I Was Reincarnated As a Man who Steals The Protagonist’s Childhood Friend - 2 - Unexpected Events

The sky above me is adorned with hues of darkness streaking across, devoid of any clouds in the area visible up above. The glow of the streetlights illuminates our surroundings, casting a bright ambience on the roads. On the other side of me stands a girl, but she’s not just any girl. She’s the protagonist of the immensely popular NTR doujinshi that I had read before. Initially, I couldn’t believe that I had somehow found myself within that world. However, as I looked around, my face, my school, and even my ‘friends’ resemble those from the pages of that very doujinshi.

When Nakano suggested that we walk home together, I found myself unconsciously agreeing with her, which has led us to this current moment. We’ve been strolling side by side for a while now, venturing beyond the confines of our school. Nothing out of the ordinary seems to have occurred between us, except for one peculiar thing… Nakano has been clinging onto my shoulders for some reason. I attempted to gently separate myself from her a while ago, but she then became upset with me, leaving me with no choice but to reluctantly remain still and do nothing about it.

“Takeshi-kun, I want to check on how Naoki is doing, so I’ll be going to his house.” Nakano-san informed me.

Matsudo Naoki, the main protagonist of the doujinshi. If my memory serves me right, he has harbored feelings for Nakano-san since their childhood. He possesses a melancholic and introverted demeanor, and he becomes easily annoyed when Hoshino constantly nags him about things here and there. It’s evident how effortlessly Takeshi swoops in and takes Nakano away from him. However, fortunately for Naoki, I have no intention of engaging in any form of cuckoldery in their relationship in this world. No way. I made a promise to myself not to follow the despicable actions of that guy.

“I see.” I said in response.

So, our destination has been decided—Naoki’s place. I can’t help but wonder what it looks like. I mean, I already did see it in the doujin but I don’t know if it’s the exact same as it is here.

“Yes. I need to inform him about the exam that’s coming up. I’m worried about him” Nakano-san shared her concern for her childhood friend with me.

Must be nice to have a childhood friend who cares so much about you, such an unnecessary thought crossed my mind. Who wouldn’t appreciate a girl who takes such good care of you? I’m pretty sure any guy would love that kind of girl.

“More importantly, I’m more worried about you, Takeshi-kun! I’ve never seen you study even once. Do you even stand a chance of passing this exam?” she questioned.

That’s exactly what I was wondering just a while ago. But I don’t have to worry about that because I have a secret weapon up my sleeve.

“Hmph, don’t underestimate the power of cramming.” I confidently reassured her.

However, she quickly interjected, expressing her disapproval. “No, no, that’s bad for you, Takeshi-kun. You need to study at least a week before the exam.”

And now she sounds just like my mom. Wait, does Takeshi even have a mom in the first place?

Such peculiar thoughts tend to arise from time to time during our lighthearted and nonsensical banter as we strolled along, aimlessly wandering through the streets. As we were continuing to chat, time seemed to slip right through our fingers, and before we knew it, we found ourselves standing in front of what I assumed to be Naoki’s home. It appeared to be an ordinary two-story house, complete with a petite garage nestled beside it. It seems that my duty as Nakano’s escort had reached its conclusion, and it was time for me to bid her farewell.

“You can let go now, Nakano-san.”

As I told her, she doesn’t respond, but instead, her grip slowly tightens in response. I tried to pull out my hands away from her but it looks like she doesn’t want to cooperate.

“I… I want to stay like this for a while.” she utters the phrase in a way that caught me completely off guard.

“Come on now, Nakano-san,” I implored, growing concerned for Naoki’s state of mind, “You’re going to make Naoki worry if you don’t arrive soon.”

Try as I might, her grip remained the same as it did a while ago, surprising me with the hidden strength concealed within her slender arms. It was a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and one should never judge a book by its cover.

Desperate to find a solution that would alleviate the tension, I proposed a plan for her. “How about this? You go inside and do your business with Naoki first, and I’ll wait here outside for you. Is that fine with you?”

She pondered at my suggestion, her brow furrowing in deep thought. A minute passed by, and finally, she responded with a nod. “Yes, I’m fine with that,” she affirmed. 

Relieved that we had reached a conclusion I urged her, “Good. Now, go assist Naoki. I’ll wait right here.”

Feeling a sense of guilt, she apologized, her voice tinged with sincerity. “Sorry for being so selfish, Takeshi-kun. And thank you.”

As she prepared to enter Naoki’s house, she cast one last glance in my direction, seeking reassurance. With a gentle gesture, I encouraged her to proceed inside. 

“Please wait for me, Takeshi-kun.”

She was whispering something but I couldn’t hear what she exactly said. Once she disappeared through the doorway, I took a step back, consciously creating some distance from the residence. After all, who knows what Naoki’s parents might say or even think about my presence there. It was best to be cautious.

Nakano POV

“Sorry for the intrusion!” I exclaimed as I made my presence known at Matsuda’s household. The air seemed to shift as I entered, a mix of anticipation and warm greetings lingering in the atmosphere. No presence of any adults could be seen at his seemingly empty house, but I hear footsteps coming down stairs as I entered.

