Chapter 0: I Became an Extra in a Manga
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 0: I Became an Extra in a Manga
Scramble Love.
It was a mega-hit shonen manga that achieved a record-breaking 10 million copies sold in an era where physical books had all but vanished.
True to its slogan, "A Return to the Old Era," the story was praised for shamelessly adhering to the classic formula of a romantic comedy while still weaving in the author's unique style.
I first learned of this manga when, in its final volume, the childhood friend beat out all the other top-tier heroines for the ending, causing the online fandom to erupt in flames—and not in a good way.
From what I heard, the childhood friend who became the main heroine had ranked fourth in the overall popularity poll or something.
Honestly, I'd only come across this as an internet meme, so I considered it completely unrelated to my life.
But—
I never dreamed I would end up being transmigrated into that very manga.
I'd never even read it once, let alone sent a 5,700-character complaint postcard.
*
"Class President, lead the greeting."
"Yes, sir! 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 were in glorious bloom along the long school road.
It was a sight 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, names were called in order of student number, and finally, it was my turn.
"Kim... Ryusei?"
"It's Kim Yoo-Sung."
"Ah, Kim Yoo-Sung. My apologies for misreading it."
"It's alright."
Despite his rough, gorilla-like appearance, the teacher genuinely admitted his mistake.
This, too, was a classic school-life genre cliché.
When I readily accepted his apology, he thanked me and finished the roll call. Once attendance was done, he cleared his throat with a loud "Ahem! Ahem!"
"I know it's a bit chaotic since it's only the second day of the new semester, but quiet down for a moment."
As if by magic, the classroom fell silent.
With everyone's eyes fixed on him, the teacher nodded in satisfaction and spoke.
"We have a transfer student in our class. She's come from far away, so a lot of things will be unfamiliar to her. I expect you all to be especially considerate."
The teacher's sudden bombshell announcement sent the classroom into an uproar.
"A transfer student? Is it a boy or a girl?"
"I hope it's a cute girl."
"Did anyone see the transfer student in the faculty office?"
Amidst a flood of dialogue so cringeworthy it made my skin crawl, the teacher called out in a nonchalant voice to the student waiting outside.
"Hey! You can come in!"
As if on cue, the front door of the classroom slid open.
The moment the transfer student finally revealed herself, time in the classroom seemed to stop.
Blonde hair that shimmered dazzlingly, as if made of molten gold. Mysterious, shining green eyes. Delicate features like those of a bisque doll.
With physical traits impossible for a native Japanese person, the exotic-looking beauty walked into the classroom with a confident stride.
As she stood before the teacher's desk, he said.
"Introduce yourself."
The blonde girl flashed a cat-like smile, then slammed both hands on the desk and declared.
"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 a girl overflowing with energy just by looking at her.
The super popular gyaru type that an invisible guy like me would hesitate to even speak to.
"Alright, Kishimoto, your seat will be... that one 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. The two of them must have already met, because the moment their eyes met, they both shrieked, "Eeeek!" in unison.
"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 perfectly timed comedic banter, as if they'd rehearsed it, I pressed a hand to my forehead.
'I'm losing my mind.'
The thought that I'd have to watch this insane spectacle for two more years made me seriously want to transfer.