No Wonder I'm Unwanted in This Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

“Ah, Ichise-kun is back, so…”

“Right. I’ll set the timing, so please be mindful afterward…”

“Yesss!”

“Yay!”

“Hmm?”

Only a little time remained in the lunch break. 

As I returned from the restroom, I noticed the group of girls gathered around Rui’s desk were just then heading back to their own seats. 

Ah, Kanoya-san was there too.

It seemed like they all left as soon as they saw me…

“I’m back.”

I took my seat next to Rui.

“Welcome back, Ikuto. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Making a big deal out of just going to the restroom… Did I interrupt something?”

I glanced around before asking.

“No, I should apologize for having a crowd here. It must’ve made it awkward for you to return to your seat.”

“I don’t really mind.”

I figured they’d all gathered to talk to Rui anyway.

Rui was not only handsome but also a great listener.

Kuh, how I wished the girls would talk to me too!

“But I did interrupt, so I’m sor—”

There’s no way you’re interrupting, Ikuto.”

Rui cut me off.

“…Rui?”

Something seemed off about her.

“Anyway, it’s my fault. I’m sorry. Don’t apologize, Ikuto, it’s not your fault, okay?”

“Uh, okay…”

I agreed, swayed by her unusually serious expression.

But honestly, I wasn’t bothered at all. I’m not that petty!

Come to think of it, Rui had been acting a bit strange today. 

Had it been since this morning? She occasionally looked downcast. 

I wondered what had happened.

◇◇

5th and 6th Periods. Today’s topic was once again the upcoming field trip.

“This is a rough schedule for the field trip, but you guys, make sure you remember the name of your school and the place where we’ll be staying. As long as you know those two, you’ll be fine even if you’re late on the day.”

“Sensei~, like we would ever be late!”

“Yeah, we’ll probably arrive an hour early!”

As soon as our homeroom teacher, Kiyomi-sensei, who was wearing a red tracksuit, said this, the girls in the class were quick to interject, sparking some laughter.

Indeed, being late on the day of a field trip, a big event especially for the girls, seemed unthinkable.

Still, why did I feel such intensity in their eyes despite the laughter? 

Nope, it wasn’t my imagination.

Ah, being a guy is tough sometimes.

Me? I was actually looking forward to it.

“Ikuto, will you be able to wake up on time?”

“Of course!”

Rui, who was sitting next to me, asked. And I replied immediately.

I was excited about the field trip and had no intention of being late. 

If anything, I might just pull an all-nighter to ensure I won’t be late. 

After all, we would be traveling by bus; I could catch some sleep then.

The chalkboard displayed a simplified schedule for the field trip. In the largest font were the name of the school and the accommodation place.

“So, we from Houmei Academy will be staying at the Sanjo Prince Hotel…”

I muttered, jotting it down in my smartphone’s notepad just to be safe. 

Even if I forgot, Rui would remember, so it would be fine.

Since the teacher allowed us to use our phones, I looked up the Sanjo Prince Hotel and found out it was quite a nice place.

“It seems like we have some extra time. You’re free to chat in your groups.”

As Kiyomi-sensei announced, the class immediately came to life. Each group seemed to be enjoying their free time.

As for our group…

“…”

“”……””

It was quiet.

Sitting to my left was Rui, and to my right was Kanoya-san.

In front of me were the remaining two girls of the group.

Well, our group ought to talk about something. 

But even if I started the conversation, I’d likely be ignored.

And waiting for someone else to speak would probably result in continued silence. 

Hmm, what to do…

“To have a fun time on the day of the field trip, let’s first get to know each other better. Any questions you’d like to ask?”

Rui broke the silence with a refreshing smile.

How grateful I was for someone taking the lead! 

But when it came to asking questions…

“Rui-kun, you have such a great physique. Is there anything in particular you do to maintain it?”

“What do you usually do on your days off, Rui-kun?”

Everyone wanted to ask Rui questions. 

Rui was good-looking and popular, after all.

“That’s right…”

Rui calmly answered each question thrown at her. 

She seemed quite used to this. 

What a charmer through and through. 

While I was left out of the conversation…

“So, does anyone have any questions for Ikuto next?”

“Huh? Me?”

Suddenly, Rui turned the attention to me, and I let out a strange noise.

“Rui…?”

“Don’t you also want to get along with everyone, Ikuto? For the sake of enjoying the field trip.”

“Uh, yeah… of course…”

I had been thinking that I wanted to get along with the members of my group for the upcoming field trip, to have a fun and noisy time with everyone.

It was rare for Rui to facilitate interactions with the other girls like this.

Normally, given that she’s a male bodyguard, she shouldn’t be doing things like this.

But even though Rui had set the stage, the idea that I would be spoken to was—

“Ah, my stomach hurts a bit. I think I’ll go to the restroom.”

“Eh, what?”

Suddenly, Rui stood up, speaking in a somewhat monotone voice.

“Kanoya-san, please take over for about three minutes.”

“Yes.”

After saying something to Kanoya-san, Rui briskly walked over to the teacher standing at the podium.

Apparently receiving permission, she left the classroom.

“…”

I stared blankly at Rui’s retreating figure, then slowly turned my gaze back to the room.

As expected, Rui wasn’t next to me.

Now it was just me, Kanoya-san, and the two girls—none of whom I usually spoke to.

“…”

Uh, what should I do⁉️