Your gaze towards Utari hardened in vexation and you held back a scoff in exasperation. Instead, you let out a quiet indignant huff in a way to suppress the sheer animosity that was boiling in your system, yelling at you to punch the guy in the face.

You were there with him this morning, and you were aware that he knew that there was no time for you to ruin Aimi's desk. He knew very well that he could easily clarify that fact with everyone and avoid this entire situation completely.

But he didn't, and he even chose to add fuel to the fire. That was where your anger derived from. Just what game was he playing at? What did he gain from your reputation being harmed?

You were tempted to call him out, confront him right then and there, but you manage to hold yourself back. Even if a few people believed you, you didn't doubt that Utari can easily sway everyone's opinion with just a few sentences. In other words, you weren't about to engage in a losing battle.

"No, it wasn't me. I arrived here early and happened to walk by it," you explained. "It's your choice if you don't believe me, but I'm not going to go into any arguments. We should quickly clean her desk before the homeroom teacher arrives."

As you head on over to your desk, you felt a weird sense of authority when people shuffled to clear the way for you. As you settled down your bag, there was a gentle tap on your shoulder. Glancing up, you expected to be faced with incredulous faces and doubtful gazes, however, you were surprised to see that everyone had an understanding expression.

"It's okay, (L/n)-san. It was obvious that Kasumi-san did it."

"Yeah! She probably tried to frame you. That bitch deserves to be expelled."

"Utari-kun is new to the school so he doesn't know what kind of person she is. He didn't mean it."

Well, as a matter of fact, Utari had asked you this morning if you were aware of the rumours around Kasumi. So, to you, he seemed very aware of the type of person she was.

"Ah, I'm sorry!" Utari apologised, his voice was laced with a sickening sweet layer of sincerity. "I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. Is there any way I can make it up to you?"

You strained a smile on your lips, the action making you feel like throwing up. "You were just asking a question, no need."

"Oh, I see." Utari sighed in relief and smiled tenderly at you. "I'm sorry for causing such a scene, it was just that..."

The faint trail in his voice switched your brain on high alert. A foreboding feeling instantly hammered your heart and you quickly spoke up, "well I'll be going to get the cleaning––"

"...(L/n)-san and Kasumi-san seemed to be good friends, so I tried to disregard the rumours on her." The male hummed in contemplation, head cocking to the side as a thoughtful look reflected in his optics. He then directed his attention back to you, a triumphal look in his eyes as if he had successfully ignited the candle that was needed to erupt into a blazing fire.

And he was right, his 'innocent' moment of contemplation struck a realisation within everyone. Whispers began surfacing again and this time you weren't able to ignore them like before.

"Ohh, he has a point."

"I may be overthinking this, but (L/n)-san did defend Kasumi-san yesterday at Karaoke. Maybe she..."

"Seriously? Maybe they're friends?"

"But people who are friends with her are never good people."

"Maybe she's kissing up to her? Kasumi-san's family is pretty influential."

"Isn't that kind of pathetic then?"

You sighed despondently. Well fucking played, Utari. Well, what can you do now? You were clearly outmatched when it came to influencing the crowd of students.

Ignoring the stares and the oppressive whispers directed towards you, you decided to leave to find some cleaning supplies. As you were stepping out the door, you loathed the fact that you failed to miss the look of satisfaction that momentarily flickered in Utari's eyes.



===



You weren't surprised that you were sitting by yourself at lunch.

If you just ignored the stares of the students that penetrated your skin, the looks of pity that prickled your pride, and the sheer annoyance that coursed through your veins at the fact that Utari's little act got him what he wanted, you were doing pretty okay.

As a weak attempt to make yourself feel less ostracised, you rationalised that Utari, in a way, helped you. Because unlike before, you didn't have to tire yourself out interacting with other students while constantly worrying if you would mess up in some way. Plus, you also had privacy to check your phone for that new feature.

[New feature unlocked: Forgotten Nostalgia]

Once encountered with a character whom the previous (Y/n) had met prior to the player's appearance, a random memory of that individual's experience with (Y/n) will be granted to the player. Can only be utilised once for each person.

⇨ [Tamashiro Yua]

[Unlock memory?]

⇨ [Utari Kashi]

[Unlock memory?]

"Did this unlock when I met Shin's mother?"

Well, you would be lying if you said that this feature didn't pique your curiosity. However, the thing that really interested you was the fact that you've met Utari in the past before.

