”
Netora brushed off my words, and the shooting announcement began.
“Come on, Kanda-kun. Get closer!”
“Y-You really... seriously, you’re too much, you know that?”
With Netora leaning against me so much that our shoulders were more than just touching, I felt my ears burning as I muttered a complaint.
However, Netora just wore a blank, innocent look, as if she had no idea what I was talking about.
“Eh? Too much?”
“Haa, Tachibana has it rough...”
Afterward, I was handed half of the printed sheet. I looked at the photo in my hand and gave a wry smile.
“...Seriously, what a hell of a Christmas present.”
A photo of me and the girl I had a crush on.
Whether this would become a bittersweet memory of my youth or something more, I didn't know yet.
＊
“—Well then, see you all at the first shrine visit of the year! Bye-bye, everyone!”
On the way home after the Christmas party.
Rei-chan, standing next to me—Tachibana Yuuki—waved to Fuyuki-kun and the others.
“Yeah, don't catch a cold, Rei! It’s freezing!”
“You too, Tachibana. It’s dark out, so make sure you walk Netora home properly.”
I waved back at Fuyuki-kun and Kanda-kun’s words.
“Yeah. You two be careful on the night roads, too.”
“And Yuri-chan! Make sure these two walk you home, okay? There are a lot of weirdos out at the end of the year.”
“U-Um, yeah. See you both on New Year’s!”
With that, we split off from the usual three, and me and Rei-chan started walking down the now-dark path.
“The party was fun! Right, Yuu-kun?”
“Yeah. Karaoke, bowling, and batting cages... maybe we went a little too hard.”
“Fufu, it’s fine! It’s our last chance to blow off steam before the exams.”
“Ugh... you reminded me of something depressing...”
Rei-chan giggled at my gloomy expression.
“Let's do our best, Yuu-kun! Fuyuki-kun and the others all said Mikage is their first choice. It’d suck if only you were at a different school, right?”
“Of course I feel the same. ...I want to go to the same school as you, Rei-chan.”
“Ahaha, then you better work hard! Don't worry, I’ll help you out!”
“No, no, I appreciate the thought... but you have to study for your own exams, too. Though, I guess you could probably get in on a recommendation...”
As we chatted, we arrived at the front of Rei-chan’s house in no time.
“Thanks for walking me home, Yuu-kun.”
“Yeah. Well then, see you later, Rei-cha... Achoo!”
A sudden gust of winter wind made me sneeze and shiver.
I should’ve worn more layers... It had been sunny and warm during the day, so I’d let my guard down.
Seeing me like that, Rei-chan peered into my face with concern.
“Are you okay, Yuu-kun?”
“Sniff... Yeah, I’m fine. It’s a bit cold, but my house is right there as long as I go straight home.”
“Honestly, wearing such thin clothes in December... Yuu-kun, lean down a bit?”
“Eh? ...Like this?”
As Rei-chan prompted, I leaned down slightly.
The next second, something soft with a sweet scent was wrapped around my neck.
“My scarf. I’m lending it to you, so don't take it off until you get home, okay?”
...It seemed Rei-chan had wrapped the scarf she was just wearing around my neck.
The moment I realized that, the chill I’d felt earlier vanished, and I felt heat rushing to my face.
“Hey, wait, I...!”
“You can just give it back when we go for the shrine visit. Well then, goodnight, Yuu-kun!”
Before I could say anything, Rei-chan went inside with a cheerful smile.
...What am I supposed to do with this?
“...It smells like Rei-chan.”
I accidentally muttered the words out loud, then shook my head violently to drive away the wicked thoughts.
It certainly wasn't cold anymore, but now I was worried I might collapse from all the blood rushing to my head...
＊
Well, I guess that’s enough adjustment for Yuu-kun’s affection meter for now.
From my bedroom window, I watched Yuu-kun walk away while fluffing the scarf I gave him, thinking about the future "charting."
Good evening, I’m Netora Reiko.
Now, with the end of the second semester of our second year, it’s about time to get serious about studying for entrance exams if we’re aiming for a high-level school.
Well, Fuyuki-kun and I can probably get in on recommendations, so the ones I need to keep an eye on are Yuu-kun and Yuri-chan. Kanda-kun is at a level where he’ll be fine even if I leave him alone.
That said, I’ve been meticulously "training" those two since our first year, so as long as they don't make any huge blunders, I reckon they’re on track to pass Mikage.
Yes—unless, for example, I miscalculate the line for "snacking" and end up completely shattering their brains.
It’s been nearly fifteen years of hardship since I reincarnated into this world. I’ve worked really hard.
I desperately resisted the urge to pour honey all over the exquisite dish that is Yuu-kun, and I suppressed my desire to leave permanent scars on the hearts of Fuyuki-kun and Yuri-chan.
The "evil" that is me is always aiming for the pure and innocent Yuu-kun and the others; their peaceful daily lives are built upon thin ice.
But wait, I want you to stop and think for a moment.
True, my origin as a reincarnated person might be a bit unusual. You could call me a "gimmick character."
However, I am by no means a genius, nor am I some overpowered "Isekai Protagonist" with cheat abilities.
Even if I’m slightly better than others in some areas, I’m still within the bounds of a normal human. I’m like the sidekick character to a genius protagonist.
The world is a big place. Whatever I’m thinking, someone else is bound to be thinking it too.
In other words, there must be a True Evil out there somewhere—other than me—plotting to destroy Yuu-kun’s brain.
I don't overrate myself. Thinking I’m the most evil existence in this world would be the height of arrogance.
There are plenty of people scummier than me.
At most, I’m just a petty villain with an NTR fetish and a TS-desire who’s a bit clever. A "lovable villain" type, you know?
