NOVEL NEXT chapter 99
99. A Sweet Moment on the Rooftop
After cleaning up from the tasting event, homeroom began as usual.
After switching my mindset and attending class, lunchtime arrived in the blink of an eye.
Rushed by preparations for the morning’s tasting event, I hadn’t been able to prepare my lunch, so I bought some bread from the school shop and, unusually, came up to the rooftop.
This is a place where the protagonist and heroines often eat lunch, and in the original story, they always shared happy times closely together.
Of course, I had no intention of interrupting that time. So why did I come here? Because today, there was no one in this place.
The protagonist and heroines had gone to the student council room, apparently discussing matters related to the culture festival. Himeno was also there, and I was curious about what they were talking about.
Were they devising new strategies to uphold the original story’s developments? Or were they solidifying their position by winning over the student council led by Sakuramiya Miyuki?
In any case, what I had to do remained unchanged.
I would give my all to create the best memories with everyone in the class at the culture festival.
With that resolve in my heart, I leaned against the rooftop fence and gazed at the clear blue sky.
In my left hand, I held the bread I bought from the shop.
In my right hand, my smartphone.
And beside me was Mashiro, her blue eyes sparkling as she looked at me.
“Ryusuke, you seem to be in a really good mood?”
“You can tell? Well, I’m feeling absolutely great.”
“Ahaha. I knew it. The tasting event was a huge success, after all. Good job!”
“Thank you. Actually, it’s not just that. I want you to see this, Mashiro.”
I turned the screen of my smartphone, which I was holding in my right hand, towards Mashiro.
On it, the group chat for Class 1-2 was displayed, and my name had been added to the members.
“Ryusuke’s class made a group on RINE too. So what?”
“The truth is, until now, I hadn’t been included in the group chat. Today, I finally got an invitation and was added to the group.”
I had been excluded from the Class 1-2 group chat until now.
However, thanks to the success of today’s tasting event, I was finally recognized by my classmates, and with the cooperation of Reo and Himeno, I was invited as a full member of Class 1-2.
Just looking at the group chat screen made me genuinely happy.
I felt that I could finally get close to my classmates, and I could sense that the fate of being the villain was steadily drifting away.
As I relaxed my cheeks while looking at the smartphone screen, Mashiro gently rested her head on my shoulder.
It goes without saying that my heart raced at the sweet floral scent wafting from her hair.
Then, she gazed up at me with her eyes, her moist sakura-colored lips breaking into a smile.
“I’m really happy. Ryusuke, who has been isolated from the class until now, is being recognized by everyone like this and is able to blend into the class.”
“Mashiro…”
“You have so many people who understand you now, and Reo-kun and Natsuki-san are looking out for you too. I’m really glad you have so many friends…”
“The reason I’ve been accepted by everyone like this is because you were there, Mashiro. If you hadn’t been here, I would have definitely remained isolated. So thank you. I’m really grateful.”
“Ahaha. I’ve been praised by Ryusuke. But, thanks to you, my days are fun too. Every day sparkles, like I’m in a dream.”
“Me too. Thanks to you, Mashiro, every day is enjoyable and happy.”
Mashiro squinted her eyes and smiled softly before taking my hand and intertwining our fingers. I was delighted by that small, gentle warmth and returned her grip.
The one who worried most about my isolation from the class was Mashiro.
Because Mashiro has always supported and encouraged me, I am who I am now. I’ve been able to face any difficulties without backing down.
To repay Mashiro’s kindness, I need to work harder. And someday, I will definitely overturn the fate of being the villain and achieve the best happy ending.
Wanting to convey that determination, I smiled gently at Mashiro, and she responded with a kind smile.
As our gazes met, a world just for us began to expand.
The refreshing autumn breeze gently enveloped us, causing Mashiro’s soft black hair to sway.
I reached out my hand towards Mashiro’s swaying black hair.
As I stroked her soft hair as if combing it, Mashiro squinted her eyes, looking delighted. Her blue eyes melted as she playfully grasped my fingertips.
“Hehe. More, please.”
“Mashiro is such a spoiled one. Alright, alright.”
“Hehe. Because Ryusuke spoils me, I’m getting more and more useless.”
Masahiro said this and let her cheeks relax softly.
It’s my exclusive privilege to see the adorable, clingy Masahiro.
She always smiles gently at me alone and entrusts her small body to me.
Masahiro is truly cute.
Delicate and pure, kinder and softer than anyone, and warm.
With plenty of affection for such Masahiro, I gently traced my fingers along her white nape.
As I tickled her with my fingertips like I would a cat, Masahiro’s small body shivered, and she let out a sweet sigh.
“Hyau! That tickles, Ryusuke…”
“Sorry, sorry. But just a little more.”
“Well, I can’t help it then…”
Twisting her body from the ticklishness, Masahiro looked up at me with moist eyes and smiled like an angel.
Every time her cherry blossom-colored lips parted, her white skin faintly turned crimson. It was such a beautiful sight that I couldn’t help but be captivated.
I wanted to share such a blissful time together forever, but then—I heard the sound of the rooftop door opening.
Noticing the sound and directing my gaze that way, I saw Reo and Nishikawa standing there, and we hurriedly created some distance.
I felt like we had been caught in a pretty sweet atmosphere, and my heart was pounding fiercely. Masahiro’s face also turned bright red as she looked down.
Then Reo waved with his usual refreshing smile, while Nishikawa walked over to us as if it were just another day.
“Hey, you two. Uh, did I interrupt something?”
“N-No, Reo. What just happened was, um, well… it’s not what it looks like?”
“Oh? What’s wrong, Ryusuke? You’re all stiff and tense. Plus, your face is bright red!”
“Ah, um… Nishikawa. It’s, uh, a bit complicated.”
I stammered while trying to explain myself to Reo and Nishikawa.
Nishikawa looked like he was grinning with a warm gaze, which made me feel even more embarrassed.
Throughout this exchange, Masahiro remained still, covering her face with both hands. Well, it was pretty obvious she was peeking at us through her fingers…
I cleared my throat to change my mood and spoke to Reo.
It’s unusual for the two of them, who usually spend their lunch break in another classroom, to come all the way to the rooftop. They must have something to discuss.
“It’s rare for Reo and Nishikawa to come to us during lunch. Did something happen?”
“There were various things since this morning, right? So I thought I’d combine that talk with lunch together. Was it a bother?”
“I just wanted to thank you for this morning. The waffles you and Masahiro made were seriously delicious.”
“I see. I don’t mind, but how about you, Masahiro?”
“I’m totally welcome! It’s definitely more delicious when we all eat together!”
—
Mashiromochi seemed to regain her composure, welcoming the two with a full, adorable smile that showcased her cute double canines.
As always, her straightforward and sincere words, along with that charming smile, captivated Reo and Nishikawa for a moment, but they quickly returned to themselves, smiling happily.
Thus, the four of us—Mashiromochi, Reo, Nishikawa, and I—began our lunch.
The rooftop bench was spacious enough for all four of us to sit side by side, making it perfect for chatting and enjoying our meal together.
With a slight picnic vibe, we started to feel more cheerful, and our conversation naturally flowed.
The lunch break on the rooftop became quite lively.