There's No Way A Side Character Like Me Could Be Popular, Right?

Tomoki Yuuki here—just your average second-year high schooler, except for one glaring issue: people act like I’m some kind of walking nightmare. No matter where I go, they scatter like I’ve got a permanent scowl that screams danger. The only exception? Ike Haruma, the golden boy of our school. He’s got it all—looks, charm, and that effortless charisma that makes him the undisputed main character in this story. Meanwhile, I’m stuck playing the role of the side character nobody wants to approach.

It’s not like I go out of my way to scare people off, but somehow, my mere presence sends them running. Maybe it’s the way I carry myself, or maybe they’ve all collectively decided I’m trouble. Either way, it’s exhausting. The only time anyone even acknowledges me is when they mistake me for some kind of delinquent—which, for the record, I’m not.

Haruma, on the other hand, glides through life like he’s the star of some cheesy romance anime. Girls fawn over him, teachers adore him, and even the guys want to be him. He’s the textbook definition of perfection, the kind of guy who makes you wonder if he’s even human. And for some reason, he’s the only one who doesn’t treat me like I’m about to snap at any second.

Honestly, I don’t get it. If I’m such a terrifying figure, why does he bother with me? Maybe he pities me, or maybe he’s just that nice. Either way, it’s weird being the only person he talks to outside his usual fan club. Not that I’m complaining—having at least one person who doesn’t run away is better than nothing.

Still, it’s hard not to feel like an extra in my own life. While Haruma’s out there living the dream, I’m just… here. Watching from the sidelines, wondering if I’ll ever be more than just the guy everyone avoids. Maybe one day, someone will actually see me for who I am—but until then, I guess I’ll keep playing my role as the background character nobody notices.