The Unreal Heroine is Real

I let out a breath, steadying myself as I glance at my three close friends. A small, unbidden smile crosses my lips. Their distinct personalities and camaraderie always manage to lighten my heart.

Beyond Ebeil’s shoulder, past the dispersing crowd, I spot two familiar figures near the far side of the hall. The applause for the student council president’s speech is dying down, replaced by murmurs. My brows furrow instinctively as my focus sharpens.

There they are; two key players in the tangled web of this world’s love stories. Falin Falala, one of the 100 losing heroines, and her love interest, Ukaru. Unlike Lona and Akari, I know her from the manga. I have been getting used to the environment, because I was coming here to search way earlier, but seeing in first hand, a heroine -feels unreal…

A small gathering of students circles them, whispering among themselves as Ukaru sits slumped on the floor, visibly bruised and battered. Falin, crouched beside him, radiates an almost ethereal aura of concern, her medic backpack open and tools laid out in precise order.

“Renyuki? Leaving already?” Ebeil asks, his tone light, though his gaze follows mine.

I step past him, gently lowering his arm from my shoulder. “I’ll catch up later.”

My feet carry me forward without hesitation. Ukaru’s voice, raspy but tinged with defiant pride, cuts through the murmurs of the onlookers.

“It was a long battle, you see,” he says, his breathing uneven. “But they were worthy opponents. I held them off until the police arrived. Two cuts for ten men, Falfi. And only nine bruises this time. I’m getting better!”

Falin’s soft sigh escapes as she dabs antiseptic on his forehead. Her movements are fluid, precise, and oddly mesmerizing. “Don’t count your wounds like trophies,” she murmurs, her voice carrying the soothing cadence of someone used to patching up troublemakers. “And go to the hospital.”

Her short greyish bobbed hair frames her face perfectly, one side tucked neatly behind her ear to reveal a green, plus-shaped hairpin that gleams faintly under the hallway lights along with her brown eyes. The other side falls freely, partially covering her cheek, the ends of her hair curling outward in a stylish twist.

Over her pristine school uniform, she wears a white nurse’s coat; an unusual but fitting touch, given her dedication.

Ukaru chuckles, only to wince immediately, clutching his side. “Ow… That hurt, Falfi.”

Undeterred, Falin continues her work, a serene smile gracing her lips. One hand caresses his cheek while the other tends to his injuries with professional ease. Her aura seems to shimmer, glowing faintly in the eyes of those watching. It’s no wonder the surrounding students have dubbed her an "angelic hospital."

“Dudududu wuududuu woowowo,” she hums softly, a comforting rhythm to her meticulous care.

“Go to the hospital…?” one of the bystanders echoes, awe-struck.

“This stupid delinquent is friends with that angel?!” another mutters, their tone dripping with disbelief.

“She’s so cute and an actual walking hospital…” a third whispers, voice tinged with admiration.

“No matter,” Ukaru beams suddenly, flashing his white teeth despite the swelling on his jaw. “Falfi’s healing powers are unmatched! It’s worth coming straight to you. Always.”

He attempts to rise, but Falin catches his arm, steadying him with ease. “Fighting is bad,” she chides gently, her brow furrowing. “You’re in high school now, Ukaru. You even missed the opening ceremony.”

Ukaru shrugs sheepishly. “Eh, it happens. Gotta take care of the bad guys.”

“That’s what the police are for,” she replies, adjusting the strap of her medic backpack. Unlike others, she carries no typical schoolbag -just this trusty kit, ever-ready for emergencies. “What am I supposed to do if something serious happens next time?” Her voice softens, her gaze dropping. The slight tremble in her tone tugs at my chest.

Ukaru places a hand atop her head, ruffling her hair affectionately, while his other hand rests on her shoulder. Falin’s eyes widen slightly, darting downward before slowly lifting to meet his gaze. For a fleeting moment, they look like a paladin and an angel in perfect harmony.

“As long as I’ve got you by my side, nothing can harm me,” Ukaru declares, his voice filled with unshakable confidence.

“Y-you mean…?” Falin stammers, her face instantly flushing red. Her lips tighten, and her hands clutch at the hem of her coat. She’s on the verge of something monumental, her emotions palpable.

“Ukaru, I-I lov-”

“Yes!” Ukaru interrupts with a boisterous laugh. “Because you’ll heal me up good, Falfi!”

...Of course. I sigh inwardly, already predicting this outcome.

I step into the crowd, weaving through the students until I’m beside them. “Muscle for brains, huh?” I say with a smirk, crossing my arms.

Ukaru’s gaze shifts to me, his confident grin faltering slightly as he registers my presence. “Hey, who are you calling ‘muscle for brains’? Learn some manners!”

“Relax,” I reply, shrugging. “I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. But honestly, you’ve got it wrong. Your priorities are all over the place.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he retorts, a defensive edge creeping into his voice. “I’ve been patrolling the neighborhood, keeping it safe for everyone here!”

I take a step closer, tilting my head. “That’s great and all, but maybe -just maybe- you should start paying more attention to the people closest to you.”

He blinks, puzzled. “I am paying attention! Where do you think I’ve been? Patrolling the neighborhood, keeping it safe!”

I shake my head, stepping closer to him. “No. I mean,” I say, turning his face gently toward Falin, “those closest to you.”

His eyes widen as his gaze locks onto her. Her expression, usually so composed, falters. She looks lost -hopeless, even. It’s the look of someone who knows their feelings may never reach their destination but carries them anyway.

That is the face of a losing heroine.

I refuse to accept such a fate.

“Is something wrong, Falfi?” Ukaru asks, his voice softening. “Did I do something wrong? If you don’t want me fighting, I won’t. I’ll patrol the academy instead.”

Man, this guy is genuinely kind -just naïve and utterly clueless. He’s trying, but he doesn’t see the real issue. I watch as Falin shakes her head silently, unable to speak.

“Hey,” I interject. Ukaru glances at me. “Look her in the eyes and listen to what she has to say. Falfi-san, please -say it once more.”

She hesitates, her hands trembling as her emotions churn visibly. Her voice is a whisper at first, barely audible, but it grows steadier. “Ukaru… I care about you. Please… stop hurting yourself.”

Ukaru’s eyes soften, and he steps closer, enveloping her in a hug. “I won’t let you down, Falfi,” he promises. “From now on, I’ll just patrol the academy... and maybe a little bit of the neighborhood,” he adds under his breath.

Falin laughs in a way that fits her lovely personality, her fingers brushing his cheek. “I heard that.”

Her smile is radiant, and for a moment, I feel a pang of heat mixed with sadness. These two... they’re dancing on the edge of something beautiful, but the line separating love and heartbreak looms ever-present.

Still, I’ll be here, standing by the losing heroines -every step of the way.