Cheated and Restarted Chapter 1

Don't Be Passive with Circle Recruitment, Go on the Offensive!

I should have been dead, yet here I was, waking up somewhere.

When I looked around, I realized I was in the room I used to live in during my university days, back before I started living with my wife. I thought it might be my life flashing before my eyes but my vision didn't waver in the slightest. It remained crystal clear.

But then I noticed the beep-beep-beep of the smartphone alarm on the low dining table. The sound came from a model several generations old. The date displayed was the year I entered university. And it was the day before the entrance ceremony.

No way, I thought.

I immediately dove toward the washbasin. When I peered into the mirror, the reflection staring back was me in my youth.

"Haha! What is this... Ahaha! Is this a dream!? Did I come back!? Haha, hahahaha!"

Time Leap. The situation was so ridiculous I couldn't stop laughing. After laughing for a while and calming down, a thought suddenly struck me.

"Can I start over? My life..."

I began to think this might actually be a chance. My life had peaked the moment I started dating and married my wife. But to her, I was just one of many men. She probably only married me because the timing was right and she was at the right age.

"But if I can restart from university, I don't have to marry my wife, right? Can't I avoid all that misery?"

I lay down on the kitchen floor, muttering to the ceiling. It was my honest, unvarnished feeling.

"My wife is in the same department I attend. But if I play my cards right, I won't even have to meet her. After all, the university is huge. She wouldn't go out of her way to take an interest in someone she doesn't know. If I do that, I should be able to avoid that misery."

If I could restart from this era, I could find a woman way better than my wife and become happy.

Hope began to well up inside me.

"Right now, I have knowledge of the future and the skills of a working adult. Plus, I have the knowledge necessary for a 'University Debut'."

Previous life? Or should I call it the first loop? My first university life, spent as the ultimate introvert, an In-kya (Gloomy, Introverts) among In-kyas was plain and dull. I was good at studying, and I managed to get into a major company that anyone would envy. But I had zero connection to any youthful, spring-time events.

"The me of right now can do it. No, I must do it! Enough! I've had enough of irrational crap! I am! I am! I am! I'm going to make my College Debut!!"

Screaming, I sprang up as if flying and dashed out of the room. I will absolutely grab a happy future! I'll do anything for that!

"I'll definitely find a better woman than you! And absolutely! Absolutely! I'm going to be happy, dammit!"

Roaring a war cry, I ran through the streets. My chest, which should have been empty after being stabbed, was now filled with anticipation.

＊

Things necessary for a College Debut.

First, appearance. Any guy would probably think of going to a hair salon first. That's not a mistake. But if you're a man, you should choose a proper barber shop. I dove into a stylish barber in Shibuya and got a cut and shave.

As soon as I left the shop, I headed past Takeshita Street in Harajuku to "Urahara." I bought clothes here, where the select shops and boutiques were lined up. The trick is to buy everything from head to toe in a single shop. I bought five full sets. It cost a fortune, but this is an upfront investment. I felt like three sets would have been enough, but it's better to include a buffer.

Then I went home and spread a notebook open on my desk.

"The key to youth in university. That is... the 'Circle'!"

When you think of university? People who answer "research" are diligent and admirable. But most people would still answer "Circles."

"A Circle is a microcosm of human society. Or perhaps an imitation of a military organization. A 'caste system' always exists there."

There are plenty of people who suffered through the school caste system in junior high and high school. Many low-caste introverts study hard, holding onto the faint dream that they'll be liberated from that once they get to university. I was one of them.

But the reality is different. If anything, caste awareness accelerates in university to an even more cruel degree!

"Here is where the future knowledge comes in. I have knowledge of the human relationships within each Circle. I'll use that."

In the previous world, the professors asked me every year to handle negotiations with the various Circles. Because of that, the human relationships and caste dynamics of each member were burned into my memory.

I connected my PC to the internet and opened the social media pages of event circles, tennis circles, drinking circles, and intercollegiate play circles. I copied the human relationships from my memory into my notebook. Then, I shoved all that transcribed data into a logical thinking framework software installed on my PC to make the "Key Persons" surface.

"I see. So these guys are the key figures. Found you, target!!"

I downloaded face photos from various social media accounts, printed them out, and pasted them into the notebook. And so, the "University Human Relations Correlation Notebook" was complete!

"Now all that's left is to put it into action at tomorrow's entrance ceremony! Heheh, ahahaha!"

I laughed loudly. They say preparation is everything in war. In that case, victory is practically guaranteed! I'm looking forward to tomorrow!

＊

The entrance ceremony for my university, the National Koto University, is held at the Budokan. The place was showing incredible bustle with new students and the solicitations of various circles. Since our university has the highest deviation score in Japan, the mass media had also shown up.

I was watching the scene through binoculars from the roof of a nearby building. I could see upperclassmen—dressed in casual clothes, looking flashy but not quite reaching the level of true Ikemen (Handsome)—boldly handing out flyers to new students in kimonos and hakamas.

