Archive of Our Own ^beta

Spring, a season of new encounters. From today onwards, I become a student at Lugnica Academy.

Lugnica Academy is a prestigious school that accept all kinds of students. From the wealthy, the unfortunate, the gifted, the diligent, the elites, and the commoners—this academy does not discriminate. As long as you put in the effort, you can enroll in this academy.

This school boasts a wide range of courses that students can enroll to, and has a wide variety of extracurriculars that students can choose to participate in. Lugnica Academy is an extraordinary school that lets its students experience their student lives to the fullest.

There is also a famous legend at this school—the student who enjoys their youth the most is guaranteed a lifetime of happiness.

Along with the fluttering cherry blossom petals, a white majestic building enters my sight. That sparkling high school, Lugnica Academy, will be a new beginning of my life—

—and the new setting for my otome game life.

It may be unusual for the player character to speak about themselves in the beginning of the story, but let me narrate a brief history of this otome game series as the player character.

My default full name is [Mochizuki Fumi] and my default nickname is [Mofuko]. This otome game started when I realized that the world I see is different from others from a pretty early age.

From as long as I can remember, I see the people's names in front of their chests. Most people has black-colored names. My family and some of my friends' names are colored in green. The special ones are boys with pink-colored names.

It takes me asking about what I see to my family and play a certain genre of games to know the meaning of the world that I see.

In a world where people beloved by the divines are blessed with special powers, I was bestowed with the Divine Protection of Maiden System—a blessing that turns my life into an otome game.

People with black-colored names are the NPC. These people will not affect the story. In other words, I can just ignore them.

People with green-colored names are key characters. These people include my family, the informant who can help me with my love quest, the friends who frequently hang out with me, or people around the pink-colored boys and me that can affect the story.

Men with pink-colored names are the love interests. They are special people designated by the system to be my viable future partners. Except for one or two boys, they are good-looking and have interesting characteristics that make them stand out from others.

Whenever I talk to the love interests, there are moments when I feel the time freezes as three choices float in my mind. Somehow, I instinctively know which responses can make them like me more and which ones can make them dislike me. Whenever I choose the "correct answer", something pops up in my mind that tells me there's an increase in their affection towards me. These choices can lead me to trigger some kind of happenings that will progress my relationships with them. These are the romance flags and events.

Because it's easier to maintain relationships as long as I know I'm choosing right, I naturally gravitate to the love interests. And once a key friend in 2nd grade told me to "ask her for help", I can clearly see some kind of meters for the love interests. It doesn't take long for me to deduce that the meter shows their likability towards me in an easy-to-understand manner. This is the affection meter system.

Not only that, there are moments when something just 'clicks' in my head and I have the sudden urge to put it in physical form after I go back home. I can reproduce the 'click' moments like they're photos, just with more sparkles and bubbles. I dub this moments as the CGs, important events that needs to be memorialized in picture.

So I have romance flags, affection meter system, physical handmade CGs, an informant, and love interests ala the typical otome games.

However, unlike those games, I can't save and load whenever I want. I can't restart the game to choose another route nor take back any choice. No matter what, once I enter any route, I get locked into that route until I reach an ending.

It takes me completing the Elementary School Edition to know that this otome game is not as easy as any other ones sold in the market.

After all, unlike those games, this otome game my life itself.

Yes, the player of this otome game called life is me, Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi.

I realized the difficulty of this otome game after being kidnapped so the heir Sota-kun can save me, getting caught up by a pervert so the cool Arashi-senpai can save me, being bullied by a popular girl so the more popular Yuuto-kun can save me, and experiencing other kinds of troublesome incidents just for the sake of 'events' where the boys show their affection to me.

On top of that, it's scary being proposed on graduation day by all the boys with max affection meter.

Seeing multiple boxes appear in the air saying my future will be sealed once I accept one of them is a new level of terrifying.

So, after experiencing all levels of traumatizing events in Elementary School Edition, I decided to shelve that installment entirely.

Learning from that experience, I tried not to trip any romance flags for any love interests in Junior High School Edition. But as expected of otome games, whether I want to or not, I still got caught up in the plot.

In the end, I got "spending time with girl friends" or the Best Friends Ending. However, I realized that ending the game like that was no good for various reasons.

Thus, with all my experience in past installments, I am now about to play the third one of this otome game series, My Life as an Otome Game Protagonist: Lugnica Academy Edition (nicknamed WataShuya).

It's okay, I'm confident I'm already a seasoned otome game player at this point.

Thanks to playing all kinds of otome games in order to understand my Divine Protection better, I know that the wildest time an otome game protagonist can experience is their high school life. I even chose Lugnica Academy after preparing myself mentally and physically for whatever events and plots the love interests in this school might have.

As for why I chose Lugnica Academy—

"Ah-!"

I was too caught up in preparing myself to enter the school ground that a black rabbit managed to steal the phone charm that my sister gave me.

"Wait, a black rabbit?! Isn't it supposed to be something like a cat?!"

Normally, when an animal runs an interference, it's the type of animal that people will normally encounter in town, like a cat or city birds. Or, if the game needs flavor, they can use more exotic animals like a fox. Why a pet rabbit?

Is that black rabbit supposed to be the mascot of this installment?

Without further ado, I chase after the black rabbit. It'll probably lead me to the poster boy, so there's no reason for me to delay the encounter. Best to get the CG as soon as possible or I'll be late to the opening ceremony.

Besides, I wonder what kind of boy the rabbit will lead me to. Maybe a cute, rabbit-like classmate? Or a suave, playboy-like senior?

Thanks to the physical training I've been doing, I can keep up with the skittish rabbit pretty well. But as I thought, no matter how fast I run, I can't catch up with it.

I don't even know where I am right now, this is bad—Oh no!

"I lost sight of the rabbit!"

I look around in a panic. All around me were trees and shrubbery with no one in sight. I can feel my heartbeat getting faster and I clench my fists over my chest. The anxiety of not knowing where I am grips at me. I close my eyes and takes a deep breath.

It's okay, this must be an event. It'll be fine.

"Where'd you even get this from?! Give it back to the owner, you damn kid!!"

