Chapter 1: The First Day

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Satou Kenta, fifteen years old. As of today, I am officially a first-year student at Sakuragaoka High School.

Standing before the mirror in my bedroom, I give my tie one final adjustment. My new uniform still carries the scent of fresh laundry. For most students, entrance day marks a brand-new beginning.

But not for me.

Because I already have a definitive plan.

My hobbies include reading light novels, manga, and watching anime. Specifically, the rom-com genre. My track record? I’ve consumed 437 light novel series, 636 manga series, and 236 anime series.

And after scaling that mountain of content, I’ve reached one vital conclusion:

The best role in any rom-com story isn’t the protagonist.

It’s the best friend.

I smile at my reflection in the mirror.

I used to be a fan of the protagonist just like everyone else—I mean, think about it, who hasn't wanted to be the main character at some point? But everything changed when I watched the anime Amagami. There was a character named Masayoshi Umehara. At first, I didn't care for him, but as I kept watching, I was moved by his sacrifices for the protagonist. From that moment on, I started paying more attention to the "best friend" characters. The deeper I dug, the more I realized that the best friend is actually the greatest, most meaningful, and coolest character in any light novel.

Right then and there, I decided I wanted to be as cool as them. So, I’ve been tirelessly preparing everything.

I pick up the notebook in my hand. On the cover, it reads:

"Project: Becoming the Ultimate Best Friend Character."

That’s right. I’ve resolved to become the greatest best friend character the one who will lead the protagonist to their Happy Ending.

Inside the notebook are the detailed plans I’ve painstakingly prepared, divided into 36 categories covering everything a best friend must do: how to handle different types of heroines, various rom-com scenarios that might occur, and so on.

“Perfect!” I take one last look in the mirror and step out of the house, embarking on my path to becoming the ultimate best friend.

The morning streets are crowded with students from different schools passing by in a variety of colorful uniforms.

I walk against the flow of the crowd, then duck into a small side street. Usually, other students would be rushing to school, buzzing with excitement for the new semester, but I’m different. I have a very important mission to attend to right now.

I pull out my smartphone and open a map app. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk from my house to school via the main road, but I won’t be taking that route today. Because on this entrance day, I’m not just going to enroll.

I’m going to find the protagonist of my life.

"Locations with a high spawn rate for protagonists based on 436 light novels."

First: Intersections specifically the one near the bakery. The main character's spawn rate here is 87%, usually involving a "running late with toast in mouth" scenario resulting in a collision with the heroine.

Second: Parks or places with fountains. The spawn rate is 62%, typically a "destined encounter" occurring while the heroine is feeding birds or lost in thought.

Third: The subway, with a spawn rate of 91%. Scenarios involve the heroine getting into trouble and being saved by the protagonist, or the protagonist accidentally being the cause of her trouble.

I check my watch. 7:15 AM. Forty-five minutes left. Enough time to patrol all three points.

"Okay, Kenta. This is the time to apply what Umehara-senpai taught: Always be prepared, act with precision."

I start walking.

Location Number One.

After checking every turn and finding nothing unusual, I arrive at the Yamada Bakery—the spot with the highest probability for a rom-com encounter. I stand about five meters from the intersection, hiding behind a vending machine. I pull a small pair of binoculars from my bag.

The faint scent of toasted bread wafts from Yamada’s. 7:25 AM—the golden window.

According to my statistics, the protagonist usually appears between 7:25 and 7:45 AM. This is the peak time for students to go into a full sprint if they're running late.

A male student passes by, walking leisurely while looking at his phone.Type: Too calm.

Another student runs past, but his hands are empty.Close... but missing the vital element: the bread. “Does not qualify.”

"Oh my god, oh my god, I’M LATE!!!"

My ears perk up.

A tall boy with messy brown hair is sprinting toward the intersection at full speed. And in his mouth, he’s biting down on a piece of bread.

Bingo!

Check: Confirmed. High-speed sprint: Confirmed. Panicked expression: Confirmed. Bread in mouth: Confirmed. Appearance time: 7:28 within the golden window.

Perfect! Absolutely perfect. The probability of this being a protagonist is 99.2%!

I lift my smartphone and zoom in with the camera. I must record this historic moment!

The boy plunges into the intersection without braking. At that exact moment, a girl with long, jet-black hair is crossing the street, wearing headphones and completely oblivious.

Time seems to slow down.

