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

The first firework bursts above the festival grounds, scattering streaks of red and gold across the night sky.

My breath catches as I lift my gaze toward the explosion. The sharp crackle of sound follows a split second later, echoing through the hushed lull of the summer night. The glow reflects across the cobblestone path beneath my feet, casting soft, trembling flickers of color over the smooth pavement.

The crowd's distant cheer rises and falls, fading beneath the quiet thud of my heartbeat in my ears. My hand curls faintly at my side, the edge of my yukata's sleeve brushing against my wrist as the night breeze stirs around me. The soft scent of summer grass and distant festival food clings to the air, blending with the faint smoke drifting down from the fireworks above.

Another firework follows—the bright blue flare cutting through the dark sky in a quiet cascade of shimmering light.

Chapter 16.1