There it is!

I open my eyes as I heard a boy's voice a little bit further away. As I walk towards the voice, a rabbit hutch appears before my eyes. Walking closer, I can see someone crouching in the enclosure while being surrounded by a horde of rabbits—the black rabbit snuggling against his right palm while his left hand is holding my charm.

Is that the main love interest?

I slowly approaches the rabbit enclosure, careful not to make any sudden noise. When I'm close enough to see who that boy is, he raises his head and his eyes are locked into mine. In my mind, I hear a click.

Ah, this is a CG.

The boy has short black hair and slicked-back bangs, and his brown-black sanpaku eyes are widened in surprise. He wears a dark blue knitted sweater vest and there's a pair of orange headphone slung around his neck. With his black shirt visible underneath his white shirt, sleeves rolled up a little, and clothes covered in rabbit fur, his overall appearance looks sloppy.

But the box in front of his chest showed [???] colored in pink.

He doesn't look like a love interest, moreover the main one. Is the poster boy a delinquent? Even though this is a prestigious school?!

Honestly, the boy looks more like a friend character to the love interests or even an NPC. Definitely not a love interest material. But maybe this delinquent-next-door type in a prestigious academy is his appeal?

"Um... that rabbit is..."

"Oh, her? She ran away from the hut when I was swarmed by the little ones. Man, it feels like all these critters want to eat me!"

"I see..." I look down to see a bunch of small white rabbits screeching while nibbling at his legs and feet. Looking at their red eyes, they look hungry enough I think he really should get away from them as soon as possible.

The boy quickly waves his hands in panic, probably judging by how nervous I look at the rabbits. "Don't take it seriously! I'm actually nervous too, but they're all nice and gentle kids! They just like biting me! You know, like love bites!! They're not like this with other people!!"

"That's quite a positive outlook..." Judging by how familiar he is with the school rabbits, the boy in front of me is probably in a grade above mine, so—"Senpai".

The boy stands up slowly as to not startle the rabbit. "So, what's a first year like you doing here alone? This place is kinda remote, you know?"

"Well, that black rabbit stole my phone charm when I wasn't looking, and I was too busy chasing after it that now I get lost..."

[I'm relieved to find Senpai here.]
[I'm glad to meet Senpai here.]
[I'm happy you're here with me.]

Here, I can choose the continuation of my explanation. Honestly, options at this part of the game doesn't really affect the affection meter much, it's just common courtesy and politeness disguised as the so-called fake choices. I literally can't say any other things except one of those three choices at this point, so I just choose to go with the first one.

"I'm relieved to find Senpai here."

The boy blinks his eyes in bewilderment, before he grins and scratches his neck in embarrassment, "Well, I'm glad I can help somehow."

A sound that signals a raise in affection meter rings in my head.

[??? Affection Up!]

Huh? Does that raise his affection meter? He's such an easy guy!! This is still the prolog you know? We haven't even known each other's names yet!

Maybe the boy doesn't notice how bewildered I am, because after petting all the rabbits in the enclosure and making sure the door of the hutch is firmly closed, he walks over to me.

"This charm is yours right? Be careful not getting it stolen again." He puts my phone charm gently on my hand.

I sigh with relief as I close my hand around it and smiled at him, "Thank you."

Oh, he's actually a pretty nice person. It's only his eyes that makes him look scary and intimidating.

I feel sad for him because he's given such a poor character design by the world. Although I think it's quite nice that his juvenile smile makes him look cuter. It's a pretty common moe gap for his type of character.

The boy's sudden shout makes me jump in surprise. "Oh, shit! The opening ceremony! What time is it?!"

"Time?!" I gasped as I quickly look at my phone and gasps, "Oh no, the ceremony has already started!!"

"There's no way I'll let Julius nags at me or let Ferris teases me for being late! Let's go, newbie!!" The boy grabs my hand and drags me to run along with him.

"Huh?! Newbie?!""

Wait, this is not a CG?!

If there's a CG moment, it should be this one. Running while holding hands because we're late? This is a classic otome game meet-cute!

This is that type of chaotic otome game, isn't it?!

The one where running away with holding hands is common and unskippable? I thought Lugnica Academy promises me a joyful blue spring! I mean, running late and holding hands with a boy can be said to be a moment of youth, but still—!!

Holding down all my protests in my head, I hold the boy's hand back. Not because I think it's romantic, I just don't want to get separated from him and get lost again.

So we keep holding each other's hand as we run to the auditorium together. A man's voice was heard dimly from inside the hall when we arrive at the back of the building.

"We're going from the backdoor?" I whisper as the boy opens a small door at the back of the school auditorium.

"We'll stand out if we enter the auditorium from the front door, right?" The boy whispers back looks left and right before tugging at my hand. I follow his lead to see that the backdoor leads directly to the stage.

He let go of my hand to move the curtain a little so we can see the situation beyond the backstage, "Can you go to your seat from here?"

"Uh..." I grimace as I peer around and shakes my head. No matter which route I take, I still need to be seen walking from the stage-side of the auditorium. It's too high of a hurdle.

Oh no, is me being late a mandatory event too?

Sometimes there are happenings or incidents that I can't avoid because they have to happen. They are the so called mandatory events.

No matter what I do, illusion is a choice. The system will make sure that the event will occur no matter what, even if I don't want it to happen.

The boy looks at my reaction with a frown. "Then, do you—"

"Subaru!" "Subaru-kyun!" Three voices called out to us in a whisper.

As the [???] of the black haired boy changes into [?? Subaru] in front of me, I can't stop my startled "ah!" when I hear a click of CG moment in my head as I see the three young men(?) on the student side closest to us.

Just like the first time I met the black-haired boy—Subaru-senpai, they have [???] colored in pink in front of them.

Subaru-senpai looks at me in worry, probably hesitant leaving me behind by myself. However, I know there is no other choice for me.

"Um, Senpai. I feel bad if I'm absent for the opening ceremony, but I don't really want everyone to see me walking to my seat from here. If it's possible, may I...?"

