My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 487

I deliberately tried to stay alert to answer, but Totsuka inexplicably took a few steps back. Okay, actually, I know perfectly well myself. If I brag about staying up all night playing video games, of course people will back away… I didn’t sleep! I haven’t slept for three days and three nights playing video games! Huh? Where did you hear that I didn’t sleep? Where did you hear that? [Note] Facing what others would consider an idiot like me, Totsuka, as if trying to rouse himself, put his hands on his hips and puffed out his cheeks. [Note 47: Adapted from a captivating quote by Japanese manga artist Misawa Jigoku. The original quote is “Do I look that much like I haven’t slept—? Where did you hear that? Where did you hear that—?”]

"But that's too unhealthy. You can only play video games for one hour a day!"

He raised his index finger and lectured everyone with the attitude of "Let's follow the rules and have a fun duel!" [Note] This guy is really a good person... [Note 48: From the slogan inserted before the opening theme of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime.]

Totsuka glanced behind him, at the classroom I had just left, and added in a low voice:

"And if you keep doing this, won't Yukinoshita and Yuigahama get angry?"

I could only manage a wry smile. They are indeed good people who would offer advice in situations like this.

"...I've been able to play so hard because there haven't been any club activities lately."

The words slipped out unconsciously. Totsuka nodded in understanding.

"Ah, so you're taking a break."

"Just for a short while. So I have nothing else to do..."

I couldn't help but yawn while answering. I'm so sleepy right now [Note]... I even saw angels. No, no, no! I just received Totsuka's reward... no, it was a kiss... no, it was a kind reminder. If I show that I want to sleep, I'll get another reward. Even someone like Totsuka would only get a disdainful look if I asked him for another reward. That doesn't seem so bad... [Note 49: From the protagonist Ryu's dying words in "Ryu and His Loyal Dog".]

Thinking about this, I suddenly felt bad for Totsuka, who was so worried about me. Who told me to be like this from the beginning until now! It just goes to show how important sleep is! Anyway, I shouldn't be addicted to video games today; I should live a healthy life.

"Yeah, playing video games all the time isn't good... Totsuka, are you free anytime soon?"

This is probably the smartest and most dashing invitation I've ever made in my life. I'm almost infatuated with myself. Ah—Hachiman, come hug me! If I don't cheer myself up like this, I might die of shame and embarrassment… If I had invited a girl, let alone a dark history, this conversation would probably be etched in my memory like in "Century Images" [Note], becoming a negative legacy in my life! [Note 50: Historical documentary produced by NHK.]

For me, Totsuka is probably the only boy I can have a close conversation with. Although whether we can be considered friends depends on his approval, at least in my heart, Totsuka falls into the category of someone very close to being a friend.

Nevertheless, it's still very difficult to arrange a meeting with someone alone. Not just for me, but probably for Totsuka as well.

If the decision to go out is made during a casual chat, it's relatively easy. In a group setting, the responsibility is distributed among multiple people; however, in a one-on-one situation, all the responsibility falls on both the individual and the other person. This means the person who declines will feel more guilty. In a group setting, simply replying "I'll go if I'm free" is usually fine. Afterwards, you just need to figure out how to make the others think, "That guy always says that, he'll never actually come. I think we shouldn't ask him out again," and you can smoothly end the group activity. I highly recommend it.

I frantically tried to justify myself in my mind, while Totsuka stared blankly, blinking rapidly. Huh? What's with this reaction?

Upon closer observation, I noticed his mouth opening and closing, the shape somewhere between "ah" and "oh," while his hands were busy waving around. Finally, after a moment of hesitation, he clasped his hands together forcefully and bowed his head to me.

"I'm sorry! I usually have club activities, so I can't take leave... Ah, but sometimes I have classes in the evenings, and it gets a bit late... Let me think, I have a practice match next weekend... Hmm..."

