Volume 1 Chapter 17 It's A Hassle If I Go Underground, So I'll Drag Them Out To The Surface
Summary of the previous chapter: In times like this, it's better to panic, right?
Now, the three men crawl away, and Nakagaito starts crying.
Since I don't want to deal with anything more troublesome than this, let's leave the rest for tomorrow.
"I'll tell you, I've recorded the conversation earlier. If tomorrow, you haven't deleted the defamatory posts or haven't come to school, I'll tell the police and the homeroom teacher everything. So, don't ever do something like this again, okay?"
"Y-yes... Why did this happen..."
"Why? It's because you act without thinking about the consequences."
"Ugh..."
"See you tomorrow then."
"..."
I watched as Nakagaito, with her head down, walked away from behind the school building, and then I put a bandage on the place where I was hit in the mirror of the school's restroom and headed home.
"I'm home!"
When my mother saw me arrive home, she was a little surprised.
"Welcome back, but what happened to your face?"
"Haha, well, I thought I had made it down the stairs when I was coming back from school, but I slipped and fell. I used to fall a lot even in places with nothing, but I didn't think I would do the same thing in high school."
Upon hearing that, my mother let out a sigh of relief and then said with a slightly exasperated expression.
"Really, you've always been falling and crying since kindergarten. You're so absent-minded or accident-prone. But I'm glad it's not a serious injury. You're not being bullied right after starting school, are you?"
I nodded and answered,
"That's right, mom. Considering things like sprains and fractures happen quite often, I'll be a bit more careful. And, don't worry, I'm not being bullied. I've made some friends too."
Actually, when I was little, I often fell and scraped my knees, so I somehow managed to handle getting hit too.
"You were a bit shy, so I was worried, but if you've made friends, that's reassuring."
I'm not being bullied; in fact, I'm the one doing the threatening. It would be surprising for my mother to find out.
Before going to bed, I think about Nakagaito.
I think it's still okay, but if the behind-the-scenes cyberbullying tactics become more subtle, using nicknames or things not related to her real name, and if she stops reacting to my words, honestly, it would be difficult to deal with.
But, I somehow feel that Nakagaito probably hasn't been praised much by her parents, and maybe she hasn't had many opportunities to interact with them.
When it comes to it, the desire for approval tends to get stronger, self-evaluation drops, and negative emotions become more intense.
So, what I should do now is fulfill her approval needs, find ways to boost her self-esteem, and actually make it enjoyable for her.
By doing that, she won't attack Namiki-san and find a way to resolve things peacefully.
Besides, she was used to talking to people to the extent that she was able to grab the three boys in the first days of school. And being considered cute, maybe 2nd or 3rd in the class, she should figure out how to make the most of her looks.
"Now that I've got some extra income, let's do a bit of shopping."
I went to the supermarket and electronics store and bought "something."
And the next morning, I turned on my laptop and accessed the school's secret website. After confirming that the slander had been removed, I shut down the laptop on my desk, put it in my bag, and contacted Osaragi-san on my way to school.
"Can I use the home economics practice room during lunch break and after school today?"
The reply came quickly.
"Sure!"
Hmm, for now, this should be fine.
Then, as usual, I headed to the classroom, put on a smile at the entrance, and greeted everyone.
"Good morning, everyone."
As my voice echoed in the classroom, the three boys who had attacked me yesterday quickly turned their faces away and hurriedly left the classroom.
And Nakagaito...
"A-ah..."
Her face turned pale, like a victim who had been discovered by a murderer in a horror movie.
Why? I'm just a kind and gentle high school boy who happens to be good at household chores, you know?
I smiled and headed towards Nakagaito.
And whisper in her ear so that no one else can hear.
"I guess you deleted the posts as I told you to. But it's not over yet.Come to the Home Economics Practice Room during lunch break."
"W-why?"
"Namiki-san will be there too, so go there and honestly confess and apologize for what you did."
"O-Okay, I understand. I'll apologize..."
I separate from Nakagaito and head towards Namiki-san.
"Namiki-san, I'm sorry, but can you come to the Home Economics Practice Room during lunch break today? There's something I want to talk to you about."
When I said that, Namiki-san tilted her head and said,
"Huh? Oh, yes, sure."
And thus, during lunch break, Nakagaito and Namiki-san came to the Home Economics Practice Room.
"Listen, Nakagaito-san, talk to Namiki-san properly."
When I said that, Nakagaito's expression stiffened, and she began to apologize while bowing her head to Namiki-san.
