I Want to Completely Avoid Troubled Girls, but It Seems I’ve Reincarnated as a Background Character in the Most Dangerous Yandere Academy - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Rukawa is a Young Lady

We headed to the school cafeteria together.

The three most beautiful girls were smiling on the surface.

However, judging from their subtle expressions, it was easy to imagine various emotions swirling within them, such as jealousy and tension.

“Is this grotesque-looking curry the standard menu item…!?”
“That’s right.”

This was the curry I had eaten shortly after reincarnating into this world.

The special “Darkness Curry” of Yami Academy.

Its black and intimidating appearance and its extreme spiciness that makes diners tremble—it’s a dish for the select few. Yet, for those it resonates with, it has become a staple menu item at the academy.

Incidentally, I couldn’t handle it. Ah, I remember the day I made a fool of myself with it.

“I see, so this is the kind of curry that is common in society, isn’t it?”

“I feel like you’re greatly misunderstanding something.”

“Is it safe to eat this?”

“It depends on your taste. If you don’t like spicy food, it might be tough.”

“Understood. Then, I shall try it.”

A collective “Ohh!” escaped from the four of us.

While I inwardly thought, You’re underestimating it and will regret it later, I watched Rukawa’s demeanor.

She gave off a refreshing impression.

Pairing someone like Rukawa with such an intensely spicy menu seemed mismatched, or even contradictory.

The five of us lined up in the same queue. An interrogation (?) of Rukawa’s background began.

Her basic upbringing and way of speaking were similar to what I had expected. So far, I didn’t sense any coldness or indifference from her, which piqued my curiosity.

“By the way, Rukawa-san, why did you choose Yami Island?”

It was Yu who asked the question.

“You’re curious, aren’t you? Let me answer.”

The reason she chose Yami Island, a remote island surrounded by the sea, was simple: she wanted to lead a school life free from interference from her family.

Her family couldn’t stay on this island, which is far removed from the mainland.

Her prestigious family thrived, but they needed to stay in the city for their social standing.

As the only daughter of the Rukawa family, she was subjected to rigid, controlling guidance. Growing tired of it, she took a bold step, even knowing it would be difficult.

…That’s what she explained in detail.

In the game, it had only been hinted at, so I hadn’t expected such a detailed story.

“You fought for your freedom, didn’t you?”

“Yes. That’s why I want to enjoy a student life here at this academy.”

Rukawa had her own way of thinking. Her courage in breaking out of a stifling environment impressed me as someone of the same generation.

It seemed the other three felt the same way, as the conversation shifted to praising Rukawa’s determination.

“Please stop. It’s nothing special.”

“No, as a fellow student of this academy, I’m proud of your gallant struggle to seize your freedom.”

“Shimizu-kun…”

Rukawa’s gaze on me was brief.

The line had moved forward, and it was already time to place our orders.

I avoided the Darkness Curry this time and played it safe with pork cutlet curry.

The others chose different types of curry or the daily special, just like me.

“Then, as a celebration for Rukawa-san’s first day, let’s dig in!”

The formal tone was typical of Kurokawa, who loved experiments. She mentioned she had a purpose for this, but it remained a mystery.

Our eyes naturally gravitated toward Rukawa.

Would she be able to handle the Darkness Curry?

She took a bite.

…We gulped and watched closely.

She chewed calmly, her expression unchanged.

“It’s good.”

“It’s not spicy!?”

“Isn’t it normal?”

“Seriously?”

So, Rukawa had a tolerance for spicy food. I hadn’t focused on her eating habits before.

“My father exposed me to a variety of exquisite dishes from around the world. I developed a tolerance for spicy food as a result.”

“That makes sense.”

Some dishes have spiciness as their default.

Rukawa showed no signs of struggling, which left us in awe.

Because of this, it took me a moment to ask more questions.

Even after talking to her, we couldn’t catch a glimpse of any “true nature” we might have expected.

She mentioned her previous school for young ladies felt suffocating and that there were frequent clashes due to differing values with the outside world.

The welcoming mood might have contributed, but she showed no signs of being aloof or prickly. Ruriko and I exchanged glances several times.

The personality of Rukawa in another world line doesn’t necessarily match her personality in this world line. This reinforced the principle.

“In short, I just want to spend normal, enjoyable time with everyone here.”

When she put it like that, all we could do was nod.

“Okay! Once again, nice to meet you, Hyoka!”

Yu had already adopted a casual tone.

“As the new transfer student, Rukawa-san, there’s a lot I’m curious about. I want to know more about you.”

Kurokawa felt the same way.

“Rukawa-san, I feel the same. I want to see different sides of you.”

“Me too. You might not feel comfortable at first, but I’ll give you full support.”

When I spoke with a smile, Rukawa responded with a smile of her own.

“Thank you, everyone. Especially you, Shimizu-kun, since we sit next to each other, I think I’ll rely on you often. So, please take care of me.”

“Of course, leave it to me.”

Being personally requested by Rukawa-san, I couldn’t refuse.

I resolved to keep my position in mind and explore further, being careful not to get too close.

I wondered what sides of her she would reveal to us, Rukawa.