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 33: Study Session with Nagitsuki, Part 2

Episode 33: Study Session with Nagitsuki, Part 2

The study session had now reached its fifth installment. Nagitsuki still didn’t seem to fully grasp everything, but thanks to my teaching, she was finding the lessons a bit easier to follow. I was genuinely relieved. The sky turned a shade of orange as we took a break.

“Hey, Nishikikouji,”  “What?”  “Do you have someone you like?”

Nagitsuki twirled her hair absentmindedly as she murmured. Her sudden question nearly made me spit out the barley tea I was drinking.

“Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”  “Because I’m curious. So? Do you? Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. I may not look it, but I can keep a secret, you know?”

She prodded like a stubborn child, her persistence relentless. My mind instinctively conjured up an image of Ayame, but dating her might as well come with a death wish. So yeah, not exactly romantic material.

“Not really.”  “Why not? Hasn’t anyone confessed to you? Nishikikouji, you’re nice, so you must be popular.”
“I’m not that nice, and I’m not popular either. Nobody’s ever confessed to me.”

Even in Nishikikouji’s previous life, people used power plays more than heartfelt confessions. Since becoming me, I’ve been spared any confessions entirely—especially after standing out for the wrong reasons with the protagonist drama the other day.

“No way. My intuition tells me otherwise. Well, if that’s the case, I guess timing just hasn’t worked out for you.”  “You think so?”
“Totally. My intuition is pretty spot-on.

 My friends say I’m kind of animal-like in that way.”  “Well… maybe.”  “You agree, huh?”  “It’s more like… now that you mention it, I guess so.”

For some reason, Nagitsuki gave me a side-eye. Did being called “animal-like” actually bother her?

“Anyway, my intuition aside, let’s put that on hold for now.”  “Putting it on hold, huh?”
“Yup. So, do you have anyone you’re interested in? It doesn’t have to be serious—just a girl you think is cute!”

 “Like I said, no. Why? Did something happen?”  “Eh?” Nagitsuki visibly flinched. I had thrown out the question half-jokingly, but apparently, something really had happened.

“Well, it’s not a big deal or anything. And you can’t tell anyone about this, okay? Not even Yuka.”

She hadn’t even told her best friend? Should I be the one hearing this? But if she wanted me to, I’d listen.

“Got it. So, what happened?”  “Well…” She kept twirling her hair as she avoided looking at me.

“I got confessed to.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. Strange—if this were the game, she’d be much more excited. After all, she’d always complained about wanting a boyfriend so badly.

“A confession, huh.”  “Yeah, a confession. I was happy.”  “Well, it’s nice to know someone likes you.”

To have someone feel that way about you—it’s almost miraculous. I’ve never experienced it, so I’m kind of envious.

“And I’ve always wanted a boyfriend—wanted one. But then… I turned him down.”
“Wait, seriously?” In the game, she would’ve started dating whoever confessed and then had her heart broken terribly, with the protagonist stepping in to comfort her. 

The lack of the protagonist seemed to have altered the storyline again. “Yeah. When he confessed, I just… felt like he wasn’t the one. Or maybe it’s because someone else’s face popped into my head.”

“Are you serious?”To think Nagitsuki might already have feelings for someone else—this threw me for a loop. Guess that rules out my route with her. 

But on the bright side, it might mean she dodges a death flag. “Yeah, and so… what do you think I should do?”

“What do you mean?”  “Like, do you think I like him? I can’t figure it out myself.”
“Well, I guess you do. You rejected someone because of him, after all. Maybe you should give it a shot—try talking to him or hanging out more. If you don’t find it a burden, then it’s probably real.”
 

“That makes sense! I’ll try it. Thanks, Nishikikouji! You’re so smart. I’m glad I talked to you!”
“Glad to help. I’ll be rooting for you.”  “Thanks! I’ll do my best!”

Nagitsuki beamed with a cheerful smile. Glad that was sorted out. Not sure how good my advice was, but it seemed to resonate. “Alright, back to studying?”

“Yes, sir! Nishikikouji-sensei, I don’t get this part!”  “Alright, let’s start there.” “Ugh, I’m exhausted.” “Same here. We covered a lot today.”

Flipping through the workbook, I reviewed what we’d accomplished. Nagitsuki should definitely avoid failing her finals now.

“Right! Oh, Nishikikouji, as thanks for helping me today…”  “Ah, sorry, I’ve got a call coming in. Can I take it?”
“Uh, sure. But you owe me for this, okay? And don’t forget, you’re walking me home today!”
“Got it. I’ll be right back.”

I left the classroom to answer the call—it was Ayame, of course.

“Hananoi-san, what’s up?”  “I just wanted to hear your voice. Sorry for bothering you.”
“No, it’s fine. But I usually have plans after school…”

“I thought you might be done by now. Oh, and about that meeting we talked about—I still haven’t heard your answer. How about tomorrow? Are you free?”

“No plans, but…”  “Perfect. Let’s meet tomorrow, then. No excuses. See you. Goodbye.”

She hung up before I could respond. Lately, Ayame had been calling frequently, but the conversations were always brief. I’d been dodging her suggestions to meet, but it seemed I couldn’t keep doing that.

As I stared at her name on my phone, Natsuki poked her head out of the classroom.

“Done with your call?”  “Yeah.”  “Was that a girl? See, I told you—you’re popular.”
“What? No, it’s not like that… wait, is this another one of your hunches?”  “Of course! Now let’s go.”
“Yeah, the sun’s setting anyway.”  “Oh, and since you took a call in front of me, you owe me ice cream from the convenience store!”  “How is that a punishment?”

“That means you don’t mind hanging out with me, right?”  “Well, no, I don’t.”
“Thought so.”Nagitsuki seemed deep in thought for a moment.

“Okay, let’s go! Which store should we hit?”  “Big Stop has good ice cream.”
“Agreed! Great minds think alike. Let’s go!”

With an unusually high-spirited Nagitsuki, I walked down the nearly deserted hallway, her laughter echoing alongside me. Somehow, it warmed my heart.