"Even in this world, bullying still exists."
I used to be bullied too, because I rarely spoke, but I quickly dealt with it using raw strength—my fists. Even so, I still hate bullies, because they're people who create trouble for no clear reason, and it really annoys me.
I ignored the system and took my phone out of my pocket, then turned on the front camera. I held my breath as I looked at my face—a handsome young man with blue eyes and black hair. This kind of handsomeness could make the whole world hold its breath.
I smiled in satisfaction, understanding the reactions of the people in class earlier. After fixing my hair for a moment, I put my phone back in my pocket and started walking home.
"So? I just want to go home and relax," I muttered quietly.
I hoped there was some entertaining game in this world. Or should I head to the city security department to patrol?
I shook my head, dismissing the thought.
Not today. That might be too dangerous.
"I do hate it, but only if it's near me."
If they're bullying far away from me, why would I go to them just to feel annoyed?
The system went silent at my answer, and I walked toward a nearby bus stop. Since I had missed the previous bus, I'd have to wait a while for the next one.
While waiting, I heard footsteps, and from the side, a messy-looking Nora walked over and sat beside me.
"Who are they?"
I asked, wanting to make sure if they were our classmates. After all, I hadn't paid attention to the people in class earlier.
Nora took a deep breath and answered in a small, trembling voice."I-It's just a few kids from the next class. They're always like this… teasing me, calling me names that aren't right…"
"Oh, I see."
Hearing that answer, I felt a bit relieved—I wouldn't have to deal with morning chaos.
"Y-yeah… I've always been a quiet girl, always alone. That's why they see me as an easy target."
"Who asked? Be quiet."
I cut her off so she wouldn't speak any further. I wasn't interested in listening to a girl's complaints.
"Sorry."
Wow, this system is starting trouble because of me. If I could treat this as an intro before, what do you mean now by blocking my view?
Oh, so you can read my inner voice. Fine then. Shut up, I don't care about the nonsense you're showing me.
"…Why are you here?"
I frowned at the girl's words. Was she trying to push me away or something?
"I should be the one asking that. I hope you stay away from me."
Looking at her, she really did seem a mess. I worried someone might report me to the police, thinking I was doing something bad to her.
Too late, and I don't care. So just be quiet.
"I-I… I was just… just sitting here… drawing…"
"Who asked?"
Reading the system's message, I glanced to the side, and the girl had already walked off into the distance.
Wait, isn't this basically me driving her away? How is she supposed to get home like this? My intention was just for her to sit a little farther from me. I felt frustrated.
I wanted to call her, but I wasn't sure my voice would reach her. Honestly, I was too lazy to shout.
"Host, you're really a bastard."
"Shut up!" I got even more frustrated with this annoying system.
I glanced to the side. There, a notebook lay half-open near the edge. A small sketch peeked from the pages. The drawing looked like me.
This drawing really bothered me—not because it looked bad, but because it looked exactly like my face. Now I was rethinking everything. A quiet girl, likes to draw, gets bullied—doesn't that sound like a typical web novel character?
If that's the case, isn't she one of those obsessed types, drawing my face for her fantasies? Damn, this girl is crazy.
"I didn't mean… to come back."
A voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I looked ahead."I just couldn't leave it. This… is the only thing I have."
Nora stood, panting, pointing at the book in my hand.
"Are you… masturbating using the sketches of my face you drew yourself?"I asked bluntly.
Nora's eyes went wide, clearly shocked. She stammered, and her cheeks turned red.
"W-what?! No! Of course not!"
"W-why would you even ask that?!"
I have to say, this system is kind of helpful, and now I know I'm really in trouble.
Nora took a step back, her voice dropping into a trembling whisper."I-I draw because it helps me breathe."
She lowered her head, her hair falling over her face.
"I didn't draw you for that reason. I drew you because… for a moment today… I didn't feel invisible, or maybe that's what I hoped."
A tear slid down her cheek—but she quickly wiped it away, as if showing pain was forbidden.
"Sorry," she murmured. "For being near you."
"System, am I a bastard?"
I exhaled slowly. I was too tired today. Fine, I'll return this book tomorrow.
This time I followed the system's instructions.
I flipped the page—another drawing caught my attention: a girl (I guessed it was Nora) standing alone under a tree. Above her, words were written in small handwriting.
"If I disappear… will anyone notice? Or will they just say I never really existed here?"
My breath caught.
I gently closed the notebook.
And without thinking—I started running after her.