Your surprise was quick to change into puzzlement. If that was the case, then why did he act like he had met you for the first time during your first encounter with him? What sort of relationship did you have with him in the past? Did it have to do with anything with the behaviour he was displaying towards you currently?

A deluge of questions flooded your mind and you immediately opted to unlock the memory to satisfy your curiosity. Unfortunately, you were forced to quell that urge when someone had taken a seat across you. Your mind instinctively thought it was Utari and your curiosity was overwritten with annoyance and anger. However, that anger immediately calmed when you found out who it actually was.

"...Shichirou-san?"

He was the one you encountered last on your first day of school, the guy who showed you around and helped you out with your timetable. Neatly combed purple hair accompanied with slightly tousled locks that fell over one of his pink-purple eyes, it was no doubt that it was him.

"(L/n)-san!" He displayed a kind smile, one that can easily melt the hearts of many. "Mind if I sit here?" His voice was so enticing that you had almost welcomed him with open arms.

What was with his sudden appearance? You were just getting to the good part as well.

"I don't mind," you replied through your faint frustration. Well, you could always check it out later, this was a good opportunity to possibly get some information out of him. You were so preoccupied with Utari that you had forgotten that there were two other people you needed to be mindful of.

"Wonderful!" He exclaimed joyously. "I wanted to have a chat with you yesterday, but you were surrounded by so many people. I'm glad I got the chance today."

His words were like harmless flower petals hitting a solid wall you had put up. It was difficult accepting his words of consideration without feeling cautious and thinking that there was an ulterior motive behind them. Well, given your situation, there probably was.

Playing with your fork as an excuse to avoid eye contact, you replied, "I'm surprised you wanted to talk to me. I'm pretty boring."

"There's always an exciting side to everyone. You shouldn't put yourself down so much," he lightly scolded like a mother harmlessly reprimanding a child. "I personally believe that you're a fun person."

"...We barely know each other though?"

Shichirou lightly chuckled. "But our first encounter was enough for me to know." He smiled, and unlike Utari's charismatic one, Shichirou's one was almost prince-like and it reflected a tender amiability in his eyes as if he was smiling at an old friend. The idol's interactions were kind yet held a sense of distance while Shichirou made it seem like you've been friends for years.

"Are you trying to comfort me?" you asked. "You know, from the rumours."

"Was I too obvious?" Shichirou sighed. "I'm sorry. I don't mean for it to look like I'm pitying you, I just can't believe how some people can be so easily swayed by a few whispers."

You admit, you were somewhat touched by his words. Mainly because you were currently feeling more vulnerable than usual and you held a subtle appreciated for the company he brought.

....Wait, was this guy taking advantage of you by saying sweet words to earn your favour?

"I know it may be hard for you right now," Shichirou said as if trying to empathise with you. "But feel free to talk to me anytime, okay?"

You could only accept his words with a silent nod, secretly annoyed at how you almost got influenced by his words. The male gave you a friendly smile before continuing. "...However, what do you plan to do about the rumours?"

You barely managed to bite back a frustrated sigh. Placing both hands on your table, you prepared to leave the conversation. With the anger you felt towards Utari as well as the disgust you felt towards Shichirou at almost being manipulated, you fear that these current emotions will drive you to do something you'll regret.

"(L/n)-san," the male said. His speech sounded patient and kind, however, was also enveloped with a strict and authoritative tone, one that caused you to stop in your tracks. "I sincerely hope that you believe me when I say that I'm trying to help you."

"Help me?" You couldn't help but scoff.

Shichirou nodded, smiling despite your hostile attitude towards him. "You mustn't underestimate the rumours. Small and seemingly insignificant ones are capable of manifesting into something far more damaging than you may think.

Everyone in this school belongs to an influential family. Rumours that go to them goes to their parents. You can see where I'm going, right? These rumours can not only harm your own reputation but also your family's," he explained; voice eloquent and potent, composure poised and calm as if he wasn't indirectly alluding to a threat.

He continued. "It would be a shame for something to happen since they've recently had a spike in their success."

You detested the fact that his words had some merit. Despite being aware of what he was trying to do, you couldn't help but consider his words. It was like he had a weak and fragile chain on you. You could easily break it and escape, but you chose not to.

You locked eyes with the male only to feel further irritation at the look of pure triumph in his eyes. "Well played," you said.

The male smiled in satisfaction. "Why, thank you." It seemed like he was aware that you weren't buying his prince-like facade.

You shuffled a little in your seat, no longer planning to leave the conversation, and crossed your arms. "So, where are you going with this?"

"I'm offering you my help."

