My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 453

Even though there wasn't a trace of winter in sight, it was inexplicably cold. I especially felt the temperature difference compared to when I was in the classroom, so I pulled my scarf up a little higher.

As I walked along, muttering "So cold, so cold" while wrapped in my scarf, I heard light, pattering footsteps behind me.

Just as I was about to turn around, I was hit hard on the shoulder. I looked up and saw Yuihama, who was sulking and looking dissatisfied.

"Why did you leave first...?"

"No, they didn't say we'd go together..."

Upon hearing my complaints about being treated this way, Yuihama stared blankly with her mouth agape, seemingly a little embarrassed as she began to tidy her hair.

"...Ah, I thought they were waiting for me. Xiaoqi stayed in the classroom for a while..."

"No, that's because..."

As I spoke, I couldn't help but wonder why I was still in the classroom. There had indeed been a few times when Yui had invited me to the activity room. Perhaps that's why I unconsciously started waiting for her to speak to me.

However, I also thought of other valid reasons.

"How should I put it? Let's take a quick look at Hayama and Miura's situation."

"Ah, um. It seems like everything's alright now. That's great."

Yuihama sighed softly, nodded, and then, in the deserted corridor, quickly walked a few steps ahead of me and lowered her head.

"It feels good this way. Everyone has all sorts of ideas, but they still value the present moment, or rather, they believe that the present is the best time..."

He seemed to be carefully considering each word he spoke, his expression carrying a peaceful smile.

"Well, that's true. Maybe now is the best time."

"Wow! It's rare to see a little business owner so optimistic...!"

"Recalling the past makes me regret it to death, and thinking about the future makes me depressed because of anxiety. By process of elimination, I can say that the present is happiness."

"I'm still very pessimistic!"

Yuihama puffed out her cheeks, trotted up to me, and started grumbling.

"Saying something like that all of a sudden...you should have considered the atmosphere."

"The atmosphere..."

I was just using an analogy.

Are you referring to this Valentine's Day-like atmosphere?

Ah, I understand that. I've also come to understand it from their stories, and I feel somewhat drawn into that atmosphere, like that phrase "going with the flow." So, I wait, expecting, taking advantage of their favor, and attempting to simply wash my hands of it.

However, I think that's not enough.

Merely waiting is dishonest. Whatever the answer or outcome may be, experience it firsthand without deception or suspicion before regretting or reminiscing.

So let's swallow our anger and ask.

"Speaking of which..."

Yuihama turned around at my slightly raised, forced voice, tilting her head and asking with her eyes what had happened after I interrupted her. To face this somewhat dazzling sight, I turned my face slightly away.

"...Are you free these next few days?"

"Huh?"

Yuihama waved her hands at me, looking somewhat flustered. "Hey, you idiot, why are you so nervous?!" I...I won't say another word!

"It's a thank-you gift for helping with the healing, and... um."

She stopped gently and gave a soft "hmm." Perhaps thinking of something, she took out her phone and frantically looked at it. Then, she ran her fingers through her messy bun of hair.

"Uh, I guess... I should say I'm free whenever I have free time, or..."

She casually looked away, her light brown hair fluttering in the wind. The setting sun streaming into the corridor tinged her cheeks and hair with a vibrant red.

The corridor connecting the school building and the annex is very short.

Footsteps and voices could be heard in the distance.

The time spent silently facing it did not last long.

"I'm free whenever you are, as long as you're available."

I spoke quickly, stopping at this point before walking ahead of her. A questioning reply came from behind, but it soon turned into the sound of footsteps following me.

Thank her for what happened that day. In other words, it was just simple etiquette, manners, and social obligations. Nothing more.

But perhaps, it's not just these words—

Act III

The door was opened with great energy. Stepping inside, one is enveloped in a gentle breeze.

Even though there were far fewer people than in the classroom, it somehow felt much warmer here. Or perhaps it's because the activity room in the special building gets more sunlight.

Bathed in the gentle sunlight, Yukino Yukinoshita sat in her usual spot.

She lifted her head from the paperback in her hand, gently brushed her long hair aside, and revealed a soft smile.

"Good day."

"it is good."

"Hey there! Little Snow."

Yuihama raised her hand in response, and I greeted her casually as usual before sitting down in our respective seats.

Without declaring it to anyone, without being forced by anyone, and without anyone questioning it, this became my fixed seat, my space, my daily residence.

That's why if there's someone who's not used to it around, the sense of incongruity is really quite significant.

"Senior, you're so slow!"

"So why are you here...?"

The one sprawled on the table, swinging her legs back and forth, was none other than Isshiki Hatake, the student council president of this school. She puffed out her cheeks with a "humph," tilted her head to one side, and every gesture she made exuded a mischievous charm… Speaking of which, you arrived even earlier than me and Yuihama, so what was your name again, Kaze?

"I've already asked her what's wrong, but she said she'd wait until you get here to talk about it, so she's been staying here."

Yukinoshita spoke with a sigh. Her gaze towards Isshiki was extremely cold, yet the fact that she was served tea might unexpectedly be a sign of welcome. After all, there are all sorts of ways to welcome someone; I'd love to collect them all!

As for the person involved, Yi Se, she remained unfazed even under the cold gaze of the snow. She came to my side, covered her mouth with her hand, and whispered furtively.

"When I first came in, Yukinoshita-senpai was smiling so happily, but when she saw it was me, she immediately looked disappointed... and I've felt like that ever since."

Ah, I see... After all, nothing good ever happens when Isshiki comes! Hahaha. Seriously, why is this guy here? Just as I was thinking this, I heard a soft clearing of the throat.

