No Wonder I'm Unwanted in This Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 08.5: Side Story - Rui 2

Chapter 08.5: Side Story – Rui 2

“Ikuto Ichise. This is Rui Tohsaka, who will be your male bodyguard.”

The teacher sitting next to me introduced me.

“I am Rui Tohsaka. I’ll do my best as your male bodyguard.”

I stated matter-of-factly to the biy sitting across from me and gave a shallow bow.

Then the boy received an explanation from the teacher about the mechanisms and various procedures of having a male bodyguard. I felt like I became somewhat invisible during the discussion.

“…”

I glanced sideways at the boy’s appearance.

His black hair was well-maintained, and he had a sharp set of features. Unlike most young men with slight builds, he had a fair amount of muscle. He seemed to pay quite a bit of attention to his appearance.

“Ah, I see. Your explanation is easy to understand, teacher.”

“No, not at all. Hehe.”

What struck me most was how he wasn’t timid around women; instead, he appeared quite comfortable, even smiling at ease. The teacher handling such behavior was all smiles as well.

He was different from the boys I had encountered so far. Not that it piqued my interest.

“She’s a woman with that height and build, you see…”

“Whoa, that’s scary…”

“N-no, don’t come near me!”

“Looks like she’s crossdressing, which is even scarier.”

If all men view women as dangerous predators, then for me, men are entities that deny my very being.

§

As the time for our initial meeting came to an end, I hadn’t spoken much nor smiled. I was essentially just sitting there.

〜〜〜♪♪

Suddenly, someone’s smartphone started to ring.

I was about to check my own phone, but the teacher stood up even before I could.

“…Ugh, what timing. I’ll step out for a moment to take the call. Tohsaka, you understand that just because the two of you will be alone doesn’t mean…”

“I understand.”

“Good, then…”

The teacher reluctantly left the classroom.

Just because the guy and I were left alone didn’t mean anything special would happen.

Stare—

I sat silently, back straight, looking out the window.

Stare—

“…”

The atmosphere felt heavy with his gaze. A quick glance confirmed that he was still staring at me intently.

“Um, is there something on my face?”

I finally asked, a bit apprehensive.

“Ah, sorry for staring. I was just thinking you’re incredibly handsome.”

“Ha…?”

As a male bodyguard, I had short hair and wore a male uniform. I’d been called handsome by girls before, but never by a boy.

“You really are handsome. Man, I can’t believe someone this good-looking exists… No wonder I’m not popular…”

His mutterings towards the end were difficult to catch.

“Tohsaka-san, you must be incredibly popular, right?”

He said this trying to break the tension with a smile, but it had the opposite effect on me.

Popular? Me?

I had to disguise myself like this just to talk with one or two people…

The very reason I have to disguise myself is that men discriminate against me based solely on my appearance.

“I don’t… I don’t have many friends, let alone being popular.”

I found myself responding more strongly than intended.

It wasn’t his fault, but realizing that now was probably too late. He looked shocked, eyes wide open.

“Like all those other men—”

—You’re going to belittle me for being a woman, aren’t you?

“I-I’m sorry!”

“Eh…?”

What reached my tense ears was… an apology.

Did he just… apologize?

“I’m totally in the wrong! Sorry for being so forward without knowing anything about you! I was a bit eager to get to know you better!”

Caught off guard, I forgot to speak, and he repeated his apology.

“Really, I’m sorry!”

“Ah, um… You don’t have to apologize that much. It’s okay…”

I finally managed to speak.

“Thank you. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Then, an awkward silence fell.

But it lasted only for a few seconds. The one to break the silence was him… Ichise-kun.

“Uh, you can just call me Ikuto. We’re the same age, after all.”

“Ah, but…”

It seemed strange to call a guy by his first name without any honorifics.

“Is it not okay?”

His eyes met mine with a slight upward glance, causing my heart to flutter. I couldn’t bring myself to decline.

“O-okay.”

“Thanks! Can we drop the formal language as well?”

“Uh… O-okay, Ikuto.”

“Cool. Nice to meet you, Rui!”

He grinned, showing his teeth.

This was the first time I’d seen a boy smile like that in front of me. No, it was the first time I’d ever seen a guy smile genuinely in my presence.

“Ikuto, are you not afraid of me?”

“Afraid? But we just started talking.”

“I mean, in terms of appearance. I’m taller than most guys, and my build is a bit more developed.”

“Ah, I did think you seemed taller than me.”

“…”

So his eyes did go there.

Since becoming a high school student, I’ve grown past 170 centimeters. My ample chest was barely hidden by tightly wrapped cloth.

Maybe deep down, Ikuto also thinks of me as—

“What’s wrong with that? Your looks don’t define everything about you, Rui.”