You almost threw your arms back in frustration. "You literally just said that rumours are dangerous and whatnot, why would you want to associate yourself with me?"

A light chuckle came from the male, amusement in his eyes as if he had successfully predicted your words. He placed a finger on his lips and hushed you gently. His eyes averted over to the table of students beside you before motioning you to listen in carefully.

"Is that Shichirou-kun with (L/n)-san?"

"Why's he with her?"

"Ah, he probably felt bad for (L/n)-san."

"As expected of him, he can't help but be kind to everyone. He didn't even flinch at the rumours."

"Eh~ What a nice guy!"

"He's too considerate for his own good."

"If only Kasumi-san can learn from him."

After hearing enough to prove his point, Shichirou then hummed in satisfaction. "As you can see, my reputation is something that's pretty hard to ruin," he said.

"Show off," you mumbled.

"I rather use the term proud, but think what you will." The male looked at you expectantly with a stifling amount of confidence. "So, regarding my help, what's your answer?" he asked as if he already knew the answer.

"Wait." You held a hand up. "There's probably some sort of catch, right?"

"Correct."

"Hah, there's no point in hiding it––" You abruptly halted mid-sentence. "Wait, huh." Surprised at his honesty, you weren't able to hide the dumbfounded look on your face.

Maybe it was because your mind had been overwhelmed with Utari's two-faced nature because you expected Shichirou to put on a fake smile and spout some nonsense about how he 'cares for you' as an explanation for his help.

A small and amused chuckle came from Shichirou at your bemused expression. "After improving your reputation, I'm expecting your support," he explained. "Currently, your parents are exceedingly influential. A good word or two about my family to them will be good enough for me."

"...That's suspiciously too easy for me."

"Don't worry, it's all I need." The confidence that was exuding from his tone of voice slightly irritated you. The way he phrased it was like his skills were so great as if he only required the smallest match to set the world on fire.

You felt like even after making the deal, you would still feel indebted to him. The exchange was far too one sided and too much in your favour. Maybe that was what he was aiming for? You weren't entirely sure.

Was there a feature for mind-reading?

Shichirou clasped his hands together, pulling you out of your contemplation. He smiled and extended his hand out. "So, do we have ourselves a deal?"

Your suspicion towards the male was like a tight rope that had an unyielding grip on your decision to accept his offer. Not only was the simplicity of the whole thing distrustful, the male already displayed clear signs of a good manipulator.

If Utari had a talent for manipulating the crowd, Shichirou's would be to manipulate the mind.

"I'll think about it," you replied.

Shichirou's eyes narrowed a little. "What's there more to think about?"

"Oi, at least I'm considering it."

"I'm not as patient as you think."

Unlike Utari, Shichirou had no problem letting his facade crumble around you. No fake smiles or hidden emotions in his eyes, he made it clear that he wasn't the kind and considerate student others make him out to be.

Just why was he doing that?

The questions that surfaced due to his actions was another factor that stopped you from accepting his offer. You didn't like accepting the deal with so many uncertainties plaguing your mind.

"If you were this willing to drop the offer, then I guess it wasn't that important to you," you said. "That doesn't give me a good sense of reassurance, just saying."

Shichirou chuckled, pleased and amused at the same time. Your face only crinkled in irritation. You didn't want the guy to be smiling, you wanted him to feel discouraged, panicked, frustrated. However, he just looked like he was enjoying a good show.

"That's true," he said. "Well, I do hope you'll accept this offer." He grabbed a notebook from his bag, scribbled down something you couldn't tell, ripped off the paper and slid it across the table. "Text me your answer."

Before you could respond, the bell rang rambunctiously and almost made you flinch at its obnoxiousness. Seriously, can someone change it so that your ears don't feel threatened every time it rang?

A few students who happened to walk by your table took the opportunity to ask Shichirou to walk to class with them. Some acknowledge your presence while others completely ignored you. Shichirou easily dealt with those students and managed to convince them to wait for him outside the cafeteria. The way he spoke was so well mannered that you almost had doubts about his manipulative nature.

The male turned to you and gave you one last friendly smile. "Feel free to text me on other matters, I'd love to get to know you better."



===



You felt a weight off your shoulders as relief washed over you at the sound of the last bell to ring for the day. Classes were finally over and you were more than ready to head home. Though you wanted to relax, you needed to continue doing some more research on this world, find a way to deal with Utari, and figure how to get Kasumi to stop bullying Aimi.

On top of dealing with three potential killers, you had to deal with school work as well. You felt like you needed some compensation for your extra efforts in life.

