Chapter 20 – The Number Exchange
The afternoon bell rang, echoing across the open grounds as our physical activities class came to an end. The sun was already beginning to dip, painting the sky with a soft golden hue. A light breeze brushed through the grass as students began gathering their things, chatting excitedly about what had happened earlier on the archery field.
As we walked back toward the main building, the air was filled with whispers — and my name was at the center of all of them.
"Oh my god, did you see Reina punch that girl?!"
"If I were in Reina's place, I'd have beaten that pervert to death for touching my Haruya-sama!"
"Beaten? I would've broken her hand for even thinking about touching him!"
"Your Haruya-sama? Please! He's obviously my dream prince!"
"Ha! Keep dreaming, you delusional lovesick girl! Why would he ever look at someone like you?"
Their chatter buzzed around like static, half admiring, half jealous. I sighed quietly to myself. This was the side effect of fame in this upside-down world — every gesture, every word, turned into gossip fuel.
Behind me, Saeko and Reina walked a few steps apart. Reina, as usual, tried to act composed, but her stiff posture and pink ears betrayed her flustered state. Saeko, on the other hand, kept glancing between the two of us, clearly aware of the strange energy in the air.
---
When we returned to the classroom, I sank into my seat, exhaling. The faint hum of gossip faded into the background as I rested my chin on my palm, staring out the window.
My thoughts wandered — not about Reina, not about the crowd, but about that girl from earlier.
The one who had tried to grope me.
I felt bad for her — seriously. Yeah, what she did was wrong in this world, a massive offense that could ruin her future. But deep down, the old me from my previous world found it kind of… ironic.
If this had happened in my old life, I thought dryly, it would've been a dream come true.
Back then, I was just a tired office worker — no one ever looked at me twice, let alone tried to touch me. But here, one accidental touch could get someone expelled for "assault."
This world really is ridiculous, I sighed, forcing a smile. Still, I guess that's just how it works here. I need to keep my composure. I can't stand out too much.
---
The next few classes blurred by in a haze of lectures and quiet glances. Every now and then, I caught Saeko or Reina looking at me — one shy, one secretly flustered.
By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of the day, I had made up my mind about something important.
It was time to make things official.
If Reina was going to be part of my world — my growing harem — then I needed to give her my contact number.
---
The classroom had mostly emptied out by the time I stood from my seat. Saeko was chatting with some girls near the door, and Reina sat at her desk, scrolling absentmindedly on her tablet. Her expression looked calm, but I could see the faint tension in her eyes.
I walked up to her desk quietly.
She noticed the movement and froze, her body tensing like a startled cat.
(Why is he coming toward me? Did I do something wrong?) she thought, clutching her pen.
Her heart began to race. She felt her palms sweat as she forced a nervous smile.
"H-Haruya," she said quickly, her voice trembling slightly, "do you need something?"
I chuckled softly. "Relax, I'm not here to scold you. I just came to give you my contact number."
Reina blinked. "W-What?"
I pulled out my phone and smiled casually. "You've helped me a lot lately, and I thought it would be easier to stay in touch. If I ever need help with something — like schoolwork or anything else — I'll text you, okay?"
Her mind went blank.
He's giving me… his number?
Her heart skipped several beats as her thoughts spiraled out of control.
This can't be happening! A boy — no, not just any boy, Haruya-sama — is giving me his number?!
This is impossible! Boys never do that! They always wait for women to beg, to compete, to offer them gifts or favors just for a chance to text them!
She could practically hear the two sides of her mind starting to argue.
---
Reina's Inner Thoughts
Angel Reina: "You can't accept this, Reina. Remember what you promised yourself — don't fall for charm, don't get swayed by a man's kindness. You're strong, independent. You're a woman. Act like one!"
Devil Reina: "Shut up, you saint in a dress! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Do you realize what's happening right now? Haruya, the literal dream prince, is handing you his number! If you don't take it, I'll personally smack you into next week!"
Angel Reina: "He's just being polite! Don't misinterpret this!"
Devil Reina: "Polite?! Girl, he smiled while saying it! That's basically a confession in 4K!"
Angel Reina: "You're insane!"
Devil Reina: "And you're about to lose your chance to text that perfection incarnate!"
Smack! Smack!
(…Devil Reina wins.)
---
Reina took a deep breath, forcing herself to act normal — though her voice cracked slightly when she spoke.
"Y-Yes, Haruya! Thank you for giving me your number! I… I won't forget your kindness."
I blinked, tilting my head slightly. "Kindness? I just gave you my number. You don't need to make it sound like I saved your life."
Her face turned bright red. "N-No, I didn't mean it like that! I just—!"
I laughed softly, waving it off. "It's fine, Reina. Really. I'll message you later, okay?"
She nodded so fast it looked like she was trying to break a world record.
---
As I turned to pack my things, I couldn't help but smile. She's so different now. A few days ago, she could barely look at me without glaring. Now she's blushing like Saeko.
Then, another thought crept into my head — one that made me snicker quietly.
Wait… she said it was kindness for me to give her my number. Does that mean I'm a charity worker now?
I sighed. "I'll never understand women in this world. Or my old one, for that matter."
---
When I finally stepped out of the classroom, the sun was already beginning to set. The hallway was glowing in shades of orange and gold, filled with the sound of chattering students heading home.
At the school gates, Saeko and Reina were both standing together — though neither of them looked particularly happy about it.
Saeko smiled the moment she saw me. "Haruya! You were amazing again today!"
Reina tried to look calm but quickly broke into a faint blush. "Y-Yes, Haruya, you were really great."
They both spoke at the same time, then glanced at each other.
The air between them was thick with quiet rivalry.
Saeko was the first to recover. She stepped forward, her smile sweet but her eyes slightly narrowed. "Haruya, have a safe trip home, okay? See you tomorrow!"
Reina quickly followed, her voice softer. "B-Bye, Haruya. Take care."
Their hands lifted at the same time, waving toward me with identical motions — though Saeko's wave was confident, and Reina's was nervous and shy.
I couldn't help but laugh gently, raising my own hand. "See you both tomorrow."
Then I turned toward the sleek black luxury car parked near the entrance. My two female bodyguards were already waiting, their uniforms neat and professional. The driver opened the door, bowing slightly.
As I stepped inside, I glanced out the window one last time.
Both Reina and Saeko stood near the gate, watching the car. When I smiled and waved, they both froze — and then, almost in sync, blushed furiously.
Saeko's hands clasped near her heart, whispering softly, "He smiled at me…"
Reina's thoughts spun wildly. He smiled at me again… oh no, my heart, calm down!
Around them, other girls passing by stopped dead in their tracks.
"Did you see that?! Haruya-sama waved!"
"He smiled at us!"
"No, no, he smiled at me!"
"I'm going to faint…!"
Half the girls flopped dramatically to the ground, clutching their hearts like they'd been blessed by the gods themselves.
I chuckled quietly inside the car, leaning back against the seat as the engine started.
This world really is wild, I thought, gazing out the window as the academy gates faded into the distance. But… I think I'm finally starting to enjoy it.
---
To be continued…