My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

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This statement makes sense. When it comes to graduating students' trips to Kyoto, the obvious choices are places that everyone can think of and that immediately connect them to Kyoto. After filtering by these criteria, the final selections are usually limited to a few specific places, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which we visited on our first day.

If your travel theme is famous historical sites and World Heritage sites, then choosing those attractions is perfectly reasonable; other possible themes include Japanese history. Visiting sites related to the Bakumatsu period and the Shinsengumi would likely be quite enjoyable. However, be aware that a visit to Honno-ji Temple could be very disappointing.

What's famous about Tofukuji Temple?

"You'll understand once you see it for yourself."

Yukino chuckled softly. She'd really kept everyone in suspense.

"Next is Kitano Tenmangu Shrine."

...I never imagined that she would remember what I said so casually back then.

"I'm sorry."

"This is for Komachi."

"What? What does this have to do with Komachi?"

Yuihama asked, her mouth stuffed with bread.

"Please pray that Komachi will successfully pass the exam."

"A sister complex..."

Could you please say this is about "caring for your younger sister"? Thank you for your cooperation.

× × ×

We climbed to the fork in the road on Mount Inari and looked out over the entire city of Kyoto. This graduation trip was blessed with perfect weather; all three days were sunny and cloudless.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!"

Yuihama exclaimed in admiration at the scenery.

Yukino sat on a bench nearby, letting out a deep sigh of exhaustion.

We can't really blame her. We passed one archway after another, and the altitude kept increasing. Although the path was made of stone steps, in terms of elevation changes and the amount of exercise, it was still equivalent to climbing a mountain.

We're only at the beginning of the journey; there are countless more archways to come. However, most tourists who come simply to "check off their visit" don't continue climbing. They feel a sense of accomplishment upon reaching this point and turn back down the mountain.

We were going to other places afterward and didn't have time to continue climbing to the top, and one of us seemed to be out of energy to climb any further.

"Let's take a short break."

"good……"

I sat down on the bench and took a sip of tea. The cool breeze felt wonderful on my body, which was slightly warm from exercising.

During the break, the number of tourists coming to worship gradually increased.

Seeing this, Yukino slowly spoke:

"It's about time to head down the mountain."

"Are you sure you have any questions?"

"I've caught my breathing, there's no problem."

So we started our descent. However, the descent was equally arduous, and as noon approached, more and more tourists arrived, clashing with a wave of people heading up the mountain.

"It's so crowded..."

After finally making it down the mountain, Xue Zhi was completely exhausted. Compared to the uphill and downhill journey, the crowded people seemed to have made her even more tired.

"Today, I see the same number of people everywhere."

"..."

Yukino didn't say anything, but from her cold expression, I could tell she was fed up with the crowds. Now, I'd probably have no problem taking the Yukino Level 3 certification exam.

As expected, the next stop, Tofukuji Temple, was also packed with tourists.

It turns out that Tofukuji Temple is a very popular place in Kyoto for viewing autumn leaves.

Although it is a famous tourist attraction, it is unfortunately not visited by most students on graduation trips because it is located a bit far from the center of Kyoto.

Besides the autumn leaves, Tofukuji Temple is also famous for its Tsutenkyo Bridge.

The Tongtian Bridge spans a small river and connects with the temple. Standing on the bridge and looking out, all you see is a vast expanse of red, which complements the temple's tranquil atmosphere and gives it a truly elegant feel.

The peak season for viewing autumn foliage has passed, but the Tongtian Bridge is still teeming with tourists, which gives you an idea of ​​just how spectacular it was during the peak season.

"Ah, it's the Ministry of Revenue."

We spotted the figures of Hubu and Ebina in the crowd.

They posed for photos in front of a vast expanse of vibrant red maple leaves. The photographer was Hayato Hayama, whose cheerful demeanor remained unchanged even amidst the crowd. A flash of light passed in front of him; at first, I thought it was because his teeth were too white, but it seemed to be just the camera flash.

"Hayama and the others are here too..."

"They may have been together the whole time, but we just didn't see them while having breakfast."

"Well, if we let Tobe and Hime act alone, the atmosphere might be a little awkward at times. It's more reassuring to have Hayato and the others around."

"...But if that happens, the result will probably just be the same as before."

Even if the setting were changed to Kyoto, they would still hang out together as usual. If we add an unpredictable element like myself, and have Yui Hama act as a matchmaker, things could change somewhat...

"But we can't just separate them."

Yukino's words interrupted my thoughts. She was absolutely right.

"That's true, it would be troublesome if Ebina became suspicious."

No emotion is more difficult to deal with than self-awareness. The most important thing is to avoid arousing Ebina's suspicion. Subverting audience expectations while simultaneously meeting them is a fundamental rule of the entertainment industry.