Here it is"The Moment."

The boy tries to swerve; the girl turns her head, eyes wide. But it’s too late.

BAM!

The two collide. The boy falls forward, the girl falls backward. A student ID card flies out of the boy's pocket, arcs through the air, and lands right next to the girl.

PERFECT!!!

A classic collision! Plus the "dropped ID card" bonus! A flawless setup for a future reunion!

"Ahhhh! S-sorry! Are you hurt?!" the boy stammers, scrambling to sit up. He helps the girl up, bowing repeatedly in apology. The piece of bread from his mouth is now on the ground.

The girl sits up, looking slightly dazed. "I... I’m okay."

She spots the card beside her and picks it up. "Is this yours?"

"Ah! My ID! Thank you, but I really have to go—it’s my first day and I’m meeting someone! Sorry for bumping into you! Please excuse me!"

The boy panics, bowing several more times before bolting off again. He’s so flustered he doesn't even realize the girl is still holding his card.

The girl watches his retreating back, then looks down at the card in her hand.

"Takahashi Yuuto," she reads aloud.

I quickly scribble in my notebook:7:28 AM. Takahashi Yuuto collided with a female student and dropped his ID, which she retrieved perfect setup for a reunion. Rating: 100/100 points.

I let out a loud laugh. "Takahashi Yuuto... you’re the one I’ve been looking for! Hahahaha!"

"Mommy, why is that boy standing there laughing by himself?"

"Just ignore him, dear."

Now for the next phase: Tailing!

I begin following the boy from a distance, maintaining a safe gap to gather intel.

Subject: Takahashi Yuuto. Brown, slightly messy hair. Average build, but good looking. Personality: Clumsy under pressure, apologetic, easily panicked, yet kind enough to check if the girl was hurt despite being in a rush.

Conclusion: He has all the qualities of a protagonist.

Yuuto reaches the school gates and stops to catch his breath. "Whew... made it."

Just then, a cat leaps out from a bush.

"Whoa!" Yuuto jumps, startled, and takes a step back. His foot catches on a stone, and he nearly topples over.

A girl with shoulder length hair walking nearby instinctively grabs Yuuto's sleeve. "Careful!"

"Th-th-thanks! Oh, Rin! Sorry I'm late!"

The girl blushes and quickly lets go. "You’re as clumsy as ever, aren't you?"

Yuuto steps closer and reaches for her hair. "Ah, you’ve got some fur stuck here. Must be from that cat earlier."

The girl’s face turns beet red as she rushes away. "Idiot!"

Yuuto stands there, scratching his head in confusion. "Why did she run off?"

Meanwhile, I’m standing behind a tree with eyes as wide as saucers.

Wait, wait, wait!!! What the heck just happened?!?!

A second interaction with a female character?! And she blushed?!

I frantically record:7:42 AM. Yuuto falls and is helped by a girl; she reacts by blushing and running away. Given the reaction, they likely have a history.

Hold on did he just plant two flags within fifteen minutes?! Most protagonists need an entire episode to pull that off!

Takahashi Yuuto, you aren’t just a regular protagonist. You’re a Harem Genre protagonist.

I feel my heart racing. This is it! This is the S-rank protagonist I’ve been searching for!

"There you are, the protagonist of my life."

The entrance ceremony takes place in the auditorium.

I sit near the back, but in a spot that allows me to observe the entire hall. Yuuto is sitting in the middle section, row three, seat five.

The principal is giving a long-winded speech about school traditions and academic spirit. I don't hear a word of it. My eyes are locked on Yuuto.

His seat is centrally located perfect for interacting with many people. He’s listening seriously no dozing off, no checking his phone. So, he’s the "model student" type.

A male student sitting next to Yuuto whispers something; Yuuto chuckles and responds.Friendly, approachable. Confirmed.

Suddenly, a petite girl with a cute face passes by Yuuto's row, carrying a stack of documents. It looks like a bit much for her. And exactly as I predicted

She trips.

"Ahh!"

Documents fly everywhere. Yuuto stands up instantly. "Are you okay?!"

The girl sits on the floor, her face flushed deep red. "I-I’m so sorry! I’m so clumsy!"

"It’s okay, let me help."

Yuuto stoops down to gather the papers, and a few other students chip in as well.

"Th-thank you so much!" the girl bows repeatedly. When she takes the documents back from Yuuto’s hand, she looks at him with... admiration?

