My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 389

"Oh dear, don't you realize it?"

"Well, it's not like I'm completely oblivious..."

Seeing her smile, Yui blushed, shut her mouth, and reluctantly sat back down in her chair. This time, she really sat properly, fully seated, with her hands obediently placed on her thighs.

Yes, self-awareness is indeed very important.

That being said, there are subtle differences in how Yukinoshita takes care of Yuigahama and Isshiki.

She has completely given up resisting Yui, and you could say she spoils her to the point of letting her do whatever she wants; when it comes to Isshiki, she becomes a senior who takes the initiative to care for her junior, but there is still some distance between them, and she is careful about her position as a senior when she speaks.

If the relationship between Yukinoshita and Yuigahama is likened to that of a cat and a dog, then Yukinoshita and Isshiki are like a mother cat and her kitten—no, Isshiki's nature is more like that of a ferocious weasel than a kitten.

...However, Yukinoshita also received a lot of care, so it's fair to say they're in the same boat.

Oh my! It's so pleasing to the eye to see beautiful girls getting along so well. Hmm. Or rather, it's really scary when beautiful girls are scheming against each other... Like when Miura and Kawasaki were arguing, it was so intense, it scared me half to death and almost made me pee my pants. I think I might as well become a Chiburu alien (Note 11: an enemy appearing in the tokusatsu series "Superman No. 7". The original text is "チブル星人", which sounds similar to "pee my pants"). Anyone want one?

In short, the relationship between the Service Society and Isshiki is fairly good.

As I pondered these trivial matters, Yuihama kept nodding to herself, as if she had figured something out.

"However, Iroha seems to enjoy being taken care of. This kind of place is really cute..."

She slumped lazily onto the table, her voice growing softer and softer. Yuihama could be surprisingly reliable at times; I'd never seen her ask for help. Although she and Isshiki gave similar first impressions, they were actually quite opposite in many ways…

Perhaps that's why she felt envious.

However, one color is enough.

If there were two people like that, we'd be in a real bind. Besides, I don't really want to see Yui-hama become like Isshiki. She's fine the way she is now, she doesn't need to change anything, or rather, it's better for her to stay the way she is... Uh... I feel like I can't stop rambling, so I quickly cough a few times (coconut flavor) to swallow my words back down.

The extremely unnatural coughing made Yuihama, who was still lying on the table, slowly turn her head.

Strands of hair cascaded down her back from the bun on her head, her bangs falling gently and partially obscuring her large, bright eyes. Warm breath escaped from her slightly parted lips, which trembled slightly.

Staring at me from below with her gaze, I couldn't utter the words I had prepared.

"Whether that counts as cute is debatable. Besides, it's not just Isshiki who's considered cute..."

The more I talked, the more embarrassed I felt. I couldn't help but scratch my head and glance at the paperback I wasn't reading at all. In the end, even I didn't know what I was trying to say. In that case, maybe it would have been better to say nothing at all in the first place…

Just as I was thinking this, a soft chuckle came from nearby. I looked up and saw Yui sitting up straight, a smile on her face.

"...Yeah, that's true."

Her reaction gave me a strange sense of relief. Thanks to this, I was finally able to speak normally again.

"Besides, there are friendly older sisters here to chat with. She must like this place. Lately, she sometimes even arrives earlier than me."

After hearing what I said, Yukino put her hand to her mouth, showing a displeased expression.

"I don't know if Isshiki-san likes this place... but if she's coming, I hope she can let me know in advance. We're going through black tea faster than usual lately, so we need to prepare more tea and snacks. Most importantly, I have less time to concentrate on reading."

I sighed dramatically. Even though Yukinoshita was clearly complaining, the corners of her mouth gently turned up, making her seem somewhat happy.

This is like a grandmother with a sharp tongue but a soft heart, who still loves her granddaughter dearly. It's like that sweet complaint: "I specially bought a cat bed, but that little one refuses to sleep in it and insists on sleeping on the cardboard box. Honestly," I can almost picture Yukinoshita and Isshiki alone together.

Despite feigning indifference towards Isshiki, he was always mindful of her presence, unable to resist offering her tea and snacks, and taking great care of her. Isshiki, in turn, secretly rejoiced at her victory and gradually accepted Yukinoshita from the bottom of her heart... Wow, what did I just watch? Iroha x Yukino, awesome!

