My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 195

Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. It's true that he's not very serious about his work and takes less time. Hachiman is very quick. It's great to be able to find something to his liking."

If someone says these things with a smile, there's really no way to talk back. I can only sigh and obediently listen.

"...I understand. Anyway, I'll reply to this letter."

Actually, it would be more appropriate for me to reply to this letter. If Yukinoshita were to do it, the reply would be extremely sarcastic and cutting, while Yuihama would simply conclude that it doesn't address the root of the problem.

I moved my laptop in front of me and started typing away on the keyboard.

[The Service Society's Response]

While it's hard to say for sure, is this so-called "H×H" merely a figment of your imagination? (Note 8: A famous quote from renowned Japanese psychiatrist, Dr. Koichi Hayashi)

No, perhaps such speculation is entirely wrong, but I am only raising this point as one possibility. Please understand that this is already the limit for "Chiba-dori Troubleshooting Email," which can only make judgments based on the content of the article.

I pressed Enter hard and sent out a reply that sounded like that of a capable psychiatrist. Perhaps it was the sense of satisfaction, but the cooled MAX coffee tasted delicious.

Just as I was thinking to myself, "Another chore done—", a window popped up.

"It seems another letter has arrived."

I said to Yuihama and Yukinoshita, who had just finished brewing a new pot of tea.

"Then please read it aloud?"

The laptop isn't very big. Even so, it's probably better for me to read it aloud than to deliberately move the laptop around.

"Hmm. Pen name—This is a letter from my older sister."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Yukinoshita, who was pouring tea, froze in mid-air.

"...I think there's no need to read this letter."

Judging from this reaction, I also realized who the sender was. Alas, it really does sound exactly like what that person would do...

"There will also be letters sent from outside the school..."

A chill ran down my spine. What kind of propaganda method could they have used to gain such power? Yui, standing beside me, shook her head as she looked at me and Yukinoshita. It seemed she didn't know who the sender was. After pondering for a moment, Yui suddenly slapped her palm hard.

"Ah! Is that Haruno-neechan?!"

Correct answer.

"That's true, that's definitely something she would do. Thinking about it, there's nothing surprising about it..."

Even though Yukinoshita said it like that, it's still quite scary. Just how much does this person care about his younger sister? And just how much free time does he have?

"...Anyway, I'll just read it aloud."

[Pen name: I am the letter from Mr./Ms. Sister]

Hee-ha-ho! Listen to me!

My sister has been really cold to me lately.

I want to get to know her better~ Please help me think of a way! ☆

It's up to you now, Hachiman ♥

"..."

Yui and I were speechless. And this letter specifically asked me to reply…

After listening to the contents of the letter, Yukinoshita kept flipping through the paperback in her hand, looking very displeased.

"As long as she keeps sending these kinds of messages, my relationship with her won't improve. Shouldn't we start by addressing this issue?"

Since I've already said that, there shouldn't be any problem replying like this, right?

I typed what Yukinoshita said into the computer. However, Yukinoshita's words were a bit too direct, so I translated them into modern language. It would be troublesome to cause more trouble, but this is part of the Service Club's job, right? If you want to argue, please do it at home, okay?

"That's about it..."

I muttered to myself (my specialty) as I stared at the article I was writing.

[The Service Society's Response]

The main reason your sister dislikes you is likely due to your attempts to completely control her every move and your interference. Perhaps you should try reflecting on your words and actions towards your sister so far?

As I was reviewing the article, Yui quietly stood up and sneaked over to my side.

I looked at her and asked, "Is something the matter?" Yuihama put her index finger to her lips and blinked a few times, pretending to be mysterious.

As soon as Yui Hama stood next to me, she bent down slightly and started typing. With each word she typed, her pinkish-brown hair swayed, releasing a floral perfume scent.

Wow...we're so close...

I unconsciously leaned back slightly. Even though Chiba is famous for its cantaloupes, those two plump cantaloupes were really in danger...

I stiffened, wondering what this guy was up to. It seemed she'd added a few more sentences at the end of the article.

Yukino said that's true, but I think her figure is already much softer than before. I think you can wait a while longer and see.

Looking at the added line, I couldn't help but laugh. It was a sentence written entirely by Yuihama. But I don't think Haruno would obediently follow it after seeing it.

Even so, after that school festival, even if only slightly, I still believe that the relationship between the Yukinoshita sisters has progressed. Yui must feel the same way.

However, the direction we're heading is unknown. What the true nature of the relationship between those sisters is, I don't know now, and I probably never will. So, that's all we can say for now.

After rereading and checking the article, Yui quietly placed her hand on my shoulder.

Following the signal from Yuihama, I sent the message.

As the number in the sent items folder changed to 0, a number 1 appeared next to the inbox. It seemed like someone had sent another email. I went directly to the inbox and opened the unread emails.

As soon as the email was opened, Yuihama called out.

"Ah, it's Yumiko."

Indeed, the sender's name was listed as yumiko☆. Although there was a ☆ symbol after the name, the first person that comes to mind when you think of someone named yumiko from this school is Miura.

"Even in this situation, are you still going to force it using your real name...?"

"Yumiko has always been so open and honest..."

Yuihama gave a few wry laughs.

As expected of the Queen. Having risen to the top of the school's food chain, she practically has no instinct for self-defense. The only person in this school capable of harming Miura is probably an outcast like Yukinoshita, so it doesn't really matter.

However, this is also a rather dangerous act. While it's manageable on campus, in this information age, especially exposing personal information online, is a highly risky practice. I remember a time in my middle school when my email address and phone number were posted on dating websites, leading to a large number of pen pals and the terrifying experience of seeing fake bills. It's truly terrifying.

