A Man Who Lost Confidence, to a Gentle Chastity-Reversed World

Chapter 25: Overcoming Negativity, Making a Promise

Sitting on my bed, Yukari-san approaches, placing a hand on my shoulder. To pathetic me, she asks, “…Shun-sama? Is something wrong with your health…?” with genuine concern.

But her words feel distant, like I’m hearing them from far away.

At my core, I’m a cynical, troublesome person. In my old world, when someone showed concern, I often thought one thing.

“Being friends with me isn’t fun or rewarding. So, their concern is just pity.” That’s a belief central to my life.

Because otherwise, who’d waste time on someone with a bad face and twisted personality unless they were bored or mocking me?

That’s why my current situation feels like an unbelievable string of events. Unlike my old world, this one seems to hold affection for me, sometimes giving me hope.

But the emotions stuck deep in my heart are impossible to remove, and that’s undeniable. So now, I can only sit in silence.

“Um, Shun-sama…? Did something… unpleasant happen?”

Yukari-san asks, her tone not mocking in the slightest.

Is she genuinely worried about me?

There’s no way anyone would care about someone like me.

“…Everyone being so kind to me… it’s scary… I’m not someone who deserves concern… so I keep thinking there’s some catch… that someone’s mocking me… I just…”

Spilling these thoughts while crying will surely make Yukari-san hate me. Unable to accept her words and belittling her feelings, she must be disappointed.

Even knowing this, I can’t stop the words.

“…I’m weak, talentless, boring, with no good qualities… yet at home, at school, everyone’s kind to me…”

Words degrading myself pour out endlessly. I feel that if I don’t see this as my true worth, I’ll be betrayed by something.

Then, my body is enveloped. A rose-like scent and warm touch embrace me from the front.

“Shun-sama… please, don’t say such things…!”

Yukari-san’s voice trembles with tears. Did I say something cruel?

“Shun-sama has nothing but good qualities… you’re kind not just to your family, but to someone like me… you look me in the eyes, talk to me… sniff, you say the food I make is delicious…!”

Did I hurt her? I can’t process it, but she keeps talking.

“…Yuki-sama told me. Lately, you’ve been getting close with girls in your class, spending time with them… who would belittle someone like you who can do that?! I, Yuki-sama, Kaori-sama, we genuinely care for you… and I can’t believe anyone in your class would mock you!”

Her words melt me, her embrace unwavering. She starts to say, “If someone really does that, I’ll do everything…” but pauses.

“So… please, don’t belittle yourself… we’d never betray you, ever…”

I slowly stop my tears, savoring her words.

Was I caught in the same negative thoughts as my old world? Her words carry no hint of lies or flattery.

She listened to my weak, harsh words and returned pure, straightforward feelings, free of betrayal or malice.

“…Th-thank you…”

I manage to hold back tears and thank her. Is it my arrogance to think she’s forcing back her own tears?

After holding me briefly, Yukari-san steps back, adjusting her apron. All I can say is, “Thank you… I’ll come eat once I calm down…”

In this state, her kindness could make me cry again. I need to calm down, or my emotions will overflow.

“Yes… but please, don’t push yourself, Shun-sama. It’s okay to skip school…”

She says this, but I can’t burden others with my weak heart. I have to keep my promise to walk to school with Yuki.

With a batan as the door closes, Yukari-san leaves. As she said, I should believe in myself, or I’ll make her sad again.

My ingrained inferiority complex won’t vanish easily, and I doubt I’ll master talking to girls or guys.

Still, I want to trust her words. To avoid the despair of my old world, I need to notice and accept the kindness around me.

As I think, my heart calms. To not worry my family, I head to the dining table, walking steadily on my own.

“Shun-kun, if something’s on your mind, don’t bottle it up, okay? Talk to me, Yukari-san, or someone… you’re so kind, it might overflow.”

At the table, Mom worries about me. Yukari-san must have told her about earlier.

“For you now, a bit too much confidence might be just right. So, say what you want, at least to us.”

Yukari-san and Yuki nod firmly. Despite yesterday, Yuki’s her usual self, brimming with kindness.

“Y-yeah… thanks, Mom, and you two…”

The table returns to its usual warmth. Mom watches Yuki and me eat happily, Yukari-san joins our talk while glancing at us—a warm family moment.

I should trust my family first, I think, finishing breakfast and preparing to leave. Bowing to Yukari-san, she blushes and bows deeply back.

On the way to school, Yuki chats about clothes she wants, new friends in her class. Her trust in me warms my heart, especially when she waves bigger than usual at the gate.

My turbulent heart steadies as classes progress. After three weeks, I’m getting used to school life.

Starting today, Asagi-san, Yamamoto-san, and I eat lunch on the rooftop. As lunch break begins, Asagi-san says, “What do you think about eating on the roof?”

The open-air bento is delicious, and the girls occasionally let me try their side dishes, which is nice. No “aah” feeding like before, but I’m clearly blessed.

“…So, how about the three of us go out somewhere? Like shopping at a mall!”

