ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 85
85: Shōma’s Runaway
After being released from the East Cloud, I ended up coming to the park area in the learning district alone. How much misfortune have I accumulated today? Feeling down, I sat on the swings in the park, lost in thought.
“…Is that Kōri?”
The one who found me in a miserable state was Kanzaki, who happened to be passing by. It’s rare to see him alone. The time was around when students would head back to their dorms.
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to commute from your home to the Academy, right?”
“…”
“It’s almost evening, and you’re not going home?”
“…”
I forgot to put on my Shōma mask and ended up complaining honestly. Even if I went home, all I’d find there are my annoying little sister and strict older sister. …There are also maids, but they’re like my enemies, and I can’t relax around them.
So, it’s better to stay here.
It’s more comfortable being alone.
“…Something’s bothering you, huh?”
Kanzaki, who muttered to himself, took a step closer to me.
“…It’s fate that we met here. I’ll treat you to dinner at least, okay?”
“Huh? What’s that? Are you pitying me or something?”
“Don’t put on airs. It’s obvious you’re not confident.”
“…”
“You’re going to get blown away by the night wind all day? I won’t stop you, but I don’t think you’re very clever…”
“That’s…”
“Come on. Just be honest for once.”
What’s with this handsome guy?
Be honest… If someone says that, I’ll unconsciously rely on them!! I stood up from the swings with a fluttering heart and followed Kanzaki’s back.
◆
“This is it. Come in.”
“Ah, okay…”
I was led to a room in the boys’ dormitory. It seems Kanzaki lives here. Although it’s a private room, there are few belongings, which is probably due to Kanzaki’s frugal and simple nature. An old-fashioned desk had a cushion laid out in front of it, and I was prompted to sit down.
“…I’ll make some tea, so wait a bit.”
“Oh, okay… Sorry…”
As I said that, I suddenly realized.
— This might be the first time I’ve visited a classmate’s home?!
No, strictly speaking, it’s not like I came to play, but rather Kanzaki is temporarily protecting the useless Shōma out of kindness! Whatever the case, it’s a first experience for me. What should I do in this situation…?!
As I sat there, holding my head in my hands, Kanzaki, with his long silver hair tied back and his uniform jacket removed, came over with a tray in his hands.
Without saying a word, Kanzaki poured tea from the teapot into a cup. What’s with him? His movements are beautiful. The phrase that came to mind was ” Yamato Nadeshiko” (a Japanese term for an ideal woman). Of course, I understand that he’s a guy, but I couldn’t help but be captivated by his beauty.
No wonder he’s popular with girls…
As I received the cup, I thought to myself.
“…Have you calmed down a bit?”
“Ah, ah… Sorry about that? You’re being really considerate, aren’t you?”
“…You’re saying that, but you’re still not in top form, are you? I don’t intend to pry, but sometimes it’s better to let it all out. What do you say? Can I handle it?”
“…Haha, you’re being really talkative today, aren’t you? You’re not like your usual self, God崎…”
“Maybe. Maybe I’ve seen something unusual…”
Is it because of me?
I couldn’t have imagined it when we first met. You’ve become so kind… Is it because we explored ABYSS together?
“There were a lot of things, a lot of things…”
“…”
I thought the conversation would end there, but God崎 remained silent. Was he waiting for me to continue? No… That’s not it. God崎 was being a good listener. Even if I didn’t say anything, that was okay. His gentle consideration was touching my heart. What is he, a god or a buddha? He’s too perfect, it’s suffocating…!
…I couldn’t help it…
I slowly opened up to God崎 about my inner thoughts. Mainly, I talked about my family environment and my recent bad reputation. Most of it was complaining, but God崎 listened to the end without making a single disgusted face.
…It was the first time I’d confided in someone about my weaknesses. I see. This is how it feels… Maybe it’s not so bad after all…? But it’s still embarrassing, so I’d rather not do it again.
“…I see. I’ve understood you a bit more, God崎. You’re saying the conflict with your sisters has gone that far?”
“Huh? Did God崎 come from a martial arts family too?”
I didn’t remember that setting. If it was a story that could be unlocked with affection points, then it was likely I hadn’t done it.
“…No. I have an acquaintance from a martial arts family. I’ve heard a lot about it.”
“Hmm? It’s not rare to see a martial arts family getting along with commoners these days, is it?”
On the contrary, it’s rare to see a strict family. If it’s a high-ranking family, then it’s a different story, but a martial arts family bragging about their status is like Ishizuru Shouma.
“But what about the vice president’s incident? It’s troubling. When I checked SNS, it was clear that things had gotten out of hand. You can tell from the writing that there are people who are furious…”
“…For now, I plan to lay low…”
“Lay low?”
“If I carelessly go to school, I might get attacked in the shadows. I’m thinking of hiding out somewhere until the class competition.”
“Are you planning to participate in the competition?”
“Yeah. I don’t plan to be absent…”
“But the situation won’t change, will it?”
“…I have an idea. Anyway, for now, it’s not good to meet with the ABC group…”
“Hmm…”
“So, I have a proposal…”
Honestly, I think it’s wrong to ask for this, but I had no other choice.
“Can you let me stay here for a while?”