Chapter 3

When I thought I had reincarnated into another world, I found myself in a morgue. I was completely confused.

Suddenly, I felt something odd about my toes and looked down to see a tag-like object attached to them.

It must be for identifying the body. But there was nothing written on the front. When I flipped it over, it read, "Sorry, I messed up again. I'll fix it, so please wait a little longer."

So, instead of another world, I was just brought back to life in this world.

"God... I told you to be careful."

I decided to wait as God had said, for the time being.

◇

It has been a whole day, and I finally made it home.

After that, several police officers arrived, I was made to change into a suit, a commendation ceremony was held at the police station, and I was bombarded with questions from reporters and the media.

Apparently, I am now known as the super high school student who captured a dangerous criminal. I don't understand what's going on.

"Oh, there's a letter."

The sender is God.

'Sorry, I messed up and brought you back to life in this world. To cover up, I made it so that you never died. And the reason you missed the opening ceremony is that you were attacked by a dangerous criminal and defeated them. I'm really sorry. It's not an apology, but I left your cheat abilities intact. I hope you do well, even though it's not the other world.'

Well, it's a relief that my cheat abilities are still intact. Besides, I was sad about leaving my family and friends, so it's not a problem that I didn't reincarnate into another world.

"I might as well prepare for school the day after tomorrow."

The opening ceremony was on Friday. Today is Saturday.

I'll put in extra effort for school on Monday to make up for the missed opening ceremony.

◇

"Um, I'm Kiyosuke Yuki. Nice to meet you."

On the first day of school. Since I missed the opening ceremony guidance, I had to introduce myself alone at the front of the class. I was extremely nervous.

"That's the super high school student, huh."

"Wow, he's the one I saw on TV yesterday."

"The criminal he caught was apparently built like a pro wrestler."

"And he had a weapon, right? It's amazing he could take down such a guy."

During each break and lunchtime, I was at the center of rumors.

However, no one talked to me.

"I feel so uncomfortable."

This high school is a combined junior and senior high school, and half of the students are from the same middle school. As a result, several strong groups have already formed.

The other half, like me, are external students, and some are also isolated, but no one approaches due to wariness. I can feel the piercing gazes of respect and fear.

Thanks to God's excessive cover-up, I'm already on the path to being a loner.

"Kiyosuke, are you there?"

While I was thinking about this, someone suddenly called out to me. I turned around to see a typical delinquent with a shaved head looking for me.

"Kazuki called for you. Which one is Kiyosuke?"

Everyone's eyes turned to me. The delinquent seemed to have noticed.

"It's me."

I raised my hand hesitantly.

"Can you come over here for a moment?"

The delinquent with the shaved head led me to the back of the gymnasium.

◇

My knees were shaking, and I couldn't stop sweating.

There were nearly ten delinquents gathered in the back of the gymnasium. The leader, with spiky hair, spoke to me.

"I'm Sōji Kashiwagi. You're Kiyosuke, right?"

"Yes."

"Is it true that you caught a dangerous criminal?"

"Yes."

This is scary. He's at least a head taller than me. I'm in the 160s, so he might be around 180 cm.

"How did you catch him? The guy was a huge man who could kill a bear with his bare hands, and I heard he had a gun."

God! What kind of monster did you make me defeat?

"That, I don't remember clearly. I just realized I had caught him..."

I used this excuse to dodge the questions from the media as well.

"Anyway, it's true that you took him down, right?"

"Well, that's..."

Suddenly, he grabbed my collar. Oh no, my feet are off the ground! What kind of strength is this?

"Sōji! What are you doing!?"

Suddenly, a short-haired girl with red hair approached us.

Who is she?

"Akari, what are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here? You're the one who forcibly brought the external student out. What were you planning to do?"

It seems they know each other. The other delinquents also seem to recognize her, as they silently watch the exchange.

"Shut up. I got it, I'll let him go. I thought it might be something, but it was just a mistake."

For a moment, he looked down at me with a disdainful gaze, then released my collar. I was slightly off the ground, so I couldn't land properly and fell. This is so embarrassing.

He spat and left with his group, heading back to the school building.

For now, I'm safe.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you for helping me."

"It's fine. I'm sorry for the trouble he caused."

She's so kind. And incredibly cute.

Who is this person? She looks like an idol with her perfectly chiseled features.

"He's actually a good guy. I'll talk to him later, so please forgive him for my sake."

"Yes."

She's so cute that I said yes without thinking. But I don't intend to forgive him!

He's not a good guy. It's written in the word "delinquent." And to have such a cute girl vouch for him. I'm jealous! I suddenly feel really annoyed.

"Thanks. Let's go back. I'll walk you to your classroom."

"Okay."

◇

The red-haired beauty is named Akari Tsukino.

While chatting lightly with Akari, we returned to the classroom, and my classmates rushed over.

"Kiyosuke, you were called by Sōji, right? Are you okay?"

"Also, you just came back with Akari. What's your relationship with her!?"

Led by the beautiful black-haired class representative, I was bombarded with questions.

After talking to them, they seemed to understand that I'm a normal person, and I made a few friends.

In the end, being called out by the spiky-haired delinquent helped me fit in with the class.

Damn... I guess I'll forgive him.