ALL NOVEL chapter 22
22. Meeting Place
The meeting place with Masahiro was the square in front of the station.
Initially, we had planned to hang out in the afternoon, but since Masahiro wanted to have lunch with me, we agreed to meet at 11 AM.
Once I met up with Masahiro, we would wander around the town to find a nice restaurant.
After having a meal together, we planned to go shopping to buy ingredients for dinner. Then, after serving my home-cooked meal at Masahiro’s apartment, I would head home before it got too late.
If it were the previous Shindo Ryusuke before my reincarnation, I would have just lounged around in Masahiro’s room until the date changed, but now, aiming to break away from being a villain and avoid a path to ruin, I have many things I need to take care of at home.
As I organized today’s plans while making my way to the meeting place— there I saw it. No, it would be more accurate to say I was captivated by it.
The fountain in front of the station.
Sitting on a bench there was a beautiful girl, Masahiro.
With long, glossy black hair flowing gracefully and blue eyes that held a hint of melancholy, she seemed to gaze downcast.
Dressed in a knee-length white dress, her smooth, flawless milky skin accentuated her pure and delicate femininity. Her exquisitely beautiful face was filled with an allure that drew in anyone who looked at her.
That seemingly quiet girl gazed up at the sky with a wistful look— her appearance was as beautiful as a painting.
I couldn’t help but gasp.
The strongest beautiful girl in her uniform, she looked even cuter in her casual clothes. It felt unfair. At this level of cuteness, even if all the other heroines from “Fusekoi” teamed up, they might not stand a chance. I understood why the god of this world hastily made contact with the protagonist; she was an overwhelming and perfect existence.
I hurried towards Masahiro.
Just as I was about to approach her and call out, two men stood in front of her at the same moment.
(Hold on…)
They were a pair of guys, probably university students. Both were grinning as they looked at Masahiro sitting on the bench. The word “pick-up” flashed through my mind.
Right now, Masahiro was the most overwhelmingly beautiful girl in the world, and it was only natural for her to attract the attention of men when she was out in public. Among them, some misguided individuals had come up with the ill-conceived idea of trying to hit on her.
If I left it as it was, Masahiro might be forcibly taken away. I had to rescue her before that happened.
I stand behind the two men who are trying to hit on Mashiro, using all sorts of tactics to prevent them from doing so.
I consciously lower my voice, trying to sound intimidating with a fierce glare. With both hands shoved into my pockets and my posture leaning forward, I think to myself—perfect.
Behind me, there must surely be a pitch-black aura along with a sound effect of “Gogogogogogo!!” ready to go. With my preparations complete, I call out to the two men trying to flirt with Mashiro.
“Hey. Do you have something to say to my friend…?”
I’m surprised at how deep and menacing my voice sounds.
Startled by the sudden voice from behind, the two turn to look at me. In that moment—the expressions on their faces turn to one of sheer terror.
“Hii!?”
“Gyaah!?”
After letting out short, frightened shrieks, they both turn pale. They then awkwardly bow their heads with a nervous chuckle, quickly making their escape.
Watching their retreating figures, I think to myself.
They must have been the bottom of the barrel among villains. The fact that they tucked their tails and ran in front of the strongest villain, me, is proof of that.
I am the villain destined to cause a major incident with the protagonist, standing in the way as the ultimate enemy. I am on a different level than those petty villainous mobs who only engage in silly flirting.
In terms of an otherworld fantasy, it’s like the strongest demon lord intimidating weak monsters, causing them to flee in fear of the dark aura.
After the panicking guys have disappeared from the background, I stand before Mashiro. She then brightens up, her expression blooming into a smile like a flower. With a cheerful and playful demeanor, she says:
“Ryusuke! Thank you, you saved me!”
“Sorry, I thought I could make it here about ten minutes earlier… I should have come sooner.”
“I just got here too, so don’t worry about it. I was thinking how annoying it was to be hit on, but thanks to you, I was saved!”
“I see. How’s your leg? Does it still hurt?”
“Nope, it doesn’t hurt! As you can see, I’m fine. Look, I’m full of energy!”
Mashiro stands up from the bench and bounces in place. Her knee-length dress flares up, revealing her soft thighs, and I hurriedly look away.
“W-Wait, don’t overdo it.”
“Ahaha, sorry, sorry. But really, I’m okay now.”
“But no bouncing around. If you understand, be a good girl, okay?”
“Okay! I’ll be careful!”
With a mischievous smile, Mashiro beams at me. Combined with her cute casual outfit, it was a dazzlingly bright smile.
“Alright then, let’s grab some lunch first. What do you want to eat?”
“Hmm, how about ramen? There’s a great miso ramen shop near the station that I’ve been wanting to try for a while.”
“Hey, if you eat ramen, that white dress is going to get dirty.”
“Ah… right. I said that without thinking…”
“Well, you usually go out with me in your loungewear hoodie anyway.”
This is the first time Mashiro has shown off her neat and lovely dress.
Mashiro has dyed her hair back to black, changed from heavy makeup to a natural look, transforming into the appearance I mentioned I preferred. And she has worn an unfamiliar, neat outfit to match my tastes. So, I was captivated by her figure.
“Shall we go to a café and take our time? They have delicious pasta and pancakes too. What do you want, Mashiro?”
“Hmm… I might want a cold café au lait for now. The sweet kind.”
“Got it. Then let’s go.”
“Okay!”
We start walking side by side.
Just seeing Mashiro’s innocent smile next to me makes my cheeks naturally relax.
Today, as a thank you for everything so far, I have to make sure to enjoy myself with Mashiro to the fullest.