“You’re here, Hoshino!” Naoki exclaimed, his face lighting up with a smile. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort as his familiar voice resonated through the room.

“Yes, Naoki-kun. How’s your body?” I inquired, concern lacing my words. It had been some time since we last met, and I was concerned for his well-being.

“I’m fine now, Hoshino,” Naoki replied with a hint of relief in his voice. “I’ve been resting and recuperating today, and I feel ready to return to school tomorrow.”

A wave of relief washed over me upon hearing his improved condition. “That’s great to hear,” I responded, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. “Ah, speaking of which, we have a test coming up this Wednesday. Have you reviewed the material for it?”

Naoki’s eyes sparkled mischievously as he let out a small laugh. “Hee~hee, yep! I’ve been immersing myself in intense study sessions over the past few days, with not a single break spared. I’m confident that I can effortlessly ace every subject!”

I couldn’t help but sigh, a mixture of admiration and concern bubbling within me. “How many times do I need to tell you not to overwork yourself?” I remarked, my voice tinged with a gentle admonishment. It was clear that Naoki’s unwavering determination often pushed him to the edge, and it was my role as his childhood friend to remind him of the importance of balance and self-care.

“I’m sorry, I pushed myself too hard,” Naoki apologized sincerely, his voice filled with remorse.

“It’s okay,” I reassured him, a hint of understanding in my tone. “As long as you remember not to repeat what you did and take care of yourself first.”

Now that I had assessed Naoki’s condition and spent some time in his company, it was time for me to end this day and make my way home. Just as I was about to leave, the sound of a door opening resonated through the hallway, signaling the arrival of another occupant.

“I’m home, Big Bro!” a cheerful voice exclaimed. “Oh, did Nakano onee-chan come to visit?”

“Welcome back, Rin,” Naoki greeted his younger sibling. “Yes, she’s here to check up on me.”

Matsuda Rin. She is Naoki’s littler sister and a 3rd year middle school student. She has a small stature with long, black hair. Naoki may not realized this but Rin loved her brother very much. 

“Hello there, Rin-chan,” I greeted Rin warmly, acknowledging her presence.

Rin wasted no time in urging Naoki, “Come on, Big Bro, don’t just stand there. Let her take a seat on the couch.”

Chuckling at Rin’s enthusiasm, I interjected, “Ah, you don’t have to worry about that, Rin-chan. I was actually just about to leave and head home.”

“Ehhh…” Rin’s face was filled with disappointment. “Don’t you want to stay for dinner? You can help me out in making something for Big Bro too, you know?”

A part of my heart aches as I considered the tempting offer. “I would love to, Rin-chan, but I have to dedicate some time to studying for the upcoming test. I promise I’ll make time for a visit sometime later.”

With a sense of finality, I prepared to take my leave. “Well then, I’ll be heading out now. Naoki, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Naoki nodded, gratitude gleaming in his eyes. “Un. See you tomorrow, Hoshino.”

“See ya, Hoshino nee-chan!” Rin chimed in, her voice brimming with affection. “Come back here when you have the time!”

A soft smile adorned my lips as I responded, “I will, Rin. Take care of your big brother for me.”

Takeshi POV

I’m glad I didn’t stay in front of Naoki’s house because I saw someone entering the place. It was Naoki’s sister, Matsuda Rin. How do I know that it’s his sister? Well, in the doujin, she was shown for a few pages and I could clearly recall her face from the doujin. And when I saw her, the image that I had in mind just completely matched that of hers. I don’t know if it’s just me but something tells me that I shouldn’t get too close to her.

Ensuring that I remained unseen, I continued to hide behind one of the cars in the neighborhood and observe the nearby surroundings, mindful of any passersby who might unexpectedly wander down the street. My intention was to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention to me.

“I should retrieve my wallet soon, or else I won’t be able to eat tonight…” I murmur to myself.

“Did you lose your wallet, Takeshi-kun?” a familiar voice filled with curiosity spoke from behind me. It was Nakano Hoshino.

“Aaahhh!” Caught off guard by her sudden appearance, I couldn’t help but jump off to where I was previously and let out a startled cry. How in the world did she get here…? Let alone find me somehow?? Is she some kind of a stalker???

Rin chuckled mischievously, clearly amused by my reaction. “Hehe, did I scare you?”

“Obviously! Please don’t do that again, Nakano-san,” I pleaded, relieved that it was just a harmless prank. I hope she wouldn’t do that again. I could feel my soul escaping from my body with her seemingly innocent prank.

“More importantly, how can you eat dinner if you don’t have your wallet, Takeshi-kun?” she asks.

“That’s what I was going to do right now. I need to get my wallet from the lost & found station so I can buy myself dinner tonight.”

“Hmm… I have a better idea, Takeshi-kun. Why don’t you come over to my place?” With a thoughtful expression, Nakano-san proposed something to me that caught me off guard yet again.