[Vol.2] Chapter 57: Could this just be another punishment game?

Recess ended, we returned to the classroom and proceeded with class as usual.

After talking about our strategy, I stationed Mocha-san to watch over Aria Tamami-san's every movement, as part of this pretend secret organization watching over from the shadows.

I was only making it as a role-play scenario, but Mocha-san seemed to be taking it very seriously. She's even discreetly taking down notes in her notebook while class is proceeding. Though just thought she was listening to the lesson and was taking down notes normally.

Meanwhile, I stared at the open window, pretending to be bored, as I stared blankly at the sky showing little to no interest on the lesson.

However, in reality I was fully conscious, diligently listening to the lesson so that when the teacher called me out for not listening, I could just answer their questions full of confidence. I wanna pull off that classic "You underestimated what I'm capable of." type of scene which never get old in my eyes.

On the other hand, I could feel her gaze, Aria Tamami-san discreetly glancing at the back from time to time where Mocha-san and I were seated.

Though I could feel it, I pretended not to notice as I stared blankly at the open window like the mysterious character that I am. So I didn't address it.

'What is the relationship between those two...?'

Aria-san thought to herself, thinking about the moment Mocha-san and I returned to the classroom together.

From what Aria-san had gathered, Mocha-san had just transferred here just three days ahead of her, on Tuesday. Thinking it shouldn't have been possible to happen in that short amount of time span, 'They're not in that kind of relationship, right?'

The last morning period ended, and lunch break came before we knew it.

I didn't get to do that "You underestimated what I'm capable of" to the teachers, but I have grown used to it, roleplays not going according to plan I mean. I had been ignored for three months after all, and the teacher back then didn't really expect much from me at that time.

However, the real reason I wasn't getting called out as much as I should was because I had already clearly demonstrated my grounds, playing this exact same scenario over and over for the past few days, they got tired of it already and just let me be.

Anyways, it was now lunch. Everyone was taking out their lunchboxes, while others went to the cafeteria.

What does a shadow hero do during his free time? That's right, he mysteriously disappears.

While no one was looking, I had already gone outside, mysteriously disappearing as no one noticed except for a selected few who got their eyes fixated on me.

I could just eat in one corner, keeping that alone and mysterious appeal, but remember to keep this in mind. "I have no money!"

In other words, I'm flat broke. That 10,000 yen I gave away the other day was all my allowance for the month. I'm really tight on money right now. I only took my meal, well, just a small snack during recess is enough until I replenish my savings.

Also, as I mentioned previously, I prefer going outside the classroom so people would wonder where I am going to all this time during our free time. Where is he going to all this time? It's suspicious. I wanted them to think that. Or even secretly follow me to where I am headed.

I could tell this course of action was effective, that revelation scene that occurred with Mocha-san was the living proof that these seeds of suspicion was worth the effort.

But still, that doesn't change the fact I'm still hungry. I should just start packing my lunch and use whatever we have at home. That way I could have lunch and have zero expense to my personal budget.

...

Meanwhile, Mocha-san who stayed in the classroom to take her lunch.

As I said, I stationed her to watch over Aria Tamami-san's activities, and she seems to be doing it so diligently.

I didn't really tell her to put in much effort, I just thought she wanted to eat in the classroom like anyone else would. It's not like we eat together all the time, and we're not really that close for we had just met only recently. Plus, Hitomi-san was there so she wasn't eating alone like a loner, the truth she was insecure about being mistaken.

Aria-san, seeing Mocha-san staying in the classroom to have lunch thought 'So they're not eating together?'

'That means, they are not close enough to be eating as a group.'

Like confirming whether Mocha-san's relationship with me was close enough to be suspected of being more than just friends, Aria-san no longer labeled Mocha-san as a threat. Mocha-san and I returning to the classroom together during recess was nothing more than just a coincidence, she thought.

Time passed, and lunch was almost about to end.

I decided to return to the classroom as the next period was about to arrive. I don't want to be late and stand out.

Walking through the hallways, I put on my [Background Character Mode: "Eyeless Mob"] and proceeded to casually blend in with the crowds, remaining low-key as I lowered my presence with mob vasaud.

Just a few steps away from the classroom, I returned my hair to normal and activated my [Perfect Side Character Mode], fixing my posture and demeanor.

As if, purposely waiting for me to pass by, a girl stopped me, approaching me with her friends behind her back.

The girl was blushing, as if embarrassed as her friends pushed her from the back towards me.

I think they were students from next door? I have yet to be acquainted with them, but I've seen their faces often coming out from the classroom next to ours.

The girl, the one who approached me being pushed by her friends opened her mouth.

'Y, your name is Yukiya Saito-kun, the new transfer student ...a, am I right?"

The girl inquired, still hints of redness to her cheeks as if embarrassed talking to me. Her friends were giggling from behind as if squirming seeing our interaction.

I'm not sure what she's talking about, but it seems like they have mistaken me for the transfer student who came in our class a few days ago, mistaking me for Mocha-san.

"Ah, yeah..." I replied.

I did have an image change, so I guess no one recognized me from how I looked before.

I wanted to say yes because. Why not? Isn't it fun to be mistaken to be something you're not? Think of the endless potential with this plot point.

With this misunderstanding, I feel like I'll truly be living a double life by pretending to be a transfer student which I'm not. Plus, a little lie like that wouldn't be that big of a deal, right?

"A... After school, please meet me at the back of the old abandoned building. I-I have something to tell you!" the girl said, stuttering her words and seemingly flustered from the way she speaks.

"Eh?"

I was confused. I wasn't wearing my phantom attire, so why is she asking me for a duel?

In the end, I agreed to meet her anyway, promising to meet her at the back of the old school building later that afternoon, after school ends.