"Ah, the wannabe-normies from the event circles are swarming the cute girls. They're just going to get eaten up by the handsome upperclassmen anyway. How pitiful, how pitiful. ...Whoops, found him!"

I spotted the "Target" upperclassman I had designated yesterday separating himself from the herd of his circle. He was moving away from the Budokan and walking toward a convenience store.

Just as planned!

I left the building roof and headed for the convenience store he went to. I arrived at the store and peeked inside. I saw the target upperclassman filling a basket with all the canned Chu-hi he could find. University students always want to drink alcohol. They were probably going to hold a drinking party in a nearby park after this, calling it a "mini-after-party."

Then, aiming for the exact moment the target stepped outside carrying the bag stuffed to the brim, I casually bumped into him.

"Whoa!"

"Gah!"

The upperclassman stumbled, and a significant number of Chu-hi cans fell from the bag onto the ground. I immediately gathered them up and handed them to him.

"I'm so sorry! I was nervous and just bumped into you!"

I bowed my head beautifully toward the upperclassman. He responded cheerfully.

"Ah, you're a freshman. No, it's fine, it's fine! I put a few too many Chu-his in there anyway! Let's call it even!"

"Thank you very much! But isn't that heavy? This isn't much of an apology, but I'll carry one side for you!"

Saying that, I quickly snatched the bag packed tight with Chu-hi and snacks that he was holding in his left hand.

The upperclassman looked impressed.

"You're kind, aren't you! Nice! That's nice! That sense of respect for others is cool! I'll leave it to you then!"

And so, the upperclassman and I walked together toward where the circle members were gathered.

"That navy three-piece suit is cool. Freshmen usually wear black 'recruit suits,' right? I honestly question that trend."

"My mother bought this for me! She said if it's the entrance ceremony, I have to look sharp! She told me to wear this properly and come back with selfies taken with upperclassmen and cute girls! Haha!"

I lied. My mother isn't the type of person with good enough taste to buy me a suit like this. She didn't ask for selfies either. Taking selfies is purely for the sake of my strategy.

"Seriously!? Haha! That's a good mom!"

"So how about it! One selfie with you, Senpai!"

"Sure thing! Yaaay!"

"Yaaay!"

Still holding the convenience store bags, we put our arms around each other's shoulders and took a photo with my smartphone.

"Send that photo to me, too."

"Okaaay!"

Here, I casually exchanged accounts with him and sent the photo. While talking with him, we arrived at the spot where his circle had set up camp.

"This is our circle! Hey everyone! There's a guy I want to introduce!!"

The upperclassman called the circle members together. This was my aim. I felt the corners of my mouth loosen involuntarily.

This upperclassman is the Number 3 of the largest intercollegiate event circle in the university. He has a diligent personality, takes good care of others, is good at planning, is deeply trusted by the circle representative, and is the unsung hero relied upon by the members.

A position where a freshman is introduced directly by such a person to the members. That is my goal.

"Ah, hello! I'm a new student, Kanahisa Tokiwa! Kanahisa is written with the characters for 'Play Music' and 'Long Time,' so please feel free to call me Kanata! I look forward to your guidance and encouragement!"

The upperclassmen in the circle were giggling. But it was a very favorable reaction.

"'Guidance and encouragement'? That's stiff! Haha! Relax, relax! Kanata here casually helped me out when I was struggling with heavy luggage earlier! He's a good guy! Be nice to him!"

"Heh, seems like a good guy!"

"I didn't have that much composure when I was a first year!"

"If you look closely, his face is pretty cool too."

"But he's got that Hollywood-style face that guys like more than girls, right?"

"What's that...? An evolved form of the 'Sauce-face'?"

Everyone was talking about me one after another. All of the reactions were good. It was safe to assume I had been accepted.

"Whoops! Sorry for holding you captive! Here's a flyer! Definitely come to the welcome party! If you have any trouble with orientation or classes, contact me! I always pay back my debts! Ahaha!"

He was actually a pretty nice person. After receiving a warm welcome for a while, I was easily released.

I made a connection. The first step to making my youth sparkle was a success.

＊

When I got close to the Budokan, I heard the shrill, cold voices of girls coming from a corner. It wasn't just me; the people around us noticed it too.

"What is with that outfit? We told you, didn't we? Protect the honor of our high school! Why did you come to the entrance ceremony in casual clothes?"

"Hah? Look closer. This is formal wear! Besides, people are free to wear whatever they want to a university entrance ceremony, right? Are you stupid?"

Three girls in suits were surrounding one girl whose fashion was a bit out of place.

She had bright blonde hair tied up in "two-side-up" pigtails with frilly, excessive ribbons. She wore a blouse with pink frills on the sleeves and collar, paired with a black tie. A knee-length black skirt, thick-soled shoes, and knee-high socks.

She was undeniably Jirai-kei—a Landmine Girl.

On top of that, she even wore blue colored contacts. Her makeup was the same. Her features were incredibly beautiful, but she had styled herself to give off an overwhelming "Menhera" (mental health issues) vibe. She was extremely flashy.

