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

https://ko-fi.com/senna2003

Episode 3: A High School Life Born of Despair

“It… wasn’t a dream…”

As soon as I woke up, despair hit me like a freight train.

I slumped down in front of the bathroom mirror. Reflected back at me was, of course, Nishikouji Kaede. I mean, I’d already figured as much from the unchanged furniture, but this completely eliminated any lingering hope that it was all just a bad dream.

Which meant today was the high school entrance ceremony. Time to start the “Avoid All Death Flags Race!”

After washing my face, I went to the kitchen.

Apparently, Nishikouji lived alone. Given that he was a spoiled rich kid, I thought he’d have a housekeeper or something, but no. Truly, genuinely living alone.

As for meals, it seemed he’d been making his girlfriend cook for him. Yup, what a trashy guy.

I made a simple breakfast of fried eggs, toast, and sausages before sitting at the table.

Thankfully, my university days of living alone had left me with basic cooking skills. Honestly, thank God for that.

After finishing breakfast and taking care of a few things, I left the house.

I got off the train at the station nearest the school, just as Nishikouji’s memories dictated… and then I saw her.

Right outside the station, my eyes were drawn to a girl with pearl-white hair. That kind of hair color wasn’t exactly common back in my original world, but hey, this was a game world.

And why did she catch my attention? Well…

“Why the hell is she getting harassed by some delinquents!?”

Ah, crap. What should I do?

I wasn’t so heartless that I’d just ignore a girl in trouble. I was at least decent enough to help out when needed.

But still…

“I can’t just jump in on my first day of school, especially not with this game’s heroine.”

One of the heroines of this world—and, incidentally, my first crush in the game—was Hananoi Ayame.

Talking to her right after reincarnating? That would be insane.

So, I tried to ignore what was happening and walked past them.

“Hey, miss, can you help me find my way somewhere?”
“Of course! Where do you need to go?”
“Just a bit further. Directions are hard to explain, so could you guide me instead?”
“Oh, I see! Sure, I’d be happy to!”

…Wait a second. Ayame, you’re getting tricked! What are you doing!?

In the game, Ayame’s kind and nurturing personality was one of her strengths. Unfortunately, it also made her overly trusting, which was a well-known flaw.

It seemed that hadn’t changed in this world either.

“Wow, you’re really cute.”
“Do you think so? Thank you!”

Oh, come on. Stop thanking him!

There was no doubt what this guy’s intentions were. First off, this area wasn’t exactly safe—it was near a surprisingly fancy love hotel district. On top of that, the backstreets were full of shady-looking alleys.

I wanted to turn a blind eye. But I couldn’t.

So, with my best I’m-just-a-random-bystander expression, I followed them from a distance.

Originally, this was supposed to be the part where Nishikouji harassed Ayame. The protagonist would then step in to save her, earning Nishikouji’s eternal grudge.

But since I didn’t harass her, it seemed fate had replaced me with a random delinquent.

Please, protagonist, show up already. I’m begging you. But so far, there was no sign of him.

Which meant, if things got dangerous, I’d have to step in myself.

…But how?

I mean, wouldn’t that be incredibly risky? Helping a character on day one feels like throwing myself into the plot headfirst!

I watched Ayame chatting with the guy as they walked. She seemed genuinely cheerful, completely unaware of his creepy, smirking expression.

While mulling over what to do, I noticed the guy suddenly stop in front of an alley.

“Is something wrong?”

Ayame tilted her head, looking at him curiously.

And then—he grabbed her arm.

“Wha—wait, hold on!”

She finally realized the danger. The guy said nothing, trying to drag her into the alley.