My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 356

One's upbringing inevitably influences their personality. I am a prime example. From a young age, I watched my parents work tirelessly every day, which solidified my resolve never to repeat their mistakes. However, because we had two sources of income, we never lacked food or clothing, for which I am truly grateful to my parents. Another influence my parents had on me was my positive attitude towards female independence. In the future, Komachi will also enter the workforce, providing another source of income for the family, and I imagine life will be even more comfortable then.

As I fantasized about our wonderful future family plans, Yuihama continued the previous conversation.

"So, Hayato-kun, are you going to take their job?"

Yukinoshita placed her hand on her chin as she pondered.

"Hmm... Hayama's father owns an agency, and his maternal grandfather is a practicing physician, so it's not impossible..."

"That way, it won't affect his choice between the arts and sciences groups."

To become a lawyer or a doctor, one must obtain a license. If there were only one option, it would be possible to deduce which group Hayama might choose. However, in this situation, both options are possible, so this method is not applicable.

Upon hearing this, Yuihama pondered for a moment before raising her face.

"But whether you're a lawyer or a doctor, you're both amazing!"

"That's right. From a general perspective, the Hayama family is considered a wealthy family."

Yukinoshita nodded in agreement. In most people's minds, doctors and lawyers are indeed high-paying professions. Although I had heard about the Hayama family before, bringing this up again today made me even more astonished. Why would someone like that choose this school? Wouldn't it be better to transfer to a better private high school?

In that respect, Yukinoshita is actually quite similar. I looked at her and said:

"It doesn't seem right for someone like you to say that, does it?"

"If we're only talking about cash, they probably have more. As for their total assets, I'm not so sure."

Although she spoke casually, shouldn't a girl her age be talking about things like cash and total assets? Yuihama stared at the sky, tilting her head to repeat the words she had just heard.

"Cash... cash card?"

Wow, you actually know about cash cards, that's impressive! I'll teach you about debit cards next time.

Compared to Yuihama, Hayama's problem is more serious.

First, let's assume, based on the fundamental premise, that Hayama will continue his university studies. His grades are exceptionally good; he ranks second in his entire grade. If someone like that didn't plan to pursue higher education, all the teachers would probably go crazy. Furthermore, considering what Hiratsuka-sensei said earlier, this scenario is highly unlikely.

So, there are no problems up to this point.

Next, we will not learn about his aspirations, but rather the group he chose, namely, Hayato Hayama after entering his senior year of high school.

"I have absolutely no idea..."

After thinking for a while, Yuihama said:

"I'm wondering if it's the humanities group? It seems like most people are choosing the humanities group."

"Hmm—that's exactly what I expected."

He doesn't cause trouble and gets along well with everyone—that's the image Hayama Hayato projected in everyone's mind. It's because of these personality traits that he can treat me and Zaimokuza, who are at the very bottom of the school hierarchy, without any barriers. Judging from Hayama's behavior so far, I can easily imagine him entering the humanities class in his senior year and continuing to mingle enthusiastically with his classmates.

However, I now know that the actual situation is somewhat different. It's just that I'm still not quite sure how to view this phenomenon.

I fell into thought again. Yukino looked over silently, as if she wanted to say something. After I gestured with my eyes, she slowly revealed her thoughts:

"I think... it might be... the science group."

"why?"

When Yuihama asked her question, she lowered her head and explained with a lack of confidence.

"This isn't a well-founded inference. And it's also related to me personally..."

"...If it's inconvenient to say, don't force yourself."

Her words still carried worry and uncertainty, and I couldn't help but urge her to give up the idea. Her lips opened and closed repeatedly, and finally she made up her mind and lifted her face.

"It's okay... it's not bad for you to know first."

This person is really bad at speaking... although I'm not really qualified to judge others. Yui and I straightened our posture and looked at Yukinoshita. She began to speak in detail.

