My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 491

"I can't be calm," Yui replied with boundless energy, running towards the side stage. But I couldn't do that. Was Kawasaki referring to that Kawa-something? Oh, she was here too. What's going on? Seeing me standing there, Yui asked in surprise:

"Didn't Isshiki tell you?"

"No……"

"Iroha, what's going on?" I glanced at Isshiki behind me, only to see her with a "bad" expression. Okay, I'll give her a good scolding next time; for now, getting to the bottom of things is more important.

"So, what do we do now?"

"We filmed an introductory video for the ball, as well as photos for the special website, and also set up the equipment for a test run."

Where Yukinoshita pointed, there were several cameras set up by student council members. She continued, slightly embarrassed:

"Then, I wanted to find someone willing to be in the shot, so I asked Isshiki-kun for help..."

"...You mean filming a video, right?"

Yukinoshita and I both glanced at Isshiki. Even she sensed something was wrong, facing the pressure of serving two portions, and was sweating profusely as she stared at the floor. Yukinoshita, seeing this, sighed wearily.

"Don't worry, we'll make sure the people in the photos are unrecognizable during post-production, and you'll also be asked to check them during the initial cut. That being said... it must be difficult to be asked to do something like this without knowing anything about the person."

She mentioned processing and inspection to give Isshiki a way out. Yukinoshita wore a faint, bitter smile.

It's rare that she wasn't angry... Before, she would probably have coldly asked, "Isshiki-kun?" At this moment, Isshiki, who had been groaning with his head in his hands, stepped forward and bowed to me to apologize.

"I'm so sorry, I really apologize. I've been reflecting on my actions this time, please don't misunderstand. I forgot about this because we were talking about other things earlier... Also, I asked Senior Hubu and the others for help, so I accidentally got confused and thought I had told Senior Hubu as well..."

"The Ministry of Revenue?"

Amidst a rapid-fire barrage of words, I heard an unexpected name. She looked up, casually tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and nodded in response:

"Yes. I found senior student Hubu and first-year members of the soccer club to be extras, to liven up the atmosphere. They were just passersby."

"I also asked people from my class and friends of Isshiki to act as female actors."

After hearing Yukinoshita's supplement, I thought about it. Since it's a video to introduce the event, it's indeed better to have more people to create atmosphere. Better something than nothing, right?

"So there are other people... Okay, as long as there are enough people for me to sneak in, I agree."

"……sorry."

"No, I didn't confirm the job details myself first."

Isshiki's honesty made me feel a little uncomfortable, and I couldn't help but smile wryly. Yukinoshita also smiled.

"Thank you so much, you've really been a great help. I felt awkward asking people I didn't know well to reshoot the scenes..."

"Please don't make it a reshoot... Anyway, I'm going to change my clothes."

"Ah, the clothes are over here."

Isshiki stepped forward first, and I said goodbye to Yukinoshita with my eyes. Yukinoshita nodded in acknowledgment, "Thank you for your help." Led by Isshiki, I headed towards the side platform, which was in a different direction from Yuihama's. Along the way, Isshiki muttered dejectedly:

"...I understand what you said earlier a little better now."

"What?"

I caught up with her and walked to her side. She was still staring at the floor.

"Everything went very smoothly, or rather, my senior unknowingly took care of a lot of things for me, so I became a little careless. She probably helped clean up more than just this one mess. If this continues, I'll really become dependent on her for everything..."

Her tone was very dejected, and I could tell she was quite regretful. It seemed she still remembered what I'd said during lunch break. To be able to reflect on one mistake and then learn from it is already quite admirable. I still can't accept my failure… I said to myself, while reminding myself of this:

"Isn't it enough that you noticed it now? If this little mistake can make you more alert, then it's quite worth it."

"Yes... I'll be careful from now on."

I spoke casually, but Isshiki's expression remained grave, and after responding, he tightly closed his lips. Making a mistake when you're feeling confident is truly painful… It's the same with part-time jobs; after getting a little proficient, you think you're amazing, only to make an unexpected error and have your boss clean up the mess. That feeling of guilt and shame is truly agonizing!

I've had that experience too, so naturally I'd want to say a few words of comfort to her.

"Remember to tell me earlier next time if you need anything. Even if you tell me earlier, I'll still nag you, but I'll still obediently help you in the end. So, don't be so sad..."

"That's exactly what I was saying!"

Before I could finish speaking, Isshiki quickly looked up and smiled. I was instantly speechless. The next moment, Isshiki lowered her shoulders again, just like before.

"Just kidding... I'll tighten my skin a bit."

She probably made that joke to motivate herself. I could sense her determination in Isshiki's voice.

