Otome game in a reality

Hidden route; 4. Appearance of the mysterious man

"W-what? Did I hear you right? Or are you just joking..."

The usual calm and collected boy showed such a childish expression only a middle schooler would make.

However Asuka's plan didn't waver.

It was a way she thought was very effective. Usually in those kind of cliche romance novels, the ML started showing interest when the Fl reject him and try to chase him away. MLs has everything and is very famous so it's only natural for them to find someone who's refusing him interesting.

In a way it might drop his interest in her. Even if he accepts her, Asuka will be under his protection and can gain the right to lead him to a normal relationship. Additionally in case he accepts it, Sakura will have to give up.

Or Katsuragi will try to get rid of all the threats in his way. Asuka has nothing to lose from this 'confession'.

Honestly she doesn't care even if Katsuragi and Sakura try to 'kill' each other. Considering their crazy personalities, it's not surprising if they really end up fighting directly. There's also Saito too.

'Well, less psychos, the better. They're just fictional characters anyway'

Thinking that, she continued to persuade him even further.

"I'm serious. I fell in love with you the day you saved me. So will you go out with me?"

"Haha.. you're making a face you always make when lying. There's no way you'd confess to me but..but..."

The outcome after the confession was rather.. surprising.

Katsuragi's expression was like that of a child that's about to open their Christmas gift.

'I suddenly have a bad feeling..'

"I'm happy you said that. I'll believe in it even if it's a lie, no, it's obviously a lie but.."

He smiled as he hugged her in his arms tightly, not allowing her to even make a move. Asuka couldn't see his face due to difference in height but she had a feeling Katsuragi was smiling genuinely.

He was indeed happier than any man in this world.

"I'll accept your confession. However you better lie to me until the very end, Yoshino-chan"

That was the condition of their relationship.

Little did he know Asuka was also happy. She had no reason to refuse since after the ending of this route she'll be transferred to a different world anyway.

***
In the back garden a certain man in suit was busy complaining to no one. Nothing was going the way he wanted and the killing attempt failed.

The 592 years old follower of the god of judgement failed to kill a character of a game that's only 17 years old girl. His pride took a severe damage because of that.

"How should I get rid off her? How can she be so monstrous! Wasn't it supposed to be a game for teenager girls? How can anyone like such a sick game? Please, God of judgement.. you've to wake up or I'm going to end up dying in this game.. it's not like I can die like those mortals but it'll hurt.."

However the fear of being found out by the two monsters of the either side overwhelmed his judgement that he didn't notice his surroundings. /he meant Sakura and his boss/

There was a young man standing behind him.

"Who're you?"

Even though he knows that person's identity he had to pretend to not know him. Nonetheless it was very surprising to see his face around Sakura's mansion.

"You don't have to know"

'Ah, this bastard is still like this'

He used to act as his bodyguard in the second route in order to hide him from Asuka, as his hot tempered boss ordered. Expect from his face, this so called hidden character was no good. His personality is rotten to the core.

'Wait, he's watching me. I've to act fine'

As the admin of this game world, his boss can monitor the player's and capture targets' movements. It'll also include the hidden character even if his identity isn't revealed yet.

"Sir, it's forbidden to come around this area without permission. Please go back"

The man who's still in his disguise as a guard used his job at his advantage. Fortunately for him, the black haired man left without single word. Something was definitely wrong.

He's supposed to watch Asuka from afar. Even if someone does something bad to Asuka, he never reveals himself like this. Of course, he still didn't forget to cover his face with his hoodie and a mask.

Basically this mysterious hidden character is a stalker.

But out of all the characters, he's the most unpredictable, calculating and dangerous one. His instincts are on the same level as beasts.

Just when the guard was starting to feel relieved, the hidden character stopped and turned back. He stared into his eyes for a few minutes before asking a question.

"You're Jack, aren't you?"

He asked with a cold and collected expression as if he was certain about the answer of his own question.

On the other hand the guard just froze on his spot. He couldn't say a single word knowing someone is still watching them.

The reason is, Jack is the name he used in the second route when he had to act as his guard. Him in the third route isn't supposed to know about that name.

As long as he's still game's character, that's it.

'This inhuman bastard.. the settings of this world is crazy'

"I-I think you're mistaking me with someone'

In the end it's a good thing if he remembers the scenes from other routes. It'll just make the game easier for Asuka. He'll be curious and try to meet her regardless of the doings of the other followers like him.

He acted suspicious on purpose. It seemed like the hidden character got the message and left quietly.
________
[Game progress: 70%]

[15 days left until the end of the hidden route]

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A/n: sorry for not updating this long😱😭🙏

I was very busy these days and didn't even have time to think about writing.

Anyway thanks for the 70k readers and 3k votes. I was very surprised after seeing so many notifications.
I'm sorry to say this but the next update will also be delayed.

Again, thanks for reading.