Whether I go to my seat or follow Subaru-senpai to sit with him, both options will make me stand out like a sore thumb. However, sitting with Subaru-senpai and his friends is better because I don't have to worry about looking for my seat alone.

Subaru-senpai gives a thumbs-up and a wink, "'Course you can sit next to me! It's a senior's duty to help out their junior!"

"Thank you."

Besides, this is a mandatory event where I first meet all the love interests. I have no other choice.

I know because my Divine Protection of Maiden System does not allow me to say 'I want to look for my own seat'. Skipping a major crucial event is a big no.

I follow behind Subaru-senpai and sit next to him. On the other side of Subaru-senpai, a young man fixes his glasses in exasperation.

"You're late, Subaru. Haven't I given you a suggestion to visit the rabbit hutch after the ceremony?"

"Julius, you jerk! How did you know I even went there in the first place, huh?!"

The one closest to us, Julius, is a young man with silky light purple hair, with long bangs split in the middle by a stray hair. His sharp golden eyes are squinting in disapproval under a pair of black rectangular glasses and long eyelashes. He wears the proper school uniform neatly and a white cardigan underneath his school blazer. He looks very dignified that his frown can't even diminishes his beauty.

"Subaru-kyun is covered in rabbit fur, nya know? Way to make your first impression for the new kids."

"No way, seriously? This is bad! Ferris, do you have something to get it off?!"

Next to Julius is a very cute cat demi-human, Ferris. Colorful hair clips adorn his light brown hair, and his chocolate brown eyes are wide with curiosity. His fluffy ears twitch as he glances at me. He doesn't wear the school blazer or a red necktie like Julius or the other boy next to him, but an oversized pink cardigan and a blue string ribbon tie. The only reason I think he's a boy is that he wear pants.

"Subaru, do you want to use my blazer? It may be a little big on you, but it'll be perfect to hide the fur."

"Nah, it's fine. It's my own fault for being late. Thanks for the offer, Reinhard."

On the other side of Ferris, looking over Subaru-senpai and I with worry and relief, is a young man called Reinhard. With hair like a red flame and eyes like a deep blue sky, he is nothing except 'perfect'. His features may look softer than Julius, but he still exudes the charm of a handsome youth. Although he looks approachable and kind, somehow I feel an overwhelming and otherworldly aura from him.

The similarity between the three of them is the same red armbands with 'Student Council' emblazoned in white on their arms.

The rest of my love interests are student council members, so is Subaru-senpai a member too?

Honestly, Subaru-senpai doesn't really look like a student council member. He doesn't wear the armband, and he looks like a troublemaker. Maybe his plot will be about him as the one who shouldn't be a member of the student council?

"Honestly, your tardiness and appearance is unbecoming, Subaru. You should set a better example for the upcoming student as the—"

"By the way, who's that girl? It's a face Feri-chan never sees before. Is Subaru-kyun picking up girls in the rabbit hutch? Naughty boy~"

"That's right. Speaking of, I never think you'll arrive late with a new student. Did the rabbits cause some trouble to you again, Subaru?"

"You three, stop talking to me at the same time!! Also, we're supposed to be quiet when the Principal is talking, aren't we?!"

"Um... The principal is already stepping down from the stage..." I clap my hands politely along with the rest of the student body, but I don't think they're paying attention to me right now.

Honestly, they're more lively than I thought they will be. Moreover, they haven't talked to me yet...? Huh, what kind of love interests are they? Aren't they too carefree?!

"That is all for Principal Russel Fellow's welcoming speech. Next up, a welcoming speech by the student council president."

They look at each other after the moderator announces the next agenda. I tilt my head in curiosity as I watch them.

Who is the president? From their looks and manners, it's probably Julius-senpai, or maybe the friendly Reinhard-senpai?

"Subaru." Reinhard-senpai calls out to Subaru-senpai gently, and Julius-senpai lightly puts a hand on Subaru-senpai's shoulder. Subaru-senpai takes a deep breath and nods to himself before he walks towards the podium. As Ferris-senpai waves his hand to send him off, I get my answer.

"Ah..."

The boy with the messy appearance and covered from head to toe with rabbit fur strikes a pose with a hand raised in the air ala Friday Night Fever.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, mina-san! Okaeri to all returning students and faculties! And yokoso to hajimemashite to all new students of Lugnica Academy! My name is Natsuki Subaru, and I hope all of us can have a great time together this year!"

With that corny CG clicking in my head, I want to put my head on my hands but I manage to refrain myself. Next to me, I can see Julius-senpai sighs with a tired smile, Ferris-senpai laughs while holding his stomach, and Reinhard-senpai smiles brightly and claps.

So the main love interest is the student council president...

I surrender myself to live a life of chaos for the next three years as I vaguely recall a Toyota Sumi cheerful and youthful love song in my head. I have a feeling that song will be the theme song of this installment of My Life as an Otome Game Protagonist: Student Council of Lugnica Academy Edition.

—There is a legend at Lugnica Academy: the student who enjoys their youth the most is guaranteed a lifetime of happiness. Yes, that is the reason I enroll in this school.

Thanks to the Divine Protection of Maiden System, I know that all kinds of legends are real. I know that as long as I have fun in this school, I can secure my own happiness.

What awaits me here will be a youthful, exciting, and fun times with these student council members. Who will I spend my time with, and what kind of time will I enjoy at this school?

As the protagonist of WataShuya, I'll make sure to clear this game with the best ending in one shot!

(As she starts thinking about which love interest she should focus her time and effort on, Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi has yet to realize that meeting Natsuki Subaru will drastically change her life as an otome game protagonist.)

"That concludes the Opening Ceremony. All students, please return to each of your classroom in an orderly manner."

I sigh in relief as the opening ceremony comes to an end. The hall is noisy as everyone stands from their seat. Subaru-senpai and the others, who actually manage to participate in the Opening Ceremony quietly for the rest of the ceremony also stands up from their seats. 

Subaru-senpai turns towards me with a nervous expression. "What do you think about my speech?"

To be honest, other than the cringe-worthy opening, his speech can be said to be really well-done. He addressed everyone in the room equally, and encouraged the new students with cheer and open-mindedness. When he's done, I found myself clapping enthusiastically like everyone else.

