I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 1

What a strange feeling.

Is this what death feels like?

After being struck by lightning, which I didn't know was possible, I was enveloped by nothing. It was dark and silent, completely blinding my senses.

Then, like someone flipping a switch, a blur of images passed across my vision.

In them, I could see it from a third perspective. I saw myself slowly grow into an adult, graceful and mature like my parents taught me how to be. I saw my friends, who were all male and higher nobles, grow into fine gentlemen. My heart swelled with pride at the sight of them.

However, a girl appeared.

She had long, black hair that reached down to the middle of her back. Her eyes were like a beautiful starry night, glistening with life and curiosity. Everything complimented her pale skin and almond shaped eyes. I could only watch as her beauty enchanted all of my friends in one move.

I saw myself become more alone and ostracized as the years went on. I could also see myself spiral downwards, obsessed with keeping my ties with the group and trying to regain my place in their circle of friends once more. My attempts were futile, and eventually the black haired girl replaced me.

The group was unresponsive to me. They had completely disregarded me. All those years together, those times that we had ups and downs, meant nothing to them. I could see it in their face and in their eyes; I was worthless. To them, the black haired girl was better when they compared us. I was a noble, albeit a lesser noble, and thus had the attitude of a noble. She was a commoner, so she wasn't raised by the societal norms of a noble. She was more expressive, more kind and open. They liked that about her. Then they took my personality and, when put up against hers, decided I was a girl with hidden moves like any other noble. Even though with them I was honest and sincere.

It wasn't good enough.

I felt horror and disgust as I resorted to bullying the girl. Though I did feel a strong sense of injustice towards being outcasted from the people I've known since I was young, I've always seen bullying as a underhanded method.

I wasn't surprised when at our graduation ceremony of high school, the Third Prince rallied the group to condemn me in front of everybody and bring my evil to light. I felt pity and regret as I watched myself get banished from the Kingdom, unable to look at my parents who stared after me with confusion and hurt. The commoner girl, who "surprise, surprise," was actually the illegitimate child of a highly respected noble, gained the status of that noble and ended up marrying the Third Prince.

Though, when the images showed the Third Prince, the black haired girl, and the rest of the group, I felt cold. I felt indifferent to them. At the drop of a hat, all for this girl, they abandoned me and our friendship. I tried to get along with everyone. I treated her like a friend I've known since birth, just like I did to all of them. And what did I get?

Nothing.

I pursed my lips and felt the chilly feeling build up in my chest.

I hate this.

Is this what my future will be? Being condemned by the very friends I was playing with just a few seconds ago?

Pausing, I reflect on what I've seen.

No... this was my future before.

I'm going to change this.

From the moment I wake up, I'm going to stop interacting with them. All relations I have with them, I'll drop. If I don't get into the circle in the first place, I won't have to worry about being kicked out. That black hair girl can have all of them.

I want nothing to do with them from here on out!

Never ever!