I, Who Am Somehow Only Liked by Yanderes, Tried Transferring into a Class Full of Yandere Girls

Lately, I’ve started to think Aiji Yuto is quite cool.

I, Hina Yokawa, have come to feel this way.

Before, I didn’t think much of him at all. Just a classmate I got along with well. But that impression changed after I started my part-time job.

Aiji-kun is blunt, but unexpectedly kind. He takes the initiative to carry heavy items and steps in when customers give us a hard time, all without being overbearing. It all comes so naturally to him.

And when I talked to him about the manager, he took on the role of the villain, even though it could have brought him trouble. He stood up to the manager for me. He looked so cool then.

Afterward, seeing him laugh innocently, saying, “The manager’s face was priceless,” made me think, ah, I like this guy.

But, you know, when I say I like him, it’s not in a romantic sense. It’s purely as a person. After all, I don’t understand love or affection.

Though I say it myself, I’ve been popular for a long time. With both boys and girls. But I’ve never fallen for someone specifically.

I’ve seen many friends fall in love. They say when you’re in love, you can only think about that person, your heart races, and you feel unlike yourself. The moment you fall in love feels like an electric current runs through your body. Really? I can’t relate at all.

Though I’ve never been in love, I’ve had thoughts about the kind of person I’d like. Someone who would protect me.

Usually, I’m the one doing the protecting. In middle school, I stood up for a friend who was being bullied by seniors while in the dance club. I’ve also been there for my juniors, earning a reputation as a reliable and admired senior. So, yeah, I was popular. Especially among junior girls. I got a ton of chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

I think people see me as strong. Both girls and boys rely on me, and while I’m happy to help, deep down, I wish I could be the one to rely on and be protected. But, I can’t tell this, my friends.

☆

That day, I was on the same shift as Aiji-kun again. While there are days I work with other people, shifts with Aiji-kun are the most enjoyable and comforting. Well, we are friends, after all. We can chat during slow periods.

At one point, with no customers around, we were restocking together, arranging snack packages on the shelves.

…Looking closer, his forearms are quite muscular.

No, no! I find myself looking at Aiji-kun too much! Focus!

“…What’s wrong? You suddenly puffed up your cheeks.”

“Eh? Ahaha. Just a bit sleepy.”

“Well, Yokawa-san does seem busy every day.”

Safe! That was close to being awkward. I refocused on restocking. Then, while concentrating, I suddenly felt disoriented.

—Huh?

Was it dizziness? And the next moment, the entire store was hit by a strong quake.

—An earthquake!?

And it was a big one! Crouching down to place items on the lower shelves, I ended up sitting down abruptly. I could see the shelves swaying as if they were bending.

Dangerous! Items displayed on the upper shelves were falling towards us!

“—!”

I instinctively closed my eyes. Time seemed to drag on. But there was no sign of the pain I expected to come.

…Huh?

As the shaking stopped, I slowly opened my eyes, only to be surprised.

…Eh!?

Aiji-kun had thrown himself over me, using his body as a shield while I sat on the floor.

“Yokawa-san, are you hurt?”

“Eh? Oh, no. I’m fine.”

But, but his face is so close!

“How about you, Aiji-kun?”

“I got hit a little, but I’m okay.”

Saying that Aiji-kun offered his hand, asking, “Can you stand?”

“Thank you.”

As I said that and took his hand—that was the moment. Zing! A shock ran through my whole body like lightning.

“Ha!?”

“What’s wrong? Are you in pain somewhere?”

“No, I’m fine! Just a bit startled.”

I hurriedly explained, and we quickly put some distance between us. Strange. The earthquake had already stopped, but my heart was still racing. The warmth in my body didn’t fade at all.

And that sensation just now. It was like what my friends described. The moment you fall in love feels like an electric current runs through your body.

…I see. So this is what it’s like.