[It's amazing!]
[It's a bit too much...]
[Are you a swindler?]

...What was that last option? That won't help me in raising his affection meter at all, right? Why is it there? Or is this really that kind of chaotic game where wacky options are viable options?

Trying very hard not to visibly sigh, obviously I choose the safest option. There's no reason for me to choose the other two which are basically just badmouthing him.

"It's amazing! I was moved by your speech!"

Subaru-senpai looks at me in surprise before he laughs nervously, "I actually forgot what I needed to talk about up there, but I'm glad if a new student like you find it good."

[Subaru Affection Up!]

"Huh?!" Wait, the swindler one is actually true?!

I should've picked that one instead... But no, lowering his affection meter just to be honest is a suicidal move. I'm a veteran otome game protagonist, I know better than that.

"So.. What's your name, cutie-pie?" The cute cat demi-human—Ferris-senpai tilts his head as he peers at my face.

Even though he sounds so friendly, his gaze is sharp with caution. It's easy to pin down that he's the type that will be hard to conquer. The type that once I get his affection meter up and rolling, he'll be all over me. It's obvious because he's a cat demi-human, he'll be the cat-boy stereotype.

"My name is Mochizuki Fumi. It's nice to meet you, Senpai." I bow my head. "I'm sorry, you have to take care of me."

Subaru-senpai shakes his head. "No, it's my fault for letting Kurosagi ran off. Because of that, you ended up sitting with us and not with your classmates."

The handsome one with the glasses—Julius-senpai, sigh. "As I thought."

"You picking a fight with me, bastard?!"

Ignoring Subaru-senpai's glare, Julius-senpai also looks over to me and bows elegantly. "I apologize on our President's behalf. As you can see, he still has much to learn."

"I heard that, you snobbish—!!" Subaru-senpai storms toward Julius-senpai, but somehow Reinhard-senpai is already hugging him from behind. Wait, since when is Reinhard-senpai there?

"Reinhaaard!! Let me goooo!!!"

"Sorry, Subaru. I promise Julius and Ferris to keep you behaving." Reinhard-senpai chuckles as Subaru-senpai squirms helplessly in his arms. Wait, how strong is he to be able to lift Subaru-senpai from the ground? Is he the sleeper build type character??

Ferris-senpai lightly brushes Subaru-senpai's ear with a finger. With a cheeky grin, he plays with Subaru-senpai's ear. "Seriously, this is the first day of a new school year and Subaru-kyun has already made trouble? Naughty kid~"

"Hya! Fe-Ferris, not my ears!!" Subaru-senpai moves his head away from Ferris-senpai's ministrations with a red face. Reinhard-senpai laughs as he moves away, still carrying Subaru-senpai, away from Ferris-senpai.

Wow, they really do have fun by themselves...

"Although he is like that, everyone here is a member of this Academy's student council members." I snap back to Julius-senpai. It looks like he notices my attention has wandered to those three. Although it seems like he also watched them too before returning to our conversation. Whoops.

He smiles gently at me as our eyes meet. "My name is Julius Euclius. I hope you have a great time in this school, Mochizuki-jou."

Ah, he's that type of character. Polite, serious, upholding the school rules with a stick in his butt type. But the fact that he doesn't mind his three friends goofing off in public shows that he's probably pretty lax and not as uptight as the standard stickler stereotype. Basically, the idiot nerd.

"Thank you very much..."

[Euclius-senpai]
[Julius-senpai]
[Yuri-senpai]

...Seriously, what's with the last option? That's too high of a hurdle just for a first meeting, right? The safest option should be calling him Euclius-senpai, but...

"...Julius-senpai."

I decide to take a gamble.

From what I've observed and experienced in the past hour, WataShuya: Lugnica Academy is a wacky romcom type of otome game, where a girl and a boy holding hands while running is just a part of a normal youthful days.

I thought it'll be the orthodox high-school romance drama because the setting is a prestigious high school. But if the male love interest is the type to get manhandled by his peers, I think I should kiss good-bye to a romantic and dramatic love story.

Julius-senpai nods at me. See? Calling him by his first name is not a big deal. Even though first-name basis should be one of the highlight that our relationship is improving for his type of character...

"Hi hi~ Nya can call Feri-chan as Feri-chan, Mochizuki-chan!" I jump in surprise as Ferris-senpai...Feri-chan? is suddenly up in my face. Ugh, I don't like this teasing type of love interest...

[I'll do that, Feri-chan.]
[I'll do that, Feri-senpai.]
[I'll do that, Feri-kun.]

Why are all the options so overfriendly?! What is this game?!

"I'll do that, Feri-senpai." I try to keep my annoyance at bay and keep up my polite smile. Feri-senpai may act friendly, but he's the type who has a lot of landmines. With his type, I'd better keep a proper distance so it'll be easier for me to raise his affection meter later.

Feri-senpai narrows his eyes in delight, "Good, good. Nya do know your place, first year-chan."

It looks like I pass his judgment for now.

Reinhard-senpai walks over to us with Subaru-senpai still under his arm—How strong is this guy?!

"You can just call me Reinhard, Mochizuki-san."

I though he's supposed to be the ikemen refreshing type!! Is he a jock?! Or even a superhuman?! That's scary!!!

No, calm down, Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi! He may have a look like an idol and a strength like a joke character, but he's usually the one with the deepest backstory and the wildest route in this kind of game! Don't back down just because he's too incomprehensible for your feeble mind!

"I will, Reinhard-senpai. Thanks for letting me join you..."

[Natsuki-senpai]
[Subaru-senpai]
[Subaru]

Do I even need to choose...? "Subaru-senpai".

Subaru-senpai grins as he gives a thumbs-up at me, "Like I said, it's a senior's duty to look after their junior, Mofuko!"

Ah, he's using my nickname already. Moreover, without my permission? Ugh, he's the type of guy who latches on to other people without caring for their personal space... How troublesome.

"Do you want us to accompany you to your class?" Reinhard-senpai asks me with a tilt of his head.

"Um..." All of you?!

