yuzuumachi

Iwasaki Yuto is an ordinary college student who views himself as nothing more than an unremarkable "NPC" in the grand scheme of life. He goes through his days quietly, blending into the background at school and keeping to himself. His world revolves around gaming, anime, and escaping the harsh reality of his social invisibility. Yet, despite his attempts to stay unnoticed, he can’t shake the feeling that something is missing—especially when it comes to love.

In his daily routine, Yuto faces the same struggles of rejection, loneliness, and self-doubt. He watches others live out their high school romance fantasies while he remains on the sidelines, quietly wishing for a chance to experience something meaningful. But when fate throws him into unexpected situations and confrontations, Yuto begins to question if he’ll always be a background character in his own life—or if, somehow, he’s destined for more than the ordinary existence he’s resigned himself to.

My Part-time Girlfriend

We walk side by side, following the dimly lit path near the school's entrance. The warm glow of streetlights reflects off the pavement, casting long, gentle shadows. The world around us feels quieter at this hour—just the soft rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, the distant murmur of cars passing on the main road, the rhythmic sound of our footsteps against the ground.

Kaori keeps a small distance between us, arms crossed as if to build an invisible barrier. But even in the quiet, I notice the little things—the way her fingers fidget against the strap of her bag, the way her gaze flickers toward me for just a second before quickly snapping away, as if catching herself in the act.

She's acting annoyed, but I can tell she's embarrassed.

"You're quiet," I say after a while, my voice breaking the silence between us.

She scoffs lightly. "Maybe I just don't have anything to say."

I chuckle, tilting my head. "Or maybe you're overthinking it again."

Chapter 12.1