No Wonder I'm Unwanted in This Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Meanwhile, in the classroom.—

“Rui-kun!”

“Can we talk for a moment?”

While Rui waited for Ikuto to return, two girls from her class approached her. They were in the same group as Ikuto for the upcoming field trip.

“Of course, it’s fine.”

Upon hearing Rui’s reassuring words and seeing her smile, the two girls burst into delighted giggles. Their slightly blushing cheeks suggested that they might be fans of Rui, but this time—

“How much can we talk to Ichise-kun during the field trip?”

One of them asked, clearly anxious.

“Well… keep it appropriate, but you’re basically free to chat with him.”

“Yay!”

“We were too nervous to talk earlier, so we have to make up for it now.”

The two girls seemed even happier with Rui’s response. 

The remaining girls in the classroom couldn’t help but cast envious glances their way.

From this situation, it was hard to believe that Ikuto wasn’t popular among the girls. On the contrary, he was quite the heartthrob.

“But,”

Rui said, emphasizing her next words.

“It’s fine if you’re curious about Ikuto. However, if you want more… be ready to win him over from me.”

Rui’s eyes narrowed, her face holding only the faintest of smiles.

“Uhh…”

“…”

The two girls felt somewhat overwhelmed by her intense statement. With a slight nod, they seemed to have finished what they wanted to ask and headed back to their seats.

“Ikuto really is popular, huh? As expected…”

“—Another warning, is it?”

The next person to approach Rui was Chiyo. 

She was in the same group as Ikuto and was an aide Rui had chosen for this occasion.

“Warning? I didn’t intend to sound so intimidating.”

“Your face did look a bit scary.”

“Really? I’ll have to be careful next time then.”

Rui chuckled.

“…Does Ichise-kun know about this?”

“I doubt it. He probably doesn’t realize that one of the reasons he’s not more popular is because of me.”

“…”

“I do feel guilty towards Ikuto. At first, like other male bodyguards, my goal was to protect Ikuto from any girl that approached him without distinction, ensuring he had a safe and peaceful school life. But Ikuto… he’s different from other guys.”

After a brief pause, Rui continued, 

“Ikuto is special. He’s kind to everyone, regardless of who they are. Can you really blame any girl for being captivated by him?”

“…That’s true.”

“Even you, Kanoya-san, are interested in Ikuto, aren’t you?”

“…”

“Fufu.”

Chiyo didn’t reply. She simply returned Rui’s gaze.

◇◇

“Uhm… you know?”

“Y-yeah…”

…She’s really building this up. Is the reason that significant? Gulp

“So… um…”

Oh, she’s about to say it—

“…Hey, is it okay to say this?”

“Well, I think…”

“The main reason must be…”

“Yes, it must be…”

“…”

And once again, the two of them began their whispered conversation. 

I decided to wait patiently.

I’ve always believed that one shouldn’t interrupt a conversation between girls! 

After a few moments, their secret chat seemed to have concluded, and the two turned to me.

“Um… we’re sorry, Ichise-kun!”

“Huh?”

Why the apology?

“Can we talk about the main reason another time?”

“For now, it’s something we can’t quite put into words…”

Akarizaki-kun and Kamijo-kun looked apologetic, their eyebrows furrowed. 

Given the place and situation, they seemed to be having difficulty saying something.

In that case…

“I understand. But can you tell me just this? The main reason… is it because I’m disliked or something like that?”

“”That’s absolutely not (it!)the case!””

“Oh, okay…”

They answered with such conviction. If both of them are saying this, then I can be at ease. 

After all, being disliked is even harder to bear than not being popular with girls!

“Got it. Sorry for springing that on you out of the blue. Thanks for answering!”

“Eh…?”

“That’s it…?”

It seems both of them were expecting me to press further. I mean, I was genuinely curious.

“Yeah, I’m fine. No need to push for answers, especially when it’s not urgent. Plus, it’s not like no one talks to me. Look, Akarizaki-kun and Kamijo-kun, you’re both talking to me now, right?”

“We… Well, yeah.”

“We’ve always wanted to talk to you, Ichise-san.”

“See? That alone makes me happy!”

Saying that, I laughed, and the two leaned in for another whispered conversation. They sure are close.

“I see… I can understand why Rui-chan’s love might be overwhelming.”

“I can see why Rui-san’s affection can be intense as well.”

While I was observing the two from a distance and contemplating other topics, the door to the staff room rattled open.

“Hey! You guys are being too loud! Although, the staff meeting is over now.”

“Kiyomi-sensei!”

The one who emerged was our homeroom teacher, Kiyomi-sensei. 

As usual, she was dressed in a red tracksuit and looked somewhat languid.

She then proceeded to gaze intently at me, Akarizaki-kun, and Kamijo-kun…

“Houn. The male bodyguards Akarizaki and Kamijo, along with Ichise… Quite a rare combination.”

“We just happened to be waiting together.”

“You see, Ichise-kun is really a good person~. I wish he remains this good always~.”

“Mio-san, you sound like an old lady saying that. But it’s true, Ichise-san is indeed nice.”

Being complimented by the two, I felt somewhat embarrassed.

“Looks like you’re getting along with the two male bodyguards. Seriously, I wish you could share some of your communication skills with the other boys. But, please, do learn a bit about crisis management from them. Seriously, you…”

“Are you praising or scolding me now? Oh, by the way, Sensei, I came to submit the journal!”

“Hmm, thanks for that.”

“Speaking of which, Sensei, do I have any special assignments for the upcoming field trip?”

“If you guys can find at least one girl to talk to during the trip, I’d be happy.”

That’s probably directed at Tanaka and Takahashi. 

I can converse with girls, after all. Well, it’s just that not many girls approach me to chat!

“Ah! That’s right.”

“Hmm?”

She really doesn’t worry about me. Well, if it lessens her burden, it’s fine.

“For this field trip, Ichise, you should…”

“Gulp.”

Oh, do I have a task too—

“Just make sure the girls don’t go overboard. That’s all!”

“Wait, what?”

With just that, Kiyomi-sensei returned to the staff room. She even closed the door behind her.

“Uh… what kind of assignment was that?”

Don’t let the girls go overboard?

I’m not the kind of heartthrob who can make girls go crazy just by smiling, and to begin with, I’m not particularly popular among them…

“What does that even mean? Akarizaki-kun, Kamijo-kun, do you guys get it?”

I decided to ask the two since they were there.

The duo exchanged glances and immediately responded,

“Do your best, Ichise-kun!”

“We’re rooting for you, Ichise-san.”

“Uh, thanks?”

When you’re cheered on like that, you can’t help but try your best.

Even if you don’t fully understand the reason.