As we finish eating, Asagi-san suggests to me and Yamamoto-san.

“To get closer, going out together is best, right? Is this Saturday free?”

Going out with friends on a weekend—the epitome of youth I couldn’t have in my old world. Doing it with these two is a dream come true.

But I wonder if I can handle being with them. Imagining it, I feel painfully out of place. A lively beauty, a gentle busty beauty, and me—it’s like a harem manga, unreal.

“I’m free… but, Sato-kun, what about you…?”

Yamamoto-san asks. It’s exciting, but hesitating to join them troubles me.

“I’m free… but, is it okay if I come? I don’t want to be in the way…”

Asagi-san looks puzzled.

“…We’re inviting you because we want to go with you, Sato-kun.”

Yamamoto-san nods vigorously. Asagi-san’s words thrill me, leaving no reason to refuse.

But can I hold a proper conversation? Despite my endless worries, Asagi-san suggests a plan: meet at the big mall in the next town, spend the afternoon shopping. I’m a bit impressed by this friend-like promise as lunch break ends.

It’s Wednesday, three days until the outing, but I think about it during afternoon classes.

What should I wear to hang out with girls? Should I arrive early? How should I act? What to talk about? My thoughts spiral, forgetting to take notes, just seeking anxieties.

I planned to walk home with Yuki, so we meet up. On the way, I think about searching online or checking magazines.

“…Shun-nii, you’re thinking about something, huh?”

To Yuki, I’m an open book. She asks on the way home.

Thinking about other girls while walking with one is rude, something old me wouldn’t do, but my senses might be dulled.

“…Sorry. Asagi-san and Yamamoto-san invited me to hang out Saturday…”

I honestly share my confusion, including worries about conversation and clothes. Consulting my sister about other girls feels wrong.

“Hmm, I don’t think you need to overthink it. Just talking with you is fun for them… I haven’t talked to Yamamoto-san, but it’s probably the same.”

She advises without anger, though she overestimates my conversation and fashion skills.

“Also, you should tell Mom about the outing. She’ll be happy, but she’ll worry too… I’m fine with it.”

It’s impossible to back out now. Yuki seems okay with me getting close to them.

“But… I’d like to go out with you sometime too. Whenever’s fine.”

She wants to shop together, making my heart skip. It’s not unpleasant, but going out with her feels like something I’d pay for.

“O-of course… if you want, I’d go anytime…”

She smiles, satisfied, her cuteness still thrilling me, mixing my emotions.

At home, I study to pass time. When Mom returns for dinner, I mention the promise.

“…Shun-kun, you’ve really changed. Going out with girls—I thought it’d never happen, Fufu.”

Mom speaks fondly, not stopping me.

“Have fun. Just call if it’s late, and don’t come home alone. I’d never stop you.”

Her approval feels like I’m announcing a date, embarrassing since they don’t see it that way. I can’t get carried away.

“…Also, go out with Yuki sometime. She’s been saying lately it’s okay to invite you.”

Yuki shouts, “Hey, Mom!” embarrassed, while Mom smiles slightly.

The rest of the week is normal. I read in the literature club, shop with Yuki in the shopping district, but Saturday’s on my mind.

Will they find me boring or tactless? Yuki told me not to worry, but my heart remains weak. Online searches yield only women-to-men conversation tips, nothing for my perspective.

Friday night, Asagi-san messages about tomorrow’s meeting. Anxious, I open my phone.

“Meet at 12 at the station gate!”

“Looking forward to it!”

A cute bear sticker comes with it, stirring me. I can’t entertain them, I think.

I reply with agreement and thanks, setting my phone down. What will happen tomorrow? With the greatest anxiety yet, I go to bed, picking clothes from my wardrobe—likely Mom’s purchases, stylish to my eyes, a first for me to care about.

Calming myself, mixing hope and fear, I drift into dreams, praying for a peaceful tomorrow.

Saturday morning, I wake past 9 and head to the living room. Yukari-san’s off, so Mom made breakfast—small pancakes, the tastiest I recall. Subtle sweetness, perfect for morning. Mom says, “Thinking about you going out with girls made cooking fun,” dividing stacks for me and Yuki.

Yuki, engrossed in gaming last night, looks sleepy, eating pancakes half-eyed. She’s in just a T-shirt, no inner layer, her nipples visible through it.

I know I shouldn’t look, but I glance from the next seat, despite having touched her before. My lust stirs. Mom says nothing about her outfit.

Her provocative pink makes me flutter, but I suppress an erection and prepare. I wear a striped T-shirt, black linen shirt, and light chinos.

Unsure if it’s right, I’m ready to change if Mom or Yuki comment. But my safe choice pays off—no criticism when I return to the living room.

As Yuki dozes, Mom says, “Have fun today. But if anything bad happens, tell us right away,” seeing me off.

Mom truly wants me to bond with girls, as she’s said before, but I doubt I can, anxiety lingering. Still, I can’t escape now.

Under a big sun and scattered clouds, I walk to the station with smaller steps. It’s been a while since I left home alone, I think.