My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 126

I think I must really long for a Yukino Yukinoshita like that.

Volume 5, Chapter 8: In just a moment, Yukino Yukinoshita stopped in her tracks.

August 31st and September 1st.

These two dates are clearly consecutive, yet the stark contrast between them is the most striking of the year.

This is the dividing line between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

As weekdays and holidays intersect, the story of Hachiman Hikigaya will come to an end.

The end of the holiday is precisely when negative energy accumulates to its peak. The world might be tainted by the worst possible outcome.

And so, today is the first day of class.

I rode my bicycle along the route to school, a route I hadn't seen in a long time. It was just as crowded as it had been two months ago, and the closer I got to the school, the louder the students' chatter became. After a summer vacation, everyone must have had a lot to say and wanted to vent. Everywhere I looked, I saw groups of students leisurely walking towards school.

I spent more than a year at this high school, so I knew quite a few faces, but only to a certain extent.

I encountered Hubu and Ebina on the road, but I didn't speak to them or greet them.

Although the summer training camp wasn't some summer fantasy, it was because of the special circumstances that we had the opportunity to talk. There are different senses of distance and ways of getting along on and off campus.

On this point, I am of course quite clear about the distinction.

Therefore, starting with Kawasaki, the first person I met, I remained silent even when I saw people I knew.

They might not be that close to each other normally, but when they meet, the other person will pat them on the shoulder; even if they don't know the other person's original skin color, the first thing they say is, "Have you gotten a tan?" — It's much more honest to not even look at such hypocritical people than to associate with them.

There were many students arriving at the building entrance who were also silent. I wonder if they shared the same thoughts as me?

But in reality, their eyes light up immediately when they see someone they know, and they chat happily with that person.

In my view, the biggest reason people feel happy when they are approached is that their desire for self-affirmation is satisfied.

They use this to assure others that they are recognized as individuals, that they exist in this world, that they have value in attracting others to talk to them, and to feel happy about it.

Conversely, if we can identify with ourselves, we do not need an upstream confirmation process.

A lone wolf truly establishes himself through solitude.

I absolutely adore myself for thinking like this. I'm so amazing!

I tried to satisfy my need for self-affirmation, and began producing love. If the supply is excessive, it's called self-poisoning. In this case, I've become the one spreading love… I understand now, I am God…

As I walked down the corridor, I played with these idiotic thoughts (what the world calls philosophy) in my mind.

I have already spent half of my high school years in this school building.

These scenes are so familiar, but one day I will forget them completely.

Like a faded photograph, a figure suddenly appeared that I will never forget.

Sunlight streamed in through the glass beside the staircase, causing the summer heat to rise gradually. The figure exuded a stern aura amidst the heat, preventing anyone from approaching.

That was Yukino Yukinoshita.

As I stepped onto the stairs with a "thud," she noticed the movement behind her and turned around.

"Oh, it's been a long time."

"Yeah, long time no see."

I was already used to her condescending attitude.

Yukinoshita kept pace with me as we climbed, so we always maintained a distance of two steps.

"Hikigaya-san."

She didn't turn her head, but called my name with her back to me. I only responded with head movements.

It took Yukino a few seconds to realize that my silence was an answer, and then she continued.

"...You saw my sister, right?"

Her words were mixed in with the noise of the other students, but they were still quite clear.

"Yes, we just happened to run into each other."

I don't know how I spoke, but did Yukinoshita definitely hear me?

Before I could confirm the answer, the stairs reached the end, and a corridor leading to the second-grade classrooms appeared before me.

Going to the left leads to J and I classes, where Yukinoshita is located; going to the right leads to H to A classes.

The distance between us shortened at this intersection, and we stopped walking under the snow.

"that……"

"—Is the club activity starting today?"

I walked up to her, turned halfway around, and asked.

She looked confused and, unusually, was speechless.

"Yes, yes...that's what I intend to do..."

"Okay, see you later."

Before I could finish speaking, I took a step forward.