Upon arriving at the side stage, Isshiki opened the door next to her, and I followed her inside. The room contained a lectern, microphone stands, and various other equipment, as well as chairs and a full-length mirror for staff to rest during events.

"The clothes are all on the chair. If the size doesn't fit, that senior student—is it Kawasaki-senpai?—will help adjust them."

"learn."

After Ishikari bowed to me and turned to leave, I immediately began to change my clothes.

I took off my uniform and picked up the prepared clothes. Is this an evening gown? I can't tell the difference between it and a suit. It feels like something I would wear to a wedding ceremony... I know how to wear a stand-up collar shirt with pleats on the chest and a bow tie, but I don't know what that thing next to it is, whether it's a pin or a brooch... I'll ask later.

I changed my clothes, looked in the mirror, and saw a haggard pianist, as if he were about to die. Hmm... is this alright? I've never worn an evening gown before, so I'm not sure. Shouldn't I prepare a top hat, cape, and white mask...?

Fortunately, the size was just right. I picked up the bow tie, which was the last thing I was going to tie, and, imitating Conan, buttoned it up.

Because I wasn't used to these clothes, it took me longer to put them on than I had imagined, so I quickened my pace and walked out of the side platform.

When I returned to Yukinoshita's side, I noticed a handsome, unfamiliar young man dressed in elaborate attire. His clothing was quite distinctive, with an exceptionally long back hem. I even knew what that formal wear was called a Tailcoat.

"Great. It seems the size is fine."

The handsome young man suddenly spoke to me. It was only when I saw his gentle smile that I finally recognized him.

"Oh, Yukinoshita... Why are you dressed like that?"

Upon hearing my question, Yukino, dressed in a tuxedo, nervously stretched out her arms, adjusted her collar, and lifted the hem of her coat.

"Is it really that strange?"

"No, it's not surprising at all..."

On the contrary, I would say it suits her perfectly. The black and white tuxedo accentuated Yukino's fair skin, making her even more beautiful, while the hem and trousers emphasized her long, slender legs. Her long hair, tied in a ponytail, swayed with her movements, adding an ethereal quality, and her slender figure reminded me of the phrase "a beautiful young man with a tragic fate." Because of Yukino's exquisite features, she exuded an almost otherworldly beauty. I even sensed a dangerous aura about her.

"So handsome, just like the character in the movie..."

"Oh, thank you for the compliment. For your level, that's a pretty good polite remark."

I described the surreal atmosphere like this, and Xuexia covered her mouth and smiled. The pure white gloves further emphasized the feeling of being detached from reality.

"No, I'm serious. A live-action movie adaptation of a comic would probably get good reviews."

"That doesn't sound like a compliment at all..."

The way she sighed and pressed her temples seemed like acting. However, her next words pulled me back to reality.

"You, like the characters in the movie, are very well-suited to this outfit. You look just like the male lead... the lackey of the nobleman who would bully him..."

"I'm even worse off than a gangster, so don't force yourself to praise me."

"No, that's not true. It suits you perfectly. A little more tidying up will make it look much better. Here are the cufflinks and pocket square for me."

Yukino took off her gloves and held out her hand. As I handed her the pocket square, I wondered, "Aren't her hands even whiter than her gloves?" And what about the cufflinks? I remembered a prop in my pocket that looked like an accessory, but I didn't know what it was for, so I handed it to Yukino.

"Are you referring to these cufflinks...?"

Suddenly, Yukino grabbed my outstretched arm, and I was startled and tried to pull my hand back. Before I could react, she quickly rolled up her coat sleeves, pulled up her shirt cuffs, and fastened her cufflinks. In addition, she deftly folded her pocket square and put it into my pocket.

"Standard three-sail fold method...that should be about right."

She patted the pocket on my chest to indicate that she had succeeded, and smiled with satisfaction.

"Oh, oh... I've seen this kind of fold before. It's the kind used at wedding ceremonies, right?"

"The ball is also an opportunity to learn these etiquettes, although we basically don't use them much."

"We were practically just role-playing."

"I don't like that way of putting it, but it's true..."

She frowned and said, putting her gloves back on.

"So, why wear a tuxedo?"

"I also wanted to film the scene of the king and queen dancing together at the ball, but I couldn't think of anyone who could dance, so I had to do it myself."

"Oh—you can dance too."

"I only know a little bit. But I don't look good in men's formal attire, but I look quite dashing in a tuxedo. Surprisingly good, isn't it?"

Yukinoshita gracefully twirled. That single movement was breathtakingly beautiful. Ah, I see—the flowing train was an effect only a tuxedo could achieve. The key point is, Yukinoshita's very presence is captivating; her dancing skills are definitely more than just rudimentary…

"The person you dance with is so pathetic..."

