My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 458

"Ah! Chocolate fondue or something! It's kind of like a chocolate pie, sounds really interesting!"

"It would be nice if everyone played together, but since this is a cooking class, so..."

Although it was a little difficult to say, Isshiki still made an X with her fingers. Yuihama saw this and stammered dejectedly.

So, Yukinoshita, who had been watching the two of them go back and forth, nodded.

"In that case, let's teach some common things... something a little more aesthetically pleasing, yet simple..."

Looking at her phone, Yukinoshita suddenly seemed to notice something and gently nudged Isshiki's arm.

"Handmade cookies?"

"And there's no need to measure it, it seems pretty simple."

"Ah—I feel like I could make that too."

The moment Yui finished speaking, I was speechless. No, no, what are you saying...?

"........."

"Don't stay silent!"

My silence overlapped with Yuihama's sorrowful cries.

After that sound ceased, an exceptionally elegant melody woven forth. Snow gently and quietly caressed Yuihama's shoulder.

"Yuigahama-san, I think it's worthwhile to put more effort into the packaging at times like this, okay?"

"Don't go out of your way to take care of me!"

Yuihama's wailing cries could be heard. No, no, while taste is important, packaging is just as important!

However, the requirements in the commission were all difficult conditions, making progress impossible.

The perfect chocolate for those who feel obligated to give it to someone they care about without feeling ashamed. It should be easy to learn and fun for children to make.

Then, an even more difficult problem is what Yukinoshita has been nagging about since earlier.

"What Yui-chan can do... what Yui-chan can do..."

"That's so mean, Xiaoxue!"

Yui, still crying, snuggled against Yukino. Although Yukino's body was restrained, she still managed to lift her head and write down the information she had found in her notebook. Yui, meanwhile, continued to hold her tightly, peeking forward from under her armpits.

Then, Yui suddenly smiled happily.

Yukinoshita, who was concerned that Yuihama was mocking her, glanced at her with some displeasure.

"……What's wrong?"

"Ah, it's nothing... I just feel a little nostalgic."

Yuihama hurriedly waved her hand, trying to brush it off, but as her hand slowly fell, she spoke calmly. Her gaze, looking towards the snow-covered ground, seemed exceptionally bright.

I know the answer to what she misses. And perhaps Yukinoshita feels the same way.

"……Yes."

Yukinoshita replied briefly. However, her gaze, which had been fixed on Yuihama, lingered on her figure for a long time after she finished speaking.

A moment later, Yuihama smiled shyly and moved her chair to get closer to Yukinoshita, and the two of them ended up sitting side by side right in front of me.

"...Huh?"

Then, as if to confirm, she whispered. Watching her tilt her head and peer over from afar in this innocent and carefree manner, his expression softened.

"yes"

I gave a brief reply and then looked away.

It's only been less than a year since then, but it already feels like a very memorable time. In that room where nothing had started, and at that moment when everything came to life.

"Little Rainbow, thank you."

"Eh, ah, yes, no... wh, what's wrong?"

Suddenly thanked by Yuihama, Isshiki was at a loss for words, tilting his head back repeatedly. Perhaps because the gesture was so amusing, Yuihama chuckled softly. Then, after suppressing her laughter, she sighed with satisfaction.

"Although this year is almost over, it's really great to have something pleasant to do at the end..."

"Although it's only been a short time since the beginning of this year."

"To be precise, it should be this academic year."

After Yukinoshita and I finished speaking, Yuihama puffed out her cheeks slightly.

"Isshiki, oh my god, you two are so petty..." That scared me. But as if thinking that even this conversation had finally come to an end, she looked at us and let out a long sigh, saying "That's it" as she stood up.

"Black tea, thank you for the treat. Well then, I'll leave it to you all."

"Ah, yes. Thank you for your help that day!"

"Well then, see you another day. I'll do the valuation."

After listening to Yuihama and Yukinoshita's words, Isshiki bowed and left the activity room.

