My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 372

I'm too lazy to even ask her how she interpreted my words... Just how many times has this girl given me cards? It feels like I'd lose if I tried to figure it out seriously.

"Let's go inside quickly, it's so cold outside."

"Ah, wait a minute!"

Isshiki followed me into the store with light, quick steps.

This café is meticulously decorated both inside and out, exuding a trendy atmosphere. The tables and chairs are carefully chosen, each with its own unique style, reflecting the owner's attention to detail. The walls and cabinets are adorned with many cute trinkets, sure to capture the hearts of female customers.

We were led to sit on a rather ordinary sofa on the right. Warm sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the avenue.

After Ise sat down opposite me, she excitedly opened the menu.

"Wow~ There are so many kinds, it's so hard to decide, right?"

Her tone was like she was asking me a question, but she didn't seem to expect an answer at all, just flipping through the menu on her own. It seems she's just deliberately trying to appear like she likes sweets so others will think she's a cute girl—she's quite the actor. Well, maybe she really does like sweets; after all, there are quite a few girls who like sweets. There's a cookie monster in the Service Club…though lately she's been eating pancakes more often.

Isshiki was engrossed in looking at the menu, and since I had nothing to look at, I could only stare at her blankly. She noticed my gaze, turned the menu around, and moved it in front of me.

Wow, there are so many kinds...

Macarons, Swiss rolls, cheesecake, crème brûlée... and Italian gelato and sorbet. What exactly is the difference between Italian gelato and sorbet? Is it similar to the relationship between Pollo and Pavone?

As I compared the photos and names on the menu, I pondered this pointless question. At that moment, Isshiki finished studying the menu and looked up.

"I've made up my mind."

"OK, let's order then."

The waiter came to us, pointing at the menu with all his fingers.

"I want Assam black tea and a macaron sandwich cake."

"Then I'll have a blended coffee and... Italian gelato."

After ordering their food, the two enjoyed a leisurely wait.

Soft bossa nova jazz filled the air, and the gentle afternoon sunlight bathed the entire room, creating the café's unique ambiance. The conversations of other patrons had an inexplicable sense of distance, giving one the illusion of floating on water.

My consciousness naturally focused on Isshiki in front of me.

Isshiki seemed to be a regular at this shop; she was completely relaxed, sinking into the sofa. She rested her chin on her hand, elbows on the armrests, gazing out the window and humming a tune, seemingly eagerly anticipating the cake.

As I listened to Isshiki's singing, I turned to look out the window. Even the Chiba streets, which I knew so well, appeared completely different and more beautiful when viewed through the café's glass window. Perhaps that was the magic of the café.

Isshiki probably likes this aspect, which is why she often comes to this store. In other words, she's not the only one who comes to this store.

Do student council members come to this store?

I remembered the two people who had just left and asked Isshiki a question. She looked at me and shook her head.

Then, she tapped her palm, placed her hand on her chin, and began to recall.

"Ah—are you talking about the vice president and the secretary? I talked to them about this shop last week, so that's probably why they know about it."

"oh……"

It seems that the two of them just happened to meet in this store.

No, it's also possible that the vice president used this opportunity to invite the secretary along. "How about we go to that shop Isshiki mentioned next time?"—maybe that's all it took to get a date! Hmph, student council members actually have time to go to a coffee shop together? Don't underestimate them, get back to work!

...Wait a minute. Who said the vice president has to be the one to invite them? Maybe that introverted secretary mustered up the courage to invite the vice president! Hmm, I suddenly feel like cheering for the secretary! Vice president? What does that have to do with me? That vice president always reminds me of Hobu—for example, both of them suffered a lot because of Isshiki.

At this moment, Isshiki, who was the perpetrator of the two crimes, continued:

"I'm talking about myself! I even went to ask the vice president where he goes on weekends just for today! All for today!"

Isshiki emphasized the word "today" and even looked up at him. Is it because it's important that he has to say it twice...? This is too blatant; he won't get any Hachiman points this way.

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but there are some things more important than this kind of preparation..."

For example, ask about my personal wishes, or honestly tell me that I'm out having fun today, not working.

However, Isshiki completely ignored my complaints and deliberately looked away, muttering about another topic.

"I didn't expect to run into the vice president and his group..."

She stopped there, turned her head and stared straight at me.

Then, as if to avoid being overheard, she covered her mouth with her hand, smiled, and whispered to me:

"Let's go somewhere less well-known next time."

"There will be a next time..."

I really didn't expect Isshiki to say something like that. The thought of having to work a whole day again next time made my voice a little hoarse. Isshiki glared at me slightly when she heard my reply.

Why did the senior sound somewhat reluctant?

"No, I'm not unwilling... Well, I will consider it carefully, take responsibility bravely, handle it properly, and face it positively."

"Senior... I can't believe a word you said..."

Isshiki sighed and gave me a wry smile. Suddenly, she let out a soft "Oh," and her eyes sparkled. I looked in her direction—behind me—and saw the waiter carrying a cake towards us.

The waiter elegantly placed the cake, black tea, gelato, and coffee on the table. Iroha gazed at them happily for a long time, then took out her phone and started snapping photos. She not only took pictures of her cake, but also several of my gelato.

Why do girls love taking pictures of food and snacks so much? Is it some kind of weight loss record (Note 24: a weight loss method advocated by Toshio Okada in his book. It involves recording daily food intake and calories to understand one's eating habits and then making improvements)? Does RIZAP's coach want you to pass this on to him?

Just as I was about to start shooting, I saw Isshiki put down her camera with satisfaction, but she suddenly raised her hand.

