Chapter 10: It might not be a mob

My response was predictable.

“I’d like a little more time to think about it.”

Hiiragi-senpai nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face, but he quickly regained his composure. His smile seemed to say, “I’ll wait,” but my stance was firm.

‘It’s not that I don’t want to. I just… need more time.’

Initially, I’d tried to reject the student council, along with the attention of Aya and Mizuki, believing I was destined to be a background character. But now, I was starting to realize something.

My entrance exam ranking, their interest in me, the student council’s reaction…

If there was no protagonist, was I really just a background character?

And if I wasn’t, I didn’t have to act like one.

The initial shock of being transported into this world had clouded my judgment, making me underestimate my own significance. But with the protagonist gone, there was no need to hide.

Besides… I had a personal reason.

‘I used to read romantic comedies because I longed for that kind of life.’

While I enjoyed the romantic aspects, the real draw was the idealized school life they portrayed. A world far removed from my mundane reality of studying, eating, sleeping, and repeating.

Honestly, knowing the future events, if I just opened myself up a little, I could become the protagonist of this world. I could finally experience the vibrant school life I’d always dreamed of.

If I wasn’t a background character, there was no need to shy away from the spotlight.

With this newfound resolve, I felt a sense of peace.

****

Back in the classroom, Aya approached me quietly. Her eyes were warm, tinged with concern.

Without a word, she gently took my hand. I was startled, but not as flustered as before.

“Rina, you look pale. Are you feeling sick to your stomach?”

Her fingertips gently squeezed my hand, then began to rub my palm in slow, circular motions. The warmth of her touch eased the tension in my body.

“N-No! I’m just a little tired.”

I tried to pull my hand away, but Aya continued massaging my palm.

“My mom taught me this. Gently pressing on your palm can help.”

Her touch was delicate yet firm, a strangely comforting sensation.

‘This morning, I would have been sweating just from holding her hand… I’m changing too much, aren’t I? Will Aya dislike me?’

I suddenly wanted to disappear. Where was the confident Kurosawa Rina from just a moment ago?!

“…Where did you learn this?”

“My mom used to do this for me when I was little.”

Aya’s mother, a Northern European noblewoman, was portrayed as elegant and aloof in the novel. I hadn’t known she had such a warm and caring side.

Mizuki, with a playful smirk, interjected, “Aya-ring~ aren’t you being a little too sweet to Rina? I’m getting jealous~”

“Mizuki, I’m just worried about Rina,” Aya replied calmly, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Her words warmed my heart. Aya’s attention, which had initially been overwhelming, was starting to feel comforting. I clenched my hand, a thought echoing in my mind.

‘…She’s a true goddess. This is why everyone falls for her.’

I stared at my palm, where Aya’s touch had lingered. Strangely, my stomach felt better. The warmth of her touch remained, a comforting sensation.

‘Her concern… it makes me so self-conscious.’

I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. This was just a kind gesture from a friend. Aya, who hadn’t placed much value on friendship, had simply accepted me as a harmless companion.

‘Right, I’m not a boy anymore. I’m Kurosawa Rina.’

But as I glanced at Aya’s profile, her gentle smile and warm gaze…

‘This atmosphere… ugh…’

Perhaps because I was finally accepting my potential significance in this world, something within me was starting to crumble. Just then, Mizuki’s playful voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Rina, something on your mind?”

“Huh?! No, not at all!” I blurted out, waving my hands frantically.

But Mizuki, with a knowing look, propped her chin on her hand and said, “Hmm~ really? But your face is red.”

“N-No, it’s not!” I denied, burying my face in my hands.

Mizuki giggled, amused by my reaction. “I bet you’re flustered because Aya-ring held your hand so sweetly, huh? Hehe~ I understand. Anyone would be heart-fluttered.”

“P-Please stop…”

I tried to deny it, but Mizuki showed no signs of relenting. Aya, who had been quietly amused, blinked and looked at me, her voice gentle.

“Rina, are you really okay? Should we go to the nurse’s office?”

Her clear, gentle voice made my heart race again.

‘This… is getting dangerous.’

“I think I’ll be okay,” I replied, forcing a smile. My stomach still felt a bit uneasy, but I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention by going to the nurse’s office.

Aya, still looking concerned, furrowed her brows slightly, but she nodded and didn’t press further. “Just don’t push yourself.”

Her warm gaze enveloped me, her kind words making me nod instinctively, even as my heart pounded in my chest.

‘Ugh… no, calm down, Rina.’

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. I quickly turned away, focusing on my textbook. Only then, with the classroom silent and the lesson underway, did I finally calm down.

‘It’s absurd that I feel more comfortable during class,’ I thought wryly.

The turbulent emotions from just a moment ago subsided, mirroring the sudden quiet of the classroom. My focus narrowed to the textbook and the blackboard. I diligently took notes, hoping to distract myself.

****

But I’d barely turned a few pages when the bell rang again.

‘Did I… focus too much?’

“That’s all for today. Review today’s lesson for next time,” the teacher announced.

The classroom sprang back to life.

“Ugh~ I’m so tired…” Mizuki groaned, slumping onto her desk. “I almost fell asleep during class. Rina, weren’t you sleepy?”

“Haha, well, I… it’s all new to me…”

“Ah, you’re still adjusting,” Mizuki said, chuckling and patting my shoulder. “You’ll get used to it soon!”

“Yeah, we’ll help you adjust to Takamari,” Aya chimed in.

The attention of these two beautiful girls was enough to lift my spirits, but the pleasant feeling was short-lived. My stomach ache was returning.

“I-I’m going to the restroom,” I announced.

But as I was about to leave, Aya stood up. “Let’s go together.”

“…Huh?” My jaw dropped.

Aya walked over to me, her expression nonchalant. Oh, right. Girls didn’t usually go to the restroom alone, did they?

“I needed to go too,” she said.

And so, once again, I found myself walking alongside Aya. While I didn’t hold her hand, I repeated a mantra in my head as we walked.

‘Just act natural… pretend it’s nothing… be normal…’

But even the simple act of walking next to Aya drew stares from passing students. Some whispered, others glanced at us curiously. I instinctively shrank under their gaze.

‘Maybe it would have been better to just endure the stomach ache…’

Just as my thoughts were spiraling, I finally spotted the restroom. Without thinking, out of habit, I walked towards it and reached for the door…

“Rina, that’s the men’s restroom.”

“Huh?”

I froze, slowly lifting my head. There, clear as day, was the male restroom pictogram. A group of boys walking behind us stopped, staring at me in bewilderment. Aya watched, a barely suppressed smile on her face.

‘…Oh.’

A cold sweat broke out. My body had instinctively followed my old habits. I quickly stepped back, laughing awkwardly.

“Ah, ahahaha… My mistake, my mistake.”

Aya chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. “Rina, it seems you still need some time to adjust.”

I fled into the women’s restroom, my face burning. I closed the door, leaned against the wall, and let out a deep breath.

‘That… was almost a disaster…’