My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 216

"However, this doesn't guarantee that you won't get hurt..."

The other person seemed to have lost heart, staring at their toes and occasionally stealing glances at Yukinoshita.

Even when their eyes met, Yukinoshita would never look away, simply staring at the other person with her cold, piercing gaze. As a result, Yui's voice grew softer and softer. Even so, she didn't intend to stop, continuing to moan softly.

Things seem to have become impossible to reason with simply. It's like a tangled ball of yarn; even if you untangle it, it will eventually roll back into its original state.

The opposing group was simply a bunch of people cobbled together by a decision-making body. If even one of their gears went awry, it would easily crumble.

The silence lasted a long time. No, actually it only lasted a few seconds. However, the atmosphere at the scene was enough to give that feeling.

Although Yao hadn't confirmed the time, she slowly began to speak.

"It's almost time..."

Because of her words, the other members also checked the time.

"In short, we've found a solution, so let's stop here for today..."

Yuihama tugged at the sleeve beneath the snow, where she remained standing.

"...That's true. Let's continue to work towards reducing uncertainty."

"Alright, let's call it a day. Thanks for your hard work, everyone. Oh, those of you who haven't finished your work, please stay behind!"

"I'm going on to say what Yukinoshita said," Xun-senpai continued. Her gentle voice instantly eased the tension in the room, leaving only a relaxed atmosphere.

Those who remained to continue working were surrounded by a slow, deliberate atmosphere. However, Haruka and Yui quickly left the scene. Some people followed them out of the meeting room. Since they had leverage over the premise that they "wouldn't cause any trouble for club activities," we couldn't reprimand them.

The students who remained watched them leave. The members of the decision-making team also sighed.

However, it wasn't a sigh of relief. Rather, it was more like a sigh of helplessness.

The problem is more deeply rooted than imagined.

After meetings and work that ended due to time constraints, we re-realized the reality that "no problems remain to be solved."

As a result, it seems that the decision-making team has no choice but to work overtime today.

Considering the remaining time, the number of people willing to stay, and the newly added security measures, I think it's simply impossible to make it in time.

With fewer people around, I could feel the cool autumn breeze blowing in through the open window.

A well-ventilated workplace (Note 46: "风通しが良い" in the original text also refers to an organization that is open and transparent, with unimpeded communication between senior and junior levels and no concealment of fraud.) probably means having few people, I thought to myself as I looked back at the sweat and toil of my work environment.

× × ×

While making the entrance arch and signboard, I collected flagpoles, ropes and other equipment, checked off the completed tasks on the list.

Although it's a dull job, it's one with a visible end, which is a kind of salvation for me. Especially now, with the labor shortage, it's even more so.

The problem arises when you encounter work with no end in sight.

At the very bottom of the work list, there is a handwritten entry for "Security Management of Qianmazhan".

Just looking at this line of text makes my brows furrow involuntarily.

It wasn't just me; all the members of the decision-making team in the meeting room felt the same way.

"So, what should we do...?"

"I'm groaning as I speak," said the senior student. Yuihama, who seemed to be thinking about the same thing, crossed her arms over her chest and twisted her neck, sighed and gave up thinking.

"However, I feel there is no better method than the one suggested by Yukinoshita..."

"That's true. To be honest, if they can't even accept that, we'll probably have no choice but to surrender."

I agree with Yuihama's opinion. It's already admirable that Yukinoshita was able to come up with a reasonable solution in such a short time. If she still couldn't get the approval of the on-site team, then it's no longer a matter of right and wrong.

The series of problems began with emotional entanglements, stemming from resentment towards Sagami and the decision-making team.

This reason may seem naive, but it is human nature. People are incurably unable to control their emotions, often leading to discord and even tragedy.

Sagami suddenly stopped what he was doing and muttered to himself.

"Would it be better if I didn't become the chairman of the committee...?"

This statement actually surprised me a little. Compared to anything she had said before, this statement even made me feel her sincerity. The reason is that her tone didn't sound like she was speaking to anyone else, but rather like she was speaking to herself. She didn't seem to be hoping for anyone's approval.

No one could respond to Sagami's casual remark.

In the now quiet conference room, the only sound could be the rustling of Yui's clothes as she changed positions.