The three who were left behind experienced a more genuine sense of nostalgia than before.

But perhaps this feeling of nostalgia stems from the fact that so many things have changed. Perhaps it's because we've lost our original sense of identity somewhere. Perhaps it's because we've realized that we can no longer touch anything exactly like that.

That's why it's so memorable.

If changes do begin, then one day they will inevitably come to an end.

Yuihama, her face beaming with a pure smile, and Yukinoshita, gazing at her as if dazzled by it. The two of them chatted about meaningless, empty words.

Even though it was just this scene, incredibly, my heart was filled with so much.

○ No matter where I am, I'm always moved by the way girls work hard.

Several days passed after the day the tumultuous negotiations began.

During that time, our service department didn't do anything particularly significant, just offering various suggestions to Isshiki who occasionally came to check.

On the other hand, Isshiki herself seemed to be seriously dealing with her work. Even when I saw her after school, I could see her rushing around in a flustered manner several times.

Incidentally, the vice president, carrying a mountain of documents, looking dejected and sighing, and the secretary encouraging him, also frequently came into view. "Don't underestimate him, get some work done, vice president!" Hello everyone, basically, my motto is to treat boys with a strict attitude.

In short, on the day of the event, the student council members were still busy with their work. It was a world of difference from the Christmas event. Although not much time had passed and nothing had changed, the contrast between the arrogant commands and the vice president's helpless complaints created a lively atmosphere.

The three of them couldn't help but laugh together.

The student council members, led by Isshiki, were busily preparing for the event. It seems no help is needed. Isshiki, you've finally grown up. I feel both gratified and a little disappointed...

That being said, I wonder who will actually be attending today's event...? My work this time only involves helping out on the day itself; I have absolutely no idea about the event itself.

Miura and Ebina, who were there for the discussion, and Kawasaki, who was sure to come, were also coming. Hayama, who was in charge of the tasting, should also be there... Just as I was thinking this, a familiar figure came from across the road.

Yuihama, having noticed, waved her hand dramatically.

"Ah, it's Hime and the others. Yay!!"

"Hello, hello—please take good care of me today."

Judging when the traffic light would change, Ebina quickly ran over. It seemed that Hubu was running alongside her.

Old Name and Yui started chatting noisily.

Just as they were thinking, "The Ministry of Revenue is as annoying as ever," Miura, who came up behind them, seemed quite calm.

Miura frequently glanced at the person beside him, sometimes adjusting his backpack and sometimes playing with his hair, looking somewhat distracted.

Well, there's nothing we can do about it. After all, we'll be giving this guy handmade chocolates later.

Although it's unclear what he said to get him invited, it seems Miura successfully brought Hayama over.

In short, I had overcome the first hurdle. Now, all Miura needed to do was make the handmade chocolates well, and his request would be fine. I couldn't help but feel relieved, so I picked up the Max coffee from the steps at my feet and slowly began to drink it. Then, I heard hurried footsteps.

Then, in a split second, a single colored feather came into my view.

"Ah, Hayama-senpai! Thank you for coming today."

As she spoke, Isshiki immediately stood to the side of Hayama. Although Miura glared fiercely over Hayama, Isshiki avoided his gaze with a bright smile. Ah, another hurdle has appeared with Miura…

"Oh, Aya... Ah—is it really okay for me to come? I've never made any desserts or anything, so it seems like I won't be of much help."

"Is it really necessary to worry about this? Rather, Hayato only needs to offer his opinions..."

"That means—please let me try it!"

Miura and Isshiki tried to persuade Hayama to stay, or rather, they coaxed him in with shy and sweet voices. Hayama, as always, gave a refreshing yet slightly bitter smile.

"Well then, let's go in first."

"Yes, we need to start preparing."

After Yuihama and Yukinoshita nodded to each other as if to confirm, Ebina and the others followed closely behind them into the community center.

