My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 416

Komachi patted her chest reassuringly. So flat-chested, it really is Komachi. Seriously, recognizing a younger sister in a place like this is just too embarrassing.

"younger sister?"

He opened his mouth uncertainly, then turned to me for confirmation.

"Yes"

"They don't look alike at all..."

Don't laugh! Komachi is indeed quite cute, completely different from me, her older brother. But that's good, isn't it?

"It's a pleasure to meet you. My brother has caused you trouble."

"Ah...no, nice to meet you," Orimoto replied.

They both smiled without saying a word.

Komachi is usually very outgoing and talkative, but today she seemed surprised that I actually initiated a conversation with a girl and hesitated to speak. I appreciate her love for her brother! Komachi got a high score just now!

My younger sister and Orimoto are in the same school, but they are in the junior high and senior high school respectively. I don't know if they have met before.

After all, no one would be overly familiar with their classmate's younger sister.

Just then, a boy walked over to them:

Good evening, brother.

"Don't call me brother, and who are you?!"

Her short, dark blue hair swayed gently. I know her sister, but we're not that close. They look quite alike, siblings.

"Understood, brother, I am Kawasaki Taishi."

Taishi Kawasaki raised his hand and answered me somewhat seriously.

I really don't know where to begin my rant; I'm afraid I'll collapse from exhaustion after just getting started.

Zheben walked over to Komachi with small, quick steps and whispered, "Boyfriend?"

Smiling calmly, Komachi slowly said:

"No, a friend."

I glanced over discreetly and noticed that Dazhi's shoulders were drooping slightly.

Well, that's a dead end to the conversation.

No, I have to do something to break this awkward atmosphere.

She stepped on the pedal, making a sound. The three of us looked at her.

"Then I'm leaving."

He turned his head and said calmly.

What a kind person... Although I don't know if she really wants to leave, she probably has concerns about us too.

"Thanks"

I was the one cycling here, and I almost forgot she was the one taking me home. However, she didn't seem to hear my thanks; she looked at me strangely, then smiled.

"If you want to work, I can really help you find some opportunities."

"Perhaps it's not necessary."

"Well, that makes sense. Bye?"

"Well, have a nice trip."

Orimoto waved and walked away amidst the rustling sound. I waved goodbye as well, while Komachi bowed.

He watched her disappear into the night. He turned and looked at Komachi, giving her a wink as he looked away.

Dazhi suddenly asked, "Girlfriend?"

"Who are you? Why are you suddenly barging out and saying things I don't understand?"

"I've been here since just now. My name is Kawasaki Taishi!!"

Can you please stop shouting so loudly in the middle of the night? It's disturbing the neighbors. And who are you anyway?

In a sense, Kawasaki Taishi was a big shot.

That guy named Kawasaki Saki is the younger brother of my classmate. He's the same age as Komachi, and we seem to go to the same cram school—we could be considered classmates, since that cram school is actually quite similar to a regular middle school. His house, like mine, is quite close to that cram school, but we go to different schools, and the way home from the cram school is in opposite directions. Even though we're in the same school district, our homes are quite far apart.

This kid definitely didn't just happen to be passing by.

But I don't find it surprising at all that Taishi Kawasaki would be here.

Because high school boys are the kind of creatures who will follow behind the girl they like, trying to find out where she lives, based on my own experience.

Ugh, what kind of talk is that? High school boys, they're disgusting! I feel like beating up my younger self...

Taishi and Komachi chatted casually, and judging from Komachi's face, there was no sign of dislike. Komachi must have invited him. I waited for their conversation to pause, then asked:

"Coming back together?"

"Yeah, he had homework to do last night and something else to do, so he came over."

Uh...you weren't waiting for Komachi to finish her homework, were you...? Waiting this long is a bit...well, in some ways, it's commendable. But in other ways, it's terrible...I was still lost in thought when Komachi tugged at my sleeve:

Dazhi needs to speak with you.

"Oh, so you weren't looking for Komachi?" I looked at Daishi. He coughed lightly, straightened his back, and looked at me seriously.

"Brother, there's something I want to discuss with you."

"No way. Don't call me 'brother.' By the way, who are you?"

"No, I can't back down either. My name is Kawasaki Taishi."

This kid is advancing like a warrior facing certain death! He's got guts! Wait, what am I thinking? Without realizing it, I looked away. Ah, ah, being attacked so forcefully, I can't refuse. If we were staring at each other like this in the jungle, wouldn't looking away like this be admitting defeat?

"Well, what's wrong?" I decided to listen first.

"I'd like to discuss with you some questions regarding the interview portion of the entrance exam."

"Interviews...it seems like there really are."

That was so long ago, I almost forgot it even happened. Right, right, the first day was the written test, the second day was the interview. Uh, well…

I turned to Komachi.

"Komachi, how's your interview preparation going?"

"You've already attended the mock interview."

"A mock interview..."

Come to think of it, there really is such a thing. It's supposed to help you get used to interviews, and if you're lucky, it might even get you a recommendation spot. But it seems Komachi didn't get one, though she was just a little short.

How could the last genius of the Hachiman family be stumped by such a simple interview? No problem, no problem. A high score on the written test is all that matters. What's that saying again? Brute force can overcome any skill; solid ability will naturally solve other problems. Your brother really thinks highly of Komachi, you know?

