My reputation in danger!

I walked alongside Shinomori-san to the gymnasium, the awkwardness still lingering between us after a clumsy conversation. Honestly, everything feels surreal like I've somehow been thrown into the setting of a light novel titled True Tale of Hearts. No matter how cheesy and cringe the title sounds, the writing and character development are top-notch, and the plot? Quite captivating. This is the first year of high school, and the entrance ceremony is happening right now, just as the story begins. Unfortunately, I've only read four volumes of it as it's still an ongoing series, but it quickly became one of my favorites.

Now, I find myself clueless about what happens next, uncertain about what my future holds. I guess I’ll just have to let the days pass, bracing myself for the emotional rollercoaster that is bound to come. The characters will be all over the place, and before I know it, things will descend into a sweet, messy whirlwind of typical rom-com scenarios of youth. But you know what makes this story even more interesting? It's the crazy characters. Once they fall in love, things get hilariously out of hand, and even others get dragged into some weird developments.

The bald, shiny-headed principal gave his speech, which no one really paid attention to as everyone was just too bored, not even the teachers bothered to pay attention to it.

My eyes drifted to the front of our class line, where a certain red twin-tailed girl stood out like a fiery beacon. One of the main character. The tsundere incarnate. Her beauty was undeniable with perfect proportions, flawless skin, and a presence that could make even a model agency back off (which they did, thanks to her personality). But her attitude? Yeah, no thanks.

And let me tell you, dealing with tsunderes in real life? Pain in the ass. This is coming to my mind just because of her—

“Good luck, main character-san,” I muttered under my breath, feeling a pang of sympathy for the poor guy who’d have to deal with her. “I hope your back doesn’t get kicked every time she’s around.”

Shinomori-san glanced at Amiya, her eyes wide with curiosity spoke to him softly, “Did you say something, Kitsuragi-kun?”

“N-nothing!” I stammered, quickly looking straight. My face burned as I realized I’d been caught talking to myself by Shinomori-san who was standing behind me. Great. Just great.

The ceremony dragged on, and my attention wandered back to Ootori Shea, one of main character. Her twin tails swayed with every slight movement, and even from behind, her side profile was breathtaking. Looking in reality it made me think like the illustrations in the novel didn’t do her justice. She was like a living piece of art, and it was almost unfair how beautiful she was if only not for her personality. Her red twin tails stood out from the line, almost comically, but there was no denying her beauty, it was even easy for me to realise that she was one of main character just by looking at her for once. Even without makeup, she was a total looker. What the novel had described as “artistic beauty” was even more evident in person, her profile was far more breathtaking than any illustration could capture.

Just looking at her was enough to give me a headache. Dealing with tsundere is never easy in manga or light novel, and unfortunately, the main character had to put up with her in reality. If it weren’t for her prickly personality, she’d be the perfect character. Her proportions were just... perfect. In fact, she’d been scouted by a modeling agency, but they had to drop her because her personality was too much to handle.

We were a bit late to enter the gymnasium, thanks to me oversleeping in the class. Shinomori-san had to wake me up, and we barely made it on time for the ceremony. As a result  we ended up standing at the back of the line. 

And here is me, Amiya Kitsuragi—yup, that’s my new me here, in this completely foreign map of Japan and inside an unknown person's body. It’s almost as if I’ve completely gotten lost from the real world. Maybe it’s because the map here doesn’t match the one the author wrote, but somehow, this feels like fiction... even though I know it’s real. It’s like I’m still dreaming.

"Um, Kitsuragi-kun, you look pale. Is something wrong?" Shinomori-san whispered in concern from behind and this time she was probably too close, interrupting my thoughts. The wind from her breath brushed my sensitive ear, catching me off-guard.

"Uwahh-" Amiya made a strange noise, way too loud for such a quiet moment. Even though his voice was barely audible, it seemed to resonate throughout the hall. The teacher kept on with his speech as it was inaudible to him from his position, but none of it mattered to Amiya at that moment. It was as if everyone around him had stopped what they were doing and turned to stare.

