My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 280

"Don't worry about me. The Service Club isn't as busy as the Soccer Club, and I have a general understanding of the student council's workflow, so it won't be too much of a burden."

Despite her attempts to comfort Yuihama, what was the reality?

There are definitely people who can juggle student council and club activities. In terms of ability, Yukinoshita should be able to do it too. However, we've learned from our experiences with previous school festivals and sports meets that there are still many things that can't be understood without actually experiencing them firsthand.

I understand why Yukino couldn't support Hayama's candidacy. Hayama's soccer club is a prime example of a sports club, and he would never miss a practice session. This means he wouldn't be able to participate in student council activities. That's why I never considered Hayama from the beginning.

That being said, this does not constitute a reason why Yukinoshita must run for the position.

"Aren't there any other possible candidates?"

"Weren't you the first to reject this idea?"

Without a second thought, Yukinoshita replied in a cold tone.

Finding a qualified person within a very limited time, persuading them to run for student council president, and helping them win is an extremely difficult task—I admit that I was the one who said that.

I never imagined that my tendency to think so quickly when criticizing others would backfire like this. I could only scratch my head.

"So you're the one to choose?"

That was the only thing I could think of, so my tone was a little harsh. Yuihama's shoulders trembled in fright.

Under the snow, she remained calm—no, she began to speak in a voice colder than usual.

"From an objective point of view, it is the most appropriate thing for me to run for election. Even if my opponent is Isshiki, I am quite confident of winning the election. If I handle it myself, I will not have to follow the pace of others. In addition, the other student council officers are also very dedicated. I believe that this time, unlike previous events, it will definitely operate smoothly and efficiently... Moreover, I do not mind being the student council president."

Yukinoshita let out a slight sigh of relief after saying this.

She lowered her head, as if she didn't want to talk to me anymore. Her face was a mixture of sadness and resolute determination.

Efficient, is that right...?

I can't ignore this word. She's not the only one who values ​​efficiency. I know someone who also uses "efficiency" as a reason for their actions.

Therefore, if we consider efficiency alone, there are other methods.

"Perhaps it's true, as you say. But there are actually ways to resolve this without voting."

Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita raised her head.

"You mean your method?"

She gave me that familiar, sharp look again.

But now that things have come to this, I have no intention of backing down. I looked her straight in the eye.

"right."

I'm not entirely confident in my method. However, I dare say it's the most likely and efficient way to play the hand I've been dealt.

I had already shown her the cards.

She sighed and briefly looked away from the snow.

Then she glared at me with almost hostile eyes, putting pressure on me.

"Do you think you're so great that you can get the whole school to act just by your attitude and behavior? I don't think that's how you solve the problem."

She hit a nerve.

What Yukinoshita said is absolutely right. I am also well aware that I don't have that much influence. If it were a small organization like a committee, I might be able to make some waves.

However, I have neither fame nor popularity, my presence is even less noticeable than that of the average student, and I have no hope of ever turning things around. How much influence can someone like me have when speaking to an unspecified majority? Honestly, I really don't know. Even if everyone dislikes me, they might not necessarily remember me. I've never thought I could occupy a complete place in other people's memories. Besides, students might completely separate me from Isshiki.

But these are not problems. As long as we re-examine the preconditions, we can achieve results that exceed expectations.

"It doesn't matter, at worst we can think about the method from this premise."

If baseness and cunning are not enough to achieve anything, malice and a desire to harm others can be added. There are countless ways to gather disgust and hatred.

You don't need a reason to dislike someone. As long as they make you angry, uncomfortable, or impatient, that's enough.

Thinking of this, the corners of my mouth involuntarily twisted into a cunning smile. I looked at Yukinoshita with that smile on my face.

She pursed her lips and looked away.

"...If you think everyone cares about you or hates you, it's just that you have an excessive sense of self-importance."

No amount of logical argumentation can compare to how directly this statement hits the nail on the head.

Trapped within the maze, the monster known as "Self-Awareness" seems to have hidden even deeper.

I have absolutely no way to refute this.

The conversation ended there, and silence enveloped the office, with only the north wind rattling the windows outside. The wind also made the indoor temperature drop even lower.

"...Our approaches are completely different."

She stood beneath the snow, her head bowed, her clenched fists and slender shoulders trembling slightly from the cold. Her softly uttered words were our only shared understanding.

"indeed……"

Our approaches are indeed completely different. Yukinoshita follows the right path, while I follow the wrong path. There's no right or wrong, it's simply that our aspirations don't intersect. This divide is precisely the distance between us right now.

Caught in the middle, Cibin remained silent, listening quietly to our conversation. I could tell she was deep in thought, and finally, a look of emptiness crossed her face as she murmured:

"So... Yukino is going to run for election..."

Apart from Yuihama, no one else spoke.

I felt the passage of time gradually slowing down and becoming heavier, and I glanced over from under the snow.

"Is there anything else?"

"...No, I just wanted to confirm."

