I Reincarnated as the Villain Who Bullies the Protagonist in an Erotic Game, but I Just Want to Stay a Nobody, Yet Somehow the Heroines Keep Obsessing Over Me - Episode 17: Library Committee Duties

Episode 17: Library Committee Duties

“Hey, do you know where this book goes?”
“Oh, that one? It’s for the philosophy section, so… over there on that shelf. Here, let me take care of it.”
“Really? You don’t mind?”
“Yeah, I was heading that way anyway.”
“Well, I don’t have much else to do, so I’ll come with you. I want to learn where the books go faster.”

The library committee work had gotten off to a smooth start.

Natsuki handed me the book and then walked beside me, her steps light and bouncy.

“Nishikouji, you seem to know a lot about library committee stuff.”
“Oh, yeah. I did this back in middle school, I guess.”

I answered while trying to keep my cool. The truth was, I had been a library committee member in my previous life. It’s not like anyone would ever find out, but it still felt awkward.

“I see. Mind if I come to you with questions when I’m stuck?”
“Of course. Ask me anything.”
“Sweet! Natsuki now has a reliable ally on her side!”
“Haha, what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just something from a game I’m playing right now. It’s so fun! Man, if only I could actually go to a game world…”
“…Yeah, that’d be nice.”

No kidding. If I could reincarnate into a game world as a hero or something, how great would that be? I’d love to be on the protagonist’s side, enjoying a carefree life with the heroines…

“Nishikouji…? Is this the right spot for this book?”
“Oh, yeah. That’s the one.”

Natsuki stretched on her tiptoes, trying to place the book on the shelf. She was just a little short of reaching.

“Here, let me.”

I took the book from her and slid it onto the shelf.

“Thanks!”
“Just let me know if you can’t reach something again. Or you could ask Shunichi—he’s taller than me, so he’d probably have an easier time.”

As I said it, I realized how badly I’d messed up. It sounded like I was inviting her to rely on me! Sure, I wanted her to ask, but that wasn’t the point!

“Thanks a ton! I’d like to get to know Narita-kun better too, so I’ll ask if I need help.”
“Yeah, sure thing.”

We ended up laughing together at the awkward exchange.

“Not many people here today, huh?”
“Looks like the library doesn’t get much traffic.”

The place had been nearly empty since we started, leaving us with hardly any work to do.

“Still, we got lucky. We already knew someone here, and the work’s been fun. Joining the library committee was a great call!”
“Yeah, it was nice how we formed a group quickly too.”
“Honestly, I almost joined the sports committee instead. I only backed out because Yuka turned me down.”
“Well, the sports committee does have a lot of public-facing tasks.”

That’s exactly why I’d ruled it out right away.

“I’ve never done anything like this before, you know? My life’s been all about sports up until now. But I’m so glad I gave it a shot—it’s way more fun than I expected.”
“Yeah, same here. Feels different, more enjoyable somehow…”

Back in my previous high school life, the library committee had been smaller, with a heavier workload. The atmosphere wasn’t friendly either; it was all business, no camaraderie.

“Well, that’s great, then!”
“Yeah. Oh, looks like we’ve got more books piling up.”

There were three books on the return counter. Natsuki and I headed over to organize them.

Just as we finished shelving the last book, the warning bell rang.

“Guess that’s it for today.”
“That went by fast!”
“Lunch breaks really are short.”

Narita emerged from behind another shelf, having finished his work. The three of us headed back to the classroom together.

Alright. Things are going pretty well, aren’t they?

So far, I think I’ve managed to dodge any major death flags, even if a few have popped up. I’ll just keep at it. I straightened my back, and a satisfying crack echoed through my spine.