Transmigrated into a World of Reversed Roles
Chap 40

This is a world where gender roles are reversed. Women lead, and men follow. But aside from that, everything else is just like the normal world.

As a man who doesn't come from here, of course I’ve had trouble adapting. Not only did I lose my entire game collection, but I also had to accept that the people I knew had changed.

Especially... Yona.

She's my neighbor. We were never close, or even talked. Our houses are side by side, but our daily lives felt like they were separated by another dimension. In this world, she’s still my neighbor. But besides that, everything is different, as if she’s an entirely different person.

Just like today. Walking toward the station in the morning, my steps were slower than usual. My legs were recently injured, but that wasn’t the reason. It was because my arm was being tightly held by someone.

"Yona... aren’t you a bit too close? The neighbors are gonna think something weird if they see us like this."

"Is that a bad thing?"

Still not letting go, her grip only tightened. She smiled broadly, but I occasionally saw her eyes scanning the surroundings like she was wary of something invisible.

"Not really..."

"Then there’s no problem, hehe. Also, watch your step, Ren. It’d be bad if you tripped."

...My chances of tripping are higher if you don’t let go of me, Yona.

For a moment, I was disappointed in myself for not having the guts to pull away. Although, honestly, I didn’t really mind because... ehem, those were touching my arm.

But behind all that... I was relieved to see her like this. After how dramatic she acted yesterday, I was a little afraid she might attempt suicide somewhere else. Thankfully, she seems to be doing better.

Though, I’m still a little curious why she bothered to come over to my house this morning, even before I was awake. I saw her happily chatting with my parents, but what exactly did they talk about?

"Did you talk to my mom about the surgery?"

Yona nodded. Her ponytail swayed as she spoke.

"Hmm, a little. Your mom said she didn’t want to talk about it if your dad was around, so we couldn’t say much. But I already told her that you’re willing to accept my family’s donation."

Donation, huh? I say Yona is dramatic or whatever, but truthfully, I’m not much different. Things wouldn’t have gotten this complicated if I had just accepted her help from the beginning.

Back then, I rejected her offer because her family was struggling. But... now I realize, refusing someone who wants to take responsibility might hurt them even more.

I tapped my chin before replying.

"...Half. I’ll only accept half of the amount your mom offered. Anything more than that, I don’t want it."

She stuck out her tongue. This time, I admit it was cute.

"You’re so complicated, boo. You don’t have to worry and just accept it all. My family’s not that tight anymore."

I’d accept it all if the price of the surgery matched the cost of one of my favorite game cartridges.

Soon, the two of us arrived at the train. Crowded as usual. But even before I could start worrying, Yona took action first. She didn’t let any passengers touch me and used a kabedon pose to shield me—just like Yuri once did.

...Cool.

Yona continued her earlier topic, lowering her head.

"Also, Ren... I’m planning to find a part-time job."

My eyebrows lifted.

"What about the Track Club?"

"I’ll quit. After I lost so badly in the last tournament... I can’t look my teammates in the eye anymore."

"Are you sure?"

"Mm."

Yona nodded.

...What a shame. I haven’t even seen her compete once.

But I guess there’s nothing I can do. If this is her decision, I can’t interfere. She probably realized her family’s struggling and wants to help.

"Do you already have plans for where to work? Maybe I can help a little."

"...Really?"

Yona’s eyes stared at me, filled with a glimmer of hope.

"Yeah. My dad said he knows someone who owns a minimarket nearby. Maybe I can ask."

"What about the restaurant where you work?"

"No openings, unfortunately. The last spot’s been taken, and even if something opens up, the manager seems—"

"I see. Then never mind."

"Huh?"

The glimmer in her eyes vanished the moment she cut me off.

"I’ve decided to go back to the club. It’s embarrassing to run away just after one loss."

Why did you change your mind so quickly?

"Then what about the part-time job?"

"Maybe next time."

Then why bother asking about work?

Wait a minute. Don't tell me, Yona just wants to work at the same place as me?

"..."

My relationship with Yona feels like it’s getting closer. But the closer we get, the more confusing she becomes.

"By the way, Ren. It feels ... a bit tight. Can I move a little closer?"

"Hm? Of course. Sorry for the trouble."

"No. If anything, I should be the one thanking you."

---

Lunch break. Standing beside a shy girl with long bangs, the two of us faced the open door of the infirmary.

But no one was inside. No patients, or even the teacher who acted as the nurse.

"...Yuri, you said Ms. Mizu would be back on Monday, right? Don’t tell me you lied to me?"

"I-I didn’t lie! I don’t know why Ms. Mizu isn’t here either..."

Panicking, sweat rolled down Yuri’s cheek.

She looked just like a rabbit being chased by a wolf. And since I was clearly playing the role of the latter, I felt a bit guilty.

"...Anyway, where’d you hear this from?"

"Classmate gossip..."

Welp, no wonder. Who trusts rumors?

"Maybe we should just give up."

"Eh? T-Then what about the Game Club?"

"I think it’ll be fine. It’s not like Ms. Mizu’s the only teacher we have. As long as we find another member, we’ll get a club advisor eventually."

I shrugged casually.

After playing Yuri’s game, I knew she had real talent in making them. At the very least, it won’t be as hard as it was for me when I tried finding a club advisor. Because unlike me, who just wanted to slack off, she genuinely wants to make games and contribute to society.

"Besides, I think Ms. Mizu already transferred schools. I’ve never met a teacher who’s taken this long of a break."

"Maybe..."

"As a sign of respect, let’s pray for Ms. Mizu’s well-being at her new school."

Putting my palms together, Yuri quickly followed suit. We both bowed toward the infirmary.

"Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Mizu."

"You’re welcome. But I didn’t transfer schools. Also, if you’re going to pray for me, could you not do it like I’m dead? You two are seriously rude students, aren't you? Want me to treat you in the infirmary for that?"

A voice came from behind us. Turning around, I saw the figure of an adult woman.

Wearing an open white coat, she pushed up her glasses while staring at us. Her long wavy hair was striking, with purple-dyed tips. And as she folded her arms, her large chest—

"Ms. Mizu!?"

Yuri shouted.