My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 374

"why?"

Yuihama tilted her head and leaned towards Yukinoshita. Her chin almost touched Yukinoshita's shoulder.

"If the budget isn't used up, there's a possibility it will be cut next year. If I were in charge of reviewing the budget, I would definitely do that."

"That's right! That's the problem! So, to avoid having my budget cut next year, I'd better spend it before the school year ends!"

As Isshiki explained, he moved closer to Yukinoshita, as if trying to gain her approval, and snuggled up to her, starting to act coquettishly.

"So close..."

"I don't know what to do," Yukino said softly. Caught between the two, she could only hunch her shoulders, adopting a strange posture reminiscent of someone riding a train during rush hour. "Yes, it's wonderful to have a harmonious relationship."

However, I'm not entirely unaware of Isshiki's thoughts—even though that money wasn't hers. What's with all this talk about "your budget"... it's clearly the student council's budget. Getting back to the point, using the budget to publish free information magazines shouldn't cause any problems.

"Not bad. Although I don't know what kind of intelligence journal you want to create."

I was too lazy to bother with this, so I just gave a casual reply. Isshiki sat up straight and looked at me.

"I've already made up my mind about that! Like recommending fun places, delicious restaurants, cute cafes, and stuff like that~"

"Wow, this sounds pretty good! It would be even better if you could recommend some clothing stores or shops that sell small accessories!"

"Are you going to write a local history? In terms of content, you shouldn't lack readers..."

Isshiki's idea really got Yui Hama excited, and she leaned closer to Isshiki, making her feel even more awkward being sandwiched between them under Yuki.

Fun places, delicious restaurants, cute cafes... wait, I feel like I've heard that somewhere before. Kinder Surprise Eggs? No, those are delicious, novel, and fun.

"Does it feel like a local history... like 'Chiba Walker'?"

Yuihama turned to Isshiki and asked, and Isshiki nodded and said, "Yeah, yeah," leaning forward slightly. Yukinoshita finally escaped from the sandwich and breathed a long sigh of relief.

Isshiki continued his explanation.

"If you want to create a local history, you can use the guise of research to actually go on a trip, and the funding will just fall from the sky!"

Isshiki gave a mischievous smile, but what came out was absolutely awful. "What 'whoosh whoosh,' are you an employee of some social game...?" (Note 25: "Whoosh whoosh" is originally "じゃぶじゃぶ," a reference to the social game *FLOWER KNIGHT GIRL*. Rumors circulated online that the developers inadvertently left an internal note in the game's description: "Indulging in wishful thinking, making players willing to spend big money like crazy." However, there was only one actual witness.)

Yukinoshita and I were both stunned, while Yuihama tilted her head:

"Golden Boil..."

No, no, no, what you're talking about is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for stopping coughs and clearing phlegm, right? Isshiki noticed my and Yukino's expressions and puffed out her cheeks in a huff.

"That's what my senior said before—'funds are meant to be spent,' right?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Yukinoshita immediately gave me a cold look.

"You only know how to teach younger girls pointless things..."

"Wait, I never said that!"

Although I tried to argue back, Isshiki shook her head vigorously, looking at me with displeasure.

"My senior clearly said that, he definitely said it when he was preparing for the Christmas event."

Did I really say that...? That event was co-organized with other schools. Did I really say something like, "It's their funding anyway, so don't worry about it, just use it"...? Hmm, I think I might have said that. Iroha's ability to apply what she's said to other situations is terrifying... But she completely misunderstood me...

"Isshiki-kun, what you're planning to do can be described as taking over the student council for yourself, which is an act of embezzlement..."

"But my classmates can learn more information because of this, and I can also enjoy it. Isn't that a win-win situation?"

Yukinoshita reprimanded Isshiki, but he retorted without batting an eye. "Oh dear! This child has definitely been corrupted by Tamano-kun... Daddy will never allow you to be with someone like that!"

"If you put it that way, it doesn't seem like such a bad thing after all..."

Yuihama murmured to herself. Indeed, even if one is enjoying oneself, if the result brings happiness to others, it cannot be entirely considered improper behavior. In this respect, earning money based on one's interests can be considered the ideal type of work.

I understand that Isshiki wasn't talking nonsense. The rest are just practical issues.