Seeing him struggle to find the time, yet torn between his responsibilities as club president, broke my heart. At the same time, I was so glad he was willing to go to such lengths for me… In both ways, I almost cried. Lately, my tear ducts have been particularly sensitive; it's really frustrating. Every week, just seeing the Pretty Cure girls trying to stand up makes me want to cry…

However, the one who was truly in a difficult position wasn't me, but Totsuka. It's my fault for not usually making plans with people, which is why I caused them trouble at such a crucial moment. I'll be more careful next time. Specifically, I should have started planning the trip about three months ago… After making up my mind, I immediately began paving the way for my goal.

"It's okay, we can make it another time. I'm serious."

I deliberately emphasized the word "next time," placing my hopes on the future, and Totsuka excitedly came over.

"Really? It's a deal! I'll contact you again!"

"Okay..."

Totsuka clenched his fists, his eyes shining, which made me a little flustered. Then, he exhaled forcefully.

"It's really rare for Hachiman to take the initiative to ask someone out! It's a date! Next time! Definitely!"

He pointed at me, and I nodded with a smile. Totsuka smiled back and slung his racket bag over his shoulder with a "whoosh."

"Well then, I'm going to my club."

"Okay, take care. Good luck."

After Totsuka ran off, he waved loudly at me from a few steps away, and I slightly raised my hand in response. Watching his figure gradually disappear into the distance, I also took a step forward.

Something that would be commonplace for anyone else, I seem to finally be able to do. Although I still need to concentrate, think repeatedly, make plans, follow principles, propose theories, and convince myself to do it.

I don't wish to change, nor do I intend to. It all happened almost naturally, though mostly thanks to Totsuka's kindness. Nevertheless, I do feel myself gradually drawing closer to him.

However, this only holds true because the subject is Totsuka Saika.

Because right now, I can't do anything else well.

In the end, my schedule after school was completely blank; I didn't even feel like going home to play video games. Without a job, there's really nothing to do. Luckily, at least I'm sleepy tonight.

My back is killing me anyway, I might as well go home and sleep. I turned the corner of the corridor and went down the stairs. At that moment, a sharp laugh echoed from the stairwell, lingering for a long time.

"Hahahaha! Hachiman, I saw it all! I heard it all! I know you're incredibly bored right now!"

You don't even need to turn around to know who it is.

So I didn't look back, went straight downstairs, and started my journey home!

╳ ╳ ╳

Sigh, if I could just ignore him and go home, that would be fine. But the scary thing about Yoshiteru Zaimokuza is that he can't let you have your way.

He alternated between fawning over me and provoking me, finally begging me while crying, and dragged me to Salia in front of the station. When I came to my senses, I was already enjoying a Milanese baked rice dish and a drink.

After filling my stomach and feeling alive again, I sighed and said:

"...Okay, I want to go back."

"Wait a minute, let's have a meeting first."

"What?"

"The place where light novel authors and editors hold meetings is in Salia."

"oh……"

Oh yeah, I think it's usually in the publishing house's conference room or a coffee shop... Did he find out some information online this time?

Okay, so this guy didn't do nothing, he just had enthusiasm but went in the wrong direction and never took any action. Good heavens, there's absolutely nothing to praise about him!

I gave him a look that was half helpless, half mocking, which combined to be utter contempt. But because I yawned as I replied, my voice sounded as if it carried a hint of admiration. This put Zaimokuza in a good mood, but he then realized I was just being perfunctory, and he pushed up his glasses, staring at my teary eyes as I yawned.

"What's wrong? You look like you're about to fall asleep."

"Yeah, I've been really free lately, so I've been playing video games all the time, and before I knew it, it was dawn."

The timber base shifted slightly.

"You're so bored that you're playing video games? That's outrageous, absolutely outrageous."

He shrugged, raised his hands in a very American pose. Ah—looks like he's going to talk for ages… Why is it that guys like us, who are usually quiet and reserved, suddenly become so talkative and can't stop talking once we get to a familiar topic? Even knowing we'll regret it when we get home, thinking, "Ugh, I got so carried away talking, the other person must think I'm weird…"

However, if it were someone they knew well, they probably wouldn't have such concerns. The woodcutter raised his hand and began to speak eloquently.

