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

<p>It's been at least fifteen minutes since I last saw Kaori, and the festival crowd isn't making things easier. Students swarm through the narrow walkways between the booths, their chatter blending into a chaotic hum beneath the lantern-lit sky. The golden glow of the hanging lights reflects off the sea of colorful yukatas, blurring everything into an indistinct mess of color and motion.</p>

<p>The summer night feels heavy. The thick humidity clings to my skin, sticking to the back of my neck and seeping beneath the edges of my jacket. The sharp scent of grilled food and sugary sweetness mixes with the smoke from nearby fireworks stands, creating a hazy warmth that makes my chest feel tight.</p>

Chapter 15.3