A third flag?!?!?!

A third flag already?!?!?!

Less than three hours in and he’s hit three flags?!?!?!

I have to use every ounce of strength not to scream in the middle of the auditorium.

I write in my notebook:Subject: Takahashi Yuuto. Harem-type Main Character. Rating: S-Rank Protagonist. Mission: Become his best friend at all costs!

After the Ceremony – Class 1-A

Students flood into the classroom to find their seats. I check the seating chart posted on the wall. By the way, I’m in the same class as Yuuto. When I first heard the news, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I actually fainted and had to be taken to the infirmary from the hall.

Satou Kenta: Row 4, Seat 1 (Near the window, back row).Takahashi Yuuto: Row 2, Seat 3 (Center position).

Hmm... we aren't sitting next to each other, but that’s fine. I can find a way to approach him later.

I head to my seat and put my bag down. Students around me are introducing themselves. A tall, black-haired guy sitting next to me turns around:

"Yo! I'm Nakamura Kenji. Glad to be sitting next to you!"

I smile and offer a handshake. "Satou Kenta. Same here. We'll be neighbors all year, so let's look out for each other!"

"Oh, you’re a cheerful one! I thought you looked a bit serious and hard to approach!"

Serious? Me? It’s probably because I was observing Yuuto so intensely...

"Not at all, I'm pretty easy to talk to. Hey, have you joined any clubs yet?"

"Not yet! How about you?"

We start chatting. I managed to talk while keeping an eye on Yuuto up front. This is a skill every best friend must possess: the ability to build a social network while monitoring the protagonist so as not to miss a single detail.

Suddenly, the classroom door opens.

The girl from this morning walks in. Her long black hair flows down, her expression gentle as her eyes search for someone. She scans the room, and her gaze stops on Yuuto. She walks toward him.

Here it is! The Reunion Scene.

I sit up straight, focusing. Yuuto is still talking to a male student next to him, unaware.

"Excuse me," the girl speaks softly.

Yuuto turns around, eyes widening. "Ah! You’re from this morning! I am so sorry about the collision! Are you hurt?"

"I’m fine," the girl smiles gently, reaching out her hand. In it is the student ID card. "But you forgot this."

Yuuto looks at the card, his face going pale. "My ID! I’ve been looking for it all morning! Thank you so much! You had to carry it around all this time, I’m really sorry."

"It’s no trouble. We’re in the same class, after all."

Yuuto takes the card back, still looking ashamed. "I’m Takahashi Yuuto. Nice to meet you... and again, sorry about this morning."

"My name is Himeno Aoi. You’ve said 'sorry' three times now," Aoi chuckles. "Let's call it even for ruining your morning."

Yuuto blushes. "P-please just forget about that..."

Aoi smiles softly and heads to her seat, which coincidentally is in the row next to Yuuto.

I quickly jot it down:Himeno Aoi. The first girl to appear. Returned the ID. Sits near Yuuto. High probability of being the Main Heroine.

Perfect! This is exactly how a light novel should begin.

Kenji whispers beside me, "Whoa, Himeno-san is gorgeous. Takahashi is so lucky, having her initiate a conversation like that."

I nod. "Yeah, they seem like a good match."

"Hey Satou, see that? Our class hit the jackpot this year."

"Jackpot?"

Kenji laughs. "Our class is a magnet for pretty girls. Himeno-san over there is like an angel. Her personality seems so gentle too." He points to the next row. "Then there’s Kurosawa-san the girl with short hair in the front row. She’s a different kind of beauty, very sharp and strong."

I look where Kenji is pointing. Kurosawa Rin is sitting straight, talking to a group of girls with a decisive tone. It looks like the girl who helped Yuuto this morning.

Kenji continues enthusiastically, "Oh, and there’s Hasegawa-san too Himeno-san’s best friend!"

"Hasegawa?"

"Yeah, the girl with short brown hair sitting next to Himeno-san. They’re practically joined at the hip."

I look over. Next to Aoi, a girl with black hair cut to her shoulders and large round eyes is laughing and talking.

"Hasegawa-san looks pretty cool, almost like a prince. I heard she was really popular with the girls in middle school."

Hasegawa, Aoi's best friend. If Aoi is the prime candidate for the main heroine, her best friend will surely play a role. I must keep her in mind.

I make a mental note: Hasegawa is Aoi's friend.