Sighing beneath the snow, the endless flow of color shifted east and west. Yuihama gazed blankly at her, murmuring softly:

"Should I come earlier too...?"

Her words were clearly tinged with envy. Upon hearing this, Yukino raised an eyebrow reproachfully:

"...This is a legitimate club activity, so arriving early is only natural."

"Ah... um, but I often accidentally chat with Yumiko and the others for too long, which is why I arrive so late."

Yui chuckled foolishly, scratching her bun, trying to fool everyone. But Yukinoshita's face remained expressionless.

"……Yeah?"

After giving a brief answer, she quietly shifted her gaze back to the book beside her.

It seems she's a little upset. I suppose so; after all, Yui's words sounded like she thought Miura was more important, which is why she accidentally stirred up her jealousy. The clubroom is peaceful as usual today.

However, if even I could notice, Yui couldn't possibly not have. I saw her straighten her posture and slightly move her chair.

"But actually, I wanted to come earlier too. I really enjoy these leisurely times when the three of us are together... no, I should say I absolutely love it."

Perhaps because the distance was closer than before, it made it easier to convey those words to Yukinoshita. Yukinoshita let out a soft breath and glanced sideways at Yuihama's expression. However, this glance was meaningless.

Because their expressions were almost identical.

They both lowered their eyes somewhat embarrassed, their cheeks slightly flushed.

"...I'll go brew some fresh black tea."

"Oh, really? Then I'll prepare some new snacks too!"

After Yui finished speaking, she started rummaging through her schoolbag.

Hmm... Although you're the one who eats almost all of those snacks... Just admit it, what you really like are snacks—I really want to shout that at her.

In the end, of course, I didn't say it aloud; I just let out a sigh mixed with a smile.

"Hikigaya-san?"

"Yes, thank you for your help."

When Yukino asked me that question, I gently handed her a teacup.

The warmth and aroma of black tea, combined with the sweet taste of biscuits.

"Here, take it."

"Oh, thank you."

The snacks on the plate were pushed in front of me. I picked one up and put it in my mouth, then whispered, "It's so hot!" I slowly sipped my black tea and finally let out a long sigh.

The three people's breaths overlapped, and they naturally met each other's gazes.

however……

At times like these, guests often come to the door.

As I expected, there was a soft knock at the door. "Come in," Yukino replied, and the guest slowly opened the door.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

Arriving at the clubhouse was Isshiki Iroha, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.

× × ×

While we were brewing an extra serving of black tea under the snow, Isshiki handed us several project plans.

"Well... things are pretty much settled now, so let me explain to you all."

"Yes, thank you for your help."

Yukinoshita answered, handing over a paper cup of black tea along with two packets of sugar. Isshiki thanked her and casually accepted the gifts... While Yukinoshita's dedication was admirable, Isshiki's ability to mold her into this way was also impressive.

"First, the event date and location..."

Before I could recover from my surprise, Isshiki had already begun her explanation. Only after hearing her voice did I look at the plan I had received.

My gaze suddenly fell on the event date.

"Isn't it Valentine's Day?"

Because our last discussion focused on how to deliver the chocolate to Hayato Hayama, I had assumed the cooking class would be held on Valentine's Day, but the actual event was scheduled for a few days before. Yukinoshita seemed to have considered this as well, shifting her gaze from the plan to look over there.

"Valentine's Day is the day of the entrance exam, and the teacher in charge of supervising it probably won't approve."

"Oh, right, and school was closed that day too."

Yui Hama said with a sudden realization, and Isshiki nodded gently to her.

"Yes, that's one of the reasons. But I think some students might have things to do on the day, and after considering the attendance rate, I felt that holding it earlier would be better for everyone."

"I see……"

This consideration is indeed reasonable.

If Valentine's Day were the day of entrance exams, I would definitely spend the whole day praying for Komachi's success. Even if it meant performing tasatsu and tsujisatsu rituals, or even the Omoikan-tan-yu (a ritual involving a divine trial), I would do it without hesitation—no, let's skip the Omoikan-tan-yu. (Note 12: All three are ancient Japanese rituals. The Omoikan-tan-yu is a form of divine judgment; the actual practice involves throwing a person into boiling water. If innocent, nothing happens; if guilty, they are burned.)

