Living Normally In An Abnormal World

Chapter 40: Adaptation and Newspaper Writing

Humans are creatures that constantly adapt to their surroundings. Whether it’s at work, school, or any other environment, the longer we stay in a particular setting, the more accustomed we become.

What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been attending elementary school for quite some time now.

At first, there were girls who would faint at the mere sight of me, or blush and stumble over their words when trying to talk to me.

However, four years later, most of the female students and teachers no longer faint when they approach me, and a casual touch no longer causes them to blush.

Just the other day, they even gave me a celebratory lift.

Especially when I first met them, and they said, “If there’s anything you want me to do, just say the word!” It sent shivers down my spine.

The fact that I, a male, am attending school is an unusual act, to say the least. Yet, for them, it has become commonplace, a part of their daily routine.

You could say they’ve developed immunity to the presence of a male.

I think it’s a good thing.

“Hey, does anyone have a pad?”

I’m not sure how to feel about the fact that they’ve become so accustomed to my presence that they casually have such conversations even when I’m around.

“You idiot! Yuuto-kun’s right here!”

I’m not particularly bothered by it, and I just pretend not to hear, thinking, “Girls have their struggles too.”

“Sorry, Yuuto-kun.”

When they apologize, I genuinely don’t know how to respond. It would be easier if they just ignored me and continued their conversation.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine. Girls have their struggles, so don’t mind me.”

“Eh? Y-yeah. Thanks.”

The girl blushes and thanks me.

Wait a minute, why are you blushing?

Is that it? Does she think I’m unaffected because I get perfect scores on health and sex education tests and know everything there is to know about women?

Well, yes, I do know a lot, but still…

During lunchtime, after returning some books to the library and heading back to the classroom, I noticed something odd.

…It was unusually quiet.

While thinking that, I went towards my seat. When I sat down I suddenly noticed that everyone was gathering at one particular desk.

It’s like they were desperately trying to hide something as they looked at me.

I know that hiding technique.

…I see. So, that’s what’s going on.

I’ve heard that women have a much stronger sex drive than men.

However, it’s not uncommon for people of the same sex to gather and share their preferences, understand each other’s tastes, and find common ground.

While it’s not something I appreciate seeing in a public setting, I choose to look the other way. It’s a gentleman’s duty, after all.

I, too, am human, and I have my own sexual desires.

Instead of judging women as vulgar or shameless, I believe it’s important to have some understanding of their sexual needs and approach them with a tolerant attitude.

However, for now, I decide to quietly leave the classroom and find a way to pass the time until lunchtime is over.

“Yuuto, class is about to start. Where are you going?”

Rina returns to the classroom and calls out to me, her voice echoing in the quiet room.

The girls huddled around the desk flinch and slowly turn towards me, their necks creaking as if they’re straining to look in my direction.

…Did they think I saw something?

“I noticed you were gathered, but I don’t know what you were looking at.”

That’s all I said in response.

The next lesson was conducted in a somber atmosphere, like a funeral.

It’s not like I did anything wrong, right? …Right?

—

Yanagida’s Side:

Lately, there have been girls who casually make risqué jokes even when Yuuto-kun is around.

I’m Yanagida, a self-proclaimed stalker who makes newspapers about Yuuto-kun with his permission.

Or rather, what does it mean to be a self-proclaimed stalker? Well, never mind.

When you’ve been around a guy since the first grade, you inevitably get used to his presence. If it’s okay to look and talk to him, anyone would want to get closer.

Back then, I would faint at the slightest hint of a “wall slam,” but now I’m completely fine.

Everyone has come to accept Yuuto-kun’s presence as a normal part of school life. It’s become so commonplace that a sense of comfort has set in, and each person has individually decided that they can be more relaxed around Yuuto-kun, thinking, “He’ll probably be fine with this.”

For example, they would openly ask if anyone had pads while he was in the classroom, or they wouldn’t realize he was there and read erotic books. Their behavior made it clear that they had become comfortable around him.

It’s true that Yuuto-kun has extensive knowledge about sex and understands women.

And because he understands us women, he just turns a blind eye to their actions with a gaze that says that it can’t be helped.

However, some of their actions could be considered sexual harassment, and they could get in serious trouble if they’re not careful. That’s something they need to be mindful of.

But ultimately, the root cause of all this is my newspaper. By writing about his personality, daily life, and habits, most people have come to understand his thought processes and behavior patterns.

I wrote a little bit about his thought processes and the things that led to his action that made these things happen.

That’s why I apologized to him.

I did something that he wouldn’t be able to do anything about anymore.

But he said,

“What’s done is done. But the newspaper isn’t the sole cause of this. Yanagida, you’re not being yourself. I prefer the usual you, who writes about me however you like in the newspaper. And I know you won’t listen to me even if I tell you to stop. I forgive you, so keep writing whatever you want.”

After giving me a light tap on the forehead, he quickly turned away and left.

His back seemed so broad and kind, almost like a father figure.

“Yuuto-kun!”

“Hmm? Woah, watch out!”

I hugged him from behind.

“Oi..! Hahh… Well do what you want.”

I suddenly hugged him out of nowhere, so he looked like he wanted to separate from me, and when he tried to do so, I hugged him even tighter, and he just gave up and let me do what I want.

“Thanks.”

“Haa, don’t mention it. But don’t write about this in the newspaper. It could put you in a compromising position.”

I will continue writing about him however I like in the newspaper.

And I’ll keep writing things that anger him, prompting him to chase after me, and I’ll laugh about it.

In the end, I just want to be spoiled by him while he’s still around and can see me.

“I understand.”

But for now, I savor the warmth emanating from his broad back.