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 21: A Comfortable Space

Episode 21: A Comfortable Space

Sigh…

While working as a library committee member, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

The gym clothes incident happened yesterday. There’s been no action from the protagonist since then, but things seem to have gotten pretty complicated and troublesome. My stomach really hurts…

“Are you okay, Nishikouji?”

As I was putting books away on a lower shelf, Nagatsuki peered at me curiously.

“Ah… yeah, I’m fine.”

“That’s definitely not fine. Want to take a break?”

“But there might still be users coming…”

“Nishikouji, you’re so serious. I just want to slack off! Come on, be my accomplice. I don’t want to get scolded alone. Please.”

Nagatsuki said with a mischievous smile.

Well, I suppose it would be fine for a little while.

When I walked in the direction she was waving, I ended up in a space surrounded by bookshelves.

“See, this is a great hiding spot.”

“I didn’t know there was a place like this.”

“You’re a library committee member, but you didn’t know about this? You really don’t know everything!”

“W-Well, not many people borrow books from this section.”

I hurriedly explained, and Nagatsuki nodded, as if satisfied.

“Yeah, that makes sense. I found this place when I was skipping my remedial classes.”

“You were skipping again…”

She never learns.

“Since you all helped me out, I haven’t been skipping anymore. But before that… I didn’t get caught.”

Nagatsuki gave a peace sign, beaming.

“I see. But then why were you on the stairs that time?”

“Oh, that. The teacher showed up faster than I expected. I didn’t have time to escape to the library.”

“I see.”

“Yeah, but I’m glad the teacher responded quickly. Because I got to meet you.”

Nagatsuki gave a confident, teasing smile.

…Ugh. She’s just so ridiculously cute. The heroine’s power is incredible.

“I see… thanks.”

For a moment, I considered replying with “I’m glad I met you too,” but I’m glad I held back. Saying something like that would have been too cliché, even if it was from a shoujo manga.

But wait, what if the line I was thinking of was actually from the protagonist in the game? If that was the case, then I’m definitely glad I didn’t say it.

“Well, I was going to say something like ‘I’m glad I met you too,’ you know.”

“I’m glad I met you too.”

“That’s totally not sincere, is it?”

Nagatsuki puffed out her cheeks in a mock pout.

“Of course it’s sincere.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Okay, then.”

The library during lunchtime was a little noisy, but in this small space with just the two of us, it was quiet and dim. When I think back, everything about the situation seemed to set the perfect mood.

But why is this happening? I mean, Nagatsuki is amazing and cute, and I’m happy, but this situation is a problem for me…! I can’t be the one to make things happen, the protagonist needs to step up…! I’m incredibly happy, though…

Inside, I silently screamed. Then Nagatsuki spoke up.

“But I’m glad.”

“Hm?”

“Nishikouji, you seem to have gotten a little better.”

“Eh?”

Nagatsuki, who had been fidgeting with her hands, lowered her gaze.

“You didn’t seem so lively before, so I thought maybe if you took a break, you’d feel better.”

So that’s why she brought me here.

“Thank you.”

“Well, I also wanted to talk! It’s not like I’m doing something that deserves thanks or anything.”

“But I really do feel better.”

“Well, that’s good.”

Nagatsuki smiled brightly. She really is cute.

“You’re trying your best, even if I don’t fully understand. I can tell from the atmosphere. I’m cheering for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

Just hearing those words made me feel so much better. Nagatsuki’s smile could save the world… well, no, but I really need to keep trying. I’ll crush the death flags and, by the time this game ends, I want to be able to smile.

As I nodded, the bell rang.

“I need to go back to the classroom.”

“That time flew by.”

“Yeah, it really did. It was so quick for you too.”

We left the space we had been in.

But honestly, that space felt so comfortable.

…If I start thinking about wanting to talk again next week, would that create a death flag?