"Oh, excuse me~ Could you take a picture for me?"

Hearing Yise's shout, the waiter immediately moved over and respectfully took her camera. "This girl hasn't taken enough photos yet? I can't wait any longer!" I reached out to pick up the spoon, but was immediately slapped several times by another hand.

Turning my head, I saw Isshiki leaning out of his seat and posing for the waiter who was holding a camera.

"Senior, hurry up and give a 'V' sign!"

"No way. It doesn't matter if I'm not in the picture, the ice cream is almost melting."

"Not that fast, senior is faster."

Iroha was busy maintaining her tiring posture, not even glancing at me, just anxiously urging me on. It seemed she was about to give up; even her speech was becoming incoherent.

"Excuse me, may I ask...?"

The waiter gave me a troubled smile, his sharp eyes carrying a hint of pressure. "N-no, I'm sorry to disturb your work..."

"Senior, hurry up, hurry up!"

Unable to resist Yise's urging, I had no choice but to move the snacks aside and lean my upper body out.

"Could you two please come a little closer..."

Following the waiter's instructions, I moved my body slightly again.

Just then, the scent of shampoo wafted over. I glanced slightly to the side and saw a cascade of soft, flowing hair fall beside my ear. The distance between us, almost touching, startled me. Just as I was about to step back, the waiter's voice came from behind me.

"Ah, OK, that's good. Let's take the picture!"

The sound of camera shutters clicking rang out one after another.

"Thank you~"

I slumped back onto the sofa and watched as Isshiki thanked the shop assistant and took the phone.

I never imagined that just taking a photo would be so tiring... It seems the saying that "cameras can suck away your soul" is not unfounded.

I sighed deeply, and the steam rising from the coffee cup dissipated. I'd better drink it before it gets cold.

"...Can we start eating now?"

"Oh, sure. Please."

Iroha was busy checking the photos she had just taken, answering without thinking. "My face must be really red in the photos," I thought to myself, while starting to enjoy the ice cream that had been sitting out for a while to cool down my head and cheeks.

...Isn't it melting?

× × ×

After paying the bill, it was already dark outside when we left the coffee shop. We had spent quite a while inside, drinking coffee, chatting, and enjoying delicious desserts.

The night wind began to blow, and a chill kept seeping in through the gaps in the scarf.

I pulled my coat tighter and put my scarf back on.

At that moment, Isshiki also came out of the shop.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, senior. I accidentally forgot to take the receipt."

Isshiki winked, stuck out her tongue, and even tapped her head, acting all cute... So, what is she planning to do with the receipts? Didn't we just pay the bill together...? Speaking of which, the pool receipt and the ramen voucher seem to be with her too... Is she going to need them for tax purposes?

"Anyway, let's move towards the station."

"it is good."

I nodded in response, and the two of us started walking.

It's a holiday, and the main street is packed with people heading to and from the station. The flow of people through the streets adds to the lively atmosphere unique to the night.

It wasn't too late, but perhaps because of the exercise, I unconsciously started yawning. He Yise, walking on the sidewalk, caught my yawning too.

Isshiki noticed me looking at her and seemed a little embarrassed. She cleared her throat and took a half step closer to me.

"The senior student's performance today was a perfect 10!"

Ichiro gave a score to today's date itinerary.

"May I ask, what is the maximum score?"

"Of course it's 100 points."

"Why is the score so low...?"

I did try my best, don't you think you're being a little heartless? I expressed my dissatisfaction with my eyes, and she held up her two gloved hands in front of her, palms open, and began to count on her fingers.

"First of all, you're not Hayama-senpai, so deduct ten points."

"We can't even do the first thing."

Does this girl think she's some kind of princess from The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter...? And she's even using a deduction system for rating. If you want someone to grow, you should use an addition system.

Encouragement is essential for growth!

Naturally, my heartfelt cries couldn't reach Isshiki; she continued to fold the fingers of her left hand. Please stop! If you keep folding like this, you'll break my fragile heart too!

"Adding in details like speech and behavior, shouldn't we deduct another forty points?"

"Yes, that's right, it makes perfect sense."

I nodded with a matter-of-fact expression. Only forty points deducted? Looks like I tried pretty hard. Or rather, it's Ichiro who tolerated me all day that really worked hard.

"It seems the senior has some self-awareness..."

She sighed, sounding like she had already given up on everything. Ah, so she wasn't tolerating me after all...

Ms. Isshiki hadn't finished grading the scores yet. Suddenly, she clenched her right fist and gently punched my side a few times.

"If a senior student agrees to a girl's invitation without thinking, deduct 50 points."

"You're the one who invited me... I mean, my score has already been reduced to zero."

Although Yise's punches didn't hurt, her words immediately reminded me of someone, and I felt a sharp pain in my heart.

I protested, pressing my side. Isshiki stepped forward, puffed out his chest, cleared his throat, and held up one finger.

"However, since today was quite enjoyable, I'll give my senior an extra ten points."

"...Thank you so much."

So that's how "ten points" came about.

They were penalized so badly at the beginning, but in the end they gave back ten points. Iseki is actually not bad at all!

Moreover, if I were to rate it myself, I would probably give it a similar score.

We chatted casually along the way and unknowingly arrived at the station.

I was taking the Sobu Line, while Isshiki was taking the light rail home, so we had to separate at the station.

"So, how was your day, senior?"

As I stepped onto the stairs leading to the transfer station, Isshiki asked in a low voice. Because she had her head down, I couldn't see her expression and couldn't immediately tell what she meant.

However, it should be quite similar to what I'm thinking now.

"It's about the same as yours...it's a bit tiring though."