Kenji keeps going, "And then there’s... ah, that girl!" He points toward a petite girl sitting in the corner, looking down at her desk. "Her name is... um... I don't remember yet, but she looks cute but really shy. She’s the one who dropped her papers in the auditorium earlier. Luckily Takahashi helped her."

"She seems timid," I remark.

"Yeah, the 'cute and needs protecting' type. I see a lot of guys eyeing her."

Kenji sighs. "But compared to Himeno-san, I still think Himeno-san is the top tier. Pretty, gentle, and kind. Takahashi is truly lucky."

I smile. "Do you like Himeno-san?"

"Who doesn't? But I know I don't stand a chance. Just looking at the way she talks tells me that much."

Kenji is a pretty good observer.

"Do you like anyone?"

I shake my head. "Not yet. I think I'll just focus on getting to know everyone first."

Kenji nods. "Fair enough. Let's both do our best! Hey, do you plan on joining any clubs this afternoon?"

"Haven't thought about it. You?"

"I'm thinking of trying out for soccer. Want to come along?"

"Let me think about it."

A club... I need to choose a club that can best support Yuuto. I'll have to see which one Yuuto joins first.

Lunch Break – Cafeteria

I sit at a table near the window, a vantage point that lets me see most of the cafeteria. Yuuto is sitting with a group of guys at a center table. He seems quite sociable.

Good. A protagonist needs connections. Those other guys are just background characters; they’ll fade out after a few chapters.

Kenji sits across from me, opening his lunch box with excitement. "Waa! My mom made a great lunch! Hey Satou, what are you having?"

"Just a sandwich from the canteen."

"A sandwich? Why not a meal? Didn't your mom cook?"

"She did, but I woke up late and didn't have time to pack it."

The truth was, I was so focused on my plan to find the protagonist that I completely forgot my lunch.

Kenji laughs. "I see. Anyway, did you notice how many pretty girls are in our class?"

"Yeah, you mentioned that this morning."

"But I’ve got new intel now!" Kenji leans forward, whispering like he’s sharing a state secret. "I finally found out that petite girl's name!"

"Which one?"

"The clumsy one! Her name is Fujimoto Yuki. Cute, right?"

Fujimoto Yuki. Noted.

"I wish a girl would notice me like that," Kenji laments.

"Just keep trying."

"Easier said than done! Hey Satou, do you have any secrets? You look so confident."

"I don't have any experience with romance, so I can't help you there."

Suddenly, Kenji points toward the cafeteria entrance. "Look! Himeno-san and Hasegawa-san!"

I turn around. Aoi and Hasegawa are entering together, laughing and chatting. Hasegawa says something that makes Aoi laugh as they queue for food.

"Hasegawa-san and Himeno-san are really close. I heard they’ve known each other since middle school."

Friends since middle school... then Hasegawa definitely knows Aoi inside out.

Once they get their food, they find a seat. They pick a window table—just the two of them. Hasegawa says something; Aoi laughs in response. They look very comfortable together. Aoi seems to trust Hasegawa deeply. If Yuuto ever wants to learn more about Aoi, Hasegawa would be the perfect source.

Suddenly, Hasegawa points toward Yuuto’s table and says something. Aoi blushes and shakes her head. Hasegawa laughs and continues teasing her.

They’re talking about Yuuto! No doubt about it! But what I notice is that Hasegawa’s gaze has something different about it, something that doesn't quite match the smile on her lips. Maybe I’m overthinking it.

I scan the cafeteria, observing the seating arrangement. Suddenly, the petite girl from earlier Fujimoto Yuki walks past Yuuto's table. She’s holding a tray, but she looks a bit dazed. No... it couldn't be...

She trips on a chair leg.

"Ahh!"

The tray tilts precariously. Yuuto reacts instantly, catching the tray before it hits the floor. "Careful!"

"I-I’m so sorry! I’m so clumsy! Th-thank you so much!" The girl’s face turns bright red. She bows and hurries away.

Yuuto sits back down, scratching his head. "Why does everyone keep running away from me?"

His friend laughs. "Don't you realize? She’s shy! You just saved her lunch like a hero!"

"Huh? No way, it was just a reflex..."

Dense. So dense.

Perfect! This is exactly the kind of protagonist I need.

I record:Clumsy girl trips. Yuuto saves the tray. She blushes, but Yuuto is completely oblivious. Density level: 10/10.

