NXT_MARVEL

Isagi Kawaguchi was just an ordinary guy — until he woke up in the world of Blooming Hearts, his favorite school-life romance anime. But there’s a catch: he’s reincarnated as an extra. A side character so insignificant, his entire screen time in the anime was five seconds.
But Isagi refuses to stay a background character. Fueled by the regrets of his past life — where he wasted his youth buried in books — he’s determined to live life to the fullest this time. And his biggest goal? Winning the heart of May Minase, the sweet and talented girl who captured his heart when he watched the show.
There’s just one problem. Or maybe several.
Rin Kazuki, the perfect protagonist — handsome, brilliant, athletic, and already well on his way to building his dream harem. And May? She’s supposed to fall for Rin.
But Isagi isn’t backing down. From joining clubs to standing out in class, Isagi is ready to fight his way into May’s heart — even if it means taking on the ultimate protagonist himself.
Let the battle for love (and survival) begin!

My Battle for Love in a World Where I’m Just an Extra

The Cultural Festival preparations were moving full speed ahead, and I knew it was time to stop just planning and start making real moves. If I wanted to win May's heart, I had to do more than just talk.

"Alright, everyone!" Saki announced. "We're holding the first round of auditions tomorrow! Let's show everyone how amazing this festival is going to be!"

As the meeting wrapped up, I saw May stretching her arms with a tired but content smile.

"Busy day, huh?" I said, walking up to her.

"Yeah, but it's fun," she said. "I'm really looking forward to seeing the performances."

"Do you… want to grab a drink from the vending machine?" I asked, my heart thumping.

We walked together, chatting easily, and for once, I felt like things were going my way. But just as we reached the machine, the perfect storm arrived.

"May-chan!" Rin called out, approaching with his effortless grace. "I was just about to invite you to help me review some event applications. Care to join me?"

I wanted to throw the vending machine at him.

"Oh… um…" May looked between us.

"Actually," I cut in, my voice steady, "we were just about to grab drinks. Why don't you join us after you're done?"

Rin's smile didn't waver, but I saw the flicker of irritation in his eyes. "Sounds good."

It wasn't a win, but it wasn't a loss either.

The next day's auditions were chaos — in the best way. Students poured into the gym, showing off everything from musical acts to comedy skits. Kaito and I sat at the judges' table with May and Rin, and the atmosphere was electric.

After one particularly terrible but enthusiastic performance, Kaito leaned over. "I'm rooting for these guys just for the guts."

"Next up — solo singing!" Saki announced.

The girl who stepped up was nervous, her hands shaking. But when she started to sing, her voice was soft and beautiful.

"That was amazing," May whispered, her eyes wide.

When the performance ended, the applause was genuine — even from Rin.

"Looks like we've got a lot of talent," he said.

"Yeah," I agreed. "This festival's going to be unforgettable."

And I was determined to make sure May remembered me most of all.

As the auditions wrapped up, I found May alone, looking thoughtful.

She smiled, but there was a hint of sadness. "I just… I wish I had something I was good enough to show off too."

"You're good at everything," I said without thinking.

Her cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Isagi. You always know how to make me feel better."

At that moment, I knew — I wasn't just some background character anymore. And I wasn't going to let Rin take the lead without a fight.

Let the Games Begin