"Don't screw around! Our high school is a prestigious prep school! What is that getup! Do you realize people will think our school is full of delinquents? You're being a nuisance."

"Hah? Who cares about something this trivial? Sixty people come to this university from our school every year, so isn't it fine if there's just one person like me?"

"Hurry up and change! Or just go home like that!"

"No way. It's a pain to attend, but it's a pain to go home, too. Can I go now?"

That was when I saw one of the girls in suits raise her hand. Her voice trembled with anger.

"You really are! Just as cheeky as you were in high school!!"

That looked bad. It was probably that shove to the chest girls sometimes do. My body moved without thinking.

"Ugh!"

"Eh?"

I stood in front of the Landmine Girl and took the shove with my stomach. It hurt a fair bit. I had protected her instinctively. This wasn't in the plan. But if I wanted to live a sparkling youth, I had to be able to handle this much. That's what I thought.

The girls in suits glared suspiciously at me for suddenly cutting in.

"Hey, are you okay?"

The girl in Landmine fashion peered into my face with concern. Our eyes met—blue pupils. They were sparkling beautifully. But I couldn't keep staring at them forever.

"Yeah, I'm fine. More importantly..."

I turned my eyes toward the suit girls. I tried to keep my expression as stern as possible.

"Isn't it wrong to raise your hand against someone, no matter what? Is that kind of thing okay at the high school you guys came from?"

"Gh. But she's the one at fault! It's a tradition at our school for all girls to attend in suits! She broke the rules!"

It was one of those common "unwritten rules" among girls. Like how navy socks can only be worn by second years and up—rules decided by the atmosphere among the girls rather than school regulations. This was the first time I'd seen it remain effective even after graduation. It was probably a prestigious school with a long history that sent dozens of students to Koto University every year. I didn't come from that kind of prep school, so I didn't really get it, but apparently, those schools have academic cliques and networks that persist even after graduation. So maybe it made sense.

"Ridiculous. Still holding gossip circles even after graduating..."

The Landmine Girl behind me muttered. The metaphor was harsh, but I agreed.

"Anyway, who are you! Why are you protecting her! Who do you think you are!? Playing the knight in shining armor? You're so lame!"

"You guys are a hundred times lamer. Getting angry over something as trivial as clothes. Look around you! All the girls are dressed up! Wearing recruit suits like you guys actually makes you stand out in a bad way!"

Well, the Landmine fashion girl stood out even more. But I kept that to myself.

"Unbelievable! Why are you protecting a creep like that? Seriously unbelievable! Helping a delinquent girl who was always a loner at school? You're seriously creepy!"

The suit girls getting aggressive was incredibly annoying. The other two were giggling, too.

"I see. You guys are still dragging around your high school caste system! Okay, okay! I get it, I get it!"

Someone okay to bully = A creepy person. Someone who helps a creepy person = A creepy person. Therefore, from the perspective of the suit girls, I was a lower-ranked male.

I thought they were idiots. That kind of logic only works until high school—an era where classrooms are cages isolating you from freedom and fences protecting you from the outside world. University is much, much more severe. I'll teach them that.

I placed my hand on the Landmine Girl's waist and pulled her close.

"Kya! H-Hey, what are you doing all of a sudden!?"

I whispered into her ear.

"You want to shut them up, right? Then leave it to me. Okay?"

"...Heh... You're confident... Fine. Show me what you can do, fufufu."

"Then, when I give the signal..."

I gave instructions to the Landmine Girl. She smiled and nodded at me.

"What are you whispering about! That kind of thing is creepy!"

"I'm not creepy, and this girl isn't creepy either. Actually, isn't this what's really going on? You guys are jealous of her, right?"

"No way! Don't screw with us!!"

The suit girls were furious, their faces turning bright red. Bullseye. This Landmine Girl could probably reach the top of the caste based on her looks alone, but she was likely eccentric, so she ended up isolated. Taking advantage of that, these girls made her a target. The motive was undoubtedly jealousy. A face that is too beautiful makes those who look at it feel inferior. That's why they attack and desperately try to exclude her. They wanted her to wear a suit to hide even a little bit of her beauty with plain clothes.

But that was exactly my weapon. I traced her back slightly with the fingers of the hand I had wrapped around her waist.

"Nn. That tickles..."

She squirmed a little, but she immediately began to execute my instructions.

"Ugh! Sniff! Waaaaah, pieeeeen! (ぴえん(Japanese slang for crying face emoji, god i don’t know what to write in english for this))"

The Landmine Girl made a crying face and clung to my chest. She was properly shedding large tears. Wait, I didn't tell her to go that far... well, whatever. It actually gave me more of an advantage. After all, even when she was crying, she remained incredibly beautiful!

"You guys are the worst! Ganging up on one person and hurling abuse at her!"

I shouted loudly so the people around us could hear, and I gently stroked the Landmine Girl's head.

"Hah? So what if she's crying? We're girls too. A woman's tears don't work on other women. That's hilarious!"

That's what they didn't understand. A woman's tears are a weapon. The proof was right here.