Yukino crossed her arms over her chest, thought for a moment, and then said in a calm tone:

"But will a budget request based on this reason be approved?"

"Ugh, Yukinoshita-senpai! That's an accountant's job!"

Isshiki let out a strange "Ohohohoho" laugh. This guy really is messing around... Oh well, if anything goes wrong, Isshiki will still have to take responsibility. If getting the budget approved is the accountant's job, then taking full responsibility is the manager's job! How can you be a manager if you don't take responsibility!

Although I doubt whether Isshiki has such an understanding, she at least showed enough drive to make up for it.

"So, getting to the main point... how do we develop an intelligence journal?"

Isshiki immediately steered the conversation to the purpose of her visit. Hmm, this guy really has nothing but enthusiasm…

"Even if you ask us that... we've never produced an intelligence magazine..."

"Indeed... it's fair to say that I have absolutely no relevant knowledge."

Yukinoshita agreed with me. Yuihama, who was listening nearby, suddenly remembered something and clapped her hands.

"Oh, but we did produce a page for a local history book before!"

"Yes, that makes sense..."

I remember that the request came from Professor Hiratsuka. From what I recall, we participated in the production of a local history book because of our efforts to revitalize the Chiba region, and we were responsible for one page in the special feature on young people's weddings. We really went through a lot of hardship back then.

Just as we were lost in our memories, chatting away, Isshiki, who had been listening nearby, leaned forward.

"Isn't this great! I feel like it'll work!"

"No, we just filled in an extra page of the plan. Starting from scratch is a different story. It won't work."

Yukinoshita poured cold water on the other party, and Isshiki sat up listlessly, his shoulders drooping, looking up at Yukinoshita.

"……is that so?"

"Yes."

Although Yukinoshita replied coldly, she couldn't continue under Isshiki's gaze, which was both regretful and slightly coquettish, and could only quietly turn her face away. Oh no, if this continues, Yukinoshita will definitely be persuaded by Isshiki!

While Yukinoshita can refute her opponents' theories and arguments without hesitation, she is completely defenseless against emotional appeals and actions. Just look at her interactions with Yui.

Faced with Isshiki's innocent and pure gaze, Yukinoshita seemed unable to bear it and kept squirming. Yuihama then interrupted their conversation.

"Alright, alright, Iroha, why don't you go find out how to make that intelligence journal first? Like asking someone who knows about it, or just asking them for help... That way, we can make the intelligence journal together!"

"Yui-senpai is the best person!"

Yuihama's gentle words brought a happy smile to Isshiki's face. However, a little thought revealed that Yuihama actually meant, "You better do your homework before you come back."

As expected of Yuihama, her skill in using coquetry on Yukinoshita is so masterful that it's clear Isshiki's pleading tactics won't work.

"Yuigahama is right. If you really want to create an information magazine, you have to spend some time and do the preparatory work."

Seeing the troubled expressions on the faces of the three of us, Isshiki also frowned and put on a troubled look.

"There's just no way to deal with it~"

"why?"

Isshiki lowered his head and said in a heavy voice:

"...The annual settlement date is approaching."

My heart sank immediately.

That's true, the annual settlement date is approaching. My parents have also been much busier than usual lately.

I've heard that at this time of year, office workers get a whole bunch of unavoidable chores to do.

According to online information, anime BD-BOX or OVA merchandise is often released between February and March, precisely because the settlement date is approaching.

This isn't just a problem in the animation industry; similar practices are common across various industries to achieve predetermined revenue targets. My source is my parents. They must be incredibly busy today…

"I'm not entirely clear on the details, but if we want to submit the budget by the end of this year, it must be completed before the final cost calculation in early March. We've already missed the opportunity in February, and if we don't do it this month, it will be too late!"

Her tone was anxious, and she gestured wildly as she explained, making her look absolutely adorable. In contrast, her use of terms like "application" or "funding" was anything but endearing…

Okay, I understand that time is tight. In that case, the receipts and payment requests need to be prepared within this month so that they can be processed at the beginning of next month.

In other words, do we have to finish the intelligence report before the end of this month...?

Although it's only the beginning of February, there are fewer days in February than in other months. To create a magazine from scratch in such a short time, even a relatively simple free information magazine, is practically an impossible task.

"Absolutely impossible, give up."

I spoke up, and Yukinoshita nodded silently, while Yuihama gave a helpless smile.

