My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 218

Oh dear, how am I supposed to continue this conversation? Honestly, I don't think this conversation can possibly go on!

It turns out that it's usually the people around me who help find topics to talk about... I felt deeply grateful. Because we were both silent, I felt a little awkward. What was going on with this atmosphere?

However, remaining silent like this wouldn't do, so I muttered to myself, "Really? You're going home? Oh..."—a self-talk that made me extremely uncomfortable. Kawasaki seemed to be concerned for me, glancing at me briefly before speaking:

"You...didn't you want to talk to me about something?"

"Ah—yes, yes. Are you free right now?"

Thanks to Kawasaki taking the initiative to ask a question, I was able to continue the conversation more easily and finally get the topic back on track.

When I asked her that question, Kawasaki paused to think for a moment, then turned her face away. She then answered in a barely audible whisper.

"Yes, there is."

Really? That's great. She's quite busy with part-time work, tutoring, and family matters, so I was worried she wouldn't agree.

However, this makes it easier for me to ask her for a favor. But since it's not an easy task, I can't be casual when asking. I adopted a more sincere attitude than usual, cleared my throat, and began to speak.

"...Can you help me make clothes?"

Then, a silence fell between us, as if time had stopped.

Kawasaki stared blankly, mouth agape, blinking rapidly, before finally understanding what I was saying after a few seconds.

"...Huh? Me, me? Your, your clothes? What, what does that mean...?"

She seemed to panic, her hands flailing about.

It seems I didn't finish my sentence. I had originally intended to get their approval before providing further details. I quickly added my own explanation.

"No, it's not mine. It's for the sports meet events. I'm not asking you to do everything; you just need to teach everyone how to do it."

"—Ah, it's for the sports meet. I thought it was something else..."

Kawasaki let out a deep breath, seemingly relieved.

"Speaking of which, you seem to be on the committee."

Completely different from his previous expression, Kawasaki reverted to his usual lazy demeanor and began to speak. However, the sports meet organizing committee isn't a prominent organization; logically, no one outside of those directly involved should know about it.

"So you knew all along."

When I asked, Kawasaki answered calmly.

"I heard it from Dazhi."

It seems the conversation with Komachi has already spread. My sister's ability to spread information is truly terrifying. The Kawasaki siblings are also scary for using this kind of thing as a topic of conversation. Why are you talking about this kind of thing?

"Truly a brother-obsessed brother..."

I said, trembling, when Kawasaki, who was looking in a completely different direction, suddenly turned around and looked at me.

"I'll beat you up."

"S-Sorry."

With an incredibly intimidating voice, the other person glared at me with sharp eyes, and I instinctively apologized. This guy can't stand being joked about when it comes to his younger brother; he's terrifying. But the extent of his brother complex is truly frightening.

Kawasaki shrugged helplessly and reached out to brush the long hair that had fallen onto his shoulder.

"The committee... I've done similar things before. It's amazing that you took on such a troublesome task."

"That's part of our club activities."

"snort--……"

I sighed as I answered, and Kawasaki responded listlessly, ending the conversation. Kawasaki seemed unable to bear the silence and began fiddling with the ends of his hair. Then, staring intently at his hands, he spoke in his usual listless tone.

"...Is that the only reason?"

"Huh? What other reason could there be?"

Without thinking, I answered, and Kawasaki gently closed her eyes.

"yes……"

She was the one who asked first, but her reply sounded completely uninterested. However, I was curious about her reason for asking, so this time I asked her the question.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. It's just that I feel I can't understand it."

This is a perfectly reasonable thing. Humans can't truly understand each other. The fact that Kawasaki understands this is commendable, in my opinion.

Most importantly, I'm really troubled if Kawasaki actually understands something.

I can't stand it when others pretend to understand, even though only I know the reasons and justifications. I'm not seeking anyone else's understanding or answers.

I suddenly realized that the topic had gone a bit off-topic because of Kawasaki's question, so I forcibly brought the topic back on track.

"Ah, so about clothing..."

"It doesn't matter. Okay. Anyway, I haven't been working lately, so I'm pretty free."

Kawasaki responded immediately this time.

"Is that so? Thanks... Well then, could you please come to the conference room in an hour?"

Upon hearing this, Kawasaki seemed startled and suddenly opened his eyes.

"Wait a minute, today?"

"Oh, right. Didn't you say you had time?"

"That's right... Oh well, it doesn't matter, I understand."

Kawasaki gave up arguing, let out a deep breath, and answered reluctantly. "Yeah, it's true, suddenly asking someone to start work that very day is a bit harsh. But we don't have time either. I'm very sorry, but we have no choice but to trouble her."

"I'm sorry. I'll thank you next time."

"...No need."

It's rare for me to want to thank someone so sincerely, but Kawasaki just turned her face away.

× × ×

Kawasaki decided to kill some time first, and after saying goodbye to her, I headed to the conference room.

The main members have almost all arrived.

The meeting was attended by the chairpersons, Sagami, Megurine, Yukinoshita, and Yui, as well as the student council executives. The main topic of the meeting was to select the champion for the "Pole Dropping Competition".

Regarding this matter, Hayama is already the most likely candidate for the White Team's general. Although it still depends on the outcome of negotiations, Hayama's character dictates that he won't abandon someone, so he won't refuse this request. His help during the farcical judo tournament, the school festival, and now persuading Sagami to become the chairman all prove this point. If that's the case, the only remaining issue is deciding on the Red Team's general.