My mind was completely occupied by Komachi; the event itself had become irrelevant.

Since the entrance exam coincides with Valentine's Day, Komachi definitely won't prepare chocolates, right...? No, if she were to stay up all night making chocolates filled with love for me before the exam, even I would lose my temper and hit her, then gently hug her...

Ah... Komachi Chocolate—in short, "small"—is slipping away from me...

While I was groaning in pain, Isshiki continued to explain in a serious tone:

"Would it be alright if Yukinoshita-senpai arrived around 5 PM that day? It's fine if senpai and Yui-senpai arrive a little later."

"I don't care."

"We're going with Yukino too, right?"

Yuihama's voice came from afar.

"Ah...it doesn't matter anymore..."

Since I can't get the chocolate from Komachi, nothing else matters... My whole heart turns to dust and gradually disappears, like an ARMS whose core has been destroyed (Note 13: A work by Japanese manga artist Ryoji Minagawa, also translated as "The Arm of God"). After all, Komachi is my core, so this is something that can't be helped.

I slumped into the chair, my body turning to white as if I had burned out completely, when I saw Isshiki sitting diagonally across from me casting a cold gaze at me.

"Why does my senior seem to have given up on himself..."

Hearing Isshiki say that, Yui chuckled twice, telling her not to take it to heart.

"Haha, the reasons why autistic men always become like this are pretty much the same, just ignore him."

"Yes, I can roughly guess why. It's okay to leave it alone."

"Uh... I see..."

Yukinoshita's words were full of helplessness, and Isshiki replied with a tone of "It really doesn't matter what."

She continued explaining:

"The student council will be responsible for providing all the materials and tools, so there won't be any problems. However, you'll probably need to bring your own aprons and such."

Yukinoshita, who had been listening and nodding while resting her chin on her hand, suddenly looked up...

"Just to be on the safe side, could you show me the list of treatment tools later? I'd like to make sure I haven't forgotten anything."

"receive!"

Judging from Isshiki's answer, I wasn't sure if she had actually listened. She was still taking notes on her plan, twirling her pen like a magic wand, and then looking at Yuihama.

"That's about it for the follow-up matters. Could you please contact Miura-senpai and Ebina-senpai, Yui-senpai? I'm not sure how to contact them."

"Okay, I understand."

Yui answered nonchalantly, but I froze for a moment.

Oh...oh...please don't intentionally or unintentionally reveal the dark side of female society, okay...We've met before, we've spoken, yet now we're acting like we're on the same wavelength, it's kind of scary...The scary thing about women is that when they talk, you can't tell at all whether their relationship is good or not...

...No, that's not right. Isshiki and Miura's relationship doesn't seem very good, so this seems somewhat normal. Truly, as expected of Queen Miura, she despises hypocrisy above all else!

"Also... I'd like to trouble you to contact that... that... that scary senior from the Chuan family..."

"Okay, I'll handle the contacting of Saki as well."

Yui answered nonchalantly, but I froze for a moment.

Oh...oh...Isshiki can't remember her name either...No wonder she's a Kawa-something type. But Iroha, you absolutely can't say that in front of her! Don't slap her in the face! Try to take her mid lane!

Isshiki lowered his head again to check the plan, looking for any omissions, then suddenly remembered something and added:

"By the way, if there are any other people you'd like to invite, just let me know. I'll adjust the number accordingly."

"Oh, can we call someone else?"

"Sure. It seems like Senior Hubu was planning to come uninvited."

Her tone was unmistakably disdainful. It was too cruel to say this to a genuinely annoying, albeit good, person... but I loved it!

"Ah... he must have heard it from Yumiko or Hayato..."

Yuihama gave a troubled, wry smile. "Tobe's going to participate too...? Well, if Tobe participates in this all-girls event, Hayama should feel less pressured and can participate without worry. After all, that guy is surprisingly understanding; he probably heard about this somewhere and decided to get involved. Tobe's annoying, but he's really a good person..."

When I thought of this, a few words suddenly flashed through my mind.

Ministry of Revenue, male student, female student, Hayama... can we call other people?