Chapter 2: The Villain
The "villainous delinquent character" that appears in romantic comedies is a sad existence, only there to highlight the protagonist's greatness.
In the story, they appear only to be compared to the protagonist and are mercilessly defeated to entertain the readers.
There are various types of villains, but their role remains the same: to appear before the protagonist and commit misdeeds.
These misdeeds might serve as a catalyst for the protagonist to meet the heroine, confirm the bond between the protagonist and the heroine, or help them overcome obstacles between them. However, there's no denying that these villains are merely set up as props to be defeated.
Such characters are usually background figures without detailed descriptions to prevent readers from sympathizing with them. If their actions become more significant, they are often depicted as complete scoundrels.
And unsurprisingly, the man I have reincarnated as also led a life befitting such a villain, as I vaguely remember.
Fighting, smoking, staying out all night, rarely attending classes properly – it's a miracle I managed to get into a regular high school, perhaps because I was inherently smart. Before my reincarnation, I lived as a hopeless delinquent.
In my hazy memories, I recall my name being Shindo Ryusuke, a first-year high school student. The girl who seemed like a gyaru earlier is undoubtedly my sister, Shindo Mai, a second-year middle school student. Except for our father, who is away on a solo assignment, we live under the same roof with our mother.
Although I can't clearly remember the name of the school I attend, the route to school, the house structure, or my friends, I can grasp these to some extent.
However, the explanation about this world that suddenly echoed in my mind and my vague memories are only understood as information. Whether they are true is not yet clear.
I need to clearly recall my past memories and determine whether this really is a romantic comedy world and which romantic comedy it is based on. To confirm this, I must take action.
Perhaps due to my overly serious nature, I can't be satisfied without thoroughly verifying such things. Fortunately, this makes me more forward-looking.
Moreover, if I have truly been reincarnated into a romantic comedy world, a dazzling school life that I could only see in manga and anime awaits me. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.
The confusion and melancholy I felt immediately after reincarnating have completely vanished. Now, I am filled with hope and anticipation for my new life.
So, I started preparing to head to school. I put on my uniform, tied my necktie, and reached for the school bag I would likely use.
"... I don't need cigarettes and a lighter at school, do I? Typical delinquent behavior."
Inside the bag, there were no textbooks. Instead, it contained perfume, cigarettes, and a lighter. It seemed that the textbooks might be kept in a locker or desk at school, as there was no sign of studying in the room, indicating that I had never done any self-study.
Given my hazy memories, I might have a lot of assignments left undone, but there was no way to confirm this.
Having finished my preparations to go to school, I left my room and headed to the living room. My mother, who should be living with me, had already left for work early in the morning, and my sister seemed to have left earlier than me, so no one was home.
Not feeling like having breakfast, I decided to head to the school that was in my memory. Although my recollection of the route was vague, I'm confident I wouldn’t get lost. If I met someone I knew at school, I should be able to confirm my current situation.
As I stepped outside, the sunlight was blinding. It felt like spring nearing summer. When I died from overwork, it was winter, so there seemed to be a time gap.
Relying on my unclear memories, I walked along the route to school, noticing more male students in the same uniform as mine. I also saw female students in sailor uniforms with cute ribbons around their necks.
Just before my reincarnation, I was working as an adult. It had been a long time since I had a high school life.
The thought of re-living my youth was exciting, but I also felt anxious about the upcoming school life.
The previous Shindo Ryusuke, before my reincarnation, had never behaved properly since enrolling. He often skipped classes, hung out with bad friends at night, and got into fights with students from other schools. As my sister mentioned this morning, my attendance was barely enough.
My life, having restarted as a delinquent, didn’t start from zero but from a negative position. The teachers surely had the worst impression of me, and I was extremely anxious about what my classmates thought. My previously cheerful mood turned heavy as I walked to school.
(No, I'll be fine now... I’m sure of it.)
Looking back, my previous life might have been miserable. Losing my parents early, having no siblings or partner, I was constantly plagued by loneliness.
However, my earnestness was my only redeeming quality. I took everything seriously.
During my student years, I never neglected my studies, and in the ten years after entering society, I faced many people and gained various experiences.
Surely, it wasn’t all for nothing.
This time, I don't want to have any regrets.
With renewed determination, I finally reached the school gate.
“This is… Kiosakura High School, where I go…”
Before me stood Kiosakura Academy High School, with its spacious grounds and new, clean buildings. The schoolyard was large, and sports teams were practicing in the field.
I had been given a chance to relive my once-gray youth at this place. I wouldn’t waste this second life; I would fully enjoy my youth.
I stepped into the new world.