The True Evils who haven't let me catch their tails yet must surely be laughing in the shadows at my amateurish NTR antics. Thinking, 『I could break those brains way more effectively.』
What bastards. I won't forgive them. I burned with rage toward the True Evils who refused to show themselves on the main stage.
The reason they haven't laid a finger on Yuu-kun and the others yet is solely because I’m hanging around them.
It’s like if a master thief crew was about to infiltrate a place with a meticulous plan, only to see some punk start a convenience store robbery right in front of them on the hit day—they’d just reschedule.
The truth is always in a darkness deeper than the night, and I have been indirectly protecting Yuu-kun and the others from a cruel reality. Oh boy, is Reiko-chan a total archangel? This is basically "The Angel Next Door" territory.
Acting like a bad girl, but unconsciously saving people... I’m like those dark heroes who get their own popular spin-offs. Man, it’s tough being me.
Anyway, I have to protect Yuu-kun and the others from the Great Evil lurking in the dark.
If I carelessly improvise some NTR snacking and show a gap, Yuu-kun and the others will instantly become prey for the True Evil.
Now is a time for endurance, even if it’s painful. Because once we overcome this, my ideal New World is waiting.
To that end, first comes the exam support for Yuu-kun and the others.
I’ll start by analyzing the trends in Mikage’s past questions and teach them the important points.
I’m gonna do my best.
I renewed my resolve.
＊
I did my best.
And just like that, high school entrance exams are over.
Surprising, isn't it? Such a bold time-skip... if it weren't me, I might’ve missed it.
As for the results, obviously I passed, but thanks to my support, all the "NTR All-Stars"—Yuu-kun and the others—successfully passed Mikage Academy as well. Hell yeah.
Starting in April, we’re officially high school students.
In other words, the long prologue that would probably span two volumes in a light novel has ended, and the main story is finally beginning. I’ve carefully crushed all of Yuu-kun’s escape routes during the elementary and middle school eras, so the setup is perfect. What a thoughtful woman I am.
The other day, the Mikage Academy designated uniform—a blazer and skirt—arrived at my house. I tried it on and did a spin in front of the full-length mirror in my room.
Yep, cute. This is my "Final Equipment," the JK uniform.
I took a selfie with my smartphone and sent the photo of me in my JK form to Yuu-kun along with a message. With a skirt shortened just enough not to be trashy, Yuu-kun’s emotions are gonna be a mess. I’ll send one to Chi-chan too. Bon appétit!
Now... as I’ve said repeatedly, the main story begins now—moving toward the "True NTR Route."
In other words, I’m going to drop Yuu-kun, whom I’ve raised with so much love and care, into the depths of despair. My heart aches... gh! I used my blood manipulation to squeeze my own heart. Ow ow ow.
...I really do like Yuu-kun. I can declare without a hint of a lie that I love him.
I’m head-over-heels for every little move he makes, and every time I feel his affection for me through his gaze, my heart burns.
Well, it’s possible that he’s just a "convenient man" for me and I’m looking at him through heavy filters... but let's put that aside for a moment. Love is blind, as they say.
If I were to just have a happy kiss with Yuu-kun and call it a day, we’d surely reach a picture-perfect happy ending.
But it’s all for the sake of the Great Ambition: the Ultimate NTR. I must harden my heart.
It’s a common trope in manga—the one where someone asks the protagonist, 『Are you prepared to carry your sins?』 Well, since I’m such a well-adjusted human, I can carry as many sins as I want. It’s like a subscription service.
For a person of my character, hardening my heart is child’s play.
If someone says "boil me or bake me as you like," I can boil them in a pot without a second thought.
I can infinitely come up with inhumane methods to strike at Yuu-kun’s weak points and hurt him the most, and I have the resolve to carry them out without hesitation.
I can easily detach and reattach parts like "conscience" or "ethics" that aren't worth a damn. What the hell is going on with my mental structure? I shuddered at the depth of the darkness within me.
...Maybe I’m a little more wicked than the average person.
I have so many reasons for being called a piece of trash that it’s starting to feel stupid to even deny it.
Maybe someone as tainted by sin as me shouldn't be by the side of Yuu-kun and the others...
I hugged myself like a child shivering in loneliness.
Oh, but wait?
Everyone has a front and a back.
Having good points and bad points is what makes someone human. Isn't that what every manga and anime episode is about?
Only looking at a person's bad side... that’s what people with poor hearts do. I reject such a sad way of living.
So don't just look at my bad side. Look at the good side too. For example... ... ... ... ...
I can't think of anything right now, but I’m sure it’s not zero.
Trying to keep up appearances just because I don't want Yuu-kun to hate me must be wrong.
Hiding the truth and deceiving people... it makes me want to puke.
That lacks sincerity. Face me properly. Respect diversity. Love everything, both the darkness and the light. I finished my self-defense.
In any case, it’s high school life.
Needless to say, high schoolers have a much wider range of action than middle schoolers.
We can get part-time jobs, and if we play our cards right, we can go on trips or stay overnight without parents.
Naturally, the ways the NTR route can expand will become more complex, richer, and deeper.
Working a part-time job with Yuu-kun and being seduced behind the scenes by a flashy senior would be good.
Being "trained" by a gorilla-like coach in a sports club would be good too.
If I find a convenient man, I could dedicate myself to securing an "older interrupter" role that I refrained from during middle school. The dreams are endless.
I’m starting to get excited. The world looks bright with a glorious future, baby!
I’ll show you... Yuu-kun just needs to be the outlet for my desires...!
And so, my middle school life ended. The time for the final battle is near...
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