Scramble Love.
In an age where physical books were all but extinct, it was a smash-hit shonen manga that achieved record sales of 10 million copies.
Living up to its motto of "a return to the old days," it was praised for a story that shamelessly adhered to the classic love-comedy formula while still infusing the author's unique style.
I found out about this manga because the internet fandom erupted in flames—and not in a good way—when the final volume concluded with an unexpected childhood friend ending, defeating all the other prominent heroines.
From what I heard, the childhood friend who became the main heroine had only placed fourth in the overall popularity polls.
Honestly, I'd only come across this through some internet memes, so I considered it a story that had nothing to do with me.
But—
I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would end up being reincarnated into that very manga.
I'd never even read a single volume, let alone sent a 5,700-character protest postcard.
***
"Class President, lead the greeting."
"Yes! Everyone, attention! Bow to the teacher!"
While the homeroom teacher, who looked like a hot-blooded gym instructor, called roll, I turned my head to look out at the school grounds.
Pink cherry blossoms bloomed profusely along the long school path.
It was a scene you'd never see in Korea, where the new school year starts in March, unlike in Japan.
"...moto Yuji."
"Here!"
While I was lost in thought, the names were called in order of student number, and finally, my turn came.
"Kim... Ryusei?"
"It's Kim Yu-seong."
"Ah, Kim Yu-seong. My apologies, I mispronounced it."
"It's alright."
Unlike his gruff, gorilla-like appearance, the homeroom teacher genuinely admitted his mistake.
This, too, was a cliché if there ever was one in a school-life story.
After I readily accepted his apology, the teacher thanked me and finished calling roll. Once attendance was done, he cleared his throat with a loud "Ahem! Ahem!"
"I know it's a bit chaotic since the new semester just started yesterday, but quiet down for a moment."
The classroom fell silent as if by magic.
With everyone's eyes on him, the teacher nodded in satisfaction and spoke.
"We have a new transfer student in our class. They've come from far away, so a lot of things will be unfamiliar to them. I expect you all to be especially considerate."
The teacher's sudden bombshell sent the classroom into an uproar.
"A transfer student? Is it a guy or a girl?"
"I hope it's a cute girl."
"Anyone see the new student in the faculty office?"
Amidst the flood of cringeworthy chatter, the teacher called out in a calm voice to the student waiting outside the classroom.
"Hey! You can come in now!"
As if on cue, the front door of the classroom opened.
The moment the transfer student finally appeared, time in the classroom seemed to stand still.
Blonde hair that shone dazzlingly like molten gold, mystical green eyes, and delicate features like those of a bisque doll.
The exotic beauty, possessing physical traits never seen in a native Japanese person, strode confidently into the classroom.
As she stood before the teacher's desk, he said,
"Introduce yourself."
The blonde girl flashed a momentary, cat-like smile, then slammed both hands on the desk and announced.
"My name is Kishimoto Rika! I came up from Shizuoka! I like cats, sweet things, and natto soup! I look forward to spending the next year with you all!"
She was the kind of girl who radiated energy just by looking at her.
The super-popular gyaru type that a nobody like me would hesitate to even speak to.
"Alright, Kishimoto, your seat will be... that one over there looks good."
The teacher scanned the room before pointing to a spot, and I realized it was the seat right next to this manga's protagonist, Sakamoto Ryuji.
It made sense, as the two of them, who seemed to already know each other, locked eyes and simultaneously cried out, "Eeeh!"
"You! The one I bumped into in the alley this morning!"
"The pervert from this morning!"
"Who are you calling a pervert?!"
Feeling my mind go numb at their rapid-fire banter, which seemed almost rehearsed, I pressed a hand to my forehead.
'This is insane.'
The thought of having to watch this crazy spectacle for another two years made me seriously want to transfer.