Chapter 33 - From a Humble Onlooker to an Unattainable Beauty
It wasn’t something I wished for, but unfortunately, a connection had formed between me and Sanada. That aside, I decided to put that rivalry on the back burner for now. I mean, just thinking about what kind of involvement I might have in future developments already gave me a headache, so I just stopped thinking altogether. After all, a quarrel between two guys didn’t matter much in a romantic comedy.
Why did people love rom-coms in the first place? Obviously, the only answer is because they wanted to see cute heroines. Which, from my point of view, meant that the only thing really worth talking about was Mogami-san.
“Hey, there’s an amazing girl in Class A!”
“Yeah, I saw her too. She’s incredible… Is she a transfer student?”
“Nah, apparently she had a total glow-up over summer break. Someone in her class said so.”
And now, even my own classroom, Class D, was buzzing with rumors about her. It was after school. There were fewer students heading straight home than usual today, and I could hear conversations about Mogami-san coming from everywhere. The guys, especially, seemed really interested, their voices were so loud I didn't even have to strain to hear them.
Maybe it was because it was the first day back after summer break and they hadn't seen their friends in a while. Everyone was excitedly chatting up a storm.
"That girl... she's stacked, man."
“Yeah, seriously. She’s big.”
"Her chest, dude."
"Hah... You guys are such kids. Listen up. It's all about the ass, not the chest."
Well, that was exactly the kind of talk you’d expect from high school boys. For them, deep in the throes of puberty, it was a critical topic. They didn’t even care that all the girls around them looked completely grossed out.
Because to them, this was youth. In a way, watching them get all starry-eyed over a stacked girl from another class was, in a way, almost heartwarming. You bunch of little perverts. Go on, "grow up healthy," just like that.
(...I’ve completely taken on the mindset of an old man, haven’t I?)
Their youthful excitement dazzled me. When I saw that fresh, awkward innocence, I couldn’t help but feel forgiving toward it all.
Before I was reincarnated, I was 28. Sure, I was still technically "in my prime," but I was also an unhealthy guy in his late 20s, enough to have a few warning flags pop up on my health checkups. Still, it was all the alcohol's fault for tasting so good. I'm not the one to blame.
Well, that aside.
(...As expected, Mogami-san became the center of attention.)
I had predicted as much, so it wasn’t surprising. But having my assumption confirmed filled me with a deep sense of relief. Thank god. Everyone has a good impression of her. She's done a complete 180 from being the 'mob heroine.' She's completely transformed into a popular girl.
We live in entirely different worlds now. She's become an unattainable flower, so far beyond a side character like me, who's just sitting in the corner smirking as I listen to the rumors.
That's why, Mogami-san. I really think you need to make the choice that's more fitting for the person you've become.
“S-Sato-kun! I’m so glad you’re still here…!”
It happened just as I was about to head home. The moment I stood up from my seat, Mogami-san suddenly peeked into Class D’s room.
And in that instant, the entire classroom fell silent.
“…Talk about bad timing.”
“Eh? D-did I do something weird…?”
Amazing. To think I’d be able to witness one of those classic, cliché ‘Did I mess something up?’ moments straight out of a manga. I was oddly touched. Also, in response to her question, I nodded firmly.
“What’s the deal with that guy and Mogami-san!?”
“What was his name again? It was Sagawa, right?”
“That’s a delivery service, idiot. His name is definitely Sakamoto.”
“Man, all I remember is that it starts with an 'Sa'."
It didn't really bother me that my classmates couldn't remember my name. I may have acted all high-and-mighty with Mogami-san, but the truth is, my status wasn't all that different from hers before summer break. I’m fully aware of my own position, so I wasn’t delusional enough to be hurt by that kind of thing.
Still, I did think they could’ve spoken a bit more quietly. Because Mogami-san… was starting to look a little angry.
“...‘Sato’-kun!”
It was a loud voice, at least for her. It was almost as if she was making sure everyone knew my name. And that clear, resonant voice did, indeed, reach every corner of the classroom.
Everyone’s eyes were on her. It was the same situation as when she'd first arrived at school this morning, and that’s considering the fact that she hates being the center of attention. Still, this time, it seemed her mind didn’t freeze up or go blank.
"Let's go home together?"
She said it in a loud voice. And, almost as if she was showing off, she grabbed my hand and started walking.
(...Welp, guess I'm going to be in the center of the rumors now too.)
Maybe people would think I was her boyfriend. Not that I cared what other people thought of me, so the rumors themselves were whatever.
The only thing that worried me was that this might somehow affect Mogami-san—.
Translator's Note
There's a parcel delivery company in Japan called佐川急便 (Sagawa Express). Hence the joke about the name Sagawa which they mistook as Sato's name being a delivery company.
Mogami you must fix this man
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