As you stretched your arms over your head and began walking out of the building, you were stopped when your eyes caught sight of a familiar approaching brunette. Well speak of the devil, Kasumi was here, and she was definitely heading your way.

Her hair beautifully cascaded down her back and the curls in her hair were done more extravagantly today. There were two other girls with her and, honestly, they couldn't even compare to her beauty. It was a shame that Kasumi always had either a cold or agitated expression on her face.

Dark green eyes narrowed at you, displaying obvious belittlement. The girl was expecting more of a reaction out of you than just silent staring and only grew frustrated when you continued said silent staring. You had to admit though, she does a very good job at establishing an authoritative aura wherever she went. It was just her actions and petty forms of bullying that shattered that demeanour.

"Well? Aren't you going to talk?"

One of Kasumi's friends glared at you, holding her head high pretentiously as if she had a crown on it. The make up she wore was bright and incongruous like it was done by a child that was given some colours and was told to go wild.

Honestly, you just wanted to go home. "What do you need?"

She gaped at you. "How rude––"

"Who told you that you could speak?" Kasumi condemned. The girl's imperious behaviour was quick to dwindle as she shrunk and remained quiet. "You two, leave us. I'll talk to her alone."

"But––"

"Kasumi-san! What if she does something?!"

Kasumi's face twitched in annoyance and you swore you heard her patience snap. The female sent her signature cold and menacing glare and the two girls instantly got the hint and scurried off.

"Okay, now that we're alone," you said. "Let's say we have some girl talk, hm?"

Surprisingly, despite the obvious look of unfiltered annoyance written across her face, Kasumi simply huffed loudly and refrained herself from making an impulsive comment on how much your behaviour vexed her.

"The desk," she said simply.

Oh?

You thought that you would be the one getting to the point, however, it appears that Kasumi was already doing that for you. Less work for you, you'll gladly take it. "Aimi's one? The one with the slander and trash?"

Your voice had noticeably dropped into a significantly more serious tone despite the casual and friendly look in your face. Kasumi didn't fail to notice the shift in your speech and momentarily averted her eyes away.

"Why didn't you just blame it on me?" she asked, genuinely perplexed to the point where it morphed into a perspicuous frustration. "You knew it was me! Don't think I didn't notice you walking pass my conversation in the morning. There was no way you didn't piece two and two together."

...Well, this was unexpected. You had anticipated for her to be mad, but not in this aspect. "...Wait, I didn't prepare a response to this. Give me a minute to confer."

"Wh––stop beating around and just give me a response!" she shouted. "You even defended me yesterday. What is it that you want?"

Obviously, you couldn't tell her the truth. If you did, you didn't doubt that she would walk out of this conversation without hesitation and say something along the lines of you 'simply playing around' or 'not taking her seriously'. Well, you wouldn't blame her if she did do that.

At your silence, Kasumi rolled her eyes and continued the conversation. "Fine, I won't pry. But, at least tell me what you want in return."

"...Huh?"

"What's with that dumb look? I just hate being indebted to others. The last thing I need is for you to ask for a 'repayment' for your actions at an inconvenient time."

Repayment? What was she talking about? You tried to hide your confused state in order to not agitate the female further as you pretended to contemplate her question when, in reality, you were figuring out what she meant.

...Did she feel a sense of guilt? Guilt that someone else took the blame for her actions? Or was this her way of showing consideration that you helped take the blame? You weren't sure, but either way, there was more to the girl than you originally thought.

"No need," you responded.

"Bullshit." Kasumi scoffed. "You're saying that you're doing this out of kindness? I don't believe that for a second."

"Then, can you stop bullying Aimi?"

"What?" Kasumi's face twisted in exasperation. "Don't tell me you ruined your own reputation just so that I can stop bullying someone you hardly know?" She looked at you as if you've grown three heads. "What's the point of gaining my favour and asking me? Just get me expelled!" Like a volcano exploding, her irritation came flowing at a tremendous rate as her loud voice echoed throughout the empty hallway.

"I just don't like to cause unnecessary trouble for others," you simply said. "Plus, a few rumours can't hurt me." That was kind of a lie, you wanted to sound a little cool.

"I can't understand you," Kasumi muttered. "Are you really that naive?"

