I Reincarnated as the Villain in a Rom-Com but I’m Enjoying Youth with My Favorite Heroine

33. After-School Study Session

The sounds of scratching pens on paper and pages turning echoed in the quiet classroom.

Occasionally, breaths could be heard. That was because only the four of us were in this classroom. Everyone was focused on studying, and no one was speaking. We were simply running our pens and solving problems.

I was able to concentrate much better than when I was at home.

Perhaps this empty classroom has a special effect that helps people focus on their studies. As I pondered this, Nishikawa broke the silence.

“Damn it! I don’t get it…! Why is this so difficult!!”

“Kyoya, are you okay? Can you tell me what you don’t understand?”

“Uh, well… I don’t even know what I don’t understand. I don’t understand everything in the test range.”

“Kyoya… um, then how about this part?”

“Hmm? Oh, this multiple-choice question, right? Here!”

Nishikawa lightly tossed a dice-shaped eraser from his pencil case, letting it roll.

And while looking at the face that came up, he answered cheerfully.

“Alright, it’s C!”

“Ha… Kyoya, it’s true that C is correct. But I want to know your understanding of that problem, not just your luck.”

“Because if I don’t get it, there’s nothing I can do. I’m not good at studying.”

When Nishikawa tossed his mechanical pencil aside and collapsed onto the desk, Reo let out a big sigh.

“Kyoya… you really haven’t changed at all. You’re exactly the same as during high school entrance exam studies.”

Reo placed his hand on his forehead and shook his head side to side with a weary expression.

Seeing Reo like that, I suddenly spoke up with a thought.

“Since you mention the entrance exam studies, does that mean you and Nishikawa have been together since middle school?”

“That’s right. We were in the same middle school and on the basketball team. When I expressed my desire to enter Kizakura Academy High School, Kyoya said he wanted to play basketball at the same school.”

“I see. So that’s why you’ve been teaching Nishikawa for a long time to get him into this high school.”

“Well, yeah. It was really tough, because as you can see, Kyoya struggles with studying. I was almost always by his side during our third year of middle school, haha.”

“What!? Reo, that was supposed to be a secret!”

“Well, Ryusuke and Mashiro-san would probably understand if they saw how we were.”

“Y-Yeah, that’s true… but I have the goddess of luck on my side…”

“Luck might be part of skill, but studying only makes sense when you actually learn it. Let’s not give up and do our best; I’ll stick with you until the end.”

“Ugh… I’m glad to have Reo, who’s ranked second in our grade…”

Nishikawa showed a deep sense of relief at Reo’s words.

Hearing his words, Mashiro looked up from her notebook.

“Wow, Reo-kun, you were second in the year for the last midterm exam?”

“Yeah. I’m aiming for both academics and sports, so I’m putting effort into my studies as well as my club activities.”

“Really? It’s amazing that you’re a regular on the basketball team since first year and still ranked second in the year.”

Listening to the conversation between Mashiro and Reo, I couldn’t help but agree that it was true to the original setting.

Reo has various talents as the protagonist’s best friend character. With his good looks, academic and athletic prowess, and a nice personality, he is the perfect superhuman. In the original work, he showcased his talents brilliantly as a friend who brightens the protagonist’s surroundings.

I should also gather information about the other top students in the year. It would be troublesome if there were any discrepancies from the original work.

“Hey, Reo. About being second in the year, is there anyone in this school who scored better than you on the tests?”

“Yeah. I ended up scoring ten points lower across all subjects.”

“By the way, who is it? During the midterm exam, I only checked to make sure I wasn’t failing and didn’t look at anyone else.”

“They’re in the same class as us. Yuna Hanazaki, who sits next to Raito, is the top of the year.”

“I thought so. So that girl is the smartest in the year.”

It’s also true to the original setting that Yuna Hanazaki is at the top of the year. I remember well that she always took first place in the regular tests and was praised by Raito Fusegawa.

With her stunning beauty and enviable intellect, she truly embodies what a heroine should be. By being loved by such a heroine, the protagonist, Raito Fusegawa, can share a sense of superiority with the readers and viewers who project themselves onto him.

“By the way, does Hanazaki-san have excellent athletic abilities as well?”

“Hanazaki-san seems to be a bit laid-back, so she doesn’t appear to be good at sports. From what I’ve seen in gym class, she’s just an average athlete. The one who’s good at sports is Raito’s childhood friend, Karen Himeno. Apparently, she was the ace of the track team in middle school and even won a prefectural competition.”

“Wow, that’s impressive…”

“But Himeno-san hasn’t joined the track team in high school. I think it’s a waste, but she wants to cherish her time with Raito.”

“So she’s totally head over heels for Fusegawa.”