"As you all know, my family and Hayama's family have known each other for a long time. When we were little, we often played together. My older sister has that kind of personality, and both Hayama and I listened to her... So, simply put, our upbringing was influenced by my older sister."

She took a slight breath as she said this.

This conversation wasn't much different from what I heard last Christmas. Seeing them together in person, reminiscing about the past, made it all feel even more real to me.

Hayama and the Yukinoshita sisters spent a long time together.

The present Hayama Hayato, and the past Hayama Hayato, are gradually being revealed. Compared to other things, what we need to think about most now is the future Hayama Hayato.

"Hmm... I think Haruno-neechan studies science? If she was so influenced when she was little, it's quite possible that she studied science."

"Yes... but it's impossible to say for sure."

Yukinoshita gave a very conservative answer, and Yuihama and I urged her to explain with our eyes.

"Although this is somewhat contradictory—inheriting my father's firm is the most efficient way to maintain the relationship between the two families."

"So that means liberal arts?"

She shook her head again.

There is more than one way to maintain a relationship between two people...

I understand.

Even if one doesn't pursue a career as a lawyer in the future, but works in another field, there are still ways to maintain the relationship. Furthermore, even without business dealings, it won't be a problem. For example, marriage is another method. Although it seems impractical to us now, we cannot completely rule out its possibility.

Thinking this through, Yukinoshita added:

"Of course, I have no way of knowing what Hayama-kun is thinking. I've never heard him contradict his parents before, so their opinions might have an impact."

"Yeah, that's right. I feel like Hayato-kun will handle things at home very well too."

Yuihama stated frankly, and Yukinoshita nodded in agreement. Having overheard this conversation today, I now have a general understanding of the Hayama family's current situation. Although it's not enough to solve the problem yet.

I instinctively scratched my head and sighed.

"We can't really ask his parents. Since it involves both families, we can't easily get involved."

"That's right... but at least my mother hopes that the relationship can be maintained."

Yukinoshita's expression darkened, and I reflexively looked away.

"I understand. Anyway... I'll think about it."

I'll stop here.

Frankly, I do need time to sort out my thoughts. At this point, the only viable approach is to speculate based on the few remaining fragments of information. For now, it's best to focus on Hayama's situation.

More importantly -

If I don't do this, I might start having thoughts that even I can't stand.

I let out a heavy sigh, signaling that the conversation was over, and Yukinoshita and Yuigahama relaxed their tension. We all instinctively picked up our teacups and savored the peaceful silence. The perfectly warm black tea soothed my parched throats, and I felt much better.

In the silence, Yukinoshita gently set down her teacup and slowly said:

"that……"

"Um?"

"I'm so sorry about last time, it made it seem like your mother was kicking you out... If I had spoken up properly back then, it wouldn't have turned out that way."

She stared at the swirling tea in her cup, her lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing more. Yui gently placed her hand on her shoulder.

"There's no need to worry about it. Since it's a family reunion, it's not appropriate for us to disturb them. Don't you agree?"

"Yeah, there's nothing to worry about."

"……Thanks."

A faint, melancholic smile appeared beneath the snow, and she bowed her head to thank us.

She sat upright, her hands gently clasped on her thighs, and everything about her, from her slender fingers to her long eyelashes, was so beautiful.

I stared at Yukinoshita, lost in thought, until she looked up. Our eyes met, and we immediately and hastily looked away.

"Let's wrap up today's club activities. I'll clean up the tea area."

Perhaps out of embarrassment, Yukino quickly stood up and began tidying up the teacups and teapot, placing them on a tray in preparation for taking them to the kitchen counter outside.

"Oh, I'll go help with the washing too!"

"It's alright, you can wait here."

She stopped Yui, who was also about to get up, picked up the tray, and quickly walked out of the office. Yui and I remained there, looking at each other. After a while, Yui suddenly smiled softly.

"Yukino, you've brought up your own things now. Not long ago, you weren't willing to talk about these things."

"Yeah...yes."