"...Yes. It's okay if you quit, we'll figure something out."

I've heard this line before, but it wasn't said by Yuihama; it came from Yukinoshita.

However, this time his words didn't carry the same testing tone as before. Yuihama's gentle voice conveyed his concern for Sagami.

Sagami seemed to sense the other person's concern and gave a helpless smile. She had realized her powerlessness.

"...Indeed."

"Although the situation is troublesome now, it doesn't mean there won't be another chance. I think they'll understand someday..."

"Um……"

After hearing Yuihama's words, Sagami nodded weakly, then lowered her head again. She certainly didn't believe Yuihama's words of comfort.

Sagami has given up. Whether it's continuing as chairman or reconciling with Haruka and Yu.

If this is the person's own wish, then there's nothing we can do about it.

Sagami never possessed the qualities to rise above others. This has been clear since the school anniversary celebration.

Our mission this time is to ensure the success of the sports meet and to find a way to restore the normal atmosphere in Class F in Sagami.

A heartbroken Sagami will probably behave herself for a while. Of course, after some time, she might resume slandering others to justify her past actions. Frankly, given her personality, I think she's very likely to do so.

Even so, this will still allow Sagami to have some peace and quiet for a while.

Next, all we need to do is fully support the sports camp committee after Sagami resigns as chairman, ensuring the success of the sports meet, and we can formally fulfill our mandate. While it may not be the best approach, it's acceptable. This is the limit of what we can do.

Just as I was making these plans, I suddenly heard the sound of a chair rustling.

I turned my head and saw that it was Yukinoshita adjusting her seat. She had been sitting with her hands clasped in front of her chest and her eyes closed, but now she stretched her back and stared straight at Sagami.

"But is this really a good idea?"

“…Huh?”

Sagami looked up, feigning confusion. She seemed unable to grasp the meaning behind his words. However, Yukinoshita continued speaking without a care.

"It's possible that 'later' and 'someday' will never come."

Although Yukinoshita's words were cold and barbed, her tone was gentle. Because of this, Sagami could not reply and could only remain silent.

"..."

If the other person's words are provocative, then she might be able to talk back.

However, being treated gently when you are sad is the most painful thing. It means exposing your miserable state to everyone's eyes, proving that you are a pitiful and lowly being, and letting everyone know that you can do nothing but rely on the kindness of others for salvation.

If the other party treats you harshly, you can shift the blame to them, blaming them for their lack of understanding, and you will feel more at ease.

Sagami bit her lower lip tightly. Seeing that she hadn't immediately expressed her determination to resign, he knew she was still reluctant to let go. However, she also didn't immediately declare her intention to continue, indicating that she was fully aware of the current situation.

In reality, things have come to this point, and Sagami's stay or leave has little impact on us. If she really leaves, it's simply a matter of losing one more person's labor force. The situation has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer be resolved through leadership. To put it bluntly, this committee doesn't need Sagami as its chairperson.

However, even if she were to resign as chairperson, it wouldn't solve the problem. The opportune time to do so has long passed.

Perhaps the emotional issues of the members can be improved to some extent. If the other party's request is simply "I'm unhappy with Sagami."

However, because they brought up inexplicable fallacies, the situation became no longer simple and became difficult to manage.

Safety management and community activities.

If they truly considered these issues, they would have raised them long ago. They are merely using reason to mask their hatred, resulting in a nonsensical set of theories.

Nothing is more problematic than logic based on emotions. In this case, for example, they first reached a conclusion of dissatisfaction with Sagami and the decision-making group, and then constructed the logic that led to that conclusion.

Even if you can perfectly refute the other party's logic, it's useless if the other party hasn't let go of their emotions.

Moreover, having already armed themselves with theory, they are even less likely to back down easily. If the situation develops to this point, what awaits them is only endless denunciation meetings.

"I……"

Sagami lowered his head and forced out a sound from his throat, but stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence.

Everyone waited quietly for Sagami to draw a conclusion.

Yukinoshita closed her eyes again and listened intently. Yuihama stared at Sagami with a serious look, while I rested my cheek on my hand, thinking about trivial things like "I need to trim my nails again" while listening.

Only one person made an unexpected move.

The senior student deliberately cleared her throat before slowly speaking.