Back then, I didn't rely on any fancy recommendation letters or admission without exams; I just brute-forced my way through based on my high written test scores. As for what happened in the interview the next day... I can't remember. After the written test on the first day, I felt confident that I had it all, and I didn't think about anything else.

So, I have absolutely no recollection of such a thing. Even if I did remember, it would be vague and completely unreliable, right? After all, it wasn't a big deal. But for middle school students of this age, they're in a semi-conscious state where even small things can cause them considerable anxiety, so it's perfectly normal for them to worry about entrance exam interviews.

"I've never participated in a mock interview before, and I've never had this kind of experience before. I always feel uncertain about myself..."

Dazhi lowered his head in frustration.

Although, as someone who's been through it, I think this kind of worry is pointless: even if you stellar in the interview, you won't be promoted just because you failed the written test, right? The written test is more important—that's just my personal opinion.

So, after much deliberation, I spoke:

"The interview isn't that difficult, and it's not as important as you think. Besides, your sister knows a lot about these things, so just ask her, right?"

"Oh, that's the problem. My sister says she doesn't know anything about it..."

No, no, no! If she heard you say those things with that sarcastic tone, you'd definitely get beaten up.

While I agree with Taishi's assessment—Kawasaki Saki seems like the type who isn't good at sweet talk, and her subtle intimidation makes her seem like a delinquent, implying she'd have no chance in job interviews—she's actually just an ordinary high school girl, not as scary as I imagined.

So who started spreading the rumor that she was a delinquent...? I guess it was those people trying to maintain their supposedly superior social circles? That way, they can project a facade of happiness through their insincere, cute words. Unlike me, I've always been a noble loner. Ah, speaking of delinquents, I remember being extorted for 500 yen in middle school; I've held a grudge ever since!

"Given my sister's condition... you're the only one I can ask, brother."

"that's true."

No, I still feel like you're talking badly about your sister... but I completely appreciate your concern for her. Otherwise, you wouldn't have sought help from someone you know in the Service Department; you're probably thinking of your sister's feelings. Looks like I need to think more highly of you.

Dazhi cleared his throat as if to draw my attention again.

"This might take some time to explain, how about we go somewhere else?"

As he spoke, he kept glancing toward the gate.

This guy's trying to get in by going in circles, huh? But how can I let another man into Komachi's house...?

"Well, that's true." I took two steps without making a sound and blocked one side of the doorway. But Dazhi was still looking at my doorway with a shifty look on his face.

This won't do!

Upon seeing this, Komachi suddenly couldn't help but laugh:

"Well, the house is a bit messy right now. If we're looking for a change of scenery, the MOS Burger in front of the station is pretty good. But I won't go there; it's too cold."

Wait, am I seeing things...? Did Dazhi's cheek twitch just now?

"Ah, yes, it is indeed cold," Dazhi replied with a silly grin.

I'm so scared... My hope of getting in has been cut off in one fell swoop. I feel a little sorry for Dazhi...

However, as the older brother, I should kick him while he's down!

"If it's really that cold, let's talk another day?"

"Thinking about it carefully, it doesn't feel that cold. Yes, not cold. So, please, bro."

Dazhi scratched his nose and laughed to hide his embarrassment.

Sure, you're not as stupid as I thought. I was actually thinking of asking him to leave. It seems your determination has overcome the cold! I must respect your resolve. Let me temporarily set aside my duties as an older brother today and talk to you.

"Well, if it doesn't take long."

"Thank you bro"

Dazhi's eyes lit up, and he radiated confidence. With that kind of liveliness and self-assurance, he should be able to handle the interview, right? However, all he needed now was an encouraging answer, so I'll give him one.

Thinking this, I casually straightened my collar and asked in a stern tone:

Why did you choose our school?

Dazhi met my intense gaze and cleared his throat: "Well... my sister also attends this school. Moreover, your school has excellent results in both arts and sciences subjects. Plus, it's close to home, so I think it's the best choice."

He answered politely and cautiously, unhurriedly. I nodded to him, smiled, and said what any interviewer would say from my perspective:

"You said it very fluently, didn't you? How was it? Did you say everything you were supposed to say, just like in practice?"

A cold wind blew by...

Daishi stood there speechless, his mouth agape, while Komachi shook her head helplessly beside him.

"Ugh, bro, you're really terrible..."

"No, it's not that I'm bad. There have been interviewers who said that! Trust me, Komachi!"

Yes, it really exists. I'm not kidding you. I went through a high-pressure interview once... Never mind, it's all tears.

Dazhi didn't back down. He took a deep breath and said, "Let me... try one more time..."

Then a soft voice came from behind: "—Please."

Wow, you're really serious. Then I'll have to take you seriously. Show me what you've got.

"Okay. So, why did you choose our school?"

Dazhi held his breath and answered the question firmly:

"When choosing a high school, I fully considered the possibility of continuing to university. I carefully read your school's brochure and learned more from my sister who is studying here. I believe that your school can help me realize my aspirations."

I closed my eyes, listening haughtily to his speech. Finally, a breath escaped, signaling his end. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at him carefully. Perhaps I had been too serious, for Dazhi trembled slightly. I smiled, easing his tension, crossed my arms, and nodded. Dazhi's tense shoulders relaxed.

"Yes, you mentioned your personal growth, which is great. However, is this something you should be doing on our work site? We have no obligation to educate you."

Staring straight at his lofty ambitions.

Another gust of cold wind blew by...