Someone Who Believes They Can Live Normally in a World Where Chastity Is Reversed (Did You Think You Could Live Normally in a World With a Male-To-Female Ratio of 1:5?) - Chapter 11: Literature Loving JK Dreams

Shiori’s POV

She’s plain. A bit dull.

That was the impression I got from those around me, for the most part.

It wasn’t like I was particularly bothered or disliked it. If anything, I had even thought it might be fine.

I entered my second year of high school.

Before entering high school, I might have thought, “Maybe I’ll get a boyfriend or something…?” But that illusion was easily shattered.

Our high school was co-ed, and there were some guys around.

They were divided into about three groups of six each in the whole class.

And generally, you could have a good chat with each group.

Those opportunities usually only came to the girls in the top caste.

Or rather, it felt like those top caste girls monopolized the guys. That’s how it went. That was the reality of co-ed schools.

I, a plain girl like me, didn’t get any scraps.

(Well… honestly, I don’t really need that anyway.)

Looking around me, I thought.

The boys in the class, if they were a little cool, they acted high-handed or superior, and conversely, the others lacked cleanliness or were excessively overweight, and they were all unattractive as the opposite sex.

But still, they grinned because some girls came around.

(I guess I don’t really need to be around them.)

It wasn’t bravado or anything. I just naturally felt that way.

Besides…

(Because I have this…)

Quietly, I took out a single volume book from my desk. It was covered with a book cover, so no one could tell what book it was. This was what you’d call a book for women.

I had always loved fantasy. The characters in the stories all had pure, clear hearts. The heroes were all cool… and there was a reason why the heroines liked them. The characters in the story were truly beautiful.

*Sigh*, as I thought about the characters in the story, I looked at the group chatting in the classroom again.

(Well… reality is just crap, isn’t it…)

As long as I had this, it was enough. Amidst the lively classroom, I was lost in the story by myself, sitting quietly at the edge of the classroom.

“I’m home~”

Being like a ghost member in the club activities, I usually came straight home after school.

“Oh, welcome back, Shiori.”

After just saying “I’m home” to my mom, I headed to my room.

Today, besides reading a book, I also wanted to play games~. The so-called visual novels. As long as I was surrounded by cool characters, I was happy.

“Wait a moment, Shiori.”

“What is it?”

My mom stopped me. I wanted to play games soon, though…

“Have you… made any friends or got a boyfriend?”

“What? Why all of a sudden? No, I haven’t.”

“During your student years, it’s important to experience romance, or at the very least, interact with boys.”

Here we go again. Because there were fewer boys now… I’ve heard this so many times. Honestly…

“Alright, alright. I’ll handle it.”

“Goodness… Oh, that’s right. You mentioned wanting to go to that public university, didn’t you?”

“Huh? Yeah, but…?”

University entrance exams. I’m only in my second year, so I haven’t really decided, but there’s a university I’m aiming for. That university has good facilities… a big library, too.

And with its high academic reputation as a public university, it’s not impossible if I work hard.

“One of my acquaintances is attending that university, so I thought of inviting them over as a tutor!”

“Uh… I don’t need that…”

A tutor? No thanks.

I can study on my own… It’s sad to admit it, but since I don’t have friends or club activities to attend, I have plenty of time.

And I’m not really keen on socializing with people…

“Come on, just try it! I’ll call them over on Saturday, so make sure you’re home!”

“Ugh… I really don’t want to… I’ll just politely decline, okay?”

“Well, if you don’t like them, you can turn them down.”

“Why are you grinning like that? It’s creepy…”

Well, if I can turn them down…

Without much thought, I retreated to my room.

Saturday arrived. I was reading a book in my room as usual.

It’s a romance novel with some racy scenes. Ugh! These heroes are irresistible…! They’re cool, smart, strong, and incredibly kind. Divine. Well, it’s fiction, so it’s only natural.

If only there were guys like this… The only guys I encountered in real life were the boys in my class or the celebrities on TV who act all cutesy.

I already know enough about reality.

“Shiori! I’ve brought the tutor! Come on out!”

“…Fine.”

Honestly… I feel sorry for the tutor, but I’ll ask them to leave soon. I quickly shoved the paperback book I was reading into the bookshelf.

I still have my school uniform on since I had classes this morning. Oh well, it’s fine. I’ve been neglecting my games and changing clothes a bit, but I hope they’ll overlook that. It’s not like I’m in a terrible state that I can’t show to others.

The door creaked open. I sighed and looked towards the door…

And then, I widened my eyes in surprise.

“Um, hello, Shiori-san.”

My thoughts froze. There’s a handsome guy standing there.

“Huh?”

I accidentally dropped my smartphone.

Huh? Why is there a guy here?