C-crap! I just made the weirdest noise! I totally overreacted to her breath. I could feel the heat rising to my face as students stared, some snickering, others looking at me like I’d just committed a crime. Shinomori-san hid her face behind her hands, her ears turning bright red. Even Ootori Shea glanced back, her sharp eyes narrowing as if to say, What’s wrong with this guy? Is he a pervert making weird noise? Shinomori might be thinking it was her fault somehow, but no—I had just embarrassed myself in front of her, and that’s a -9999 in my social reputation. I cleared my throat and stared at my shoes, wishing I could disappear as time seemed to drag on.

My high school life was already in shambles, and it hadn’t even officially started yet, in this new body.

From the front, Ootori Shea noticed the weird noise and turned to look at the miserable guy who had made it, just like others. Shishie Shinomori stayed quiet, not wanting to make things worse for Amiya Kitsuragi. It hadn’t been her intention to make Amiya uncomfortable, so she kept to herself for the rest of the ceremony.

Afterward, it was the time to head back to the class. I rushed ahead in embarrassment, but deep down, I knew they’d be returning to class soon, and I’d be facing my pitiful state once more. Worst case scenario, they’d think I’m some kind of pervert! My own plot is going complex than that of this novel's plot!

"Give me my old body back! I want to go home..." I sighed in desperation, slumping my head down. It was my habit to nap in class, as I never had anyone to have conversation. But this time with my eyes wide open, I couldn’t escape the embarrassment. 

Shishie Shinomori entered the classroom and quietly sat next to Amiya Kitsuragi, as it was obviously her seat. She tried her best to avoid him after the second hand awkwardness in the ceremony, convinced that she was being nothing but an annoyance. The word sorry was too difficult for her to as it just didn’t feel right since it wasn't her fault in first place.

"Hey, move your legs! your presence is low I could have just fell right now." A girl's voice rang to Amiya's ears.

Amiya jolted, immediately thinking the comment was aimed at him. His low self-confidence took over, and he assumed she was talking about his clumsy self. But nope, it wasn’t him. It was Ootori Shea, with her scarlet twin tails swishing every time she moved. One of her hands was placed firmly on her hip as she pointed at the main character who was seated in second seat of his row. His posture was terrible, as expected of any lazy rom-com protagonist. His legs were slightly sticking out from his seat, blocking the aisle. He hadn’t meant to intentionally, but his body was too lazy to sit properly just as portraying classic main character move.

This was the usual setup for any rom-com novel where the main character meets the annoying girl who will eventually fall for him... well, in theory. Sadly Ootori Shea was the second heroine, destined to lose out in the love triangle. The main heroine would steal his heart, leaving poor Ootori in the dust, still too tsundere to confess her feelings as a losing heroine.

"Ah, sorry! It wasn’t intentional," the main character mumbled awkwardly.

But, of course, Ootori Shea wasn’t going to let that slide so easily. Her personality was way too harsh to just accept a simple apology. She was determined to make him feel ashamed in front of the entire class.

"Don’t tell me you wanted me to trip and make a fool of myself in front of everyone—showing my—"

"Showing what?" The main character asked, completely oblivious to her implication. He had absolutely no idea what she was getting at, and it showed. Meanwhile, the classroom was in a frenzy as they looked at the centre of attraction. Half of them, especially the boys, were all siding with Ootori's side, captivated by her looks like she was some idol. The girls, however, were glaring at her with a mix of jealousy and annoyance as how easily the guys fell for her. The whole classroom felt like it was about to implode.

"Show you... know..." Ootori fumbled, clearly flustered but not backing down.

"Hmm?" The main character tilted his head, genuinely confused.

He hadn’t caught on at all, and that only made things worse. What Ootori had meant to say was way too embarrassing to utter out loud, A pure maiden in heart despite her terrible personality, she wasn't able utter the word pantsu in front of everyone and on top of that, the main character’s sheer density threw her off completely. Her ego was crushed as she realized he hadn’t even noticed her sharp jab, instead he unexpectedly countered it head-on. Feeling defeated by someone with barely any presence made her feel even worse.

