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 29: Realization

 Episode 29: Realization

On the way home from school, I walk alongside Narita.

Kanako had to go home early because she had maid work to do.

“Still, Taida was something else, huh?”

I mutter, remembering today’s events. Even including my past life, it was one of the most intense events I could count on one hand.

In the end, Taida was questioned by the teacher and scolded pretty harshly. I don’t know if he was suspended or if there were no punishments, though. Even though he tried to hit someone, it was an attempt, not an actual strike. More than that, though, he’s probably going to have a harder time in the classroom from now on. In a way, I guess you could say it’s kind of sad for him.

“Yeah. I never expected him to say something like that.”

“Honestly, there were so many moments when I almost lost it and punched him.”

“I was watching from the shadows, too. I kept thinking you were going to hit him at some point.”

“Haha. Do I look that violent?”

“Not really. I mean, Kaede, you’ve never hit anyone before, right?”

“Huh…?”

I suddenly stop in my tracks at Narita’s words.

What did he just say?

“Uh, what do you mean?”

“Kaede, do you know why I stopped calling you Nishikouji and started calling you Kaede?”

“Well, I figured it was because we’ve gotten closer, right?”

“Yeah, that’s part of it… but the relationship we had before was definitely a bit twisted. But that’s not the only reason. If I was still calling you Nishikouji, I think I would’ve kept calling you that.”

“So, you mean I changed after entering high school…?”

“Well, that’s close. After entering high school, Nishikouji really did change. No, not change… more like…”

Narita goes silent, as though searching for the right words.

My heart starts pounding as I brace myself for what he might say next.

No, that can’t be it. There’s no way he could have noticed. Sure, it felt forced, but there’s no way anyone would have picked up on it…

“Kaede, you’re not Nishikouji, are you?”

It felt like every part of my body froze, even the very hairs on my head. I became completely motionless in an instant.

“Haha, what kind of joke is this? I’m Nishikouji Kaede.”

“I’ve been watching you closely, so I can tell. You’re definitely not Nishikouji.”

“No, that’s…”

“It’s just a hunch, but I can really tell. No matter what kind of excuse you make, it won’t work on me.”

Narita’s eyes are serious. He’s probably being completely honest.

After thinking for a while, I make up my mind.

I take a deep breath, and my tense body loosens up.

“Alright, fine. The truth is, I’m not Nishikouji Kaede. I’m someone who suddenly appeared in this world, and I have no connection to Nishikouji Kaede whatsoever.”

“I knew it. There’s no way Nishikouji would suddenly change his whole mindset like that.”

Narita smiles.

But I never thought… he’d actually figure it out.

As I continue thinking, a question arises in my mind.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

When I ask, Narita nods.

“Let’s go to a nearby park first. We can sit on a bench and talk there.”