I Reincarnated as the Villain of an NTR Game, But I Don't Want to Make the Main Heroine Unhappy so I'll Live Earnestly - Chapter 123

It was after school, when classes had ended.

“Ahh… whew. I always feel sleepy after school…”

I yawned loudly as I stood up from my seat.

By the way, Yukimura had already left for tennis practice. Since the club activities resumed, she seems to be getting busier little by little.

In the near future, she’ll have practice matches with other schools, so her practice days will probably increase. I just hope she doesn’t get injured.

“Well then, I don’t have any part-time work today, so I guess I’ll head home early.”

With nothing in particular to do today, I decided to go home. Maybe I’ll read the novel I borrowed from Yukimura once I get home.

“Yo, what’s up?”

“Huh?”

While I was thinking that, someone suddenly called out to me from behind. When I turned around, I saw my friend Kuroki standing there.

“Oh, Kuroki. What’s up?”

“Hey, what’s up? Are you heading home now, Kuzuhara?”

“Yeah. I don’t have anything to do today, so I’m planning to head home early.”

“Is that so? Well then, if you’re free, how about we go to WACK in front of the station and chat for a bit before heading home?”

WACK is the most well-known burger chain in Japan. Since it’s in front of the station, it’s always packed with students on weekdays.

“Hmm? Well, I’m free, so I don’t mind. But why the sudden invite? Are you hungry or something?”

“Haha, it’s not like that. I just thought that since we’ve become friends, we should chat more. And also, how about we celebrate the fact that we finished our midterms?”

When I asked for a reason, Kuroki flashed a refreshing smile and said something that made me happy. I’m sure Kuroki is really popular with the girls.

“Alright, I get it. Let’s go to WACK together. Actually, I’ve been wanting to talk with you more too, so this works out perfectly.”

“Haha, that’s great. Alright, let’s head out then.”

So, the two of us set off towards WACK in front of the station.

◇◇◇◇

Twenty minutes later.

We arrived at WACK and placed our orders. Then, we sat across from each other in a nearby booth.

“Well, it’s a bit late, but good job on the exams!”

“Yeah, good job to you too!”

With that, we clinked our drinks together and started eating what we ordered. Kuroki had ordered a hamburger set with fries, while I ordered a chocolate pie and tea.

“By the way, Kuzuhara, are you sure you’re okay with not eating a hamburger? I mean, we’re at WACK.”

“Hmm? Yeah, it’s fine. Dinner’s soon anyway. Plus, their chocolate pie here is so good that it’s enough for me.”

“Oh, that’s right, you like sweet things, don’t you? But yeah, the WACK pie series is all good. I sometimes get apple pie as a snack too.”

“Yeah, WACK apple pie is really good too… But hey, Kuroki, are you sure you can eat a whole burger set before dinner? Will you be able to eat dinner?”

“Haha, this is nothing. Believe it or not, I’m still growing. Plus, I’m doing club activities, so I’m burning off the calories.”

“Oh, so you’re in a club. By the way, what club are you in?”

“I’m in the boys’ basketball club. We’ve got a winter tournament coming up soon, so practice has been really tough.”

“Wait, basketball?”

When Kuroki said that, I couldn’t help but raise my voice in surprise. Somehow, I’ve been having a lot of connections with basketball players lately.

“Huh? What’s up? Do you have a friend in the basketball club or something?”

“Huh? Oh, no, not really. I just remembered that I helped the first-year girls’ basketball team put up posters a while back.”

“Oh, really? Haha, as a senior in the basketball club, I need to thank you properly. Thanks for helping out my juniors, Kuzuhara.”

“Haha, don’t worry about it. I was just doing what any senior should do.”

I said with a laugh, and then Kuroki said something else.

“I see. So that’s what happened.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. But, yesterday during practice, the first-year girls’ manager and the girls’ basketball team were talking about you, Kuzuhara. I was wondering why, but after hearing your story, I get it now. They were probably excited about how you helped them.”

According to Kuroki, the girls in the basketball club were talking about me yesterday.

“Oh, really? That’s a bit embarrassing.”

“Haha, it’s no big deal. They were all saying that you’re a cool, kind, and great senior. Oh, by the way…”

“Huh? What is it?”

“Well, when I told them I’m friends with you, they asked if I could introduce you to them.”

“What? For real?”

Am I really that popular now? I was honestly surprised.

“Yeah, for real. Quite a few of the girls are interested in you. But, I told them I wouldn’t do it without your permission, so it’s on hold for now… What do you think? If you’re single and want a girlfriend, I could introduce you to some of the juniors.”

Kuroki offered me a very tempting proposition.

It seems like ever since I dyed my hair black and tried to be a serious, kind high schooler, people’s perception of me has really changed.

And to be seen positively by the younger girls is honestly a great feeling as a guy. But still…

“Well, it’s flattering, but I’ll have to decline.”

“Really? Are you sure? This could be your chance to get a girlfriend if you’re single.”

“Yeah, maybe. But actually, there’s someone I like. So, I don’t want to do anything that would be unfair to her.”

I looked Kuroki in the eyes and firmly declined his offer.

“Haha, I see. But you’re more sincere and serious than I thought, Kuzuhara. By the way, who’s the girl you like? Mind telling me? Maybe I know her.”

“Hmm? It’s obvious, isn’t it? The girl I like is… Yukimura.”

I clearly stated the name of the girl I liked to Kuroki. I had no intention of joking about this.

After all, my feelings for Yukimura are real, and I didn’t want to lie or make excuses.

“Ah, I see. That’s why you’ve been hanging out with Yukimura lately.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I guess studying with her every day for the tests might’ve just been an excuse to be with her. Have I lost your respect?”

“Haha, not at all. It’s actually really cool that you studied hard just to be with the girl you like. I think it’s awesome.”

Kuroki replied with his usual refreshing smile.

“Alright then, if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know. I’m rooting for you to get together with Yukimura. So, don’t hesitate to rely on me.”

“Haha, thanks, Kuroki.”

Kuroki patted his chest with a smile, saying something reassuring.

(Yeah, I’m really glad I became friends with Kuroki.)

I thought to myself as I expressed my gratitude to Kuroki.

After that, we continued chatting about random things while eating at WACK