Many times, we hear that we're the main character in our own stories. But is that really the case?
Not everyone has the courage or the chance to step into the spotlight and become the main character in their own story.
But….
If you were given the chance, would you take it? Do you have what it takes to become a "protagonist?"
Unfortunately, I Hayakawa Shō don't know the answer to that.
Throughout my experiences, I consistently found myself playing a supporting role, never have I once stepped into the spotlight.
If I had to call someone a protagonist, without a doubt, it would be my classmate "Tanaka Kenji."
With an appearance on par with the actors you see on screen, the physique of an athlete, and a mind that's as sharp as they come, he's the whole package!
His daily life is like something straight out of a "romantic comedy" manga, so much so that it genuinely made me see it that way.
Suddenly, three stunningly beautiful girls appeared before him
"Hey Kenji, want to grab ice cream?"
adorned with cascading, lustrous black locks and an innocent visage that ensnares every gaze, she is none other than 'The Scintillating Moon' herself—Akira Aya.
"We've already done that before; how about we head to a cafe this time?"
with an intellect that reigns supreme, she effortlessly claims the title of "The Queen"—a captivating blend of beauty and the esteemed position as the student council president, none other than Hamasaki Yae.
"Your suggestions are always a bit dull. How about shaking things up and hitting a karaoke booth instead?"
The captivating and stylish beauty with golden locks, rumored to be under contract with a renowned modeling agency— "The Golden Siren" Asato Shiori.
These three individuals truly stand out in our school, embodying a captivating blend of grace and allure. Their enchanting aura has a magical quality that captures hearts, while their striking presence effortlessly turns heads. Undoubtedly, they have earned the well-deserved title of the school's ultimate beauties, and all of them happen to fancy Tanaka Kenji.
as the girls continued to argue Kenji stood up
"Hey, girls, how about we take it easy? We could start by going to the cafe, then have fun at the karaoke, and wrap things up with ice cream. It shouldn't take too much time, and I've got the evening free, after all."
"That's a much better option!"
"It's streamlined, and everyone gets to enjoy what they want. I like it"
"This is gonna be, like, a total blast, y'know! So stoked for it!"
As expected he was able to handle things well – so this is a…. protagonist? it's kinda scary - that I couldn't help but grin in amazement.
After all, I lack the unique elements that could set me apart or allow me to experience those significant life events.
The spotlight's too much for me. I prefer the sidelines, playing a supporting role. I find comfort in the background, complementing others rather than being in the dazzling glare of attention.
That's why I respect those who take on the protagonist role. It's no easy task to carry the narrative spotlight. As a supporting character, I find fulfillment in contributing from the sidelines, adding depth to the story in my own quiet way.
At least… that's what I believe in…..
The very essence of who Hayakawa Shō is.
"""Kenji? Let's go!"""
"Wait a moment"
Kenji looked at the girl to her right who was immersed in her book
"Hey, Yuki, do you want to come with us?"
The girl reading the book is Furuhika Yuki
Graceful and quiet, she possesses a cold beauty personality, her striking silver hair and entrancing blue eyes make her presence captivating. Always lost in the cocoon of her thoughts, she is a living poem, a girl immersed in the enchanting realms of her books
"No."
Being called out, Furuhika-san straightened up and bluntly replied, a flicker of annoyance crossing her expression
"Well, that's a bummer…. I apologize for interrupting you while you were reading"
While her unsociable demeanor may not grant her the same prestige as the other three, her unique beauty stands on its own merits that people started calling her "The Bookish Princess" because she read books every day.
For some inexplicable reason, Kenji finds himself drawn to her. Amidst the sea of personalities, her enigmatic nature and the challenge of understanding her seem to have sparked a curiosity within him. There's a certain allure in the way she doesn't easily click with everyone, creating an intriguing puzzle that Kenji can't help but want to solve. Perhaps it's the mystery, the uniqueness, or just the unspoken connection that makes her stand out in his eyes, fostering an unanticipated interest that continues to grow with each passing interaction.
But here's the thing, not everyone gets her, and that's what makes her even more special. Despite not clicking with everyone, there's a charm in her uniqueness that some people truly appreciate.
As Kenji was looking a bit discouraged the girls around him started to cheer him up
"Kenji, let's have fun now!"
"I miss hearing your voice singing. Let's immediately head to karaoke."
" I'm also totally starving, you know!
Feeling a subtle lift in his spirits, Kenji joined the other girls as they made their way out of the classroom,
"I guess I should be leaving too"
As I prepared to rise from my seat, a sudden tap on my shoulder caught me by surprise.
"Fu…..Furuhika-san?"
Her breathtaking silver locks cascaded, accompanied by a captivating scent that surrounded her. As she drew near, my awareness heightened, and then, unexpectedly, she gently took hold of my hands.
"I… finally got you… Hayakawa Shō"
as she smiled gently looking at me
My heart raced, and my face turned red, I found myself lost in her eyes, captivated by her smile and gaze. It felt like something inside me stirred, making me feel all flushed and stirred up.
[If I were given the chance, would you take it? Do you have what it takes to become a "protagonist?"]
If the same question were posed to me once more...
I, Hayakawa Shō, it seems….. finally have the answer.