I don't know what I'm trying to confirm. This time is different from the last time when I rejected Yukinoshita's approach, so I can't just dismiss it casually. Although Yukinoshita's personal candidacy wasn't the most ideal approach, I have to admit it was the least ideal choice.

"……Yeah."

After answering with a sigh, Yukina began to pack up the lunchbox that was still more than half full.

I also turned and left the office.

There was no sound from the office behind me, so I turned around and closed the door.

My pace now is nowhere near as fast as when I came to the office. As I walked, I saw Ye Shan's figure appear at the other end of the corridor. He noticed me too and gently raised a hand.

"You're here too?"

It's amazing he still manages to talk to me. Just a few days ago, I saw him vent his emotions, but now he acts like nothing happened. I really can't understand how he can change his mood like that. Or does he possess a trait similar to Yang Nai's?

"..."

I wasn't in the mood to say much, I just looked at him and asked, "How did you end up here?" Hayama shrugged and replied:

"They asked me to come and discuss something."

"oh."

I responded and then walked past him.

As the two passed each other, Hayama said to me:

"I'm going to team up with Yukinoshita... What are your plans?"

"...do nothing."

I left those words behind and continued on my way without looking back. Not long after, I heard a sigh behind me.

To be honest, I'm not saying I "do nothing," but rather that I "can't do anything."

I can't find a way to refute Yukinoshita. What she said is more correct than I am.

Moreover, I don't know whether I should object or not.

Because I have no reason to object.

Once Yukinoshita registers to run, she will immediately become the most qualified candidate. At that point, she could simply declare herself elected. Moreover, besides her own abilities, she will also have Hayama supporting her.

I blanked out my mind and let my legs carry me. Only after returning to the classroom did I realize that I had forgotten to eat lunch.

× × ×

Because I hadn't eaten lunch, the afternoon's lessons went in one ear and out the other—I even doubted whether they even went into my left ear.

In class, I stared blankly ahead. If I accidentally turned my head, I would immediately see Yui and Hayama, which would make me start to overthink again.

I gave up listening to the lecture and stopped thinking about random things. I just rested my chin on my hand and kept repeating the process of dozing off and pretending to be asleep.

The fifth and sixth classes ended just like that, and we finally made it to the class meeting before school ended.

Today, nothing can stop me from rushing home.

After the instructor finished announcing everything, everyone dispersed.

The noise after school seemed to come from another world. I carefully packed my schoolbag and got up from my seat.

As I stepped into the corridor and prepared to walk towards the building entrance, I was suddenly stopped by someone behind me.

"Wait, wait a minute—"

I turned around and saw Yui running towards me in a panic, then slowly saying, panting:

"Want to... go back together?"

"I'm going to ride my bike back, and we're going in different directions."

I rejected her without any emotion, offering reasonable explanations, and then remained silent. However, Yui did not give up.

"Hmm. Otherwise... it'll be fine once we get there."

Yuihama randomly points in a direction.

Her expression clearly told me that she "would not give in easily."

Well, going to Yuihama's house is just a slightly roundabout route, but I can still get home eventually. Anyway, there's nothing much to do going straight home now.

Besides, I could more or less guess what she was trying to say. I felt the same way.

"...I'll go get the bicycle, you wait over there."

I pointed to the side door and then walked forward myself.

"Ah, I'll go too."

As a result, Yuihama followed.

"No, no need."

I stopped her and quickly walked towards the bicycle parking area. There were still many people on campus; going to get a bicycle with Yui was practically playing dare. Besides, Yui was so eye-catching; she didn't usually ride a bicycle to school, and her sudden appearance at the bicycle parking area would only arouse suspicion. Given her popularity among the boys, being seen by everyone would definitely not be a good thing.

I quickly unlocked the bicycle and led it to the side door.

Yui obediently followed instructions and stood there waiting for me. As soon as she saw me, she immediately raised her hand. "Hey, didn't I tell you that would attract too much attention?"

"Let's go." I led the bike to Yui's side and urged her on. Yui nodded and started walking forward.

I still remember where her home is.

If I remember correctly, it was in a corner of a residential area, just a few minutes' walk from the station. The fastest way to get to school from that place was by bus and bicycle. There was probably a bus stop near her house, so she usually took the bus to school.

We walked along the road next to the park that is right next to the school to the station.

The leaves on the trees in the park had all fallen, and there were no children playing inside.

The road was dotted with students leaving school, and we mingled among them.

I silently pulled my bicycle forward, while Yuihama kept her lips tightly shut.

Both of them were looking for the right moment to speak.

In an awkward silence, we turned onto the winding path leading to the residential area. Once out of the building's shadow, the setting sun immediately streamed in.

A cold north wind blew through the thin veil of sunlight, and I couldn't help but hunch over.

At that moment, Yuihama suddenly spoke up.

"Yukino, you've decided to run for election."

"Um."

This matter is weighing heavily on our minds right now. Yukinoshita has decided to run for student council president, but she didn't even tell Yui. What is she thinking, and what should we do?

Yuihama must want to discuss this issue with me.

However, what I heard next was completely unexpected.