"...Isshiki-kun?"

Then I saw Yukinoshita with a beaming smile. Ah, I know that smile! It's that dreadful Yukinoshita's smile!

"Yes, yes! I'm sorry, I really did have something to do!"

Is Isshiki having a conditioned reflex? To avoid Yukinoshita's smile, she's been pushing my back repeatedly. Hey, stop it! I'm a little afraid of this too.

"Never mind, never mind. Is Aya's matter related to the student council?"

While trying to smooth things over, Yui waved to Isshiki, saying, "Come on, Isshiki." So, Isshiki casually returned to his seat, saying, "Yui-senpai is so kind—"

So, what's the matter? I glanced at Isshiki, who waved his hand back and forth with an even more nonchalant expression.

"Oh dear, I'm actually more free than I expected!"

"what?"

"What is this guy saying as always...?" I thought to myself, looking at her speechlessly. Iroha seemed completely unconcerned by my gaze, tilting her head cutely with her index finger on her chin.

"There are no school activities now, but the vice presidents are working incredibly hard on all the mundane tasks. As for the year-end reports and such, all I have to do is stamp them at the end."

Well… I don’t know much about student council work, but maybe that’s just how it feels. Right now, third-year students are preparing for exams, and the school is also busy with entrance exams for new students. So, it might actually be quite quiet.

"So, when things aren't too busy, the student council just lets things hang around."

Oh, a conscientious operator, huh... In this respect, having people gather in this room even though they have no work makes this club undoubtedly heartless. The heartless operator was nodding and gesturing with his chin.

"You should still have club activities, right?"

When Yukinoshita tilted her head to ask a question, Isshiki blushed slightly with a hint of shyness and looked away in a cute way.

"...It's very cold over at the soccer club."

"How embarrassing! This is a reason to be ashamed." Yukinoshita rubbed her temples as if trying to relieve her headache, while Yuihama gave a dry, awkward smile.

"Ah, haha... So what's the matter?"

When asked that question, Isse cleared his throat with a cough and turned to face me.

"By the way, senior, I was just asking casually, do you like sweets?"

"I think Hayama would happily eat anything, no matter what it is."

I already understood Isshiki's operating principles, so I preemptively said this. Seeing this, Isshiki puffed up his cheeks, looking somewhat bored. Hearing these words, Yuihama exclaimed "Ah!" as if she had thought of something.

"Oh, but Hayato said he doesn't accept chocolates."

"Eh—, why—!"

"...No, I don't know?"

Seeing Yuihama tilting her head, stumped by the question, Yukinoshita let out a short sigh.

"Something unpleasant is bound to happen. Back in elementary school, the atmosphere in the classroom was usually tense the next day..."

"……what."

"...Ah, maybe I can understand it a little."

Isshiki and Yui both nodded. "Yeah, I understand." "I totally understand!"

It's easy to imagine that the classroom will turn into a scene of "Heart-pounding☆The Witch Trial: All Girls Absent as Defendants! Even Tattling!" the next morning. Most of the topics at girls' meetings are badmouthing other girls, right? (Based on my own investigation).

Just as I was feeling "how scary~", Isshiki, who had survived to this day despite being constantly criticized in the underworld, no, the girls' society, sighed casually.

"Then it'll be based on your preference, senior. Do you like sweets?"

"Isn't this a strange way of asking questions..."

Although it was the same question as before, I was reluctant to answer honestly. Incidentally, my indifference was more than just a little bit. Just as I was thinking this, the chair clicked. I looked over and saw Yui leaning forward.

"Little Qi loves sweets!"

"Yes."

Strangely, for some reason, Yukinoshita wore a haughty smile with an air of superiority. Overwhelmed by the two's imposing presence, Isshiki began to stammer.

"Although it's a bit... a shame that it's being answered by the two of you, it's just perfect!"

"Huh...no, what's just right?"

"I'm having a hard time figuring out how sweet to make it—don't different people have different preferences?"

Ishiki completely ignored my questions and continued the conversation. Yukinoshita tilted her head slightly in response.

"How sweet do you want it... Isshiki-kun, are you planning to make it yourself?"

"That's really unexpected..."

Hearing what I said, Yise got angry.

"Why? I'm very good at making desserts."

"That's great! I'd love to learn how to make desserts too, but I'm still not very good at it..."

Isshiki puffed out her small chest, while Yuihama, in contrast, shrank back somewhat awkwardly. Hmm, the one she's puffing out actually looks smaller. Is my sense of perspective off? ...Or is it a perspective error? Anyway, I hope the animation will be corrected in the Blu-ray release!

That said, Yuihama's situation isn't at the level of being bad at it anymore, well, whatever. Compared to her breasts, it's nothing.

"Yui-senpai, the most important thing in cooking is sincerity. The most important thing in handmade food is gentleness and thoughtfulness. The secret to becoming good at it is to genuinely care about the other person."

Isshiki gently patted Yuihama's shoulder, who looked dejected, to comfort her, and held up a finger. Then, with a soft smile, he spoke gently in an encouraging voice.

"The guys they're interested in are all clueless about baking, so they're really susceptible to handmade treats. After mass-producing them at low cost, just put a little effort into shaping each one differently. That'll make winning them over a piece of cake."

"Where has all the consideration gone... Even gentleness is only for the sake of one's own wallet."

"Because there's absolutely nothing wrong with its way of thinking, it's even more egregious..."

"I can't feel happy at all..."

Even the dignified Yise chickened out after being spoken to so harshly. He forcefully changed the subject, saying, "Let's put that aside for now."