The Issue of Why I'm Frequently Mentioned in Conversations Among S-Class Beauties ~Please Stop Fabricating Things I Have No Memory Of~ (Dropped) - Chapter 12: Encounter with a New Class S Beauty (Yuna Part)

Yuna Part

Chapter 12: Encounter with a New S Class Beauty

(…Today is the release date of the latest volume of my favorite shoujo manga. My heart won’t stop racing.)

It was Sunday, the weekend. 

For Haruya, who had a few hobbies, in which collecting shoujo manga was one of them, this day was filled with nothing but pure excitement for him. 

His mouth curled into a smile, and he put even more effort into his appearance, using his favorite “first string” wax, earrings, and accessories.

As he looked in the mirror, satisfied with his appearance, Haruya left his apartment alone.

(It’s hot today…)

As soon as he stepped outside, Haruya keenly felt the intensity of the sunlight. 

The good weather, coupled with it being a Sunday, meant there were more people on the streets than usual.

However, Haruya, who didn’t want to get involved in any trouble, didn’t want to use the “back route” again.

He stopped his feet that were about to head towards the back route, and immediately changed direction.

(…The crowd is intense, but I have no choice but to push through.)

Looking at the department store faintly visible in the distance, Haruya trudged towards his destination with heavy steps.

♦︎♢♦︎

“Finally… made it”

Haruya muttered as he arrived at his destination, the department store, after walking for about thirty minutes. 

As expected, the store was still crowded despite him taking so long. With a sigh, Haruya reluctantly stepped into the store, following the crowd.

Although Haruya was already familiar with the layout of the department store, he still couldn’t quite get used to the overwhelming crowd inside.

As he noticed the tension in his face, he made his way towards a small bookstore located inside.

*

Overwhelmed by the crowd, Haruya’s face relaxed when he arrived at the bookstore. 

The distinct smell of books tickled his nostrils, just like in the library. The calm atmosphere and scent of the bookstore were some of Haruya’s favorites. 

He quietly made his way to the corner of the store where the shoujo manga was displayed, light on his feet.

Despite wearing fashionable clothes to avoid being recognized as Haruya Akasaki, he couldn’t help but feel conscious of the people around him due to his hidden hobby. 

He glanced around and then approached the shelf where the shoujo manga was displayed. Fortunately, there was no one in that area at the moment, which made him feel relieved.

He let out a sigh of relief and slowly checked the latest volume of the manga he was looking for, noticing that there was only one copy left of it. 

He fixed his gaze on it and reached out for the manga slowly.

(Phew… that was close. This small bookstore probably has limited stock, and this manga I’m looking for is quite obscure.)

Haruya felt relieved that he had come just in time before the manga was sold out. But as he reached out to pick it up, he noticed someone else’s hand also reaching for it.

““Ah—””

The person seemed equally surprised, and their voices overlapped with Haruya’s as they both wore expressions of astonishment.

(Oh no, seriously? Why at this timing…)

It appeared that the person had also been trying to buy the same shoujo manga as he was. 

She averted her gaze, looking awkward. Without hesitation, Haruya stepped in to defuse the situation.

“Um, if you’d like, you can have it…”

“N-no, I’m fine…”

The girl stuttered, fidgeting with her black hair, which had a pointed feel to it. Haruya felt like he had seen her somewhere before, but he couldn’t quite put a finger around it.

However, he couldn’t deny that the girl had a well-put-together appearance. In fact, from anyone’s perspective, this girl facing him was a beauty.

Her glossy black hair reached down to her waist, and her sharp eyes had a faint bluish tint that seemed to glow. She exuded more of a “cool” vibe than a “cute” one, a typical “downer” type of girl to be exact. It was surprising to see her as a fan of shoujo manga, which created a gap considering her appearance. (E/N: Moe gap?)

Overwhelmed by this, Haruya couldn’t help but feel disappointed inwardly.

(…I was looking forward to the new release, but oh well.)

♦︎♢♦︎

As for the inner turmoil of Haruya, the girl facing him had no way of knowing, but she herself was also feeling anxious.

(This can’t be happening… Why now, of all times? I haven’t even told Sara or Rin that I like shoujo manga…)

—That’s right.

“You always say that. Maybe you’re the one who fantasizes about it the most, Yuna-rin?”

“There’s no way.”

While she had vehemently denied Rin’s accusation the other day, the truth was… Yuna Takamori, one of the S-class beauties, was also one of those dreamy girls.

(…Oh no, what should I do?)