"The best way to play video games is when you're so busy you can't find any time. Oh no, oh no, oh no... Now is definitely not the time to play video games... No, really! I'm so busy, I haven't played any! Really! I'm not lying this time—justifying yourself like this while playing creates a sense of guilt and elevates the gaming experience. This is based on my own experience. The excitement of staying up all night playing video games before exams and going to school the next day is extraordinary!"

"I really don't want to agree, but I can't deny it..."

Honestly, I stayed up all night playing video games last night, and when I went to school today, I was secretly chuckling to myself, "Oh no, I didn't sleep last night! Oh no!" Oh no, I'm such a weirdo! Oh no!

The lumberjack seemed to take my ambiguous response as affirmation, and smiled smugly. Oh no!

"So, which game are you playing?"

"Oh, this one."

I used my phone to access the game's official website. After looking at it, Zaimuzuo adjusted his glasses and let out a nostalgic sigh in an extremely calm tone.

"Ah~ This one... the female lead leaving the group halfway through is so heartbreaking~"

He didn't put on any airs; his attitude was very natural. The moment I heard that, my brows furrowed.

"...What? Hey, why did you spoil it? I already used the seed on her! Ugh... I suddenly can't play anymore... And stop playing games and go write your manuscript..."

"Huh? You haven't broken it yet? Sorry... but, it's all your fault for not breaking it completely when it first came out! Ahahaha, serves you right!"

Timber Stand laughed triumphantly. Oh well, he's already apologized to me…

Furthermore, players who haven't played for a while should be prepared for the consequences. And this applies not only to games, but also to movies and dramas. It's unacceptable to break down in a Japanese history class exclaiming, "Really? This warlord is dead? The plot after the Taiga drama is so bad!" Think about it: which Sengoku warlord is still alive today?

That being said, gaming and audiovisual environments vary from person to person. We hope everyone keeps this in mind when playing games and watching movies/TV shows, so that everyone can fully enjoy the story!

"I bought it as soon as it was released, but I haven't played it since... Komachi has exams, so it's not convenient for her to play video games at home."

The man chewed focaccia while nodding.

"Oh, I see. By the way, your younger sister is in her third year of junior high. Which school did she apply to?"

"Huh? Our school. Didn't I mention it?"

"Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm! I haven't heard of that wwwww"

"That's true, since we don't really talk about personal things like career paths after graduation, the future, or family situations."

"I clearly do! I often talk about my future dreams and career paths after graduation, okay? That's why I called you here today."

I looked at the sighing, sulking man with a questioning gaze, "So what's wrong?" He coughed dramatically, then slowly covered his face with one hand, his expression full of distress peeking through his fingers. Next, he reached into his breast pocket with his other hand and took a folded piece of paper, holding it between his index and middle fingers. Under the light, I could vaguely make out the words on the paper.

"Didn't we discuss this in the library before? The outline is finished..."

“Oh—”

I remember now. It was around early February when he suddenly came to the office saying he wanted to be an editor. But why is this guy always writing outlines? I've never seen his finished manuscript... Even so, I still picked up the paper.

Just as I was about to lift it, a fingerless glove appeared in front of me and quickly pulled the paper back.

"Wait—that's too embarrassing, watch it when you get home..."

"What? Is it a love letter? And don't blush, it's disgusting."

I snatched back the outline that Cai Muzu had written. Since he told me not to look at it here, I had no choice but to take it home. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it into the bottom of my bag. From now on, I'll probably completely forget it exists and never open it again. So, at least I should bury it properly…

The lumberjack wouldn't know what I was thinking. He watched with satisfaction as I carefully put away the outline, then sighed, gazing into the distance, and said:

"The exams are next year... this is the final challenge."

What final challenge? This guy has never taken one before, has he? Despite these doubts, seeing his serious expression and apparent earnestness, I could only swallow my questions.

This should be considered a resolution for the timber base.

Nothing is a better excuse for giving up than "exams." "Employment" may have the same meaning. Dreams, interests, club activities, and other possibilities full of infinite future potential will be molded into the mold called "adults required by society" and reforged.