"What, what? A fight?"

"Some girl is crying."

"Is that her boyfriend? Isn't him protecting her kinda cool?"

"Is she being bullied? That's too pitiful."

"Making a girl cry is a bit, you know..."

"Acting tough against a couple? Isn't that creepy?"

Whispers began to reach our ears from the surroundings. And people started gathering around us one after another. Everyone looked at us favorably, while directing looks of contempt or hostility toward the suit girls. The suit girls were flustered and confused by the sudden change in atmosphere.

"You guys were under the illusion that this was just an extension of high school. At your alma mater, this girl might have remained a victim of bullying forever. If strong-willed girls like you just acted aggressive, the boys would surely follow you too. But this is university. Step one foot inside, and it's full of strangers. Every single one of them cares about public opinion and morality. If you try to pull childish, lame power moves in a place like this, you'll be excluded from the community in an instant!"

The suit girls' faces turned pale. They got into our university, so they weren't stupid. They must have understood the rules of the university now. This was a world where you couldn't get by on just being strong-willed. If you didn't act smart and rally allies and public opinion to your side, you'd be made into the villain and excluded in the blink of an eye. That was the kind of world this was.

"Get out of our sight right now. This is a warning. If everyone here remembers your faces, you'll be in trouble. You'll probably be banned from welcome parties, and no circle will let you in. So disappear before everyone memorizes your faces. If you have any intelligence left, leave immediately."

"Hii..."

The suit girls disappeared from our sight at once. They probably went home without even attending the entrance ceremony. That was for the best. Even if they stayed here now, nothing good would come of it. It was still early enough for them to start over.

And so, still holding the Landmine Girl, I left the scene.

＊

Having moved away from the crowd, the Landmine Girl and I took a breather in the shade of a tree.

"You're pretty good huh. I was surprised. It's a big deal to surprise me, you know. Thank you, that was very fun! Fufufu."

The Landmine Girl smiled cheerfully. I was happy to be thanked. But my mind was sounding a warning alarm—ping, ping, ping.

"Is that so? Well then, I'll be excusing myself now."

Saying that, I bowed slightly and tried to leave her presence. However, she immediately grabbed the sleeve of my suit.

"Wait! Why are you trying to leave? In a situation like this, aren't you supposed to push the fact that you saved me, steal my contact info, force me into a date, or try to drag me to a love hotel? You'll never meet a beautiful girl like me again, you know?"

If she were a normal girl, I think I would have tried to get a date. But no matter how I looked at it, this woman was weird. I had decided to live a sparkling youth and have a happy marriage. Besides, she was enjoying herself way too much earlier. I don't want a dangerous-looking girl who reeks of Menhera vibes. Looks-wise, she might be on par with my wife, but a woman whose insides are incomprehensible is a no-go. I didn't want to get involved.

"You're a university student, so stop calling yourself a 'beautiful girl' (Bishoujo). You're an adult now, not a little girl."

"Hah? But I'm still a virgin?"

"What kind of mishearing is that!? I didn't say that, and I didn't ask that! Do you think I'm the kind of guy who'd be happy to hear that!? That's rude!"

"Wait, are you not interested in me? You saved me because you had ulterior motives, right? I know from manga and light novels that that's how a man's mind works."

"Your study materials are wrong! Don't learn about male psychology from that stuff! My body just moved reflexively earlier."

"Heh. In other words, you have no interest in me. So you're a B-sen (someone who likes ugly people). I'm sorry. I can't satisfy your desires... I pity you, fufu."

"I told you I'm not a B-sen. You really are a weirdo!"

It was amazing how self-centered she was from start to finish. Actually, maybe it was natural she got bullied? Was saving her a mistake?

"Hey, B-sen. The ceremony is starting soon, let's go together."

"No, I'm fine going alone."

"You saved me, but you don't intend to take care of me until the end? If you leave me alone here now, creeps who say, 'You were made to cry earlier, huh? You poor thing! I'll listen to you!' will gather around me. And before I know it, I'll be in a love hotel... To think that just as I entered university, a man would enter inside me!"

"Haha! Your imagination is way too vivid. And your dirty jokes are nasty!"

"If you're an ally of justice, you should take care of a woman until the end! Come on! Escort me to the entrance ceremony! Also, listening to important people give speeches is boring, so tell me funny stories next to me! I hate being bored!"

"...What if I refuse?"

"If you refuse, I'll cry as hard as I can and tear you to shreds with the blade of justice."

"Girls are so unfair! Fine, I get it. We'll attend the entrance ceremony together."

"Right! Nice to meet you. I'm Himena Ayashiro. If you want to keep a subtle distance, call me Ayashiro-san. If you want to flirt and aim for a 'One Chance,' call me Hime-chan."

Did I hear the sound of her name elongating just now? Was it my imagination? Well, I probably won't be calling her by her first name. We're only going to know each other for today anyway.

"There is absolutely no 'One Chance.' I'll call you Ayashiro. I'm Kanahisa Tokiwa. Call me whatever you like."