I could feel the gaze beneath the snow on my back. She seemed to want to say something, but then swallowed her words back.

Even so, I still can't stop.

On the way to the classroom, other classes were filled with the joy and energy of students seeing each other again.

Class F was no exception; no one noticed me entering the classroom.

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Great, I'm still the same me.

I like myself.

So far, I have never hated myself.

Whether it's the high-end basic performance, the photogenic appearance, or the pessimistic yet realistic thoughts, I don't dislike it at all.

However, this might be the first time I've ever hated myself.

I have unrealistic expectations and impose my ideals on the other person; I think I understand her, but then I unrealistically become disappointed in her—I have warned myself countless times, but I still can't change.

—Even Yukino Yukinoshita can lie.

This is such a self-evident fact, yet I can't accept it. I hate this version of myself.

Postscript to Volume 5

Hello everyone, I'm Watari.

Summer is just around the corner, the perfect season to stay indoors in an air-conditioned room and leisurely enjoy comics and anime.

No, no, you must have misunderstood. I'm a health-conscious person, and I stay home to avoid direct sunlight and reduce my risk of skin cancer. That's all, it's definitely not because I don't have any travel plans.

However, please be careful. Since it is "summer vacation" (Note 75 in Japanese is "夏休み"), not staying at home to rest could be illegal.

Speaking of danger, summer is full of dangers too. Besides the seaside, there are mountains, rivers, abundance... ah, that's an enka singer.

There are many other dangers, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, shopping malls, busy areas, commuter trams, companies, and companies, and of course, companies.

If you take the commuter train, you'll see groups of young people heading to Tokyo Disneyland; on the trains returning home from get off work, as you doze off while holding onto the handrails, you'll see couples wearing mouse ears on their heads...

Every time I see those scenes, I always think of a lot of things, like how I spent my student days, why I have to work, why I have the right to work, why I have to go out to work... In short, I really think a lot.

I've been sleeping an average of only three hours a day lately, but now that the manuscript for episode five is finished, I should be able to temporarily break free from this schedule and say goodbye to this kind of life.

Goodbye! My life of sleeping only three hours a day!

Hello! I only sleep for an hour and a half a day!

Why did things turn out this way?

Um... so many people are eagerly anticipating my finished product, and of course I'm overjoyed, almost to the point of shouting! But, how should I put it... I still hope I can sleep a little longer, so is there anyone willing to take care of me? If anyone is willing to say "I'll take care of you," please write to the editorial department of Shogakukan GAGGAGA Bunko. I eagerly await your letters.

Of course, many people worry that I'm overworking, but I love my work and writing, so there won't be any problems. It's like saying, "I don't like working at all! I'm not lying to you," so there's no need to worry.

I will continue to work hard!

Also, as announced on the book's cover, *My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU* is getting an anime adaptation! (Note 76: This refers to Japanese news. The anime aired on Nippon Television in April 2013.) Yay!

My past works have been described as "winning major awards but vying for the title of worst-selling," "selling so badly that it's incomprehensible why they won major awards; let's just ask what major awards even are," and "a conceptual weapon that dismantles the concept of major awards—Wataru Watari (Logical Meltdowner)." I never imagined that one of my works would be adapted into an anime...

Thanks to everyone's support, I've been able to get to this point. This wouldn't have been possible on my own. I owe my arrival in this magical realm entirely to your love and care. It's because of your support and encouragement that this has been possible; I'm truly grateful to everyone.

These feelings of gratitude and joy will become my driving force, and I will continue to work hard for the fifth, sixth and subsequent episodes!

In the fifth episode, many things begin to emerge, his heart begins to waver slightly, and their world moves forward and backward, sometimes circling back to square one. How will this story, so ubiquitous yet uniquely his, unfold in the sixth episode?

In the next episode, I will also do my best to help others and take advantage of everyone's help, so that Shinran can only hide in the haystack and cry!

Next, as is customary, is the thank-you speech.

