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

I'm walking alone beneath the quiet glow of the streetlights, the fading sounds of the festival lingering in the distance. The last burst of fireworks has already scattered into the dark sky, leaving behind a smoky haze that drifts lazily through the night. My footsteps echo faintly against the pavement, steady but hollow beneath the quiet hum of the summer breeze.

Chi's hand was warm. Soft and steady beneath my palm. For a brief moment, it had felt easy—natural—to stand there with her beneath the fireworks. Her fingers curled lightly around mine, her voice calm and steady as we watched the sky light up.

No pressure. No expectations. Just quiet understanding.

The warmth of her hand is already fading.

Chapter 17: Reflections