Mob Heroine - Chapter 32

Chapter 32 - The Protagonist Started Freaking Out Over the Rise of a Side Character

Ah, so this was how it turned out after all. I had a feeling it would happen. Somehow, I knew I’d be facing him soon enough.

“Oi, got a minute?”

It happened right after we finished eating her bento. Lunch break was about to end in five minutes. Mogami-san and I were in different classes, so we'd split up, and I was heading back to my own classroom. That was when someone called out to me.

And of course, it was none other than Sanada Saiga.

"...Hm? What's up?"

For a second, I wasn't sure how to respond. Should I be arrogant? Or humble? I could change my attitude depending on how I wanted to define my "relationship" with Sanada.

But in the end, I chose neither. I decided that Sanada was neither an ally nor an enemy.

I still didn’t know what direction this story was heading. In a situation this unclear, I couldn't risk earning his hostility, but I'd also be in a bind if he got too friendly. That's why... a neutral, middle-ground approach was probably best.

“What’s your name?”

"It's Sato. Nice to meet you, Sanada."

“So, you already know my name, huh?”

“Well, you’re pretty famous. Kind of hard not to.”

There's no way a guy who's always surrounded by that many beautiful girls wouldn't be famous. Any guy in this school, not just me, would know your name. You shouldn't underestimate the jealousy of high school boys... though, I'm only interested in Mogami-san, so I'm a little different from the rest of them.

"So, did you need something from me?"

Lunch break was almost over. If possible, I'd really like to be on my way. But... he clearly had something he wanted to ask.

"...Are you going out with Mogami?"

Wow. Straight to the point. Sure, time was short, but this was the kind of topic you're supposed to be a little more delicate about. If he’d asked something like that to a female coworker in an office, it would’ve been labeled harassment on the spot. Still, I was a (former) tough-as-nails sales warrior who's weathered every kind of harassment imaginable. It'll take more than this to rattle me.

“No, I'm not.”

“Then what’s your relationship?”

“…Honestly, I’d like to know that myself.”

"Huh? Are you messing with me?"

Hey now, ease up a little. Your hostility is leaking out, and it's not giving a good impression. In the business world, showing your true feelings like that just puts you at a disadvantage. Even if you hate the person, you act like you like them. That's the secret to smooth human relations.

“If I had to put it into words… we’re like master and disciple. Or maybe a fan and an idol. Or perhaps an audience and performer.”

“…I don’t get it.”

Neither do I. Cut me some slack for being vague.

"In any case, you have a close relationship with Mogami, right?"

“Well, I can’t really deny that.”

“…I see. Got it.”

Got it? Got what, exactly? More importantly, Sanada... you didn't give a crap about Mogami-san before summer vacation, did you? The moment her looks changed, your attitude did a complete 180.

“Before summer break, she gave off a really plain impression… I had no idea she was that cute.”

"Is that so."

"Yeah. That's why... I'm kind of interested in her."

“…And what exactly does that have to do with me?”

What kind of declaration was that supposed to be? It's good that he's interested, so he should just go make a move on her, what's he trying to accomplish by telling me?

“When I say I’m interested, I don’t mean romantically or anything. Just… you know, as a person.”

“Right. Sure.”

I don't care about his excuses. Anyway, I'm seriously going to be late for class. Time to end this conversation.

"Look, I've got class. You should probably head back to your classroom, too, Sanada."

"Yeah, I know. See you around."

So he was planning to meet again, huh. Personally, I didn’t see any need for that.

Still… this made one thing very clear.

(If Sanada’s seeing me as a rival… that means he’s freaking out, isn’t he?)

It felt like the main character had just sensed the arrival of a new rival. That was exactly the kind of attitude he gave off. That whole conversation just now... I felt like he was trying to sound me out. Was he just checking me out? Sizing me up? Just a little test? Well, I guess those all mean the same thing. Honestly, wasting time worrying about a side character like me seemed ridiculous.

(...Wait. Am I even still a side character? I’m not just a bystander anymore, am I?)

Even I was starting to lose confidence in my own understanding of my role. That, just now, was probably a declaration of war. The protagonist acknowledged my existence and pulled me up onto the main stage.

Well, this is a problem. What kind of role am I supposed to play from here on out? This story's future... is something only the author of this manga knows—.