That's why, before the world turns things upside down, forces us to submit, and erases everything, we want to challenge, resist, and struggle, trying to capture even a glimpse of what it means to be someone—maybe even "she" is one.

Perhaps because of these thoughts, I fell silent without realizing it. I don't know how the woodworker interpreted this silence, but he patted my shoulder forcefully and gave me a thumbs up:

"Don't worry, it's just the last challenge of high school."

Wow, it actually gave me a smug look...

"No, I'm not worried about you..."

"Here you are, you tsundere! Pfft—"

He covered his mouth and chuckled softly. This guy is really annoying... But no matter what I say now, he won't respond properly, so I put on an impatient expression and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Okay, okay, right, right," urging Zaimokuza to continue. Judging from his smug expression just now, he probably still has something to say.

As I expected, the timber saddle chuckled softly and began to speak with great seriousness:

"This is not about giving up. There are things I can only write now as a high school student, and there are things I can only write after I go to university. The shortest distance is not necessarily the right way; taking the long way is the right path for me."

If you're a high school student and can actually write something decent right now, that's definitely cool... I kept that thought to myself, not saying it aloud. After all, I didn't think he was wrong. That's why I decided to give him another piece of advice with my brightest smile.

"Yes, maybe only someone who is a repeat student could write something like that."

"Ha, ha, ha, ha!...This feels a bit real, let's change the subject. I think I might really have to retake the exam, and I don't want to think about it. Okay, that's enough."

Timber-Leader burst into laughter, then instantly turned serious. I couldn't help but smile wryly. His incorrigible nature was ironically reassuring…

Thinking back, Zaimokuza is one of the few people who knew me before I joined the Service Club. Although we were only paired together because we didn't have partners in PE class, we were still in the same boat. If I hadn't joined the Service Club, I might be spending my after-school time with him every day, just like I am now.

...Well, maybe that's not bad either.

But it's best to do it only once in a while! Honestly, dealing with a woodworker is really tiring!

╳ ╳ ╳

According to the morning news report, the plum blossoms in the Kanto region have also bloomed. That's how I realized the strong winds of the past few days were the first southerly winds of spring. Although it's still occasionally cold these past few days, there have been quite a few warm days as well, a pattern of three cold spells followed by four warm ones [Note]. I can feel that the long winter is coming to an end. [Note 51: Refers to the phenomenon in winter where after three consecutive cold days, the weather warms up for four days.]

Even the god of examinations is reciting, "The east wind blows, carrying fragrance; the plum blossoms, though ownerless, should not forget spring." [Note] At this moment, the day the entrance exam results are released arrives. [Note 52: A waka poem by Sugawara no Michizane, a poet from Japan's Heian period]

The plum blossoms are in bloom, but the cherry blossoms haven't arrived yet. [Note: Early in the morning, Komachi calmly sipped her tea, while I alone was filled with anxiety. [Note 53: From an Edo-era folk song, symbolizing passing an exam.]]

"Um... I should go to school now..."

"Yes, Komachi is going out too. Also... we'll let you know as soon as the results are released, don't worry."

I struggled for a long time about what to say to Komachi, but in the end, I only managed to say this. Komachi winked at me, as if to say, "It's okay, it's nothing." [Note 54: Hibiki Tachibana's catchphrase in Symphogear. The voice actress for Hibiki in the anime is the same as Komachi's.]

I'm probably more nervous now than I was when I was waiting for the results. Komachi probably said that to calm me down. Seeing her calm demeanor, I finally calmed down.

Starting a few days ago, Komachi suddenly became much more mature. Although she is still a middle school student and not yet an adult, you can see from her awareness that "she is no longer a child".

Komachi was already mature in certain ways, or rather, a bit worldly-wise, and now she seems to have gained even more composure and calmness. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it her growth or proof of her beginnings to be independent. It really feels like a younger sister is leaving her older brother.

I hid the sudden wave of loneliness that washed over me beneath a smile, and hurriedly prepared to leave. In the entryway, I said to Komachi: