I Want to Completely Avoid Troubled Girls, but It Seems I’ve Reincarnated as a Background Character in the Most Dangerous Yandere Academy - Chapter 31-32

Chapter 31: The First (?) Encounter with Transfer Student Rukawa Hyouka

The day after Ruriko-san confessed her secret to me.

I sat at my desk, lost in thought.

To be honest, I was still reeling from the shocking revelation that Ruriko-san had been time-leaping repeatedly.

I could accept it, sure, but it was unexpected, to say the least. The impact was so strong it wouldn’t leave my mind.

Even though I had resolved to take a chance on the possibilities, the reality of whether it could actually be done remained unclear. She’d mentioned that in another timeline, we’d been dragged into a bad-end route.

…No, I can’t let myself be weak.

The reason I felt a bit unsteady was simple.

It was because of a rumor I’d heard—that a transfer student was coming.

It was unexpected that someone would transfer in at this timing, just before summer.

And that transfer student was none other than…

Rukawa Hyouka.

In the original The Most Dangerous Yandere School, she was one of the three most beautiful girls.

You could call her a cool beauty. She had piercing eyes and a blunt demeanor.

She had the kind of personality that might make people keep their distance, but her extraordinary beauty made it all irrelevant.

It was said that when Kurokawa Kana appeared, she stole Hyouka’s place among the top three beauties, and Hyouka was essentially erased from existence. But she was real after all.

“Wasn’t she supposed to be an unbelievably rich young lady?”

As I muttered to myself,

“What’s that? Got some juicy intel on the transfer student?”

Tomokazu immediately reacted.

“Nah, it’s nothing.”

“Liar. I heard you mention Rukawa-san being a young lady.”

“You’ve got sharp ears.”

“Of course I do. How could I miss something like that?”

“Well, that’s so you, Tomokazu.”

“Tell me, come on!”

Rukawa-san was the quintessential sheltered daughter.

She had been raised in an environment where she was pampered and allowed to do anything, so she’d developed a cold attitude that could come off as arrogant.

“I just heard it as a rumor. The world is small, apparently.”

“A friend like you is invaluable. If you get any new info, share it with me! I’ll treat you to something.”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”

“By the way, you’ve been ridiculously popular lately, but if you make a move on Rukawa-san, it’s all-out war, okay?”

He’s got a point…

If I monopolized the top three beauties of our grade, the other guys would find it completely unfair.

If this were a company, it’d be a violation of antitrust laws.

“I’ll try not to get too involved, but I can’t control what Rukawa-san thinks of me.”

“Ugh, such confidence… You’re saying if she falls for you, there’s nothing you can do about it?”

“That sounded a bit smug, huh? My bad.”

“Super smug, Issei.”

His voice was almost tearful. After that, I comforted him with kind words until he finally calmed down.

When Rukawa arrived, the entire class became excited.

Homeroom hadn’t even started, and there hadn’t been an official announcement or any detailed information, but the atmosphere was electric.

Ruriko-san and I probably had similar thoughts about this.

We both knew a fair bit about Rukawa.

The fear was that Rukawa might have a negative influence on us. Would she drag us down the path to ruin?

So, when the transfer student became the topic of conversation, I tried to keep a cheerful face, but inside, I was sweating bullets.

The classroom door slid open. The chatter quieted instantly.

Our homeroom teacher had arrived.

“Good morning. Judging by your reactions, I take it you’ve all heard today’s big news.”

Everyone chorused exaggerated “What is it?”

“Well, I’ll tell you. As of today, we have a new student joining our class.”

A wave of excitement rippled through the room.

“She’s right outside. Let’s welcome her with applause.”

The teacher poked their head out of the door and gave a signal.

“Excuse me,” came a voice.

The sound of applause filled the room. There was even a whistle or two.

The moment she stepped in, her flowing black hair swayed.

Her coolness was still intact, and even her profile seemed to shine.

“Go ahead and introduce yourself.”

“Yes. My name is Rukawa Hyouka.”

Her full name was written on the board in neat, vertical strokes with clear emphasis.

“I realize it’s unusual to transfer at this time of year, but I look forward to studying with all of you. That’s all.”

Her tone was calm, and she didn’t smile even once.

“Rukawa, is that all?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

“Well then, let’s applaud again.”

This time, the clapping was much drier.

“Where should she sit?”

“Let’s see…”

Our class seating was arranged in attendance order.

Which meant her seat would be…

“Next to Shimizu.”

“Wait, seriously? Is this real? What’s going on?”

Flustered, I blurted out something ridiculous.

—

Chapter 32: The Girl Sitting Beside Me, Rukawa-san

Rukawa sitting next to me?

Yes, that’s what it seems.

Let’s take a look at my desk from the hallway’s perspective. It’s in the third row (vertically) and the sixth column (horizontally).

The sixth column only extends to the third row due to the number of students.

So, if Rukawa is joining us, her desk would have to be placed in the nonexistent fourth row, sixth column.

Is it really that surprising for me to mutter disbelief?

“Sorry, Rukawa. I’ll fetch a desk from the spare classroom.”

“It’s fine. I’ll get it myself.”

Rukawa volunteered to get the desk.

When she returned through the back door, she glanced at me briefly before aligning her desk beside mine.

“Nice to meet you. You are…?”

“Shimizu Issei. Looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise.”