But this was just the beginning of the first chapter of the original novel. Ootori’s tendency to never lose was one of her most defining traits, even though, deep down, she was slowly starting to fall for him as the chapters progress with every interactions. From enemy to affection, that’s the typical rom-com arc. However, in volume three, she would lose out to the main heroine, who would confess to him before Ootori ever had the chance.

"W-what’s with you? How can you say that with such a straight face? I, Ootori Shea, will remember this!" she said, her face a bright shade of red from embarrassment. She was furious at herself for being put in such an awkward position on the very first day of high school.

"I’m Eiji Hitsugi. Thanks for letting me know that you’ll remember me... it feels nice to know I’ve made my first friend at this school, Shea-san." The main character said with his drowsy eyes and gentle smile, completely unbothered, his voice as dull as ever.

Ootori was shocked by his sudden introduction. She expected him to be flustered or defensive as she pin pointed Eiji Hitsugi, the main character, but he just said it like it was nothing. His casual attitude, combined with the way he referred to her as a friend positively even after she tried to humiliate him, actually made her heart skip a beat, but not for love, as it was too soon for her. This was not at all how she had expected the situation to play out.

Ootori Shea was known for her harsh personality, making her nearly unapproachable. She had an air of superiority about her and was way too proud to be real with anyone. She wasn’t exactly a villain and more like someone who couldn’t let her guard down which made her unapproachable, unable to make any friends. Yet, hearing the main character casually refer to her as a friend? That actually had an unexpected effect on her. For the first time she was put with the title tag friend. It made her little happy inside.

"Hmph—what’s with your attitude? How can you just call someone your friend after just meeting them?" she scoffed, her face still flushed with embarrassment. Walking weavely towards her seat, she plopped down to her chair, her eyes curiously glancing at the main character. There was something about him—something that made her feel... weird. It was as if his indifference was her kryptonite.

"Eiji Hitsugi..." she mumbles with her soft voice that was even inaudible to her.

Looking at the situation unfolding in front of me felt surreal. my heart felt light watching it all happen in reality. The excitement was almost too much. I was in a romantic comedy light novel now, watching it play out in front of me like this whole plot was meant for my vision.

But—

That’s not the real problem here. The problem is, I’m not even supposed to be a part of this story. The main character, Hitsugi, is dense—but that’s fine, because his personality will develop soon enough, especially when he meets the main heroine. It’ll be love at first sight, or at least that’s what I’m supposed to sit back and watch unfold. However, if he somehow ends up with anyone other than Ootori, things are going to get ugly. Ootori will lose her mind as a losing heroine, and it’ll cause a massive chain reaction in the live triangle, messing up not only the class but Shinomori and my life too. And believe me, Ootori’s temper is not something to joke about.

Which means I have my first job: I must make sure Hitsugi ends up with Ootori instead of the main heroine.

Now the real question is... how on earth am I going to pull this off? Sure, I’m an introvert, but I have to try. There’s no magical cheat skill for me like in those manga or fantasy novels. No, I’m stuck in this light novel world where nothing makes sense, but oddly enough, I’m kind of enjoying it right now. Watching the plot unfold like this is... hilarious and Interesting, the more interested is what could happen to the plot if I had to interfere, rewriting it.

As everyone settled in after the teacher entered the class, our homeroom teacher strutted in with his dry humor as Sahara desert, starting the introductions for the students. To my shock, I didn’t stutter at all when it was turn to introduce. But then, out of nowhere, someone pointed at me and said, “Oh, you’re the guy who made that weird noise during the ceremony.”

Cue my soul leaving my body as my reputation went lower.

As if they would forget the weird guy so easily, I thought to myself as it felt like my body faded to non-existent in shame.

