The Handsome Girl Who Stole My Girlfriend Seems to Be After Me Now - Chapter 24: Me, a "Hero"?

Chapter 24: Me, a “Hero”?

“A suit actor for a hero show?”

I couldn’t help but let out an incredulous shout at the “small part-time job” the club president mentioned.

“Yes. Do you remember the location where we filmed the movie for last year’s cultural festival, Sakuhara-kun?”

“Last year’s… That was in the shopping district of the neighboring town, right? We went there a few times.”

“Exactly. Since then, I’ve been on good terms with the chairperson of the town’s association. They’ve been very helpful with our PV shootings afterward.”

Come to think of it, it does seem like the shopping street has appeared in many of the PVs made by the cinema club recently. I didn’t realize we had such connections from the festival.

“Actually, I visited yesterday for a PV shoot, and during that visit, the chairperson consulted me on something.”

According to the president, the shopping street regularly hosts hero shows for kids. Unfortunately, one of the actors had a serious accident resulting in a broken bone that would take months to heal.

So, they urgently needed a substitute, and they asked if there was anyone suitable from our cinema club. Of course, they were willing to pay a decent amount for the job.

“Well, setting aside the payment, we owe a lot to the chairperson. I’d like to help if possible, but most of our members are ‘ghost members’ who never show up. And among the regular members, one is uncooperative, one has family issues, and one is not good at physical activities, so it’s tough to find a suitable candidate.”

The president stopped speaking and then suddenly widened her eyes as if she had an epiphany.

“But wait! We have another strong ally! Yes, you, Sakuhara!”

“Um… So, you want me to be the substitute?”

“Exactly! If you take it on, it’ll be a way to repay the chairperson, and we can secure the budget for our next project. It’s killing two birds with one stone! How about it? Want to give it a try?”

The president looked at me with hopeful, sparkling eyes.

But, being suddenly asked like that… Even if my face is hidden by a suit or mask, performing in front of people, let alone in a hero show, is just too embarrassing. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person.

“I think it might be a bit too much for me…”

“Don’t worry! It’s a laid-back kind of hero show, like the local heroes do! A little practice, and you’ll be totally fine!”

Seeing my hesitant expression, the president begged desperately, as if she had no other choice.

“Um, well…”

“Please, Sakuhara-kun! No, I beg you, Sakuhara-sama! Think of it as helping me out! Please!”

“Hey, why are you kneeling!? It makes it look like I’m bullying you, stop it!”

“Mako-chan, your kneeling posture is as impeccable as ever.”

I really wish I could be spared this. Sure, the cinema club’s financial troubles aren’t entirely unrelated to me, but spending my precious day off on something this bothersome…

(No wait?)

Thinking about it, I got an idea.

Normally, I’d never agree to work on my day off. But, if I use the “part-time job” as an excuse, couldn’t I avoid going on a date with Mizushima?

Even if I turned down the job, Mizushima would probably just ask me out again, and my day off would be ruined anyway.

If it’s going to end up like that, I might as well choose the less troublesome option. Better to work than to be dragged around by her all day.

Alright, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll choose the smiles of the kids over hers!

“Alright, I’ll take the job if you think I’m suitable.”

“Really!?”

The president, who had been rubbing her forehead on the ground, looked up with a cry of joy.

“Yes. I haven’t contributed much to the club activities usually, so I guess I can help out this time.”

“Sakuhara-kun! You are… You are such a good guy! Having a junior who cares about the club this much makes me feel so lucky! I’m so moved!”

The president, completely oblivious to my ulterior motives and with a tear-streaked face, tried to hug me. But, it was a bit too much for me, so I instinctively dodged. Sorry, president.

“Looks like everything’s settled, so I’ll be heading home now. Please let me know the details of the job later through chat. Thanks for your hard work.”

“Alright, good work. Just do your best on the day.”

“Thanks for taking it on. Really appreciate it.”

“Sniff… Good work, Sakuhara-kun.”

With these varied farewells, I left the clubroom.

I walked from the third floor of the special building down to the first, passing by the noisy schoolyard where the sports clubs were already busy, heading towards the main gate.

Well, it might be a hassle, but now I can use this job as a legitimate excuse to turn down Mizushima’s invitation for Saturday. With a valid reason like work, even she can’t accuse me of running away.

The only thing left is to make sure Mizushima doesn’t find out where I’ll be working, no matter what.

Lost in these thoughts as I was about to pass the main gate,

“Ah, Souta’s here. Good work~”

“Whoa!”

I was caught off guard and involuntarily jolted in surprise at the sudden call.