"Understood. Kana-chan the impotent B-sen."

"Hey, don't screw with me! I'm not impotent! And stop calling me Kana-chan!"

I really wanted her to stop with the impotent thing. In the first loop, I became impotent because of my wife's cheating. That was seriously painful. The suffering of having to take ED meds is indescribable. I was truly glad it was cured when I rejuvenated in this second world.

"Come on, let's go, Tokiwa. We have to avoid being late! Fufufu."

Ignoring my protest, Ayashiro started walking with a cheerful smile.

"She's hopeless, seriously."

I walked next to Ayashiro, and we entered the venue for the entrance ceremony.

＊

Why are entrance ceremonies so boring? Boring speeches by old men, starting with the university president. Boring speeches by guests.

"This is truly dull. It's sad that this sight is what awaited us after winning the exam war."

"Exactly. We're a national university, right? Even the cost of this venue comes from taxes if you trace it back. I want a refund."

Ayashiro, sitting next to me, looked bored too. We had been chatting idly for a while now. Ayashiro was quick-witted and cynical, so talking to her was quite fun. But that didn't last long.

"Next, the entrance speech by the freshman representative, Hiroto Hagiri."

A single male student stood on the stage. He had a good face and a good build, but his expression, overflowing with confidence, gave a somewhat arrogant impression.

"What's with him? He looks so pompous. Is he the top scorer of this year's entrance exam? My grades lost to that? I should have studied properly."

Ayashiro was looking at Hagiri with a somewhat disgusted face. Ayashiro seemed like the confident type too, so they probably had bad chemistry.

"Spending this day in this place is a great pride in my life. Gathered here now are young people filled with the potential to lead the future of Japan, and eventually, the world. That good fortune..."

A list of pretty words that meant nothing. A parade of platitudes. Boasting disguised as humility. It was a speech filled with such empty words, but the reception from the venue was good. Hagiri possessed something like charisma.

"Oh my. He's such a smooth talker he could become a politician in the future. But I feel like he lacks passion. It has the savory scent of empty vanity."

"...You have quite a discerning eye for people."

"Hmm? Really? Is my assessment of him accurate? Wait, do you know him?"

"...I've met him before. Though he probably doesn't know me."

"Is that so. Hmm."

Ayashiro looked at me with somewhat suspicious eyes, but she didn't pry any further. She seemed surprisingly considerate. Maybe the Jirai-kei thing was just her appearance. At times like this, it was a pity that I, whose only female experience was my wife, had no eye for judging the quality of women. That's what I thought.

When the entrance ceremony ended and we went outside the venue, we saw the recruitment for welcome parties heating up again. We walked slowly through the buzzing crowd.

"What circle are you joining?"

"Tennis circles, event circles, the 'Ambitious' types. And maybe an art circle as a hobby."

"You're greedy to be so motivated. But isn't that fine? At least you're not saying you want to go to a 'Yari-cir' (circle for hookups)."

"I don't want to go to a place like that. Too filthy. I want to cherish the excitement and sparkle. What about you, Ayashiro?"

"Me? Let's see. Maybe fashion research, or somewhere with girly hobbies. Or maybe a serious one that deals with social issues. I'm interested in tennis too, but I imagine that I'd only get invited to play 'doubles' at night, so maybe I'll pass?"

"You jump straight to dirty jokes, don't you! It's troubling, so stop! Tennis circles range from pickup spots to ones where people enjoy it as a hobby, so just take your time looking."

"Well, true. We have time. By the way, I feel like we've been watched a lot for a while now. Is it my imagination?"

Now that she mentioned it, there were a lot of people looking at us. It felt like they were whispering. But it wasn't malicious or looking down on us. Rather, maybe curiosity?

"Isn't it because of your Menhera-like outfit? I mean, it's cute, but it doesn't fit the TPO (Time, Place, Occasion)."

"Thanks for the compliment. But it doesn't seem like they're looking at me. Everyone has a look of admiration in their eyes. When people look at me, it's usually with jealousy or eyes like they're looking at a panda."

"Can pandas and jealousy coexist? But you're right, they're looking at me? Why?"

"Could it be... Ah, knew it."

Ayashiro searched for something on her smartphone and showed me the result. It was a social media screen. The selfie I took with that upperclassman earlier was posted there.

[Koto University Newspaper]

Freshman Special Part 1

Kanahisa Tokiwa-kun!

A friendly selfie of a freshman and a senior!

This first-year with a Hollywood face apparently saved a senior casually, unpretentiously, and dashingly! A candidate for future Mr. Koto University!?

What the hell is a Hollywood face...?

"You became famous instantly. Impressive."

"Mm. I didn't think it would go vaguely viral. It's a bit embarrassing. Hehehe."

The selfie was something I prepared to mount on my classmates later, saying, "I'm already friends with a senior." I didn't expect it to go viral in this direction. Actually, it seems like that upperclassman really liked me.

"Hey, hey. Can I ask for something?"

"What?"

"Put your arm around my waist like earlier."

"Eh? Why?"

