I was Reincarnated as the Scum Older Brother of the Protagonist in a Romance Battle Game, But I don't want to Die, so I'll do my Best - Episode 32

◇ Classroom 2-5 (Shiro’s Class)
During lunch break, immediately after the homeroom announcement of Forbidden Zone test participants…

“U-um… Amamiya-san? Kitano-kun says he has something to discuss with you…”
“Hn.”

Naturally, Shiro’s class had also received the participant list. Her classmates harbored the same suspicions as Joji’s class—yet intimidated by Shiro’s aura, none dared ask her directly.

Shiro, indifferent to their hesitation, glanced toward the classroom entrance. There stood…

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Takashi Kitano from Class 3.”
“? Who?”

Takashi smiled as he approached her desk, but Shiro’s reply was icy.
“My brother Joji has caused you trouble. My apologies.”
Misreading her coldness as anger toward Joji, Takashi bowed. Yet—

“Joji hasn’t troubled me. I’d welcome it if he did.”
“Huh?”
Takashi blinked, baffled.

“If you have no business, I’m leaving.”
“W-wait! You’re being forced to obey that trash brother, right? I’ll help! Don’t listen to him!”
“Haah?”

Shiro’s Meteor Eyes glinted coldly as she glared at the desperate boy.
“O-oh! How about joining our party for the Forbidden Zone test? The teachers still allow changes! Aru’s with us too—Joji won’t dare interfere if you’re with me!”

Ignoring him, Shiro grabbed her bento and stood.
“Hey! Amamiya-san, we’re not done—”
“Pointless. I only party with Joji. Not you—I don’t even recall your name. That’s my answer. We’re finished.”

She swept past the stunned Takashi and classmates without a backward glance.

◇ School Rooftop
“’Bout time. You’re late, Shiro.”
“Hn. Minor interference.”

Shiro’s classroom was nearest to the stairs, yet today Joji arrived first—a rarity. As she nibbled her bento with unusual focus, Joji frowned.
“Something happen? You seem off.”
“Hn. It’s nothing serious.”

The odd tension faded as Joji changed topics.
“I’m heading to my family’s estate in Hokkaido tomorrow.”
“Heh. Sudden.”
“Yeah. Father called yesterday—ordered me and little bro to return.”

Shiro’s chopsticks froze at “little bro.”
“? What’s wrong?”
“Hn. Nothing… How long will you be gone?”
“I’d rather come back ASAP to prep for the test, but… not my call.”
“I see… Contact me if anything happens.”
“Yeah! Counting on you, partner.”
“Hn.”

“Oh—Tachibana, our maid, mentioned melon macarons from Hokkaido. Since you’re obsessed with melon, I’ll bring some back.”
“Melon… macarons…”

A faint warmth softened Shiro’s demeanor.
“Hn. I’ll look forward to it. Even if you don’t return, send the macarons.”
“Hey! What kinda crap is that?!”
“Fufu. Joking.”
“Tch… Meanie. Fufufu.”

Their banter dissolved the earlier unease as they finished lunch.

◇ Classroom 2-3 (Takashi & Airu’s Class)
Takashi and Aru ate lunch side-by-side in grim silence.
“So… Amamiya-san refuses to party with anyone but Joji-kun?”
“Yeah. That trash brother must be blackmailing her!”

Takashi clenched his fists, but Aru’s mind replayed the rooftop scene—Joji and Shiro laughing together. A restless unease prickled her chest.
(What is this feeling…?)

“I’ll tell Father everything about that scum brother when we get home tomorrow.”
“Eh?”
“Didn’t I say? We’re returning to the estate tomorrow. Brother’s summoned too.”
“Eh?! Sorry, I missed that… Are you unwell? You’ve been acting strange.”
“S-sorry… I stayed up late reviewing for the written exams…”

This was true—she’d studied past her usual bedtime.
“I see. But exams are over a week away. Don’t burn out.”
“Y-yeah, I know… Why the sudden trip home?”

(Could it be…? Are they discussing my engagement to Takashi-kun behind my back again?)
“Dunno. Father just said ‘we need to talk.’”

Takashi clearly knew nothing. Yet Aru’s turmoil deepened—she loathed others controlling her future.
“I see… Take care, okay?”

(Why…? Why did I break off my engagement with Joji-kun? To escape that hell? Or for Takashi-kun?… I don’t know anymore.)
Aru drowned in confusion—torn between anxiety, her muddled heart, and her shifting feelings toward Takashi Kitano.