My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 132

Despite Hayama's attempts to calm the boys in the class, the effect was quite limited. Once the image of that scene had been etched into their minds, it was difficult to erase it completely, and the boys fell into a strange silence.

"no way……"

Hina Ebina's glasses flashed with an unusual light as she stepped onto the podium.

Now, the terrifying decision of whether each boy lives or dies rests in her hands.

Ignoring the uneasy murmurs from the audience, she began writing the cast list on the blackboard. It seemed she had learned to wield the power of the production director with ease.

First comes the appetizer, or the side dish.

Ebina wrote furiously, filling in the blanks under Rose, King, and Narcissist Man one by one.

"No! Ahh ...

"Please! I don't want to play a geographer!"

"My Matterhorn! Ahh ...

As each name was mentioned, cries of agony echoed from every corner of the classroom. The scene was so horrific, it resembled a painting of hell.

Next comes the main course, or the main course.

The Little Prince: Hayama

When Hayama saw his name, his body stiffened instantly, and his face turned pale. However, the girls screamed excitedly upon seeing his name. Well, it makes sense; after all, it's a major role, and casting the person most likely to attract the audience was the right decision.

As for the other main character...

I stared intently at the chalk in Ebina's hand, as the white lines gradually formed a rather familiar shape.

Me: Hikigaya

"...Wait, this won't do."

The moment the answer was revealed, I couldn't help but murmur this to myself. Ebina, with his keen ears, heard this and looked astonished.

"Huh? But it's a Hayama x Penguin doujinshi, a must-buy! No, I should say a must-buy for BL fans!"

What is this woman saying...?

"Isn't the charm of this work precisely because the innocent Little Prince uses sweet words to win over the self-destructive pilot?"

That's not how it was in the original story; be careful, the French might get angry!

"But... I'm an executive member of the school anniversary celebration committee..."

"Yes, yes, Penguin is already an executive member of the school anniversary celebration, so it's not really feasible to ask him to take time out of his schedule to participate in rehearsals."

Hayama, beautiful support shot!

"I see... That's a shame."

"Hmm, so, how about we reconsider the cast list? Like The Little Prince..."

So that was your real purpose?

Unfortunately, before Hayama could finish speaking, Ebina picked up the chalk again.

The Little Prince: Totsuka

Me: Hayama

"Although it feels less like giving up on myself, I'll just make do with it for now."

"So I still have to go on stage..."

"Oh! That feeling of giving up on yourself is really great~"

Hayama slumped his shoulders in disappointment. Seeing this, Ebina gave him a thumbs up, indicating "good job".

Let's put Hayama aside. Totsuka's image is quite similar to that of the Little Prince, making his casting a very wise decision. However, he probably never expected to be given the role and is still quite unaware of it.

"This seems really difficult... Am I really sure I can handle it?"

"No, it suits you perfectly."

Despite Ebina's interest in that area, at least her eyes were sharp. Although her eyes were filled with a rotten aura, they weren't quite like my rotting, dead fish eyes.

"Really... Then I need to do my homework first, otherwise the script will be full of things I don't understand..."

"Actually, you don't need to do any special homework. You'll understand it better by reading the original work directly, since that script has already been completely rewritten..."

Diligence is certainly a good thing, but there are many things in this world that are better left unsaid. If Totsuka were to accidentally awaken his powers and embark on that path, I couldn't guarantee I wouldn't awaken mine as well. If possible, I hope to avoid such a risk.

"Hachiman, have you read the original novel?"

"……Um."

The story itself isn't unpleasant; in fact, I quite liked it. However, there were certain parts I couldn't accept, so I can't openly praise it. It's a work difficult to critique.

"If you want to see it, I can lend it to you."

"Really? Thank you!"

Upon hearing my words, Totsuka's face immediately blossomed into a bright smile. For the first time since birth, I felt that having a love of reading was truly wonderful…

At this point, all the actors, including Totsuka, were called to assemble.

"Hachiman, I'll go first."

"it is good."

I watched him leave, then turned to look around the classroom.

Currently, in addition to the actors and costume crews gathering to discuss the relevant details, the publicity team has also begun to formulate plans, and there is also a group of people mourning their colleagues who were unfortunately forced to act.

I glanced at them one last time, then turned and left the classroom. I'd only taken a few steps when I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. In this world, the only people who can be identified by their footsteps are Koga (Note 32 refers to Koga from *Sazae-san*, whose footsteps are quite distinctive in the anime) and Yuihama.

"Autistic guy, are you going to the community office?"

Yui asked from behind, and I slowed my pace slightly to answer:

"Yes. There's still some time before the school anniversary executive committee meeting, and I might not have time to go to the clubs for a while afterward, so I need to let you know in advance."

"I see... Well then, I'll go with you."

Yui walked up to me, and I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye and asked:

"Don't you need to prepare for the school anniversary celebration?"

"Not yet, I'll probably get busy once it officially starts."

I simply replied with an "Oh," and the two of us continued walking down the corridor leading to the clubhouse.

