My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 493

Yui Hama laughed and said, "Then the song changed again. I remember this one; it played at the end of that American TV series." Yui Hama's gaze shifted to the side.

I looked over and saw Isshiki and Tobe dancing with great enthusiasm. Although their movements and rhythm were all over the place, they seemed to be having a lot of fun. Tobe tried to put his arm around Isshiki's waist, but was slapped away. Isshiki spun around as if he was about to unleash a roundhouse kick... No wonder she's our dance queen.

After the music ended, thunderous applause and cheers erupted in the hall. Everyone chatted and excitedly took photos with their friends or dance partners.

It seems that the footage we were worried about has been successfully filmed.

At that moment, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I staggered away from the dance floor and headed to the food area.

I sipped my drink and took a fresh look at the decorations on the dance floor and stage.

So that's what a dance party is... Okay, I get the idea of ​​the atmosphere. I guess I'm just not cut out for these kinds of events.

Volume 12, Chapter 6: Suddenly, Yui Yuigahama begins to imagine the future.

A few days after the filming ended, Yuihama and I were summoned to the student council office again.

Sitting opposite her, Isshiki carefully arranged a stack of papers and handed them to Yuihama.

"I've compiled a list of photos to be used on the official website. Please delete any that are unusable. Could you two please check it?"

"Okay. Um...do you want to watch it together?"

Yuihama took the stack of papers and unfolded them like a fan. I shook my head.

"No. I might want to delete them all... You can have them."

"I see... I understand. Let me take a look."

Yui accepted my reason with a wry smile, took out a pen, and carefully examined each photo. She occasionally let out a soft "Ah—" or "Wow…" Girls really care about how they look in photos…

Having nothing to do, I propped my head up with my hand and glanced at the list of photos in Yuihama's hand. Just then, Yukinoshita, who was using the computer, asked me:

"How is it? Has it reduced the sense of disharmony you felt?"

"Yes. It's better after experiencing it in person, and I can understand what you mean by 'creating answers'."

I recalled Yukino's incomprehensible remarks at the time, and then said:

"Because the only comparisons are with foreign films, it's impossible to clearly imagine what it's like, but I've grasped the feeling to some extent. Although it's not quite accurate to say that, I'm slightly less resistant to the ball. I think people who see the film will feel the same way."

"Is that so? In that case, the purpose of making the video is sufficient. However, if you just want to introduce the ball, you can use pictures from the internet, but I think it's better to have a real-life context to imagine it."

She puffed out her chest with a slightly smug look, a posture that was a bit comical, and I couldn't help but laugh.

In fact, this video should be effective. Even I, who have a negative impression of proms, think so, let alone those who intend to attend.

Yukino may be using this promotional video to implement some kind of localization project. Our understanding of balls, as well as videos and photos, almost all come from abroad, and cultural and racial differences inevitably create barriers in our imagination. Even if you replace the people at the ball with yourselves, the differences in physique and size will be realistically presented. If a ball is held under these circumstances, people might feel that "it's not what I imagined," or "it's so shabby," etc. Therefore, we must showcase the Japanese-style—or rather, the Soubu High School-style—ball model to instill the idea that "this is what a ball is like."

"Not only the senior, but the people who came to help with the filming also seem to have a good impression. There's a lot of discussion about it on the river. Look~"

Isshiki showed off her phone, displaying photos of the scenes uploaded to social media by participants yesterday. Underneath the photos of girls in formal dresses and with their hair up, there were messages like "Super~ fun~". However, cat ears and fake mustaches covered their faces... The large eye sockets and pupils, combined with the white lighting effect, made it impossible to see their original appearances.

"Ah—I saw it too. A lot of people have uploaded photos."

Yuihama looked up and spoke, while Isshiki nodded in agreement, then quickly swiped the screen to show more photos from the shoot. Most of them had been edited using software like SNOW or BeautyPlus, making it impossible to tell who was who. However, everyone looked radiant and seemed to be having a great time.

