Even if, in the original story, Nobita and Doraemon always managed to resolve these crises, it was better to have his own fate in his own hands. Relying on somewhat unreliable elementary school kids felt risky. Besides, who knew if his arrival had triggered a butterfly effect, causing events to deviate from the original plot? Once the future changed, even a tiny deviation could have massive consequences.
While Lin Yu focused on his manga practice, outside in the hallway, Nobita stared resentfully at the sticker on his chest, completely baffled about why it wasn't working.
"'Even the teacher plays favorites! We're both transfer students, so why isn't he nicer to me?'" Nobita muttered. He clearly remembered the teacher telling everyone to look after Lin Yu when he first arrived. But when he was late, just a small thing, he got yelled at. "'No, something must be wrong. I need to try it on Gian and Shizuka again later!'" Nobita muttered determinedly, refusing to give up.
Soon, the bell for the end of the first period rang. Seeing Mr. Teragoya head back to the staff room, Nobita dashed back into the classroom, making a beeline for Shizuka.
"'Shizuka, after school, want to go on a date with me?'" Though nervous and blushing slightly, Nobita tried to act cool, leaning on her desk as he asked.
Hearing Nobita's words, Shizuka's face instantly flushed bright red. Even if she had some vague understanding of romance from TV, being asked so bluntly about dating was still shocking and unacceptable for an elementary school girl.
"'Nobita! You creep!'" Shizuka, face beet red, snapped angrily. She shot up from her seat, ignored Nobita's attempts to stop her, and stormed out of the classroom.
Nobita's disastrous attempt was witnessed by everyone yet again. Another wave of laughter erupted in the classroom. Face burning, Nobita wished the ground would swallow him whole. Yesterday, Lin Yu and Shizuka seemed to hit it off [Nobita's misinterpretation], so why was it completely different for him? Nobita couldn't understand. He was a 'transfer student' now too, so why was his treatment so drastically different from Lin Yu's?
After a moment, Nobita glanced over at Gian and Suneo, steeling himself for another test. Gian and Suneo were roaring with laughter at Nobita's expense. Seeing Nobita approach, Gian grinned mockingly. "'Wow, Nobita, you've got guts. If Shizuka tells the teacher, you're done for.'"
Looking at Gian's imposing size, images of past bullying flashed through Nobita's mind, making him nervous. But he forced himself to act tough, putting on an air of arrogance. "'Is that how you talk to me? I am a transfer student, show me some respect!'"
Gian blinked, exchanging a look of stunned confusion with Suneo. But even Nobita's bizarre behavior wouldn't stop them from wanting to beat him up.
"'Transfer student, huh?'" Gian cracked his knuckles, his expression turning menacing.
"'So what!'" Nobita retorted weakly.
Seeing Gian looking ready to strike, Nobita panicked, instinctively stumbled backward, and fell flat on his backside.
"'Don't think being a 'transfer student' means I won't pound you! Just you wait after school!'" Gian growled, cracking his knuckles menacingly for emphasis.
Seeing this, Nobita scrambled up and fled the classroom, voice cracking with tears. "'It's a lie! It's all lies! Doraemon, you liar!'" he wailed.
Watching Nobita immediately cave and flee, Gian sneered, "'Useless coward. He's supposedly a transfer student too, but what a huge difference compared to Lin Yu.'"
"'Yeah, but isn't Nobita always like this?'" Suneo added.
Nobita only reappeared from wherever he'd been hiding just as the bell for the next class finished ringing. Apparently, he was genuinely terrified Gian would beat him up on sight and didn't dare show his face during the break. Shizuka, still clearly upset, refused to even look at Nobita; his blunt proposal earlier had been deeply disrespectful.
Lin Yu couldn't quite figure out Nobita's bizarre behavior either. If anything, it seemed like he was determinedly testing the boundaries of self-destruction. At least, Lin Yu mused, it added a touch of chaotic amusement to the otherwise mundane school day.
During class, Lin Yu remained focused on his drawing practice. Through continuous effort, his copying skills had already shown noticeable improvement compared to his first attempt. Honestly, if it weren't for the time period lacking digital tools like drawing tablets and software, Lin Yu estimated his progress would be much faster. For now, he could only console himself with the thought that 'good things take time and effort'.
The morning passed quickly. Right up until lunchtime, Lin Yu remained completely absorbed and focused on the world of manga.
Compared to him, Nobita was far more miserable. After his disastrous morning antics, Nobita didn't dare stay in the classroom during breaks, constantly hiding from Gian. Even Shizuka wanted nothing to do with him, pointedly turning away with a 'hmph!' whenever she saw him.
Nobita felt truly bitter. He'd thought that getting the gadget from Doraemon would make him like Lin Yu: praised by the teacher, able to approach Shizuka, and immune to Gian's bullying. But who could have known that reality would be the complete opposite of his expectations?
'What is going on... why doesn't it work for me?'
The teacher lectured from the front, but Nobita wasn't listening at all. His mind raced, desperately trying to figure out how to fix the situation. Not only had he failed to become the popular 'transfer student' he envisioned, but now he faced the end of the school day, and the looming prospect of a beating from Gian. It was truly awful. He wracked his brains, but couldn't think of any way out.