"Just do it."

Ayashiro-san leaned her body toward me without even waiting for my answer. With no other choice, I put my arm around her waist as told. Then Ayashiro extended a selfie stick and took a picture of us with her smartphone. She showed me the photo she took.

"Look, look! Doesn't it look good? I can use this, right? If idiots who can only become Fake Ikemen try to hit on me, I'll show them this! It'll definitely be a good charm! Fufufu."

Ayashiro-san seemed to be having fun. I thought it would be tactless to rain on her parade.

"Well, that's good."

"Right? Fufufu. If I say, 'I'm this guy's sex friend,' everyone will surely turn pale and tremble in humiliation. Fufu."

"Stop it! My image will hit rock bottom! Keep it to just friends! Please!"

"Eh, what should I do? Hmm?"

Ayashiro, who was teasing me immensely, was cute in a way appropriate for her age. This was my first time having this kind of playful banter, and it warmed my heart and made me feel wonderful.

But that didn't last long.

"Excuse me. Do you have a moment?"

A sweet voice that somehow resonated to the core of my body came from behind. I felt my body shudder reflexively. When I turned around, a single woman was there. A very beautiful woman wearing a gorgeous cherry blossom-patterned furisode kimono.

My heart began to make an unpleasant sound.

"Who are you? We're talking right now."

Ayashiro pouted and raised a displeased voice. The woman in the furisode seemed a bit troubled by that attitude.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. But I just wanted to talk to that boy there."

The woman turned her eyes toward me. As expected, it was a very beautiful face. Mysterious, ash-tinged brown hair and eyes of the same color. Those colors gave this woman a mystical, ephemeral... a mysterious beauty. As always, she was too beautiful.

"Eh? A reverse pickup? Being vaguely viral is amazing. To think you could catch such a beauty. Modern society is crazy."

"Eh? No, it's not a reverse pickup or anything. Ahem! Err... Kanahisa Tokiwa-kun. We're holding a social dinner party just for first years. How about it? There are no welcome parties today, and the idea is to build horizontal connections regardless of faculty or department..."

Looking closely, there was a group of beautiful male and female freshmen in the direction she came from. Judging by the distance between them, it seemed like they were meeting for the first time. But they looked somewhat proud. It was probably a group that someone had gathered just now. A special team composed only of beautiful people, gathering envious looks from the surroundings.

I was being invited to that team. In a sense, it was an honor.

If only Hiroto Hagiri wasn't in that group...!

I involuntarily clenched my back teeth hard. If I didn't, I was convinced my body would move reflexively and do something terrible.

And the woman in front of me continued.

"Is it a no? True, I understand feeling hesitant about being invited so suddenly. But Hiroto, who is organizing this gathering, is very caring, so you'll fit right in!"

Yes. The woman in front of me called Hiroto Hagiri by his first name. At this time, he and she were what you call "childhood friends." Their houses were next to each other, their parents were close, and they were raised like siblings. They had an irreplaceable bond forged by spending their time in the same space through elementary, middle, and high school.

If left alone, the two of them would become lovers after Golden Week passed. The ideal couple that everyone envied. Right now, they were still just friends.

"I get that, but who are you? If you're inviting someone, why don't you introduce yourself properly?"

"Ah! My mistake! That's right! My name is..."

She didn't have to say it. Because I knew it well. I didn't want to hear it. Because it would remind me of things I couldn't forget. I had tried not to think about it too much. That she also attended this university.

"Ririse Igarashi."

The woman said so with a gentle smile. I used to monopolize that smile, albeit for a short time. Because this woman was the woman who was my "Wife" in the first world.

"Heh, I see. Nice to meet you. I'm Himena Ayashiro."

"Himena? Can I call you Hime-chan?"

"No. Call me Himena-sama."

"What a haughty looking girl! super arrogant even though you’re cute like a doll!!"

My wife, getting swept up in Ayashiro's pace, was laughing cheerfully as always. I didn't know her well at this time. Because I was only watching her from afar. It was a while after graduating university that my wife and I started dating. So somehow, she looked like a stranger.

"What is it, what is it? Ririse. Are you having trouble? Need a hand?"

"Ah, Hiroto! No, ahaha. I'm just getting pulled around a bit. University really is an amazing place. Full of unique people! Ufufu."

My wife stuck her tongue out and smiled mischievously. I didn't know that face. I only knew my adult wife. But the guy who knew this version of my wife was standing right in front of me now.

"Hey, nice to meet you. I am..."

"I don't need a self-introduction. You were chirping arrogantly from the stage earlier, right?"

Ayashiro turned somewhat suspicious eyes toward Hagiri. Hagiri was a little bewildered by the pressure of her gaze.

"Chirping...? Ahaha... You're an eccentric one, aren't you? Ahaha..."

"Right! That's why I'm completely overwhelmed too!"

"I can see why Ririse, who can get along with anyone, is bewildered. So, how about it? You two. Let's have a little party with us."

