Rebirth—some say it's a blessing, others call it a curse.
It means getting another chance, a chance to undo a failed life.
But if you think being reborn guarantees a smooth, easy journey… you couldn't be more wrong.
For an ordinary, mediocre person, it might just mean experiencing failure all over again—tasting that same bitterness a second time.
At twelve years old, Hikigaya Hachiman had already come to that conclusion.
Why, you ask?
Because he was a transmigrator—someone reborn from another world into this one. And not just anyone—he had become the protagonist from an anime he remembered all too well: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU.
He had lived in this world for twelve years now, living a life that was different yet eerily similar to his previous one. If he continued down this path, he could already foresee it—another life of misery and self-pity.
Sure, if he could follow the anime's plot, climb up the social ladder by winning over Yukinoshita's favor, and enjoy an easy, comfortable life… that might not be too bad.
But come on—who did he think he was, the "Hachiman-sensei"?
Did he really believe that just because he'd reincarnated, he could become the main character? That he'd be adored by everyone, like some succubus walking around gathering a harem with ease?
No way. Absolutely not.
That was pure delusion.
At least, he didn't have that kind of golden cheat ability.
If he wanted to replicate Hachiman's life exactly, he'd have to go through all those events: getting friend-zoned after a confession, imagining himself as some god of the unknown during his chūnibyō phase, being called "Hikigaya-bacteria," singing alone at karaoke, being rejected during group dances, having his teacher tell him, "You're that student everyone dislikes, Hikigaya-kun."
And then, on the first day of school, he'd have to save that girl's dog, end up hospitalized for a while… only then could he truly become "the real Hachiman."
But just thinking about it sounded exhausting. He had no intention of putting himself through that much unnecessary pain. What if, in saving the dog, he ended up even more seriously injured?
No, thanks.
So, Hikigaya Hachiman made up his mind: this time, he would live his own life—a new, original one.
Of course, if an opportunity to "mooch off someone" presented itself, he wasn't about to turn it down either.
"So… what exactly should I do?"
Gazing at the silver disk of the full moon hanging in the sky, Hikigaya reached out as if to touch it, muttering under his breath.
Living for himself and avoiding failure again—those were abstract goals.
If he wanted to be more specific… perhaps he wanted to shine a little brighter this time?
To be confident and commanding, like the "normies" at school?
No—that wasn't him.
Socializing was never his strong suit. In both personality and appearance, he was at a disadvantage.
That left only one path: career.
Naturally, as a former shut-in, the only fields he could think of were those related to otaku culture—the very backbone of this nation's entertainment industry.
Manga artist, anime producer, light novel author… among these, the choice was obvious.
Becoming a light novel author.
After all, animation required an entire team and a huge budget, and the profits weren't guaranteed.
As for manga, especially weekly series—too exhausting. Drawing alone was a skill that took years of rigorous practice. Not everyone could pull off a unique style like ONE-sensei.
Light novels, on the other hand, were perfect for him—lower time cost, lower entry barrier, and something that matched his talents better.
He even prided himself on his writing skills, particularly in Japanese. Surely that would help.
No time like the present. Once he made up his mind, Hikigaya acted immediately.
A craftsman must first sharpen his tools.
Step one: request a laptop from his parents to start writing.
Unfortunately, that was easier said than done.
At home, he wasn't exactly the favored child. On his birthday, he'd either get a plain cake with no celebration or ten thousand yen at most.
Meanwhile, his little sister Komachi got family outings, gifts, red envelopes, and a cake.
So trying to get a laptop—even as a "birthday present"—was out of the question.
And if he told them outright what he wanted it for? Forget it.
"Huh? You want to become a light novel author? Stop dreaming! Go study instead!"
"Hachiman, let's be realistic, okay? Becoming a light novel author can wait."
He could already imagine the disappointment in his parents' voices.
"Guess I've got no choice then…"
With a sigh, Hikigaya reached into his piggy bank, pulling out all the pocket money and New Year's gifts he had saved over the years.
Thankfully, as a reincarnator, he had the foresight to protect his stash from being confiscated by his parents.
If he'd made the same mistake as in his past life, he'd have nothing now.
"Hmm? Still a little short…"
Counting the coins, he realized he didn't have enough for the laptop he wanted.
He couldn't spend all his money, either—what if something unexpected came up?
Then suddenly, his eyes lit up.
Of course—there was another way.
He'd ask his adorable little sister for help!