"You can tell if someone is about to confess their feelings by how excited the people around them are. They'll tease and joke with the person who's about to confess. There are usually these signs before the person asks you to come out to them alone."

"Is that your personal experience...?"

So, because of Yukinoshita's personality, I often forget that she is a very popular and beautiful girl.

"It's a very painful feeling for the person being confessed to."

"what?"

"It's like being dragged onto the stage to perform in front of everyone, I can't stand it."

Listening to the snow, one could tell from the depths of the snow's tone that the person felt disgusted.

Perhaps Ebina had a similar experience. In any case, she's a beautiful, dark-haired girl with a delicate appearance, the kind of girl any boy would fall for. Given that, it's not surprising that she's so perceptive to boys' every move.

"However, it seems they haven't made any progress..."

Well, even if you want to fit in with the atmosphere here, there's still Hayama and his gang of third wheels around.

Yeshan noticed us and waved in our direction.

Yukinoshita and I naturally ignored them, but Yuihama responded with a "Hey~" and waved back.

"Yo~"

Hayama was probably greeting me and Yukinoshita. Upon seeing this, Yukinoshita suddenly looked at me. Wait a minute, I'm not your interpreter…

"Where are you going next?"

I asked this question out of social courtesy, and the Ministry of Revenue answered on behalf of Hayama:

"We plan to head to Arashiyama first."

"Oh, we're planning to go there later too."

Yuihama cooperated with Kebu without blinking. Wasn't it your own suggestion to come up with this itinerary...? This girl is not to be underestimated.

Hayama, Tobe, and Yuihama got along very well, while on the other side it was as if winter had arrived early.

"..."

"..."

Miura and Yukino didn't say anything, they just looked at each other. I don't know if it was my imagination, but the leaves seemed to fall faster.

How terrifying! I want to go home right away...

I instinctively looked away, only to make eye contact with someone else.

"Compared to Penguin."

I finally recognized Ebina from her light and cheerful voice, which seemed out of place with the atmosphere of the scene—no, actually, I recognized her voice as soon as she called me.

Normally, Hina Ebina would never show that kind of gloomy look in her eyes.

After calling my name, Ebi disappeared into the crowd without looking back. She seemed to be leaving the Sky Bridge and heading towards the courtyard.

Her implication was that I should go with her.

Since that's the case, I have no choice but to chase after them.

The maple leaves in the courtyard are equally beautiful, attracting many tourists to stop and admire them while taking photos.

I've long since mastered the skill of automatically avoiding crowds, so this level of crowd is nothing to me.

However, I have been unable to catch up with the old name of Hai Lao for a long time.

In other words, she also possesses this ability.

Ebina stood by the roadside, observing the tourists coming and going, while waiting for me with a smile.

I finally caught up with her and we watched the people pass by together.

"You haven't forgotten my request, have you?"

She took a step closer silently.

I was caught off guard and speechless. Ebina seemed to dislike the stalemate and broke the silence first.

"Come on, tell me, how are things going with the guys?"

Yes, there's no mistake, this is absolutely me—the Hina Ebina we all know.

"...That's great, they even play mahjong tonight."

Although I knew in my heart that this wasn't the answer she wanted, I gave her that reply for now. Ebina puffed out her cheeks, clearly displeased.

"What's the point of that? I can't see it anyway. If possible, I'd rather see everyone gathered together."

I can understand the meaning behind her words.

That meaning is precisely the reason she came to the service society for consultation.

Although I understand this in my heart, I can't think of any solutions, at least not at this stage.

"Anyway, we'll be going to Arashiyama, so..."

This answer doesn't even buy time; the outcome will be decided in a few hours.

"Well then, please."

Ebina's last words were heavy, and they still echoed in my ears.

× × ×

Hayama and the others left Tofukuji Temple first, while we took a different route before heading towards Arashiyama. Along the way, I finally made it to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

I visited Tenmangu Shrine, bought amulets for good luck, and also bought an ema (votive plaque) to write down my wishes.

If Yuihama saw what I wrote down, she would definitely accuse me of having a sister complex, and I wouldn't be able to refute it. So, I asked them to wait by the side.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Won't."

"Well then, we should head to Arashiyama."

Arashiyama is a famous tourist area in Kyoto, boasting cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-covered landscapes in winter, each season offering a different charm. In addition, it features hot springs, making it a place that combines the best of the country's scenery in one place.

We took the Keifuku Electric Railway to Arashiyama. The train, a replica of the trams from the streetcar era, piqued our interest in traveling.

After changing trains at Katagō no Tsuji Station, we continued our journey for a while.

As the tram arrives at the station, maple leaves and gradually undulating mountains, resembling a mosaic mural, come into view.

"I see," I couldn't help but sigh. "No wonder adults always like to come here."

"..."

Yukinoshita also quietly gasped.