I Was Reincarnated As the Hated Scummy Best Friend in a Gal Game and the Protagonist Is Useless

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42, Emi Sasaki Wants to Scream

“So, I managed to persuade Eien’s father!”

Returning from the arcade and doing homework, Emi stopped by my house and told me all about what happened at the Miyamura residence.

The result was a perfect match between Emi’s persuasive proposal and my advice on how to charm men.

“I see, maybe Emi should study more about how to charm men.”

“No way, I hate that. It seems like the only use for that is working at a hostess club.”

“No, surprisingly, the skill of making men happy can be used anywhere, not just in the nightlife business. It’s a man’s nature to be kind to those who flatter him, no matter the industry or big corporation. And above all, it makes you popular.”

“Heh, it makes you popular?”

Emi starts to show interest in my passionate explanation.

I don’t want to have a conversation unless they’re really into it.

“In this modern society, where we’re constantly put down and accumulate stress, if there’s a beautiful woman who praises you, she’s nothing less than a goddess, a Venus, a Mona Lisa.”

“Hmm, I don’t quite get it.”

“Is that so?”

“Ah, then Hidetoshi-kun, please shower me with compliments. Maybe then I’ll understand what you’re saying.”

“Eh? I think it’s just creepy when a guy does it…”

“That’s not true. Try showering me with compliments for a change.”

I don’t know how it came to this, but suddenly I needed to butter up Emi.

…Ugh, praising my childhood friend? How embarrassing.

“…”

“Why are you blushing already, Hideyori-kun? Come on, convince me.”

“Well, then…”

I deliberately took a few seconds to clear my throat.

I never thought I’d be consciously praising Emi just a minute ago.

“Wow, as expected of Emi. To think you could persuade Aien-chan’s father just by following my instructions.”

“Yes.”

And? Her expression was deadpan.

It seemed like my credibility was dwindling fast, and I had to step on the gas.

“Emi, you’re amazing.”

“Eh!?”

“You always meet my expectations, and you’re too good for someone like me. Plus, you’re so earnest, I can trust you completely.”

“…”

“You’ve gone all-in on looking cute, too! A bit youthful, but that’s what makes you so endearing and adorable! The way you tie your hair suits you so well, ‘Emi-style,’ and you’ve even started to wear a bit of makeup, adding to your charm. I’m happy our hair colors match, my brown and your chestnut brown—it’s like we’re coordinated. And your voice is wonderful! You could live off it, it’s that good. Your blue-ish eyes are like sapphires, so beautiful! And that beauty mark near your eye is super cute! Your hands are small compared to a guy’s, like a hamster’s, so lovable! You deal with a no-good, villain-faced guy like me every day, brightening my day, it’s too much! Thank you for moving here! Thank you for being born! I cherish you so much! And then…”

“Stop! Stop it, Hideyori-kun!!”

Emi stopped me without looking at my face.

It was clear she couldn’t stand to listen anymore.

Looks like I, the scumbag villain best friend, couldn’t move Emi’s heart.

“It’s impossible! I’m going home for today! Goodbye, Hideyori-kun!”

“Ah, wait! Emi-san!?”

She ran out of the room without looking back, as if she was utterly repulsed.

It must have been really creepy…

I guess the idea of my scumbag brown hair matching Emi’s chestnut hair is enough to give anyone goosebumps…

“Thank you for being born”? What was I thinking…

Being cherished by a guy like me is nothing short of horror…

I’m dead… My trash-level favorability must have plummeted to the negatives…

I doubt she’ll even speak to me tomorrow…

No, no, no!!??

“Ah!?”

Unable to face Hideyori properly, I bolt out of the room.

My face must be as red as an apple right now.

I can’t let Hideyori see me with such an embarrassing face!

The joy I feel is too intense for mere words like ‘wonderful,’ ‘cute,’ ‘lovable,’ or ‘happy’!

I was too scared to hear such direct praise from Hideyori, but when it came, it was like being killed with kindness, almost literally.

Thinking my hairstyle is so ‘me,’ or that my hair color matches his, what words could possibly describe this feeling!?

“I can’t… Hideyori is just too amazing for words…”

Unable to even say “I’m home,” I return to my house and dive into bed.

Then, I curl up on my pillow.

“I love youuu! I really love youuu! I adore you, Hideyori! I love you so much!”

“Hey, Emi—!? That’s embarrassing, stop it!”

“…Yes.”

My mother’s retort from another room brings me back to my senses.

Oh no, I did it again.

Even though my mom knows how I feel, it’s still embarrassing to be overheard like this.

“I want to date you so badly!”

“Well, why don’t you just date him?”

“But if he rejects me, I won’t be able to go on living!”

“You’re such a handful…”

“I want to marry you so badly, have children with you, Hideyori!”

“Hey, the walls are thin, you know? The neighbors might hear you.”

“That would be troubling…”

“Is it the age to want to shout out loud…?”

A conversation between mother and daughter, not facing each other, had begun.

“Hideyori, I love you so much!”

“Please… I remember doing the same thing in the past, so stop reminding me.”

“It’s geneticcccc…”

I had to scream for nearly ten minutes…

―――――

From noble mtl dot come

“Uwaaah, I’m so embarrassed I could dieeeee!”

“Hideyori, keep it down or the neighbors will hear…”

Groaning in bed, I heard an aunt’s voice from another room.

“Just kill me… please kill meeeeeee!”

“You’re seriously ill too, huh…”

At that moment, I wished someone would come and put me out of my misery, so great was my regret…