Even if you try to look pitiful with your watery eyes, it won't work. What's impossible is impossible. Seeing me slowly shake my head, Isshiki suddenly stood up.

"Senior... there's something I want to talk to you about..."

She finished speaking softly, then silently walked up to me and looked down at me. Although I was right in front of her, she seemed to hesitate about something and turned her face to the side.

"What do you want to talk about...?"

I asked Isshiki a question, but she didn't answer for a long time. Yukinoshita and Yuihama were also watching in surprise.

Then, ignoring our confused looks, Isshiki began unbuttoning his jacket, one button at a time. Wait a minute, what is this guy doing?!

Not just me, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama were equally dumbfounded. Seriously, what is this girl going to do? Oh no, wait! What, is she going to take her clothes off?! This is really bothering me!

Isshiki writhed, letting out moans as if she were enduring something. She reached her hand inside her thick red cardigan, groping around her chest.

"Um……"

She made soft noises as she adjusted her top, her collarbone occasionally peeking out from the loosened neckline. Sitting directly in front of me, I quickly looked away. Little did I know, this only amplified the sounds of her clothes rustling and the other sounds she made, fueling my imagination even more.

"I don't know what you're going to do, but don't do it in front of me, do it over there."

I lowered my head and waved, signaling her not to get so close. At that moment, Isshiki let out a deep breath.

"Ah, found it."

Isshiki took out a few small pieces of paper, then grabbed my hand with her other hand and stuffed the pieces of paper inside.

Her slender fingers gripped my fist; the softness of her skin was beyond my wildest imagination. Just as I was feeling bewildered, Isshiki swiftly pulled her hand away, leaving only the still-warm note in her hand.

The moment I realized it was her body temperature, my palms started sweating. I nervously opened my fist.

I glanced at the contents of my palm and noticed that the writing on the slip of paper looked familiar. The word "Receipt" was printed at the top, and below it were the names of the bowling alley and the café. At the very bottom was a ramen shop voucher.

Could these receipts be...?

Having made up my mind, I raised my head and met Isshiki's smiling eyes.

Her smile seemed to say to me: You see? So, you know what I mean, right?

Isshiki reached out her hand again, curtsied, and asked me to return the receipt. I handed the receipt to her, and she respectfully took it and put it back in her jacket pocket.

"Well then, senior. I have something I'd like to discuss with you..."

She repeated what she had said earlier in a pitiful, coquettish voice.

I think I know what Isshiki is trying to say. She's implying that we're accomplices.

However, that has nothing to do with me. I spent all my own money and never took a single penny from her. That being said, why do I still feel guilty...? Because I also had a pretty good time, so in a broader sense, am I also a beneficiary of her money? Is that so...? No... but...

Seeing Isshiki confidently pull out the receipt, I started to wonder if I had really done something wrong. I finally understood the feelings of those victims who were forced to sign confessions even though they hadn't done anything wrong…

I cleared my throat and faced Yise again. I am willing to plead guilty and negotiate!

"...Anyway, please explain in detail first."

"Why do I feel like I'm being threatened?"

"well……"

Yuihama exclaimed in surprise, while Yukinoshita sighed helplessly.

× × ×

To explain in detail, Isshiki went back to the student council office to get some materials. While waiting for her to return, Yukinoshita brewed another pot of black tea.

As the steam rose, the aroma of black tea wafted into every corner of the room. Although the electric heater was off, thanks to the black tea and my coat, I no longer felt so cold.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting!"

Yise forcefully opened the office door and hurriedly walked in.

Then, she piled all the transparent folders she was holding onto the table, instantly filling it with various documents. She looked like a child staring intently at a toy store flyer on Christmas Eve, her eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.

Seeing her like that, I felt a little tempted to help her realize her plan. However, enthusiasm and perseverance alone couldn't solve the problem at hand.

The first thing to do is to accurately grasp the current situation. The more you try to understand the overall situation, the more likely you are to push yourself into a dead end.

If the budget and time are insufficient, the plan itself has no chance of success. If the other party insists on doing it, motivation will naturally decline, eventually leading to a dead end; conversely, if the budget and time are sufficient, carelessness will lead to complacency, thinking it can be done another day, again ultimately resulting in a dead end. How could this be? From the moment the work was assigned to me, it was already destined to fail...