The entire class turned to look at me except Shinomori who had been talking to me earlier in the morning, looking all angelic—ignored me completely. It was like I wasn’t even there. My new highschool life in new novel settings life was now in ruins.

The first class was uneventful and boring as heck. It was just self-introductions and dad jokes from the homeroom teacher. But, despite how boring the class was, everyone’s attention was firmly on one person, the main winning heroine, Fukada Erina. Her presence was so overwhelming that even the teacher’s dry jokes seemed to vanish into the background. Long, jet-black hair, glossy lips, an elegant, mature figure to recieve the title "Nadeshiko" a true japanese beauty, she looked like she was a realistic walking anime figurine. I am sorry to compare her to a figurine that was geeky of me, but yes every little gesture, from turning the page to blinking her lashes, was mesmerizing. She had that presence. You know, the “I’m-so-gorgeous-I-make-the-sun-seem-dull” kind of presence. Like everyone even I couldn’t help but be captivated by her beauty.

“Hey! If I’m stuck in this light novel, at least give me some good looks! This is unfair—why does the main character get to be the main character? I am here struck as a dude who wasn't even illustrated in the novel...ah well no time to regret!” Amiya took a deep sigh as he felt more down looking everyone around him was charming in a way somehow, it was too bright for him.

As class ended, everyone crowded around Erina, eager to be her friend. Even the main character, Hitsugi, found someone to sit next to, marking the beginning of his buddy relationship. Typical. That dude will be sticking to the main character from now on, giving him ideas and supporting him. As always every main characters have a supporting character.

The second period was vacant. The school had a tradition where, on the first day of high school, they gave students some free time to bond and mingle after the homeroom introductions. Everyone was chatting away, making friends, and forming little groups.

Except for me.

Did everyone think I was a pervert just because of the incident during the entrance ceremony? Seriously, this was too much to handle. Why wasn’t I the main character if I was suddenly thrown into a light novel? Instead of getting some cool power-up or at least a decent face, I was just some random nobody character. All the cool kids were grouping together while I felt like a cockroach in the classroom. No one approached me yet.

Two girls approached Shinomori, and she made new friends without even a second thought and now they were into deep conversation. Meanwhile, she wasn’t even supposed to be part of the story... but of course, she’d be tangled up in everything because of the main character’s dense brain in future.

Our eyes met for a split second, and she hesitated before standing up and walking toward me.

Oh no. Did I stare at her too much? Was I coming off as creepy?

"I’m sorry, Kitsuragi-kun! I didn’t mean to startle you back then, it’s just—you looked lost in thought, and I was curious..."

She kept apologizing, even though I was the one who’d made it awkward. She still came over to talk to me despite everything. If I couldn’t even make friendly progress with her, how am I supposed to rewrite the plot and actually change? I gritted my teeth for my own foolishness.

"No, no, it’s just that it was all of a sudden. I was surprised, that’s all. And... well, we’re friends, so this kind of thing is normal," I said, feeling like an idiot.

Crap. I accidentally called her a friend just like the main character would. I really didn’t want to come off as some socially awkward mess. I needed to improve my communication skills—like, right now.

"Yeah, you're right... I thought you’d be annoyed with me for being so... annoying." Shinomori smiled, putting her hand to her chest in that modest gesture. How cute could she be?

"There’s no way I could be annoyed by that. Honestly, it was more of a reward...I mean surprise attack than anything. Haha." I blurted out, trying to save face, but Shinomori seemed genuinely happy that I wasn’t bothered.

Everything returned to normal between us, like in the morning, the time after we first interact. As I felt like the conversation was dropping off, I thought of myself to keep on going.

By the way, I asked her, "So, what do you think of Erina-san?"

I gestured toward the "winning heroine" who had everyone’s attention. Shinomori gave it a moment’s thought, then glanced at her before speaking up.

"She’s definitely beautiful and stand outs from the rest of us. But... I think I just want to be her friend. That’s all." Shinomori shrugged with a smile. "Do you want to talk to her too, Kitsuragi-kun?"