"I think Sagami did a great job."

"what?"

Sagami was startled and looked up.

Yuigahama and Yukinoshita seemed equally startled, reacting in the exact same way. While their reactions were undeniably obvious, there was nothing that could be done about it. Generally speaking, after witnessing Sagami's actions so far, it's impossible for someone to simply say "you've done a good job."

Faced with the two's straightforward reactions, Senior Xun seemed to panic as well, hurriedly waving her hands while adding an explanation.

"Ah, well... although her methods aren't exactly brilliant... but since I'm not exactly a capable person either, I know very well that Sagami is putting in the effort."

This isn't surprising, really. Indeed, the senior student's practical skills are only above average, and her leadership abilities outside of the student council aren't particularly impressive.

She seemed to care about it herself, looking away and scratching her face, trying to hide her shyness.

"Well... the seniors from the year before me were all so outstanding... like Haruno-senpai."

Yukinoshita narrowed her eyes when she heard the name she whispered at the end.

Indeed, Yukino Yukinoshita's abilities are beyond the norm. She not only possesses extraordinary practical skills, but also has a terrifyingly high ability to see through people's true nature and to command their hearts. She is not someone who can be used as a comparison.

"Everyone always says I'm a bit slow-witted, and I think they're right... Haha, without everyone in the student council, I wouldn't be able to get anything done properly."

As soon as she finished speaking, tears welled up in the eyes of all the student council members, and some even uttered sounds of "Oh dear, oh dear!" from emotion. Just how much do you all love Senior Sister Dai Xun?

However, just like the other executives' reactions, what Senior Xun meant was that she had only managed to get the position of student council president by chance, relying solely on her personal charm. In other words, she meant that Sagami didn't have that kind of charm... Well, let's put that aside for now.

"So, I think Sagami did a great job. He's already worked so hard, why not give it a little more effort?"

Senior Xun smiled shyly. This gesture perfectly matched her adorable personality, making her incredibly charming.

Although no one actively tried to persuade Sagami to stay, only Senior Sister Xun acknowledged and praised Sagami's changes and hoped that Sagami could continue to serve as the chairperson. This is precisely why she is loved by the student council officers and has served as the student council president to this day.

Sagami's expression turned extremely strange. This moment was probably the first time she had received recognition from others since the school anniversary and sports meet.

As if giving a heads-up, Senior Xun added with a smile, "What do you think?" Sagami nodded slightly.

Yui and the student council executives all breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this. While Yukinoshita wasn't exactly all smiles, her expression softened slightly.

However, I don't think this is a beautiful scene.

Sagami will likely suffer even greater pain because of her choice. She will bear scars she never had to endure.

Gentleness is a poison. What once healed her will now turn around and drive her into a corner. Running away was clearly the right option to avoid further harm, but she didn't. It's no different from willingly becoming a human target. Even if everything goes smoothly, the old hatred won't disappear.

We've always known that fighting can't breed friendship. Even if goodwill can mask malice, it doesn't mean the malice will disappear. Goodwill will crumble in an instant, revealing pure hatred and disgust.

Therefore, Sagami's determination and efforts were meaningless.

However, if Sagami understands this and still makes the decision to take a step forward...

Then it becomes meaningful.

Rebellion that arises from a lack of understanding will be met with the baring of fangs of resistance from the majority.

I will not deny those who embarked on the path of glorious isolation (Note 47: originally referring to the foreign policy pursued by Britain in the late 19th century, meaning non-interference in the affairs of continental Europe). Therefore, I will not deny that terrifying scene crafted with gentleness, nor will I deny Sagami's decision.

"So, what should we do next?"

Therefore, I decided to retain my own judgment and continue the conversation.

I had no right to hinder Sagami's decision, nor was I obligated to offer advice. Sagami did not seek my opinion either.

Sagami has made its decision. The chairman will not be replaced. Therefore, we must decide on the next steps and record the specific measures.

Yukinoshita responded immediately to my question.

"We have no reason to concede, so we can only ask the other party to concede."

This guy is still as handsome as ever. This is a course of action that respects Sagami's answer. Since conflict has already been established, and our concessions are not accepted by the other side, the only remaining path is to defeat them. I also agree with Yukinoshita's strategy.