The refreshingly smiling Hagiri certainly looked attractive. Among the women around us, many looked at Hagiri with longing eyes. Nice. I'm very, very envious. With this smile, this guy! This 'Cheating Partner' stole what was precious to me and broke it!

"We've already booked the venue. It's a beautiful place, and the food is delicious. I'm sure you'll enjoy it! You'll come, right?"

And thus, I was reunited with the man I hated most and the woman I loved most.

＊

It was truly a lapse in judgment. I was so caught up in my college debut that I had completely put my wife and her lover out of my mind. I hadn't thought about what I should do if I ran into them.

"So, what department are you two in?"

Hagiri, the "lover" standing in front of me, asked with a smile.

"I'm in the Department of Legal Profession Training, Faculty of Law."

I was surprised. It seemed Ayashiro belonged to the top humanities department. But considering how cynical and quick-witted she was, it seemed to suit her.

"Heh, that's amazing. So you're the elite of the elite, even within our university. In that case, don't you think horizontal connections are important? If you make them now, they'll surely become a great asset in the future."

"True. I can't deny that."

"Exactly. I'm in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, but I believe that in this era, it's necessary to have a comprehensive network across faculties and departments, not just your specialization. That's what this party is for."

I was getting irritated by Hagiri casually flexing his faculty status. This man was a monster who entered the medical department of Koto University—the most difficult department with the highest deviation score in the country—as the top scorer. The pinnacle of the exam elite. At Koto University, it's a daily occurrence for current students to engage in subtle power plays based on common test scores, entrance exam scores, and their faculties and departments. That side of things really gets on my nerves.

But honestly, I couldn't blame my wife for cheating. Between my job and a doctor, most women would choose the doctor.

"Oh, is that so. A future doctor, huh? How lofty. Come to think of it, what department are you in, Tokiwa?"

Now that she mentioned it, I hadn't said it. Or rather, I didn't want to say it in front of this man. In terms of hierarchy, I could never win against the Department of Medicine. I didn't want to say it in front of Ayashiro, and I didn't want to say it in front of my wife either.

I let out a sigh.

"I'm in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering."

To add to that, I was a Ronin (a student who failed entrance exams and spent a year studying). I tried to get into an art university straight out of high school but failed, so I gave up on my artistic sense and proceeded to the Department of Architecture. That's why I didn't want to say it. Compared to a guy who got into med school straight away, it felt miserable.

"Eh? No way! What an amazing coincidence! I'm in the Department of Architecture too!"

In contrast to my depression, my wife said that in a happy voice.

Again, a critical mistake. During my first time as a student, I had almost zero interaction with my wife, so I tend to forget, but she is in the same department.

"Heh. So you're in the same department as Ririse. Haha. My childhood friend is a bit clumsy, so please support her. Ahaha."

"Childhood friend? That's the first time I've heard someone use that term in real life. Does that mean you two are dating?"

Ayashiro asked with interest. ...I don't want to hear this... Personally, it's a topic I really want to plug my ears against.

"Ehh, it's not really like that. But I do think of Hiroto as someone irreplaceable. Fufufu."

My wife answered with a cheerful laugh.

"Ah, I believe we're tied together by a strong bond. Ahaha."

Hagiri also said with a refreshing smile. The two of them looked at each other calmly in a somewhat intimate atmosphere.

Irreplaceable person. A strong bond they built up. A relationship prioritized even over marriage. That's basically it, right? Hmm, isn't that irrational? I never had a chance of winning from the start.

"Is that so? Hmm. In other words, he's a 'safety net' to avoid getting hurt, like a convenient man. I'm starting to want a childhood friend too. I sure yearn for one."

The atmosphere froze. Hagiri tightened his lips into a straight line. My wife froze with her smile still on her face.

"No, no, no! Wait a second! Why are you saying it like that!? Hiroto isn't a convenient man or anything!"

My wife pouted her lips at Ayashiro and protested desperately. But Ayashiro acted as if the wind were blowing.

"Really? But you don't have a physical relationship, right? Yet a man and a woman are staying together? Impossible. Absolutely impossible. There are times when people can't stay together even with physical relationships, so can you really tie each other down without even having sex? I have my doubts."

"That's not true! Friendship can exist between a man and a woman!"

"True. Maybe it can. In other words, that man only possesses a charm for you that doesn't surpass friendship. And you don't feel strongly enough about him to be unable to stop yourself from lusting after him. Isn't what creates a truly strong bond a reckless love that disregards all else? That's what I think. And that only comes from a powerful impulse to egoistically desire the other person—for example, romantic love or sexual desire. Even if your relationship is good, it's not one where you passionately desire each other. Friendship between opposite sexes is nothing more than consolation for those who aren't worth passionately desiring. Such a dull emotion is nothing but 'convenient,' isn't it? Am I wrong? If you desired each other passionately, it would be 'inconvenient' for both of you."

Some profound talk that seemed to hold a grain or two of truth came out of Ayashiro's mouth. My wife put her hand to her forehead and fell into thought.

"Ugh... eh... but we've always been together and gotten along well..."