Next, if it comes to the competition of falling poles, we will not be able to do without the help of this master.

As the exclusive consultant, Ebina Himeko makes her grand entrance.

"Hello hello~"

Accompanied by a strange greeting, Ebina casually walked into the conference room.

"Himena, hello—!"

Ebina waved to Yuihama who had greeted her, then found a nearby seat and sat down. Senior student, Jun, immediately thanked her.

"I'm sorry to trouble you like this."

"No, no. Is today the day to decide the champion of the 'Cut-off Competition'?"

Ebina smiled back at the senior student, then looked at Yukino and immediately got to the point.

"Yes. Has Hayama-kun been confirmed as the candidate for the White Team? If so, we will formally request his assistance on behalf of the committee."

Yukinoshita confirmed with the other party, and Ebina nodded.

"Hmm, no problem? But I don't know if Hayato will agree."

"Ye...Ye-san, don't you agree?"

Sagami asked, quite surprised, and Ebina gave him an ambiguous smile.

"Hmm—I think he'll say yes. I'm just not sure until I ask him in person."

"I think Hayama will agree."

As soon as I opened my mouth, Ebina's glasses suddenly lit up, and she leaned forward, her saliva glistening at the corner of her mouth.

"Oh dear, could this be what they call trust..."

"No, that's not true..."

I felt half uncomfortable and half helpless, so I responded with a combined 100% rejection. That's right, I didn't have any of those feelings at all; in fact, you could say it was the complete opposite.

I think Hayato Hayama's personality leans towards wanting everything to be resolved peacefully. That's why he possesses that mysterious ability called "Saint's Domain."

In other words, he's an avoidant. So he'll accept most of the requests.

However, there was no need to explain this to Ebina. Besides, her eyes continued to gleam, which was terrifying.

I brought up something Hayama had said before, intending to end the conversation.

"He had asked me before if I needed any help, so I guess I agreed."

Yukino nodded in agreement.

"We've already caught him red-handed."

Wait, that's not a very good word... It sounds like I tricked Hayama?

However, Yukinoshita didn't give me any time to correct her mistakes and continued talking.

"That makes things easier. Yuihama-san, could you help me contact them today?"

"OK—"

Yuihama immediately took out her phone and started texting. In short, as long as this hotline still exists, Hayama can be said to have secured his position as a key figure in the White Team.

So far, things are under control. The problem lies in what comes next.

Yukinoshita switched her arms, which were crossed over her chest, and looked down at the table. On the table was a list of students in the red and white groups, compiled by the student council officers.

"Next up is the selection for the Red Team..."

As Yukinoshita carefully checked the student list, she muttered to herself, while I glanced at it casually and then spoke up.

"After all, if we're going to go up against the White Group's top general, it's best to choose someone who's a match for Hayama."

This is the grand finale event that all the male students in the school must participate in. It would be best if the leader were someone with popularity and fame. In this respect, Hayama is undoubtedly the right person for the position. Finding someone who can rival him is no easy task.

Just as I was pondering this, someone suddenly raised their hand, full of energy, and answered yes. It was Ebina. She began to speak to herself, her heavy breathing fogging up her glasses.

"Hachiman's balance is excellent! A perfect balance between being the dominant and submissive partner!"

Haha, just kidding.

I chuckled inwardly. Anyway, let's leave Ebina aside for now.

Are there any other guys at school who look like Hayama?

I'm not very familiar with things on campus, or rather, I'm not interested, so I had to look to someone who knows more about these things. Yuihama, who was standing in front of me, spoke up while deep in thought.

"Someone as conspicuous as Hayama... the Ministry of Revenue?"

"That's less of an eyesore and more of an eyesore."

Yukino answered without hesitation. "You've gone too far..."

The Minister of Revenue is indeed a hopeless piece of trash, but he's not a bad person, is he? You see, he's not willing to be my scapegoat (forced).

However, compared to Hayama, the Ministry of Revenue is slightly inferior. And looking at the student list, this guy is actually in the White Team. What's going on? The Ministry of Revenue is completely useless.

As for the other members of the Red Team...

My eyes scanned the student list and spotted a name that vaguely reminded me. Yoshiteru Zaimokuza… In terms of conspicuousness, to put it bluntly, no one was more conspicuous than him. The only one who could rival him was probably Superstar Ace (Note 48, a character from the manga *Lucky Man*).

However, comparing Zaimokuza with Hayama reveals that Zaimokuza lacks many things, mainly common sense. Therefore, I removed Zaimokuza from my list of options. If possible, I really want to erase him from my memory as well.

I couldn't find anyone suitable, so I just kept staring at the student list. At that moment, Sagami, who had also been staring at the student list, spoke up.

"Senior, are you in your third year?"

Upon hearing this, Senior Sister Xun tilted her head slightly.

"Hmm—the third-year students are all very composed... I can't think of someone like Hayama-kun."

Judging from Hayama's outstanding performance, there's no other way. He's good-looking, intelligent, and has a great personality. He's also quite athletic and highly respected. If you could find another person like him, who could stand him? Unlike the supposedly rare and exquisite wine that only comes out once every ten years, yet he releases a ton of new wines every year, he's a genuine genius.