Although it seemed clumsy, abrupt, and somewhat misguided, this was perhaps how Yukinoshita approached us. She was so capable, yet this place remained somewhat immature.

However, I have no right to say anything about her.

One day, I might have to ask her about it. Although I don't know where to start now, I'm quite certain that I'll have to ask her someday.

× × ×

I said goodbye to Yukinoshita and Yuihama at the building entrance and walked towards the bicycle parking area.

The sun had completely disappeared, and a strong, cold wind swept through the school buildings. Other clubs had long since finished their activities, and the courtyard had returned to tranquility.

"Hey—" someone called out as I walked through the courtyard. I looked around but didn't see anyone.

"Up there, up there!"

Following the voice's instructions, I looked up and found it was the student council office. Yukinoshita Haruno leaned out of the open window and waved.

"Wait me a moment--"

Yang disappeared by the window without waiting for my response.

"What is that person doing now...?"

Was she really so bored she had nothing better to do? — Just as I was thinking this, another figure appeared at the window. Upon closer inspection, it was Isshiki Iroha. Isshiki bowed to me, waved goodbye with a broad smile, and then swiftly pulled the curtains shut. What was going on this time…?

I continued staring at the window, still puzzled, when I heard light footsteps. I turned around and saw Yang Nai running towards me.

"Oh dear~ I accidentally chatted with Shizuka and Iroha for too long, that's why it's so late—"

Yang Nai explained while slightly out of breath, indicating that she had rushed down the mountain in a hurry.

"Where's Yukino? Didn't she come with you?" She looked around and asked.

She took the tram home.

"Oh really? Then wasn't that a waste of time...?"

Wait a minute, didn't you just say you were chatting with someone a few seconds ago? So your real purpose was actually to ambush them? This person is terrifying... I bet after the college entrance interview, Haruno stayed in the student council office to warm up, then stared blankly at the people in the courtyard. If that's the case, Isshiki was definitely used as a tool to pass the time. Even though it has nothing to do with me, I suddenly feel so sorry for her...

Yang cheered himself up, walked over to me, and gently patted my shoulder.

"Fine, you can do it too. Take me to the station."

"what?"

She wasn't happy with my reaction, puffed out her cheeks, and put her hands on her hips, saying:

"Any objections? Do you really want to let a girl walk home alone at night? As a gentleman, you should be her protector. Do you understand?"

"You're staying at school so late, is it my fault?"—I swallowed the words back. Well, to be precise, I actually gasped.

Yang pulled my arm and brought her face close, as if she wanted to whisper something.

"Going home with a beautiful older sister like me is something most people would love to do!"

For reasons other than the low temperature, a chill ran down my spine. I quickly took a step back, and Haruno immediately laughed happily. This person was completely making fun of me... Unlike Isshiki or Komachi, her mischievous personality was on par with a great demon king. And everyone knows very well: no one can escape the great demon king's grasp.

I raised my flushed cheeks and pointed to where the bicycles were parked.

"Hmm—that's fine. Well then, let me get the bicycle first."

"Okay, let's go together."

So, Yang Nai and I walked side by side toward the parking area.

To be honest, it's already quite dark, and the road to the station passes through sparsely populated places like parks and alleyways.

Furthermore, being a native Japanese man, I've long lived under the influence of seniority-based hierarchy and the traditional concept of female superiority, making older women a major weakness for me. Incidentally, I'm also helpless with women younger than myself. The most obvious example is my younger sister, Komachi. And, I also falter around men. Wow, I'm probably the weakest person in all of humanity.

I pulled my bicycle and left the parking area with Yang Nai, slipped through the side door, and stepped onto the night street.

The journey to the station wasn't far. The Christmas lights still hanging from the houses next to the park faintly illuminated the dimly lit road.

Yang asked me to take her home, but she remained silent the whole way, so I was naturally not going to start a conversation. All I could hear were the sounds of cars, people talking, the whistling wind, and our footsteps.