Some of the photos were a bit daring, such as men and women leaning their shoulders together, faces very close, and even one with a dress collar wide open. Some people might frown at this. In fact, my brow is furrowed right now, and I really want to shout, "It's just a video, is it really necessary to be so affectionate?" But I have no right to judge others! Ugh—just thinking about it makes me so embarrassed! I want to die! So I've decided not to pursue it…

Regardless, the comments under each photo were positive, and most other people's responses were "Awesome!" or "I really want to participate too!" Of course, there were some negative opinions, but the number was so small that it could be ignored.

"Since the accompanying publicity effect is also good, it's worth it for us to invest so many resources."

Yukinoshita nodded with her eyes closed, then started typing away on the keyboard, beginning her work.

Yuihama used this time to select the photos, then wrote a long stroke on the list and handed it back to Isshiki.

"Hmm—that's about it?"

"Thank you, senior. I'll start working on the special webpage right away."

While pondering, Isshiki carefully examined the photo, then pulled his laptop over and started operating the trackball.

"Thank you. I'm sorry to have troubled you to make the trip, but everything is fine now."

Yukinoshita paused, bowing slightly in thanks. We couldn't help but blink. It took me a moment to understand what she meant.

"...Huh? Is everything alright?"

She paused for a moment, then rested her chin on her hand and began to think.

"Yes, that's what I think... The student council is helping with the hands-on parts, and there aren't any other jobs that require manpower. Right?"

"Huh? Hmm... Ah, hmm. Since Yukino-senpai says so, then that's it."

Faced with the sudden question, Isshiki mentally simulated the situation, looking around thoughtfully before finally giving a hesitant answer. However, Yukinoshita seemed to have already calculated the pace and nodded in affirmation.

"We may need your help again when we urgently need manpower. We will let you know then."

Seeing her smiling and saying that, I could only accept it. Being free from work and able to go home early should have been a cause for celebration, but her quick release left me feeling uneasy. As I stood there, bewildered, Yui suddenly stood up.

"Yes, you've worked hard. Keep it up! Call me if you need any help."

She quickly tidied up her things and nudged my shoulder with her elbow.

"Alright, let's go."

"Oh, okay."

Urged by her, I finally got up and left my seat.

"Well then, goodbye."

"Well, thank you for your hard work."

"You've worked hard~"

I said goodbye to them, and Yukinoshita and Isshiki peeked out from behind the screen to give a brief reply before burying themselves back in their work. It wouldn't be good to stay and bother them, so Yui and I left immediately.

We walked down the corridor toward the building entrance. The sunlight streaming in through the window was even more dazzling than usual after school, telling me that the sun was still high in the sky.

"I have nothing to do."

Yuihama, who was walking beside her, whispered.

"...I've been doing nothing all this time. Aren't you going out with Miura and the others?"

"I did say I was going to help out today, and it seems they also have things to do."

"oh……"

Yui gave a faint, bitter smile, and I answered listlessly.

The conversation ended there, leaving only the sound of their footsteps in the corridor. Similar silences had occurred before. It seemed to be the day when going to the Service Club wasn't necessary. Thinking this, I glanced at Yui beside me, our eyes meeting. Looking away would be awkward, so I asked:

"...Want to go somewhere for a stroll?"

"what?"

Rather than surprised, her expression was more like blank stare. The reaction was more akin to bewilderment than surprise. Oh no, I think I said something I shouldn't have… I felt my cheeks burning and quickly pulled my scarf up to cover them.

"Ah, no... I want to buy some things... to celebrate Komachi getting into university and her birthday."

I racked my brains and managed to come up with a plausible reason, speaking indistinctly through my scarf. Yuihama seemed to understand, clapped her hands, and leaned over to tap my shoulder.

"Great! Let's go! I want to buy some things too~ Where should we go? Where should we go?"

I'm so glad you're so excited, but could you please give me some time to think about it...?

"Huh? I haven't decided yet... Ah! I remember now, I've always wanted to go to LaLaPort."

As if receiving a divine revelation, I instinctively clenched my fist. Yes, yes, that's it! I cheered inwardly, while Yui looked puzzled.

"LaLaPort? Yes, it's possible, but why?"

"I heard there are vending machines that sell MAX coffee there, and I want to go there to buy a can of M coffee."