"Won't it just make her look like she's in trouble?" Feri-senpai puts a hand to his lips in a thinking motion.

"Then maybe if it's only one of us..." Julius-senpai mutters as he brushes his bangs. Subaru-senpai, noticing Julius-senpai is glancing at him, looks up at me.

"So, what do you want, Mofuko?"

No, first of all, you should tell Reinhard-senpai to put you down.

Thankfully, the system gives me an option so I won't have to bite off my own comment.

[Thank you.]
[If it's only one of you...]
[I'll go alone.]

Feri-senpai's judgement is right. If I go to class with these entourage, it'll just be embarrassing for me. Even the potential CG is not worth it.

Meanwhile, if I ask only one of them, I don't know whether I can choose who will accompany me. The problem is if it's a random draw and I pull Feri-senpai. By this point in time, being alone with Feri-senpai is a gamble.

So the best choice is...

"I'll go alone. Thank you for your offer." I bow in front of them. Reinhard-senpai looks a little disappointed as he put Subaru-senpai to the ground. Finally.

"I understand, please take care."

"Let's meet again, Mofuko!" Subaru-senpai waves his arm with a wide swing and a wider smile, and Feri-senpai waves his hand modestly. I bow down with a smile again before walking away from them and out of the auditorium.

Currently, those four are my love interests in WataShuya: Lugnica Academy. I don't know if it'll increase or not, but I should be open to any possibility of a new love interest popping up. I think I have until this year's summer vacation to meet all of my love interests.

The first love interest I meet is Subaru-senpai. Not only I meet him way earlier than the others, he also has two solo CGs just from this prolog alone. My interaction with him more or less shows me what kind of otome game this is. He's definitely the poster boy.

The other love interests I meet together are Reinhard-senpai, Julius-senpai, and Feri-senpai. While Feri-senpai seems like the difficult love interest, Reinhard-senpai and Julius-senpai look like the orthodox love interests—that means they should be easier to conquer.

However, talking about their appearance, it's definitely Reinhard-senpai first, then Julius-senpai, Feri-senpai, and Subaru-senpai. I guess it narrows down my my choice between Julius-senpai and Reinhard-senpai...

But Euclius... I think I've heard that name before—Don't tell me, he's actually from a really famous family, the likes that have their own segment on TVs?!

Oh no, I hate rich guy routes. I still remember being kidnapped just for an event with Sota-kun...

On the other hand, I genuinely can't predict if Reinhard-senpai is supposed to be the crack route or the hidden depth route. Moreover, I have a bad premonition just looking at his hair and eye colors.

If possible, I don't want any of these love interests...

But no matter what, I have to choose one...

Okay, I've decided. Based on looks and possibility of how the route will turns out, I think Julius-senpai is the best and the safest option. There's nothing to complain about his noble face and dignified bearing, and I also have experience dealing with rich boy archetypes. I can do this.

My priority will be Julius-senpai's route!

"Hey, hey, you're the girl that sat with the student council, right?!"

I freeze as a barrage of girls suddenly block my way when I open my classroom door.

Yikes, the NPC gossip!

I forgot that an otome game protagonist who stands out on the first day of school will be at the center of the school's gossip mill. Even my classmates with their black [???] in front of them won't be out of that loop.

"You're a first year too? I thought you're a second year like them!"

"How do you even get to the auditorium with Natsuki-senpai?!"

"Um..."

"How does it feel to be so close to the Sword Saint?!"

Wait. "Sword Saint?"

"Yeah... Didn't you know? Reinhard van Astrea-senpai is supposed to be the Sword Saint. Ah, he's still underage so his name is kept from the public, but everyone in this school knows about him."

I DIDN'T KNOW!!! I wanted to hit myself for being such an idiot!! No wonder I feel a bad omen from his flaming red hair and sky blue eyes—it's the Astrea trait!! Even an otome game protagonist like me knows that family!

Sword Saint—a title that has been passed down in the Astrea family for generations. Even in a peaceful setting like in this world, the one who bears the title of the "Sword Saint" is said to bear the burden of protecting the peace of the world.

Huh?! You mean someone like the Sword Saint is a viable love interest for me in this game?! Are you kidding me?!

Even as the holder of the Divine Protection of Maiden System, I never have thought that someone as amazing as a Sword Saint can fall in love with a commoner like me!

Wait, an extraordinary love interest is the norm for an otome game!! Dammit!!

"Hey, do you know about Julius-senpai? Not only is he from a western noble line, but the Euclius family is also one of the biggest corporate family in Japan!"

And extraordinary love interest number two is here!!

But I'm glad he's only from a rich prestigious family, that's within my predictiom. As long as none of them is as impressive as a Sword Saint, I can relax. I just have to make sure not to get into Reinhard-senpai's route even accidentally.

This information dump has been fruitful but I want to put my belongings first. I want to excuse myself from the situation to get to my seat, but Divine Protection of Maiden System doesn't allow me to do a free action. Dammit! Do I have to keep listen to all these NPC's yapping until they're done?!

At least please let me put my bag first.

"Both Euclius-senpai and Astrea-senpai is so handsome and kind, right?"

"I know! Not only that, Euclius-senpai has the highest grade in school, both in academic and sports. Perfect in conduct and his daily life, as expected of 'the Finest'!"

"But Astrea-senpai can do many things, you know? There's a rumor that the world loves him so much that he can get all kinds of divine protections any time he wants!"

"They're both so amazing!"

Okay, they're both the talented perfect prince type, got it. Reinhard-senpai's route will probably be about his role as the Sword Saint. A sword saint's love story... sounds like I need to prepare to fight against the very world itself if I enter his route.

Meanwhile, Julius-senpai is probably about his family's legacy or lineage. So his route might be about inheritance? Or maybe an arranged marriage? Wait, he's not as snobbish as he looks, but what if there's a secret 'slavery' route?! Ugh, I hope not.

"I know! And Argyle-senpai is super cute, I thought he's a girl!!"

"Ah, but he's from that Argyle family, right..?"

"Also, there's a rumor he's a delinquent back in his first year so I wouldn't be charmed by his looks if I were you..."