Huh?

“This is Masato Katasato-kun, the tutor I hired. He’s so handsome, right? Come on, say hello, Shiori.”

…

It took me a few seconds for my brain to comprehend.

And then, I understood what I needed to do.

“Wait a sec.”

“Huh?”

“Just a moment, please!!!”

I forcefully pushed my mom back and then ushered the tutor out of the room.

Wait, wait, wait, wait!!!

I didn’t ask for this, didn’t ask, didn’t ask, didn’t ask!!!

Wait, the tutor is a guy?!

“What are you doing, Shiori~?”

“Mom…! I won’t forgive you for this later…!!!!!”

I can tell she’s smirking. That wicked woman did it on purpose…! I’ll tell Dad that you are always hanging out at the boys’ bar…!

First, I covered the bookshelf with a white bath towel. There were way too many embarrassing books that shouldn’t be seen!!!

I hid the games.

Changed clothes and laundry too. I tidied up at an incredible speed, then finally stood in front of the mirror. I realized I was out of breath, and my heart was pounding loudly.

More than anything, the guy from earlier…

(Isn’t he too cool???)

I remember his gentle smile. He must be around 175 cm tall. His loose perm black hair looked really nice.

Like…

(Just like a hero from a story…!)

My face feels hot. This is not what I signed up for. I quickly composed myself, took a deep breath.

“Sorry for the wait…”

After a while, I opened the door. And there he was, a guy again. I was startled.

“Uh, sorry about that? Looks like the communication didn’t go well…”

“No, no, no, no! It’s my mom’s fault…”

I let him into the room.

What should I do, what should I do? There’s a handsome guy in my room.

“U-um, please.”

I offered him the chair that’s usually paired with my study desk. I sat on the bed.

“Sorry about this, and thank you.”

“No, it’s…”

Stay calm, me. He’s definitely handsome, but don’t be deceived by appearances alone. He’s the person my mom brought. He could be pushy or conniving.

I won’t be fooled. I’m a woman who knows the difference between reality and fiction.

“I’m still trying to understand the situation… But let’s have a conversation today, and afterward, we can decide if I’m suitable to be your tutor. Does that sound like a plan?…”

“Um, I guess so,” I said, thinking that my voice sounded as faint as a mosquito’s buzz. There’s no way I could use my usual voice.

“Honestly, it was quite sudden, so feel free to decline. Besides, it might be difficult for you to tell me directly, so it’s okay to quietly tell your mom after I leave. That way, it’ll be easier for you, right?”

…

Wait, what?

He’s being too kind?

If this were one of those popular guys from class, saying something like “Be grateful” wouldn’t be weird at all, right?

No, not yet, Shiori. Don’t be fooled. He might just be acting nice today to get the job.

But wait, didn’t he say it was okay to decline earlier…? No, I’m not sure.

“Why do you want to go to my university, Shiori-san?”

“Uh, well, the facilities are nice, and the library is big…”

“Wow, Shiori-san, you really love books!”

Stop it! Don’t give me that sparkly smile!

What? This guy’s like a level 100 hottie, right?!

Just a simple gesture, yet it makes my heart race.

“Well, just a bit…”

“Wow, I see. Our library is indeed large… What kind of books do you read?”

…

Uh-oh. What should I do?

I didn’t think this through at all. If I were to mention fantasy or romance here, I’d be 180% rejected.

A safe… a safe response would be…

“Classical literature, I guess.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. I struggle with complex texts… I’ve read some famous ones, but I haven’t really delved into pure literature!”

Sorry, that’s a lie. I hardly read at all.

This is not good, not good at all. If I continue like this, my flaws won’t be exposed! There must be something, somewhere, a flaw that’s bound to show…

Right! If a plain girl like me treats him rudely, surely my true colors will become apparent…

I got it! As regrettable as it is, this is for my future! It’s for my future…

With resolve, I decided to say something unpleasant on purpose.

“…You’re free to decline being my tutor, Katasato-san.”

“…? Why would I?”

“It must be unpleasant to teach such a plain girl like me, right? You probably wanted someone cuter. You must have plenty of options, Katasato-san.”

Wow, I’m such an awful person.

But! This is also for my future!

With guilt weighing heavy on my heart, I observed his reaction.

Then…

Katasato-san kept his smile and shook his head.

“Nah, that doesn’t matter. It’s irrelevant. You’re working hard to get into my university, right? There’s no hierarchy here. If you’ve decided to work with me, I’ll support you wholeheartedly. Besides–”

“Shiori-san, you’re really wonderful. When I first met you earlier, I thought you were beautiful.”

…Um, okay.

It seems like my favorite hero from the stories has transcended dimensions to meet me in person.

In short, I really like him.