"I-I'm sorry. It was me who posted on the school's secret site bulletin board. I might not be able to apologize enough or expect forgiveness, but I'm truly sorry."
Seeing Namiki-san's confusion, I continue speaking.
"Well, you see, yesterday after school, I had a conversation with Nakagaito-san behind the school building. It seems like she acted out of jealousy towards Namiki-san's cuteness, without thinking about the consequences. But now, it seems like she regrets why she did such a thing, and she has promised not to do it again. So, if possible, I hope you can forgive her."
"So, that's what happened. Honestly... I was really surprised and down when I saw what was written about me. But if you've realized that it was something you shouldn't have done, then it's okay."
I don't know if Namiki-san is speaking from the heart, but the fact that the post has been deleted.
It would bring great relief to know that the person who made the post has come forward and apologized.
And girls with good personalities tend to be easily swayed by their emotions in times like these.
Well, I think they feel relieved that it's much better than being in a state where the criticism continues indefinitely.
"Phew, that's a relief. It might be a bit awkward for a while, but I hope we can at least greet each other when our eyes meet."
"Yeah, that's true."
Nakagaito said, and Namiki-san nodded.
"Yes, that's right."
Well, I think this is enough for now regarding Namiki-san, maybe?
"Well then, Namiki-san, thank you for coming all this way."
"No, thank you, Hata-kun, for helping me in so many ways. And... you think I'm cute..."
"Well, I really think you're the cutest in our class, and probably one of the cutest in the whole school too, Namiki-san."
Namiki-san's face turned bright red when I said that.
"Uh, w-well. When you say that... it's a bit embarrassing."
"S-sorry. I have something I want to talk to Nakagaito-san about."
"Eh, ah, yes, then, excuse me."
Saying that, Namiki-san excused herself.
After confirming that, Nakagaito spoke.
"D-do you forgive me now?"
"Huh? Didn't I tell you I want you to repay me with your body? Come back here after school, once again."
"What... w-what are you going to do?"
"Nothing much. I just want to expose your embarrassing self to the world."
When I said that, Nakagaito paled and slumped her shoulders.
"Why... why would you say such cruel things?"
"It's for your own good. To make you realize the consequences of what you've done, you need to experience something appropriate."
"U-ugh..."
After preparing in the home economics practice room for after-school activities, I return to the classroom. As the class concludes and the bell rings for the end of the day, I approach Nakagaito.
"Well then, Nakagaito-san, shall we go?"
"..."
Nakagaito nods silently, following me with sad eyes reminiscent of a calf being led away, a reference often associated with the Dona Dona song. This song, originally depicting the fate of a pitiful calf being taken from the farm to the market, has been interpreted as an allegory for the persecution of Jews in Europe, including pogroms, and is even said to be a reflection of the Holocaust.
Entering the home economics preparation room, I place my laptop on a suitable table, set up a tripod, connect the camera and microphone to the computer, and establish a wireless connection to the school's WIFI.
"Nakagaito. What I need you to do now is..."
As I say this, Nakagaito's expression turns solemn.
"We will be collaborating on YouTube video uploads, aiming to increase the number of subscribers."
When I say that, Nakagaito's expression became tragic.
"I want you to do YouTube video uploads with me and increase the number of subscribers."
"...Yes...huh?!"
Upon hearing my words, Nakagaito widened his eyes in surprise.
"Didn't you hear? What I want you to do is to do YouTube video uploads with me and increase the number of subscribers."
"YouTube?"
"Well, it's what you would call a YouTuber. You seem to enjoy being praised, so it's okay to show your face a little, right?"
"Um, yes, that's okay, but..."
"It's not like we're aiming to monetize through video uploads, but having people watch and support the videos you post, I'm sure that would be fun."
"Um... exposing my embarrassing self to the whole world?"
"Well, I think it's necessary to joke around and make you feel embarrassed during conversations. Also, don't worry, I'll handle the dirty work, so you won't have to deal with any slander."
"S-something like that? I thought maybe..."
"Hahaha, did you think I was talking about something naughty? Well, I made sure to imagine the worst-case scenario for your own actions. So, it's better not to take posting on anonymous message boards lightly. Even if you think your identity won't be revealed because it's anonymous, it can actually be quite easy to figure out."
"Y-yes, I understand."
"So, basically, I thought we could have a casual conversation, mainly focusing on our high school debut. So, please go along with the conversation."
"Yes, that's totally fine."
"I'll go by the nickname Kenji, and you can be called Otome."
