About the Case of Me Being Reincarnated as a Side Character Who Got Kicked Out Immediately Of The Story, but the Heroine, Who’s My Yandere Fiancée, Won't Leave Me Alone - Chapter 31: Akito's Unconscious Actions

During lunch break one day, something unexpected happened.

“…Oops.”

“…!”

While walking down the hallway, I bumped into someone at the corner.

I was about to apologize but swallowed my words when I realized it was Todou.

Normally, Todou would start targeting Arisu once I was out of the picture, but since I was around, aside from some initial teasing, he hadn’t done much.

“…Sorry.”

Even if he’s someone I have a bit of history with, an apology is still important.

Without making eye contact, I muttered that single word and was about to walk away when he grabbed my shoulder firmly.

“What’s that?”

“Come with me.”

“…”

What a delinquent-like way to invite someone… Well, fine, I’ll follow.

As expected, he didn’t take me to some secluded spot like behind the gym or the rooftop. Instead, he led me to a nearby empty classroom.

“Two guys alone in an empty classroom… There’s no way nothing’s gonna happen…”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Sorry, my bad.”

I apologized sincerely—really, I’m sorry.

Todou clutched his backside as if he felt threatened… Wait, this guy’s got a surprisingly good sense of humor. I’m starting to see him in a new light.

…But the air was far from playful, and Todou glared at me intensely.

“Haven’t you realized how out of place you are?”

“That’s a hell of a greeting. Out of place? What do you mean?”

“I’m saying why the hell someone like you gets to stay engaged to Saijou-sama!”

Todou shouted, practically spitting with rage. I let out a small sigh.

(What a pain…)

This exchange felt familiar. Then I remembered: in the story, if Arisu took a liking to the protagonist, Todou would say something similar.

‘Why the hell is someone like you favored by Saijou-sama?!’

This guy was obsessed with Arisu.

Arisu didn’t care about Todou at all, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever considered how she’d feel about someone trying to tear down the person she cared about.

“I’ve got one question.”

“What?”

“Why do you care so much?”

The honest question slipped out of my mouth.

Todou froze for a moment, then his face turned red—not from embarrassment, but from anger—as he glared at me.

“My engagement to Arisu was agreed upon by our families. I know it’s blunt, and it might just add fuel to the fire, but it’s not like an outsider has any say in this, right?”

“…You don’t get it. You don’t understand how noble Saijou-sama is… A mediocre family like yours has no business getting close to her!”

“…I don’t care.”

I get that the Izayoi family doesn’t match up to the Saijou family, but there’s no reason for another family to have a say in it.

It’s not like Todou’s the only one who thinks this way—most of the students at this academy probably feel the same. No, it’s more accurate to say that my screw-up with Maria was what amplified those feelings.

“I understand that, given the difference in family status, some people might think that way… But I can’t just nod and agree with you.”

“What do you mean…?”

“I’ve started to think a bit more about my family’s position.”

I continued before Todou could interrupt.

“I didn’t have a choice, or rather, I realized I’m not in a position to just run away from it.”

“What are you talking about…?”

“I’ve been supported and blessed by so many people. I didn’t want to agree with you because acknowledging your words would mean dismissing all the people who’ve stood by me.”

But honestly, I haven’t completely come to terms with it yet.

Deep down, I’m still just an ordinary guy. The world of the ultra-rich, with its scheming and power plays, scares the hell out of me… But because I have so many people supporting me, and because of my position, I feel like there are people I can protect. That’s what makes me think I can accept my situation and keep pushing forward.

“Look, I did screw up, even though I’m engaged to Arisu. It was bad enough that she could’ve abandoned me, and I could’ve even brought down the Izayoi family… But Arisu and the others forgave me and kept our relationship the same. So no matter what anyone says, I’m going to live up to that.”

“…”

“It might sound convenient, but I don’t know the old me anymore—I’ve forgotten all that. The current me is only focused on the present, doing what I can right now.”

Or rather, that’s all I can do, so I have to keep trying.

In the end, this isn’t my original world. There’s that saying, “go with the flow,” but if I didn’t have people supporting me, I’d probably… I’d be completely helpless.

Todou still looked like he wanted to say something, but I kept going.

“So no matter what you or anyone else says, it doesn’t change a thing. I don’t want to betray Arisu, who said she’d support me, and I don’t want to be a pathetic guy who can’t even keep a promise to a girl.”

I said all that and gave a wry smile, wondering why I was getting so worked up.

“…What’s that supposed to mean? Those are just words. The kind of thing a naive kid would say.”

“What are you talking about? We’re both still kids, aren’t we?”

This conversation was going nowhere.

No matter how much I said, it didn’t seem like it would reach Todou, so I decided to head back to the classroom. If I stayed too long, Arisu might start worrying and come looking for me.

“Hey, we’re not done—”

“Oh, right, I forgot to mention something important.”

“?”

“I’m not just relying on Arisu’s support. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop messing with me, and don’t bother Arisu either. If you do, I won’t let it slide.”

…Well, I’ve mostly just been supported and haven’t really helped her yet.

But saying it like this feels right. The proof? Todou didn’t seem like he had anything left to say—or rather, he looked like he’d lost the will to argue.

(Oh, I get it… Maybe Todou’s never met someone who spoke to him this directly.)

It could be because there are more families ranked below Todou’s.

Thinking about it, mouthing off like that might come back to bite me, but if it does, I’ll just ask Arisu for help…!

“…Anyway.”

As I left the classroom, I stopped and spoke one last time.

“In the end, I care about Arisu deeply. That’s why I said all this to you. To me, Arisu isn’t just some noble figure… She’s got all sorts of cute expressions, you know. Even someone like me, who’s still figuring things out, can protect her—as her fiancé and as a person.”

Phew, I said everything I wanted to!

If he keeps pushing, I’ll argue back even harder. If he doesn’t back off at all, I could consult Ichika-san… but that might be a bit too harsh, so I’ll hold off.

“Oh, speaking of which… I got invited by Ichika-san today.”

It’s not anything romantic—just a tea party with me, Arisu, and Ichika-san.

“…Phew.”

“You’re late.”

“Yeah.”

“Did something happen?”

“Nothing special.”

When I got back to the classroom and sat down, Arisu immediately asked.

I could’ve said I was talking about her, but there was no need to snitch.

“…?”

“…”

As Arisu prepared for the next class, I noticed her ears were red.

“Arisu?”

“W-What…?”

She was clearly flustered, but I’ve learned it’s best not to pry in moments like this.

When I said it was nothing, she let out a relieved breath.

But… now I’m curious.

(Lately, Arisu’s been showing her emotions more, hasn’t she?)

(…No way… I can’t even look at Akito-san’s face right now…!)