After I finished speaking, I remembered how Komachi had read my explanation before. I misspoke again... But Yuihama agreed immediately.

"Okay, let's go. Just how much do you like MAX Coffee?"

Yui smiled slightly, giving me a "you give up" look. Her quick agreement startled me, and I reflexively asked:

"Eh? Is this okay?"

"Huh? Is that not allowed?"

Yui looked back at me with a "you said you were going, what are you doing now?" look. I accepted that gaze and let out a sigh to calm myself down.

"No, nothing's wrong... LaLaPort it is then. Anyway, let's go to the station first."

"Okay! Let's go."

Yui responded with a vibrant smile and voice, walking ahead of me, her light footsteps echoing down the corridor. I quickened my pace to catch up with her.

╳ ╳ ╳

Our school is not far from TOKYO BAY LaLaPort.

It's only four tram stops from the school, taking about ten minutes. Including waiting time and walking time, the whole trip takes less than thirty minutes.

Therefore, there were no long silences along the way. Although the conversation would occasionally break down, whenever passengers got on or off the bus or the scenery outside the window was observed, topics such as "There are so few people here" or "There was an event held here before" were quickly found. Rather, Yuihama was making a great effort to find opportunities to talk.

Once we arrived at LaLaPort, we continued our casual conversation.

"By the way, what are you planning to buy?"

"I'd rather ask you what you should buy."

"You pushed it onto someone else from the very beginning?"

"Uh, because I'm not familiar with these stores..."

Yuihama took a few steps back in shock, and I looked back at the place I had just walked through. This area was a trendy fashion district, but I wasn't familiar with it, so I could only stare blankly at the shops.

And the moment I stepped into LaLaPort, I saw a women's lingerie store, which made me feel incredibly embarrassed, and I immediately surrendered. Now I just follow Yuihama around, a bit like a stalker.

If it were just buying something for myself, I could do it in no time and wouldn't be so bothered, but this time it's a gift for Komachi. Even though she's my younger sister, my taste is completely unreliable when it comes to picking out gifts for girls. Yuihama seems to understand, and she's ahead of me, looking around for something.

"Hmm... what should I buy? Since it's for Komachi, how about a hair clip or something?"

"Ah—that makes sense. But that guy's preferences are very clear; he probably won't be very happy to receive something that doesn't suit his taste."

"yes……"

Yuihama seemed to be saying, "I don't think so." Before that, let me continue:

"Exactly. She'll probably say, 'Oh, thank you, brother, Komachi is so happy, hehe,' and then she'll never use it."

"Your imitation isn't very good... but then again, I guess I wouldn't use a weird gift from Dad anyway. I'd be happier to receive money."

"Your father is so pitiful..."

While we chatted, we looked around at several shops outside, but couldn't find a suitable gift.

After exploring the area near the station, my legs started to ache, so I stopped for a moment. Just then, images I had seen online came to mind.

"Ah, there's a MAX coffee vending machine nearby. I'll go buy some."

"Right?"

"Yes, there's no mistake. I checked beforehand."

"You actually looked this up? You went to find out what gift to give!"

Ignoring Yuihama's reasonable advice, I walked through the crowd towards the vending machine. Several vending machines were set up at one of the entrances facing the road, including the yellow one.

"Oh... this is the MAX Coffee vending machine... I heard it was a limited-time offer, I thought it might have already been taken down..."

I was deeply moved and took out my phone to take pictures like crazy. Hmm—this yellow hue is amazing!

"Wow—that's cool. It really does look like a Maxx coffee shop."

Yuihama, who followed along, seemed completely uninterested, neither taking any photos nor uploading them to show off.

...There's no other way but to explain it to her.

"Not only are they identical in appearance, but if you go around to the back, you'll find a nutrition facts label! Isn't the resemblance incredible? You can feel the love in it!"

"oh!"

...As expected, I have no interest!

It's not surprising, actually. Most people wouldn't react at all to the idea of ​​a vending machine selling MAX coffee.

Although I personally enjoyed watching it, after taking the photos, I took one last selfie with the vending machine as the background, making a horizontal V-sign. Yui saw it and couldn't help but laugh.

"...But looking at it this way, the design is quite cute."