Out of the blue, let me ask: don’t you think that most romantic comedy protagonists end up surrounded by harems? I’ve seen plenty of manga and anime like that, but honestly, if such a thing existed in real life, it’d probably make me uncomfortable.
Now, why am I bringing this up all of a sudden? Let me explain what’s happening right in front of me.
Standing before me are three female students encircling a single male student.
“Hey, come on, you’re crowding me! Give me some space!”
“Yumi! Misato! Takuto’s clearly uncomfortable! Step away from him!”
“Oh, and you’re totally keeping your distance, aren’t you, Reika? Besides, I’m allowed! I mean, I’m his sister, after all. Hey, big brother, you like me best, don’t you?”
“Uh, of course, I do. I mean, we’re family.”
“What are you saying, Takuto? You can’t say things like that. You have me, don’t you? By the way, could you come to my house this Sunday? I’d like to introduce you to my parents.”
“Uh, sure? I’m not totally sure what you mean, but it sounds like I’m just visiting Misato’s house, right? I’m free on Sunday, so that’s fine.”
“Wait a second! You’re just going to agree like that?!”
“What? Was that bad? I was planning on inviting Reika too…”
…They sure are full of energy this morning.
They’re causing a commotion right in the middle of the school route, drawing attention from everyone around. I don’t want to get involved with people like that, so I decide to walk quickly past them along the edge of the road, heading straight to school.
“Ah, Amane! Good morning! Let’s go to school together!”
Oh no, this is the worst. He called out to me. The stares from everyone around sting, but I stop and look in the direction of the voice.
Since he called my name, let me properly introduce myself:
My name is Minase Amane. It’s often misread as “Shuu,” but it’s pronounced “Amane.” I’m a male high school student who just started attending Hoshigaoka High this spring.
And the guy who just called my name is Mamiya Takuto, a classmate of mine. This guy managed to form a harem within just one week of starting school, and now, at the end of May, he’s still living the romantic comedy dream. He’s the classic oblivious protagonist. Sure, his face is reasonably good-looking, but honestly, my childhood friend is way more handsome.
Since our surnames are close alphabetically, Takuto and I sit near each other and end up stuck together more often than I’d like. Somewhere along the way, he got it into his head that we’re best friends.
Speaking of which, this guy just called out to me while I was walking with my childhood friend. Read the room, man.
Wait a second—where’s my childhood friend? She was right next to me earlier, but now she’s walked ahead, leaving me behind. Seriously? I have to deal with this harem nonsense first thing in the morning without backup? Come on, childhood friend, don’t abandon me!
As I’m thinking this, the harem girls start speaking up.
“Takuto went out of his way to greet you, so say hello back!”
“Seriously, what’s up with this guy? Big brother, you don’t have to bother greeting him.”
“I agree. Also, that messy hair, glasses, and mask—absolutely unpleasant.”
The three culprits are, from top to bottom: Reika, Takuto’s childhood friend; Yumi, his step-sister; and Misato, some rich girl from who-knows-where.
I forgot their last names. Actually, I barely remembered their first names from just now. Why should I bother remembering the names of his harem members? Oh, but since Yumi is his step-sister, her last name should be Mamiya. Anyway, these three are apparently considered some of the school’s top beauties. I don’t see it, though.
More importantly, how can they insult me like this? Takuto was the one who greeted me first! And what does my appearance have to do with anything? My messy hair is natural, I wear glasses because I hate contacts, and I wear a mask because of my allergies! Don’t underestimate pollen allergies—they’re the worst!
“Don’t say things like that! Amane is a good guy!”
“““Takuto (Big Brother) (Takuto-san), you’re so kind…”””
…How long do I have to put up with this charade?
Sigh. It’s not even a lucky day. I got roped into dealing with these people, abandoned by my childhood friend… I’m just going to head to school.
Ignoring the harem group, I walk quickly towards school.
“Hey, Amane, wait! Let’s walk together!”
“What’s with the silent treatment?!”
I hear their voices behind me, but I have nothing to do with it.
* * *
About ten minutes after I arrive at school, they show up and start bothering me again. Unfortunately, I share the same class with Takuto and his harem, even though my childhood friend is in a different class. It’s depressing.
After ignoring them, I attend class as usual. Now it’s lunchtime.
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