Ponkan⑩ God, besides the main book, you also shone brightly in the bonus features and other aspects this time. You've worked so hard! And this time it's finally Totsuka's turn on the cover! That's wonderful! Thank you so much!

Editor Hoshino-sama, um... I'm so sorry... Actually, it's not like that, it's because... Ah, but if I keep talking, it'll just be an excuse... Anyway, thank you so much!

Wataru Watari-sama, thank you so much for such a wonderful book jacket recommendation. I have absolutely no idea that it was something the editor asked you to write on a whim (Note 77: The text on the book jacket in the original version of this volume was written by Wataru Watari, and it reads: "Anyway, it's just a Flash animation... Huh? Really? Wait, wait a minute!")... What is this all about!

Dear writers, before the deadline set by Galaxy's toughest deadline, you all still provided cover for me attending the party, created alibis, and helped coordinate with the editor. Thank you so much! Please continue to look out for me next time.

And to all my readers, thank you for your continued support. Every time I read your heartwarming thoughts and reflections, my sleepiness, back pain, and fatigue vanish. It's truly a remedy for me. This story may take many different turns in the future, and it would be my honor if you could continue to offer your support and care. Thank you so much, and I look forward to your guidance in the future.

So, please allow me to put down my pen here.

On a certain day in June, somewhere in Chiba Prefecture, Watari was lecturing himself for being even more naive than MAX coffee (Note 78: "naive" and "sweet" are both written as "甘い" in Japanese).

Illustrations for Volume 5

Volume 6, Class 2F, School Anniversary Exhibition Proposal

The Taiwanese version is from the Kingdom of Light

Scanned image: Ren Leipi

Input by: Ren Leipi

First proofreading: Ren Leipi

Photo editing: Let lightning strike, nudity

The musical "The Little Prince"

◆Summary: Starring Hayato Hayama and featuring a dream cast, this film brings the timeless classic "The Little Prince" to the big stage in its original form!

◆Target audience: Female students at Zongwu High School, female students from other schools, and female guardians.

◆Character☆Me: A somewhat self-destructive pilot. An emergency landing in the desert during a flight further exacerbated my self-destructive personality.

☆The Little Prince: A pure and innocent young man. Because of his purity, he is skilled at flirting.

☆The King: He has a strong sense of self-respect and values ​​his reputation as his second life; he is arrogant and likes to use a commanding tone. I really want to shatter his self-esteem completely.

☆Narcissistic Man: He's always lost in his own world, believing everyone likes him, but he's actually a shy, insecure young man. This type of person is the easiest to win over.

☆ Alcoholic: Constantly indulging in alcohol. Most likely, they're thinking about past men and dwelling on their current situation. Their signature flirting line is: "Stop drinking, drink me instead."

☆Businessman: A romantic who proclaims his own importance while simultaneously claiming ownership of the stars in the sky. I really want to tug on his tie.

☆The Lamplighter: A rough, hardworking type bound by rules, diligent in their work, and always covered in coal dust. Their filthy overalls are quite alluring.

☆Geologist: A shut-in with a strong thirst for knowledge, eager to learn all kinds of things. Lines like "Let me see your Matterhorn" and "Look, this is my Mount Everest..." are really too famous.

☆The fox; the first friend the Little Prince made on Earth, who diligently told him many important things.

☆The snake: It will bare its fangs at the Little Prince.

◆Synopsis☆ My plane malfunctions and crash-lands in the desert. Just as I'm trying my best to fix it, a cute little prince appears. During their conversation, they gradually become attracted to each other…

☆The Little Prince challenges "me" to a duel, boasting about his glamorous love affairs with many men. "I" am consumed by jealousy, but unfortunately, his feelings are not conveyed to the other party, and the Little Prince is snatched away by the "snake" first.

☆At that moment, "I" realized that what is truly important cannot be seen with the eyes, so what is true love...?

Volume 6⓪ As expected, Hina Ebina's musicals are incredibly BL-obsessed.

...What a touching story!

Don't be ridiculous! How could that be?