"N-no... it's just..." I fumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed not knowing what to say, as my heart felt that she might have misunderstood my statement.

What was I supposed to say to Shinomori? I have to hide the fact about plots and everything, as I know the characters in decent statements.

It's just I am scared to approach Fukada Erina, not to mention I need to take the step where I will get between of the main character Eiji Hitsugi and winning heroine Fukada Erina. The plot was slowly closing in on me—my time to interfere was the next step I must take. And I couldn’t just sit by and watch. I had to do something.

The third period continued as next and the clock ticked closer to ethics class's end, The teacher was strict unlike the homeroom teacher and he was even serious with his teachings, started teaching at first day of high-school right after entering the class.

I knew my role was far from over. But the longer I stayed silent, the more everything felt like it was spiraling out of control.

It was now recess. Some went to the cafeteria for a nice, full-priced meal, others went to the canteen for cheap food, and then there were the majority who sat in class eating bentos from home.

I was standing at the main school gate, leaving Shinomori-san behind in the classroom, where she was happily eating her bento with the two new friends she’d made. The school guard was standing nearby, clearly annoyed at me for being in his way. He was fiddling with his phone and grinning like he was chatting with his girlfriend, but the moment I arrived, I must've ruined the vibe because he immediately went back to work mode. I kind of felt bad about that... Did I just interrupt his romantic texting?

Cling, cling. The ringing of bell was from an unfamiliar cycle, but my guess wasn't wrong for it to be her.

"Onii-sama!"

It was my little sister, rolling up on her bicycle. I’d texted her earlier after homeroom to let her know the recess schedule, which was conveniently posted on the classroom board, she managed to just reach in time.

"..."

My jaw dropped. Okay, I’m not a sis-con or anything—really, I swear! But here I was, looking at my unknown sister for first time, who had brought my bento wrapped in a cute floral handkerchief. I mean, she was adorable—short black hair, a petite frame, and that hooded jacket she wore with her school uniform... cute as heck. She was so considerate, bringing me my lunch all the way from her school. Even though she was on a bicycle, which made me feel bad for her, she was grinning like she had just won an Olympic gold medal. But yes! never have I ever thought I would have a little sister, It would be rude if I asked her name or age as it wasn't first time meeting for her and I would definitely look suspicious for asking that.

"Heeey! Why are you standing there spacing out? Oops, wait, perhaps you’re falling for my charm before my senpais in this school after all!" she teased. "Nooooo, Onii-sama, this is forbidden!" She clutched her hands to her shoulder wriggling.

“Like the hell! Don’t say disgusting things like that! I’m your brother, for crying out loud! Also I wouldn't let any guys from this school to even hit you.” I blurted out, even though it was the first time meeting her. It was just... a brotherly instinct? I swear I don’t have a thing for her, okay? I’m not that kind of guy! But to tease me with that kind of joke was too much.

"Bwahaha! You’re the same as always, Onii-sama," she laughed. "I’m just joking. By the way, why’d you leave for school so early today?"

“Uh, well, I wanted to get a head start. You know, getting excited for the first day of high school, I guess?” I scratched my head, not knowing what to say. How was I supposed to explain that I had woken up in someone else’s body? That would be, uh, a bit of an awkward conversation. She would definitely freak out she if she finds out that inside this body of his brother, a weird unknown dude has taken over.

“Did you make any friends yet?” she asked, her face lighting up.

“I did! I made one friend!” I said excitedly putting my thumbs up, but then I panicked—what if this body had already had friends? Wouldn’t that sound suspicious?

Her eyes went wide, and she sniffled. “Waaaah! I’m so happy! My brother finally made a friend! I’m so proud of you! We will have a party after you reach home!”

