I Want to Completely Avoid Troubled Girls, but It Seems I’ve Reincarnated as a Background Character in the Most Dangerous Yandere Academy - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Kana Joins the Lovers’ Race

The irregularity known as Kurokawa Kana was profoundly unconventional.

To her, love was merely a subject of research, and even confessing her feelings was nothing more than a means to achieve her goals.

It was a baffling mindset, though it seemed completely natural to Kurokawa herself.

I returned from the empty classroom. Many students had already left, making it easy to blend into the second half of the crowd without standing out.

I glanced at Kurokawa, who had just taken her seat. Our eyes never met.

What could she be thinking? That question kept surfacing in my mind.

I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Kurokawa. It was like an irresistible allure, quietly and fearfully embedding itself in my consciousness.

Our homeroom teacher, a cool and composed woman, was in charge of this period.

“Good work, everyone. During the disruption in our lessons, the results of the last test came back, so I’ll return them now.”

She called names in order of student numbers, offering each person a brief comment.

When my turn came, she smiled faintly at me.

“Hmm, was it an unusual score?”

“The score itself is decent,” she replied.

I let out a nonchalant sigh in response.

“…As for your love life, things seem to be progressing rapidly these days. Don’t get too caught off guard. I’m rooting for you.”

She whispered those words just for me to hear.

Even the teacher had caught wind of strange rumors. It had only been two days! The influence of the “Three Great Beauties” was astonishing.

…Teacher, please don’t give me a thumbs-up behind the test sheet. That’s just awkward.

I returned to my seat without letting anyone sense the odd atmosphere.

“That’s all for today. On a different note, I’d like to say something about swimming class. Unfortunately, trouble occurs almost every year. This year, I’d like everyone to be extra cautious. Boys especially—getting so distracted you fail to notice your surroundings is a common story.”

Trouble during swimming class, huh? That usually leads to a route where a heroine almost drowns.

No matter the route, someone always seems to have a near-drowning experience during swimming class. The protagonist saves them at the last moment, leading to desperate life-saving efforts that ultimately preserve their life.

The rescue becomes a turning point, bringing the protagonist and heroine closer both emotionally and physically.

Wanting to maintain a safe distance, I’d prefer to avoid any swimming-related events altogether.

Whether the future will align with the original story is uncertain. I can’t afford to hope for a gentle outcome—I need to prepare for the worst.

I must be ready…

As the teacher finished discussing swimming, the bell rang.

Lunch break came in no time.

“Good work.”

Ruriko approached my seat quietly.

“What’s up, Ruriko?”

“You look tired.”

“Things have been too chaotic these past few days.”

“No, I mean you seemed pretty worn out even before the health checkup.”

“I’m not great with doctors, that’s all.”

She gave me a skeptical look.

“Well, that’s what you’re claiming, but the reality is probably something like this.”

With that, she handed me a slip of paper.

“You were alone with Kana, weren’t you? The scent’s on you, your eyes were on her, and it’s so obvious!”

She’d seen through me effortlessly. There was no hiding anything from Ruriko.

“Bullseye face!”

“I admit it. I was called over by Kurokawa.”

“What did she say?”

“It’s not something I can talk about here…”

As I hesitated and scratched the back of my neck—

“There’s no need to hide it. It involves me, after all.”

Kurokawa herself approached silently.

“Well, speak of the devil,” Ruriko said.

“It’s not a rumor,” Kurokawa added.

“I came over to confirm that I’ll be having lunch with Issei-kun.”

“Confirm!? Wait, I don’t recall agreeing to that…”

“You accepted my contract.”

A contract.

She had asked to get to know me better, strictly as a friend, and I had agreed.

“I said okay to that, but you didn’t mention the cafeteria.”

“Then I’ll formally state it: having lunch with you is essential to fulfilling the contract. Therefore, I request your agreement.”

“…Fine, let’s go.”

Hearing our exchange, Ruriko tilted her head in confusion.

“I don’t quite get it, but does this mean she wants to stop me from having lunch with Issei-kun alone?”

“I should be the one saying that.”

“What’s going on with you all of a sudden, Kana…?”

“I’ll explain later.”

As this back-and-forth continued, another intruder appeared.

“Oh, sounds like a fun conversation. Mind if I join?”

It was Yu.

The addition of someone who loved complicating things was sure to stir the pot further.

“Let me guess—Kana’s joining in on this competition?”

“You’re mostly right.”

“Then we need to have a serious talk. Issei-kun, you’re obviously joining too.”

“Another meal with the ‘Three Great Beauties,’ huh?”

In the end, I found myself sharing a table with them again.

Ruriko’s initial plan for a one-on-one lunch was thwarted.

“I absolutely want it to be just the two of us!” Ruriko pleaded, but her request was quickly denied. Kana and Yu rebutted with firm convictions, and the discussion went nowhere.

On our way to the cafeteria—

“I, Kurokawa Kana, have something I desperately need to discuss. Will you indulge me?”

Kurokawa’s words carried a deep meaning. Naturally, the other two turned their full attention to her.

Choosing a secluded corner of the cafeteria to avoid drawing attention, we finally settled down.

Even so, the overwhelming fame of the Three Great Beauties couldn’t be completely ignored.

After purchasing our meals and bringing them to the table, the conversation began.

“So, Kana, what’s this thing you want to talk about?” Yu prompted.

Kurokawa opened her mouth.

“Over the past few days, Issei-kun has stolen my heart. After much thought, I’ve decided to confess my feelings to him.”

““What!?””

Yu and Ruriko reacted simultaneously, their voices loud enough to shatter any hope of staying unnoticed.

“…Sorry about that,” Ruriko muttered.

“My bad. No, actually, this is Kana’s fault for bringing up something weird,” Yu added, trying to justify herself.

“I didn’t say anything weird. My instincts have compelled me to pursue Issei-kun thoroughly as a research subject. To achieve this, becoming his lover is an inevitable step—”

Whoa, this conversation was spiraling out of control.

“So, Kana’s on this side too, huh?”

Ruriko folded her arms and gazed upward, seemingly reaching an understanding.

“This is getting interesting. My excitement is through the roof. Issei-kun’s stock just keeps rising,” Yu said, grinning mischievously.

As jealousy grew, Yu’s distorted affection only intensified—a defining trait of her character.

“Kana,” Ruriko said, her gaze sharpening.

“Whatever your motive, if you’re serious about Issei-kun, I’ll face you head-on and show no mercy.”

“Got it?” she emphasized, adding a touch of pressure.

I watched as a definite rift formed among the Three Great Beauties.