Although it might seem like meddling, I think it's best to remind the other party of the danger involved.

"Yuhihama. Using your real name online isn't entirely a good thing, and I think I should remind the other person about it."

"Huh? This level should be alright, right?"

"Yes, it's not that bad yet. But if we don't keep those thoughts to ourselves, it will only get worse."

It shouldn't matter if it's just a name, it shouldn't matter if it's just a photo, it shouldn't matter if it's just some daily diary entries. If you look at the things one by one, they may not seem like a big deal, but if you put them together, it's incredibly easy to dox a specific person.

After I briefly explained my reasons to Yuihama, Yukinoshita closed the book in her hand and nodded admiringly.

"As expected of Hikigaya-kun, he has unique insights into risk management. There's a reason why he never mentions his own name in class."

"I just don't have a name that people remember."

As soon as I retorted, Yukinoshita looked serious and made an apologetic expression.

"Oh, I see... I'm so sorry, wedding favor (Note 9 "Hikidemono", pronounced similarly to Hikigaya.)."

"Yukino, this kind of mistake is just too outrageous!"

"That's right. I'm not such a delightful being."

"Even the way she talks back is so humble!"

No, rather than saying I don't feel hurt at all, it's more accurate to say I've gotten used to it.

"More important than that, what was the content of Miura's letter?"

Yukinoshita straightened her posture and faced me again. No, no, no, what do you mean by "that kind of thing," miss?

However, Yuihama didn't seem to care much, turning her head to stare at the computer and starting to read aloud.

"Let me take a look..."

【A letter from Mr./Ms. yumiko☆】

I always find Sagami annoying.

Straight to the point! It's all about a straight-up move to decide the outcome! Producer (Note 10: A phrase often used by Haruka Amami in The Idolmaster.) What kind of straight-up move is this? Where did you come from, angel? (Note 11: From the anime Smile Pretty Cure, when the character Nao Midorikawa transforms into Cyclone Angel: "Courageous and resolute, straight to the point! Cyclone Angel!")

Faced with this letter, Yui could only manage a wry smile.

"Ah, haha... But this isn't quite the usual Yumiko."

"Really? That sounds like something that guy would say."

On the contrary, I think that in my memory she could say even more vicious things without a care in the world.

"He's definitely not like the usual Miura-kun."

Unexpectedly, a dissenting opinion came from Yukinoshita. I gestured for her to explain, and Yukinoshita brushed a strand of hair that had fallen to her lips before answering my question:

"If it were Miura-kun, he would probably tell him directly, right?"

"Ah—I see. That makes sense, you're the same type, aren't you?"

Please don't lump me in with her.

Yukino turned her face away, looking extremely displeased. Although I felt there was no difference, in my own mind, there seemed to be a clear difference between myself and her. Perhaps quite unhappy about being categorized together, Yukino glared at me.

"Besides, I haven't done that much lately. Because it's pointless for some people to say it."

"Haha, autistic men are truly beyond help."

Yuihama smiled and agreed, somewhat stunned, but Yukinoshita sighed softly.

"The same to you."

"Have I been abandoned even now?!"

...Aren't you just saying this directly to him?

That said, directly telling them the truth to each other is also problematic. On another note, Miura and Yukinoshita are really alike. Although their types are completely opposite, their inherent qualities are perhaps quite similar. Perhaps that's why there are aspects of each other that they can't tolerate.

Girls are such complex creatures. As I thought this, I casually operated the computer and noticed that there was actually more to Miura's letter.

"It seems there's more to the story."

"Huh? Oh, it really is."

Yuihama was also watching the screen. Yukinoshita noticed Yuihama's expression, nodded, and gestured for her to continue reading.

Is it something like being depressed? He was so melancholy that the atmosphere around him worsened.

It's really annoying.

After Yuihama finished reading the article, Yukino gently crossed her hands over her chest.

"...So, you're actually worried about the other person because they didn't seem very energetic?"

"That seems to be the case. It's very much like something Yumiko would do."

A warm smile appeared on Yuihama's face.

Perhaps it was because I saw Yuihama's smile that I started to think Miura seemed like a good person.

Indeed, looking back now, it was the same when Miura and Yui were locked in a stalemate in the classroom, and after Yui cheered for the Service Club during the tennis match; Miura always treated Yui as a friend. I think that, generally speaking, this is impossible. Within the school hierarchy, the hatred caused by factional struggles can never be erased. Once the conflict has been established, the only option left is for the side that cannot gain control to leave. If the person who leaves cannot get along with people from the next lower class, they usually end up as a lone wolf.

Yuihama's ability to remain at the top ranks is certainly partly due to her excellent communication skills, and Hayama's aversion to trouble may also have played a role. However, the most crucial factor is undoubtedly Miura's own personality.

To be a queen requires a magnanimous heart that remains unmoved by trivial matters. I think that's why a queen is called a queen.

...Therefore, this letter probably doesn't represent Miura's tender feelings, but rather Miura genuinely finding the other person annoying, yet also finding it annoying to directly tell the other person that he's annoyed—a complex mix of emotions. How could it be so complicated and frustrating?

After pondering for a while but seemingly unable to find an answer, Yukino lowered her hands, which were clasped in front of her chest, and asked Yuihama:

"What is Sagami-kun's actual situation?"

"Hmm—well, how should I put it…"

Yuihama's words were vague. I continued, picking up where she left off:

"It's really annoying. Basically, although Sagami herself seems cheerful, is it that people with Sagami's group are worried about her, or is she forcing others to be worried...?"