Wow, Feri-senpai's route is more difficult that I thought... Not only is he the sly and wary cat character, but he also has both past delinquency and family trouble plot points? The more I hear about Feri-senpai, the more I think he's more trouble than he's worth.

"As I thought, Astrea-senpai is the best!"

"No no, it has to be Euclius-senpai!"

"But it's too bad they're not the president..."

Oh yeah, they haven't talked about Subaru-senpai yet. Honestly, the other three are already impressive enough that I can guess Subaru-senpai is the token ordinary boy.

Because he's just a common normal teenager, his route will most likely be about how he feels like he's not good enough for his position as the student council. Just an ordinary and common youthful love story. No wonder he's this installment's poster boy.

As the main love interest, won't his route be too boring though?

But... if it's boring then maybe I should—

"Natsuki-senpai once beat up 100 delinquents himself, right?!"

"He must have sic the Sword Saint and the Finest to clean them up!"

"Wait, didn't he use the help of a shinobi yakuza and the oni clan?"

WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?

"Someone said that he made all of them bow down to him as he laughed!"

"No, I heard that everyone kissed his foot willingly and thanked him!"

"Oh yeah, they said that he can make all men go crazy for him..."

Wait a minute, it should've been all GIRLS right?!

"Also, everyone said he walks around with a bunch of little girls!"

"I heard he has a little sister and he's quite the siscon, you know?"

"But you can see him having dates with two senior girls in town!"

THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT BY GIRLS!! ALSO I HAVE RIVALS?!

"Well, it's true that he mend our school's relationship with our sister school."

"He got the position because Reinhard-senpai ran the campaign for him, though."

"The upperclassman said that our school's environment is better than last year."

"Plus, he got suspended on the first week of school last year! That's amazing!"

Um... Wait, wait, wait. Hold on a second. There's too many information about Subaru-senpai I can't catch up.

He's supposed to be the token NPC-lookalike, right? The relatable one? The one whose trouble should be extraordinary in its ordinariness among extraordinary people?

BUT WHY IS HE THE ONE WITH THE MOST ATTRIBUTES?!?!

Calm down, calm down, Mofuko. Let's think it through calmly.

First of all, what's with that delinquent story? Is he strong or is he influential? Well, I don't know what the true story is but if Reinhard-senpai did vouch for him to be President last year I can assume he sic Reinhard-senpai on them at least... right?

Right, let's put aside the shinobi yakuza and the oni clan thing.

Also, the fact that he managed to befriend the Sword Saint, the Finest, and someone like Feri-Senpai paints him as a charismatic person... But why men and little girls? If he's the playboy type, that's not the kind of harem you'd expect from him... right?

Seriously, compared to the freaking Sword Saint, isn't the President too strong of a character?!

What is he, a hero in the making that will save the world?! The cheat-type narou protagonist?! I don't get him at all!!

Also rivals?! Out of all the love interest in this installment, he's the one with two rival characters?! Are you kidding me?! He's not even as good-looking as the other three!!

What will his route even be?! An unexpected family drama? A love triangle? A harem comedy? School crisis? Not to even mention the freaking shinobi yakuza and oni clan thing—Political thriller?!

Shouldn't his route be about the protagonist (as in me) giving him a pep talk and a kind smile when he's down?! Why is he hogging all kinds of plot that doesn't even make any sense for his type?!

What the heck kind of character are you, Natsuki Subaru?!?!

...Ah, no good. I should stay away from his route. He's more of a red flag that Feri-senpai the menhera and Reinhard-senpai the Sword Saint.

Julius-senpai, you're the only one I can trust. Please be a normal otome game route.

"By the way, why did you sit with them, Mochizuki-san?"

"Ah—" Right, I haven't finished the NPC mandatory event yet. "—I was late and found Subaru-senpai, so he offered to let me sit with him and the others."

"Hm... Is that so...?"

I keep the smile on my face as the girls around me show how unconvinced they are by my answer. Unfortunately, that's the truth. More unfortunately, I know that this will be the thing that drives a wedge between us so there will be an event where the student council members protect me from their envy.

How troublesome.

But where is my informant? In the previous two installments, they're all my female classmates who become my friends. But I never get alienated right from the get-go before...

"Um, excuse me...." A kind voice catches the girls' attention away from me. As they gasp in surprise, I turn around to see the person with the light voice behind me.

It's a young man with grey shoulder-length hair and gentle gray-blue eyes behind a pair of big round glasses. He looks tidy in his red tie, green sweater, and school blazer ensemble. Although he looks handsome in a down-to-earth sort of way, he gives off the vibes of an NPC.

I thought he'd be the token ordinary love interest in WataShuya: Lugnica Academy, but the [???] in front of his chest is green.

So, he's a key character? I wonder who this is...?

"Excuse me, can I borrow your time for a moment?"

Finally, a way for me to get away from these NPCs! "Of course."

I follow behind him as we left the classroom. I know those classmates of me is waiting for me to finish this talk.

"I'm sorry for taking you away from your friends. I'm Otto Suwen, a second year in the business course."

"I'm Mochizuki Fumi. It's nice to meet you." I bow my head politely. He actually helped me, so he shouldn't apologize in the first place.

Suwen-senpai bows to me in exchange, "No, I should be the one bowing my head over here. I'm sorry for the trouble that Natsuki-san has caused you..."

"Ah..." He's the key character for Subaru-senpai's route then. As expected of the main love interest, his key character moves fast. "No, he's the one helping me. So there's no need for Suwen-senpai to apologize."

"No, no, you get bombarded by your friends like that right? That means Natsuki-san is making trouble for you. Also, I have an older brother in third year so being called Suwen-senpai is..."

"Of course! It's no problem, Otto-senpai." I reply as he scratches his cheek awkwardly. Judging by the way he follows up on me and how fondly he talks about Subaru-senpai, he must be Subaru-senpai's friend.

He's a pretty nice and calm person, why is he friends with someone like Subaru-senpai?

"Well, if you have any trouble, feel free to ask me anything. As a senior, I'll help you out."

HE'S THE INFORMANT?!?!