I froze. Wait, was she seriously crying over this? I mean, it was sweet and all, but I didn’t know it would make her that emotional. I reached out and gently patted her head, feeling like I was in a drama. I could understand how this guy—whoever I was now in this body had made his parents and sister worry. He was lonely, and it wasn’t just me. I’d been through it, too. It was like we shared a weird connection. I got emotional thinking that. Just like I made my parents worry for my loneliness this guy went through this too and made his sister and parents worry. I could relate. Thoughts came to me like I needed to change, change myself and change this novel's plot for my own happiness and for other's too, and end it with happy ending. Though I don't know if I can get back to my real body or not but somehow I felt sad remembering about my parents and my childhood friends who were the only one there for me, what happened to my other body? Am I dead there or we switched body? these answers was far complicated to find out. What more important is the present so it was the best to play along.

“Don’t worry. Your onii-sama’s going to make his high school debut! It’s gonna be fine!” I said, giving her a thumbs-up with a grin, though I was the one who needed reassurance. After she calmed down she got her energy back and prepared her cycle to take off.

“Bye, Onii-sama!” she waved as she sped off on her bike. “I’ve got a cultural festival to get back to, so I need to hurry. Byeeee!”

I see, so just because she had cultural festival she was able to pass me my bento as she got plenty of free times in between, just how fast did she ran with her cycle... preety strong for her tiny body. As I watched her leave, I couldn’t help but wonder just how fast she must’ve pedaled to get here. She was stronger than she looked.

Amiya was left holding his bento, heading back towards classroom. There were still twenty minutes left of recess, plenty of time to eat his lunch in peace. He was smirking holding the bento he recieved from his sister whom he meet for first time, and people stared at him thinking he was a weirdo. The fact his sister bought his bento made him thinking about the experience inside his head with temporary happiness. The piercing gazes he didn't even notice as shaded by the happiness.

Suddenly on my way to my class, I glanced over at the canteen, which was basically a tiny food stall attached to the classroom. There was a crowd of students forming, and they were all being particularly rowdy. It wasn’t hard to spot why—at the center of it all was Fukada Erina. There she was, standing in front of the canteen majestically, looking like she was the queen of the school, and the crowd parted like some sort of cult worshiping her every move. Seriously, it was like she was walking on a red carpet. Everyone was making way for her, practically tripping over each other to get a better look.

Amiya, who’d been happily lost in thought, suddenly snapped back to reality when he realized what was happening. This was the big moment from the first chapter of the novel where the main character, Hitsugi, would have his first interaction with the winning heroine Fukada Erina for the first time. This was it! The start of their grand story!

But wait...why was I here again? I wasn’t even supposed to be involved directly.

And then, as if some unseen force was at play, I remembered my role in this whole plot. This was it—the moment when the main character, Hitsugi, would have his first interaction with her, starting their romantic drama which will progress gradually in future.

Even an introverted me wanted to change, a big step ahead could rewrite the story. If this the right or wrong path I take would be found out only after I take the step.

Amiya was desperate for the story change. The fiction which became his reality, he wanted the plot to go smoothly with Shinomori to find happiness and his sister's face float when she was happy to know that Amiya made friend, came to his head and with that he took his step.

As he kept moving forward, others gazes felt on him directly, it was too much for an introvert as him but still he didn't stop.

“Hey, look! It’s that squeaky guy who made weird perverted noise in ceremony.”

“Ugh, he’s ruining her majesty's moment!”

I could hear the side comments, and my face flushed in embarassment. But I couldn’t back down now. I had to step forward, even if the entire crowd hated me for it.

It was the perfect timing, more like I was late interfere the scenario, Just when I was standing right beside Fukada Erina another steps could be heard which was gradually closing in.

And there he was, the main character's presence, who almost looks like a mob character up close. Maybe not, he looks better than me.

I stood there, caught between Erina, the winning main heroine on my left and Hitsugi the main character on my right, feeling like a completely out-of-place mob character sandwiched.

This was it. The boss fight at the start of the story.

Sweat trickled down my back as I tried to think of some way to interfere with the inevitable plot without completely ruining everything. I sighed deeply.

This is going to be one heck of a ride.