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 142

It was a Saturday evening.

“Hmm…Phew, today was exhausting.”

I stretched lightly as I walked out of cram school. Since I had been there since early afternoon, I was feeling a little tired.

“Ugh, studying all day has really worn me out. Maybe I should just head home early today…Oh, but wait, I think a new book was released.”

Just as I was thinking of heading home quickly, I remembered that a new book by my favorite author had just been released a few days ago.

Of course, my favorite author is the one whose book signing I attended a few months ago.

“Hehe, after all, the mystery novels that the author writes are the most interesting and enjoyable…Ah…”

―― Yukimura always recommends books that are never a miss. I’m really grateful.

At that moment, I recalled a conversation I had with Kuzuhara-kun not long ago. He had said something so nice to me back then.

“I wonder if Kuzuhara-kun will read a book by my favorite author…”

I found myself muttering this quietly. I love reading books. And I also love sharing stories about the books I like with others.

And Kuzuhara-kun is the kind of boy who actually reads the books I recommend to him. Not only does he read them, but he even shares his thoughts with me. That made me happier than anything else.

That’s why I wanted him to read the novels written by my favorite author…

“Yeah, I’m sure Kuzuhara-kun will read it! Alright, let’s go buy the new release, and if it’s good, I’ll recommend it to him right away!”

After deciding that, I headed towards the large bookstore near the station. However, at that moment…

“Hmm, hmm, hmm…Huh?”

As I hummed while walking along the sidewalk towards the station, I spotted someone I recognized at the crosswalk a little farther away. That person was…

“Ah, it’s Kuzuhara-kun…”

It was the very friend I had just been thinking about, Kuzuhara-kun. He was a bit far away, but there’s no mistaking the face of a friend you see every day.

Still, I hadn’t expected to run into Kuzuhara-kun, who had been on my mind just a moment ago, and my face began to feel warmer. I was probably blushing, too.

But the reason I reacted this way when I saw him was…

―― Onii-chan always says he loves Saeki Onee-chan’s smile!

(Ugh…ever since Yuuna-chan told me that, I haven’t been able to look at him directly…)

Ever since Yuuna-chan told me that a while ago, I would blush and couldn’t talk properly whenever I saw Kuzuhara-kun. That had been happening for a while now.

But it wasn’t that I disliked it or anything like that—it was just purely embarrassing.

So lately, even though my face would get embarrassingly hot every time I saw him, I still managed to talk to him normally…I think.

“But why is he here…? Oh, right. This is Kuzuhara-kun’s hometown.”

When I thought about it, this was Sasahara Station, which was in Kuzuhara-kun’s hometown. It was evening, so maybe he was on his way home from his part-time job at the convenience store? Or maybe he was out buying dinner or something?

“Hmm, I don’t really know why he’s out at this time, but…well, since I’ve run into him, I should at least say hi, right…?”

Yeah, greetings are really important! So, with that thought in mind, even though my face was still hot, I tried to approach Kuzuhara-kun. But at that moment…

“…Huh?”

Just then, a beautiful woman appeared behind Kuzuhara-kun and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. From the way they were acting, they seemed really close.

“W-what is that…?”

When I took a closer look at the woman, she seemed like a charming, older gal. She had bright-colored hair, flashy piercings, and nails, and her clothes were quite revealing, giving off a very sexy vibe.

Well, I mean, Kuzuhara-kun used to have a rebellious look with blonde hair and piercings…so maybe she’s a friend he’s known for a long time? Or, could it be…?

“No way…maybe that beautiful woman is Kuzuhara-kun’s girlfriend…?”

Because looking at how close and friendly they seemed…yeah, that possibility started to seem more likely.

“…Ah…Kuzuhara-kun…he’s laughing so happily…”

And as I watched him talk and laugh happily with that gorgeous gal, I felt a small pang in my chest.

“…I see. Yeah, thinking about it, it makes sense…Kuzuhara-kun must like gals like her.”

I mean, he’s always had a flashy style, so of course, he would like flashy girls like her…

“…”

With that conclusion in mind, I didn’t want to watch them looking so close any longer, so I quickly turned and rushed towards the station.

◇◇◇◇

Several minutes later…

Sigh…

I wandered aimlessly around the shopping mall at the next station over from Sasahara, sighing as I went. I didn’t feel like going home right away, so I decided to stop by here for a bit.

(Maybe I should treat myself to something sweet before heading home…Hmm?)

I was heading towards the eat-in corner with that thought in mind when I noticed a particular shop.

It was a large apparel store for young women. Judging by the shop’s exterior, they had a wide range of clothing, from cute and soft styles to more revealing and gal-like outfits.

At that moment, I looked down at my own outfit. Today, I was wearing a simple combination of jeans, a long coat, and sneakers…

“Well, I mean, I was just going to cram school, so I didn’t think I needed to dress up…Plus, I didn’t expect to run into Kuzuhara-kun outside…”

But that gal earlier had been wearing a cute, sexy outfit that showed off her legs with short shorts and a sultry short top. It was quite a revealing and sexy outfit.

(Kuzuhara-kun…probably likes sexy outfits like that…)

That thought crossed my mind. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about what kind of clothes Kuzuhara-kun might like.

So…if that’s the case…maybe I should try showing a bit more skin, or find a gal-like outfit that has a more sexy vibe…?

“…Alright. Then maybe…I’ll try looking for some clothes like that…!”

With that decision, I stepped into the women’s apparel store in front of me.