× × ×

The anniversary celebration executive committee meeting is scheduled to start at 4 p.m., and before that, I need to figure out how to kill time.

Even if I stayed in class, no one would ask for help; my presence would only be a hindrance. Besides, I already have the important responsibility of being an executive committee member for the school anniversary celebrations. Even if I wanted to help, I wouldn't have the time to do much, and leaving would require a lot of handover work, with the possibility of mistakes. Therefore, it's better not to help in the first place. In this society, sometimes situations arise where "not working is best for everyone."

...If my classmates anticipated this and that's why they gave me the position of executive committee member, then I can only admire them. In some ways, they might actually be the group that understands me the most.

Untouchable—thinking about it this way makes me feel incredibly cool.

At Soubu High School's anniversary celebration, only a portion of the clubs will participate, such as the orchestra club holding a concert or the tea ceremony club holding a tea party.

In principle, everyone participates in the school anniversary celebration as a class unit, while those not from a class belong to the "committee".

From the very beginning, I've been hearing electric guitars roaring wildly; it must be the band aspiring to perform at the school anniversary celebration practicing. The guitars are in excellent form today, excitedly belting out their notes as soon as it's their turn, while the bass is thumping out low notes. Are you guys Happy Pummel Tanuki?

However, that only applies to the main building and the new building.

Despite the maddening noise from the surrounding area, the corridor leading to the special building remained quiet.

Because the sun doesn't reach this area, the temperature feels one or two degrees lower than in other places.

The lock on the office door was open, and for some reason, I felt a chill emanating from inside.

I opened the door and, unsurprisingly, saw Yukino sitting in the clubroom.

"Hi-lo~"

Upon hearing Yui's greeting, Yukinoshita slowly raised her head, squinting as if her eyes were stung by the sound. She hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Hello."

"Hi."

We greeted each other as usual and took our seats.

"I didn't expect you to be a member of the school anniversary executive committee."

"Huh, really?"

"That's right..."

Yukinoshita didn't look away from the paperback in her hand, and simply answered with two words.

"I never expected Yukino to take on a job like that."

"Is that so...? Well, indeed..."

From what I know, Yukinoshita isn't the type to stand in front of a crowd. Rather than saying she lacks initiative, it's more accurate to say she dislikes attracting attention.

"It was more surprising to me that you showed up at the school anniversary executive committee meeting."

"Ah, that's true~ It feels like it's really not suitable."

"Hey, I was practically forced to participate... but compared to performing in the class musical, doing odd jobs on the executive committee is better, so I have no complaints."

"Just the kind of excuse you'd give."

"But you're not one of them."

I said something barbed.

This wasn't directed at Yukinoshita, but at myself. I've fallen into my old habit again, imposing my own ideals on others. I hate this version of myself.

"..."

"..."

Yukinoshita remained completely silent, her gaze fixed on the paperback. The office fell silent; even time seemed to freeze.

The old clock ticked on and on, the second hand's ticking particularly jarring. Yuihama sighed deeply and looked at the clock.

"Um...you guys have a meeting today too, right? I also need to go back and discuss the performance with my classmates..."

I finished the sentence she wanted to say.

"Ah, right, right. I have executive committee work to do next, so I won't be able to participate in club activities for a while."

If I had to say something, it would probably be "wouldn't come."

Yukino closed her eyes and the book, carefully pondered our words, then reopened her eyes and looked at us for the first time.

"...Perfect timing, that's exactly what I was planning to talk to you about today. I'm thinking of temporarily suspending club activities until the school anniversary celebrations are over."

"A very correct decision."

"Hmm...that's true. The school anniversary is coming up soon, so it's better to stop club activities for a while."

After a moment's thought, Yuihama also agreed with Yukinoshita's approach.

"Well then, let's wrap this up for today."

"Hmm... but remember to come help the class with the preparations when you have time."

I mentally calculated that if I had to help with the class's musical performance in addition to my duties as an executive committee member for the school anniversary celebration, wouldn't that be burning the candle at both ends? Unlimited Double Works (Note 33 is adapted from Archer and Shirou Emiya's Reality Marble "Unlimited Blade Works" in *Fate/stay night*)...

"...We'll talk again if we have time...I'm off now."

I gave a reply that was tantamount to "I absolutely will not help," and stood up with my backpack. The backpack was clearly empty, but now it felt as heavy as if it were filled with lead.

Oh my god~ I really don't want to go~

What on earth is going on? I never imagined going to work would be so painful; my stomach seems to be starting to ache. Could it be that my mind is overriding my body, causing my thoughts to influence the real world? What kind of Marble Phantasm is this? (Note 34: From the computer game "Tsukihime," the ability to turn fantasy into reality.)

Since it's work, I'll still do it obediently, but I can't help but sigh. I can't help it, I just don't want to work...

Just as I gripped the doorknob, there was a knock at the door. Listening closely, I heard people laughing and joking outside.

"Please come in."

After Yukinoshita responded, she carefully opened the door, and the soft, rustling sound that had been like leaves rubbing together instantly grew louder.

"Excuse me."