"That guy's got a hard time, hahaha." I followed behind them with a relaxed attitude, observing as if it were none of my business, while gulping down my Max coffee.

These are just meaningless thoughts, because, in any case, Hachiman Hikigaya could never make the same choice as Hayato Hayama.

Act Two

The noise of unloading the delivered raw materials created an atmosphere that suggested the event had already begun. Student council president Iroha Isshiki was busily planning and confirming each step of the process.

As she instructed, the Ministry of Revenue, the vice president, and I carried the heavy cardboard boxes to the kitchen. As soon as we put them down, the atmosphere suddenly became lively—

Yuihama, who usually lacks enthusiasm for cooking, exclaimed "Wow!" upon seeing the box filled with all sorts of ingredients. Yukinoshita, busy with her work, remained silent; once she finished, she began assigning tasks.

Sugar, baking powder, chocolate, and other cooking ingredients, along with the clamor of people talking about this and that, truly gave the impression that the work had begun. The three of us didn't stop and continued working. At this moment, the one who probably understood this best was the Minister of Revenue. He frequently and forcefully tugged at the back of his hair, seemingly quite pleased with himself.

"Events are so exciting! — Ah — Ayaha is already acting like the student council president!"

"Yes, I am the student council president. But I also continue to serve as the manager. I'll participate more in club activities when the weather gets warmer."

No, no, even if it's cold, you still have to participate properly in the club activities...

Upon hearing Isshiki's enthusiastic response, Hobe smiled, gave a thumbs-up, and winked. Ugh, so annoying.

Then, I successfully opened the box and took out the mixed ingredients of crushed chocolate, the main ingredient for today.

Upon seeing this, the Ministry of Revenue seemed to remember something and muttered something.

"Wow, the chocolate looks so delicious—I really want to try a bite!"

"what?"

Even when Isshiki swept his gaze and voice coldly at him, Hobe remained completely speechless. On the contrary, he took a slight breath and looked stern, as if he had made up his mind about something.

Then, after standing up and looking around to make sure he was in his surroundings, he gently waved for us to come and gather.

"What? Is there something you want to whisper?"

"It's not easy to find a place to open up right now..."

Yuihama eagerly leaned forward, and Yukinoshita, despite looking reluctant, was pulled along by Yuihama. They then formed a perfect circle. Could it be that this circle formation is prompting them to start the engine at full speed?

Hubu, tugging at his hairline and twirling his hair with his fingers, spoke shyly despite his fear. "Hey, this isn't cute at all."

"Oh, well, how so? We're making chocolate today, right? And then I thought, in a way, it wouldn't be so bad to do it the other way around... What do you think?"

"How about it?" You know, this isn't an ad for mixed crispy rice and beans... and this isn't some middle-aged woman here.

Besides, even though you've been putting on a show all along, you still get blocked or dodged. If it were really the other way around, you should be more low-key. What?! That "if a push doesn't work, just push him over" kind of thing... Such proactive guys are so rare these days, it's really tempting!

However, it seemed that I was the only one who was moved. The girls' team was all extremely slow to react.

"...Ha, so you're saying you wanted to show off in order to get the chocolate?"

Since no one else reacted, I had no choice but to summarize it directly, and the Ministry of Revenue immediately pointed the finger at me.

"That's it! Well, that's roughly the idea?"

Upon hearing this, Isshiki looked disgusted.

"I don't know who it's targeting, but I think it'll definitely backfire. Acting like you want chocolate or something is generally disgusting. Just be honest."

"oh oh……"

Xiao Caiyu is so mean... The Ministry of Revenue was speechless and looked around at everyone present, hoping someone could smooth things over.

Then, Yukinoshita responded to this expectation. With her hand under her face and head tilted to the side, she presented her conclusion after particularly serious consideration.

However, Isshiki-kun's point is valid... It's really annoying to always have a chattering presence darting around in your field of vision.

"..."