"If you're wavering because of my quibbles, then that's all your relationship amounts to."

Ayashiro spat out the words sharply. I had only known her for a short time, but it seemed she was angry that our playful banter earlier had been interrupted. That fact certainly warmed my heart.

"Stop insulting her any further."

Hagiri stood forward as if to protect my wife.

"Ayashiro-san, I intended to invite you to the party too, but no. I've decided to protect Ririse. I don't want to invite a mean person like you."

"Is that so. I didn't ask you to, though. Inviting me on your own and uninviting me on your own. You're a busy person."

Saying that, Ayashiro turned away. But a smile was plastered on her lips.

"Tokiwa-kun. This might be none of my business, but you should stop hanging out with a girl like that. A person who hurts others without reason is trash. There's no value in getting along with her."

You're the one saying that? Even though you stole my wife from me? Even though I suffered more than a lifetime's worth of wounds and even lost my life?

"Tokiwa-kun. Leave that girl alone and join our party. I want you to talk with people from the department my precious childhood friend attends, and it will be for your benefit too."

"You mean that group in the back?"

I turned my eyes toward the beautiful men and women behind Hagiri. It was truly a cool-looking group. Citizens of the Kingdom of Yo-kya (extroverts/normies), handpicked from each department. The 'Cheating Partner' in front of me was probably the king of that kingdom. Is my wife the queen, then?

"That's right. I found shining talents from each department and called out to them. Everyone agreed with my thinking. They are wonderful comrades who help and elevate each other. They are special people."

I see. 'The leopard cannot change its spots'—this is exactly what that means. When the affair was exposed, this guy just kept blaming me in this exact tone. Saying I wasn't a match for her. Saying he was special. Saying he was different from a "lowly" person like me.

"Nothing you're saying resonates with me at all. I can't agree with a single thing. Ayashiro isn't trash. She's a weirdo, but she's an interesting woman. There is nothing but value in getting along with her."

"Oh my? Are you protecting me?"

I directed only a smile at Ayashiro. But I think my feelings were conveyed to her just by that. She smiled gently and nodded.

"Besides, I'm a former In-kya doing a college debut. So I hate those sparkly, flashy groups. I don't want any Riajuu other than myself in my field of vision."

The first world. Until I met my wife, my world had no color. I had a good face and a good head, but my personality was fatally bad. I couldn't fit in well with those around me. So I was unbearably envious of the people who were always sparkling. I thought everything should just break. But after dating and marrying my wife, I learned that the world is a very wonderful place. I was able to stop hating other people's happiness.

"And another thing. In the first place, those guys have no qualifications other than their faces, do they? Am I wrong?"

I was convinced. Hagiri probably chose them purely based on appearance, and among those, he likely didn't include anyone smart in his "comrades."

"...That's not true. They have shining talent. Rather, when I gathered talented people, they just happened to be good-looking."

"Then can you bring someone over and have them prove that talent?"

Hagiri's face turned pale and cold. He glared at me quietly. Those beautiful men and women were pawns this man gathered to make them loyal vassals. Good-looking vassals make the king who stands above them shine. Talent is actually a hindrance. Because they might kick the king off his throne.

"To doubt them... you're a terrible guy! I thought you were a good person who took the initiative to help others! I'm disappointed! I'll stop inviting you. You are not worthy of being our comrade."

He snapped at me defensively. In other words, I hit the bullseye. They were just show ponies with nothing but good looks. I wouldn't become comrades with guys like that even if I died. That would be nothing but folly, like throwing my youth into the gutter.

"Hey, Hiroto."

While Hagiri and I glared at each other, my wife spoke up.

"What is it, Ririse?"

"Is what Tokiwa-kun saying true? You said we're interacting because those people are amazing people with talent even among the first years, right?"

My wife looked down and spoke somewhat sadly.

"That's right. have I ever lied to you?"

"...That's right. Yeah. Hiroto doesn't lie. ...But."

My wife raised her face and stared at me. Her smoky brown eyes looked very beautiful and gentle.

"Ririse? Is something wrong?"

"No. It's nothing. Let's go already. You two shouldn't fight. Let's stop this. Hiroto, let's go back to everyone. It's almost time, right?"

"Ah, you're right. Let's get going. Associating with these people is a waste of time."

Hagiri turned his back on us and returned to his group of friends.

"...I'm sorry, Tokiwa-kun. Let's talk properly next time."

My wife smiled sadly, then headed toward Hagiri. And then, they moved away from here in a flock to hold their dinner party or whatever.

"Ayashiro. Are you free after this?"

The tension drained out of me all at once, and those words came out naturally.

"If it's until night, I'm free. I'm having dinner with my father tonight."

"Then wanna go hang out with me until then?"

"Oh my! Sounds good! Where are we going?"

"Who knows. Depends on the vibe and tension of the moment, I guess. Ahaha."

"My, how unplanned. Sounds interesting. Ufufu."

Laughing together, we left the entrance ceremony venue. We played around to the fullest until night that day. It was something I could puff out my chest and call a sparkling youth.

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