“…”

Why? Why are you different from all the guys I’ve met until now?

I’ve never met a guy who would say something like that to me. I’ve never been told anything like that by a man.

Perhaps… I’ve been the one discriminating against guys because they’re male.

This person is different from the other boys. He’s special.

“Sure, people often say that appearance accounts for 90% of what matters, but in the end, it’s about what’s inside and compatibility, right? We’ve only talked a little, but I want to continue being friends with you, Rui.”

As Ikuto spoke and smiled again, I felt like I was on the verge of tears. But crying now would probably just lead to another apology.

I clenched my fists tightly to hold back the tears.

“So, once again, nice to meet you, Rui.”

“Yeah, nice to meet you too, Ikuto.”

For the first time, I managed to smile in front of a boy.

§

Since the first day of school, I had a feeling Ikuto mistakenly thought I was a guy.

Certainly, my gender was never officially disclosed by the teacher. That’s because the most constant presence in his life isn’t a female but a male bodyguard, and it’s meant to emphasize that.

But with Ikuto, I thought that even if he knew I was actually female, he would still treat me the same. Even if he found out that I am a tall girl with a large bust, he would still treat me no differently.

§

“Or so I thought…”

I never imagined that he still wouldn’t notice. To this day, Ikuto thinks I’m a guy.

“Come to think of it, you’ve really kept me on my toes.”

I finished my recollection and looked at Ikuto, who was still asleep.

He keeps saying he wants to be popular with girls and proactively goes to talk to them. He doesn’t seem to sense the danger when he goes out alone. What’s more, because he smiles and is kind to everyone, some girls even gossip that he’s a playboy.

Probably among all the male bodyguards in school, I’m the one who’s had to adapt the most. But… I’m also the one who enjoys being his male bodyguard the most.

“Being with you is never boring.”

Judging by his relaxed expression, Ikuto seemed to be having a good dream.

Looking at such a peaceful Ikuto, I couldn’t help but feel my own cheeks relax.

His ever-changing expressions and kind personality bring me comfort. I’m drawn to his character. I never thought I’d come to like a guy’s personality. And now, I like everything about Ikuto. Everything… I love it all.

Bing-bong bang-bong…

The chime signaling the end of the class rang out.

“Hmm…?”

Ikuto’s eyes flutter open at the same time. He looks around with sleepy eyes. How cute…

“Hehe, good morning, Ikuto. Seems like you were sleeping well.”

“Good morning… yawn, when did I fall asleep?”

Ikuto stretched his arms.

“Uh… I didn’t write anything in my notes. Rui, could you show me yours?”

“Ah, um…”

I took a quick glance at my own notebook. It was almost blank, as I had been too focused on watching Ikuto.

“Rui?”

“I also dozed off a bit, so I haven’t taken proper notes.”

“Ah, I get that. It’s really sleepy after lunch, isn’t it? I totally get you.”

Ikuto didn’t blame me; instead, he gave me a soft, understanding smile. It’s something most guys wouldn’t do. But I’ll gladly accept all the kindness Ikuto has to offer, even if I have to hog it all to myself.

“Alright, let’s go buy some drinks to wake ourselves up. I’ll treat you to coffee milk, so come along, Rui.”

As Ikuto moved, I, being his bodyguard, had to follow. It’s my duty, after all.

“If Ikuto’s treating, I have to come along.”

But Ikuto is different from other guys.

He is special.

§

—By the way, Ikuto.

“Ikuto, you have me, so you’re good, right?”

“…Yeah, I suppose so.”

“So, Ikuto, what do you think of how I look now?”

“Huh? Uh… cute, I guess?”

“Really?”

“Really, but why…?”

I’m a girl, you know. The girl you’ve been yearning for. But I’m not like other girls. It’s not just any guy I’m interested in; it’s only Ikuto. I’m the girl who would do anything for you. That’s me.

§

“Here, coffee milk.”

“Thank you, Ikuto.”

I took the coffee milk he handed to me and immediately started drinking it through a straw.

“Mmm, it’s good.”

“It looks tasty. Can I have some too?”

“Sure.”

“Great. Then let’s trade with my soda.”

We exchanged drinks.

Now in my hands was the bottle Ikuto had sipped from first. When I put my lips to it, the fizziness of the soda traveled down my throat, followed by its sweetness spreading in my mouth.

“Slurp… Mmm, it’s good.”

I deliberately made a noise as I pulled my mouth away, but Ikuto didn’t notice. I could have revealed that I was actually a girl, but that might have angered Kuno-chan.

So, please realize it soon. Overwhelm me. Paint me, my body and soul, in your colors…♡

“Hmm? Rui, is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

As of now… huh?