“Yeah, I think so. Raito is so oblivious that he probably doesn’t notice, but it’s clear that all the girls around him are genuinely in love with him.”

So Reo is aware of Raito Fusegawa’s harem situation.

Still, the content Reo is sharing is exactly in line with the original setting. I felt relieved that there were no discrepancies from what I knew.

As in the original, Yuna Hanazaki excels in academics, while Karen Himeno shines in sports, each possessing different talents that color the protagonist’s surroundings.

The other heroine, Miyuki Sakuramiya, supports aspects that the other two cannot cover, such as economics. When it comes to events like overseas trips or theme parks, she uses her family’s connections to treat Raito Fusegawa, the protagonist.

Thanks to Reo, I was able to confirm that my knowledge of the original work was correct. As I was inwardly relieved, Nishikawa, who had been groaning while looking at his textbook until just now, looked up.

“Karen-chan is amazing. I’ve seen her run, and she’s as fast and graceful as the wind.”

Nishikawa said with a distant look in his eyes.

Seeing that expression made me want to tease him a little.

“Is Nishikawa into sporty girls? Maybe you’re in love? I mean, Haneno-san is certainly cute.”

“Wh-I’m not in love or anything! It’s just, how should I put it, I can really get behind it…! It’s like with Vtubers or idols, you know!”

“Vtubers and idols, huh? I thought the same thing when I was playing Eirex with you, Nishikawa, but you’ve got some pretty nerdy sides to you.”

“Ryusuke, you’re the same, right? You were passionately talking about your favorite anime and manga. I was surprised, thinking you were a delinquent, but it turns out you’re actually a nerd.”

“I won’t deny it. I like what I like, and there’s no need to hide it. You feel the same way, right, Nishikawa?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m really happy to have a friend I can talk about this stuff with. Let’s keep it up from now on!”

Nishikawa said that and flashed a smile at me. Reo, watching this scene, looked wide-eyed in surprise.

“Kyoya, when did you get so close with Ryusuke? I thought you would understand his good points quickly.”

“Oh, it was when Ryusuke invited me to hang out in Eirex on Sunday. We formed a party and talked about all sorts of things while playing games, and I got to know him well. Our hobbies matched, it was fun talking to him, plus he’s all about team play, and he’s good enough to take down the enemy team by himself. As expected of a Predator.”

“I see. So, you bonded over each other’s interests. I’m happy to hear that.”

“Yeah. I understand now why Reo was praising him so much. He really is serious, honest, and a good guy.”

Reo and Nishikawa were having that conversation while laughing together.

I’m also happy that I got close with Nishikawa, not just Reo. I feel fortunate to be able to study in the same space as friends like them.

“Ryusuke really is a good guy. And when I came to school today, I was shocked to see he cut and dyed his hair—it was a complete transformation.”

“Oh, I was surprised too. The current Ryusuke is not just a good person on the inside but looks like a good young man on the outside too.”

The two of them were smiling at me. Being pointed out by friends about my changed appearance is a bit ticklish.

“Stop it, it’s embarrassing. But well, a lot has happened.”

“I’m curious about what happened. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear about it, Ryusuke.”

“Yeah. I’ll talk about it someday if the chance comes up. Anyway, I wanted to change for my own sake, and—”

I directed my gaze towards Mashiro, who was staring at her textbook.

Just as Mashiro changed for me, I want to change for her. I want to become a man who can protect her smile and support her by her side.

And perhaps noticing my gaze, Mashiro looked up and met my eyes.

Her clear blue eyes entered my view. As I was captivated by the beauty of her gaze, which seemed like it could pull me in, she suddenly smiled gently at me.

“Ryusuke, is something wrong?”

“Um…”

As I stumbled over how to respond, Nishikawa’s voice came from the side.

“Isn’t it that you don’t understand something in your studies and are asking for help, Ryusuke?”

“I see! Then let’s have Teacher Mashiro teach Ryusuke-kun some studying!”

“Mashiro, you said you’re not good at math. In fact, I’ve noticed you’ve been glancing over here like you want help for a while now.”

“Ahaha, did you catch me? Then, Ryusuke-sensei, please explain this part to me!”

“Well, I guess I have no choice. It’s a special case, you know?”

“Yes, thank you, Sensei!”

Seeing Mashiro cheerfully excited made me smile involuntarily. Reo and Nishikawa were also watching us with warm smiles.

“Well then, Kyouya, since we’ve chatted a bit too much, let’s focus on studying now.”

“Alright. So, let’s get started with a thorough explanation of all subjects and all topics, please! Reo-sensei!!”

“Y-yes… I’ll do my best…”

Nishikawa’s eyes sparkled, while Reo resumed studying with a wry smile.

The sounds of writing on paper, flipping through textbooks, and our cheerful voices echoed throughout the classroom.