Stand-In Romance

“You’re just a substitute. Do you understand?”
— Kasumigaoka Utaha

“You didn’t seriously think I liked you, did you? You’re nothing more than a replacement for Aki.”
— Sawamura Spencer Eriri

“Just so we’re clear—I only see you as a stand-in for my brother. So don’t go falling for me.”
— Yasuraoka Hanabi

“My heart will always belong to the Student Council President!”
— Shinomiya Kaguya

…

Kitahara Takeru looked at the girls standing before him—each one desperate to draw a line, to make it absolutely clear they had nothing to do with him.

He paused, gave it some thought, then couldn’t help but ask:

“Has it occurred to any of you… that maybe I don’t like you?”