I Reincarnated as the Villain in a Rom-Com but I’m Enjoying Youth with My Favorite Heroine - I Reincarnated as the Villain in a Rom-Com but I’m Enjoying Youth with My Favorite Heroine chapter 77

77. Relaxation Time

“Thank you, Ryusuke. This coffee smells really good.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I ground the beans with a hand mill and brewed it myself, so give it a try.”

As I brought over the mug filled with coffee, Rei let out a sigh of admiration and praised my brew.

As for Mai, she seemed nervous in front of Rei, and it might have been the first time I saw my little sister shrink back like this. She took a sip of her coffee, looking shy like a small animal.

Sitting next to Mai, I poked her cheek with my finger. Startled by the poke, she glared at me.

“What is it, big brother?”

“Well… I guess I’m just surprised to see a new side of you, Mai.”

“Geez. It’s not like I’m doing anything special… But, I do think Kizaki-san is a little bit cool.”

With her cheeks still flushed, Mai turned her face away, but she kept stealing glances at Rei, quickly averting her gaze whenever their eyes met.

It might not be love at first sight, but it was the first time I had seen Mai blush and show such a girlish expression.

As I watched the bashful Mai, I decided to engage Rei, who was sitting across the table. I had various questions about school since I had taken the day off yesterday.

“Hey, Rei. Was there anything interesting that happened yesterday while I was absent from school?”

“Honestly, it was boring without you, Ryusuke. It felt a bit lacking, and it was just strange to have your seat empty.”

“Well, I do sit in the front row, so I stand out. I guess that’s how it is.”

“That’s how it is. Plus, you know how the teachers always call on you for questions. Without you there, it was a bit tough for everyone else yesterday since they became the targets instead.”

Rei chuckled as he recalled the classroom scene from yesterday.

Come to think of it, the teachers always aimed to crush me, the villain, by making me solve problems. As a result, my classmates lost the usual chance to answer questions during class.

However, with me absent, the teachers redirected their focus, and everyone in the class ended up being called on to answer questions, to varying degrees.

“Well, I and Hanazaki were always prepared and had studied ahead, so we were fine. But everyone else was in a panic. It was quite a scene during break time too.”

“Ah… I see. So I was like a convenient sacrifice for my classmates.”

“Well, I do find it quite concerning. Even if Ryusuke has been absent for a while, it still seems a bit much, doesn’t it?”

“No, it’s fine, Reo. Thanks to you, my academic skills are improving rapidly.”

“You really are impressive. No matter how difficult the problems the teachers throw at you, you answer them smoothly and never back down from any harassment. You’re more dedicated to studying than anyone else, so straightforward. I admire that about you.”

“Ah… well, yeah. I’m glad to hear you say that.”

I think that just like Mashiro, Reo is quite the charmer. Being praised with such a refreshing smile makes me feel a bit itchy.

When I glance at Mai, who has been silently listening to our exchange, I find her staring at me with sparkling eyes.

Just a moment ago, she was captivated by Reo, and now she seems puzzled as to why she’s looking at me. Mai leans in closer, her excitement evident as she says,

“Big brother, you’re amazing at school too! You never lose to the teachers’ harassment, and you’re praised for admiring Kizaki-san. That’s really impressive!”

“Y-yeah… thanks. But, um, you’re a bit close, Mai.”

She grabs my clothes and pulls her face closer, causing me to instinctively lean back. Mai looks up at me with heated eyes.

Being praised by my little sister like this doesn’t feel bad, but having it happen in front of Reo is somewhat embarrassing. In fact, Reo was chuckling softly, finding it amusing.

“Ryusuke, you’re close with Mai, huh? That’s nice. I’m an only child, so I envy you.”

“Well, it’s true that we get along well as siblings. Ever since I started taking things seriously, she’s become quite affectionate. Before that, she would treat me like, ‘Big brother, move out of the way,’ and push me aside.”

“D-don’t say such things! Big brother, come on!”

Mai pouts angrily at my words.

Seeing our exchange, Reo laughs happily again, and we spend the morning cheerfully until it’s time to head to school.