"Kenji and Otome?"
"Well, I'll explain why we have those names as we talk. Oh, and it's normal for completely unknown amateurs to not exceed 100 subscribers for about a month after opening a channel."
"I-I see?"
"Yeah, the world isn't that easy. But, well, don't give up easily. At least I will continue supporting 'otome'. With someone's support, you can definitely keep going."
"Y-Yeah."
"The goal is to reach 1,000 subscribers in six months."
"1,000 subscribers?"
"Well, for the famous ones, it could be tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands. But, to be able to call yourself a YouTuber, you need to clear the 1,000 subscriber mark."
"Oh, I see."
"As for the videos themselves, start with around 10 minutes in length. If they're too short, people might not watch, and if they're too long, there's a high chance they'll get bored in the middle."
"Is that so?"
"Well, I'm not entirely sure, but that's what it seems like. So, let's record and upload a self-introduction video today."
"Right now?"
"Yeah, it's better to start early. And the self-introduction video needs to be really interesting. To be honest, if we can't make this appealing to viewers, it's likely to get buried and fade away."
"That's true."
"Anyway, overthinking won't get us anywhere. Let's just shoot the video for now."
"Uh, yeah."
"Also, if we mess up, we can redo it and do some editing."
"Oh, um... If we're doing this, let's make it cute, okay?"
"Sure, sure. Alright, shall we start? Let's begin with a smile. Try thinking of something fun from the past."
"Something fun? Um... hmm..."
"I guess it's tough to come up with something suddenly, huh? Well then."
I grabbed handmade ice cream from the freezer.
"Here, try this sweet vanilla ice cream. It might help create some smiles."
"Huh, what's this?"
"Of course, it's my handmade creation."
"You can make ice cream by hand?"
"Yeah, it's easy once you give it a try."
"Wow, you seem like you can do anything. Who exactly are you?"
"I'm just a plain high school student who's good at household chores."
"You're lying!"
"I'm not trying to lie or anything. Well, as a result of protecting my virginity for 35 years, This Kenji became a great sage from a magician."
"Hahaha, what's that? I can't believe it!"
"By the way, 'otome' is written as 'virgin' in Japanese."
"Ugh! Wh-What are you saying?!"
"Hmm, wasn't 'otome' not actually a virgin?"
"Don't say stupid things! I am a genuine virgin... Why are you making me say this, you idiot!"
"Oh, well. I don't really care if you're not a virgin. In Japan, 95.5% of junior high school girls and 80.7% of high school girls are supposed to be virgins, but on the flip side, that means there's a considerable number of non-virgins."
"That's enough!"
"Yes, well, with that said, we're the virgin Kenji and the virgin Otome, and this is the Gudaguda High School Debut Channel. It's a channel where we explain skills and know-how. In the future, I plan to have a channel for solving problems through chat. But for now, let's give some advice on how to make friends, even if it's not too late."
"Advice?"
"Yeah, even if you just started high school and can't talk to the people sitting next to you, it's never too late for a high school debut, you know?"
"Well, that could be helpful, but... coming from the embodiment of social skills, it doesn't sound very convincing, does it?"
"Oh no, you've got it all wrong! It's not like that at all. Just take a look at this."
I opened my junior high school graduation album and a regular photo album that I had at home.
"Wow, that's embarrassing! And it looks so dark. Are you sure this is you?"
"Of course it is!"
"If someone told me to show this to the world, I'd hang myself."
"Hahaha, Otome is such a meanie. Don't be so straightforward."
"This is my revenge!"
Nakagaito had a smile on her face as she said that.
Well, I guess this will do.
I hope she can get used to not thinking about unnecessary things with this.
By the way, I wonder if Nakagaito's looks played a part in the video I edited and posted; it quickly surpassed 1,000 views, and it seems to have been watched quite a bit.
Beautiful people really have an advantage; it definitely wouldn't have gone like this if it were just my video.
Hello, we have other project about someone who has returned from an isekai. The main character is a hero who has defeated the Demon Lord. However, for some reason, the human-demon war has resumed and will take place in the MC's original world. The MC, unaware of this, meets a Saint from that world and asks them to join the war. But what does the MC say? They refuse. Is it because their love was rejected by the princess when they adventured together in the past or are they simply fed up? And are the MC will join later? You can find out by clicking on the following => [Link]
We also have a similar genre returned from isekai but has different MC's characteristic. The story is punishing someone who troll in SNS, someone who cheat and many more. You can find out in => [Link]
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)