For now, her cold and arrogant demeanor as a high-class lady hasn’t surfaced.

She’s undoubtedly breathtakingly beautiful, possessing an almost otherworldly aura of elegance.

Her fragile transparency and refined demeanor are the results of her upbringing.

Even if she had selfish tendencies, her years of grooming have ingrained her polished behavior.

“Shimizu-kun.”

“M-Me?”

“Yes.”

It’s been a while since someone called me by my first name, Issei, so I hesitated, unsure if she was addressing me.

“For today’s class, could I look at your textbook? I’m still new to Yami Disease Academy and haven’t had time to prepare everything.”

“No problem at all. Feel free to use mine.”

“Such generosity. Thank you.”

With a gentle smile, Rukawa bowed her head.

…Huh?

She’s unexpectedly polite. Her demeanor doesn’t resemble the ice-cold beauty she’s reputed to be.

Perhaps Kurokawa’s introduction has significantly altered Rukawa’s personality.

In this version of the world, Rukawa might just be a normal girl. Happy ending… right?

That possibility crossed my mind.

But it’s too early to be optimistic. She could just be hiding her true nature, playing the role of a docile kitten.

“How cunning…”

“Hm? Did you say something?”

“No, just talking to myself.”

Rukawa’s blunt response seemed to indicate her true nature might be slipping through.

When class began, Rukawa immediately asked to borrow my textbook.

To share it, our desks had to be pushed together—it was a matter of practicality.

However, Rukawa’s proximity felt unusually close. Whenever she leaned forward to look at the right page, she drew near enough that her posture revealed glimpses of her neckline.

This has to be deliberate. She knows what she’s doing. Such brazen behavior is practically criminal.

She underestimates the curiosity of a high school boy. Even if I sense it’s a trap, I can’t help but be intrigued.

What does she want from me?

Unnerved by her closeness, I subtly pulled away.

Despite my suspicions, the morning classes passed quickly.

During the break, Rukawa was bombarded with questions from curious classmates.

Her striking beauty captivated both boys and girls alike, as expected.

While watching the scene, I sensed three intense presences nearby. The three great beauties, of course.

“Shall we…?”

As usual, I was joining the three great beauties for lunch. But as I stood and prepared to leave the classroom—

Someone tugged on my uniform sleeve.

It was Rukawa, sitting beside me.

“Where are you going?”

“Ah, the cafeteria.”

“May I join you? I’d like to experience the cafeteria.”

I understood her curiosity; it made sense for a transfer student to want to explore the cafeteria.

But her request put me in an awkward position.

The three great beauties would certainly make this challenging.

“Right… Then how about—”

“Why don’t you join us? It’s her first day, after all.”

The one who offered a solution was Ruriko.

“Really?”

“It’s fine, Issei-kun. Getting to know our new classmate is beneficial for both sides, don’t you think?”

She winked at me meaningfully.

Ruriko and I both knew Rukawa Hyouka from another timeline.

Our mutual interest in gauging this version of Rukawa was clear.

“Alright, Ruriko-san.”

“Oh, I almost forgot!”

Ruriko clapped her hands together.

“I’m Kazuki Ruriko. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Next, Yu and Kana approached Rukawa’s desk. Their eyes glinted sharply.

After brief introductions, the five of us headed to the cafeteria.

Honestly, I was a bundle of nerves.

Having lunch with all four great beauties on Rukawa’s first day was like staking an exclusive claim on them.

As we exited the classroom—

“That guy has conquered all four great beauties now.”

“How can we sit back and let this happen?”

“This is what unchecked capitalism leads to. Remember the spirit of revolution!”

“This is unbearable… Shall we rise?”

The murmurs from the boys were downright alarming.

If I returned later and got beaten up, I wouldn’t have the right to complain.

Meanwhile, the girls showed little reaction, possibly whispering behind our backs after we left.

This contrast reminds me that “Yami Disease Academy” is ultimately a game. In reality, I’d probably be ostracized for this.

“La-la-la~ Cafeteria~ Cafeteria~”

Rukawa hummed a carefree tune as she walked. Oblivious to my concerns, of course.

“You seem really excited about the cafeteria,” I said.

“Yes. I’m not familiar with everyday life.”

“How enviable,” Yu replied with mock sarcasm.

“Yu, that sounds condescending,” Kana scolded.

“Sorry, sorry. But when Kana glares, she looks like a cat.”

“Don’t mock me. My experiments have proven that your behavior irritates others.”

“I’ll be careful. Right, Issei-kun?”

Was passing this onto me really fair?

“Yu, is deflecting responsibility to me your solution for everything?”

“My bad. I’m clumsy, but you still treat me kindly. That makes you special. Right?”

“If you say so. You’re acting strange, Yu.”

“Am I? I’m always like this.”

“Suspicious…”

As we bantered, Rukawa laughed elegantly.

“You all seem so close. It’s wonderful.”

“Thanks. I hope you enjoy this too, Rukawa.”

“Yes. I already am, thanks to you… Shimizu-kun.”

Her last words were barely audible, almost whispered.

Seeing this, the three great beauties visibly tensed, their wariness intensifying.

I felt the same. I had to stay cautious.

My instincts told me Rukawa Hyouka was dangerous in this timeline too.

Her intentions remained a mystery.

Until they became clear, all we could do was observe her carefully.

The transfer student, Rukawa Hyouka.