Kenji whispers, "Takahashi is so lucky. Not even half a day and so many girls are noticing him."

I smile. "Maybe he’s just a nice guy."

Nice, dense, and surrounded by flags the perfect formula for a protagonist. Now, I just need to become his friend.

After School

The sun is slowly setting as students pour out of the school gates. I stand by a vending machine near the exit, pretending to browse the drinks while actually waiting for Yuuto.

He appears, alone, carrying his bag. This is it.

I take a deep breath. Okay Kenta, this is the crucial moment. Stay natural, don't be tense, and be as friendly as possible.

I step out, walking past Yuuto, then stop as if I’ve just recognized him. "Ah, Takahashi-kun, right?"

Yuuto turns, looking surprised. "Huh? You’re..."

"Satou Kenta. From Class 1-A. I sit in the row near the window." I give him a friendly smile.

Yuuto’s eyes light up. "Ah! Satou-kun! You’re the one who fainted in the auditorium, right?"

Gosh... he actually noticed that...

I laugh sheepishly. "Yeah... you noticed? How embarrassing. I hadn't eaten anything this morning, so..."

"Are you okay now? Feeling better?"

He’s even concerned... he really is a good guy.

"I’m fine now, thanks. Hey, just call me Kenta. 'Satou-kun' sounds a bit distant."

Yuuto beams. "Then you call me Yuuto too!"

First name basis success!

"Heading home, Yuuto?"

"Yeah. First day was exhausting."

"That’s normal. It’s like that for everyone."

We start walking in the same direction. Yuuto takes the lead. "Hey Kenta, how do you like our class?"

"Oh, it seems fun. Everyone’s friendly."

"Yeah! I think so too. Everyone is so nice."

"By the way, Yuuto, I noticed you seem a bit unsure of the way. Did you just move here?"

"Yeah! My family moved in just a week ago. I still haven't figured out the streets yet."

Here we go!

"Really? Do you need someone to show you around? I’ve lived here since I was a kid I know every nook and cranny."

Yuuto’s eyes sparkle. "Really? Could you help me out?"

"Of course! We're friends, it's only natural to help each other."

"Thanks, Kenta! You’re so kind!"

I continue, "Since you’re new, there’s probably a lot you don't know yet. If you have any questions or need help with anything, just ask me. I'm available anytime."

"You’re too good! Alright, if something comes up, I’ll count on you."

Territory marked! From now on, Yuuto will come to me first whenever there’s a problem!

"Say, can we exchange LINE IDs? It’ll make it easier to stay in touch."

"Sure!"

Yuuto pulls out his phone; I dictate my info, and he saves it.

Once finished, Yuuto smiles. "Kenta, you’re the first person I’ve exchanged LINE with since moving here."

The first person... The first person... The first person...

A wave of happiness washes over me. I struggle to keep my cool. "Is that so? Well then, we’re officially friends from now on."

Yuuto nods enthusiastically. "Yeah! Best friends!"

"Best friends?" I chuckle. "But we only met today."

Yuuto scratches his head. "I guess... but I feel like Kenta is really easy to talk to. Like we’ve known each other for a long time."

Yuuto... you have no idea how long I’ve been preparing for this day...

"Then from today, let's officially be best friends." I hold out my hand.

Yuuto looks at me, then gives a radiant smile and shakes it. "Deal! Kenta, I’m in your hands!"

Mission accomplished!

"Hey Yuuto, want to walk to school together tomorrow? I know a shortcut that’ll let you sleep in for ten more minutes."

"Seriously? That’s awesome! I’m always oversleeping!"

"Then let's meet at the train station at 7:30?"

"OK! I’ll be there on time!"

We part ways at the fork in the road. I wave. "See you tomorrow, Yuuto!"

"Yeah! Thanks, Kenta! I’m looking forward to it!"

I watch Yuuto’s back until he disappears around the corner.

Night in my Room

I sit at my desk and open my notebook. I clench my fist.

"The story... begins here."

Looking out the window, a bright moon hangs in the sky.

"Takahashi Yuuto... starting tomorrow, your rom-com life officially begins. And I, Satou Kenta, will be the best companion by your side."

I smile.

"Hey Yuuto... you’ll never have to face the drama alone. Because you have me ,your best friend right here."

Closing the notebook, I turn off the light and lie down on my bed. Tomorrow will be my first day as an official best friend character.

I can’t wait.