"Don't worry. We practiced a bit before, and Isshiki is quite talented."

She said it so casually, but that's not what I meant. The problem lies in something more fundamental... However, the choice of a dance partner for Yukinoshita also surprised me.

"So it was Isshiki."

"Hmm. She's the future queen of the prom. It suits her perfectly, doesn't it?"

Another "it's nothing" attitude... First of all, most people don't dance, you know? Is Iroha okay...? I'm a little worried, and I look for Isshiki's figure. Yukinoshita seems to have noticed my intention as well.

"Then, it's time to go and greet Her Highness the Princess."

She walked gracefully to the side platform, her silhouette resembling that of a prince.

I said, the prince was surprisingly enjoying himself...

╳ ╳ ╳

When I first entered the stadium, I felt as if I were in another dimension. As time passed and the performers gradually arrived, the atmosphere began to resemble a dance party. After the black curtains were hung, the lights were turned off, and the spotlights were turned on, it felt like I was in a scene from a TV drama.

The students acting as extras seemed to catch the atmosphere, and with the late-arriving festival boys and the energetic chatter of the host, everyone was laughing and talking. The boys were mostly dressed in evening gowns, and the girls in formal dresses. Influenced by the ballroom attire, many classmates who were meeting for the first time quickly became friends. It felt more like a social party than a ball, but it was all very lively.

Especially in the corner where I was, there was Yukino Yukinoshita dressed as a beautiful woman in men's clothing, and the charming little devil Iroha Isshiki, which made it even more pleasing to the eye.

The all-orange dresses, with their striking orange base, are quite eye-catching. The vibrant color creates a cheerful atmosphere, while the flowing skirt evokes a lively, youthful feel. Lace embellishments on key areas like the chest subtly reveal the skin, emphasizing feminine charm.

She wore a mischievous smile, utterly satisfied.

"I shouldn't say this, but it feels so good to have a handsome young man by my side... I feel so light..."

Isshiki trembled with emotion, while Yuki's face betrayed her disgust.

"Then why did you say that...? Could you please stay away from me...?"

"It's a gentleman's duty. Didn't you greet me so gentlemanly, senior? Oh dear, my heart actually skipped a beat..."

Recalling the earlier scene, Isshiki laughed so hard she almost drooled. I immediately knew what she was referring to. When I went to pick Isshiki up earlier, Yukinoshita Oji was so engrossed in the event that he didn't hesitate to let Isshiki hook her arm and accompany her all the way to the venue.

As a result, screams erupted throughout the venue, and Ichise's ego was satisfied, which led to the current situation.

"...I've also been reflecting on my actions."

Yukinoshita's tone was more like regret than reflection. She stopped acting and even seemed a little tired, showing signs of fatigue before filming even began. She seemed to realize this, so she let out a sigh of relief and rallied her spirits.

"It's about time to start filming. We need to discuss a few things first. Hikigaya-san, could you please go and call Yui-hama-san? She should be changed by now."

"learn."

I followed Yukinoshita's instructions and headed towards the side platform. Yui and Kawasaki helped the other girls change their clothes, and only after they were all done did it get to me.

I knocked on the door of the side room a few times, and the person inside responded impatiently, "Come in!" This terrifying feeling was definitely Kawasaki... I gently opened the door.

Yuihama had just finished changing her clothes and was making a final check.

Her dress was a pale pink, almost white, but the slightly sheer fabric actually made her appear more mature. Perhaps it was Yui's figure that made me think so. Her neckline was daringly revealing, the lines cinched at the waist, outlining her curves. Although the skirt was rather long, the high side slits prevented it from looking heavy; instead, it seemed to float lightly with her movements. Her hair, always tied in a bun, was styled into a floral crown—I suddenly remembered a title a prince had used not long ago.

However, seeing her grinning foolishly in front of the mirror, those thoughts vanished instantly.

Yuihama stood in front of the full-length mirror, touching herself here and there, seemingly very concerned about her neckline and skirt.

"Wow...this dress...is amazing."

"Do not move."

Kawasaki stood behind Yui, helping her adjust the length, her hands never idle. Her voice was a little cold, and Yui instantly straightened her back and placed her hands on her waist.

"Yes, yes... Um... I want my abdomen to be tighter..."

"Huh? Aren't we going to dance later? Won't this be too tight?"

Yuihama nervously made her request, almost making Kawasaki gasp. But if you listened carefully, you could tell she was concerned for Yuihama. Perhaps because of this, Yuihama didn't back down, but instead said in a childlike, coquettish voice:

"Ah, umm... I... I'll be patient!"

"Sigh... I'll adjust it."