Mob Heroine - Chapter 50

Chapter 50 - Nothing's More Pathetic Than Old Dudes Scolding People Who Work at Brothels or Hostess Clubs

Saturday. It was the day of our date event.

(Well, I guess it's not an "event," just a normal date.)

If someone were reading this manga, they’d probably just think, ‘Oh, it’s finally the date event,’ but for me, living in this world, it was something that was happening in reality. In a manga, the scene would just fade to black and cut to this, but I had to live through all the normal, everyday stuff just to get to this day.

(This is a lot of pressure... Can I really pull this off?)

In the morning, after I finished getting ready, I was checking my appearance in the mirror. I had no idea what student fashion was supposed to look like, so I just grabbed whatever regular clothes were in my closet. A black collared shirt and some random jeans. I had no idea if it looked good. Besides, no matter how hard I stared at my face in the mirror, it wasn’t going to change, and it wasn’t like it was going to make me any more charming. So I just stopped worrying about it.

No matter what I did, it wouldn't change the fact that I was just a bland, forgettable nobody. I was sure Wannai-san would have something to say, but I decided to ignore whatever would come from her later.

Alright, it was time to head out. I left the house and was just about to start walking to where we decided to meet up... when I noticed a small creature hiding behind the utility pole.

A dog, maybe? No, that wasn’t it. It was Wan-chan.

“Morning. By the way, weren't you told to stop stalking me?”

“…This isn’t stalking. You noticed me, didn’t you? If I were actually serious about hiding, there’s no way you’d be able to spot me.”

She didn't even greet me. I already expected it since the concept of manners just didn’t seem to exist for her. I wasn't mad about it. But, what was with the grumpy look the second we met?

“...You know... that's the kind of outfit a guy who's trying way too hard to look mature would wear.”

“Is that so? I was sure I went for something normal, though.”

“Don't you have any clothes that look more like what a student would wear? Like, shirts that are unnecessarily oversized, cheap-looking necklaces, or sneakers in the color of some tropical fruit?”

“I don't even know what ‘clothes that look more like what a student would wear’ look like.”

I said that and started walking, and Wannai-san followed. I knew we were going to the same place, but I still wondered why she'd been lying in wait for me.

“So, what's your impression?”

“My impression? Of what?”

“Of my outfit, obviously! Saiga would have definitely complimented me by now! Why haven't you said anything?”

“Obviously, because I’m not Sanada.”

I didn't really know what she expected me to say. Besides, why would she even want a compliment from me? I'd just assumed she didn’t really care about me, so I deliberately hadn't said anything. But if she was going to ask for it... I guess I had no choice.

“You should tone down the skin exposure. No need to show your stomach, armpits, or thighs. Dress like the kid you look like.”

“I didn’t ask you to criticize me! I asked you to compliment me!!”

Her outfit really reeked of a cheeky little brat.

Her shorts were so short you could see the tops of her thighs, her sleeveless cropped top was short enough to show her navel, and the low-cut jacket she had thrown over it... no, just draped over her shoulders didn't even seem to be functioning as clothing. And despite all that exposed skin, she still wore thigh-high socks. You really can’t help but think why. Still, it was so obvious that she was trying to pander to a very specific niche.

“Ten points.”

“For what?”

“Your charm as a guy,' obviously! Saiga is just so innocent, he turns bright red whenever he sees me in this, you know? Nihaha, isn't that hilarious?”

I see. So, Wannai-san apparently liked this outfit because Sanada had such a comically innocent, 'virgin-like' reaction to it. Her precocious side was cute, I guess, but I'm mentally an adult man in his late 20s. I'm not interested in kids.

“You’re going to catch a cold. Zip up your jacket properly.”

"...Haah. Yeah, I really can't see how you're a better guy than Saiga. Take this!"

Wannai-san let out a deep sigh, then kicked me in the butt as if venting her frustration.

Adults don’t get angry when kids mess around with them. I just stood there unfazed, which made her let out another, bigger sigh.

"Hey, can't you even scold me? Saiga would, you know! He always says that 'I'm only telling you this for your own good' stuff! He’s so lovely, he makes me want to have at least three of his kids!"

“I don’t really like scolding people.”

I mean, everyone knows nothing’s more pathetic than those old dudes who try to scold people who work at brothels and hostess clubs. Let’s be real. There’s no such thing as scolding someone ‘for their own good.’ Most of the time, it’s just about making yourself feel better.

“Hmm. Yeah, I still don't get what Fuko sees in you at all.”

Wannai-san tilted her head as if confused. She'd probably been waiting for me this morning just to size me up. But, sorry, I wasn't going to live up to her expectations. Because I wasn't the protagonist.

I was just the 'side character'—.