I hold back my gasp as information flows into my mind along with Otto-senpai's words. Basic data of my love interests—Subaru-senpai, Reinhard-senpai, Julius-senpai, and Feri-senpai—comes into view like they're part of the world.

This isn't a new thing. The same thing also happens in the previous two installments of WataShuya. The first time it happened in elementary school, I cried out of shock. The second time in middle school, I managed to keep my cool.

There is nothing surprising about the sudden onslaught of data and visual in this first meeting with the informant. Whenever I meet them and ask them about one of the love interests, I can see the data about my love interests and their opinion and affection meter to me.

I prepare to continue the conversation to check more about the love interests in WataShuya: Lugnica Academy. But—

Relationship chart?

That's something that doesn't exist in the previous installments. What does it mean?

"Otto-senpai, can you tell me more about the student council?" As I ask, the relationship chart springs open in my vision.

Huh...?

"Of course. They're all second years, and while Natsuki-san is like that, Astrea-san and Euclius-san are capable enough to support him. Ferris-san is no slouch either."

I nod, but my thoughts are spiraling as I make sense of the chart in front of my eyes.

Wait, why is this chart—

"Oh, there she is! Mofukoooo!!"

I jump as a loud voice break through my concentration. "Subaru-senpai?!"

What is he doing here? Also, can he not call me with a nickname with a loud voice so soon?! The girls in my class may be NPCs but they can be my torturers or bullies depending on the route!!

"Natsuki-san?! What are you doing here?"

"That's supposed to be my line, Otto! Are you picking up Mofuko after rejecting Marone-san last year?! You player!!"

"I am not picking up girls! Also, Marone-san has nothing to do with this, I'm cleaning your mess!! " Otto-senpai stomps his foot in anger. There goes the soothing young man...

"Ah, about that..." Subaru-senpai rubs his hair roughly before turning to me and claps his hands together in apology. "I'm really sorry about this, but come with me! It won't take long, I promise!!"

Subaru-senpai holds my wrist again—?!

"Wait, Natsuki-san!! No running in the hallways!!" Otto-senpai's shout goes ignored as Subaru-senpai and I race across the hallway. I can also hear my classmates' ruckus behind us as they see me holding hands with the student council president.

Oh boy, I know the NPC gossip mill will have fun with this.

But more importantly, I need to make sense of that thing I just saw. The relationship chart. That's—

"Sorry to keep you guys waiting! Mofuko is here!!" Subaru-senpai slams a door open. I jolt as I realize that I've been running without noticing my surroundings all this time.

The room that Subaru-senpai brings me to is smaller than a classroom, with five tables put together at the center of the room. From the room and table sizes, it looks like there should be an empty space between the tables but someone decided to move them closer together.

A whiteboard full of scrawls and sticky notes is located on the right side of the room from the door, while the left side is full of cabinets filled with documents. Curiously, at the corner of the room, there's a black cabinet filled with tea sets and fine plates, the likes that is suitable for afternoon teatime.

Right opposite the door, the open window blows the cute patch curtains in the wind gently.

It's obvious what room this is. Especially with the rest of the people that's waiting in the room.

"Hewwo, Fumi-chan~ We meet again!" Feri-senpai waves his hand from the desk in front of the whiteboard.

"Forgive us for the abrupt summon." Julius-senpai stands up and bows his head apologetically from his desk next to Feri-senpai.

"It's important, so we hope you're willing to hear us out." Reinhard-senpai also stands up as he gestures to the seat nearest to the door next to him.

[*Silently sits down*]
[What do you need me for?]
[Please cut to the chase, Senpai]

Is this an affection raising meter? I cross my fingers when I choose my option. Please let me raise Julius-senpai's affection. "What do you need me for?"

Julius-senpai smiles as he brushes his bangs. "Right to the point. I don't dislike that."

[Julius Affection Up!]

I clench my imaginary fists in victory, yet I can't feel satisfied with it. Subaru-senpai lets go of my hand so he can approach the empty seat near the door himself.

"You can see that all of us are guys, and second-years at that, right?"

I nod as Reinhard-senpai shifts guiltily in his seat. "It's my fault. I should've been less selfish during the campaign. I'm sorry."

Julius-senpai sighs, "I told you that filling the student council with acquaintances is not a good idea."

When I see them interacting with each other, the information that I see from the new function keeps blaring in my mind like a siren.

"Even though Julius is the one who has the most personal belongings in this room~" Feri-senpai leans on Julius-senpai playfully.

Julius-senpai coughs with a slightly red face. "This and that are very different matters and you know it, Ferris."

Um... Excuse me, Divine Protection of Maiden Blessing, I know I'm in the middle of a mandatory event, but can I ask you something?

"Okay, Reinhard~ The bad Julius has been punished by Feri-chan!" Feri-senpai laughs as he starts poking at Julius-senpai's arm.

Reinhard-senpai looks at the two with a small smile. "Yes, I can see that. You really saved me, thank you, Ferris."

The new function in WataShuya: Lugnica Academy, "relationship chart", doesn't map relationships between me and my love interests.

Subaru-senpai tuts as he boops Reinhard-senpai's nose gently, like a mother reprimanding their child. "Like we've said, don't sweat it."

Reinhard-senpai, who closes his eyes as Subaru-senpai boops his nose, laughs shyly, "That's right... thank you, Subaru."

The "relationship chart" is, somehow, a chart that only maps relationships between this installment's love interests.

Subaru-senpai now walks around the back of the room, "So as you can see, we lack a female representation in this student council."

Feri-senpai pouts cutely as he plays with his sleeves, "Sowwy Subaru-kyun, Feri-chan may be cute, but he's a genuine boy."

Because of that, I can see how much affection they have and their labels for each other, even without me in the equation.

Julius-senpai brushes his bangs as he pushes Feri-senpai away from him. "And we also lack a representation from another grade."

"That's why!" Subaru-senpai, who is now in front of the whiteboard, gives me a thumbs-up. "We want you to join us, Mofuko!"

Now, WataShuya is supposed to be an otome game where the player plays as a normal girl named Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi, right?