"I guess I am," you laughed. "But you realise that you don't need to compensate me, right? It's not like that will benefit you in any way." You then clapped your hands. "Oh! Did you take a liking to me then? If so, then I'm touched––"

"What? No!" Kasumi snapped instantly. "Not a chance––"

You held up a hand. "Kasumi-san, as much as I love talking to you, I really do feel like going home. So, let me quickly make this clear." A mischievous smile graced your lips and Kasumi's gaze sharpened in distrust at that. "Every time you do any sort of bullying towards Aimi, I'll take the blame for it."

"What the f––" The female held her tongue and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You...just whose side are you on?... Are you a masochist of some sort?"

Well, I have no better explanation. You sighed to yourself and said a quick goodbye to your self-pride.

"Uhm, well. Yeah, sure. Let's go with that." You then quickly dismissed the topic. "Anyways, just know that I'm serious about this. This morning was already a good demonstration, right?"

Kasumi remained silent, speechless for once. With a scoff that sounded like it was bottling years of frustration, she turned away and left you. You cheerfully said goodbye and you held back your amusement when she tensed in more anger at that.

Then, a sigh whisked by your lips. There was a part of you that believed that that wasn't enough to convince her to stop her from bullying Aimi. "Ahh, what should I do..." you mumbled to yourself.

Then, your phone chimed.

[Character Found] Kasumi Himari

[Basic Information]

Her family owns an exceedingly successful business in cosmetics that are used widely around the school, especially with the female audience

She's a presumptuous female who is detested by many students, however, due to her family's influential status, not many can do much beside whisper rumours behind her back. And, despite her poor reputation amongst the students, there are some who try to gain her favour for their own personal benefit.

Usually, they fail within minutes, Kasumi is never seen interacting friendly with anyone.

Kasumi's antics involve petty forms of bullying. Making rude comments towards students, ruining lockers, stealing clothes during gym lessons; she never takes it too far and often stops within a month before targeting someone else.

[Additional Information]

However, an infamous incident that escalated greatly involved the expulsion of a student. A student attempted to confront Kasumi's arrogant behaviour after being rejected when she was trying to befriend her. The next day, that very student was expelled, never to be heard from again.

This was the incident that made Kasumi's reputation for her unpleasant behaviour skyrocket.

- [No additional information left to be unlocked] -

The fact that today was the first time you held a proper conversation with Kasumi completely slipped your mind. However, despite conversing with her only once, you've already unlocked all of her information, unlike with Utari who you had talked to several times before.

You assumed it due to Utari character being more complex and difficult to understand. You felt like you could grasp Kasumi's feelings relatively well. Utari, on the other hand, only caused you headaches.

Well, either way, you were glad to receive the information. This will definitely help you with your future interactions with her as well. You didn't feel like you were walking in completely oblivious anymore which granted you a sense of reassurance.

However, especially after reading the additional information, your curiosity couldn't help but be piqued. Kasumi was described to engage in petty forms of bullying and never took things too far, yet she expelled a student? Despite barely knowing her yourself, she didn't seem like the type to do such a thing.

Also, no offense, but you didn't think she had the wits to be able to expel someone just because they confronted her.

Pushing aside those thoughts away, you redirected your focus on your current predicament. You needed to figure out a way to either stop Kasumi from bullying Aimi or convince her to not. The latter seemed difficult as of right now.

A way to stop her....You knew you said that you'll take the blame for her actions, however, at the same time, you never considered the fact that you didn't have a way to know exactly when and what she'll do. Today, it was pure coincidence.

Your eyes narrowed in contemplation, a pensive look reflected in your eyes and you almost ran into a wall whilst preoccupied with your thoughts.

A sudden thought struck you and you snapped your fingers in realisation. At the thought of your idea, a small smirk formed on your lips. If you can't find a way to stop her, you'll just create a scenario where she has no time to execute her bullying.

You laughed quietly to yourself. Let's just say that you'll be seeing a lot of her tomorrow.

"Well, let's hurry home and work on the plan~" Ideas were piling up against one another and you happily exited the school gates, a smile on your face.

However that smile quickly turned into a frown, your light and happy steps slowed into a cautious approach, and your carefree expression tensed at the sight of a certain someone.

Utari was there, a smile on his face when he met your gaze. And, from the looks of it, he was waiting for you.





A/n: 👀

We get some screentime of Shichirou this chapter! What do you guys think of him compared to Utari?

Also, we gain some insight on our alleged villainess Kasumi! Honestly, I'm pretty excited to write her and the reader's relationship and interactions in the future, look forward to it!

The reader never got a chance to try out the new feature this chapter. Why? Because plot. What do you guys think Utari's memory of past (Y/n) would be? How do you think it relates to why he's acting like such a bitc––a not so nice person towards her?