SO WHY DO I HAVE TO SEE HOW MUCH THEY LOVE EACH OTHER EVEN AS FRIENDS?!?!

Is this the kind of game where their relationships can sour because one of them is dating me?! And in order to get a good ending, I have to balance their friendship along with my romance? Is that it?! That's too difficult, isn't it?!

Also, aren't their affection meters for each other too high?! What is that lower limit of 85%?! In an otome game, it's so easy to nudge those friendship likes into romantic loves you know?!

You want me to feel down because I have to compare my measly 50% as acquaintances to those lovey-dovey numbers?! More than that—

SUBARU-SENPAI'S 90% ALL ACROSS THE BOARD IS TOO WEIRD!!!

What's with that high percentage of affection?! And what's with those ridiculously heartfelt labels?! Too bad for them, Subaru-senpai only sees all of them as friends!!

Do they even know that in otome games those are already in the romantic love territory?! Are you kidding me, Maiden System?!

Why do all of my love interests like Subaru-senpai so much... Did he save them from falling into the darkness or something...?

Dpn't tell me WataShuya: Lugnica Academy is a spinoff?

Geez, what is this wacky otome game?! I want a refund!!

"Um... shit, did I break her?!"

"Maybe we're being too hasty..."

"Is our proposal that shocking?"

"Hewwo~ Earth to Fumi-chan~?"

Come on, calm down, Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi! You're still in the middle of a mandatory event!!

You're a veteran otome game protagonist, right?! You've been playing WataShuya series all your life, right?! So what if there's a new mechanic introduced in the third installment?! That just means the game is improving!!

That's right, a game mechanic update is necessary for a long game series!! Don't mind the worryingly high affection meter between them and try to keep things cordial!!

"Um... If you keep quiet like that I feel kinda hurt..."

"Ah, sorry, Subaru-senpai! I don't mean to ignore you!!" I hurriedly shake my head in a panic.

That was close. This is the first time I let my mind wander too much in a mandatory event with the love interests to the point they noticed I was spacing out.

"I'm just wondering why me of all people..."

Julius-senpai nudges his glasses with a finger. "It's just like we said, there is no female representative nor a student outside of second year in the current student council."

Reinhard-senpai nods, "There was a female third year student before, but she stepped down from her position because she wants to focus on her studies."

"That or she's smart enough to know that her presence isn't welcome here." Feri-senpai comments airily. Julius-senpai gives him the stink eye for that comment.

Julius-senpai turns to look at me again, "When you introduced yourself, I felt that I've heard your name before. Imagine my surprise when I remember you have the highest score in the entrance exam."

I can't believe my gamble paid off!

In WataShuya series, all the stats from the previous installment gets carried over to the next one. You can say that in WataShuya, I always play a new installment in a New Game+ state.

I did raise all my six stats—academics, fitness, arts, social, charm, and household skills—back in the second installment to ensure that I could still ensure a good ending even without ending up with a love interest.

The result was... not exactly what I hoped for, but that just means that when I started up WataShuya: Lugnica Academy, my all around stats are high enough that I can claim that I have all the quality of a 'mary sue' protagonist without exaggerating my skills.

Reinhard-senpai nods eagerly. "Julius is very impressed by Mochizuki-san, so when Subaru put forward an idea to take you in as a new member of the student council, he agreed pretty fast too."

"Really?"

Feri-senpai sighs, but he also stands up to face me properly. "Feri-chan doesn't really agree, but it's true that no one's going to believe we're being fair if the student council is just made up of friends."

Subaru-senpai is now in front of me with a determined glint in his eyes. "More importantly, your classmates won't give you a hard time if we choose based on your entrance exam score, right?"

"Ah...!" Did they notice about the possible classroom hazing, too?!

"Yes, your peers' judgement of you is one of our concern when Subaru made you sit with us."

"If someone gives you a hard time, we can protect you as the same members of student council."

"Feri-chan still thinks it's preferential treatment, but if you pay it with working hard, then there's that."

Wow, they're all good guys... I know that Reinhard-senpai and Julius-senpai is the epitome of perfect ikemen types and Subaru-senpai is the thug-lookalike with a moe gap, but the fact that that wary Feri-senpai shows his gap for me so early in the game is surprising.

"So... What do you think about being our general affairs officer?" Subaru-senpai asks me, voice gentle and eyes soft with concern.

Maybe he thinks I'm being overwhelmed, so he's asking again to make sure I understand what they're asking from me and whether I'm okay with it.

I think back on WataShuya: Lugnica Academy Edition so far.

The player, a new student with the default name Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi, is invited to join the student council after a problem on her first day of school. Somehow, the quirky student council members take a liking to her, and she's welcomed into their ranks.

—That's the basic premise of the third installment of My Life as an Otome Game Protagonist: Student Council of Lugnica Academy Edition.

I was wondering how they would set up the setting, so it's a way to help the new student from being alienated too much by her classmates by making her a student council member. Not bad, if I do say so myself. It's a setup that makes them endearing for the players.

Of course, since this is a mandatory event where the outcome is fixed, there's obviously no option to refuse. So I bow politely.

"I'll do my best! Once again, please take care of me, everyone."

"Welcome to the student council of Lugnica Academy, Mofuko!"

Subaru-senpai smiles brightly at me as he holds out his hand, while everyone else also looks at me in their own small smiles. As I take in their inviting presence, I hear the 'click' of an ensemble CG in my mind as wind carries cherry blossom petals into the room from the open window.

I smile along with everyone as I take Subaru-senpai's hand.

With this, the prolog ends... and the real game starts now!!

Keep all the relationships between the student council members amicable at all times while I pursue a romantic route with at least one of them—preferably Julius-senpai.

It's okay, you can do this, Mochizuki "Mofuko" Fumi! No matter what happens, you need to do your best and get the best romantic ending in this installment!

—For my own happy ending.

"Oh yeah, Mofuko! Wanna eat dinner at my house tonight?"

"Eh...?!" Immediately going for the "meet the family" event?! This main love interest moves too fast!!

"Everyone can join in too! My mom makes celebratory curry tonight!" Oh, System. I hate his character!!